Feature: For Del Carmen, Mother Nature comes first

Jan. 30, 2011 - SIARGAO ISLAND - The local government unit of Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, has stepped up efforts for environmental protection and conservation as it seeks to carve a niche in adventure tourism.

Mayor JR M. Coro believes that environmental sustainability is the linchpin of a successful tourism campaign, and goes hand in hand in maintaining robust income opportunities for the local folks.

Home to some of Mother Nature’s awe-inspiring wonders, Del Carmen is home to what is considered the largest contiguous mangrove stand in the country.

Its unique biodiversity has attracted many nature-lovers and biologists, including former DENR secretary Angel Alcala, who brought along with him experts from the National Museum in a recent visit.

“Del Carmen has many species that have yet to be discovered. Its marine ecosystem is teeming with life, and experts from the National Museum are poised to probe more because they were intrigued during their first visit,” the young mayor said.

But challenges remain

Mayor Coro said much has to be done to avoid environmental degradation. Upon assuming office in June, the mayor’s first order of business was to gather all stakeholders to confront a host of environmental issues.

“I told them that if we want to attract tourist and improve the livelihood of our residents, we have to step up our campaign efforts to preserve the environment,” he said. “It’s the number one requirement.”

One of the town’s major concerns is the proper waste disposal –- a problem so common among riverbank settlers.

The mayor plans to centralize garbage collection in a partnership scheme that involves the town’s 30 barangays.

Another option, he said, is to fully enforce Republic Act 9003, also known as the Solid Waste Management Act.

Toward this end, the young chief executive said he has already asked the support of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to choose his town as a pilot area for planned solid waste management facility.

All these plans and visions, the mayor said, are geared towards protecting the town’s flora and fauna and, by extension, the life of the town itself. (Roel Catoto/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Read More

Balikbayod: Sharing surfboards for the Filipino Youth

12/12/10 - USUALLY when we think about surfing, we don’t necessarily put the Philippines on top of the list.  However, professional surfers and surfing enthusiasts would tell you that one of the best waves to ride is at Siargao Island, which is on the eastern shoreline of the Philippines.  Also known as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to Cloud 9, one of the best surfing destinations in the province because of its thick, perfect, hollow tubes that international surfers call it a special wave.   And in this surfing paradise, two Filipino-American surfers found their calling to help.

Lynn Bryant and Victoria Fabella, not only fell in love with Siargao Island, but with its people.  Lynn initially went to Siargao for a vacation, while Victoria first learned to ride the waves in Siargao.  During their trips, they realized that most residents don’t have access to surfboards, as no surfboards are made there.  Most have even never surfed at all.  Thus, Balikbayod—or Returning Wave—was born.

But what does surfing have to do with helping kids in Siargao?  Lynn and Victoria explained that the Balikbayod program is an effective way for kids to stay in school or go back to school.  

After talking to teachers in the local schools, they found out that if children are given boards to keep (usually from visiting surf tourists), they would rather go surfing than to school.  Some hope to win in tournaments for money and see surfing as a possible career.

With Balikbayod, kids can borrow boards provided that they are currently attending school or in an Alternative Learning System (ALS).  Because of these parameters, local teachers support their program.  A partner in Siargao, also known as “the surfboard librarian” checks with the teachers that the kids follow the requirements of the program.  Balikbayod is also purposely made as an after-school-program wherein boards can only be borrowed after school hours, school holidays and weekends.

The Balikbayod program has been running for almost 3 years now, and started with a group of 10 kids or so.  At present, there about 30 plus kids with the project—all done through personal funds by the founders and volunteer work.  Since starting the program, Balikbayod also have had high school drop outs return to school to get their diplomas through the ALS.

But like most good intentions, challenges are always in the way.  Aside from the lack of funding, there is hardly any support from the Philippine government.  In spite of this, Lynn and Victoria look ahead to more future trips with an increase of the number of boards shipped by sending a shipment at least once a year.  They also would like to expand in the Philippines and other countries.

Balikbayod continued success in promoting education first for the youth through the love of surfing is dependent on the support of people through donations and volunteer work.  Immediate needs are monetary for shipping costs, shipping sponsorship, old surfboards, materials and volunteers for their repair parties. (asianjournal)

Read More

Siargao Island in blackout since Sunday

11/18/10 - Philippines - Regions, Electricity Production & Distribution

Philippines -- Siargao Island has been in total darkness since Sunday after lightning struck a power station, which has beem supplying electricity on the island.

