P500 million nautical highway project up for discussion

05/23/11 - BUCAS GRANDE, Surigao del Norte – Discussions are underway on the construction of a Php 500 million nautical highway project that will connect connect mainland Surigao, Bucas Grande Island and Siargao Island.

The nautical highway project will be presented during the first Regional Development Council meeting on Sunday with the NEDA and other concerned government agencies.

The route will provide businessmen an alternative way to transport their cargoes from different parts of the Philippines.

On the other hand, for tourists and travelers, the proposed nautical highway will allow them to hop from one island to another and enjoy the scenery of the islands in the comfort of their cars.

The project’s realization will surely improve the socio-economic condition in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands as it provides employment and investment opportunities especially in tourism industry, said Gov. Sol F. Matugas, who was appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino lll as the new chair of the Regional Development Council.

It was gathered that the DPWH has committed to give its full assistance in the development of the roads that are part of the proposed nautical highway project as the said roads to be constructed will have to be national roads.

“We are determined to push this project because we know that this will boost our tourism and fishing industry in this part of Mindanao,” said Surigao del Norte solon Rep. Francisco T.. Matugas. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Plan to connect Siargao to nautical highway set

05/18/11 - Philippines (PNA) -- Plans to connect Siargao Island, now a major tourism destination, to mainland Surigao City and to the rest of Mindanao through nautical highway is gaining headway.

This developed as concerned Philippine government agencies conducted a validation and coordination meeting in Siargao Island for the multimillion-peso construction of a nautical highway project.

The nautical highway project aims to connect mainland Surigao del Norte province, whose capital is Surigao City, to Bucas Grande Island, then to Siargao Island.

Official evaluators, mostly key officials coming from Caraga Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-2nd Surigao del Norte Engineering District Office, some non-governmental organizations (NGO) and people's organizations (PO) representatives and PPA Siargao Port Staff headed by Port Manager Proserfina Matugas–Coro toured Siargao Island then held the evaluation and validation meeting. (Manila Bulletin)

4th Siargao int’l game fishing tourney winners bared

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, May 5, 2011 (PIA) – Two Pinoy anglers and two others from Switzerland and USA, brought home the major prizes in the 4th Siargao International Game fishing tournament participated in by 73 foreign and local fishing enthusiasts from 16 countries, held recently at Pilar, Siargao Island.

Switzerland’s Rolf Trachler won the P50,000 first prize in the Main Division -Biggest Billfish Category, Philippines’ Voltaire Esparago, a native Surigaonon, got P30,000 second prize and Joseph Lee settled for P10,000 third prize.

Melchor Dilag of Philippines pocketed the P30,000 first prize Main Division -Biggest Talakitok Category, while Carlos Morales of Spain came out second and got P15,000.

In the Main and Open Boat Division - Biggest Invidual Catch Category, USA’s Mike Kennedy got the P40,000 first prize and Imilio Choa of Philippines bagged the P20,000 second prize.

Mike Kennedy was adjudged champion in both the Open Boat Division – Biggest Total Catch Per Boat and Open Division – Biggest Billfish categories of the contest, bringing home a total cash prize of P40,000 .

Winner in the Open Division – Biggest Wahoo/Tanguige Category is Henry Uy from the Philippines who received P10,000 cash prize.

Provincial Tourism Officer Ivonnie B. Dumadag said that trophies and token of appreciation were also given to all the participants.

Local officials who handed over the prizes during the awarding ceremony were Pilar Mayor Lucio T. Gonzales and Vice Governor Carlos Egay Jr. assisted by Provincial Accounting Officer Myrla Padayhag. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Anglers flock to Siargao for global game fishing tourney

Anglers flock to Siargao for global game fishing tourney

05/03/11 - PILAR, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines – Anglers from around the world are set to troop to this “Paradise island in the South” to compete in the international prestigious event, the “2011 International Game Fishing Tournament” on Siargao Island slated on April 28 to May 1 this year.

At least 80 anglers from Sweden, Russia, Singapore, United Kingdom, United States, and the Philippines have already registered their attendance. Other international and domestic fishing clubs have also registered in advance here.
Preparations are now in full gear for the fourth International Game Fishing Tournament which will be taking place in this Pacific Ocean facing-town of Pilar, Siargao Island.

The international and domestic anglers will be vying for the following categories, namely: 1. Main Category (Using outrigger boat) a. Biggest Billfish Category; b. Biggest Wahoo/Tanguigue; c. Biggest Talakitok; d. Biggest Dorado; e. Biggest Others except shark, stingrays, puffer fish, dolphin and turtles, 2. Open Category (Using private yacht or any fishing boat) a. Biggest Catch and b. Highest Total Catch.

Each entry should have a minimum weight of 15 kilograms.

Big cash money and trophies are at stake for the winners.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district) -- who has been supporting international game fishing in this island -- his wife Gov. Sol F. Matugas, Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd district) and the island’s nine mayors led by Pilar town Mayor Lucio Gonzales are joining hands for the success of this international tourney.

Different committees have already been mobilized as the provincial and municipal officials have also prepared daily program, entertainments and other activities to entertain the participants and tourists, both foreign and domestic during the four-day competition.

Top national government officials led by Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim will grace the big international game fishing contest.

Prior to the opening ceremonies of this major event, Gov. Sol Matugas along with Mayor Gonzales and other provincial and municipal officials, will lead the launching of “Kalimpyo, Kahapsay, Kalinaw sa Siargao” (Clean, orderly, peaceful Siargao) on April 27 to be followed by a tree-planting activity at the Municipal Tree Forest Park of Pilar.

As of press time, it was gathered that all island resorts and hotels were already fully booked of reservations, prompting the local government units to prepare other accommodations for other tourists who are expected to flock to this island next week.

“Everything is already set and the province of Surigao del Norte is already prepared,” said Representative Matugas in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

This event is expected to again boost the tourism industry in the island as the province will again be in the world map of tourism, added the Surigao del Norte solon.

Siargao Island is composed of 48 islands and islets politically divided into nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. (Manila Bulletin)

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Siargao is composed of 48 islands and islets-politically divided into nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, Gen. luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Socorro. Read more...

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