Marcos eyes eco-friendly practices to boost Siargao as prime surfing hub
At A Glance
- Marcos recognized the perseverance of the Siargaonons as they recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette.
President Marcos has urged locals and tourists to adopt eco-friendly practices as they promote Siargao Island as a prime surfing destination.

Marcos said this in his message for the opening ceremony of the 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup in General Luna, Siargao Island. The President could not attend the event and was instead represented by his youngest son, William Vincent Marcos.
"As we embark on this new chapter, I enjoin everyone to promote surfing and adopt eco-friendly practices that will help us protect and conserve our environment,” the President said, noting the perseverance of the Siargaonons as they recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette.
"I am truly moved by your efforts to bounce back and move forward through your festivities,” he added.
According to Marcos, locals should also support responsible fishing practices, purchase sustainably sourced seafood, and opt for eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products.
Siargao is renowned as the surfing capital of the Philippines and is home to some of the best beaches in Asia. It ranked 10th among the Top Islands in Asia for the Condé Nast 2023 Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Meanwhile, the President encouraged the locals to support government initiatives for the development of Siargao. Among these programs is the Training on Homestay Pilipinas, which enlightens residential owners about the formal and systematic procedures to accommodate tourists.
He added that the government is pursuing developmental efforts such as the New Siargao Airport Development Project to support tourism and trade growth of the island.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also initiated a program for Odette-hit towns to strengthen their adaptive capacities and resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
“I look forward to the continued growth and prosperity of this annual competition as well as the perpetuation of your rich legacy in the global surfing community,” President Marcos said.
“Our government remains staunch in its commitment to supporting Siargao Island in its efforts to achieve economic recovery and sustainable development. Let us, therefore, unite as one to bring forth a greener, more secure, and more progressive Philippines for all,” he added.