Australian Officials Open Php 44-M Prov'l Road Projects in Siargao Island

10/03/10 - GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte – Tourists, both foreign and domestic and island residents continue to feel the scenic-beauty and atmosphere of economic development as Australian officials on Saturday opened the Php 44 million provincial road projects in this so called “paradise island” of Surigao del Norte province in Northeastern part of Mindanao.

Australian officials led by Australian Deputy Ambassador Andrew Byrne and Minister Councelor Tito Mitra of the Australian Embassy in Manila spearheaded the ground breaking ceremony of the road projects at two barangays of General Luna town leading to other island resorts .

During the ground breaking ceremony, the Australian officials were also accompanied by provincial and island municipal officials led by Surigao del Norte solons Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district) and Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. (2nd district), Gov. Sol F. Matugas, General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon and Del Carmen Mayor Junior Coro.

The Php 44 million road construction project is part of the 5-year Php 250 million Australian grant for the province of Surigao del Norte’s Road Improvement Project (RIP), said Rep. Matugas.

The ground works of the Barangay 5-Catangnan road (Php 14-M) and Sta. Monica road (Php 30-M), Libertad, both of this island province will immediately commence to hit the target timeline of completion, Rep. Matugas said.

“This is really a big help by the Australian government. Also, a big boost to our growing tourism industry in this island,” said Rep. Matugas.

He also said the Australian assistance will also add economic livelihood to island village folks, increase local revenues and employment.

In their separate messages during the ground breaking ceremony, the Surigao del Norte solon, provincial and municipal officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Australian grant to the province of Surigao del Norte, especially this island’s tourism destination in the country.

Meanwhile, in that same visit of the Australian officials in this island, Ambassador Byrne, also unvield the Php 2.6 million high school building at Barangay Consuelo here.

The high school building that set to rise at Barangay Consuelo is also funded by the Australian government under the Support 2 Philippine Education Reform (SPHERE) project, said Rep. Matugas.

He added the school building is equipped with chairs and comfort rooms.

Officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) was elated of the educational assistance by the Australian government. (Manila Bulletin)

Read More

RP's surfing capital Siargao holds int'l tourney

09/30/10 - SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte – It’s the time of the year again when locals and tourists find another reason to converge on the beach and watch some of the most awesome stunts executed by the world’s best surfers.

A total of 36 top surfers from 8 countries are competing in this year’s 16th Siargao International Surfing Cup in Siargao Island.

Fifteen surfers are from Japan, Sweden, France, Australia, New Zealand, China and Israel while the 21 others are Filipinos.    

The Siargao International Surfing Cup, which is now on its 16th year, is the longest running surfing competition in the Philippines.  

Philippine pride Edito “The Tuberider” Alcala, a native of General Luna who championed last year’s tournament, is set to defend his title. 

Last week, Alcala won first place in the 12th National Surfing Cup and bagged P100,000.

Alcala’s friend and fellow General Luna native, Jerson Pagado, is in his second bid to top the tournament.

Regarded as one of Siargao’s top surfers, Pagado will attempt to get the glory of winning using a 6-foot board that a foreign surfer gave him.

“Ang surfing kasi pag ang board mo hindi saktong sukat sayo mahirapan ka paggawa ng tricks,” Pagado claimed. 

Australian surfers are his tough opponents this year, he said.

Among world’s best surfing sites

Deputy Ambassador of Australia Andrew Byrne and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Minister Counsellor Titon Mitra joined Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas in opening the event.

“We want to reaffirm our status as one of the world’s best surfing sites,” said Matugas.

A local band from Bukidnon played beat drums. This provided the event a parallel to the atmosphere of the Caribbean. 

The tournament, which will end on September 30, offers a total pot prize of P300,000. (Abs-cbn)

Read More

The Cloud Nine Night Surfing opens in Philippines

Cloud 9, one of the best surf spots in the world, will be available for surfing during 365 nights a year.

