Underwater photography contest to be held in Talima sanctuary

CEBU, Philippines - The Talima Sanctuary in barangay Talima in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City has been chosen as one of the venues for the first Asian Underwater Federation Photography Championships to be held on November 26-30.

More than 100 foreign participants from various underwater photography federations all over the world are expected to join.

Benedict Reyes, secretary-general of the Philippine Association on Underwater Activities, in a letter to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said various diving sites in the island of Cebu have been selected as venues and one is Talima in Olango Island.

According to Reyes, this event is spearheaded by the Philippine Association of Underwater Activities (PAUA) and supported by the Office of the Philippine President.

He said to further promote and raise the level of awareness on the importance of the safety and protection of the undersea system, PAUA is organizing this international photography competition.

He said this first edition of the contest will follow the theme "Discover, Educate, Protect."

Through the eyes of the best underwater photographers in the World today, Reyes said they would be able to see a collection of images of life they rarely see.

"The event gives not only the participants but also the rest of the world the chance to discover the bounty of treasure that has made the Philippines a global hub of marine biodiversity," Reyes said.

Moreover, Reyes said the competition brings a strong education and conservation message.

He said it will be able to reveal the threats and problems faced by the underwater ecosystem and what everyone can do about it.

The event seeks to show the world the system of life that keeps the Earth's eco balance intact, he said.

Mayor Radaza, on the other hand, said this big international event will help promote Lapu-Lapu City in other countries.