New sea route to connect Siargao and Dinagat
By
Renelle Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – Dinagat Islands Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. recently met with Cagdianao Mayor Marc Adelson D. Longos to assess the readiness of the new route between Del Carmen town in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, and Cagdianao port in the Province of Dinagat Islands.
This will serve as the first and only direct route to connect Siargao Island and the province of Dinagat Islands, reducing the travel time from almost four hours to less than two hours.
The interisland connectivity will be realized through seacraft transportation with a carrying capacity of 120 passengers, including motorcycles.
Key officials of the concerned areas are also targeting a maiden voyage on April 22.
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| This map shows the feasible span and interval between Del Carmen, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and Cagdianao town in the Province of Dinagat Islands. The realization of this first direct route will benefit tourism and other economic activities in both areas. (Photo of PIA-PDI) |
Gov. Demerey said, “I personally visited the mayor so we can have an organized implementation of this undertaking, as this will heighten tourism in the province, contribute to countryside development, and open more opportunities to help our local economy.”
“Amo sad gituki ang mga proyekto bahin sa road project nga mukonekta sa Barangay Nueva padulong Del Pillar aron maabot sa mga turista ang Hinabyan beach nga usa sa tourist attraction sa atong probinsya labaw na sa panahon sa Amihan,” the governor added.
[We also discussed the road projects that will connect Barangay Nueva to Del Pilar so tourists will have an opportunity to visit Hinabyan Beach, which is one of our best-offered pristine beaches in the province, especially during Amihan or Northeast Monsoon.]
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| On Mar. 26,,Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. of the Province of Dinagat Islands met with Cagdianao Mayor Marc Adelson D. Longos in preparation for the inter island connectivity between Del Carmen town, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte and Cagdianao port. Photo courtesy of Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. |
Longgos also shared to set up tour packages and guidelines, saying, “Amo himoong prayoridad and pagbutang nan tour packages aron aduna'y mga basihan sa pagsulod sa lungsod kay importante kini p;ara ato mahatag ang best eco-tourism experience sa atong lugar.”
[We will prioritize the setting up of tour packages so there will be a basis for entry to our place, as this is important so we can provide and sustain the best eco-tourism experience in the place.]
Prior engagements were made by all parties to ensure smooth implementation of this exciting ingenuity, such as on Sept. 1, 2023, when the local government unit of Del Carmen welcomed the representatives of the visiting province, Dinagat Islands, to explore further opportunities to maximize the tourism portfolio of both areas as Siargao Domestic Airport is strategically located in Del Carmen town.
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| On Sept. 1, 2023, personnel from the provincial government of Dinagat Islands visited the local government of Del Carmen in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte for a coordination meeting on the proposed opening of route for Del Carmen to Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands. Photo courtesy of LGU-Del Carmen, SDN. |
For LGU Del Carmen, the gateway will offer new adventures to the tourists and stronger linkage to the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, stating, “We look forward to realizing this opportunity as this will allow the tourism frontliners of the island of Siargao to offer more to the tourists by extending their escapades to the mystical province of love, Dinagat Islands.
With the interisland connectivity, this will bring fusion to the travel itinerary of holidaymakers and globetrotters, from Del Carmen’s largest contiguous mangrove forests in the country and its world-famous Sugba Lagoon to the wonders of Dinagat Islands’ immaculate beaches and surfing compass, rich biodiversity and natural resources, towering limestone boulders and cliffs, including its festivals and gastronomy. (RLE/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
