Coastal Scuba Diving Facilities Achieve International Safety Standards

According to the PIA and head of the provincial government-run dive center Ian Christopher Verzosa, their scuba diving facilities and equipment officially met international safety standards on February 18, 2026, following a rigorous inspection by the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD). The evaluation confirmed that the center’s breathing air quality, gear, and staff comply with global safety protocols to ensure diver safety.

This development provides new recreational options for water sports enthusiasts in the region, particularly those from the south, who would travel north for deep-sea diving. The proximity of these certified sites offers local divers a verified, safe environment for underwater activities.

The certified facilities now manage 16 dive sites across the province of Ilocos Sur, featuring underwater caves in Santa, macro photography spots in Narvacan, and sea turtle habitats near Cabugao. Marine experts conducted three-day underwater surveys to assess these areas before opening them to the public.

To support visitors, the center provides gear rentals and a three-hour introductory course for beginners aged 10 and older. Verzosa stated during a public broadcast that the center also plans to launch island boat tours using a 30-passenger speedboat later this year to further boost coastal tourism.

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SOURCE: PIA