We've partnered with Teetalk.ph to start a fund-raising shirt campaign. We're glad to announce it is now live and you can check out the #DiveAndProtect shirt page on their site. Shipping is free when you get two or more shirts! Help us help the sharks & fishes!
From our #DiveAndProtect shirt campaign page:
Do you want to try scuba diving but not quite ready to take the plunge into a full course yet? Then we've got the just the deal for you to get you started, get you Barely Wet for a weekend and scratch the surface of the world of scuba diving!
Where else would be a better spot to take your first dive than at Malapascua? Perfect for long weekends and a partner, or a barkada, we've got a package to take care of your stay, your training, and fun dives!
It all started with a great ocean view.
Gary Cases, a seasoned scuba instructor and a dive shop owner in Malapascua had been toying with the idea of setting up a marine sanctuary ever since he first set foot on island, seeing there was a lot of potential for marine conservation and eco-tourism in the area. He established a few local organizations, but support from the local community was underwhelming. He also started lobbying with local officials but the response to his effort is very slow.
In May 2014, Divelink Cebu was one of the 14 tourism companies and associations from Philippines which signed the UNWTO Private Sector Commitment to the Code of Ethics.
30 January 2015 The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) presented the best ASEAN conservation effort award to Mr. Edgar Cases, managing director of Project Sharklink, a non-profit organization, and the best ASEAN cultural preservation effort award to Ms.
From left to right: Jay "Jikoy" Sabellano, Wilfredo "Tisoy" Conel Jr, (no longer with us), Ronnie Luzara, Dennis Bryan Bait-it, Amelia Mauring, Gary Cases, Renato Reuyan, Manilyn Nillas, Gerime Conel, (no longer with us), Bonifacio "Boni" Remonde, James Sabellano, Randy Auman, Rolly Dela Peña.
"To protect and conserve coral reefs by establishing and implementing environmentally friendly guidelines to promote a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry."
Green Fins' Mission Statement
Thanks to Babette Gil for this photo!
Taken from Divelink's photo post:
Taken from Choose Philippines Facebook post.