The iconic boardwalk at Cloud 9 in Siargao, alongside with ‘Jacking Horse,’ two of the most sought-after surfing destinations in the Philippines, is once again open to the public after weeks of repair and retrofitting to ensure the safety and pleasure of foreign and local tourists visiting the island.
Through the approved ordinance, the Municipality of General Luna will also charge non-resident surfers and tourists some minimal “conservation and admission fee” for the use, access, and entry at the Cloud 9 facilities.
“Management and regulation of tourism facilities is the primary concern of the municipality and reciprocal concern must be shared by all tourists, guests, and visitors in order to protect, promote, conserve and maintain the development that has been generated,” the Municipal Council said in the ordinance.
Under the “Cloud 9 Conservation and Admission Fee Ordinance of 2018,” stringent measures will be implemented including the limiting of the deck’s carrying capacity as well as the bringing in of food and drinks.
To ensure cleanliness and sound environmental surroundings, the ordinance will also strictly prohibit the bringing in of plastic bottles and smoking at the boardwalk and in the entire Cloud 9 facilities.
The ordinance also calls for “reciprocity” from the public by implementing a P50 fee for all non-General Luna residents, foreign or local, who wants to gain entry to the 300-meter boardwalk and viewing deck.
The local council explained that yearly, the municipality has to shell out a huge amount for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the facilities and throughout the years, it has been free access to the public.
During the repair and retrofitting stages, Surigao Del Norte 1st Dist. Rep. Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas donated two sets of tents to serve as first aid stations, as well first aid and trauma kits in support of the safety measures that the local government is undertaking.
The solon said an ambulance will be regularly stationed at Cloud 9 to ensure quick response in times of emergency situation.
“We want to organize and systematize the reception of visitors, most especially securing their safety and keeping Cloud 9 clean. The collection of the admission fee is for the control and maintenance of the boardwalk, and for the effective collection of garbage. That way, visitors will have the best wholesome experience in Siargao’s Cloud 9,” Matugas said at the sidelines of facility’s reopening last Sunday.
According to the newly-passed ordinance, money generated from the fee will be put in a trust fund to support the conservation, maintenance, management, and improvement of the boardwalk, including its human resource complement, and will be administered under the office of the municipal mayor.
Thru the auspices of then Surigao del Norte Gov. Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and Mayor Jaime Rusillon, a one-storey Cloud 9 boardwalk was erected in 1996, almost two years after the island hosted the 1st International Surfing Competition.
It was only in 2011 when the deck was elevated to three storey high.
Gen. Luna is fast becoming a major tourist destination famous for its sugary fine white beaches, pristine crystal clear water and huge gigantic waves, named by early surfing enthusiasts themselves as Cloud 9.
