"Scubasurero"

CEBU, Philippines – The beauty of the world reminds me of God. And the more I admire the beauty that surrounds me, the deeper my experience of it. This time, I do not only “see” beauty with my eyes, I “feel” it in my heart. I am continually struck with awe and wonder, always sensing the perfection in God’s works – even in the most ordinary things. If I think about it, there’s nothing more man could ask for. God has given us all the tools for a full life.

Well, I could only ask that man takes good care of God’s gifts for him. Sadly, people take many things for granted – especially nature and the environment. These are issues – nature and the environment – that are very close to my heart.

Being a diver, I could not ignore the call to give back to nature.

The weather was charming that day, and I was excited about what I was about to do. The wind blew gently, thin clouds danced slowly through the pale sky. I was feeling very peaceful – although I could sense my soul wanting to join in the graceful sway of the clouds and the branches of the surrounding trees.

A number of us divers, from all walks of life, recently gathered before a calm sea. The event was the “Scubasurero,” an underwater cleanup drive. Divers with proper scuba gears and equipment were to collect human garbage that has found its way to the bottom of the sea.

Everybody knew that such activity required utmost discipline and perfect buoyancy. Like the first time I joined the International Coastal and Underwater Cleanup in the year 2011, held at a resort in barangay Punta Engaño, I was surprised to see so many divers eager to participate. The cleanup had to be done in regular intervals, as garbage continuously accumulates underwater.

Fully understanding the need for such cleanup, I didn’t hesitate to be there again this time around. This was a small price to pay for all the enjoyment and the soul-stirring experience I had been having in all my underwater adventures.

My personal participation in the cleanup every year may not significantly curb the deluge of garbage that end up in the sea. Part of the garbage turnout from seaside residents, the business establishments in the area and the tourists that come and go contribute to the bulk of trash that settle in the surrounding sea. The bulk is so much for one person to clear – but I just do what I could.

The participating divers were all volunteers. We represented our individual groups, like the Marigondon Youth Responder, MSBOAT (Marine Sports and Boat Operators Association), PCGA (Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary), the Sea Knights, the PNP Maritime Unit 7, LCPO PNP-PCR, the LCPO Task Force Kalikasan, CFARMC, CENRO, the Island Buzz Paddlers and other non-government organizations. Doctors, nurses, engineers, resort managers, police officers, and even local residents participated as well.

Considering the diversity of the cleanup group, there had to be an ultimate rule: Everyone should obey the designated dive master or dive instructor when underwater. I learned this while yet in my training for dive master, and every qualified diver knows this by heart. Thus, in the cleanup event, even the high ranking PNP officials observed the rule.

Recreational diving is really fun; in fact, since I’ve become a dive instructor, I no longer just do it for fun – it has been my way of life. It breaks my heart every time I see a diver doing irresponsible things underwater. Some dig out corals just to position it well for photography, others “fin” about so irresponsibly, chasing a school of fish, touching the fish or the walls of the Marigondon underwater cave. At times, boat anchors are dropped recklessly, hitting the corals below.

Climate change alone is already having a tremendous negative impact on the sea. People don’t need to make the situation worse by being reckless. According Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer and Coastal Operatons Coordinator Mr. Andy Berame and Ms. Analeh Patindol, co-convenor for the International Coastal Cleanup, the top five items collected underwater are food wrappers, plastic bags, plastic beverage bottles, clothing, and beverage cans. A significant number of fishing gear like rope, fishing line, and fishing nets are found, too. These household garbage  don’t belong in the ocean.

There are over 25 dive sites in Mactan and Olango islands, all within the waters of Lapulapu City. Our group, the MSBOAT, and the PCGA together conduct underwater cleanup once a month. But our efforts are limited within the sites that are convenient for us to reach. We are also beginning to do in other points – like in the resorts – once every two months.

I am most grateful to all the people who wholeheartedly give their time, effort and even resources for our seas: PADI Divemaster Ms. Nezel Salvaña, CMAS instructor Mr. Zandor Magno, CMAS Divemasters Jingmore and JR Yoyon Amores, PCGA CMAS Instructor Mr. Bernardo Del Mar and our Head, the CMAS Course Director for Scuba Diving VISMIN, PCGA Squadron Commander Sir Emi Bonghanoy.

If all of us – divers or not – can have a bit of the dedication and care for the sea that these people have, we can do wonders. I am very fortunate to be with them in the group. It is my great pride that I am a diver.