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.

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.

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.

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.