DOT-9 Regional Director Dara May Cataluña distributes skimboards to youth participants of Barangay Bolong during the two-day Skimboarding Clinic and Certification. (photo credits to Bolong - Barangay Information Officer Network)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) —In a significant move for youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and tourism growth, Barangay Bolong has launched the city’s first skimboarding community.
Initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 9 with support from the local government, a two-day Skimboarding Clinic and Certification event occurred, marking a notable achievement as the coastal barangay leads in introducing this exciting watersport to the city.
With its extensive coastlines and pristine shores, Bolong was selected as the ideal test site for this initiative.
This multisectoral event united both in-school and out-of-school youth for orientation and practical skimboarding training. Additionally, the program included discussions on social issues, featuring an anti-illegal drug session led by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-9 Regional Director Maharni Gadaoni-Tosoc.
Participants not only mastered the basics of skimboarding from experienced instructors of Argao Cebu Boardriders, led by Josemar Magtagad, but also received their own boards to begin their practice.
“Skimboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a way to protect coastal areas and create opportunities in livelihood and tourism,” Magtagad said. “If we can establish Zamboanga as a skimboarding destination, the opportunities are limitless.”
Meanwhile, DOT-9 Regional Director Dara May Cataluña revealed that the program’s vision originated in 2023 as part of a broader effort to give Zamboanga Peninsula a distinct tourism identity.
“Other regions have their signature sports—Siargao is known for surfing, as is La Union,” Cataluña remarked. “Zamboanga may lack strong surf waves, but our gentle waves are perfect for skimboarding.”
Recognizing that dive tourism often requires expensive equipment and that private investments are still limited, the DOT identified skimboarding as a more accessible and sustainable alternative.
“Skimboarding demands less equipment while delivering significant outcomes—physical activity, income generation and environmental care all rolled into one,” added Cataluña.
Beginning with trial runs in Sindangan and Labason, the program found its greatest promise in Bolong. A previous DOT-led initiative for senior citizens in the barangay showcased the community’s commitment to environmental maintenance through measures like environmental fees, which are designated to keep their coastline clean.
Cataluña emphasized that the clinic was not merely a one-time event but the culmination of a well-planned and executed initiative now entrusted to the barangay for ongoing sustainability.
“This is the opportunity to start early,” she said. “Our aim is to assist the youth—particularly the children of fisherfolk—in earning income, staying physically active and becoming environmental stewards.”
Bolong is actively building a skimboarding clinic next to the barangay hall, demonstrating its dedication to supporting the activity.
As Zamboanga City embraces this new coastal sport, Barangay Bolong emerges as a promising model for other coastal communities in Zamboanga City that seek to blend sports, sustainability and youth empowerment significantly.(EDT/JFT/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)
