FOLLOWING the recognition of Siargao as one of the ten ‘’Best Islands in Asia” this 2023, a lawmaker believes that the island will attract more tourists, both domestic and foreign. Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte was one of the most severely damaged by Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Many households and livelihoods were damaged by the typhoon, especially the island’s tourism.
But two years later, tourism has again flourished in Siargao.
One proof of this is the island’s recognition received from the Top 10 Reader’s Choice Award by an international travel magazine, Conde Nast Traveler (CNT), as part of the 10 ‘’Best Islands’’ in Asia.
Surigao del Norte, 1st District Representative, Cong. Bingo Matugas believes that this recognition resulted in more tourists flocking to Siargao.
‘‘We’re very thankful that Siargao received recognition after 2 years. It means that we are back. We expect that many people will go to Siargao with this award,’’ according to Cong. Bingo Matugas, Surigao del Norte, 1st District.
Lawmaker bares non-stop building tourism infrastructure in Siargao
Cong. Bingo bared ongoing projects to further develop the island’s tourism.
He said that the construction of tourism infrastructure is non-stop including a cruise port.
‘‘We have an upcoming another port of entry for Siargao. We will be opening soon the cruise port, an international cruise port for cruise vessels. Cruise ships can dock in Siargao. The said cruise port is 90% completed and is expected to be operational next year. Construction of roads in Siargao also continues as one of the popular activities on the island is motorbiking. A tourist rest area was also built on the island, an initiative of the Department of Tourism,’’ Cong. Bingo said.
Siargao sets aim to become one of the best surfing sites in the world
Meanwhile, Siargao’s preparations are in full swing for the upcoming 27th Siargao International Surfing Cup.
The island aims to make Siargao even more recognized as one of the best surfing sites in the world.
‘‘We are targeting to be at par already with the best surfing sites in the world. Because Cloud 9 which is located in General Luna, Siargao is the number 8 surfing site in the world. We’re hoping with this coming event, we can show the island [to the world],’’ Bingo stated.
