Siargao, Surigao Del Norte (April 16) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to visit Caraga Region, particularly in the Provinces of Dinagat Islands, and Siargao in this province, and Carrascal in Surigao del Sur today, Wednesday, April 16 and 17, 2008.

In the advisory sent by the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), the President was scheduled to arrive April 16 at the Surigao City Airport, and will immediately proceed to the Province of Dinagat Islands boarding the presidential chopper.

Joining the President in the Presidential Party is Caraga Region's Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, while receiving the party are Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, Eastern Mindanao Commanding General Lt. Gen. Cardozo Luna and Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga Regional Director Jaime Milla.

Upon her arrival at Barangay Don Ruben in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, Governor Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman, Cong. Glenda Ecleo, San Jose Mayor Benglen Ecleo, 4ID Commanding General M/Gen. Roland Rodriguez and PNP Provincial Director Antonio Paguirigan are among those set to welcome the President.

From San Jose, the President will inaugurate the Tag-iho Bridge in Barangay Santo Nino, municipality of Basilisa. She will be received by Basilisa Mayor Floro Baltar, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga Regional Director Romeo Momo and Tag-iho Barangay Captain Mibato Hermogenes. She will then be briefed by DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane on the project and will unveil the project marker. Afterwhich, the President will have an inaugural drive-thru of the bridge.

Constructed at the project cost of P 22,140,579.45, the Tag-iho Bridge and its approaches span to some 30.95 lineal meters steel bridge. It is one of the UK-funded projects in the province and was completed on April 3, 2008. It serves as the vital link of the Dinagat Road Network. With its completion, the bridge will hasten delivery of services to the residents and improve the economic condition in the area.

After the inauguration, President Arroyo motors to Barangay Ruben landing zone, for the flight to Sayak Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao island, where she will be welcomed by del Carmen Mayor Constantino Navarro IV, Congressmen Francisco Matugas and Guillermo Romarate.

While in Pansukian Tropical Resort in Siargao, a two-on-one local media interview will be conducted with Franklin Caliguid, Caraga Region Bureau Chief of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Surigao City' local broadcaster Antonio Conching will be anchoring the event.

On the following day, April 17, the President will be the Guest of Honor to the 1st Siargao Invitational Game Fishing Tournament in the municipality of Pilar. She will declare the tournament open through the symbolic throwing of the hook and line (fishing rod) to the sea.

It was learned that this is the first ever game fishing event held at the country´s surfing capital - Siargao. Game fishing either in fresh and saltwater is now one of the fastest growing sports event among sport fishing enthusiasts and anglers around the world.

Also, it was learned that three of the country´s most prestigious game fishing clubs, the Philippine Game Fishing Foundation, the Philippine Sports Fishing Club and the Silver Jack Fishing Club of Manila confirmed participation for the said tournament.

Foreign participants who have confirmed participation are anglers from HongKong, Japan, Malaysia and Taiwan. The mechanics of the competition awards championship trophies and cash prizes to the anglers with the highest weight points and the heaviest catch.

From Pilar, the President will be boarding the chopper to Carrascal Sports and Cultural Center Grounds for the rice distribution under the "Bigasan ng Parokya" Program of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, where rice supply is consigned to the Parish by the National Food Authority (NFA).

She will be welcomed by Surigao del Sur Governor Vicente Pimentel Jr., Carrascal Mayor Alfred Arreza, 1st District Representative Philip Pichay, 2nd District Representative Florencio Garay, Doyos Barangay Capt. Edna Atico, PNP Provincial Director Senior Supt. Richard dela Rosa and AFP 401st Brigade Commander Col. Jose Vizcarra.

In the afternoon of that same day, an Executive session with the governors of the Caraga Region will be conducted. Aside from the governors, the session will be participated by religious sectors, regional directors of National Government Agencies (NGAs) and the AFP and PNP officials.

After the session, the party will motor to the junction for the groundbreaking of the Carrasscal-Claveria road, where this will be the last engagement of the President's two-day visit in the region.

With this development, the national government is strengthening its commitment to serve the Filipino people to fight poverty and experience total development. (PIA-13) [top]