Former DPWH field office turns over Enchanted River management to Hinatuan LGU
HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The local government unit (LGU) of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur is set to strengthen the management and administration of the world-renowned Enchanted River following the formal turnover of the former Field Office Building of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Second District Engineering Office to the municipality.
Located at the entrance of the Enchanted River, the facility will now serve as the Enchanted River Management Administrative Office, providing the local government with a dedicated space for coordination, tourism activities, environmental management, and other initiatives to develop the tourist destination.
The turnover on August 20 reflected the government’s continued efforts to maximize the use of public assets and ensure that government facilities contribute directly to efficient public service and community development.
Mayor Canedo expressed his appreciation to the DPWH Second District Engineering Office for the smooth and successful turnover, underscoring the facility’s importance in strengthening the municipality’s efforts to ensure organized, efficient, and sustainable management of Enchanted River.
The initiative supported the administration’s broader agenda of promoting responsive and efficient governance, maximizing government resources, protecting the environment, and advancing sustainable tourism and local economic development.
With the facility now under the LGU’s management, the municipality aims to improve coordination and administration at the Enchanted River while ensuring that the destination remains properly managed for residents, tourists, businesses, and future generations.
It demonstrated how government resources and facilities can be put to productive use in support of public service, environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, and inclusive local development.
The ceremonial turnover was attended by representatives of the DPWH Second District Engineering Office led by District Engineer Jerome S. Mezo, along with officials and representatives of the LGU Hinatuan.
Representing the municipality were Sangguniang Bayan Members Noel D. Ortiz and Edilberto Barrios; Executive Assistant II Ferdinand M. Barrios; Private Secretary II Ruel Nazareno; Municipal Environment and Ecological Affairs (MEEA)/Enchanted River Manager Nanito C. Bandola; and Assistant MEEA/Municipal Tourism Officer Designate Gemma Salonga Millan. Mayor Tito Canedo III later joined the team during the activity. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur/Photo courtesy of LGU-Hinatuan)
