“Safeguarding Lives, Protecting Oceans”

The International Service Corps of Asia, under the leadership of Dr. Edwin Samson, conducted an intensive Basic Life Support and Diver First Aid training for Advanced Open Water divers in Tawi-Tawi from August 13-16, 2024. This training is an essential step for divers advancing to the Rescue Diver course. By equipping Tawi-Tawi's divers with these critical skills, the program also fosters their development as champions of marine conservation in the province.

Aside MSU TCTO divers, others from various partner agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE) Tawi-Tawi, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) Tawi-Tawi, Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 (MBLT12), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bongao, Bongao Water District (BWD), and MSU-TCTO diver personnel also joined the training.

Over the 4-day course, participants engaged in interactive lectures, hands-on practical exercises, and an online examination, ensuring they gained both the theoretical knowledge and the practical confidence to apply these life-saving skills in real-world situations.

By the end of the training, all participants proudly earned their NAUI Worldwide BSL CPR and First Aid certification.

This initiative was organized by

MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography

Chancellor Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali

through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRReaM) Office, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) and the Institute of Continuing Education and Extension Services (ICEES). Through a Memorandum of Understanding, MSU TCTO and The International Service Corps of Asia are committed to provide a comprehensive dive training course for divers of MSU TCTO and partner agencies.

Special thanks to our instructors and trainers: Dr. Edwin Samson, Jerry Brequillo, Lorence Mabilangan, Grace Quintana, Jeremiah Sta. Ana, Eldrine Labrador, Marciel Villabito, Vhon Bello, and Joseph Amanda