BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur — With its rich marine biodiversity and scenic coastal charm, Bislig City is positioning itself as the next big destination for sustainable marine tourism in the Caraga Region.
From July 28 to 30, 2025, a series of tourism-centered activities underscored the city’s commitment to environmentally conscious and inclusive development. Highlighting the initiative was the exploratory visit of the Freedive Caraga Team, led by Coach Niccolo Stevens Henson, to assess Bislig’s potential for freediving and marine ecotourism. The team was warmly received by Tourism Division Head Ms. Lorelei Teresa D. Lim, and paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Florencio C. Garay, who, along with officials from the City Planning Development Office (CPDO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), welcomed the delegation.
In discussions with local authorities, the Freedive Caraga Team emphasized the ecological and economic benefits of marine-based tourism. Site assessments were conducted in coordination with city offices to evaluate the area’s suitability for freediving activities and sustainable tourism practices. The visit marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to turn Bislig’s coastal resources into a model for conservation-driven livelihood development.
Complementing this momentum, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga, in partnership with the City Government of Bislig, hosted a 2-Day Tourism Awareness and Capability Building Seminar at the scenic Bislig Highland Function Farm on July 28–29. The seminar brought together representatives from all 24 barangays and various LGU departments to enhance their capacity to promote responsible, inclusive, and service-oriented tourism.
Participants engaged in sessions on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence, Child-Safe Tourism, and Tourism Awareness, gaining practical knowledge and insights from DOT Caraga resource persons. Through interactive lectures and discussions, the seminar aimed to instill a deeper understanding of tourism as a vital driver for local development and environmental stewardship.
With strong institutional support and growing community involvement, Bislig City is paving the way to become a premier destination for sustainable marine tourism, where conservation, culture, and livelihood intersect for long-term progress.