The majority of families in Siargao earn a living from fishing, farming or surfing, generating an income that is often barely enough to feed their households.

 

In addition, tourism is rapidly developing in Siargao. When the association set up on the island in 2010, General Luna (the main tourist village) had a dozen hotels and a few restaurants. While tourism developed gradually over the first few years, in 2015 the expansion of tourism took on a new dimension due to the construction of a road linking the main villages on the island. 

 

Whilst this tourism development has its advantages (more jobs, higher living standards, etc.), it brings about big disadvantages such as higher prices, more waste, locals selling their land etc.

 

While some local families have run a hotel or restaurant for many years, the rise in competition, price of equipment and the rapid wear and tear from nature, means that they can no longer maintain or renovate their buildings.

 

It is this fragile economic situation that has motivated all of Siargao Masaya's actions to support the local communities’ development and offer the children of Siargao the opportunity to go to school.