Provincial Planning and Development Office - Surigao del Norte

29/10/2026

In celebration of Urban October, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), initiated a two-day workshop titled “Updating of the Provincial Physical Framework Plan and Surfacing Local Actions in Achieving the NDC Commitments” on October 26–27, 2026, at the Provincial Convention Center, Surigao City. The activity was formally opened by Hon. Kaiser B. Recabo, Jr., Board Member and Chair of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation, who delivered a message of support.

The activity brought together technical experts and representatives from Provincial Government offices, national government agencies, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) to contribute to the formulation of the province’s spatial development strategy and strengthen the integration of climate action into long-term development planning. A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation and validation of the findings of the Provincial Climate Risk Diagnostic (PCRD), which provided technical inputs for analyzing climate risks and informing spatial planning decisions.

The activity was attended by Ms. Maria Adelaida Antonette M. Cea, Acting Country Programme Manager of UN-Habitat Philippines and Regional Coordinator for Climate Change and Urban Environment in Asia Pacific. The UN-Habitat resource speakers and facilitators included Ms. Larisa Glenda Togonon, TRANSCEND National Coordinator; Mr. Bhen Aguihon, Research and Policy Officer; Mr. Jeffy John Quitoriano Tomarong, Junior Project Officer for Mindanao; and Mr. Ramon Enrico Tendero Punongbayan, GIS Associate. The workshop also featured technical presentations from For. Regin Rex C. Guerra of the DENR–Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region XIII; Ms. Theresa Jane Medenilla of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Central Office; and Ms. Ivy Joan Cananea of DHSUD Region XIII.

The outputs of the workshop will contribute to the ongoing updating of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) 2028–2055, particularly in shaping the province’s spatial development strategy and guiding the allocation and management of land and natural resources. With the Provincial Government strengthening the involvement of the Civil Society Organizations in the planning process, the activity concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Rosemarie Catelo of FPOP, marking the end of the two-day workshop. The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, through the PPDO, extends its sincere appreciation to UN-Habitat for its valuable partnership, technical guidance, and continued support in shaping a resilient, sustainable, and climate-responsive spatial development future for the province.

22/10/2026

DPO - Surigao del Norte Advances Digital Governance through Specialized Course 1 of the Guardians of Data - Year 2

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, through the Office of the Provincial Data Protection Officer and the Provincial Administrator’s Office, in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), conducted the Digital Transformation: ICT Project Management Training on October 20–22, 2026, at the Go Negosyo Center, Surigao City.

The training forms part of the 2nd Year of the Guardians of Data Capability Specialized Course Series, an initiative aligned with Republic Act No. 10844 and the province’s continuing efforts to strengthen digital governance and institutional capacity.

Facilitated by Dr. Jaymer M. Jayoma, the training equipped participants with essential knowledge and skills in ICT project management, digital transformation, and e-Government initiatives. Key topics included ISO 21500 project management guidance, ISO 26515 agile documentation, project definition and thinking tools, risk controls, and project performance standards.

The course brought together designated Data Protection Officers (DPOs), Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs), ICT project managers and staff, project stakeholders, and personnel involved in e-Government projects to strengthen their capacity to lead digital initiatives, manage data privacy risks, and ensure compliance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012.

16/10/2026

16/10/2026

Representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) of Surigao del Norte, headed by EnP. Jonathan A. Litang, participated in the Training in Applied Economics for Policy and Development - Part 2: Economic Data Analysis and Economic Valuation, held on October 12-15, 2026, in Butuan City.

Organized by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Caraga, under the leadership of Regional Director Gemma A. Olam, the four-day training featured technical sessions facilitated by Associate Professor Jefferson A. Arapoc, Ph.D., and Assistant Prof. Ma. Nova R. Nguyen of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Building on the knowledge gained during the training’s Part 1 on July 20-23, 2026, this phase focused on strengthening participants’ competencies in data analysis, statistical inference, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and the practical application of Stata software. It also introduced participants to economic valuation approaches.

The knowledge and skills gained from this activity will serve as valuable inputs in advancing data-driven, evidence-based, and responsive development planning for the province of Surigao del Norte.

15/10/2026

05/10/2026

Provincial Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers received officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office and Regional Office during their courtesy call at the Provincial Capitol on October 2, 2026, as part of the Experiential Exchange Learning Visit (EELV) and Post-Project Monitoring and Technical Assistance (MATA) to RRP-CCAM-CFTW Project LAWA at BINHI CY 2026 sites in the Province of Surigao del Norte.

Joining the courtesy call were the DSWD Central Office team:
• Mr. Rainheart Arce, RRP Project LAWA at BINHI National Program Focal
• Ms. Rhemaleen Escalante, Project LAWA at BINHI – Mindanao Island Cluster Focal
• Mr. Marianito Cagabhion Jr., Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Focal

Also participating were the representatives from the DSWD Regional Office, together with the RRP Focal Persons for Surigao del Norte, Ms. Rachelle Go and Mr. Angelo Lanoy.

The Provincial Planning and Development Office, as a member of the RRP Project LAWA at BINHI Technical Working Group (TWG), likewise participated in the activities, contributing to the province’s continuing convergence efforts for the program. Prior to the courtesy call at the Provincial Capitol, the RRP-PLGU TWG and DSWD representatives conducted courtesy calls and field activities from September 28 to October 1, 2026, covering selected Project LAWA at BINHI sites across the province:
• September 28 – Barangay Laurel, Tagana-an
• September 29 – Barangay Cantapoy, Malimono
• September 30 to October 1 – Barangays Antipolo and Bitoon, Del Carmen

The activities provided an opportunity to engage directly with partner beneficiaries, discuss accomplishments, assess project outcomes, document best practices and success stories, and identify opportunities for sustained convergence and support, particularly in strengthening the resilience of communities vulnerable to El Niño and other climate-related hazards.