In October 2010, the Cloud Nine Night Surfing - a fifty foot tower with floodlights - will illuminate the wave everyone is looking for.

The construction project is underway and includes safety boats, life guards and surfing lessons for those interested.

The official opening ceremony is scheduled to the 24th September.

Philippine Vice-President Makati Jejomar Binay will light up the wave spot, known for its perfect barrels and 300 meter ride.

Cloud 9 is located in Siargao Island, Philippines, Asia.

courtesy: surfer today

Read More

Siargao Island losing tourist visitors due to high fees, says Tourism Council prexy

Surigao Del Norte (9 August) -- The island of Siargao is losing the would-be visitors because of its high fees of tourism activities in the surfing capital.

Newly inducted president of Provincial Tourism and Development Council (PTDC) Johann Jake Miranda said he received a number of complaints by some resort owners regarding the unregulated fees of tourism activities such as pump boat, van, tricycle, and habal-habal rentals in the island.

"There have been a number of complaints of the local and foreign tourists regarding these exorbitant fees."

At present, van rentals in Siargao cost P500, tricycle rental is P250, P30 each riding individually in tricycles and P200/person for habal-habal motorcycle.

Miranda said that resort owners were also dismayed because some of their fellow resort owners are paying commissions to van drivers who will bring guests to their resorts. "It's an unfair practice because not all of them can afford to give that kind of commission."

According to Miranda, there's also a report from some resort owners that "some homes in Gen. Luna accept lodgers which should not be allowed since their homes are not accredited by the Department of Tourism and it robs the accredited inns and resorts in the business." Miranda emphasized that the municipality of Gen. Luna does not have a home stay program because there are "sufficient number of resorts in the town to accommodate these tourists."

Miranda also revealed the exorbitant fees in going to the famous Sohoton Cove that discourages the local and foreign tourists.

"You have to rent a boat for P500 and on that boat you have to pay the guides which are at the minimum of two (2) guides per boat at P165/person. There's also this silly fee that if you want to dive in that lagoon where the non-toxic jellyfish is located, you'd have to pay P100/person for a dip in that lagoon," said Miranda.

"All in all, a group of four or six tourists going to Sohoton will first pay for the boat rental from Gen. Luna to Sohoton which should only be charged with P4,000 but some resorts charged about P6,000 to P8,000 just to go there," he added.

According to Miranda on average for a group of four to six tourists, they will have to shell out P2,000/person, "which for a lot of tourists, they find it very exorbitant? very expensive."

Miranda said that Sohoton Cove being such an enchanting place losses its luster and appeal because of these fees by some local entrepreneurs and has so far become unregulated by the government.

Tourism council action

"We now have a plan to establish a uniform rates, aside from that, the resort owners would also like to establish the uniform rates for the popular 3-island tour, which is the island tour of Guyam, Daku island and Naked island to be pegged at only P1,500," said Miranda who now heads the re-organized PTDC and currently the outgoing President of the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

"For a trip to Guyam itself, it should only be P500," Miranda added.

In anticipation of the influx of tourist arrivals in the island, Miranda also revealed that they are now planning to post the tariff rates right at the port of Dapa and in Gen. Luna, "so that everyone will get informed and that there will be no haggling of fees."

With these regularization and uniformity of fees, Miranda is hopeful that it will definitely help both the resort owners and the tourists in the island.

As for the problem in Sohoton, Miranda said there's now a proposal to dismantle these local entrepreneurs currently operating in the area. "We'll have to talk to the LGU (Socorro) and the barangay captain and if they failed to address the problem or regulate the fees, we have the mandate to dismantle these groups who are apparently creating a cartel there." (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Read More

Siargao Island - Cloud 9 Surfing Cup 2010

07/08/2010 - The Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational surfing cup is the most anxiously awaited international surfing sports event in Asia. It will be held this year also in Siargao Island. It is a pleasant steamy island site with its peaceful life style offering a wonderful place for this surfing event. Surfers from the countries like Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii, Philippines, Indonesia, and Bali etc will represent their countries for this surfing cup event at Club 9. The participation from the viewers will be much greater if the storm occurrence will be reported earlier. It is famous for having world’s top surfing waves, so nick named clod nine.

