The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the City Government of Surigao officially broke ground for 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, marks the start of Phase 1 of the city’s Eco-Tourism Park Master Plan.
Leading the ceremony were City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II, Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra, City Councilors Karl Duane Casurra and Joshua Emilio Geli, Liga ng mga Barangay President Florenillo Ravelo, SK Federated President Jenelyn Edulzura, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Rise Faith Recabo.
Key DBM officials also attended, including Cabinet Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran, Director Ryan Lita, and Caraga Regional Director Maria Fe Jagna. Joining them were NEDA Regional Director Gemima Olab and DHSUD Caraga Regional Director Cristie Reyes.
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.
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 & Nursery, and Camping Grounds.
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 & Nursery, and Camping Grounds. Future phases will introduce an adventure zone with zip lines, an ATV track, and extended nature trails to attract more visitors.
Through this partnership with DBM, the Surigao City Government is investing in sustainable development, expanding green spaces, and promoting eco-tourism.
Surigao City has been vulnerable to natural calamities, such as typhoons and earthquakes, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
“Limited tourism infrastructure has made it difficult to retain local and foreign tourists, who often opt to visit nearby areas like Dinagat and Siargao Islands.”
“Limited tourism infrastructure has made it difficult to retain local and foreign tourists, who often opt to visit nearby areas like Dinagat and Siargao Islands,” Dumlao said.
“Once completed, the park will provide a new recreational space for families, tourists, and residents while supporting environmental conservation and local economic growth,” the mayor noted.
The project is expected to open sustainable job opportunities, help environmental conservation, and promote the well-being of the local community in the coastal areas.
Local leaders and community representatives also took part in the event, including Purok Chairpersons of Sitio Brazil, Emedio Salado and Carmen Yecyec, Mamanwa Indigenous Peoples Community leader Datu Demetrio Balocloc, and Macatingkie Sangcopan of the United Muslim Association of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte Incorporated. Barangay Mat-i officials, led by Barangay Captain Norberto Bruzon, were also present, along with partner agencies and Sitio Brazil residents.
