Surigao Sur Agri-Tourism Expo honors best booths. Local talents
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) --A vibrant celebration of innovation, culture, and grassroots pride took center stage at the Agri-Tourism Expo 2025, one of the major highlights of the 65th Araw ng Surigao del Sur.
With the active participation of all 19 local government units (LGUs), the event culminated in the recognition of top-performing booths and presentations that best embodied the province’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and inclusive tourism on June 19.
LGU Tagbina clinched 1st place in Best Booth, receiving P150,000 and a Plaque of Recognition. Their winning exhibit creatively highlighted Tagbina’s rich cultural identity, eco-tourism destinations, and indigenous delicacies. The successful entry was led by Municipal Agriculturist and Tourism Designate Warlito D. Untua, under the leadership of Mayor Glaiza Jane Polizon-Lanete, whose administration has consistently championed grassroots-driven development and community pride.
LGU Bayabas, the smallest municipality in the province, made a bold statement by securing 2nd place in the Best Booth category and taking home P100,000 and a plaque. Additionally, Bayabas captured the hearts of the public, winning the People’s Choice Award and an additional P10,000. Their Gakit Festival and sanctuary-themed booth offered a moving tribute to the town’s heritage and environmental efforts. Tourism Officer Jude Limbaro shared, “Even Bayabas, the smallest municipality, has a big vision,” underscoring their deep sense of representation, gratitude, and unwavering local pride.
LGU.Hinatuan garnered 3rd place in Best Booth honors and also bagged the prestigious Best in Pitching Presentation Award, receiving a total of P60,000 and plaques of recognition. Their enchanting Hinatuan booth was the product of a seamless collaboration between Municipal Tourism Officer and Information Officer Designate Gemma S. Millan and the Municipal Agriculturist Office. The exhibit masterfully fused Hinatuan’s eco-tourism attractions with its value-added agricultural and aquatic products, offering a holistic showcase of the municipality’s natural wealth, innovation, and sustainable livelihood practices. Tour guides Malot Manzano and Kient Francisco captivated judges and audiences alike with a heartfelt and compelling pitch that reflected the town’s spirit and innovation.
Provincial Tourism Office under the leadership of Mary Vil Cruz-Chan revealed the other notable awardees include:
LGU-Carrascal, recognized with the Most Innovative Booth Award (P20,000 + plaque), for its creative and forward-thinking exhibit design;
LGU-Barobo, awarded Best in Culinary Presentation (P10,000 + plaque), for showcasing outstanding local delicacies;
LGUs Tandag, Carrascal, and Barobo, which also earned plaques of recognition as part of the No 6 Best Booth.
The provincial government of Surigao del Sur, under the leadership of Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, demonstrated strong support by providing each participating LGU with P100,000 for booth preparation and an additional P20,000 to enhance their culinary presentations. This initiative highlights the province’s unwavering commitment to uplifting rural livelihoods through integrated tourism and agricultural development.
In his message, Provincial Agriculturist Esmeraldo S. Raymundo underscored the far-reaching benefits of agri-tourism in driving local economic growth. “When we promote our tourism industry, everything else will follow,” he noted. “Support sectors such as transportation, banking, food, hospitality, and even agri-aqua industries will naturally expand to meet the growing demands brought by increased tourist influx.”
Raymundo further emphasized that ancillary services, including travel agencies, tour operators, and other businesses that enrich the travel experience, will likewise thrive. “You'll get the drift,” he added, pointing out how a thriving tourism sector acts as a catalyst for broader development and livelihood opportunities across the province.
The Agri-Tourism Expo 2025 was more than an exhibit, it was a celebration of shared identity, community excellence, and the transformative power of unity. Through this platform, Surigao del Sur continues to shine as a model for inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven progress. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