The invitational surfing cup of 2010 is scheduled from 24th to 30th September. It is offering surfers to display their talent. Spectators from around the world are expecting that it would be a superb event and wishing to enjoy it with typhoon flavour. In the last 2009 surfing championship of Siargao Island conducted from October 21 to 27, Garrett beat Hawaiian in the final surfing cup challenge. Now 2010 surfing event in Siargao will attract the world top surfing players and champions. Nick Vasicek, Jay Quinn, Jamie O’Brien, Makua Rothman and Ryan Hipwood from Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii will be among the top contestants of this coming event.

It is considered as the most striking island destinations of the Philippines presenting opportunities for surfing photography. Siargao is closest to the Philippine Deep which is the second deepest ocean trench. The slanting structure on Siargao’s East coast is besides General Luna Town making it exceptional. Barrelling, empty and perfect waves of Cloud 9, ranging from 1-1.5 meters high to 2-3 meter high barrels have made this part of Pacific Ocean more attractive for surfers. This part of Pacific Ocean is under the typhoon-belt so typhoon waves don’t hit Siargao Island directly. Siargao Island offers great atmosphere during monsoon season which is loved by all enthusiastic surfers. What makes this event special and different from standard surfing style is that the challengers will be deciding under which conditions they would like to surf.

If you have any interest in watching surfing challenges, action sports photography and living at steamy Island sites, then Siargao would be the best site for you to visit and enjoy with 2010 Billabong Cloud 9 Invitational surfing cup. Direct flight can be taken from Mactan Cebu International Airport or Manila to reach Siargao airport. You can even take ferryboat daily before noon to take view of this island and to get pleasure from its aquatic wildlife.

Siargao Island adventure tour can be the luxurious adventure of your life with your friends, sailing boat, drinks and delicious food. It has atmosphere for day/night fishing adventure. You can enjoy swimming at low tide and even in natural swimming pools. Caving discoveries in this island also bring a new look to your adventurous tour. Island also has some caves yet not discovered by men. Jungles enriched with wildlife have their own beauty. You can’t find much exciting stuff for shopping but while visiting island you can buy some local made products. Communicating with the people of different back grounds came with different objectives is a good source of sharing experiences. In Siargao Island Lovers Lane was established in 2005 to attract tourist. Disco clubs and snack bars are opened late night to entertain visitors. You can also find some bar girls who offer you a little more than just conversation. Rent a kayak or paddle boat to explore the cost line completely.

Accommodation and hostelling services in Siargao Island vary in price and form. Islands adjacent to Siargao are offering wonderful environment to enjoy other sports. Beautiful hotel nights and splendid sea shore have couple of entertainment facilities. To attract more visitors no spectators’ fee will be charged and other water sports activities will also be held. Above all visitors from different part of the world will built an outstanding multicultural and diversified community for sharing experiences and ideas. (Sam Willis)

Read More

93 rescued from sinking wooden ferry in Surigao

06/10/10 - At least 93 passengers and crew were rescued after an inter-island ferry ran aground off Southern Philippines, coast guard officials said today.

Swift current and strong waves swept the wooden-hulled MB Pilar to the shallow and rocky coast off Bintaogan village in Mindanao’s Surigao City at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, prompting distress calls and a rescue operation by local coast guard personnel and local fishermen, said Philippine Coast Guard Petty Officer 2 Josue Saba.

The sea-craft was carrying 86 passengers and seven crew members from Del Carmen town in Siargao Island and was bound to Surigao City when it encountered huge waves two hours after departure, Saba said.

The victims were brought to shore by pump boats from local fishermen and Coast Guard crafts and are now safe.

