Surigao Sur highlights founding anniversary with Agri-Tourism Expo
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) — Vibrant booths, regional flavors, and inspired community pride marked the opening of the Agri-Tourism Expo on June 16, one of the centerpiece events for the 65th Araw ng Surigao del Sur celebration.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Governor Alexander Pimentel, Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Director Ivonnie B. Dumadag, and 1st District Congressional Representative Romeo S. Momo Sr., formally launched a dynamic showcase of local creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood. Provincial and municipal leaders gathered in unity, celebrating not only the province’s 65th founding anniversary but also its grassroots-driven economic progress.
All 19 local government units (LGUs) across Surigao del Sur actively participated in the event, showcasing value-added products such as processed agricultural goods, native delicacies, handcrafted wares, and eco-tourism offerings. Importantly, no raw produce was presented, an intentional shift that highlights the LGUs’ commitment to innovation, local enterprise, and community development.
The provincial government of Surigao del Sur provided strong support to participating LGUs by granting P100,000 each for booth dressing and an additional P20,000 to support their presentation of signature dishes and delicacies According to Provincial Tourism Office headed by MaryVil Cruz-Chan, “This investment affirms the province’s dedication to nurturing small businesses, promoting local food culture, and stimulating rural livelihood.”
Tourism Officer Jude Limbaro of Bayabas, the smallest municipality in Surigao del Sur, underscored the value of meaningful representation and heartfelt gratitude during the Agri-Tourism Expo.
“Even though Bayabas is the smallest municipality in the province, we carry a big vision,” Limbaro said. “We proudly presented our GAKIT Festival and The Sanctuary, both of which embody the identity and cultural spirit of our community.”
He added, “This is our humble tribute to the province of Surigao del Sur, a gesture of thanks, especially as we commemorate our roots as the 12th municipality established back in 1961.”
As the province commemorates its 65th founding anniversary, the Agri-Tourism Expo stands not just as a display of products, but as a proud celebration of identity, creativity, and shared progress in every Surigaonon community. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
