SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – La Union's hosting of the 2nd World Surfing League (WSL) La Union International Pro Qualifying Series 2024 on January 22-26 at Urbiztondo beach in San Juan town further cements the province's mark as a major surfing destination in the Asia Pacific Region.
 
The United Philippines Surfing Association (UPSA), with the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1 and the Provincial Government of La Union, staged the competition to give the province the chance to widen its economic opportunities through the elevation of its tourism industry.
 
The event was participated in by surfers from various countries, including Japan, Philippines, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, and the United States.
 
More than 100 participants competed in different surfing competitions such as Surfing in Men’s Longboard 1000, Women’s Longboard 1000, Men’s Shortboard 3000, and Women’s Shortboard 3000.

Rogelio “Jay-R” Esquivel from San Juan town in the province bagged the highest award as the Champion in the Men’s Longboard Division.
 
Esquivel's return to competition peaked in the final of the men’s Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) with the highest total of 18.0 out of 20 points.
 
“I’m so happy, so stoked to win the event. Our families, friends, and sponsors are here,” said Esquivel.
 
For the Men’s Shortboard Division, John Mark Tokong of  Siargao, Philippines took the top prize.
 
Tokong clinched a second win with a combined total of 17.90 out of a possible 20, the highest total in the Shortboard division, defeating Sweden’s Kian Martin in the men’s Qualifying  Series (QS) 3000. 
 

In the Women’s Longboard Division, Japan reigned as Kaede Inoue was hailed as champion.
 
Japan, once again, was in the lead in the Women’s Shortboard Division with the victory of Kana Nakashio.
 
In her message, Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David proudly extended her appreciation for giving the province the chance to host a worldwide surfing event.
 
“As we close this chapter, we look forward to more surfing competitions here in La Union as we continue to promote the beauty and excitement of professional surfing. Thank you for being a part of this journey and we hope to see you,” said Ortega-David.
 
The provincial government said the surfing event not only serves as a boost for the tourism industry in the province but also established the call of the province's “bayanihan” initiative. 
 
The event also encourages tourists to cultivate surfing as a sport and the province as a tourist destination.
 
The competition serves as another stepping stone in contributing to the vision of positioning La Union as the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)