The ongoing international surfing events in Siargao Islands are a reminder of sustainable tourism that drives positive change on the island and its people, a Department of Tourism (DOT) official said.
“It is a showcase of how communities can thrive through eco-conscious practices, responsible tourism, and a commitment to preserving the very environment that draws visitors here in the first place,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamayo said during the opening of the 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup here on Wednesday evening.
More than 100 professional surfers from Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Sweden, and the Philippines will compete for the top spot in this year’s international surfing tourney here.
The competition, which will run until Nov. 1, is a Qualifying Series (QS) 3000 and sanctioned by the World Surf League (WSL).
Tamayo said the DOT has provided full support to the annual international surfing event in Siargao which has gained recognition worldwide.
“Siargao Island, claiming the title of the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, has placed its name on the global surfing map, drawing surfers from across the world to experience its world-class breaks and pristine beaches,” Tamayo added.
Tamayo represented DOT Secretary Maria Christina Frasco during the opening ceremony, where he also handed over funding to the Gen. Luna town government amounting to PHP1.5 million. He was joined by Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II and General Luna Mayor Sol Matugas.
In his message, Rep. Matugas took note of the journey of the people of Siargao going beyond the waves as the island was devastated by a super typhoon in December 2021.
“It was a dark time for our island, and we faced the tremendous challenges of rebuilding our homes and our dreams,” he said, adding that the return of international sports events is a testament to the resiliency of Siargao residents.
Completed preparations
Meanwhile, WSL Asia Pacific Tour Manager Ty Sorati described Siargao’s famous Cloud 9 as “a truly perfect wave and delivers some of the best tube rides seen on the QS all year round.”
“There is a huge contingent of Asia’s best QS competitors here, so it is bound to be a really exciting week of competition,” he said in a statement.
The WSL, in the same statement, bared that current WSL Asia Regional Rankings front-runners Anon Matsuoka, Sara Wakita, Rinta Oooto, and Riaru Ito, all of Japan are the ones to watch during the five-day competition.
“Still, they’ll have to get past a pack of local specialists, headlined by reigning event winners John Mark Tokong and Nilbie Blancada, all of Siargao Island,” the WSL said.
Tokong captured the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup crown held in Cloud 9 last year. (PNA)
