Members of both the Senate and the House of Delegates handed over Joint Resolution No. 8-29 in a special ceremony at the Senate Chamber. The ceremony attended by Toribiong’s family and recognized his contribution to the scuba diving in Palau.
Toribiong in January was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.
Toribiong was one of the International Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) inductees who have contributed to the success and growth of recreational SCUBA diving in the areas of dive travel, entertainment, art, equipment design and development, education, exploration and adventure.
Toribiong was the second Micronesian to be honored by the Hall.
Francis started the first dive operation, Fish N Fins in Palau. He is also known to have discovered the Blue Corner,Peleliu Corner and Ngemelis Wall.
In the 1980’s Toribiong and Fish n Fins helped other international explorers and scientists explore the fleet of the lost Japanese war ships.
“Being an environmentalist at heart, Francis Toribiong worked diligently in his diving career to preserve and improve the environment,” the resolution said.
In his speech before members of the OEK, Toribiong said that the Palauan people should also contribute to the economic development and not allow themselves to only be a spectator of change.
He also encouraged the lawmakers to pass measures that will spur economic development and expand the tax base system.
He however said that the lawmakers should ensure that the environment is still protected despite the development.
