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Friday, January 31, 2003
Surigao del Sur plans to boost eco-tourism spots
Surigao del Sur has a lot of potentials in tourism, forest resources, mining industry, marine resources and agriculture, allowing its government to currently work on the enhancement and development of these fields.
With this, the province is about to graduate from the ‘club 20 forest provinces’ in the country, Gov. Vicente T. Pimentel told Cebuano journalists in a courtesy call during the familiarization tour recently organized and sponsored by Asian Spirit (AS) Airline, the country’s first airline cooperative that flies from Cebu direct to Tandag (Surigao Sur’s capital city) secondary airport.
Tandag Mayor Marybeth Delgado and AS-Tandag general sales agent and provincial prosecutor Rey (husband of Marybeth) accommodated the participants and toured them to potential tourist destinations and business spots in the province.
Courtesy calls and press conferences with Mayors Lillian Lozada of Cagwait, Manuel Alameda of San Agustin, Algerico Irizari of Lanuza and Tomasa Guardo of Cantilan were also conducted.
The mayors talked about the tourism plans and projects for their respective municipalities.
Biggest iron deposit
Delgado said Surigao del Sur still has the biggest iron deposit in the world and remains the richest in forest resources especially narra.
“Surigao is open to any investment. In fishery, daghan kaayo dinhig alimango and we also have lots of lobsters and prawns, however, no means of transportation is available to bring these to Cebu, that is why we invited Asian Sprit to fly to Tandag,” she explained.
The province is also rich in tuna. In fact, more than 28 kilos of big tuna can be caught using the hook and line.
Abaca-weaving, Kaliguan festival
Lozada spoke about the Nagkahiusang Kababayen-an sa Cagwait (NKC), an association that makes abaca-weaving a source of livelihood. “Aside from livelihood, we have trainings on abaca-weaving—more of local consumption. People from abroad purchase from us.”
The Homestay Owners Association (HOA) was also launched to accommodate visitors especially during the famous Kaliguan Festival held every Jan. 24.
Beach dancing, Pinoy games and a beauty pageant highlight the festival, which has already been part of the Department of Tourism’s calendar of events. San Miguel Beer (SMB) brings in live bands from Cebu and Davao.
Marine, palay, agsamcrafts
“Apart from our 150-hectare marine sanctuary, our marine-coastal potential spots give us the resources needed for trade and commerce. The solid waste management program needs focus in our municipality now,” Alameda admitted.
He also shared about the “Untold Islands” and the Panlangagan, Boslon and Isla Verde islands where tourists can go nature tripping. Irizari said they are going to have a tie-up with the Chamber of Commerce.
“We are one of the biggest palay producers in the province. We also have the Lanuza Marine Park and Sanctuary as well as the Lanuza Agsamcraft Cooperative that provides livelihood for women and children.
Agsamcrafts refer to bracelets, bags and other native accessories made of agsam, a vine that grows in the mountains.
Further projects
Pimentel said the delivery of health services through the Botica sa Barangay program is his administration’s second priority next to repairing farm-to-market roads.
An 800-kilometer road has been constructed already and the project will continue, he added.
“We are largely promoting the mining industry of the province. We have an Australian who has invested and started explorations on nickel mining in Ablay. After five years, they are putting up a plant,” Pimentel said.
Cantilan’s Guardo said her municipality will build a new drainage system after its dengue problem has lessened and farm-to-market roads completed.
“We already did the mini-park in two months. We will also improve our hydroelectric
source in Sipangpang Falls by tying up with the Development Bank of the Philippines. We plan to borrow P40 million from DBP to complete such a project,” the mayor revealed.
In Cantilan, Bayantel Communication services are already offered. Currently, Tandag Electric Co. (Telco) has 150 house subscribers.
Asian Spirit flies to Tandag every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 am. For tickets and reservations, one may call 341-3551, 341-2553 or 341-2555. (Rudynah D. Entera, PR-features writer)
(January 31, 2003 issue)
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