Camille Naredo

The Philippine Sports Commission together with officials of the World Surf League, July 14, 2026 in Malate. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

World Surf League

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784032934038viber_image_2026-07-14_19-33-55-349.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="The Philippine Sports Commission together with officials of the World Surf League, July 14, 2026 in Malate. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News"/>The Philippine Sports Commission together with officials of the World Surf League, July 14, 2026 in Malate. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News</div>MANILA — The Philippines is set to make history in international surfing after Cloud 9 in Siargao was officially named a stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour for the 2026–2027 seasons, placing the country’s premier surfing destination alongside the world’s most prestigious surf breaks.The inaugural Championship Tour event in Siargao is scheduled from October 31 to November 10, where the world’s top surfers will compete on the iconic Cloud 9 wave.Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio described the development as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the country.“Engrande, one of a kind. Wala sa panaginip ng bawat Pilipino, wala sa panaginip ng mga taga-Siargao,” Gregorio said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/2/siargao-s-cloud-9-added-to-world-surf-league-championship-tour-for-2026-2027-1303">READ: Siargao&#x27;s Cloud 9 added to World Surf League Championship Tour for 2026, 2027 </a></div>He likened the WSL Championship Tour to the biggest events in global sports.“Kung baga sa tennis, ito ang Wimbledon. Kung baga sa Formula 1, ito ang Formula 1. Sa football, ito ang FIFA. &#x27;Yan ang mangyayari sa Siargao,” he said.Gregorio added that hosting the Championship Tour not only elevates Philippine sports but also strengthens the country’s tourism campaign.“The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events,” he said, noting the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and WSL Ambassador Vincent Marcos in bringing the event to the country.The PSC chief also highlighted the opportunity for Filipino surfers, particularly local standout Marama Tokong, who will receive a special entry into the Championship Tour.“For the longest time, hindi siya nakaka-qualify sa Championship Tour. Ngayon may pagkakataon siyang manalo dahil may special slot para sa Filipino surfer. Opportunity ito na hindi mapapalitan,” Gregorio said.He expressed hope that a successful hosting over the next two years could pave the way for Siargao to remain a regular stop on the global tour.WSL Ambassador Vincent Marcos acknowledged that hosting an event of this scale will require significant improvements to the island’s infrastructure but said preparations are already underway with local government officials.“Siargao is pretty small, so infrastructure will definitely have to be improved,” Marcos said.“We’re talking to the local government, and we have a bunch of plans to secure all these upgrades before the competition.”Marcos added that the global attention brought by the Championship Tour could accelerate long-term improvements, including upgrades to the island’s airport and transportation.“This competition isn’t just about the event itself, it’s about improving the whole island in general,” he said.WSL Asia-Pacific President Andrew Stark said the Championship Tour will bring substantial economic benefits to Siargao.According to Stark, around 24 men and 16 women will compete, accompanied by coaches, managers, sports psychologists, surfboard shapers, family members, event staff, broadcasters, and international media.“In just the athlete entourage, event staff and media alone, there will be over 500 people,” Stark said. “But overall, we’ll see thousands of people travel to these events from around the world.”He cited the example of Raglan, New Zealand, where a WSL Championship Tour event generated more economic activity than the community’s peak Christmas and New Year season.General Luna Vice Mayor Dr. Romina “Minmin” Sajulga said hosting the Championship Tour is a dream come true for the people of Siargao.“It’s very overwhelming. It’s unbelievable,” Sajulga said.“Not even in our wildest dreams did we imagine that the Championship Tour would come to Siargao.”She said the local government, together with national agencies including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Philippine Ports Authority, and Department of Tourism, is working to complete infrastructure upgrades, improve health and security facilities, expand accommodations, and fast-track the construction of the new Cloud 9 Tower before the competition.Meanwhile, Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Gissela Marie Romualdez Quisumbing emphasized that the benefits of hosting the event extend beyond visitor arrivals.“Hosting international events like this goes beyond tourist arrivals itself,” Quisumbing said.“It increases demand for restaurants, accommodations, tourism sites, and creates a significant economic impact for the Philippine tourism sector.”She added that the DOT is fully supporting the event through aggressive marketing and promotional campaigns to showcase the Philippines to the global surfing community.

The Philippines is set to make history in international surfing after Cloud 9 in Siargao was officially named a stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour for the 2026–2027 seasons, placing the country’s premier surfing destination alongside the world’s most prestigious surf breaks.

The Philippines is set to make history in international surfing after Cloud 9 in Siargao was officially named a stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour for the 2026–2027 seasons, placing the country’s premier surfing destination alongside the world’s most prestigious surf breaks.

PH set for historic hosting as Cloud 9 in Siargao included in World Surf League Championship Tour

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PH set for historic hosting as Cloud 9 in Siargao included in World Surf League Championship Tour

Ganiel Krishnan,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 14, 2026 08:43 PM PHT

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Updated July 14, 2026 10:01 PM PHT

Read More:

surfing

Cloud 9

Siargao

World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour

Philippine Sports Commission

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