SAMAL CITY – Divers and ocean lovers are gearing up for Let’s Dive for Hope, a fundraising event set on September 13, 2025 at Almeja Azul Resort in Samal, benefiting children with cancer under the care of the House of Hope Foundation.

The initiative brings together scuba diving and freediving enthusiasts — both beginners and certified divers — for a day of underwater activities with a purpose. Registration is open until the end of August, with fees set at PHP 4,000 for scuba diving (certified and intro) and PHP 3,000 for freediving (intro class and fun dive). Packages include the dive, boat ride, food, and an event shirt.

Safety remains a top priority, with organizers implementing pre-dive briefings, on-site medical standby, ambulance and boat support with guided sessions for non-swimmers.

House of Hope reported that survival rates for pediatric cancer patients have increased from less than 10% in 2004 to almost 60% today, thanks to early detection and community support. Currently, the facility houses about 34 children undergoing treatment.

Organizers hope to make Let’s Dive for Hope an annual event, expanding participation to include international divers and strengthening partnerships with local government and tourism agencies to boost dive tourism in Davao.