Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout 2026. Handout/Department of Tourism
PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro — The town of Puerto Galera is gaining international attention as a potential global hub for underwater photography, highlighting the beauty and diversity of its diving sites.
Forty-five professional and amateur underwater photographers, divers, and marine enthusiasts from 13 countries participated in the first-ever Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout 2026.
Participants came from the United States, Australia, South Korea, Germany, Denmark, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Switzerland, Belgium, Macau, and the Philippines.
The event was organized by the Department of Tourism’s Dive Philippines program in partnership with DOT MIMAROPA and the local government of Puerto Galera.
Through the competition, participants captured images of Puerto Galera’s marine biodiversity, including its rich underwater ecosystems, vibrant coral reefs, fascinating macro subjects, and diverse marine life.
Wenn Sorioso, head of Dive Philippines at the DOT, said the competition aims to promote Puerto Galera as a premier diving destination in the international tourism market.
"We are hoping na itong Puerto Galera ay magiging magnet natin para makapunta po sila dito, magbibigay din po tayo ng exposure sa ibang maliliit na diving destinations," said Sorioso.
Sorioso said photographs produced during the event will also be used by the DOT in its international promotional activities.
"Since marami rin po kami international diving events, yung mga photos po na ito dala-dala ni DOT sa mga international brochures natin, ad placements abroad at saka yung malalaki po nating Philippine pavilions. Ginagamit po natin yung mga na-generate na dive photos sa event na ito doon po sa mga events ng DOT," she added.
Roberto Alabado III, regional director of DOT MIMAROPA, said Puerto Galera is one of four diving hotspots in the MIMAROPA region.
He said the town offers a wide range of experiences for divers, including encounters with small marine species, sharks, and corals, as well as underwater canyons.
"Kumpleto rekados po tayo, ang gaganda ng dive spots natin. Kung ano ang specialization mo, kung gusto mo ng makakita ng mga maliliit na mga isda, mga sharks, mga corals, mga canyons sa ilalim ng dagat, mayroon ho tayo dito. Then at the same time ang gaganda ho ng ating mga resorts, mayroon tayong magandang leisure and entertainment, magdadive ka sa araw, at mayroon kang nightlife sa gabi," said Alabado.
Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout 2026. Handout/Department of Tourism
Alabado also described Puerto Galera as an established name in the country’s diving industry.
"Hindi naman ho natin pinagsasabong ang ating mga ano, mga dive destination, but Puerto Galera has earned its spot na number one. Ayan ang original. Kung sasabihin mong OG sa dive, dive destination ng Pilipinas, Puerto Galera ang nandiyan," he added.
Amy Magsino, general manager of Arkipelago Divers and a member of the Puerto Galera Underwater Shootout 2026 organizing committee, said Puerto Galera is considered one of the most diverse diving destinations in the Philippines because of its rich marine life and the accessibility of its various dive sites.
"Puerto Galera is so beautiful and fascinating because it’s one of the most diverse diving destinations of the Philippines. We have everything from shallow, easy, beautiful dives, sea grass, sloping reefs, drifts, [to] technical diving," said Magsino.
She said the close proximity of the dive sites allows divers to experience different underwater environments within the same destination.
Puerto Galera Mayor Robinhood Ylagan expressed appreciation for the staging of the Underwater Shootout 2026, saying the event provides an opportunity to showcase the town’s marine resources to an international audience.
Ylagan also expressed hope that the event would not only help promote tourism but also encourage continued efforts to protect the environment.
Puerto Galera was recognized as a Best Diving Destination at the DOT Tourism Awards 2025.
James Magsino claimed the Compact Class Best of Show award, while Ronilo Corpuz won the Open Class Best of Show award. Top honors across various categories—including Macro, Marine Behavior, Nudibranch, and Wide Angle—were awarded to Julienne Evangelista, PJ Arestorenas, Alex Elmbaek, and James Magsino. PJ Arestorenas also took home special prizes in the Turtle and Cephalopod divisions.
The entries were judged by award-winning international underwater photographers Scott "Gutsy" Tuason of the Philippines, Aaron Wong of Singapore, and Jerome Kim of South Korea.