DOT inaugurates P80M hyperbaric chamber in Negros Oriental

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has inaugurated a new PHP80 million hyperbaric chamber center in Dauin, Negros Oriental, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

This facility is expected to enhance safety for scuba divers by providing immediate treatment for emergencies like decompression sickness, and will also be used for other medical conditions.

Managed by TIEZA, the chamber, which can accommodate six individuals, signifies a significant advancement in healthcare infrastructure for the region's tourism sector.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted that the chamber will elevate the marketability of Negros Oriental's marine tourism, particularly Dauin, a renowned dive destination.

The hyperbaric chamber is a vital component of the DOT's Dive 7 Circuit, complementing Dauin's attractions like Apo Island and Zamboanguita.

The government is prioritizing the region's tourism infrastructure, evidenced by the Dumaguete (Bacong) Airport expansion project.

Tourism arrivals in Negros Oriental have surged nearly 200 percent since 2023, attributed to the flourishing dive tourism sector and investments in safety measures.

The DOT plans to replicate Dauin's model by establishing additional hyperbaric chambers in key dive destinations nationwide, adding to the 15 existing chambers.