Sea accidents are common in the Philippines as sea vessels ranging from outrigger boats to ships are among the frequent mode of transportation around the archipelago.(Philstar)

Read More

Mindanao a potential investment hotbed for abalone, says expert

05/31/10 - DAVAO CITY—The abalone industry could flourish in Mindanao due to locations suitable for growing the tropical shelled species, a high-value aquaculture product.

“Mindanao could potentially produce a lot of abalone due to favorable sites, weather, and availability of seaweeds,” said Vincent Encena II, an abalone specialist from the Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) a research and development institution based in Tigbauan, Iloilo.

Considered a delicacy in Asia, the abalone is a single-shelled, herbivorous marine mollusk found under rocks and coral rubble and is known for its sweet, firm meat.

Encena said Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Sur and the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) particularly Tawi Tawi and Sulu group of islands, where tropical abalone wild stocks may be found, are potential areas for prospective abalone farms.

Encena also mentioned that Siargao Island, Sarangani province and Gen San, with its numerous tuna canning facilities, have the biggest potential areas for abalone growing and processing, respectively. The average abalone production capacity of the identified potential Mindanao areas range from 10 to 50 tons per year, Encena said.

According to Encena, these potential abalone sites have available areas for sea-based farms and access to processors and major abalone markets. These areas are also rich in seaweeds, the staple feed to abalone.

The tropical abalone species found in Southern Japan to northern Australia is the donkey’s ear abalone, Haliotis asinina, locally known as “lapas” in Cebuano or “sobra-sobra” in Ilonggo.

Encena said that canned abalone is one of the preferred product forms in the Chinese market, which is the biggest market for abalone in the world. Each can of abalone may be sold for 750 to 800 pesos per can in the local market and more if sold in the export market, he added.

He said that while a container load of canned tuna is valued at 40,000 US dollars, the same container load of canned abalone would value at around 390,000 US dollars.

However, Encena said that wild stocks of abalone in the Philippines are in decline, due to unregulated harvests and overfishing. He said abalone needs to be farmed or cultured for the future need of the processing industry.

Since most of the tuna canneries in GenSan are not operating fully due to the lack of raw material for canning like tuna, a processing line for abalone may be incorporated in the tuna cannery line with minimum investment, Encena suggested. He added that it was a way for overhead expenses on tuna canneries to be reduced and a high-value canned product, other than tuna, to be produced.

“Mindanao must conduct a more thorough assessment of sites with potential for abalone culture,” he said.

Encena said commercial-scale abalone hatchery and commercial-scale abalone demo-farm must be established for prospective abalone sites in Mindanao to succeed. He added that value-added products from abalone meat should be studied.

The Philippines, in 2006 was the top exporter of frozen abalone to Hong Kong, with around 30 percent, while Australia got around 23 percent of the frozen market. Philippine abalone products are also exported to Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Singapore.

In a presentation made by Encena during the Bimp-Eaga High Value Aquaculture Business Conference held in General Santos City last month, Encena showed the value of world abalone market is pegged at 1 billion US dollars. However, demand for abalone has temporarily decreased due to global economic downturn.

The business conference was aimed at increasing and expanding private enterprises on high-value aquaculture in Bimp-Eaga through the active promotion of joint ventures between and among Eaga members, investment and trading, and export of high-value seafood to target markets.

Encena said that Bimp-Eaga must adopt a unified approach in terms of abalone development in the region through stock assessment of abalone and seaweed, assessment of suitable sites, abalone breeding and culture centers.

He recommended a Bimp-Eaga marketing strategy for various product forms of abalone such as abalone congee and abalone in different sauces and look at non-traditional markets like Europe and the US. (MEDCo)

Read More

Mindanao potential top abalone producer

05/30/10 - DAVAO CITY -- Abalone, an edible mollusk lined with mother-of-pearl, could flourish in Mindanao due to its warm seas and could potentially become its high-value aquaculture product.

Vincent Encena II, specialist of Iloilo-based Southeast Asia Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD), said Mindanao could cultivate abalone due to favorable sites, weather and availability of seaweeds.

