The declaration of Borongan City as being under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) is expected to strengthen not only the city’s appeal to visitors and tourists but also enhance the image of the entire province of Eastern Samar.
Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales said the SIPSC declaration sends a positive message to prospective travelers, noting that tourists often consider the peace and security situation in a provincial capital before deciding to visit.
According to Gonzales, concerns over safety can discourage tourists from pushing through with their travel plans.
With Borongan City now officially classified as insurgency-free, he believes the designation will help attract more visitors to both the city and the province, particularly with the availability of regular commercial flights to Borongan City Airport.
“How can we invite tourists if we still have conflict? We are proud that Borongan has achieved this status since visitors are always concern of what’s going in the provincial capital,” Gonzales said in a statement on Wednesday.
This city was declared on July 13 as insurgency-free, becoming the 21st local government unit in Eastern Samar to achieve the security milestone.
The city government has been positioning Borongan as one of the country’s emerging surfing destinations. Since 2019, it has hosted the annual Surf City Competition at Baybay Beach, a surfing spot located within the city proper.
The event has attracted hundreds of surfers and enthusiasts not only from Eastern Samar and the rest of Eastern Visayas but also from other parts of the country.
Beyond surfing, the city government is also developing several island barangays as potential diving destinations in Eastern Visayas. It recently reopened the Hebacong Sea of Clouds and Nature Park in the upland village of Hebacong, adding another attraction for nature and adventure tourists.
Improved air connectivity is also expected to support the city’s tourism growth. Philippine Airlines has increased its Borongan-Manila service via Cebu from two flights a week to three flights weekly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Eastern Samar also offers a wide range of tourist destinations, including natural attractions, historical landmarks and pilgrimage sites.
Among the province’s notable destinations are the Balangiga Bells in Balangiga, San Antonio de Padua Church in Sulangan, surfing beaches of Calicoan, Canhugas Nature Park in Hernani, Minasangay Island Ecological Park in Balangkayan, Amandaraga Falls in Lawaan, Sanizi Falls in Jipapad, Apiton Island in San Policarpo and Higunom Island in Arteche, among others. (PNA)
