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 lively 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 throughout the welcome dinner in Bayugan Metropolis. She lauded Caraga’s unimaginable array of experiences—from Surigao del Sur’s enchanting Enchanted River to Butuan Metropolis’s historic allure—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 by Caraga, kicking off in Butuan Metropolis. Apart 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 by music and dance. Delegates explored the Butuan Archaeological Park and marveled on the historic Balangays, showcasing the area’s wealthy maritime heritage.
Their exploration continued with a scenic Agusan River cruise and an up-close have a look at balangay replicas—symbols of Caraga’s enduring cultural legacy. Evenings have been crammed with native feasts, reside 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 Models, 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, identified for its colonial homes and scenic Puting Bato Viewing Deck, the place they soaked in panoramic views of the countryside. Visitors have 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 assist in making Caraga a chief 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 assets not just for our metropolis and for barangay Puting Bato however for future generations as properly, who will bear witness to our imaginative and prescient of realizing the Puting Bato Nature Reservation Eco and Cultural Improvement Mission or Puting Bato Eco Park.”
“Our imaginative and prescient for the Puting Bato Eco Park venture is bold however achievable, we purpose to move it to a premiere eco tourism vacation spot. On the similar time, we’re dedicated to defending and enhancing the encircling ecosystem, guaranteeing the biodiversity that thrives right here will proceed to flourish for years to return, the Puting Bato Eco Park venture, is not only about constructing infrastructure or attracting vacationers, at its core, this venture is about empowering our group, notably the indigenous folks of the realm to turn into sustainable and independent to financial alternatives that will flourish from this venture. By investing on this venture, 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 by tourism, and for that, we’re very grateful. This isn’t solely a certain, long run sustainability venture, but in addition offers a way of possession and delight for our group members. This venture represents one thing much more significant, it represents hope, it demonstrates what may 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 growth to incorporate the view deck, the street networks, and varied 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 experience 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 recent fruits. Native artisans displayed proudly crafted gadgets, capping off a memorable day.
Majestic Landscapes and Cultural Heritage
The ultimate day took the PEP crew 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 have 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 lively assist within the growth of the province’s tourism sector, “I’m very completely satisfied 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 tasks that the DOT has poured into Agusan del Sur; these which can be being applied and will probably be applied by 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, might 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 categorical my pleasure and deepest gratitude to be thought of for the pilot space for the DOT’s flagship venture, the PEP, a very outstanding initiative that showcases our beautiful landscapes and vibrant heritage, for years, we now have 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 progress and growth for the area’s tourism sector.
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