Provincial Planning and Development Office - Surigao del Norte

Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Provincial Governor of the Province of Surigao del Norte convened the Provincial Government’s department heads, chiefs of hospitals, and the members of the legislative body headed by Vice Gov. Eddie “Geed” Gokiangkee Jr., for the presentation of the Annual Investment Program (AIP) CY 2027 held on May 20–21 at the Sagisi Hall of the Philippine Gateway Hotel, Surigao City.

The two-day activity forms part of the province’s continuing commitment to ensure responsive, strategic, and well-coordinated development interventions that will help address the needs of the people of Surigao del Norte, advance programs that will uplift communities, and further accelerate the province’s progress. The presentation served as a venue for the offices and implementing units to discuss their proposed priority programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) for fiscal year 2027, aligned with the province’s development agenda and investment priorities. During the activity, participating offices presented and deliberated on proposed PPAs, sectoral priorities, and budgetary requirements to strengthen harmonization across the various departments.

The activity will help ensure that the 2027 annual budget will be strategically aligned with high-impact interventions that promote economic growth, strengthen public service delivery, enhance resilience, support environmental sustainability, and advance inclusive development throughout the province.

SGP-7 Field Monitoring Reveals Shared Challenges, Resilient Solutions, and Emerging Opportunities Among Beneficiary Communities

The Provincial Planning and Development Office, represented by Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator EnP. Jonthan Litang and Planning Officer-I Engr. Jayson I. Tandan, joined partner agencies NSC, PTRC, DENR, DOT, PAGRO, and SEDMFI in a field monitoring activity for SGP-7 beneficiary communities to assess on-the-ground conditions and support the effective implementation of the program.

The activity provided an opportunity to identify common challenges faced by beneficiaries, including climate and environmental risks, financial and resource limitations, agricultural and market concerns, and operational hurdles. Despite these difficulties, the communities continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation through climate-smart practices, capacity-building initiatives, stronger partnerships, infrastructure development, and improved project management strategies.

The field visit highlighted not only the realities faced by local organizations and farmers, but also their determination to adapt, collaborate, and pursue sustainable community development.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓–𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟎

DOST–Surigao del Norte and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte conducted the Stakeholders Consultation for the Smart and Sustainable Community Roadmap 2040 on May 18, 2026, at Maradjaw Restobar, Surigao City, bringing together stakeholders to refine the province’s long-term development priorities. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Jonathan A. Litang, EnP, Provincial Planning and Development Officer, while roadmap presentations were led by Mr. Nole Kristoffer L. Laganga, Engr. Mildred Eileen L. Ronsable, and Engr. Roger H. Abucejo, Jr., followed by sectoral consultations to strengthen and refine the roadmap’s milestones, policies, and PPAs.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/StakeholdersConsultationSDN

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗮 𝗶𝗸𝗮-𝟭𝟮𝟱 𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝗱𝗹𝗮𝘄 𝗻𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲!

Sa ato pagselebrar sa ika-125 na Adlaw nan Surigao, ato tagsaulog an datu na kasaysayan, kultura, sanan lig-on na panaghiusa sa kada Surigaonon.

Iban sa pagpanguna sa ato mga lider sanan sa kooperasyon sa katawhan, wayay hunong na naglambo sanan nuabante an probinsya para sa mas marajaw na kaugmaon sa tanan.

Hinaut na magpadajon an panaghiusa, pagtinabangay, sanan gugma sa probinsya para mas mapalig-on pa an garbo sanan kalamboan sa tibook probinsya nan Surigao del Norte.

Magkahiusa kita sa pagsaulog sanan pagpasigarbo sa adlaw natawhan nan atu probinsiya. Kay basta Tatak Lig-on, