A Briefer: Proposed Siargao Agri-ecotourism Nautical Highway
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The document summarizes information about the Province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. It discusses that the province consists of two major islands, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, located 800km southeast of Manila. It notes that Siargao is one of the top ten best surfing sites in the world. The document then discusses the population of the islands, transportation routes between the islands and mainland via ferry and air, and increasing passenger and cargo traffic in recent years. It identifies issues with the current shipping route, including long travel times and safety concerns during rough weather. An alternative proposed shipping route between the islands is presented that could provide safer, faster year-round transportation.
A Briefer: Proposed Siargao Agri-ecotourism Nautical Highway
- 2. THE PROVINCE OF SURIGAO DEL NORTE Located 800 kilometers southeast of Manila is the Province of Surigao del Norte. It is one of the five provinces of the Caraga Region in Mindanao with Surigao City as its capital. The province consists of two major islands: Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands which is bounded by the Philippine Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Siargao is the eight among the top ten best surfing sites in the world and the Game Fishing Capital of the Philippines with a coastline accented by succession of reefs, small points and white sandy beaches. The tide of Siargao is diurnal with tidal curves typically present especially in the east coast.
- 3. SHIPPING AND TRADE Siargao and Bucas Grande have a total population of 153,361 as of 2010 census. These are isolated islands, unspoiled by commerce until it was discovered by backpackers and surfers. It can be reached by air from Manila and Cebu or via ferry from Surigao City to the Port of Dapa. The islands Pacific-facing reef are situated on the edge of the Philippine Trench. A total of 181,514 passengers and 974 ship calls were recorded in CY 2007, and increased to 238,528 passengers and 1,444 ship calls in CY 2011, or a 31% and 48% increases, respectively. Cargo throughput also increased by 59% from 26,991 to 42,813 metric tons for the same period. 40 Nautical Miles
- 4. ISSUES AND CONCERNS: 1. The travel time from Surigao City to Dapa Port takes 2 遜 hours for motorized banca and 4 hours for RoRo vessels. During the months of November to February, the rough sea condition would render said route unsafe for travel; 2. For the period 2011 to present alone, there were 10 recorded maritime incidents. Earlier, on 25 November 2006, M/B Leonida sank at the vicinity off Bilisan Point, Hinatuan Island, which resulted in 14 casualties including the Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen, with 66 survivors; 3. Based on interviews and consultations, an alternative shipping route which can significantly reduce sailing time is deemed necessary for the safe and comfortable travel of passengers/tourists, as well as movement of cargoes, all year round.
- 5. Proposed Alternative Route Based on a pre-feasibility study conducted by SyConsult, Inc. and Science & Vision Technology Inc., the proposed Hayanggabon-Do単a Helene sealink (6.5 nautical miles) and Buenavista-Jubang/Dapa sealink (4.5 nautical miles) is the safest. Dubbed as the Siargao Agri-Ecotourism Nautical Highway, this sealink would play a major role in the provision of safe and year-round access for nature enthusiasts, domestic and foreign tourists, businessmen and investors to various potential world class tourism destination in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, including transport of high value agri-fishery products to major domestic and world markets. 26 kms. 26 kms. 6.5 Nautical Miles 4.5 Nautical Miles
- 6. Desired Actions 1. For the RDC-Caraga to endorse the proposed Siargao Agri- Ecotourism Nautical Highway as a priority program of the Province of Surigao del Norte; 2. For the concerned LGUs and government agencies to extend full support and assistance, as well as in providing the requisite funding to implement the program; 3. For the DPWH to prioritize the conversion and/or construction of a national road and bridges component from the mainland (Hayanggabon, Claver) to Bucas Grande Island via Do単a Helene - Socorro - Sering Buenavista, thence Jubang/Dapa; 4. For the DOTC, through PPA, to prioritize the provision and phased construction of Roro port facilities to link Hayanggabon and Do単a Helene; and Buenavista and Jubang/Dapa.