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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
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of tijp Afci ptnrp
*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


up to the comfortable sandy bottom break of Sabang Beach. And to support the 
development of the growing surfing community and to provide them an avenue to 
showcase their skills and talents, an annual surfing competition, the Aurora Surfing 
Cup, is being held in the province.
Recognizing the role of Baler, Aurora in the early development of surfing in the 
Philippines, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. B. No.1615
of tlie
*22 DEC 14 PI'-44
RECEIVED BV__
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
RECOGNIZING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALER IN THE PROVINCE OF 
AURORA AS THE "BIRTHPLACE OF PHILIPPINE SURFING"
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the role of tourism
2 
as a driver of economic growth and development and shall, therefore, pursue policies
3 
that cultivate, strengthen, and promote the heritage of our tourism destinations.
4 
Towards this end, it shall endeavour to underscore and feature the historical
5 
significance and origins of our world-renowned tourism destinations.
6 
SEC. 2. Municipality of Baler in the province of Aurora as the Birthplace of
7 
Philippine Surfing - In recognition of its status as one of the premiere surfing sites in
8 
the country and for earning a significant spot in the history and origin of Philippine
9 
surfing, it is hereby declared that the Municipality of Baler in the province of Aurora
10 
be the Birthplace of Philippine Surfing.
11 
SEC. 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
12 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general
13 
circulation.
Approved,