WHY SERIES is an article series that will feature specific Philippine locations, discussing its current state and how it plays out in the Real Estate industry.
WHY SIARGAO?
With the closure of Boracay for a few months and further developments underway for this major tourist destination, domestic and international tourism has shifted its eye on the island of Siargao. The surfing mecca of the Philippines has been subjected to much social media attention due to several celebrities and personalities visiting and planting their footprints in the island. This being said, is Siargao ready for the influx of local and foreign tourists alike?
Siargao: The Next Big Tourist Paradise
Siargao is an island in the province of Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region of Mindanao, Philippines. It is a tear-shaped island, approximately 81 kilometers from the provincial capitol, and 800 kilometers from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (1 hr and 30 minutes direct flight; 3 hours and 5 minutes connecting flight).
Siargao Island’s land area is approximately 437 square kilometers, with 9 municipalities within – Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, Pilar, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro.
It has been dubbed the surfing capital of the Philippines due to its towering waves and dynamic seas facing the Pacific Ocean. It is also an island paradise of rock formations, abundant sand bars, lush coconut groves, and abundant mangrove forests. Surfers were among the first to visit the island, not only because of the promise of virgin beaches and chill island vibes, but moreso because of Cloud 9, the most famous wave in the Philippines, and also well-known worldwide. What makes it ideal for surfing is its thick hollow tubes, and its roaring speed and height. This is recommended for advanced surfers, though there are several other waves and beaches that beginners can take advantage of. Due to its fame, the surfing area has also been dubbed by locals as “Cloud 9” where resorts and restaurants have sprung. This is where you can find the Cloud 9 Surfing Tower, a viewing deck of the pristine and majestic Pacific.
Is Siargao Ready?
The influx of both local and international tourists has made Siargao one of the prime tourist destinations in the south. The local government and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as the Department of Tourism (DOT) continues its efforts to make the island tourist-ready, as evidenced by its several ongoing projects to support this -- facilities like the tourist lounge in Daku Island and General Luna, the Sta. Monica Women’s Center, the Siargao circumferential road, the Dapa Sports Complex, and the development of the Siargao District Hospital. The local government has recognized the immediate need to develop the “Paradise Island” since it is now expecting tourism to boom further after the closure of Boracay.
If before, flights were few and far in between, and the main mode of transport to the island is through a boat ride, there are now at least 6 flights going to Siargao both direct from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and from connecting flights via Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Tourism has always been a double-edged sword. On one side is the economic development, reducing poverty and stimulate more jobs for the locals, the boom, but on the other are the implications of potential environmental exploitation.
Even waste management has been an issue in the island, and this is before the total upsurge of tourists and investors alike. Instead of increasing the number of dump sites in the island, they have significantly reduced them, and cutting of trees have not been regulated during ongoing developments. So the question remains, is Siargao ready for sustainable tourism? Is the local government ready for the influx of tourists, businesses, investors, and migrants alike?
Siargao as Protected Area under DENR:
Under DENR, Siargao is under SIPLAS (Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape), and is the largest marine-protected area in the Philippines. It was declared as a PA on October 10, 1996, by order of Proclamation No. 902 by then Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos.
Issuance of SAPAs or Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas was indefinitely suspended in 2011, due to the absence of a standard rate or fee to be imposed on all SAPA applicants. As of May 6, 2018, this has been lifted after the fee has been determined (an initial Php 5,000 administrative fee to cover costs of examining, assessing, and processing the requirements submitted, then 5% of the most recent zonal value of the commercial zone in the nearest municipality, multiplied by the area to be developed, multiplied by the area to be developed plus one percent of the value of the improvement as premium to the PA). This SAPA fee will be paid upon issuance of the permit, and subsequently, every year thereafter. Failure to pay on time, will result to a penalty of 8.33% monthly for the late payment, or 100% for the entire year. Individuals, corporations, cooperatives, IP groups, and tenured migrants may apply for SAPA.
SO, WHY SIARGAO?
The local government of Siargao, headed by incumbent Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas, they have set regulation and partnership between the local government, NGOs, and commercial entities in the island. A master plan is in place to ensure that existing, and up-and-coming businesses keep a close eye on sustainable tourism and development in the island. Learning from the Boracay experience, there should be a well-thought of and well-planned development in Siargao, specific to sewage and waste management, urban planning, and tourism regulation. There is now ease of putting up businesses and investing, with the availability of properties, and buyers and sellers in the area. Investors and businessmen alike have set their eye on developing Siargao, but with a more conscious effort to fashion it into a paradise island, a relatively untouched region which has always been part of its charm. If you are keen on investing and acquiring properties in Siargao, please check www.pinnacle.ph or email sales@pinnacle.ph for your real estate needs.
By Warianne Torrente | May 2018
Feature image courtesy of Kawayan Siargao Resort
