Surigao City – In celebrating its 114th founding anniversary, Surigao del Norte vowed to step up its agri-tourism potential with local officials encouraging farmers to continuously practice organic and natural farming to increase production and help in the country’s food security.
At the same time, consumers in the province must patronize and use local food products in abundance in the province.
“Aside from farming and fishing program, we must also continue to take care and protect the beauty and abundance of nature,” Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas, citing the beautiful beaches, amazing islands, islets and famous surfing areas in the province particularly in Siargao Island now in the world map of surfing destinations.
The governor also took pride in the peace and security of the province which is widely appreciated by tourists around the world.
“This is the most peaceful province…. the beauty of Siargao and cleanliness and everything is here, especially the beauty of nature so we must take care of these blessings from God,” stressed the governor.
The governor said economic improvement is already very much in place in the various tourist spots and the paved roads leading to such destinations.
Region Xlll DPWH Regional Director Danilo E. Versola said there are 22 road projects worth P1.3 billion are in the pipeline this year with the bulk going to Surigao del Norte, Siargao Island and Surigao del Sur.
The anniversary celebration that will last until May 15 and is participated in by all provincial, municipal and barangay officials as well as national government and non-government organizations.
This year’s celebration with the theme, “Empowering Communities through Sustainable Agri-Tourism Development” began yesterday with opening parade and program at the provincial gymnasium here.
A 2015 Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Forum with theme, “Ipadajon Pagkaon Surigaonon, Let’s Do Organic and Nature Farming” was held after which a boodle lunch and ribbon cutting of Agri-Trade Fair Exhibits dubbed “ATO INI Produkto ug Pagkaong Surigaonon” and cultural show dubbed “Pasundayag” followed at the Provincial Sports Complex Oval here.
Other activities lined up for the nine-day celebration include: Team Capitol Sports Fest , Bandahan, Hataw sa Surigao: Zumba na Surigaonon, Mountain Bike and BMX Tournament,; Inter-municipality Solo Singing Competition “TINGOG SURIGAONON 2015”, Local History Writing Seminar, Wellness and Natural Healing Seminar, Hip-Hop Dance Competition “Talento Surigaonon”- Opening of Local Artists’ Gallery and Photo Exhibit, “Pasundayag”nan Kanta, Sajaw ug Balak Sinurigao”, Povincial Youth Entrepreneurship Summit and Pasundayag-back to back concert with live bands from Visayas.
On May 15, the founding day, there will be a centennial thanksgiving mass followed by a flag- raising, a program and blessing and inauguration of Go Negosyo Convergence Center. The agri-fair closes with an awarding ceremony.
Written by: Mika Crismundo
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