Filipino scientist raises Philippine flag as he reaches Emden Deep, 3rd deepest spot on Earth

Filipino scientist Dr. Deo Florence Onda raised the Philippine flag as he reached the 34,100-feet Emden Deep, the third deepest spot on Earth, on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, the microbial oceanographer shared on Facebook the feat he made together with Victor Vescovo, the current record holder of the deepest manned descent in the Marianas Trench in 2019.

“We’ve reached the Emden Deep. We’ve waved the Philippine Flag. We’ve set records. We have made history today,” Onda wrote on the caption.

“This is the first crude descent into the bottom of the Philippine Trench, specifically to the Emden Deep,” Vescovo said in the video.

Onda, who is also University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) deputy director for research, is the first Filipino to reach the Emden Deep.

According to him, he is “very honored” to be part of the voyage, which he dedicates to Filipinos.

“Sa mga Pilipino, ito po ang Emden Deep. Atin ito (to Filipinos, this is Emden Deep. This is ours),” he said as they waved the Philippine flag.

According to UP MSI, part of their goals is to wave the Philippine Flag, “highlighting that it is an integral part of our nation’s heritage.”

“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 environment,” it said.

The Emden Deep expedition started from the port of Guam on March 15 through the DSSV Drop, the only marine vessel capable of carrying humans and diving repeatedly to the deepest parts of the world’s oceans.

The voyage is initiated by private organization Caladan Oceanic, which Vescovo owns. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News