CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Visitors to Siargao can expect cleaner facilities, safer streets, and a smoother travel experience as General Luna races to complete upgrades at Cloud 9 before the WSL Championship Tour heads to Siargao: Cloud 9 to host world's elite surfers this October.
Town officials and tourism leaders inspected key project sites on July 31 to ensure improvements are on track before international surfers and thousands of visitors arrive for the competition, scheduled from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10.
Among the projects nearing completion are the rehabilitation of the iconic Cloud 9 boardwalk tower, a dedicated first-aid station and a modern rest area for tourists and residents.
The town is also building new public restrooms with outdoor showers, giving beachgoers and surfers better access to clean facilities after spending time in the water.
At the General Luna boat terminal, a redesigned waiting area aims to make island-hopping trips more organized, safer and more convenient for travelers.
Officials also inspected General Luna Boulevard, locally known as Paseo de Cabuntog, where road and sidewalk improvements are planned to make the busy tourism strip safer and easier to navigate, especially during peak visitor periods and night markets.
Power utility crews are upgrading electrical lines along the boulevard to help reduce the risk of outages during the international surfing event.
Local officials said the infrastructure projects are designed not only to prepare for the World Surf League Championship Tour but also to provide long-term benefits for residents, businesses and future visitors.
The tournament is expected to draw thousands of spectators and athletes, boosting occupancy in hotels, increasing customers for restaurants and shops, and reinforcing Siargao's reputation as one of the world's premier surfing destinations. Beyond the commercial boost, events of this caliber capture An island’s heartbeat: The day Siargao’s youth shares the lineup with their heroes, ensuring the international competition leaves a lasting legacy for local residents and future generations. (Dave Achondo, Editorial Assistant)
