Bicol’s next tourism wave: Surfing summit, river cruise

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- Bicol is hosting numerous exciting events this year to attract more tourists to the region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Thursday.

“To make it more exciting in Bicol, marami tayong nai-program (we have organized a lot of events),” DOT Regional Director Herbie Aguas said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Legazpi City on March. 6.

The “Surfing Summit” will be a key highlight, attracting professional and amateur surfers from the country’s popular surfing locations.

“Every surfer from Siargao, La Union, and Zambales will be coming over,” Aguas said.

The event will take place between July and December at several beaches, including Bagasbas Beach in Camarines Norte, Gubat Beach in Sorsogon, and Baras Beach in Catanduanes.

Additionally, a diving festival is being planned for Ticao Island in Masbate, which is known for its “spectacular coral garden.”

Aguas emphasized that this is a flagship project of the DOT, aimed at opening up more dive sites since the waters in Bicol are exceptionally beautiful.

“Divers will take photographs, which will be great for promoting Bicol,” he said.

He said the DOT aims to replicate the success of dive sites in Anilao, Batangas, and the islands of Malapascua and Moalboal in Cebu.

These locations contributed to the country’s ₱75 billion in tourist revenue from the diving industry last year, he said.

For this dry season, a “river tourism” experience similar to the famous Loboc River cruise in Bohol will be introduced along the Talisay River and Bato River in Catanduanes, according to Aguas.

Based on projections by the Philippine Statistics Authority, tourism is expected to be the primary growth driver of Bicol’s economy, as it generates sustainable jobs.

As part of the region’s tourism plan, Bicol aims to attract 8.5 million tourists during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which lasts until 2028.

Aguas said that the DOT plans to translate these tourist arrivals into P34.5 billion in tourism revenue and create an additional 15 percent of jobs. (PIA5/Masbate)