VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA)- The World Confederation of Underwater Activities – Philippines (CMAS Philippines)

partnered with Catanduanes State Colleges in conducting an orientation on the prospects of establishing scuba diving
not only as water sports but also as an avenue for promoting tourism, rescue operations and marine conservation in the
province of Catanduanes.

CMAS Philippines initially briefed CSC students and employees on March 1 about the confederation’s services and
advocacy and later co-organized with the CSC administration in holding an information dissemination program with key
officials from local government units, national and line government offices and NGOs on March 3 at Kemji Resort.

The team is composed of Philip P. Rodriguez, CMAS – Philippines President; Noel L. Pura, CMAS Philippines
Course Director; Reymonte Bienes, CMAS Philippines staff.

Rodriguez informed during the briefing that they have already established tie-ups with state colleges and universities in
Zamboanga and Sorsogon to run the diving course.

Rodriguez emphasized that they are working directly with the academe, hence they coordinated initially with the
Catanduanes State Colleges. Schools can eventually coordinate with local government units in implementing program.

The CMAS president provided the Catanduanes State Colleges and the TESDA-run Cabugao School of Handicraft
and Cottage Industries copies of diving course training manual, course syllabus and other information materials.

CMAS Philippines also presented a video presentation of a successful community-based coastal resource management
implemented by Apo Island in Negros Oriental.

Apo Island Marine Sanctuary is an area serving as an observatory and laboratory for scientists studying its undisturbed
habitat – making it a place of learning as well as of recreation and leisure. It had been the project of Silliman University
to convert the island into a protected marine reserve mainly because the mainland itself was fast degrading and its
marine resources, also rapidly depleting.

CMAS Philippines is a part of the global Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques recognized by
international organizations such as UNESCO, the World Conservation Union and International World Game
Association.

CMAS is composed of the following: (1) Scientific Committee which to bring into focus the important issues related to
the marine environment such as protection of coastal ecosystems, biodiversity conservation; (2) Technical Committee
which provides certification courses for diving instruction, and (3) Sports Committee which oversees the development
and promotion of aqua sports.

CMAS Philippines issues diving certification which recognizes a level of ability and knowledge in scuba diving. Divers
carry a qualification record or certification card which is required to prove their qualifications when booking a dive trip,
hiring scuba equipment or filling diving cylinders. (PIA Catanduanes/ CSC-GSR/mal)

Source: PIA Press Release