TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Daram in Samar is taking a major step toward becoming a premier dive tourism destination after a two-day underwater assessment revealed promising marine landscapes and biodiversity that could attract both local and international diving enthusiasts.
The assessment, conducted by the Daram Municipal Tourism Office in partnership with professional divers and marine tourism advocates, identified several sites with significant potential for dive tourism development, reinforcing the municipality’s efforts to diversify its tourism industry and promote sustainable economic growth.
Among the areas evaluated were Losa Cove in Sitio Dangcalanan and the Kandiwata and Midaybiday Rock Islets in Barangay Mabini. The sites were assessed based on underwater topography, marine biodiversity, accessibility, and their suitability for recreational diving activities.
To support the initiative, the tourism office invited dive experts led by Jerome Napala and members of the Piranha Free Divers. The team was welcomed by Mayor Lucia Latorre-Astorga and Municipal Tourism Officer Nathan Abinguna during the Sogod Bay Underwater Experience in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, an event organized by the Department of Tourism.
According to the tourism office, the visiting experts provided technical evaluations and recommendations that will help guide future tourism planning and site development efforts.
One of the highlights of the assessment was Losa Cove, where divers documented striking underwater ridge formations and diverse marine habitats. The team also praised the underwater environment surrounding Kandiwata Rock Islet.
“Kandiwata above water is already beautiful, but beneath the surface, it becomes even more breathtaking,” a member of the assessment team said.
The initiative forms part of “Project DIVE Daram,” a tourism development program aimed at positioning the municipality as a recognized diving destination in Samar while promoting the protection and conservation of its marine ecosystems.
Mayor Astorga emphasized that developing marine tourism could generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities while encouraging the preservation of Daram’s natural resources.
Tourism officials likewise stressed the importance of involving local residents in conservation efforts and responsible tourism practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
With the successful completion of the assessment, the municipal government is expected to move forward with detailed planning, site development, tourism promotion, and stakeholder consultations as part of its strategy to establish Daram as an emerging dive tourism hub in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
