SURIGAO CITY — Surigao City lies along a natural maritime crossroads, yet it has not fully maximized this advantage. A proposal presented in May 2026 seeks to change that through the Surigao City Yacht Marina Development Project, which was introduced to investors as an initiative designed to attract cruising yachts, generate employment, and integrate the city into international nautical tourism routes.
From TIEZA Standout to Global Investment Portfolio
The Surigao City Yacht Marina Development Project stood out among 17 proposals showcased nationwide during the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) Investment Pitching. It secured a position among the top five projects, a distinction that led to its inclusion in the prestigious United Nations Tourism Investment Portfolio. This recognition provides global visibility and opens opportunities for international investors, development partners, and financing institutions. Department of Tourism Caraga Director Yvonnie B. Dumadag stated that the pitching event held on December 16, 2025, in Pasay City formed part of the Philippine Tourism Investment Portfolio, an organized, data-driven effort aimed at improving the country’s competitiveness in sustainable and high-impact tourism investments.
Strategic Gateway and Mayor’s Personal Push
Positioned as a key gateway to Mindanao, Surigao City’s proposal seeks to attract both domestic and international yacht travelers, strengthen nautical tourism networks, and promote inclusive growth through employment generation and support for related industries. During the final boot camp presentation, Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves L. Dumlao II personally defended the project before investors, tourism stakeholders, and industry experts, emphasizing its market viability, sustainability framework, and strategic geographic advantage.
Building on a Foundation of Existing Yacht Traffic
The project builds on existing maritime activity rather than starting from scratch. Surigao City has already established itself as a clearance hub for international yacht cruisers, with records showing that 18 yachts from 12 countries carrying 113 cruisers arrived last year to process immigration requirements. City officials also reported that a total of 32 yachts anchored in the city over the same period, reinforcing its growing relevance in nautical travel routes. The proposed marina site is located in Barangay Balibayon, where the local government has already passed a resolution supporting the initiative as its official entry to the Tourism Champion Challenge Cycle 2.
