BE Group enters Siargao with largest resort project

CEBU, Philippines — The BE Group of Companies announced its entry to Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, building the largest resort facility in terms of accommodation in the surfing capital of the Philippines.

In a press interview, BE Group president and chief executive officer (CEO) Grand Benedicto said that the company will construct nearly a hundred rooms for the upcoming BE Resort in Siargao, which is targeted to be completed in 2026.

“Siargao is definite for us this year,” said Benedicto, adding that aside from investing in the tourism potential of Siargao, the company is also expanding its room portfolio in Bohol through the BE Grand Resort in Panglao. Additional rooms will be built alongside the establishments of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) facilities at the sprawling six-hectare property situated in Barangay Danao, Panglao Island.

For the Siargao property, Benedicto said the property will be a twist of the BE Mactan Resort, but the twist will be more in line with the Siargao vibe.

“The logistics for construction is being prepared right now,” Benedicto said hinting that actual construction or ground breaking will happen before the end of the first quarter of 2024.

The BE Resort Siargao will be the third hospitality property of the BE Group after the BE Resort Mactan, and the BE Grand Resort in Panglao, Island Bohol.

“We are not big, but we are not small also,” Benedicto said referring to the company’s entry to Siargao. The property is located in General Luna, the center of tourism action on the island.

Benedicto said BE Group’s presence in Siargao is seen to level up the accommodation service standard on the island.

In an earlier interview with Surigao del Norte first district representative Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas, said that aside from surfing, Siargao is also developing other niche attractions positioning the island as a game fishing mecca in Asia.

Department of Tourism-Caraga regional director Ivonnie B. Dumadag told The Freeman yesterday, that the entry of BE Resort brand in Siargao is a welcome development.

“Siargao needs the contemporary accommodations that BE Resort is known for,” Dumadag said.

To date, Siargao has a total of 1,270 hotel/resort rooms provided by 148 DOT-accredited establishments.

Dumadag however, reminded that while fresh developments and investments are welcome, a serious implementation of sustainable resort operation is important.

“Our challenge for the resort is to ensure their operations will support sustainable tourism in Siargao,” stressed Dumadag, adding that what Siargao needs right now is to host green hotels.

According to Dumadag, Siargao now has no sanitary landfill facility all over the island, “there is also no common Sewage Treatment Plant for the island’s accommodations and establishments [although they are working on it]. So, the green hotel is a must.” — (FREEMAN)