PHL Ambassador Promotes Philippine Diving Destinations in China
Ambassador Sta. Romana welcomes Chinese diving enthusiasts to the Dive Philippines 2017 Presentation and Networking organized by the PH Tourism Office in Beijing and Tourism Promotions Board.
10 July 2017 BEIJING – “The Philippines offers not only endless possibilities for swimming and surfing, but also for other water sports including snorkeling and scuba diving,” Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago L. Sta. Romana stressed during the Dive Philippines 2017 Presentation and Networking on July 06.
Ambassador Sta. Romana took pride in the Philippine underwater scenery, noting that the country is at the apex of the Coral Triangle where 75% of all known coral species and 40% of reef fish species thrive. He noted that scientists have named Verde Island Passage near Puerto Galera “The Center of the Center of the World’s Marine Biodiversity” and UNESCO designated Puerto Galera as a “Man and Biosphere Reserve.”
He further pointed out that Philippine dive sites manifested part of the country’s history through the World War II wrecks that lie at the bottom of the seas of Subic Bay, Coron Bay and other places.
Ambassador Sta. Romana expressed hope for a closer partnership between Philippine dive resorts and dive centers and Chinese dive operators and associations in promoting the Philippines’ dive spots.
Mr. Yorko Summer, a well-known underwater photographer and expert on diving in the Philippines, presented Philippine dive sites and marine life in Anilao in Bohol, Moalboal, and Malapascua in Cebu and Sogod Bay in Southern Leyte, among others.
Deputy Speaker Romero Federico “Miro” S. Quimbo (2nd District of Marikina); Congressman Karlo Alexei Nograles (1st District of Davao City), Congressman Michael John R. Duavit (1st District of Rizal), Congresswoman Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong (1st District of Negros Oriental) and their spouses graced the event.
Philippine dive resorts and dive center operators in Batangas, Bohol, Cebu, Palawan and Puerto Galera were present to network with Chinese travel operators and dive clubs.
The Dive Philippines 2017 presentation and networking event was organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) – Beijing Office and the Tourism Promotions Board. The DOT, in partnership with the TPB, is participating in the Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Expo 2017, which is being held from July 07 to 09 at the China International Convention Center in Beijing.
For more information, visit www.beijingpe.dfa.gov.ph. END