Gov’t allots P429.5M for Siargao Island road projects in 2012

Thursday, December 24, 2011 - The Philippine government is allocating P429.5 million for the road improvement projects in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte to be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2012.

DPWH-Siargao District Engr. Salvador E. Montil, Jr. said the projects under the 2012 DPWH Infrastracture Program include the concreting of roads along Dapa-General Luna road, Junction Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-San Isidro road, Junction Cancohoy-Pilar road, Junction Osmeña-Pilar road, Socorro-Nueva Estrella-Pamosaingan road and Dapa-Union-General Luna road.

“These projects are part of the government’s plan to completely pave the Siargao circumferential road especially roads that are declared as tourism roads,” said Montil.

“The improvement of the road network will surely boost the tourism development in the island,” Montil added.

Out of the P429.5 million allocation, P117.4 million will fund the concreting of Dapa-Union-General Luna road which leads to prime beaches and resorts in the island.

The projects are made possible through the efforts of Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco T. Matugas to provide necessary infrastructure facilities in order to spur economic activities in the surfing and game fishing capital of the country. (DPWH Siargao District/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=69178

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Help for Cagayan de Oro flood victims

REPOSTED  Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Relief Operations
 (http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university)

Your DONATIONS will make a difference!

My hometown, Cagayan de Oro was struck by Typhoon Sendong last December 17, 2011. As typhoon "Sendong" ravaged the city, it left thousands of families homeless and some of their family members died or are still missing. Many villages were swept away by the flash floods that hit the city between 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. while everyone was asleep.  

I am appealing to both Filipinos and non-Filipinos all over the globe to unite in helping our "Kababayans"  who need our help.   They are asking for donations in:

1. CASH
2. FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.)
3. BOTTLED WATER and
4. CLEAN CLOTHES.

You can send your donations through Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan's relief operations. 

Photo by: Atoy Martinez

REPOSTED  Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan Relief Operations  (http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university)  ---   The University is accepting donations at the Helpdesk set up at the University's front gate or at the Relief Center at the Satellite Canteen near the College of Agriculture building (beside the gymnasium). Personnel and student volunteers are being deployed to buy, pack and deliver relief goods all over the City, under the direction of the University Chaplain.

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J. 
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. 

Cash donations can be deposited at this account:

• Account Name: Xavier University
• Account Number:             9331-0133-63      

Xavier University Relief Center is conducting a relief operation for families affected by Bagyong Sendong.They are asking for donations in

1. CASH
2. FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.)
3. BOTTLED WATER and
4. CLEAN CLOTHES.

You can drop them off at the
Xavier University KKP-SIO.
Volunteers also needed @DSWD (Masterson Rd, Upper Carmen).
Call 09066150095 or 858-8892. Let's help, please.

Other Useful Information:

SMART LIBRENG TAWAG, INTERNET and CELLPHONE CHARGING sa PHILCOM OFFICE, MAX SUNIEL ST. CARMEN (RIGHT BESIDE ACSAT GYM) for those who would like to contact their loved ones who have been affected by the recent FLASHFLOODS. Please tell your friends, family and neighbors!!!! Please repost. - T. Tamayo.

For those who live in Manila, you can help us 

For CASH/ CHEQUE donations...(through Simbahang Lingkod)

• Direct deposits may be made online from any BPI branches, pay to:
• SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
• Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
• BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
• BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12



Photo by: Atoy Martinez

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Australia's Cooper Chapman claims Billabong Pro Junior Asia title

The inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Asia Champion Cooper Chapman celebrates his victory with his friends right after his action packed Finals over an Indonesian surfer Oney Anwar. (Photo by Dennis Ohashi)

Cooper Chapman, a young professional surfer from Australia,  took out the inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Asia title in an action packed Finals over an Indonesian surfer Oney Anwar last September 27, 2011 at "Cloud 8",   a new spot identified by the technical team of Association of Surfing Professionals or ASP.  With a new swell coming in from a different direction, the competition at Cloud 9 was forced to move down the reef to a spot referred to as Cloud 8.

The Billabong Pro Junior Asia Second Placer Oney Anwar of Indonesia poses with (L-R) Billabong Marketing Director Peter Thew, Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority General Manager Mark Lapid. (Photo by Loanne Guardo Huelma)

(L-R) The Father of Philippine Surfing, Mayor Jaime P. Rusillon proudly presents the winners of the inaugural Billabong Pro Junior Asia, namely: Cooper Chapman (Champion-Australia)  and One Anwar (First Runner-Up - Indonesia). The event was held at Cloud 9 from September 21 to 28, 2011. (Photo by Aye Navarro)

Third Placer Philmar Alipayo was the lone Filipino surfer who became one of the four finalists ofthe Billabong Pro Junior Asia. (Photo by Loanne Guardo Huelma)

Cloud 9 has finally carved its name in the world's surfing map as 64 best junior surfers from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Philippines, United States of America and Indonesia joined in this year's Billabong's pro junior event.  

According to ASP Australia General Manager Dane Jordan, this was a landmark event for the region since this was the first time that ASP Australasia and Japan jointly sanctioned a professional surfing event in an iconic break like Cloud 9.  

The Billabong Pro Junior Asia presented by Sony Ericson, held last September 21 to 28, 2011,   was in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, Local Government Unit of General Luna, Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastruction and Enterprise Zone Authority,  Philippine Surfing Federation, and ASP Austrailasia. Other sponsors include Air Asia, Nixon, and Von Zipper, San Miguel Corporations and Smart Communications.  

Tourism Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin (Fushia Pink Blouse) and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas lead the ceremonial opening of the Billabong Pro Junior Asia together with General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco Matugas, Billabong Philippines President Freddie Gonzales, Provincial Tourism Officer Ivonnie Beltran-Dumadag, Philippine Surfing Federation Secretary General Zeny Pallugna and other mayors and board members of the of Surigao del Norte.

Cloud 9's judging tower. 

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Landslide kills 5 as 'Sendong' passes Northeastern Mindanao

12/17/2011 - Five persons died in a landslide at gold-rush Barangay Mt. Diwata, in Monkayo, Compostela Valley as tropical storm Sendong lashes through Northeastern Mindanao provinces which were placed at public storm signal number two Friday.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) of Monkayo said Mt. Diwata Brgy. Capt. Rodolfo Boyles revealed that the landslide occurred Friday at 4:30 p.m., affecting five puroks.

Identified casualties were Julito Lumacto,28 years of age; Rosita dela Pena, 57; Ashlia Tuan, 14; Nasser Tuan, 6; and Rakema Tuan, 4 while the seven other individuals were physically injured. The report, however, failed to give further details about the physical injuries.

At least 83 families were affected with the landslide totally damaging six houses and partially damaged seven other houses.

Meanwhile, flash floods also occurred in nine other barangays of Monkayo including its Poblacion, specifically in Union, Salvacion, Pasian, Baylo, Naboc,UpperUlip, San Jose and Rizal.

Monkayo MDRRMC reports as of 11:45 today showed that more than 100 families were affected in Poblacion areas where some houses were submerged in floodwaters. Two others were partially damaged while five were washed out.

Electricity went out at the height of the heavy rains in barangays Upper Ulip and Rizal as electric posts got damaged and wires were cut off.

Some households were submerged in Barangay Salvacion. Affected houses in Pasian, Baylo, Upper and Rizal were either partially damaged or washed out due to strong current of floodwaters.

Aside from Monkayo, flashflood also occurred in Nabunturan, Mawab and Compostela towns of Compostela Valley, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Josephine Frasco said. She could not off-hand give details as she waited for reports from MDRRMCs.

Meanwhile, Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Div. chief Sonio Sanchez in a text message revealed that parts of barangays Sagayen and Napungas of Asuncion town were inundated when Saug River overflowed due to heavy rains.

No casualties were monitored but initial reports revealed that 514 families were affected in Napungas.

Sonio had yet to get reports on affected families in Sagayen as of presstime, though initial reports bared five puroks in the barangay were flooded.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported Tropical Storm Sendong to have slowed down as of 5 a.m. on Dec.16 but it continued to threaten Northeastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas.

Listed Friday under storm signal 2 were Surigao del Norte including Siargao Island, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Province, Agusan Provinces, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte. (PIA-11/jeane duron-abangan)

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=68576

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Tahitian surfer invades Cloud 9

Enrique Ariitu's foreign friends cheerfully congratulated him after winning the
 final rounds of the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup last October 2, 2011.
(Photo by: Loanne Guardo Huelma)

A Tahitian surfer Enrique Ariitu showed both Filipino and foreign surfers including the spectators how Tahitians tube ride would be like and defeated the local surfer, Edito "Piso" Alcala in the final rounds of the 17^th Siargao International Surfing Cup. This sporting event, presented by Smart Communications, was held at Cloud 9 in General Luna, Siargao Island from September 29 to October 3, 2011. 

