EASTERN Samar launched its bid to rekindle its tourism industry by playing host to the second leg of the 2023 NextGen Pilipinas Surfing National Tour at the Calicoan Island in the municipality of Guiuan.

The weeklong tournament, which started on September 15, featured at least 165 surfers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

It is sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association, the governing body for surfing in the Philippines.

Eastern Samar officials said they are in the process of updating their tourism and environment code to lure back both the local and foreign tourists to enjoy Calicoan Island’s white sand beaches with rocky bottoms.

On top of that goal, the Guiuan town is also seeking to establish itself as the surfing capital in the Visayas.

Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan said the tournament is aimed at promoting tourism and surfing is one of the activities that will boost their tourism.

Coach John Carby of the UPSA said the tournament is backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

He said surfers who will shine in the tournament would be selected to represent the country in the longboard and shortboard events in international competitions.

Meanwhile, lawyer Philip Evardone Jr., who spoke on behalf of the provincial government of Eastern Samar, reiterated the province’s commitment to support the surfing community to raise the level of surfers’ skills.