The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its Integrated Livelihood Program, has turned over 22 surf lesson boards and various surfing equipment to four surf schools in Calicoan Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, marking the first project of its kind in the region.

The beneficiary surf schools are ABCD Surf Camp, Calicoan Local Surfers, Backyard Surf Co., and Samrayan Surf Boards.

The initiative was made possible through the partnership of DOLE with the local government of Guiuan, the Guiuan Municipal Tourism Office, and the Public Employment Service Office.

The project aims to boost local employment and enhance Guiuan’s position as a top surfing destination in the Philippines.

Municipal Councilor Kinna Kwan thanked DOLE regional director Dax Villaruel, provincial director Salve Yepez, and Mayor Annaliza Gonzales for their commitment and collaboration in making the project a reality.

“This project not only provides livelihood opportunities for our local surfers but also helps position Guiuan as one of the premier surfing destinations in the country,” Kwan said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

The surfboards, custom-made by Fluidsurf, are expected to strengthen the training capacity of local surf schools and support Guiuan’s growing surf tourism industry, a key driver of economic activity in Calicoan Island.

With this assistance, local officials aim to further empower the surfing community and other tourism stakeholders to actively promote Guiuan’s natural attractions and community-based tourism initiatives.

The picturesque island in Eastern Samar recently hosted the Calicoan Odyssey Waves 2025, the Eastern Samar leg of the national surfing competition sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association, and recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

A total of 152 surfers from 12 provinces competed in the event that ended on Oct. 19. Host province Eastern Samar led the delegation with 79 participants, followed by Surigao del Norte with 30, and La Union with 20.

Other provinces represented included Ilocos Sur, Surigao del Sur, Samar, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Leyte, Northern Samar, Palawan, and Southern Leyte.

The competition was presented by the local government of Guiuan, in partnership with the Eastern Samar provincial government, led by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, and the Department of Tourism 8 (Eastern Visayas). (PNA)