Siargao Gears up for the 2nd International Game Fishing Tournament

The First District of Surigao del Norte (composed of Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro), the Department of Tourism, and the local government of Pilar, Siargao Island jointly announced that preparations for the Siargao Invitational Game Fishing Tournament 2009 are now underway.

On its second year, the tournament will be held at the scenic coastal town of Pilar, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte from May 7-9, 2009 and is expected to draw more than a hundred local and foreign anglers from Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan and the United States. Considered as a form of recreational fishing as well as a legitimate sport, the goal in game fishing is to catch the largest bony fish in the open sea.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, together with some local and foreign dignitaries, will grace the opening ceremonies of the tournament. Surigao del Norte Second District Congressman Francisco Matugas, the “Father” of the Tournament said that the event is expected to put the Philippines in the map as an important international game fishing venue. Furthermore, Congressman Matugas stated that the event can boost the island's tourism industry such as world class surfing destination Cloud Nine, gifted with pristine white sand beaches and tropical marine life-rich coral reefs. Cloud Nine is also the largest mangrove forest in the country at 8,760 hectares. Congressman Matugas is resolute that tourism is the prime vehicle for the development of the island and of the whole Province of Surigao del Norte. He believes that once fully developed, the tourism industry will be a major contributor to uplift the lives of the people of his province.

Top prizes amounting to Php. 300,000.00 await the anglers who will gather the highest weight points and heaviest catch of the 3-day international event.

The 2^nd Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament is sponsored by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), San Miguel Brewery, Inc., Duty Free Philippines, and Philippine Tourism Authority

For information on how to be a part of the event, call Ms. Zeny Pallugna at 0929-6721508, email zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph or Atty. Gordon Uy of GoodCatch Fishing Tackle at (02)303-8677. Interested parties can check the Tournament website at www.siargaogamefishing.com.