Big-ticket projects to boost tourism in Siargao Island

GENERAL LUNA, Siargao, Surigao del Norte – Construction of vital port development projects is set to commence in the last quarter of 2017 that will further boost the tourism industry in Siargao, top officials in the area said.

The big-ticket projects include the development of the port area in the town of Dapa and the upgrading of the Sayak Airport in the municipality of Del Carmen.

These are expected to spur more business activities, and create more comfort for foreign and domestic tourists when these giant infrastructure projects are completed.

“Sayak Airport will be converted into the Siargao International Airport (SIA) that will cater flights from various parts of the country and even abroad,” said Surigao del Norte Rep. Bingo Matugas.

He said the upgrading of Sayak Airport will be undertaken into two phases – the first, with a total budget of R1.2 billion, will include the expansion of the area and terminal building; and second, with an allocation of R4.7 billion will include the extension of the runway to three kilometers.

The first part of the project will commence by the final quarter of this year, the young solon said.

At present, Sayak Airport accommodates flight schedules of Cebu Pacific from Cebu City and that of Skyjet from Manila.

Matugas said Philippine Airlines will start its regular flights to Siargao Island by December of this year.

Matugas added that the development of Sayak Airport will augur well with the growing number of international sports events being held in Siargao.

He said the provincial officials led by Gov. Sol F. Matugas are also pushing the ground preparation of the Siargao Nautical Highway.

These events include the International Gamefishing Competitions done every April; the World Surfing Cup every September; and the Women’s Surfing Competition in May.

Matugas added that converting Sayak airport into international airport will allow foreign surfers and anglers to fly directly into Siargao Island without needing to pass by Manila or Cebu.

Matugas also told reporters that the trading point of Hubang Seaport in Dapa town will also undergo major development early next year.

Of the R2-billion total allocation for the development project, around R500 million will be allocated to improve the access road to the seaport.

The development will allow bigger roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels to dock at Hubang Seaport, which will also be able to accommodate large cruise ships, he added.

He also reported that Transportation Secretary Art Tugade has already pledged commitment to support the two major port development projects in Siargao Island.

The DOTr secretary was in General Luna town here on Thursday to lay down some of the mechanics for these big projects.

Tugade visited Siargao to inspect the ongoing development projects, and the completion of the master development plan and programs for the fastrising island in Surigao del Norte province.

The master plan is expected to be completed by the end of this year.