Malinao Skate Road Closed by Local Authorities

6 Nov

The end of a Siargao attraction?

Malinao Skate Road, one of Siargao's emerging attractions for skateboarders, tourists and local vendors, has closed to skating and roadside vending as of 5 November 2026.

Malinao Skate Road closed

Located in Barangay Malinao, General Luna, the picturesque coconut-lined road had become a popular gathering place where skateboarders showcased their skills, visitors watched and socialised, and small vendors benefited from the growing crowds.

However, the popularity of the location also brought concerns about traffic congestion, pedestrian access, road safety and disruption to the surrounding community.

The closure has sparked debate among Siargao residents, business owners and visitors, with opinions divided over whether the road should remain a public thoroughfare or continue operating as a recreational attraction.

Click here to view the location on Google Maps >

Why has Malinao Skate Road closed?

New information shared on Facebook suggests that the closure follows months of complaints from local residents and concerns raised with government authorities.

According to a detailed post published by Siargao Secret, the road had developed into a busy recreational and commercial gathering place despite being part of a national road under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The post alleges that residents, property owners and local businesses repeatedly complained about road obstruction, noise, waste, public disturbances and safety concerns.

It provides the following timeline of reported events:

20 February 2026: Formal complaints were reportedly submitted to the local government.
23 February 2026: General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga reportedly acknowledged the complaints.
3 March 2026: Residents and local officials reportedly met to discuss the situation.
5 May 2026: The DPWH reportedly requested sustained road-clearing operations.
14 May 2026: Legal and safety concerns were reportedly discussed during a joint committee hearing.
26 June 2026: The DPWH reportedly installed signs prohibiting recreational activities on the national road.
6 August 2026: Barangay Captain Arnulfo S. Alcala reportedly acknowledged in writing that no barangay ordinance or official authorisation had established the skating venue.
5 November 2026: The closure was announced as taking effect.

These details provide a possible explanation for the closure, suggesting it was not simply a sudden decision to remove a tourist attraction, but the result of an extended dispute over public road access and community safety.

However, the timeline and the contents of the alleged government correspondence have not been independently verified.

Allegations involving local officials

The Facebook report also raises more serious allegations concerning the management of activities around Malinao Skate Road. It claims that complaints were made about unauthorised parking fees and informal payments allegedly collected from vendors operating in the area.

The post names Barangay Captain Arnulfo S. Alcala and other barangay officials in connection with allegations involving parking collections. It also states that the barangay denied official involvement in paid parking activities.

According to the same report, criminal and administrative complaints have reached the Office of the Ombudsman, including alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The Facebook post identifies the following case references:

Criminal complaint: OMB-M-C-OCT-26-0247
Administrative complaint: OMB-M-A-OCT-26-0280

These case references and allegations have not been independently authenticated against official Ombudsman records. The existence of a complaint does not establish wrongdoing, and no finding of guilt should be inferred.

The Facebook report also questions why effective enforcement allegedly took several months, despite repeated complaints and warnings. Whether these reported proceedings directly influenced the closure remains unknown.

Why did Malinao Skate Road become popular?

It started with skating, and grew from the crowd lost at AFAM Bridge.

Local skaters discovered that the road provided a good surface and setting for road surfing, or skating, and because the road is located out of General Luna’s town centre, in a much more quieter location.

Around the end of 2025, local authorities began regulating a similar gathering at AFAM Bridge. More on that here. When the crowd and vendors from the bridge were forced to move on, they naturally began to gather at Malinao Skate Road instead.

In time, visitors to Siargao heard of this gathering and also began to gather here to watch the social show unfold as the day cools, and the sun sets.

A divided community: What are people saying?

A Facebook post announcing the closure in the Siargao Business Classified 2.0 group attracted hundreds of reactions and comments, revealing differing opinions about the decision.

Some residents welcomed the return of a quieter, less congested road.

Cjane Cej expressed support for the closure, commenting:
"Much better !!! It's more peaceful"

Vicelita Bonono Anzano argued that public roads should prioritise their intended purpose:
"A road is not for any game like skating..."

Another commenter, posting anonymously, recalled enjoying Malinao before it became a skating destination, describing the area as a relaxed gathering place before increased traffic and crowded sidewalks changed its atmosphere.

Others were concerned about the economic consequences of removing an attraction that had brought tourists and income to the area.

Barny Barny summed up that concern:
"Bye tourist. Bye income,"

Mattias Nordlöf also questioned the impact on local businesses, writing:
"Siargao really dosent know how to take care of the business.... So sad"

The comments highlight the challenge of balancing the interests of residents who want peaceful, accessible roads with those who value the recreational and economic opportunities the attraction created.

