06/06/2026
Wrapping up Week 1 with festive graduations and well-deserved celebrations!
The IMFO–Young Underwater Explorers (IMFO-YOUNEX) Training Program is a two-week SCUBA diving certification program conducted by the UP Visayas Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO), in partnership with Plongeurs du Monde (Divers of the World) led by mission leader Laurent Martin, and in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) under the supervision of Protected Area Superintendent Rhett Arthur Diana. The program is held from May 31 to June 11, 2026, at the UPV Marine Biological Station within the Taklong–Tandog Group of Islands Natural Park in Nueva Valencia.
The training includes both Open Water (OW) and Advanced Open Water (AOW) courses, which consist of underwater exercises and lecture sessions to equip students with the basic knowledge in SCUBA diving. These courses were led by PADI Instructors mission leader Laurent Martin and Course Director Damien Vinet, together with Sanmi Lachgar, Lou Hochet, Olivier Hochet, and PADI Divemasters Michel Gasq, Sliman Belkacemi, and Gilles Masson. IMFO Younex implementation is led by Precious Nikola Gaurana (URA), and IMFO Training Facilitators Joebert Nemiada and Ruffy Nuevacobita.
The first week of the training focuses on the Open Water (OW) Course, where participants learn the fundamental skills and knowledge required for safe SCUBA diving, with training dives conducted to a maximum depth of 18 meters. The second week covers the Advanced Open Water (AOW) Course, where participants build upon and apply the skills acquired during the OW Course while gaining experience in more advanced diving activities and exploring greater depths of up to 30 meters.
The twelve participants—four undergraduates, seven graduate students, and two staff members from the Protected Areas Management Office (PAMO)—received PADI SCUBA diving certification. The undergraduate participants were Efred Camiros, Fiona De Castro, Leianne Cel Cordova, and Carlene Maye Sausa. The graduates students were Josave Oczon, Dexter Boyras, Carmela Ellaga, Sheen Chic Zenith Perral, Mae Rose Huete, Corynne Louise Fuentes, and Liza Jane Sebuan. Sharie Banhaw, and Ber Ghil Sarceno from PAMO.
UPV IMFO extended its utmost appreciation to Plongeurs du Monde for their unwavering patience, support, and guidance throughout the entire program. Gratitude is also extended to DENR-PAMO for the support and assistance in making this training possible. This program was a testament to what can be achieved through shared determination, and a collective drive for success.
