SIARGAO, Philippines — The World Surf League (WSL) wants to make sure Filipino surfers get more than just the opportunity to compete against the world's best, with its partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expected to help push the sport's development in the country. WSL president Andrew Stark said bringing the Championship Tour to Cloud 9 was also an opportunity to expose young Filipino surfers to the international competition and give local talents a closer look at what it takes to compete at the highest level. The league worked with the PSC, headed by Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio, to bring the Philippines Pro to Siargao, bringing the Championship Tour to Philippine shores for the first time. Stark welcomed the support extended by the government sports agency and said the league was pleased with the reception it received from the local community. "It's incredible. It's a beautiful place and, you know, we feel very welcome here. We've got a fantastic partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission," Stark said. The WSL also brought local youngsters into the event through its Rising Tides program, where children had the chance to surf with professional athletes, meet the competitors and learn from experienced surfers. It also worked with the Siargao Island Surfing Association on the board caddy program, giving junior surfers a chance to assist competitors with their boards and experience the competition up close. "We really want to make sure we're giving back to the kids," Stark said. Stark was also impressed with the showing of Filipino wildcards John Mark "Marama" Tokong, Jayuard Alciso, Noah Arkfeld and Mara Lopez who faced an international field packed with world champions and established Championship Tour campaigners. He particularly praised Tokong, whose familiarity with Cloud 9 and ability in the water made him a tough competitor even for the visiting stars. "Marama particularly, he is incredible out here. I mean, all the world tour surfers, the world champions, they were scared of him. Like, wow, this guy is unbelievable. He's very talented," Stark said. While both Filipino bets eventually saw their campaigns end, Stark said their participation gave them valuable exposure. Their appearances in the Championship Tour were carried to an international audience through the WSL's broadcasts and digital platforms. "For those Filipino wildcards, it's life-changing for them. They've now been broadcast to the world and their social media followings will go through the roof and they're all over the mainstream media globally," Stark said. Stark believes the exposure could help Tokong, Alciso, Arkfeld and Lopez attract more attention, while also inspiring other Filipino surfers to work toward competing internationally. The Philippines Pro has also provided a boost to Siargao's tourism campaign. Athletes competing in the event have been sharing their experiences on the island through social media, giving their followers a glimpse of Cloud 9, its resorts, restaurants and other local attractions. The WSL said the Championship Tour surfers have a combined social media following of more than 50 million, giving Siargao and the Philippines added exposure to audiences around the world. Stark also revealed that the league is looking at ways to expand its presence in the country, including the possibility of establishing a regional base in the Philippines to support its activities across Southeast Asia. The WSL has already confirmed another edition of the Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 in 2027. "We've confirmed the event for 2027, so we're really excited that Cloud 9, Siargao, Philippines will be back again next year," Stark said. The return will give Filipino surfers another chance to measure themselves against international competition, while local youngsters will have more opportunities to take part in development activities organized alongside the event. TMT