A bill declaring Baler in Aurora province as the “Birthplace of Philippine Surfing” lapsed into law last Aug. 6, a statement posted in the Official Gazette said.
(Photo from the Surf Atlas)
Republic Act No. 11957, also known as “An Act Recognizing the Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora as the ‘Birthplace of Philippine Surfing,” became law without President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature.
“In recognition of its status as one of the premiere surfing sites in the country and for earning a significant spot in the history and origin of Philippine surfing, it is hereby declared that the Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora be the Birthplace of Philippine Surfing,” the new law stated.
The designation was awarded since the “State recognizes the role of tourism as a driver of economic growth and development and shall, therefore, pursue policies that cultivate, strengthen, and promote the heritage of our tourism destinations.”
“Towards this end, it shall endeavour to underscore and feature the historical significance and origins of our world-renowned tourism destinations,” it added.
The copy of the bill showed that the measure passed Senate on May 8, 2023 and adopted by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill No. 5961 on May 22, 2023.
Surfing in the province started in 1972 when a surfer named Steve Scott discovered the waves of Baler, which became the oldest local surfing community that exists until today.
The province holds the Aurora Surfing Cup, an annual surfing competition, to develop the growing surfing community and provide them with an avenue to showcase their skills and talents.