Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du hosted a joint meeting between TIEZA, LGU-Dauin and Provincial Government of Negros Oriental for the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony of the first Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber and Wellness Center in Negros Island Region.
The project is a collaboration between NOCCI, the Local Government Unit of Dauin, and the Province of Negros Oriental, under the Negros Island Region (NIR). The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for December 15th, 2024, in Dauin. NOCCI President Mr. Edward Du expressed his gratitude to JETRO NICOLAS LOZADA, Assistant COO of TIEZA Asset Management Sector, for his invaluable assistance in securing approval for the project.
NOCCI Leads Preparations for Groundbreaking of Hyperbaric Chamber in Dauin
The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), under the leadership of President Edward Du, facilitated a joint meeting with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dauin, and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental. The meeting focused on finalizing preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony of the region’s first Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber and Wellness Center.
Scheduled for December 15, 2024, in Dauin, this groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in advancing both healthcare and tourism infrastructure in the Negros Island Region (NIR).
A Collaborative Effort for Innovation
The Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber and Wellness Center is a flagship project born out of the collaboration between NOCCI, LGU-Dauin, and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental. The initiative, supported by the NIR framework, is designed to cater to both medical and wellness tourism, particularly scuba diving-related activities, which are a cornerstone of Dauin’s tourism industry.
NOCCI President Edward Du expressed his gratitude to the project’s stakeholders, particularly Jetro Nicolas Lozada, Assistant Chief Operating Officer of TIEZA Asset Management Sector. “Mr. Lozada’s assistance has been instrumental in obtaining approval for this innovative project, which is set to benefit both locals and tourists,” said Du.
A Groundbreaking Healthcare Facility
The Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber and Wellness Center will be the first of its kind in the Negros Island Region, equipped to address the specific health needs of divers suffering from decompression sickness. It will also offer a range of wellness services, positioning Dauin as a key destination for health and leisure in the Philippines.
TIEZA’s involvement underscores the project’s alignment with the government’s goal to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism.
Strategic Importance of Dauin
Known for its world-class diving spots and marine biodiversity, Dauin has long been a prime destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. The addition of a hyperbaric chamber will bolster the municipality’s capacity to provide immediate medical care for diving-related conditions, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of visitors.
Mayor Galicano Truita of Dauin highlighted the project’s potential impact on the municipality. “This initiative not only enhances our healthcare capabilities but also strengthens Dauin’s reputation as a premier diving and wellness destination,” he said.
Support from the Provincial Government
The Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, led by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, has pledged its full support for the project. The governor emphasized that the facility aligns with the province’s broader goals of fostering innovation, improving healthcare access, and boosting tourism-driven economic growth.
Provincial Tourism Officer Woodrow Maquiling, Jr. also attended the meeting, reiterating the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring the project’s success.
Economic and Tourism Impact
Once operational, the Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber and Wellness Center is expected to attract more tourists and generate significant economic activity in the region. In addition to enhancing tourism safety, the center will provide employment opportunities and spur investment in Dauin and surrounding municipalities.
NOCCI Executive Director John Jalandoni underscored the economic potential of the facility. “This project embodies the intersection of healthcare, tourism, and economic development. It’s a game-changer for Negros Oriental,” Jalandoni said.
Upcoming Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony on December 15, 2024, is anticipated to be a high-profile event, with stakeholders from the public and private sectors in attendance. The ceremony will include a presentation of the facility’s design, a ceremonial groundbreaking, and a discussion of its expected impact on the community.
Looking Ahead
NOCCI President Edward Du remains optimistic about the project’s prospects, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of innovation and collaboration. “This hyperbaric chamber is not just a facility; it’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together toward a shared vision for progress and development,” he stated.
As the first of its kind in the NIR, the Hyperbaric Decompression Chamber and Wellness Center represents a forward-thinking approach to enhancing tourism and healthcare in the region. With strong support from NOCCI, TIEZA, LGU-Dauin, and the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, the project is poised to set a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.
