The Philippines' rich marine biodiversity will once again take the spotlight during this year's "Anilao Underwater Shootout" photography competition as part of efforts to sustain the country's position as among the leading dive destination in the world.
This was announced by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during a recent Philippine Deep Blue episode organized by the DOT and Dive Philippines to showcase the country's readiness to welcome back dive tourists amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"The Anilao Underwater Shootout is not only a competition but also a platform to communicate to the world the importance of safeguarding our delicate reefs and marine ecosystems for future generations," Puyat said.
The competition, slated in Anilao, Batangas from December 1 to 5, will exhibit the country's rich and vibrant diving industry again after a two-year hiatus.
Consistent with the gradual and safe reopening of the dive destinations in the new normal, organizers will gather divers, professional and amateur underwater photographers, and marine enthusiasts across the globe.
To safeguard Anilao's unique and critical ecosystem, organizers will continue to implement a "no marine life manipulation" policy — a strict guideline that has set standards for other underwater photography competitions in the world.
Competition director Oliver Ang said the set rules and point system combined with the expertise of highly experienced judges from various fields are in place to discourage manipulated images.
The local community of Anilao will also be briefed to remind guests to follow proper underwater conduct and sign a code of conduct accord prior to the event.
Judges for this year's event are renowned underwater photographers Mike Bartick, Scott Gutsy Tuason, and William Tan, along with Underwater360 Group founder John Thet.
Winners of the competition will be awarded prizes from underwater photography gear brands such as Nauticam, Scubalamp, AOI, XDEEP, Crest, and Fourth Element.
The Anilao Underwater Shootout has been dubbed as the "World Cup of Underwater Photo Competitions" since its first edition in 2013 in Mabini, Batangas to promote Anilao as a premier underwater photography destination and gather local and international divers and photographers in one venue.
In its 2018 edition, over 220 contestants from 23 countries participated in the event.
The Philippines was named as this year's leading dive destination in Asia during the 28th World Travel Awards — its third recognition in a row since 2019.
Dive circuits have already been enhanced by the DOT in the country's top diving spots such as the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan, Anilao in Batangas, Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu, Balicasag, Panglao and Anda in Bohol, and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro.