BALER, Aurora (PIA) — Aurora staged its 18th annual surfing challenge to promote coastal heritage and expand tourism-based livelihood opportunities in local communities.
Held as part of the province’s 47th founding anniversary celebration, the event gathered about 100 local and visiting surfers at Sabang Beach in Baler, known for its strong Pacific waves and established surf tradition.
Provincial Tourism Officer Ana Riza Mendoza said the competition welcomed both beginners and seasoned athletes, providing a platform for skill growth, sportsmanship, and mentorship across age groups in what is widely regarded as the country’s earliest surfing site.
Participants competed in men’s open and shortboard, women’s open and shortboard, junior boys, junior girls, and master divisions.
A total prize fund of ₱253,500 drew wider participation and encouraged youth involvement in the sport.
Mendoza said the activity forms part of the provincial government’s long-term strategy to strengthen Aurora’s position in sports tourism while creating steady income streams for residents engaged in travel, food, and related services.
“Through sustained staging of surf competitions, the province supports small businesses, surf instructors, and community vendors who rely on visitor arrivals during major events,” she pressed.
Baler’s status as the birthplace of Philippine surfing, which was officially recognized under Republic Act No.11957, reinforces the province’s historical role in the growth of the Olympic sport nationwide.
By hosting the competition along its Pacific coastline, Aurora continues to anchor tourism development on its natural assets, cultural roots, and community participation. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)
