Philippine Travel Blog

Seventy participants have confirmed their attendance in the 1st Siargao Invitational Game Fishing Tournament scheduled April 16 to 19, according to Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas.

Matugas gave an additional P200,000 from his provincial development assistance program (PDAF) for the big event.

The solon met Tuesday with Siargao Island’s nine mayors and ranking officials of government agencies involved in the tournament, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Tourism (DoT).

Aside from several activities during the four day fishing competition,

A “Miss Siargao” contest, in the charge of Dapa Mayor Peter Ruaya is expected to add color to the four-day festivities.

The tournament to is the first of its kind in the southern island and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a surfing dilettante, is the scheduled guest of honor and speaker at the opening ceremonies at the Magpopongko Beach.

Among the entries are those from Australia, United States of America, Hongkong, Japan, Malaysia, Korea and Indonesia, and other neighboring Asian countries.

Matugas added that three of the country’s national and prestigious game fishing clubs, the Philippine Game Fishing Foundation, the Philippine Sports Fishing Club and the Silver Jack Fishing Club of Manila, have also confirmed participation.

Meanwhile, in an effort to make other tourist destinations accessible in this so called “Siargao Island of Paradise”, where the famous surfing sports haven is also located, the DPWH is also fast-tracking several multi-million infrastructure projects in the island.

Concurrently, Ratugas said the DPWH regional and provincial district engineering offices and local government units (LGUs)are cementing the P130-million Dapa-Del Pilar section of the highway.

Construction and improvement of the P140-million airport’ terminal, runway extension, parking area, fencing and ATO offices is ongoing while a P70-million bridges in General Luna is alo under construction.