Siargao Island, acknowledged as the country’s surfing capital because of its prestigious international tournaments, may soon be a hub of the world’s digital nomads.
This after it recently hosted the first Philippine Digital Nomad Summit to recognize and bring into the mainstream the emerging informal workforce of digital professionals working in various parts of the archipelago.
Siargao’s tourism stakeholders, high-ranking government officials, IT professionals, local government officials, and freelance workers who form the so-called digital nomad workforce attended the event organized by Barefoot IT and supported by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines.
The summit highlighted House Bill No. 8165, or the Digital Nomad Visa Bill, filed by Surigao del Norte First District Rep. Francisco Jose Matugas II, which seeks to attract to the Philippines more foreign travelers who work remotely from their home countries doing internet-based jobs.
The draft measure authorizes the Bureau of Immigration to issue 12-month digital nomad visas, similar to those granted by 54 countries that have been implementing IT-based working schemes in recent years.
Matugas said that this unique visa type was formulated by various governments around the world for remote workers who spend more money than the typical tourists, do not strain public services, and start enterprises that create jobs and income opportunities for the communities.
The three-day conference also discussed digital infrastructure, connectivity, and support ecosystem in Siargao and related concerns such as power supply and financial inclusivity. The confab also tackled the prospects of the creative industry, game development, and tourism-related enterprises in island economies across the Philippines.
Also in attendance was Siquijor Governor Jake Villa, who explored the potential of digital nomadism in the island province, an emerging tourist hotspot in Central Visayas.
The event was also able to secure commitments from government agencies and telecommunications companies to improve internet connectivity in Siargao to help boost the booming online industry.
Moreover, the participants signed a joint statement and declaration to take the summit to the next level in partnership with government information technology agencies.
Situated on the Pacific seaboard of northeastern Mindanao, Siargao is also known for powdery white beaches, charming islets and coves, crystalline seas, and impressive bodies of water and natural wonders.