What happens to the local vendors?

One of the biggest questions surrounding the closure is what happens to the small vendors who relied on visitors to Malinao Skate Road. Food stalls and other roadside businesses had an opportunity to earn income from the crowds gathering to watch skateboarders and enjoy the atmosphere.

While restoring uninterrupted public access may benefit residents and motorists, the removal of vending activities could affect livelihoods, particularly if alternative trading locations are not provided.

Several Facebook commenters suggested that Siargao could preserve the economic and recreational benefits of the attraction without compromising public road access.

Christine Cody offered a straightforward suggestion:
"Build a skatepark for skaters"

Maggie Bainbridge proposed a dedicated skatepark in another location, incorporating food vendors, arts and crafts stalls, a small performance stage and eating areas.

Meanwhile, Martial Hernandez suggested developing an organised skatepark and vendor system that would be clean, safe and inclusive of local residents.

These suggestions point towards a possible longer-term solution: separating recreational activities from public traffic while maintaining opportunities for local businesses.

Several dedicated skateparks already exist in Siargao. Perhaps designated vendor spaces could be established at suitable locations alongside these facilities.

Local authority initiatives to support local street vendors

As Siargao continues to grow as a tourism destination, government and tourism organisations are developing facilities that integrate local businesses into designated public spaces, balancing economic opportunities with safer, more organised infrastructure.

Several locations and initiatives highlight this approach.

General Luna Boulevard and Boardwalk

The waterfront area accommodates local food stalls, souvenir sellers and nearby markets, providing opportunities for small businesses in an established public space.

Tourist Rest Area in General Luna

On 29 October 2026, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) inaugurated a new ₱10 million Tourist Rest Area in General Luna.

The facility provides visitor amenities, including restrooms, showers, lounge spaces and charging stations, alongside opportunities for local micro-enterprises and community producers to showcase their products.

Local livelihood programs

Community and enterprise initiatives, including programs associated with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), have also supported opportunities for local entrepreneurs through organised markets and temporary vending activities.

These approaches demonstrate how designated trading areas can provide opportunities for local businesses without obstructing roads, pedestrian access or residential neighbourhoods.

While no specific relocation arrangement for Malinao Skate Road vendors has been confirmed, organised vending spaces elsewhere in General Luna offer a potential model for supporting affected businesses.

Getting tourists to visit these spaces

While creating dedicated spaces for street vendors is a positive step, their success ultimately depends on attracting visitors. Many tourists may not even be aware these locations exist. General Luna Boulevard, for example, does not always attract the busy crowds seen in other popular areas of Siargao, despite offering local food, shopping and waterfront views.

This presents an opportunity for Siargao's tourism authorities to work more closely with local tourism providers, including hostels, hotels, resorts, tour operators and transport services, to actively promote these destinations.

Simple initiatives such as visitor maps, accommodation recommendations, social media campaigns and inclusion in local tours could help direct more visitors towards these designated areas.

After all, relocating vendors is only part of the solution. Ensuring tourists know where to find them is equally important.

With stronger collaboration between tourism authorities and local businesses, Siargao can support its street vendors while keeping public roads safe, accessible and free from unnecessary interruptions.

Finding the right balance for Siargao

Siargao's growing popularity as a tourist destination brings opportunities, but also challenges for communities adjusting to increased visitor numbers.

Attractions such as Malinao Skate Road can develop organically, becoming popular gathering places without necessarily having the infrastructure to accommodate large crowds.

Part of the charm of a place like this is that it grew organically amongst the community and its visitors, without regulation.

However, that same lack of formal planning can create problems when public spaces become increasingly busy.

The reported history of complaints surrounding Malinao Skate Road highlights the importance of balancing tourism development with the everyday needs of local residents.

Public roads must remain safe and accessible. At the same time, supporting small businesses and providing recreational spaces for young people can help ensure tourism benefits the wider community.

A designated recreational area with organised vending spaces could offer a practical alternative if suitable land, funding and community support can be secured.

What do you think? Comment below.

What's next for Malinao Skate Road?

Whether alternative arrangements will be introduced for skateboarders and affected vendors remains to be seen.

The closure also raises broader questions about how Siargao manages popular attractions that develop informally, and how authorities can respond to community concerns before they become prolonged disputes.

As Siargao continues to develop, finding that balance will be essential to preserving the island's character for both locals and visitors.

Editor's note: This article incorporates public Facebook discussions, including claims published by Siargao Secret in November 2026. Allegations involving local officials, government correspondence and Ombudsman proceedings have not been independently verified and should not be interpreted as findings of wrongdoing.