Dr. Deo Florence L. Onda, a microbial oceanographer of the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines (UP MSI), made history for being the “first Filipino and one of the first humans” to descend to Emden Deep, the third deepest spot on earth, in the Philippine Trench. The area is part of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), prompting Onda to raise the country’s flag and exclaimed “Atin ito [This is ours]!” Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, acknowledging “another Filipino making a historic,” said in his Facebook account: “We at the DOST [Department of Science and Technology] are glad to hear this achievement. Mabuhay ang mga siyentipikong Pilipino [Long live the Filipino scientists]!”

esurreccion, L. B. (2021, March 28). Marine scientist Onda is first Filipino to reach Earth's third deepest spot. Business Mirror, p. A5.