The 1st Kruhay Dive Festival kicked off in Antique on Friday to promote several areas in the province as diving destinations.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said the province has several beautiful dive spots needing promotions.

“There are dive spots in Caluya, Culasi, Sebaste, Tibiao, and even in Anini-y,” Rodriguez told the media.

The dive spots are in the islands of Mararison, Batbatan, and Maniguin in Culasi; Sebaste Shoal in Sebaste and Seco island in Tibiao in the northern part of Antique; and Nogas island in Anini-y in the southern part.

The festival, which will run until June 10, invited professional divers from different parts of the country for the captivating coastal underwater videos and possible recommendations to improve the event, including its safety aspect.

Rodriguez said among those invited, with the support of Senator Loren Legarda, were the 142 DOT Accredited Tourism Enterprises for them to come up with dive tour packages.

Other activities lined up for the three-day event are the northern Antique tour and the Mayor’s night.

Antique Rep. Antonio Agapito, in a press conference during Thursday’s opening ceremony, said scuba diving is a growing industry because it contributes a big chunk to the country’s economy.

“After this event, we can move forward and be able to provide dive packages to tourists,” he said.

He said that promoting Antique as a dive site will not only benefit the tourism stakeholders but also micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and surrounding communities, for they will already have a source of livelihood.

He also said that residents and divers will be encouraged to preserve and protect the environment through civic activities such as “scubasurero” and cleanup drives. (PNA)