The winning smile of a young Tahitian surfer: Enrique Ariitu
 grabbed the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup title.(Photo by: Loanne Guardo Huelma)

Ariitu who travelled for more than twenty hours from Tahiti (an island located in the South Pacific otherwise known as French Polynesia) to the Philippines was the first  Tahitian surfer who invaded Cloud 9.  He said that he loves the warmth and hospitality of the Filipinos and promises to be back in Siargao next year.

The tournament was attended by forty surfers from Australia, Indonesia, Tahiti, Japan, United States of America, and Philippines.   Oscar Scanes (Australia) and Martin Tanegra (Philippines) were in the equal third while Carlito Nogalo (Philippines), Todd Rosswell (USA), Arkipo Figuron (Philippines), and John Mark “Marama” Tokong (Philippines) were in the equal fifth. All the winners got a total prize-money of US$10,000 plus trophies. Alcala who was in the second place was chosen as the Best Filipino Surfer. 

The winners of the Smart 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup pose with the government officials (L-R, standing) General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco Matugas,  Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, Department of Budget Secretary Butch Abad (the Guest of Honor), and Philippine Surfing Federation Secretary General Zeny Pallugna. 

The 17^th Siargao International Surfing Cup by Smart Communications was the Philippines’ longest-running surfing competition making the country popular among the world’s surfing arena and giving more opportunities to other surfing destinations in the country to be discovered or developed.    

The event would not be made possible without the support from the Local Government of General Luna, Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, House of Representatives for the First District of Surigao del Norte, Department of Tourism, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Philippine Surfing Federation and Smart Communications, Inc.  Other minor sponsors include San Miguel Corporation, Stoked, Inc., Fluidsurf, Coca-Cola Bottlers' Company and Nature Spring. 

(L-R) The Champion Enrique Ariitu (Tahiti) poses with Oscar canes (Australia) and Todd Rosswell (USA) at the awarding ceremony of the 17th SIargao International Surfing Cup.
(Photo by Loanne Guardo Huelma)

Second Placer Edito "Piso" Alcala receives his Best Filipino Surfer award from Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco T. Matugas during the awarding ceremony of the 17th Siargao International Surfing Cup. (Photo by: Loanna Guardo Huelma)

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BFAR-Caraga to turnover patrol boat to Del Carmen, Siargao Island

12/15/11 - The Regional Office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga is set to turnover a patrol boat to the municipality of Del Carmen, Siargao Island that will help in the conservation, protection and rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources.

During the recent interview with a local broadcaster here, BFAR-Caraga Regional Director Nerio Casil said illegal fishing is very rampant in the coastal areas of Siargao Island, which prompted them to take necessary action.

Dir. Casil also said that with the said motor vessel, illegal fishing will be minimized as they are determined to run after those fishermen who are practicing dynamite fishing and other illegal fishing activities.

Casil said illegal fishing activities tend to happen when perpetrators know that the arm of the law cannot reach them.

However, the BFAR chief of the region emphasized that authorities are determined to go after these violators to end illegal fishing no matter how far they are in the main land of Surigao City and in the region. He also called on the townspeople and Philippine National Police (PNP) for support in this cause to protect the environment and natural resources. (PIA-Caraga)

source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=68120

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Ryan Gosling in Siargao, Philippines?

A rumor about Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling spotted surfing in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines is making the Twitter world abuzz right now. Even celebrities are tweeting about it.

"Just got a txt "Omgomgomgomgomg!!! Ryan Gosling is surfing in Siargao Island!"-800km southeast of Surigao del Norte. Is this truth or rumor?," beauty queen Ruffa Gutierrez posted.

"@iloveruffag I think I just died. Ryan Gosling is in Siargao Island? I'm booking a flight right now." "Eat Bulaga" host Isabelle Daza tweeted.

"Is it true? Ryan Gosling is here in the Philippines, surfing in Siargao?? #trueorfalse help!!!" Kapuso star Maxene Magalona said.

However, there has been no one who confirmed the report with a visual proof as of this writing.

"Ryan Gosling" has climbed to the second spot on the list of the most talked-about topics in the microblogging site at the moment,

Canadian actor and singer Ryan Gosling is best known for his role in the 2004 romantic film "The Notebook" which earned him four Teen Choice Awards and a MTV Movie Awards recognition. His other movies are "Half Nelson", "Drive", "Blue Valetine", "All Good Things" and many more.

(Source: http://noypistuff.blogspot.com/2011/12/ryan-gosling-in-siargao-philippines.html)

Who is Ryan Gosling?

