Surigao Norte gov opens 1st Siargao Surfing Festival, DOT vows support to local tourism

“Enjoy and earn,” this was the message of Governor Sol F. Matugas during the launching of the 1st Siargao Surfing Festival to the people of Siargao on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at the Paseo de Cabuntog, Gen. Luna in Siargao Island.

The lady governor explained that they purposely injected the name festival for the reason that they would like to promote the culture and history of Siargao, “and that while we are holding all these competitions in the island - having been known as the surfing capital of the Philippines it is but proper that Siargao has to be known also with its unique culture.”

Meantime, Prov’l Tourism Officer Ivonnie Dumadag revealed that one of the highlights of the festival is the opening of Agri & Aqua Trade Fair in Gen. Luna which will be participated in by all the municipalities of Siargao Island.

“Another major highlight of this event is the street dancing competition showcasing different festivals of the 9 towns in the island,” Dumadag added.

Gov. Matugas also said that while everyone is enjoying others are also earning, “so enjoy and earn is the philosophy of the surfing festival.”

Aside from the Agri & Aqua Fair and Street Dancing competition, the lady governor also wanted to showcase the “Pan de Surf” – a local pandesal that is shaped like a surf board.

“It’s also a 1-day festival that will showcase our beloved local bread,” said Governor Matugas.

DOT vows support

Event Speaker, DOT Usec. Simeon Marfori has vowed to support the initiative of Gov. Sol Matugas in transforming the island as the surfing mecca of Asia.

“DOT is here to support you in pursuing your dream to be the Asia’s surfing capital,” said Marfori.

With the new leadership under DOT Secretary Alberto Lim, DOT’s thrusts now according to Marfori is thru a Community Based Tourism approach which include the filling-in of gaps in infrastructure that is prioritizing infra projects to the tourism rich areas and a unique way of creating products of tourism working closely with public and private sector for, “we cannot succeed without the private citizens.”

Marfori also said that they also wanted to help capacitate the LGU and private sector by giving them proper trainings and bench markings.

The opening of the 1st Siargao Surfing Festival was also attended by some local mayors led by LMP President Bacuag Mayor Sheila Mae Cebedo, Local Chamber President Jake Miranda, and Congressman Francisco Matugas. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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