Discovering Caraga’s Hidden Gems: Highlights from the Philippine Expertise Program
Butuan Metropolis, Philippines – The Division of Tourism’s (DOT) celebrated tourism program, the Philippine Expertise Program (PEP), wrapped up an exhilarating tenth leg, placing a highlight on the Caraga area’s promising tourism potentials. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed deep gratitude to the native governments and warm-hearted folks of Caraga for his or her energetic involvement within the vibrant, three-day showcase, held from Oct. 28-30.
Philippine Expertise Program (PEP) delegates get to discover the third longest river within the Philippines, the Agusan River in a river cruise exercise in Butuan Metropolis as a part of the stops of this system.
“Caraga is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes and wealthy historical past, from the charming Lusong Chilly Spring in Cabadbaran to Siargao’s iconic Cloud 9,” stated Secretary Frasco in the course of the welcome dinner in Bayugan Metropolis. She lauded Caraga’s unbelievable array of experiences—from Surigao del Sur’s enchanting Enchanted River to Butuan Metropolis’s historic appeal—every vacation spot contributing to the area’s dynamic tourism panorama.
Exploring the Rising Locations
The PEP delegation, comprising native and nationwide officers, members of the diplomatic group, media, influencers, and tourism stakeholders, launched into an unforgettable journey via Caraga, kicking off in Butuan Metropolis. Aside from the unthreaded locations to behold, the group indulged in an array of native dishes and loved cultural performances narrating the story of the Caraganons via music and dance. Delegates explored the Butuan Archaeological Park and marveled on the historical Balangays, showcasing the area’s wealthy maritime heritage.
Their exploration continued with a scenic Agusan River cruise and an up-close take a look at balangay replicas—symbols of Caraga’s enduring cultural legacy. Evenings had been stuffed with native feasts, stay performances, and bustling commerce cubicles highlighting the distinctive choices of Agusan del Norte. The welcome dinner was graciously hosted by the Provincial Authorities of Agusan del Norte with the Municipal Native Authorities Items, Vice Governor Enrico Corvera warmly welcomed all of the delegates, whereas Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, additionally shared a heartfelt video message.
A Journey into Tradition and Culinary Delights
Day 2 introduced delegates to Cabadbaran Metropolis, recognized for its colonial homes and scenic Puting Bato Viewing Deck, the place they soaked in panoramic views of the countryside. Company had been handled to conventional delicacies like Cab-Cab, Puto Balanghoy, and Butter Garlic Candy Spicy Uwang. Cabadbaran’s leaders, Mayor Judy C. Amante, Vice Mayor Rey G. Jamboy, joined by 2nd District Agusan del Norte Consultant Dale Corvera, and different key officers prolonged their appreciation to Secretary Frasco for her devoted help in making Caraga a first-rate vacation spot for eco-tourism. Mayor Amante shared the significance of having the ability to participate within the PEP, “It’s with nice delight and heartfelt gratitude to be among the many chosen LGUs to participate within the PEP of the DOT, an initiative that holds deep significance to the promotion and showcase of our wealthy heritage and pure sources not just for our metropolis and for barangay Puting Bato however for future generations as nicely, who will bear witness to our imaginative and prescient of realizing the Puting Bato Nature Reservation Eco and Cultural Growth Undertaking or Puting Bato Eco Park.”
“Our imaginative and prescient for the Puting Bato Eco Park undertaking is bold however achievable, we goal to move it to a premiere eco tourism vacation spot. On the identical time, we’re dedicated to defending and enhancing the encompassing ecosystem, making certain the biodiversity that thrives right here will proceed to flourish for years to come back, the Puting Bato Eco Park undertaking, is not only about constructing infrastructure or attracting vacationers, at its core, this undertaking is about empowering our group, notably the indigenous folks of the world to turn into sustainable and autonomous to financial alternatives which will flourish from this undertaking. By investing on this undertaking, we’re investing in the way forward for our barangay, and the wellbeing of each household that calls it dwelling,” shared Mayor Amante.
She added, “That is the primary time {that a} secretary of the Division of Tourism went to Barangay Puting Bato, [Sec. Frasco’s presence] signifies [her] dedication to assist communities like ours construct a brighter, extra sustainable future via tourism, and for that, we’re very grateful. This isn’t solely a positive, long run sustainability undertaking, but in addition offers a way of possession and delight for our group members. This undertaking represents one thing much more significant, it represents hope, it demonstrates what could be achieved when a group comes along with a shared imaginative and prescient. Thanks Sec. Frasco and let’s stay up for the thrilling journey that lies forward for Bgy. Puting Bato’s future tourism improvement to incorporate the view deck, the street networks, and numerous infrastructures of Bgy. Puting Bato Eco Park. Thanks very a lot for visiting us.”
Because the night unfolded, the delegation traveled to Bayugan Metropolis for a colourful trisikad journey to the Lope A. Asis Memorial Gymnasium. Bayugan Metropolis Mayor Kirk Asis performed host to contributors of the PEP that includes Bayugan’s most interesting native produce, complemented by a bounty of seafood and contemporary fruits. Native artisans displayed proudly crafted gadgets, capping off a memorable day.
Majestic Landscapes and Cultural Heritage
The ultimate day took the PEP group to Bega Falls Ecotourism Park in Prosperidad, the place Secretary Frasco joined locals in conventional music, sharing in a joyful reference to Caraga’s vibrant tradition. The tour culminated on the D.O. Plaza Authorities Advanced, alive with festive colours and flavors from Agusan del Sur’s 13 municipalities, providing a scrumptious unfold of indigenous delicacies and handicrafts. Sec. Frasco and delegates of PEP Caraga had been warmly welcomed by Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane, Jr., Prosperidad Metropolis Mayor Frederick Mark P. Mellana, and different native officers and tourism stakeholders.
In his speech, Gov. Cane thanked Sec. Frasco for her energetic help within the improvement of the province’s tourism sector, “I’m very blissful that you’re main a division of the nationwide authorities tasked to advertise love for the Philippines. I’m very grateful for all of the infrastructure initiatives that the DOT has poured into Agusan del Sur; these which are being applied and will likely be applied via the DPWH, as a result of these street constructions result in vacationer locations. Dapat ganyan ang mga secretaries ng ating nationwide authorities, alam niya kung anong kailangan ng mga native authorities items. Sana all lahat ng secretaries parang si Sec. Frasco, could puso para sa mga native authorities items, kasi po, galing din siya sa native authorities, being a former mayor of your metropolis. On behalf of the province of Agusan del Sur, I specific my pleasure and deepest gratitude to be thought of for the pilot space for the DOT’s flagship undertaking, the PEP, a very outstanding initiative that showcases our gorgeous landscapes and vibrant heritage, for years, we’ve been aiming to enhance our tourism sector and foster tourism practices that not solely raises consciousness but in addition instills appreciation and delight of our provinces’ pure wonders and native traditions.”
Secretary Frasco emphasised Caraga’s distinctive place in Philippine tourism, highlighting how tourism has pushed poverty discount within the area. “Tourism right here isn’t simply concerning the sights however the soul of our folks, the richness of our meals, our cultural traditions—components that make the world fall in love with the Philippines,” she stated.
With a lot anticipation for the longer term, PEP Caraga wrapped up in an environment of pleasure, fueled by the promise of development and improvement for the area’s tourism sector.
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