Siargao to host international women’s surfing cup in May

He said Siargao Island has the “best surfing players in the country, both men and women.” (Photo: Mclovin’tosh/ Wikipedia)

GENERAL LUNA—At least 30 professional women surfers are expected to converge in this surfing capital for the International Women’s Surfing Cup slated on May 2 to 6.

“We are now working on the preparations for the event. Some organizers are already here as part of the overall preparations,” said General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon on Saturday.

A guaranteed prize of US$ 10,000 awaits the winners of the surfing cup, but Rusillon is optimistic the money for the prizes will increase as more business groups and companies continue to signify their intention to help in the sponsorship and promotion of the event.

Aside from women surfers from the Philippines, professional players from Thailand, Japan, the United States, Australia and Taiwan have already communicated with the organizers they will participate in the event.

Rusillon said the international cup will be sanctioned by the World Surfing League and the Asian Surfing League.

The event will also serve as one of the qualifiers for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in 2020, he added.

“We will work hard to bring the first Olympic gold for the Philippines through surfing,” the mayor pointed out.

He said Siargao Island has the “best surfing players in the country, both men and women.”

The international surfing cup for men is slated in September this year and will also serve as a qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics, he added.

Aside from the local government of General Luna, the upcoming event in May is also supported by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte, 1st District Rep. Bingo Matugas and the Department of Tourism in Caraga region.