SIARGAO — The Philippines takes the global surfing spotlight as the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Philippines Pro gets underway on Saturday at the iconic Cloud 9 in General Luna town.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio described the opportunity to host the prestigious competition as a defining moment for Philippine sports, showcasing its world-class waves and Filipino hospitality.
“I'm really speechless to be here in Siargao, the Philippines, hosting the highest level of surfing in the world, the WSL Championship Tour,” Gregorio said during a press conference on Friday at Cafe Loka.
“We really have to showcase the best waves, the best hospitality, the best arrangements,” Gregorio added.
READ World's best surfers descend on Siargao for WSL Philippines Pro
The groundbreaking event has brought the world's top surfers to the country's surfing capital, including current world champions Yago Dora of Brazil and Australian Molly Pinklum who will be joined by three Filipino wildcards.
The lone female wilcard, Mara Lopez, drew the toughest assignment as she goes up against Pinklum who is on course for a Championship Tour repeat after regaining the lead this season after the last event in Portugal.
Home hero John Mark 'Marama' Tokong will take on current No. 5 ranked Samuel Pupo of Brazil while Noah Arkfeld has drawn Aussie George Pittar, who last April won his maiden WSL title by beating Gabriel Medina at the Margaret River Pro.
The 10-day competition in the country's surfing capital, is presented by the PSC with the support of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Saluga.
Beyond the competition, the Philippines Pro is expected to boost sports tourism by drawing international attention to Siargao's renowned surf breaks and natural attractions while creating opportunities for local businesses.
“We are just an enabler of good news, an enabler of progress, an enabler of sports tourism in the country,” Gregorio said.
He emphasized that the event offers an opportunity to demonstrate how major international sporting competitions can contribute to tourism development and strengthen the country's standing as a destination for world-class sports.
“This is a historic day for the Philippines for global surfing. This is an incredible location and one that we're very proud of,” Gregorio said.
With Cloud 9 providing the stage, the Philippines Pro puts Siargao's waves and the country's hospitality before a global audience, in the country's efforts to establish itself as a leading destination for international surfing and sports tourism.
The Philippines Pro is supported by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and NEA/SIARELCO.
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