A PHP60-million hyperbaric chamber center in Dauin, Negros Oriental is expected to strengthen the province’s tourism industry, particularly its diving sector, while expanding access to specialized medical treatment and wellness services, an official of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) said.

TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, speaking during the opening of the Dive Dauin Festival on Thursday evening, said the Dauin facility is one of the 10 hyperbaric chamber centers established by the agency in key tourism destinations in the country.

Lapid acknowledged that the project faced years of delays due to a lengthy implementation process and political issues, but said the facility is now fully operational.

He noted that while hyperbaric chambers are commonly associated with treating divers suffering from decompression sickness, the technology also offers therapeutic benefits for non-divers.

“With the new technology, we are happy to present to you that this unit not only serves divers. It also serves people with ailments and can also be used as a wellness machine that helps improve circulation and addresses conditions related to blood pressure, blood clots, and blood sugar levels,” Lapid said.

He emphasized the importance of expanding access to hyperbaric facilities in the country, noting that the Philippines is recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s premier diving destinations.

“The Philippines is recognized as one of the best diving destinations in Southeast Asia, yet we have very few facilities like this. We are now bringing these chambers closer to major dive destinations,” he added.

Earlier Thursday, Lapid joined provincial and local government officials in inaugurating the Hyperbaric Chamber Center located in Poblacion, Dauin. Officials from the Department of Tourism were also present during the event.

TIEZA funded the procurement of the hyperbaric chamber unit and the construction of the building that houses the facility, while the local government provided the site through a lot donated by Dauin Mayor Galicano Truita.

The other TIEZA-established hyperbaric chamber centers are located in Boracay, Camiguin, Coron in Palawan, Daanbantayan in Cebu, Mabini in Batangas, Mandaue City, Panglao in Bohol, Puerto Galera and Puerto Princesa.

Meanwhile, Lapid said TIEZA has included the rehabilitation of the Dumaguete Airport passenger terminal in its pipeline of tourism infrastructure projects.

He also said the agency continues to support cultural heritage initiatives, including the restoration of Catholic churches in Bohol that were damaged by the 2013 earthquake. (PNA)