PRRD calls for protection on natural resources in Surigao Norte In time with the inauguration of two big-ticket infrastructure projects in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province on Saturday, November 6, President Rodrigo Roa Duerte, who inaugurated the said projects himself, called on Surigaonons to protect and preserve their natural resources. Surigao del Norte is home to some of the country’s top tourist destinations, boasting an abundance in natural resources as manifested in its major growth drivers - agriaquaculture, responsible mining, and ecotourism. It is reputed as one of the leading tourism
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|November 6-12, 2021
destinations in Mindanao and is considered a surfing capital with its long stretches of fine white beaches, caves, lakes, waterfalls, rock formations, and barrelshaped surfs. Located in the province is the world-renowned Siargao Island which is also home to the largest contiguous mangrove stand in the Philippines, holding a total mangrove forest of 8,620 hectares. Of these, a single forest block consisting of 4,200 hectares is found in the municipality of Del Carmen, which is a habitat of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, both in
marine, wetland, and terrestrial areas. “You have a beautiful place. Do not allow anybody to spoil your environment,” said President Duterte during the inauguration of the Siargao Island Sports and Tourism Complex (SISTC) and the CatangnanCabitoonan ThreePoint Bridge System in Brgy. Osmena, Dapa, Siargao Island, where local chief executives in the province, as well as hundreds of Surigaonons, witnessed the ceremony. “I am actually jealous [of the beauty of the province], if I’m being honest,” he added. Caraga INFOCUS
