InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5
Butuan City—Days after news got out that the Cloud 9 surfing spot was declared by CNNGO.com as number 8 on the list of “World's 50 best surf spots,” surfing organizations and the provincial government of Surigao del Norte are bracing for a much bigger and larger crowd that would storm the island this year.
Cloud 9, which is located in the town of General Luna in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte has been named as the major surfing destination in the Philippines and has been hosting both local and international surfing events for the past 18 years.
“We are extremely happy for being included in the world's best surfing spots. Can't ask for more, at long last all our efforts paid off. With the help of the provincial government, it took us 17 long years to promote Cloud 9 in Siargao as a surfing destination. This is a huge accomplishment for us,” said Zeny Pallugna, Secretary General of the Philippine Surfing Federation (PSF).
Pallugna added that she is preparing to meet Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas and General Luna's Mayor Jaime Rusillon to discuss future plans and how to take advantage of the present “buzz” on the surfing destination.
Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas said that they are now working and doing there best to prepare Cloud 9 in the influx of surfers and tourist.
“We are very proud and happy for the honor bestowed on Siargao. It has been a result of the long, hard work and so much are still needed to be done. This year we will make it bigger and more publicized; we are looking at ways to provide better facilities and accommodations not just for foreign guests but for local tourists as well,” she said.
Ivonnie Beltran Dumadag of the Provincial Tourism Office pointed out that they are optimistic about the upcoming surfing events.
“We will be launching the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (a surfing circuit) in May. The event will start from May 1 to 4, the International Women's Surfing Tournament, to May 5 to 9, which is the National Men's Surfing Tournament. Also this year, we will have the 18th year of the International Surfing Cup and 2nd year Billabong Pro Junior Asia Circuit,” said Dumadag.
