DOT targets Initao as premier diving destination following rare marine discovery

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Tourism Regional Office 10 (DOT-10) is positioning Initao in Misamis Oriental as an emerging diving destination following the discovery of uncommon marine species in the municipality's waters.

Ivy Guantero, DOT-10 promotion head, disclosed the development in an interview Tuesday, noting that the underwater findings represent a significant opportunity to diversify Northern Mindanao's tourism portfolio. The rare marine species identified during recent underwater exploration are expected to attract diving enthusiasts and marine conservation researchers to the area.

The initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to unlock alternative tourism destinations across the region and boost local economies through sustainable marine tourism. Initao's positioning as a diving spot comes as the province seeks to expand beyond its current tourism attractions.

Full details of the marine discovery are expected to be unveiled as DOT-10 finalizes its assessment and development plans for the proposed diving destination. The office did not provide specifics on the timeframe for rolling out the initiative or infrastructure requirements for tourism operations.