Davao Reef Divers Club
On 31 January 2012, the Davao Reef Divers Club held its regular elections to put in place a new board of trustees and set of officers for 2012-2013. It is the longest-running dive club in this part of the country, and counts among its members divers of various backgrounds. It is also one of the forerunners in the advocacy for marine environment protection, through its scubasurero clean-up dives and, very recently, its drive to deploy artificial reef domes in Samal.
I joined the club only last July 2011, but I have been given the opportunity to serve as its president this term. My predecessor, Dr. Fred Medina, ably led the club to where it is now, and — and I am grateful for this — remains as a member of the board.
Joining me in the board is one of my regular dive buddies, Christian Te, who will serve as treasurer this term. The other members of the board are the following: Dene Hurtado (club secretary), Atty. Chuck Delgra, Ursula Galope, Shauming Lo, dive instructors John Neri & East Pardillo, and Keith Smith.
For this year, we plan to continue the club’s ongoing efforts to protect the marine environment (which is also part of my own involvement with the Save the Philippine Seas movement). Additionally, I would like to have scuba diving seriously recognized as a sport here in Davao. This move would help encourage more Dabawenyos to take up this worthwhile activity, and ultimately promote Davao as a diving destination. Needless to say, scuba diving can be a tool for promoting tourism in this part of the country.
I look forward to achieving the goals of Davao diving, and I thank my fellow dive club members for the trust that they have accorded me!
