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 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.

The inaugurated projects are the SISTC in Dapa, Siargao Island which will serve as both a major facility for sports enthusiasts as well as a venue for tourismrelated events and the Catangnan-Cabitoonan Three-Point Bridge System, located at the island’s tourism hub, the town of General Luna. Comprising the Catangnan-Cabitoonan Bridge, Libertad Bridge 1, and Libertad Bridge 2, the three-point bridge system connects the barangays Sta. Cruz, Sta. Fe, Libertad, Cabitoonan, and Catangnan.

Both projects are part of the large-scale efforts of the provincial government to bolster economic recovery and improve the accessibility and mobility of people, goods, and services in Siargao Island which in turn further improves the province’s tourism sector.

Responsible mining is also a major industry and an economic growth driver of the province. The province has huge mineral deposits, considered one of the largest in the Philippines. Mineral reserves register a total of 37,963.40 hectares.

At present, there are six large-scale mining companies operating in the province, which produce nickel, nickel silicate ore, and limestone. Other mineral products include gold, silver, chromite, and ceramics.

The president made mention of this and enjoined Surigaonons to prevent any human endeavor that will degrade its environment. “Do not allow anybody to tinker with your forests. Take care of what you have now and preserve it for the next generations,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Duterte lauded the efforts of the provincial government for initiating the projects and completing them even amid the tumultuous economic status of the country brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The inauguration today of these projects happens at a very auspicious time when we are revitalizing the country’s tourism industry as we recover from the pandemic. Through these infrastructure developments, we are confident that Siargao will cement its place as one of the premier tourist destinations in the Philippines,” he said.

A great believer in the role of infrastructure development as one of the major propellers of the country’s economic prosperity, the country’s chief executive reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable life for every Filipino through the many infra projects built across the country under the “Build, Build, Build” program.

“With all these infrastructure developments are inclusive progress for the benefit of every Filipino. This is our commitment and legacy to our people,” he said. (DMNR/PIACaraga)