Ryan Thomas Gosling (born November 12, 1980) is a Canadian actor and musician. He first came to public attention as a child star on the Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club (1993–95) and went on to appear in other family entertainment programmes including Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1995), Goosebumps (1996), Breaker High (1997–98) and Young Hercules (1998–99). His first serious role was as a fanatic Neo-Nazi in The Believer (2001), and he then built a reputation for playing misfits in independent films such as Murder by Numbers (2002), The Slaughter Rule (2002), The United States of Leland (2003) and Stay (2005).

He came to the attention of a wider audience in 2004 with a leading role in the romantic drama The Notebook, for which he won four Teen Choice Awards and an MTV Movie Award. His performance as a drug-addicted junior high school teacher in Half Nelson (2006) was nominated for an Academy Award and his appearance as a socially inept loner in Lars and the Real Girl (2007) was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. In 2007, he starred in courtroom thriller Fracture.

After a three-year acting hiatus, he starred in both Blue Valentine and All Good Things in 2010. The former performance as a frazzled husband earned him a second Golden Globe nomination. 2011 proved to be a landmark year for the actor as he appeared in three mainstream films: the romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love, the thriller Drive and the political drama The Ides of March. He is due to appear in five upcoming films: the bank heist film The Place Beyond the Pines, the period crime feature The Gangster Squad, the revenge drama Only God Forgives, Terrence Malick's Lawless and a remake of the sci-fi film Logan's Run.

His band, Dead Man's Bones, released their self-titled debut album and toured North America in 2009. He is co-owner of Tagine, a Moroccan restaurant in Beverly Hills, California. He has had relationships with actors Sandra Bullock (2002–03) and Rachel McAdams (2005–08) and lives in New York City.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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Official Results of the 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup

Official Results of the 13th Siargao National Surfing Cup

Cloud 9, General Luna, Siargao Island, Philippines

September 17 - 20, 2011 

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How To Really Enjoy Your Vacation: 7 Tips

Vacations may be fun in the moment, but they don't have much lingering stress-reducing, or happiness-raising benefits, according to a study from the Netherlands, published the Journal Applied Research in Quality of Life.

According to the study, after the vacation, happiness quickly drops back to baseline levels for most people. Vacationers were no happier than those who hadn't taken off (as an aside, the greatest boost in happiness came from anticipating and planning the vacation). Post-vacation happiness was affected by how much stress or relaxation a traveler experienced on their vacation. If vacationers described their trip as neutral or stressful, there was no post-trip happiness benefit.

Vacations can reduce stress while you're away, and may improve your life over the long term if you allow yourself to relax. "Many people have epiphanies when they travel because they can view their life back home from a detached, outsider's view and give you a clearer sense of who you are and how you really want to live your life," says Bryan Robinson, Ph.D., author of Chained to the Desk: A Guidebook for Workaholics, their Partners and Children and the Clinicians Who Treat Them.

So how do you take a vacation, de-stress, and have the effects linger more than a day or two?

• Make sure it's relaxing: The only vacationers in the Netherlands study who saw a boost in happiness were those who reported feeling "very relaxed" on their vacation. If you're travelling with young kids (though it may be better not to), consider enrolling them in half-day camps or arranging for a babysitter in the evenings so you have time to relax.
• Create a vacation that fits your personal style. Think about what you love to do, not what you should do. Some people love thrill-seeking vacations, others love exploring and some love just lounging on the beach. If the vacation doesn't fit, it may increase, not lower stress.
• Balance activities. "Alternate your time between staying active and resting," says Robinson. Activity raises feel-good endorphins, while quieting your mind reduces levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
• Take several mini vacations. Since the study showed that people get a mood boost out of planning and anticipating vacations, having several trips throughout the year may raise your overall happiness quotient higher than if you just have one vacation and then there's nothing to look forward to until next year.
• Take vacations during major holidays, such as the Fourth of July or in August, when many people are away and the workload is usually lighter, so you're less worried about work piling up while you're away.
• Delegate work before you leave. Since completely disconnecting from the office might be more stressful for some people, allow yourself to check voice mail and email under strict time limits, say one hour a day.
• Buffer your vacation. "Don't work right up until the moment you leave and head back to work right off the bat," says Robinson. "If possible, schedule an extra day off before you depart and another when you come back to dive back in slowly," he says.

source: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-48441331/how-to-really-enjoy-your-vacation-7-tips/

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Biyahe Tayo : Wow Philippines Biyahe Tayo Video and Lyrics

