DOT Allocates PHP 2-Million for International Surfing Tournament in Siargao

GENERAL LUNA, SIARGAO ISLAND — The Department of Tourism (DOT), under the leadership of Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, has allocated PHP 2 million to support the 38th International Surfing Competition scheduled to be held in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, this October.

According to Philippines News Agency, the funding will significantly benefit the tourism industry in Siargao Island and the surrounding region. “The DOT, through Secretary Frasco, aims to support and promote the prestigious international sporting event scheduled to take place in October this year in Siargao. The funding will also defray the expenses for the competition,” Dumadag said in an interview on Saturday.

Dumadag added that preparations for the event are in progress, with the DOT-13 collaborating closely with the local government unit (LGU) of General Luna and other stakeholders, particularly from the private sector. The annual international surfing event is a cornerstone of Siargao’s vibrant sports scene, attracting surfers and visitors from around the world.

“Siargao Island has become a premier destination for surf enthusiasts and travelers seeking an unparalleled surfing experience,” Dumadag noted. In addition to surfing, other annual international sports events on Siargao Island, such as game fishing and dragon boat racing, have significantly boosted tourist arrivals in the region.

In 2023, the Caraga region recorded 1,442,032 tourist arrivals, both local and foreign, marking a 98.83 percent increase from 725,266 in 2022. Domestic tourist numbers rose by 93.9 percent, from 711,059 in 2022 to 1,378,751 in 2023. Foreign visitors increased by 345.42 percent, from 14,207 in 2022 to 63,281 in 2023.

The top five international markets for the Caraga region last year were the United States with 8,938 visitors, Spain with 5,618, France with 3,993, the United Kingdom with 3,911, and Australia with 3,851.