13th Siargao Int'l Game Fishing tilt lures 31 anglers from five countries
PILAR, Siargao Island – The 13th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament opened on Friday, April 21, here with local and international anglers looking to outdo each other.
SEN. Imee Marcos leads the ceremonial casting during the opening of the 13th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament on Friday, April 21, in Pilar town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. (Contributed photo)
At least 31 anglers from the Philippines, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada have signed up for the competition which is part of the town’s efforts to boost the recovery of its tourism programs. The opening ceremony was graced by Sen. Imee Marcos, who was joined by officials from the Department of Tourism and local officials. “I am happy that we have this kind of event because it shows that our economy is slowly recovering,” said Marcos. “I can guarantee that I will be supporting this activity for the progress of the island,” added Marcos. Game fishing is a globally popular recreational game. In this tournament, anglers will be looking for the biggest sailfish with a minimum weight of 15 kilograms. Other categories include the biggest Giant Trevally or Talakitok whose weight should be at least three kilos. The anglers will compete in the biggest Tanguige category with a minimum weight of five kilograms and the biggest Dorado category with a minimum weight of five kilograms also. Surigao del Norte Rep. Bingo Matugas said he is confident that the competition, which will run until April 23, will be a success and hopes that it will attract more foreign tourists to return to Siargao. The competition was halted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last November, the International Surfing Festival returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. “Our island is open to more tourists and we will continue to host local and international events,” said Matugas. Pilar Mayor Maria Liza Resurrecion said her town welcomed the holding of the competition as it will spur economic activity.
SEN. Imee Marcos leads the ceremonial casting during the opening of the 13th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament on Friday, April 21, in Pilar town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. (Contributed photo)
At least 31 anglers from the Philippines, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada have signed up for the competition which is part of the town’s efforts to boost the recovery of its tourism programs. The opening ceremony was graced by Sen. Imee Marcos, who was joined by officials from the Department of Tourism and local officials. “I am happy that we have this kind of event because it shows that our economy is slowly recovering,” said Marcos. “I can guarantee that I will be supporting this activity for the progress of the island,” added Marcos. Game fishing is a globally popular recreational game. In this tournament, anglers will be looking for the biggest sailfish with a minimum weight of 15 kilograms. Other categories include the biggest Giant Trevally or Talakitok whose weight should be at least three kilos. The anglers will compete in the biggest Tanguige category with a minimum weight of five kilograms and the biggest Dorado category with a minimum weight of five kilograms also. Surigao del Norte Rep. Bingo Matugas said he is confident that the competition, which will run until April 23, will be a success and hopes that it will attract more foreign tourists to return to Siargao. The competition was halted for three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last November, the International Surfing Festival returned after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. “Our island is open to more tourists and we will continue to host local and international events,” said Matugas. Pilar Mayor Maria Liza Resurrecion said her town welcomed the holding of the competition as it will spur economic activity.