BUTUAN CITY – More than two months after Typhoon "Odette" devastated the province, Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco T. Matugas said that tourism sites in the province, particularly in the island of Siargao, are now open.

Siargao Island is the acknowledged world-class surfing destination in the Philippines and one of the 2021 Times’ World Greatest Places.

“Our tourism sites are now open and the rehabilitation of tourist facilities are also ongoing in an effort to fully serve the needs of tourists, both foreign and domestic,” said Matugas, in an exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin.

He said that “all vaccinated individuals are welcome in the province and the island of Siargao, while those who are not vaccinated are required to provide a negative RT-PCR test."

“We are opening now our tourist areas and we are welcoming back tourists,” he said even as he emphasized that “everybody, including tourists, must adhere to all health protocols."

“After all, health is everybody’s concern,” he added.

Matugas said local officials in Siargao Island are helping one another in rehabilitating the damaged tourist facilities, including, cottages, tourists inn and hotels, and other facilities in General Luna town and neighboring areas.

The famous Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen, one of the popular destinations in Siargao, also opened to tourists last week.

Initially, 50 boats were readily available during the opening day that will cater to tourists going to Sugba Lagoon, Kawhagan Island, and the Sandbar, all in Del Carmen town.

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, Philippine Airlines resumed its regular commercial flights from Manila to Sayak Airport while regular flights from Cebu will also resume on Wednesday, March 2, Matugas said.

Sayak Airport is situated in Del Carmen, one of the ravaged towns in the island.

Regular commercial flights were halted after “Odette” devastated Siargao in December last year.

“We are ready and our tourist sites are already open,” Matugas said.