Siargao’s infrastructure push seen as model for island tourism

Siargao infrastructure.

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has tagged Siargao Island as a model for tourism-driven infrastructure, citing its rise from a remote surf town to a marquee destination at home and abroad.

Tourism Regional Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag said Siargao shows how sustained investment in access, connectivity, and adaptive capacity can lift local economies—especially in geographically isolated provinces.

“Siargao shows how community-led rebuilding and targeted infrastructure bring islands back stronger. Better access and amenities—without losing nature and culture—can serve to guide tourism boosting work in emerging destinations like Siquijor and Romblon,” Dumadag said.

Over the past decade, the island saw major upgrades: a circumferential road network, the expansion of Sayak Airport that opened regular commercial flights, and the Siargao Island Medical Center. Officials say these moves made the island more accessible, livable, and disaster-ready.

“All roads, bridges, and terminals built here are not just for tourists—these are for Siargaonons to move, trade, and live better. Tourism grew because life here improved first,” said former Rep. Bingo Matugas, who cited the island’s first national hospital and hundreds of access and farm-to-market roads built during his term.

Siargao infrastructure.

More capacity is on the way. The planned Sayak Airport expansion is expected to double passenger throughput, while the proposed Siargao International Cruise Port aims to open maritime tourism and new livelihood.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has likewise prioritized road widening and flood-mitigation links to coastal barangays.

Officials stressed that Siargao’s rise followed a long-view plan rather than chance.

“From day one, I believed Siargao could stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best islands. But for that to happen, people first had to reach it. Every airport, every road, every bridge we built was a seed for that future,” said Rep. Lalo Matugas, often credited by local officials for early access projects.

DOT-Caraga data show tourist arrivals climbed from under 100,000 a decade ago to more than 400,000 pre-pandemic, with domestic travel powering the rebound after Typhoon Odette. Stakeholders point to infrastructure—roads, power lines, airports—as key to the fast recovery.

Local leaders say the next chapter is about making progress endure at the barangay level.

“Our goal is simple: make sure the progress we’ve built endures—and that it belongs to the people of Siargao,” said former Rep. Bingo Matugas.