by Luisa Pineda
Ever thought of participating in marine conservation activities in and out of Metro Manila but didn’t know how? Well, the UP Diliman-based organization UP Marine Biological Society (UP MBS for short) might just be a great start, and may even be a cure for your #seapanx.
A group of UP Marine Biological Society members and alumni in Nagsasa Cove, Zambales last January 2016. (Photo by IG: @daynegarcia)
UP MBS is an organization that promotes the awareness of the marine environment through the sport of skin diving and the principles of environmentalism. Its members organize numerous activities throughout the year, including open dives, recyclables fairs, workshops, and skin diving training (even for first-time swimmers!
). Members also participate in coastal clean-ups, college sportsfests, and many more.
Check out their post-dive film of one of their adventures in Apo Reef, Mindoro last March 2016:
UP MBS Apo Reef Dive 2016 from UP MBS on Vimeo.
The organization celebrates its anniversary week in March by holding events such as documentary screenings, refresher courses in skin diving, a culminating night, an alumni homecoming, and of course, a dive.
UP MBS’s distinguished alumni have joined the ranks of researchers, conservationists, scientists, artists, and record-breaking divers who, in their own fields, have shared the same passion for the marine environment all over the Philippines and abroad.
A photo from PLUNGE, the UP MBS Week Culminight last March 2016.
Photo from UP MBS Facebook page
Open to all interested budding environmentalists out there who have graduated from high school (you read right, you don’t have to be a UP student to join!), UP MBS will be accepting applicants this month. Orientation will be on Wednesday, September 7 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Visit the event page here for more details: https://www.facebook.com/events/586941908172759/.
For more information about the application process and to know more on issues concerning the marine environment, check out the UP Marine Biological Society Facebook page (www.facebook.com/UPMBS) and drop them a message!
You may also join the applicants’ open group by clicking on the following link (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1827543194145658/).
So, water you waiting for? #EnjoyTheBlue and #DiveIn with UP MBS!
#DiveIn into their wonderful world by following their Instagram @upmbs!
Photo by @gabmejia
