LOVE DIVING: DOT launches Philippine Dive Experience in Anilao, Batangas

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The maiden Philippine Dive Experience was formally inaugurated with the symbolic Banging of Air Tanks, led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco alongside esteemed members of the diplomatic corps in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas on Thursday (November 27) to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a premier global destination for diving and marine biodiversity exploration.

(From left to right) Vietnam Ambassador Lai Binh and wife Mme. Nguyen Thuy, Thailand Ambassador Tull Traisorat, Malaysia Ambassador Malik Melvin, New Zealand Ambassador Dr. Catherin McIntosh, India Ambassador Harsh Kumar Jain and wife Mme. Vandana Jain, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and her son, Bangladesh Ambassador F. M. Borhan Uddin, South Korea Ambassador Lee Sang Hwa and wife Mme. Lee Eun Hwa, Laos Ambassador Sonexay Vannaxay, and Sri Lanka Ambassador Chanaka Talpahewa show the “love” gesture during the launch of the first Philippine Dive Experience program in the popular dive destination Anilao in Mabini, Batangas on November 28, 2024. Photo by the Department of Tourism

The tourism chief was joined by high-ranking diplomats including South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lee Sang Hwa, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines H.E F.M Borhan Uddin, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Harsh Kumar Jain, Lao-PDR Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Sonexay Vannaxay, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Malik Melvin, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Catherine McIntosh, Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Philippines H.E Chanaka Talpahewa, Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Tull Traisorat, Vietnam Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Lai Binh, as well as diplomatic and consular corps from Cambodia, China, France, Indonesia, and the United States of America.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco introduces the Philippine Dive Experience program, saying “The Philippine dive experience is not just about exploring the depths of our oceans. It's about celebrating the depth of our culture, the strength of our partnerships and the warmth and love of the Filipino people.” Photo by the Department of Tourism

The DOT celebrated a banner year for Philippine diving, earning the title of World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards. The country also received accolades such as Best Dive Destination at the TripZilla Excellence Awards and Best Diving Destination at the Diving Resort Travel Show.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (middle, in white attire) shows the “love” sign while her fellow DOT officials, those from the local government of Mabini municipality and Batangas province, and ambassadors from Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and India, among others, cheer on during the launch of the inaugural Philippine Dive Experience program in popular dive destination Anilao in Mabini, Batangas on November 28, 2024. Photo by the Department of Tourism

Certified divers explored Anilao’s vibrant underwater landscapes, including the LOVE Reef—an artificial reef created through community-driven conservation efforts. Non-divers were introduced to the underwater world through guided scuba experiences, offering an immersive glimpse into the Philippines’ marine treasures.

A coastal cleanup at Anilao Pier emphasized the DOT’s commitment to sustainable tourism.