More hyperbaric chambers coming soon

CEBU, Philippines —  After Dauin, Negros Oriental, the Department of Tourism is set to establish more hyperbaric chambers in the country including one in Cebu to be put up in Malapascua in Daanbantayan here.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) said in its website that the winning contractor, Saniya Construction, was already given notice to proceed late last year.

Based on its agreement, the hyperbaric chamber center will cost around ?7.2 million.

There are only three operational hyperbaric chambers in the country, one of which is owned by the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving but placed at the Lung Center of the Philippines.

Another is in Mandaue City at TIEZA’s Office, and the other in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, at the Ospital ng Palawan. DOT, however said, there are 15 existing facilities in the country, but did not specify its specific locations.

DOT emphasized that to further strengthen diver safety, they are prioritizing the establishment of hyperbaric chamber centers in key dive destinations across the country.

PCSSD also stressed that even with the constant updating of knowledge and consultations with experts, dive accidents can still happen in reality.

“This is why the existence of Hyperbaric Chamber is very important. We have to ensure that all SCUBA divers will have access to affordable treatment for decompression sickness as this can be fatal when not treated right away,” PCSSD said.

The country has very rich marine resources worth seeing, PCSSD said, but to effectively promote SCUBA diving in the country, it is essential that it’s not only safety that is assured but also have the means to treat dive accidents.

Earlier this week, DOT headed by Secretary Christina Frasco led the groundbreaking ceremony for the said facility in Dauin, Negros Oriental, home of Apo Island, one of the most exciting dive sites in the Visayas.

The DOT is also set to establish hyperbaric chambers in Catarman in Camiguin, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, and Boracay in Aklan.

This dive tourism initiative is a strategic plan of the DOT Dive Committee, in collaboration with TIEZA, PCSSD, Tourism Promotions Board, allied local government units, and the Department of Health.