TACLOBAN CITY – Surfers from Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar have received assistance from the national government through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also known as the Kabuhayan Program.
Three surfing schools and one surfboard maker were granted P747,108 in assistance, which will be used to purchase lesson boards and other surf equipment for conducting surfing lessons.
The beneficiaries include ABCD Surf, Calicoan Local Surfers, The Backyard Surf, and surfboard maker Samrayan Surfboard.
The turnover ceremony for the assistance took place on October 8, 2024, during the opening of the 2024 Calicoan Odyssey Waves Surfing Nationals on Calicoan Island as confirmed by municipal administrator Kinna Kwan in a phone interview.
“This support ensures the sustainability of the local surfing community and industry in Calicoan, not just for surfing competitions,” said Kwan.
The assistance was provided by DOLE following the submission of a proposal by the surfing organizations in Calicoan, after an orientation conducted by the agency on May 3.
This initiative helps local surfers build sustainable livelihoods, securing their income while promoting eco-tourism and fostering a thriving local surfing culture. It is also seen as a boost to the growing surf tourism industry in Calicoan Island.
Moreover, around 140 surfers from across the country have gathered on the surfing capital of Eastern Visayas, Calicoan Island, for the 2024 Calicoan Odyssey Waves Surfing Nationals, a Grade 2 national surfing competition running from October 8 to 13, 2024.
Now in its 14th year, this event is organized by the municipality of Guiuan in partnership with local surfing organizations, including ABCD Surf, Calicoan Local Surfers, Samrayan Surfboards, and The Backyard Surf Co. The competition is sponsored by 4Ps Partylist, Andok’s, Sandirini Resort, Calicoan Villa, Lucky Ellie, and Fin Café.
The competition is sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association and recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC)-Olympic.PH.
The municipality of Guiuan and the province of Eastern Samar are committed to promoting equality in sports, awarding equal points and prize money for both the men’s and women’s divisions in both longboard and shortboard categories. A total cash prize of P606,000 is up for grabs.
The contest is being held at the famed ABCD break—a reef break known for its powerful left-handers and fast, challenging waves.
The break’s name comes from the Advance Base Construction Depot, a critical site for Allied Forces during World War II, adding a unique historical dimension to the event.
Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan continues to promote Guiuan as a premier destination for both surfing and historical tourism.
Located just three hours from Tacloban City, Guiuan offers visitors a blend of adventure and culture in one stunning location.
Beyond the waves, Calicoan Island boasts several attractions for visitors to explore.
A short trek leads to Linao Cave, where travelers can cool off in its natural pools. To the north, visitors can find one of the thirty-three historical markers along the Route of Ferdinand Magellan, unveiled in 2021 during the 500th Anniversary of the First Circumnavigation of the World, highlighting the island’s deep connections to global history.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
