BORONGAN CITY (PIA) – The first leg of the 10th Season of the Philippine Kiteboarding Tour officially commenced on November 28 through an opening ceremony at the Surf City Tent along Baybay Boulevard in this city, marking a significant milestone as the first kiteboarding event in the Eastern Visayas region.
Borongan welcomed some 50 kiteboarders, including international participants from Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Thailand, Lithuania, China, and Japan.
Local talents from Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera, Cagbalete, Cebu, and Manila are also vying for the top spots in their respective categories.
Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda welcomed the participants and shared insights into Borongan’s unique natural landscape.
“Sixty percent of our land area is rainforest and we are bent to protect this natural treasure which protects us from strong typhoons… And with God’s grace, I believe you would have a favorable competition here,” Agda added.
Philippine Kiteboarding Association (PKA) President John Ortiz expressed his gratitude to Borongan City for hosting the event, noting the community’s passion for preserving their environment.
According to Rupert Ambil, tourism officer-designate of the city of Borongan, the prestigious event features three competitive categories: Twin-tip Racing, Freestyle, and Foil Racing—with a total prize pool of USD 12,000 or approximately P700,000.
Kiteboarding enthusiasts and tourists alike are expected to gather at Baybay Beach from November 30 to December 1, where athletes will showcase their skill and mastery of the sport against the backdrop of Borongan’s picturesque coastline.
The event is made possible through the support of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in partnership with the City Government of Borongan and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar. (VTG, PIA Eastern Samar)
