DOT-13 Supports Probe Into Soaring Siargao Airfares
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) has expressed strong support for the call of Surigao del Norte First District Representative Francisco Matugas to investigate the soaring cost of airfares to Siargao Island. This move aims to address growing concerns over travel expenses to one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
“Tourism should remain affordable and inclusive, and not a privilege for only a few,” DOT-13 Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag said in a recent interview. She emphasized that since Siargao Island attracts both local and international visitors, the investigation in the House of Representatives is timely and necessary.
Balancing Growth, Affordability, and Quality
Dumadag added that the priority of the Tourism Secretary, Christina Garcia-Frasco, is to ensure sustainable growth for island destinations like Siargao. “Sustaining this growth involves finding the right balance between affordability, safety, and a high-quality travel experience,” she explained.
Officials reported that from January to August 19, 2025, Siargao welcomed a total of 242,560 tourists. Of these, 167,401 were domestic travelers while 75,159 were international visitors, highlighting the island’s rising popularity.
Public Outcry Over High Airfare Prices
Community members have recently voiced concerns online about the steep increase in round-trip airfares to Siargao, which have climbed to as much as PHP30,000. This surge has sparked debates on whether travel to the island remains accessible to the general public.
Representative Matugas shared his own experience, stating he purchased a Manila-Siargao-Manila ticket for PHP22,000. He also mentioned that the scheduling of the House investigation is being finalized to address these critical issues.
Looking Ahead: Ensuring Inclusive Tourism
Local leaders stressed that tourism’s affordability must be preserved to allow more Filipinos and foreigners to enjoy Siargao’s natural beauty. The ongoing probe aims to uncover the factors behind the fare hikes and seek solutions that support both the industry and travelers.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders hope that policies will emerge to keep air travel costs reasonable without compromising safety and service quality.
For more news and updates on Siargao airfare soaring costs, visit Filipinokami.com.
