108 Local Surfers Join Three-Day Odyssey Waves in Guiuan

Posted on October 16, 2026 at 5:29 am

Guiuan, Eastern Samar — A total of 108 surfers from Guiuan joined the three-day Odyssey Waves surfing event in Calicoan Island, which ended on Saturday, October 10.

The event, held from October 8 to 10, was organized by the municipal government under Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, with the participation of the Sangguniang Bayan. Only local surfers were allowed to join, as organizers kept the event modest in line with the national government’s austerity measures.

Gonzales-Kwan said the decision followed Malacañang Memorandum Circular No. 114, series of 2026, issued on March 6, which calls on government agencies and related bodies to limit spending.

The event was supported by the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, led by Governor RV Evardone, along with the Department of Tourism Region VIII and Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Sheen Gonzales.

Speaking on behalf of Evardone, Board Member Nesty Cablao said the competition gave local surfers a chance to show their skills and passion for the sport.

Cablao also credited the cooperation between the municipal and provincial governments for the event’s successful conduct. He encouraged participants who did not advance in their heats to keep practicing and continue competing.

The provincial government provided cash prizes for selected categories, while Representative Gonzales pledged additional awards for top-performing surfers.

Gonzales also committed to providing new infrastructure at ABCD Beach to support tourism and help boost the local economy.

Photo by: Beejay Balagbis