GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – The 27th Siargao International Surfing Tournament started on Wednesday, October 25, in this town, with 98 top-notch surfers from around the globe competing.
Thirty-two foreign male and 16 female foreign surfers from Japan, Indonesia, Australia, Taiwan, Sweden, and United Kingdom and 42 male and eight female Filipino surfers are competing in the five-day annual seasporting event in the Caraga region.
Presidential son Vinny Marcos, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Director Judilyn Quiachon, and other top government officials and invited guests were present during the opening.
“With the participating stars in surfing from all over the globe, our tourists already increases since the past two weeks,” Department of Tourism (DOT)-Caraga Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag said.
All resorts, inns, and other accommodations, including home stays, are fully booked due to the number of tourists who have been here since early this month.
“We can accommodate them, and we even added some programs to entertain our guests and visitors,” Mayor Sol F. Matugas here said.
Matugas thanked local officials and other stakeholders and the community of Siargao for their roles in the event. “Everybody plays a big role in this big sea sporting event in our place,” she said.
This year’s edition was seen as a multi-centric celebration of surfing culture, values, and community, as pro international surfers gear up to face the formidable waves here in a bid for the World Surf League Men’s and Women’s QS3000 International Surfing Cup.
The event is presented by this town and the office of Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas with the full support of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, presidential son Vincent Marcos, NextGen, Smart Communications, and Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines.
Initiated in 1994 by former Gov. and Rep. Francisco “Lalu” T. Matugas and former General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, the event is a project by this town in partnership with the World Surf League.
Winners will receive a total of $45,000 or P2.5 million in prizes, trophies, and tokens.