Artists: Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta, Freddie Aguilar, Rey Valera, Rico Puno, Joey Ayala, Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Jolina Magdangal, April Boy Regino, Jessa Zaragoza, Paolo Santos, Nina and Rico Blanco of Rivermaya, John Lesaca, and Jong Cuenco


Biyahe Tayo Lyrics:

Ikaw ba’y nalulungkot
Naiinip, nababagot?
Ikaw ba’y napapagod
Araw gabi’y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba’y walang saysay
Walang sigla, walang kulay?
Bawa’t araw ba’y pareho
Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Kasama ang pamilya
Barkada at buong grupo
Para mag-enjoy nang todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Napasyal ka na ba
Sa Intramuros at Luneta
Palawan, Vigan at Batanes
Subic, Baguio at Rice Terraces?

Namasdan mo na ba
Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga
Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon
Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Mula Basco hanggang Jolo
Nang makilala ng husto
Ang ating kapwa-Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

From city to city,
Seven thousand and a hundred plus islas
Sa mahal kong Pilipinas
Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao ating puntahan.
Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan!

Nasubukan mo na bang
Mag-rapids sa Pagsanjan
Mag-diving sa Anilao
Mag-surfing sa Siargao?

Natikman mo na ba
Ang sisig ng Pampanga
Duriang Davao, Bangus Dagupan
Bicol Express at Lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo,
Nang makatulong kahit pano
Sa pag-unlad ng kabuhayan
Ng ating mga kababayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakisaya ka na ba
Sa Pahiyas at Masskara
Moriones at Ati-Atihan
Sinulog at Kadayawan?

Namiesta ka na ba
Sa Peñafrancia sa Naga
Umakyat sa Antipolo
Nagsayaw sa Obando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo,
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Tara na, biyahe tayo
Upang ating matamo
Ligaya at pagkakaibigan
Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo
Nang ating makita
Ang ganda ng Pilipinas
Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Halika, biyahe tayo…
WOW Philippines…

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Surigao Norte sees tourism growth

12/03/2011 - Citing the growing tourism opportunities, and also the notable potentials of the agriculture sector of the province of Surigao del Norte, the national government has approved the amount of P450,476,000 for the implementation of more infrastructure projects, especially the construction of roads and other related programs to be implemented next year.

To boost the tourism and agriculture sectors, the allocation of the budget is primarily intended for the construction of roads that will connect the various tourism areas, thus generating additional employment opportunities, livelihood prospects, and increased tax revenues that will benefit the villages in the province.

Because of this government support, the local government unit (LGU) officials expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Aquino for providing the much-needed support for the development and progress of the province.

“Additional employment and livelihood will directly benefit the villagers,” said Representative Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte).

He said the infrastructure projects that are set for implementation early next year include the Dapa-General Luna Road, Santa Monica-San Isidro Road, Socorro-Nueva Estrella Pamosaingan Road, Cancohoy-Pilar Road, Osmeña-Pilar Road, improvement/concreting of the Dapa-Union General Luna Road, improvement/concreting the Osmeña-Pilar Road, construction of lighthouses along the Del Carmen Channel, installation of lanterns and lighting fixtures at the lighthouse in Santa Monica, construction of the Montserrat Port in Dapa, the Malimono Port, and Gigaquit Road.

Aside from the allocated budget, a total of P115 million was recently approved for this year’s last quarter budget for the province of Surigao del Norte.

“The funding release for this year’s last quarter budget is for our tourism sites in the province, especially on the Paradise Island of Siargao,” added Matugas, who deeply expressed his gratitude to the President for his full support of the province’s eco-tourism industry.

He added that Siargao Island is the home of international game fishing and surfing competitions, and also a tourist hub due to its white powdery sand beaches, and other tourist attractions.

He also said that the budget released for the last quarter for Siargao Island and the province include the following – P40 million for the concreting of the Maasin to Pilar Road, P30 million for the concreting of the junction of the Osmeña to Pilar Road, P20 million – concreting of the Dapa to Union Road, P15 million – flood control project from Dapa to General Luna, P5 million for the farm-to-market road from Santa Paz to Poblacion in San Isidro, and P5 million for the farm-to-market road from Maasin to Katipunan in Pilar town.

Matugas had a round-table meeting Monday with Public Works and Highways Region-13 Director Danilo E. Versola in Butuan City for the implementation of the said projects.

Meanwhile, President Aquino also approved, over the weekend, the release of P19.5 million for the provincial road improvement projects and library hubs in the province.

The budget allocation was personally received by Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas.

“This is really a big boost to our economy, and we express our thanks to President Aquino,” said the governor. (Manila Bulletin)

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