He identified Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Sur and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), particularly Tawi-tawi and the Sulu group of islands, where tropical abalone wild stocks may be found and are potential areas for prospective abalone farms. Encena also mentioned that Siargao Island, Sarangani province and General Santos City, with their numerous tuna-canning facilities, have the biggest potential areas for abalone growing and processing.

Abalone, a shallow ear-shaped shell and pierced with respiratory holes, is considered a delicacy in Asia. It thrives under the rocks and coral rubble and is known for its sweet firm meat.

Encena said canned abalone is one of the preferred product forms in the Chinese market, which is the biggest market for abalone in the world. Abalone may be sold for P750 to P800 per can in the local market and more if sold in the export market, he added. He said while a container load of canned tuna is valued at $40,000, the same container load of canned abalone would have a value of around $390,000. (Manila Bulletin)

Read More

Arroyo inaugurates new road providing link to Siargao airport

05/23/10 - DEL CARMEN, Surigao del Norte - A new road project that links to a newly-constructed airport has been inaugurated in Siargao island on Friday, helping boost tourism in what is considered as an international surfing and fishing hub in the country.

The P152 million Dapa-Del Carmen road project was inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was accompanied by a small entourage of officials, including Surigao del Norte Congressmen Francisco Matugas and Guillermo Romarate Jr.

The inauguration took place after the President, onboard a Philippine Air Force helicopter, visited the P92-M Sayak International Airport Development Project in the area.

During the visit, the chief executive held a discussion with local officials about the Sayak International Airport building whose construction is still ongoing.

Arroyo and her entourage were also welcomed at the Sayak airport by mayors of the island’s nine towns, some Caraga regional directors and spouses of Congressmen Matugas and Romarate who both won the recently concluded May 11 polls as Governor and Board Member respectively.

Caraga is a special administrative region composed of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

After the Sayak airport visit, President Arroyo and entourage proceeded to Del Carmen town proper to inaugurate the almost eight kilometer road construction and concreting of Dapa-Del Carmen road at Barangay Cancohoy as part of the airport road connection.

The President also did an inaugural drive-thru near the Cancohoy-Sayak Airport road with some cabinet and DPWH officials headed by Secretary Victor Domingo, DPWH Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso, among others.

Barroso claimed that some of the Siargao Island Infra projects started late 2008 and are targeted to be completed before President Arroyo steps down in June.

After lunch, President Arroyo and entourage is expected to fly to Zamboanga for official visit and inauguration of vital projects there. - (GMANews)

Read More

PGMA set to inspect, inaugurate P152-M Sayak Airport development project

Dapa, Siargao Island (14 May) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to inaugurate and inspect today the P152-million Sayak Airport Development Project (SADP) at Dapa town, Siargao Island.

Surigao del Norte solon Rep. Francisco T. Matugas said the Chief Executive will inspect some of the facilities at the P92-million Sayak Airport and inaugurate the 7.397-kilometer Dapa-Del Carmen road that also connects the new airport, with a total project cost of P152 million.

He also said Mrs. Arroyo, accompanied by nine municipal mayors and their respective local officials, will have an inaugural drive-thru near the Dapa-Cancohoy Road-Section part of the Sayak Airport.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Dr. Evelyn T. Barroso said the Sayak Airport Development Project was funded under the DPWH regular infrastructure fund.

Some of the projects started late 2008 and are targeted to be completed before President Arroyo steps down in June.

Rep. Matugas said in the inspection and inauguration of the SADP projects, the President will also be accompanied by some Cabinet officials led by Public Works and Highways Secretary Victor Domingo.

Mrs. Arroyo will be welcomed here by Dapa Mayor Peter "Boy" Ruaya and Del Carmen Mayor Bully Navarro.

Matugas said this SADP project is a big boost to the tourism industry in the province. "More tourists, both foreign and domestic mean more income and employment to our locality," he said.

This Siargao Island is already known as the "international surfing and "international fishing hub" the past five years, it was gathered. (MUC/PIA-Caraga)

Read More