Borongan City holds a unique treasure for divers waiting to be explored.
Police Lt. Col. Mar Epilogo, a seasoned PADI rescue diver, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Divinubo Island, sparked by a fellow diver’s social media post. He anticipated a routine dive but was in for a surprise as he discovered a complex cave system beneath the waves. Despite his extensive diving experience since 2011 across various locations, Borongan City was never on his radar until he came across a video posted by fellow diver Dindo Paquibot from Cebu, who trained with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.
He said, “Before this, we thought it was just a typical wall dive. But, when we arrived, we found ourselves navigating through a captivating underwater maze.”
What distinguishes Divinubo is its unique underwater cave system, a rarity in saltwater environments, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the diving experience. Epilogo, despite his extensive diving experience, couldn’t find a close match to Divinubo’s unique beauty.
The seabed at Divinubo plunges to around 35 meters, adorned with seaweed, coral formations, and colossal rock structures. Visibility is at 70 to 80 percent.
Epilogo rates Divinubo as a must-visit, awarding it a perfect 10 for its unparalleled cave diving experience. However, he emphasizes that this site is not suitable for novice divers. Acquiring an advanced open water diver certification is crucial to safely explore its depths.
Divinubo’s allure has captivated the diving community, with many enthusiasts eager to explore this underwater marvel. They are constantly inquiring about how to reach the area.
Epilogo and his group plan to return to Divinubo to continue their exploration, having surveyed only about 10 percent of the site.
In 2021, Rupert Ambil, City Information Officer and Chairman of Events and Promotions for the City, proposed establishing a dive center on one of Borongan City’s islands. In July 2022, the first diving assessment took place, involving a diverse team from various LGU departments (CDRRMO, City Agriculture, City Environment, and City Tourism) and the Philippine Coast Guard, coordinated by the City Information Office.
In the private sector, Budgetmate Travel and Tours, led by its owner, Che Calacal, has emerged as a fervent advocate for diving. They’ve equipped themselves with the necessary gear for dive rentals and guiding services. Additionally, Borongan Cdrrmo has prepared for an influx of divers by training a significant number of licensed diver rescuers in the province. This readiness ensures the safety of diving activities in Borongan.
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