CLAVER, Surigao del Norte—“Indeed, mining and tourism can coexist!”

This was the gist of the speech of Claver municipal Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee during the opening of the town's first-ever Invitational Surfing Competition at the Lawihon Boulevard, Barangay Tayaga on November 12, 2021.

“We would like to prove that Claver is not just a place for mining, but also a destination for those seeking adventures and beautiful attractions,” Gokiangkee said.

The three-day water-sports competition was participated by at least 70 professional and amateur surfers from different municipalities in Siargao Island and also from the province's mainland areas.

Governor Francisco Matugas together and Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee graced the event, along with municipal officials headed by Vice Mayor Narlito G. Jamesula, Provincial Tourism Office representative Josephine Egay, Tayaga Punong Barangay Arneil Laurena, TMC officials, as well as representatives from mining companies such as Platinum Group Metals Corporation (PGMC), Adnama Mining Resources Incorporated (AMRI) and the processing plant, the Taganito HPAL Nickel Corporation.

Meanwhile, the champions for both divisions received PHP15,000 and the runners-up received PHP10,000 PHP7,000 and PHP5,000 each, respectively.

The municipality of Claver is known as the mining capital of Surigao del Norte, being a host of at least four of the 11 operating mines in the province.