
PRESS RELEASE
Siargao’s 2011 international game fishing tournament sets on April 28 to May 01
Contact Person: Zeny C. Pallugna, Philippine Surfing Federation
Email address: psftour@gmail.com / www.siargaogamefishing.com
Mobile number:
Pilar, Siargao Island, Philippines —- Five of the leading sport fishing clubs in the country together with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, House of Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte and the Philippine Surfing Federation convened recently in Manila to officially announce the 4th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament, which is annually held in the town of Pilar in Siargao Island from April 28 to May 01 next year.
The first-ever champion of the Billfish Category of this annual game fishing tournament, Marfin Tan of General Santos City, expressed his full support for next year’s event and committed to bring more anglers from the cities of General Santos and Davao. His group also committed to donate one unit of Honda Marine engine for the local fisherman who will obtain the highest catch in the Billfish Category.
Other leading clubs in the country such as Silver Jack, Cebu Anglers Association, Philippine Sports Fishing Club and Philippine Game Fishing Federation represented by their presidents Peter Lu, Exequel Vergara, Richard Sharp, Bong Castillo, Daniel Lu and Atty. Gordo Uy (the Tournament Director) have also demonstrated their support to this biggest game fishing tournament in the country.
Team Nonino, headed by Noli Manas, is thrilled to be once again participating in this prestigious international tournament and pledged to give two units of 12-footer or 14-footer sports boat to the municipality of Pilar while the two units Honda marine engine will be donated by Congressman Francisco Matugas. The boat will be used to monitor the illegal fishing activities in the municipal waters of Pilar and General Luna where the tournament will be held.
Meanwhile, Congressman Matugas, together with Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas guaranteed to give a total prize money of Php350,000 or more than US$8000 for the tournament.
The four-day tournament, which will start on April 28 and ends on May 01, is expected to be attended by around 100 anglers from United States, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, China, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, and Philippines. The anglers will be vying for the following categories, namely:
1. Main Category (Using outrigger boat)
a. Biggest Billfish Category
b. Biggest Wahoo/Tanguigue
c. Biggest Talakitok
d. Biggest Dorado
e. Biggest Others except shark, stingrays, puffer fish, dolphin and turtles
2. Open Category (Using private yacht or any fishing boat)
a. Biggest Catch
b. Highest Total Catch
Each entry should have a minimum size of 15 kilogram.
Congressman Matugas claimed that Siargao is always hosting teams of experienced big game fishermen for these exciting events, but novice competitors who just want to experience the thrill and camaraderie of sea fishing tournaments are welcome, too.
Governor Matugas is then inviting everyone to get a group of friends or business associates to visit Siargao, The Game Fishing Mecca of the Philippines, and join this fun-filled annual game fishing tournament!
This 4th Siargao International Game Fishing Tournament is the largest and only game fishing event in the Philippines that is being organized and supported by the government.
Siargao can be reached direct by plane from Manila via Cebu through Cebu Pacific every Fridays and Mondays. There is also a daily flight either from Manila to Butuan or Manila to Surigao via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. The Department of Tourism will be providing a shuttle from Butuan/Surigao airport to Surigao City seaport. From there, you can hop-on to a passenger ferryboat to Siargao Island, which has an approximate travel time of two-hours.
Registration fee is Php1000 or US$22 per participant plus Php3,600 for boat rental with boatman for 3-days fishing excluding gasoline. The participants will be housed at the “Homestay” program or “Bed and Breakfast” concept offered by the Department of Tourism. Participants are enjoined to register online at www.siargaogamefishing.com. Deadline of registration is set on 01 April 2011.
For more information or any queries or clarification regarding this tournament, please free to get in touch with Ms. Zeny Pallugna, the Tournament Organizer, through her mobile number or email: + 639296721508 and psftour@gmail.com or zenpallugna@yahoo.com.ph.