Lokal Lab is a grassroots, community-led organization based in Siargao, focused on building a future where development supports both people and the environment. By working closely with local communities, they create nature-based projects that strengthen livelihoods, education, and cultural preservation across the island.
Siargao, now also known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, has changed a lot over the years.
What used to feel quiet and local is now on the global map.
More visitors started coming to the island, staying longer, opening businesses, and building new spaces around tourism. With that growth came more pressure on the people, resources, and culture that define it.
Lokal Lab brings together people across the island who are working toward a shared goal: a version of Siargao where growth supports both community and environment.
Their work moves across education, livelihoods, and environmental initiatives, all tied to one idea: development should benefit the people who call the island home.
Lokal Lab’s roots go back to 2015.
That’s when Analyn, a Siargao local, founded Bayatakan Farm, the island’s first women-led farming association focused on nature-based agriculture and food security.
In 2017, Iris and Mark opened Lokal Snackbar in Burgos, building a tourism model centered on local sourcing and community.
The connection happened that same year.
The two groups met at a local farmers’ market during the Burgos fiesta. What started as a shared moment grew into a collaboration that led to the launch of Lokal Tabo in 2018 — a space where farmers, artisans, and small businesses could sell their work, connect with one another, and engage with locals and visitors alike.
In the early years, everything was self-funded.
Through markets, workshops, cultural events, and collaborations, the network grew. Farmers and artisans gained more visibility, local culture was actively supported, and visitors were brought into the community in a more meaningful way.
In 2019, Lokal Lab formally registered as a non-profit.
As Siargao faced challenges, Lokal Lab stepped into a larger role.
When the pandemic hit, the focus shifted to food security. During this time, they also launched PASALO, a youth-led journalism initiative giving local voices a platform.
Later that same year, Super Typhoon Rai hit Siargao.
Lokal Lab mobilized quickly, coordinating relief efforts, rebuilding homes, and supporting livelihoods. That work continued beyond immediate aid, evolving into long-term recovery.
Now, Lokal Lab offers vocational training, community-led livelihood programs, social enterprises and collaborates with partners to support long-term island development.
That same perspective is what connects Lokal Lab to Queen of the Point.
“Supporting Queen of the Point means for Lokal Lab that we align on so many points, such as ensuring that the future of surfing and tourism in Siargao or other destinations is as equitable as it is sustainable. It’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between global tourism and local community-led advocacy. By co-hosting the “Treading Lightly” panel with QOTP, we prove that the surfing community can be a powerful ally in protecting the very islands that host them,” says Mark David Pintucan, Executive Director & Partnerships Management of Lokal Lab.
The Impact Lokal Lab Continues to Make
Siargao is still evolving.
More visitors. More development. More attention.
Lokal Lab’s work sits right in the middle of that.
Through collaborations with farmers, builders, local businesses, and government partners, they are helping shape how that growth unfolds. This includes areas like regenerative agriculture, sustainable tourism practices, and cultural preservation.
- The goal is to guide development in a way that supports both people and the environment.
- The impact shows up in both small and larger ways.
- Farmers are gaining more stability in how they work and sell their products.
- Artisans create sustainable income through their craft.
- Young people finding their voice through storytelling.
- Land is being used in ways that support long-term sustainability.
It’s not always obvious immediately, but over time, you begin to see how it’s positively shaping the island.
We are proud to call Lokal Lab a partner of Queen of the Point and part of the broader effort shaping the future of surfing in Siargao.
If you spend time on the island, you will start to notice their work and how it is becoming part of how Siargao moves forward.
There are a few simple ways to support Lokal Lab and the work they are doing on the island:
- Visit Lokal Snackbar and support locally sourced food.
- Explore Lokal Tabo and shop directly from local artisans.
- Participate in a Lokal Experience or sustainable tour to learn and support responsible tourism.
- Donate to help fund community programs and sustain long-term projects.
- Help spread the word—share Lokal Lab’s work and mission with your network and online communities.
- Choose businesses on Siargao that prioritize sustainability and community impact when you visit.
Every small decision adds up.
Especially in places like Siargao, where the future is being shaped in real time.
Written by Babsi Wilson