There's a Bill That Declares La Union as the "Surfing Capital of the North"

IMAGE Ruth Delano

(SPOT.ph) La Union, specifically the town of San Juan, has always been known as the "Surfing Capital of the North" because of the province's robust surf-centric tourism. To make this official, ABONO Party List Rep. Vini Nola Ortega filed House Bill 3412, an act "declaring the municipality of San Juan, La Union as a tourist destination and the 'Surfing Capital of the North,'" on November 21, 2017. It was approved on the third and final reading of the House of Representatives on January 2.

IMAGE Ruth Delano 

IMAGE Christa I. De La Cruz

The province's long coastline facing the West Philippine Sea receives consistent swells thanks to the northeast winds (amihan) from October to March and the southwest monsoon (habagat) from July to September. That's almost a whole year of good ol’ shaka fun. It also boasts amazing waterfalls, interesting geographic formations, heritage sites, and a whole slew of beachside restaurants.

Should the "La Union, Surfing Capital of the North Act" move swiftly in the Upper House, it will mandate the Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other government agencies to prepare a tourism development plan. This implementation includes construction and maintenance of facilities, funding, and security.

This is great news for local tourism. We just hope it won’t turn La Union into another Boracay.