Survivor TV series scouts Dinagat Islands for new season

BUTUAN CITY–The rugged and pristine terrain of the Dinagat Islands may soon be the setting for an international television event, as producers of the popular reality series Survivor plan to scout the province for its upcoming season.

In a letter to provincial officials, John Bel Martinez of Philippine Film Studios, Inc. (PFSI), the local co-production partner for the international franchise, outlined plans for location scouting between December 2025 and January 2026. The search is for remote islands with minimal human footprint, ranging from lightly touched environments to completely uninhabited natural reserves.

In an interview Saturday, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. welcomed the prospect, calling it a “tremendous opportunity” for the province.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Dinagat Islands to be showcased on the global stage,” he said. “We have islands that are pristine, untouched, and naturally breathtaking. These are perfect for the kind of immersive and rugged experience that Survivor is known for.”

He highlighted the project’s potential to boost sustainable tourism and raise global awareness about the province’s ecological richness. PFSI, which has facilitated Survivor productions for such countries as France, Sweden, and the United States, is known for working in challenging locations.

Martinez assured in his letter that the company would work closely with local officials and communities to ensure the process aligns with environmental and cultural sensitivities.

“We are ready to assist PFSI in identifying suitable sites and providing logistical support. This project could be a game-changer for Dinagat,” Demerey said, pledging the provincial government’s full cooperation.

If selected, a Dinagat Islands season would be a milestone, transforming the province into a prime destination for international adventure tourism and eco-conscious filmmaking. (PNA)