The 28th Siargao International Surfing Cup (SISC) officially opened last Oct. 26, with 253 surfers from 17 countries vying for top honors in the world-class destination.

Running until Nov. 4, this year’s competition marks a significant milestone as it is the first World Surf League (WSL) QS5000 event in the Philippines.

“Our journey—carving the first road to Cloud 9 to host this QS5000 event—symbolizes the enduring strength and resilience of the Siargaonon spirit,” Surigao del Norte District 2 Rep. Bingo Matugas said.

Established in 1994, the SISC has evolved from a local competition into the largest international surfing tournament in the Philippines.

This year’s QS5000 status reflects the high caliber of competition and the growing recognition of Siargao as a premier surfing locale. The event has drawn elite surfers, reaffirming the island’s reputation on the global stage.

The competition has garnered support from various organizations, including the Office of Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez, Bagtik MoSerbisyo, the World Surf League, the Municipality of Gen. Luna, Manila Bankers Assurance, Kaiser International Health Group, the Department of Tourism, Alagang Tingog Party List, Gomo, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, PAGSS, Philippine Airlines, New Era Caps, Euronet, and many others.

Siargao’s origins as a surfing hotspot can be traced back to the 1980s when Australian Steve Jones discovered the now-famous Cloud 9 break. The name was inspired by a chocolate bar found littering the beach during his early explorations. Since then, the island has blossomed into a beacon for surfers worldwide, bolstered by infrastructure improvements and community support.

After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the SISC resumed in 2022, featuring local and international competitors eager to ride the island’s renowned waves. The event continues to foster local talent through initiatives like the Bagtik Surfers, founded by Matugas to develop grassroots surfing programs.

The reconstruction of the iconic Cloud 9 tower, destroyed by Typhoon Odette in 2021, symbolizes the island’s resilience. Support from local leaders and organizations, including the NextGen group led by Vinny Marcos, facilitated its rebuilding in time for this year’s competition.

With the upgrade to QS5000 status, the SISC aims to attract even more attention and participation, further solidifying Siargao’s position in the surfing world.