SIDEBAR:  The uneven cost of Siargao’s tourism boom

SIDEBAR:  The uneven cost of Siargao’s tourism boom

MANILA — “Siargao now is being looked at like a party place, with a laidback lifestyle. But for me, it’s so much more than that”, said 27-year-old Maria Tokong, a proud Siargaonon in a Facebook post. “This island is my home, my whole life. We want to preserve our identity and culture while preparing the next generation to carry it forward. It’s the only home we have.” Maria is a mother, musician, and community events organizer who works in local…