RDC, Reg’l leaders expresses satisfaction over developmental gains as Caraga turns 17
By Noel B. Najarro
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- Regional Development Council Chairperson and Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas and other regional leaders expresses satisfaction over developmental gains as Caraga Region turned 17-years old on Thursday.
The 17th founding anniversary of the region, which was commemorated under the theme: “Ensuring Food Security Thru Sustainable Resource Utilization,” kicked off with a parade from Butuan City Hall to Agusan del Norte covered court where a holy mass was celebrated. It was attended by the employees of all government agencies and instrumentalities spearheaded by the DepEd Caraga and the DA-RFU 13.
Gracing the affair were Matugas and former Cong. Charito Plaza, who authored the house bill which eventually became RA 7901. The act was signed by former Pres. Fidel V. Ramos on February 23, 1995, transforming the cities of Butuan and Surigao and the four provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur to compose the 13th region in the Philippines into what is now known as the Caraga Region.
Other prominent personalities present were Agusan del Norte 2nd Congressional District Rep. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Teddy Casino, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.; Agusan del Norte Vice-Gov. Enrico Corvera (representing Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante); Butuan City SB Member Jo Marticion-Salise (representing Cong. Jose S. Aquino II), Cabadbaran City Mayor Dale Corvera and the regional directors and officials of the government agencies and instrumentalities operating here in the region.
Giving their respective messages during the opening program were Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr.; Vice-Gov. Enrico Corvera; Rep. Teddy Casino, RDC Chair Sol Matugas and Former Cong. Charito B. Plaza. The reading of RA 7901 was done by Mylah Fe Aurora V. Carino, ARD, NEDA-Caraga and RDC Secretary.
The opening rites was followed by an “Agri-Fair” held at the DA Compound RFU XIII. RDC Chair Matugas and other guests present did the honor of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The “Agri-Fair” showcased the various agricultural and fisheries products of the region.
A luncheon came next at the Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort highlighted by more messages from RDC Chair Sol Matugas, SB Member Jo Marticion-Salise (representing Cong. Jose “Joboy” II), Rep. Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna Party-list and Hon. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba.
Among the program highlights was the recognition and giving of awards to the officials and offices which have contributed to the progress, growth and development of the region.
A press forum followed where the RDC leadership and other LGU leaders present interacted with the local media on the regions developmental gains and progress as well as the challenges after 17 years and onward.
The celebration will culminate at 3:00 p.m. today at DA-RFU XIII Compound.
In a related development, the 15th Caraga Tourism Council Assembly was held at Balanghai Hotel on February 21-22 and Caraga Culinary Live Show Competition was also held at CSU Main Complex at Ampayon, Butuan City. (NCLM/PIA Caraga)
