By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Ms. Cathleen Deauna, a fourth-year marine biology student at Mariano Marcos State University, was granted the prestigious Ella Jean Morgan Memorial Dive Training Grant for Young Women from the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF). She received a scholarship grant amounting to $1,000.

Prior to receiving the grant, Ms. Deauna attained her first scuba diving license through the assistance of the Center for Diver Training Education (CDTE). She completed all the required training exercises for the One-Star Open Water SCUBA Diver certification, which took place at the Raya Del Sol Resort in Mabini, Batangas, from April 27 to May 1, 2024. 

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis commended Ms. Deauna for her remarkable achievement, highlighting the university’s role in cultivating the talents and skills of its students.

Ms. Rhea Espiritu, CDTE chief, expressed her gratitude to WDHOF for providing a platform for students in the diving community, which has been instrumental in the center’s ongoing success and sustainability.

Several faculty members and students of the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology have also obtained their diving licenses. Mr. Ramil C. Llanes, Ms. Edaliza Saplaco, Ms. Haifa Ramat and Mr. Olivier Van Der Sanden obtained their one-star open water scuba diver certification while Ms. Rhea R. Espiritu, Mr. John Lester P. Raquel, and Mr. Felix R. Olivas Jr. are certified in nitrox diving.

The Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) is a distinguished nonprofit organization committed to recognizing and promoting the contributions of exceptional women divers. WDHOF provides valuable educational, mentorship, financial, and career opportunities to the global diving community every year.