Sergio Dagooc, general manager of the Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO), said power has not been restored in the entire island since its main Cagdianao power station was hit by lighting on Sunday evening.

“The lighting was so powerful that it severely destroyed our main power station, which supplies power on the entire island,” Dagooc told the Inquirer.

He said he already sought help from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and other electric cooperatives to help them repair and restore power supply.

He said it could take them a month to restore electricity on the island’s nine towns and its 21,000 power consumers due to the severity of the damage.

Dubbed as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is home to the Cloud 9, a world renowned surfing  spot and is host to a number of fine white beaches.

The influx of foreigners and domestic tourists into Siargao serves as its drive engine, which brought economic growth and opportunities on the idyllic island which faces the Pacific Ocean.

Leticia Tan, Caraga tourism director, said although power has been vital in every tourist destination, the blackout posed no serious threat to the island’s vibrant tourism industry.

Tan said the sooner power could be restored, the better it would be for Siargao’s tourism industry.

“The blackout has no impact on the tourism industry so far, I hope power would be restored soon,” Tan said. (Inquirer)

Read More

Coin toss decides winner

10/27/10 - SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – A political greenhorn on Siargao Island in Dapa, Surigao del Norte unseated an incumbent barangay captain through a time-tested method – the toss of a coin.

Newcomer Godofredo Sajol garnered 198 votes together with Barangay 8 captain Apple Tiu.

But rather than hold a run-off election, both Sajol and Tiu agreed to a toss coin to determine who between them should be the next village head.

The toss coin was witnessed by the town’s election officer Apolinario Asilo, residents of Barangay 8 and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Commission on Elections.

Sajol won the coin toss, becoming the new chieftain of the populated but progressive Barangay 8 in the coastal town of Dapa.

The DILG and Comelec personnel stressed that tossing a coin in cases of a tie during elections is considered legal.

In another barangay, this time in Quezon City, the question as to who will be the next chairman will be answered by the drawing of lots.

Following the end of canvassing for Barangay Mariblo at past midnight yesterday, Oliver Algas and Jerome Taeza each got 511 votes.

Comelec lawyer Ronald Allan Sindo explained that the drawing of lots to determine the winner is prescribed under Comelec rules, specifically Section 71 of Resolution 9030.

“There’s a condition that allows such procedure so we just have to follow it,” Sindo said.

Sindo said the drawing of lots will be done on Saturday, or five days after the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Algas and Taeza are among the five candidates who vied for the position of barangay captain in Barangay Mariblo, the first congressional district of Quezon City which has a voting population of less than 2,000 people.

Sindo said the chairman of the board of canvassers will be the one to facilitate the drawing of lots to determine the winner on Saturday. (philstar)

Read More

Spanish Mariculture Parks Benefit Siargao Fishermen

10/03/10 - DAPA, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte (PNA) – A big number of fishermen on this island and in Barobo town, Surigao del Sur have started to reap the fruits of the two Mariculture Park projects of the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional (AECI).

Dapa Mayor Peter Ruaya and Barobo Mayor Arturo Ronquillo said the AECI projects also started to attract investors, and in return provide more income and livelihood to the local fishermen.

The two town chief executives said they are now pushing to adopt advanced technology to make Dapa and Barobo a livable place.

The two mariculture projects were launched in Barobo on April 8, 2008 and in this town on May 10, 2008. (Manila Bulletin)

“This is a big help to our local economy,” said Ruaya.

The Barobo Mariculture Park is the second in the region but the first one to be launched under the Sustainable Management of Coastal Resources in Bicol and Caraga Regions (SUMACORE) program of the AECI in partnership with the local government unit (LGU).

The establishment of mariculture parks is part of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) program in transforming the local fisherfolk from hunters of the seas to fish farmers.

This is one of the measures to adapt to the fast-changing times and the inevitable global warming, officials from the DA-BFAR said.

These two mariculture parks will serve as showcases of fishery technologies to encourage more to invest on mariculture.

It was gathered that yield per cropping of one cage could equal to the yield of a two-hectare fishpond.

DA-BFAR officials also foresee the region to be the “grouper capital” of the country since the local waters abounds with rich fishery resources.

They said the two mariculture parks would redound to poverty alleviation, job generation and food security in the coastal areas.

Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte), Rep. Florencio Garay (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), SUMACORE project director Jessica Muñoz, Ruaya, and Ronquillo encouraged the local residents to support and protect for a sustainable livelihood and improved quality of life.

Read More

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