At least 30 individuals including representatives of various local diving clubs together with the City Treasurer’s Office and Philippine Coast Guard – San Carlos were oriented about the diving accreditation that is also in line with the Section 11 of the City Ordinance No. 17-56 or the The Fisheries Code of San Carlos City.

Edward Burgos, CRM Supervising Environmental Management Specialist said that they had seen the potential of the MPA in the city that will not only promote eco-tourism but will also generate income for the community.

Burgos pointed out that the divers were gathered to emphasize their importance in the implementation of the ordinance especially in keeping the resources protected despite the diving activities within the MPA.

He thanked the diving community who gave out their suggestions and ideas especially those who lent their equipment for the success of the program.

During the open forum, Burgos said that they are open to amending the ordinance to accommodate the suggestions of the divers since some of them are reasonable enough.

Among the topics discussed include the protocols to be followed such as diving with a diving guide and emphasizing the importance of the protocols inside the MPA; the diving fee was also discussed that ranged from 150-200 pesos for locals and 300-350 pesos for foreigners when inside the MPA while outside the MPA will range from 100-150 pesos for locals and 200-250 for foreigners.