NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session
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*22 DEC 14 PI 44
SENATE
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT RECOGNIZING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALER IN THE PROVINCE OF AURORA AS THE "BIRTHPLACE OF PHILIPPINE SURFING" EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is rapidly becoming a popular destination for surfers around the world. In fact, the country has been named as the World's Leading Beach Destination for 2022 at the 29th World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Muscat, Oman. Moreover, lifestyle travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler has also included the Philippines in its list of 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World, taking note of the over 7,000 beautiful islands across the country. And with almost 36,000 kilometers of coastlines and our rich biodiversity, there is something for every local and foreign surfer whether a beginner, amateur, or veteran. Surfing in Aurora Province, started in 1972 when Steve Scott, a surfer who was then staying in Subic Naval Base went to the eastern coast of Luzon with his surfboard and discovered the waves of the then untouched town of Baler. Although foreign to the people of Baler, the surfboard left by Scott paved the way for the locals to learn how to ride the waves. Even after the trip of Scott in Baler, foreigners from Surfer Magazine also visited the town in 1977 in search of a place where surfing competition can take place. Their visit was even documented in a film entitled "Explore the Amazing Land of the Philippines-True Adventure Documentary". The water sport was made more famous in the province after the filming of Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" in 1978, which highlighted the beautiful waves of Baler that are suitable for year-round surfing. While there are many surfing sites in the country. Baler stands out as it holds the oldest local surfing community which is still existing up until today. Baler, Aurora also offers a variety of surfing sites spanning from right-hand reef break of Cobra Reef