Surf’s up: Bongbong Marcos urges eco-friendly habits to protect Siargao

Siargao surfing. INQUIRER FILE / STOCK

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the people of Siargao to adopt eco-friendly practices as a tourist destination for surfing.

At Wednesday’s opening ceremony of the  27th Siargao International Surfing Cup on Siargao Island, Malacañang said the President’s son, William Vincent Marcos, read his speech in which he encouraged people to protect and conserve the environment.

He also recognized the province’s resilience, being able to bounce back after the COVID-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette battered its tourism industry.

READ: Protecting Siargao

President Marcos likewise assured the people of Siargao that the government will continue to support the international surfing event and the island’s economic recovery and development.

“I enjoin everyone to promote surfing and adopt eco-friendly practices that will help us protect and conserve our environment,” the President said, as quoted by a Palace statement released Thursday.

“Let me further emphasize that this competition also reinforces the indomitable spirit of the people of Siargao. Considering the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and Super Typhoon Odette on the Island, I am truly moved by your efforts to bounce back and move forward through your festivities,” he added.