AT LEAST 103 surfers across the Philippines will compete in the first Surf in the City in Borongan, Eastern Samar starting Monday, December 16 to 20.
"We are very proud of this event, and it deserves the support of each and every resident of Borongan. This is a truly Boronganon event. This is also the first big event that was completely organized by a local organization," said Borongan Mayor Agda during the opening ceremony Sunday evening, December 15.
Among the surfers competing in the event are medalists of the Philippine team from the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games, such as gold medalists Nilbie Blancada and Roger Casugay, silver medalists Ikit Agudo and JR Esquievel, bronze medalists Daisy Valdez and John Mark Tokong, and Piso Alcala.
Organized by the Surfriders Club Eastern Samar (SCES), in cooperation with the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT), and the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Surf in the City is the last leg of PSCT circuit for 2019.
"It takes our collective efforts to organize and make this event successful. Our hope is not only to put Borongan on the map as a surfing destination but also to develop the talent of our local surfers. We're hoping that our first Olympic gold medal will come from our surfing athletes," added Rupert Ambil, president of SCES.
Ambil said they are organizing the event as a community building exercise, calling the Surf in the City as the biggest sporting event in the country this year.
"Borongan City offers a unique surfing experience in that it is the only surfing destination located within city. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the waves are strong and perfect for the sport all day long," he said.
Agda hoped that the Surf in the City will be the first of many locally organized events that will highlight Borongan as a tourist destination.
"We want to promote this practice in Borongan -- local organizations proposing and organizing activities that will put our city on the map. We invite local organizations to propose events. Just approach us, and we will make sure to support you," the mayor said in a speech at Baybay Beach in Borongan where the competition is being held.
Meanwhile, PSCT president Luke Landrigan lauded the local government unit of Borongan and the organizing committee, saying they have "felt the warm Borongan welcome even before the competition started."
"Along the PSCT circuit, this is the only time we experienced an opening like this. We really feel special," said Landrigan.
"We hope you continue to support our organization and our athletes. In time, we hope to discover the Manny Pacquiao of surfing," he added.
As part of the continued support of the DOT, Ambil also disclosed that the tourism department is launching a Visayas surfing circuit to be supervised by the PSCT.
"This is an important step in developing local talent and promoting surf destinations across the Visayas," said Ambil in a statement.
According to Ambil, their group "felt nostalgic" in organizing Surf in the City, as they recalled the first ever surfing competition in Borongan in 2000 dubbed as "Eastern Samar Inaugural Surfing Crown."
"Borongan was a laid back municipality known only by a few surfing enthusiasts. Now, the city is hosting the country's premier surfers," Ambil said. (SunStar Philippines)