(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Saturday, 12 July 2025) The Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect Mindanao. FORECAST: The Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. These conditions may lead to possible flash floods or landslides, especially during moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall. The rest of Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms also influenced by the Southwest Monsoon. Winds will be light to moderate from the southwest, with slight to moderate seas (wave height between 0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Friday, 21 March 2025

Surigao City to transform former rebel stronghold Into eco-tourism destination

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the city government of Surigao spearheaded the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Surigao City Nature and Family Park, a major eco-tourism project under DBM’s Green, Green, Green Program.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held in Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-I on March 13, marked the start of phase 1 of the city’s Eco-Tourism Park Master Plan.

Leading the ceremony was DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who said, “The Green, Green, Green Program is DBM’s nationwide initiative that helps local government units (LGUs) develop public green spaces to enhance urban livability, boost tourism, create jobs and strengthen environmental sustainability.”

“Through this partnership with DBM, the city government of Surigao invested in sustainable development, expanding green spaces and promoting eco-tourism. Once completed, the park will provide a new recreational space for families, tourists and residents while supporting environmental conservation and local economic growth,” she added.

According to the city government, Sitio Brazil was once a guerrilla stronghold and is now being transformed into a thriving eco-tourism sanctuary.

“With a P10.2 million budget, phase 1 of the Surigao City Nature and Family Park will include a viewing deck, tribal hall, community garden, tree parks and nursery and camping grounds. Future phases will introduce an adventure zone with zip lines, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track and extended nature trails to attract more visitors,” said Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II as he expressed gratitude to DBM for choosing the city as a beneficiary of the Green, Green, Green Program.

Witnessing the activity were key DBM officials, including DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope O. Libiran, DBM Caraga Director Maria Fe Jagna, along with the regional directors of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), local leaders and community representatives.  (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao City- PIO)

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