The team extends its appreciation to the Municipal Government of Taganaan, led by Hon. Cesar Ian B. Diaz; the Municipal Government of Malimono, led by Hon. Arnel S. Amalla; and the Municipal Government of Del Carmen, led by Hon. Alfredo M. Coro II, for their active participation in the recently conducted activities.

The Provincial Government likewise thanks the DSWD Central and Regional Offices for the continued partnership and for providing opportunities to strengthen knowledge-sharing, monitoring, technical assistance, and convergence among implementing partners. Together, through strengthened convergence and community participation, we continue to build resilient and empowered communities in Surigao del Norte.

02/10/2026

PROVINCIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL – SECTORAL COMMITTEES HOLD 3RD QUARTER 2026 MEETINGS

The Provincial Development Council – Sectoral Committees conducted its series of Third Quarter 2026 committee meetings, bringing together concerned offices and stakeholders to discuss priority development concerns, provide updates on ongoing initiatives, and advance programs and projects across the province.

The PDC - Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) convened on September 25, 2026. The meeting tackled key infrastructure initiatives, including the Dapa Integrated Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreational Infrastructure Development Program, the proposed construction of a RoRo Port in Dapa, the Siargao Island Modern Fish Port Project, and port zone delineation in Socorro and Dapa.

Meanwhile, the PDC – Economic and Environment Sector Committee (EEDC) Meeting was held on September 29, 2026. Discussions focused on the Shared Service Facility Program, OCTA Booth Trade Fair System, establishment of the Provincial Information and Registry System, and El Niño preparedness, mitigation, and response planning.

Lastly, the Joint 3rd Quarter PDC Development Administration Committee (DAC) and Social Development Committee (SDC) Meeting was held on September 30, 2026. Among the matters discussed were health protection measures during episodes of unhealthy air quality or haze, and the SSC Roadmap for the Development Administration Sector.

Through these meetings, the PDC continues to strengthen inter-agency coordination, participatory planning, and collaborative decision-making in support of the province’s development priorities and the delivery of responsive programs and projects for the people of Surigao del Norte.

02/10/2026

DEPED, PAGCOR, AND LGUS JOIN FORCES TO STRENGTHEN SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN SURIGAO DEL NORTE

The Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and 38 Local Government Units (LGUs), is accelerating efforts to modernize and strengthen public school infrastructure nationwide. On September 24, 2026, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed in Manila for the construction of a ₱55-million school building for Tubod National High School in the Municipality of Tubod, Province of Surigao del Norte. Through the leadership and initiative of Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Governor of Surigao del Norte, the Province successfully secured this significant support for the improvement of school infrastructure in Tubod. His efforts in strengthening partnerships with national government agencies and stakeholders contributed to bringing this much-needed project closer to realization. Representing the Province of Surigao del Norte during the MOA signing were Mr. Jonathan Litang and Mr. Vlademer Brit, who joined PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro H. Tengco and DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara in this significant undertaking. The partnership seeks to address critical challenges in basic education, particularly classroom shortages and disruptions caused by extreme weather and natural calamities. Through improved and more resilient school facilities, the initiative aims to provide learners and teachers with safer, more conducive, and disaster-resilient learning environments. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of Governor Barbers and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, together with DepEd, PAGCOR, the Municipality of Tubod, and other stakeholders, to invest in quality, accessible, and resilient education infrastructure for the children of Surigao del Norte. A stronger school today means a stronger and more resilient community tomorrow.

24/09/2026

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte’s Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO-SDN) has successfully renewed its accreditation as a PRC-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Provider for Environmental Planners. Yesterday, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC), EnP Jonathan A. Litang, received the Certificate of Accreditation from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), formally marking PPDO-SDN’s renewed accreditation.

This underscores the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening the professional growth and continuing education of Environmental Planners, particularly the local planning professionals of Surigao del Norte, by providing accessible and relevant CPD opportunities through the PPDO-SDN. Building on this milestone, PPDO-SDN will serve as the CPD Provider for the upcoming PIEP National Conference in November 2026, extending its support for the continuing professional development of Environmental Planners across the country.

09/09/2026

From September 1–4, 2026, the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) continued its consultations with the component Local Government Units as part of the updating of the Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) 2028–2055 and the alignment of local plans. The engagements in Alegria, Mainit, Placer, and Malimono provided an avenue for the Province and its LGUs to focus on local aspirations, understand development priorities, and translate these into strategic directions that will contribute to the Province's shared vision for the future.

The consultations brought together local officials and technical teams to discuss their respective development potentials, functional roles, priority investments, and land use directions, anchored on the Province's updated long-term vision, the “SDN PRIME 2055” which was presented by PPDC Jonathan A. Litang.

The Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte extends its sincere appreciation to the Municipal Mayors and all active LGU Officials, MPDCs, department heads, technical personnel, and representatives of Alegria, Mainit, Placer, and Malimono for their warm welcome, open discussions, and meaningful participation throughout the consultative meetings and workshops. The Provincial Government remains committed to listening, aligning, and planning together with every component LGU toward a more connected, resilient, and future-ready Surigao del Norte.