A tourist goes around Sugba Lagoon on a paddleboard in Del Carmen, Siargao in Surigao del Norte. MindaNews file photo by IVY MARIE MANGADLAO
BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews / 10 January) – Tourists visiting Siargao Island will have to skip Sugba Lagoon in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, as this prime destination will be temporarily closed from January 10 to February 10 for its annual environmental rehabilitation and facility maintenance.
The annual closure is mandated by Municipal Ordinance No. 045 of 2019, which declares a 32-day “Tourist Holiday” every year.
The ordinance prohibits entry and other activities within Sugba Lagoon in Barangay Caub during this period to allow for the repair and maintenance of tourism facilities and the environmental recovery of the site.
While the lagoon is closed, the tourism office of Del Carmen assured visitors that other attractions, such as the Mangrove Forest, Kawhagan Sandbar, and Pamomoan Beach, remain open.
Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo Coro II told MindaNews via Messenger chat that Sugba Lagoon’s annual closure is part of the town’s efforts to ensure that nature will have the opportunity to rest and recover.
“As a habitat with limited water flow, it is imperative to allow time for the community to assess the ecosystem, repair infrastructure, and conduct training to improve the tourist experience,” Coro said.
The mayor added that legislating this practice underscores its value and importance in ecosystem management.
“We hope more and more LGUs and communities will adopt similar practices, allowing ecosystems to rest so future generations can continue to enjoy their beauty and benefits,” he added.
Coro also emphasized that the temporary closure reflects the values of the people of Del Carmen, who prioritize culture, nature, and family.
“We want all generations to benefit from Sugba Lagoon and the unique biodiversity and beauty of Del Carmen,” he said.
Sugba Lagoon remains one of the top tourist destinations in Siargao Island. Visitors must traverse a vast mangrove forest from Del Carmen Port to reach Kangbangyo Island, where the lagoon is located, via a 20–30-minute boat ride.
In 2024, the municipality of Del Carmen was named the regional awardee for Eco-Tourism Destination of the Year under the Philippine Tourism Awards by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“Recognized for its achievements and contributions to tourism, the municipality promotes green tourism and biodiversity-friendly activities,” DOT-Caraga said.
The Eco-Tourism Destination of the Year award celebrates destinations that not only offer unforgettable experiences but also significantly contribute to environmental preservation.
Del Carmen will represent the Caraga region in the national selection of the Philippine Tourism Awards later this year.
In 2023, Siargao recorded a total of 529,822 tourist arrivals, with 476,074 domestic visitors and 53,748 foreign visitors, according to DOT-Caraga records.
DOT-13 noted that they are still consolidating data for 2024, as they await submissions from several local government units. (Ivy Marie Mangadlao/MindaNews)