Microbial oceanographer Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda is set to make history as the first Filipino to reach the third deepest spot on Earth located in the Philippine Trench, called the Emden Deep.
Onda started his voyage from the port of Guam to the Philippine Trench, while onboard the DSSV Pressure Drop last March 15.
Onda will be descending about 10,400 meters or 34,100 feet deep, along with American undersea explorer Victor Vescovo, who currently holds the record for the deepest manned descend in the Marianas Trench in 2019. It said part of the goal is to wave the Philippine flag in the Emden Deep during its record-setting voyage.
“This endeavor can spark interest and passion for many other young Filipinos who would want to make a career in the sciences and bring more attention to the protection, preservation, and conservation of the Philippine marine environment,” it added.