The Department of Tourism (DOT), through its infrastructure arm, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is set to establish a hyperbaric chamber in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, to bolster dive tourism and enhance diver safety, officials announced Saturday.

Improving Puerto Galera’s facility aligns with the Philippines’ growing prominence in global dive tourism, DOT said.

The plan will reinforce Puerto Galera’s reputation as the diving capital of the Philippines, a title earned due to its rich marine biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and over 30 world-class dive sites, including the UNESCO-recognized Verde Island Passage.

The town attracts thousands of local and international divers annually, drawn to its crystal-clear waters and accessibility from Manila, just a few hours away by land and ferry.

DOT MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Alabado III pointed out the facility’s role in elevating safety standards.

“The establishment of the hyperbaric chamber will improve safety standards for diving activities in Puerto Galera, known as the diving capital of the Philippines,” he said.

Hyperbaric chambers are critical for divers, providing treatment for decompression sickness, a potentially fatal condition caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the bloodstream after rapid ascents.

The chambers deliver high-pressure oxygen, speeding recovery and reducing risks.

For a premier dive destination like Puerto Galera, such a facility ensures rapid medical response, enhancing diver confidence and supporting tourism growth.

TIEZA Assistant Chief Operating Officer Jetro Nicolas Lozada recently inspected the Puerto Galera Molecular Laboratory, the designated site for the chamber.

He confirmed that the facility, costing approximately P15 million pesos to set up, will feature state-of-the-art medical equipment and be fully operational upon completion.

LGU officials expressed optimism about the project’s economic impact.

“We are hopeful that with the addition of this new facility, we will see even more growth in our tourism sector. Ensuring the safety of divers is one of our priorities,” said Puerto Galera Mayor Rocky Ilagan.

The DOT-TIEZA project extends beyond Puerto Galera, with plans to install hyperbaric chambers in other popular dive destinations, including Boracay, Camiguin, Cebu, and Negros Oriental. These will complement the 15 existing chambers nationwide, according to DOT MIMAROPA.

(File photo for illustration purposes only)