LGU set to Develop "Tagulahi Water Falls" as Tourist Destination in Caraga Region

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Caraga region is now in the world’s road map for tourist destination due to its surfing and fishing haven including islands mangrove plantations and caves and fine and white sand beaches in Surigao. The officials of the city government of Butuan is now eyeing another tourists spot that will attract tourists, both foreign and domestic by developing the environment-scenic “Tagulahi water falls”.

Approximately, “Tagulahi water falls” is almost 14 kilometers away, south at this region’s capital city.

Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) member Atty. Jaime M. Cembrano, Jr., also chairman of the city’s SP Committee on Tourism, is now proposing for a Php 2 million budget for the development of the area.

City Councilor Cembrano is strongly proposing to have a good road network going to “Tagulahi water falls”, construction of other structures in the area and construct a bridge at Purok 5 in Barangay Antongalon that will connect to the said water falls.

“We have to develop this falls, into two – one for the adult and the other for the children, where everybody can feel the breeze of fresh water from the mountains,” said Councilor Cembrano.

“Tagulahi water walls” is located at the foot of the Mount Diwata range, connecting the highest Mount Ilong-Ilong in the northeastern part of the region.

“I know that when tourists reached this scenic-environment perimeter of Tagulahi water falls, they will appreciate the area,” added Councilor Cembrano.

Aside from developing Tagulahi falls, the city’s SP Tourism chair is also eyeing to develop the Agusan river.

Agusan river is the biggest and longest river in Mindanao. A cruise along the river barangays reveal so much of Butuan`s history, culture, art and people. As a tribute to the Patroness of the Agusan River Senora Sta. Ana, the Abayan Festival was born  which is a daylong celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession at the Agusan river, further added City Councilor Cembrano, who also chaired the Committee on Good Government Committee on Human Settlements and Land Use.

In another tourism development, big number of tourists, both foreign and domestic flocked at the internationally known “Cloud 9” at Gen. Luna in Siargao Island Surigao del Norte province as the 16th world’s international surfing kicked of Friday.

All beach resorts in this so called “paradise island” in Northeastern Mindanao are fully booked.

Australian Deputy Ambassador Andrew Byrne was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of 16th Siargao International Surfing Cup. He was accompanied by Minister Councelor Titon Mitra of the Australian Embassy in Manila, said Surigao del Norte solon Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte).

Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas said that close to 100 world-class and rated surfers registered in the weeklong international competition.

The event is part of the month-long festivity in the island dubbed as the 1st Siargao Surfing Festival with its theme: “Kabibo 2010.”

Aside from the world surfing cup, other activities also commence which include : The 1st Gov. Sol Matugas Open Beach Volleyball Challenge, Agri-Aqua Trade Fair, Best Municipal Booth, Kabibo Hip-hop Dance Competition, Photo-shoot Competition and Nightly Yugyugan Open Party at the town’s boulevard sponsored by San Miguel Beer.

With all these series of activities, Gov. Matugas is hopeful that the local tourism industry cannot only bring prestige but most importantly, create jobs to the locals and hopefully achieve quality life and at the same time help boost the economy of the province.

Surigao del Norte solons Rep. Matugas and 2nd District Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr., Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, LMP President Sheila Mae Orquina-Cebedo and around 20 mayors of the province are fully supportive of the international surfing activity. (Manila Bulletin)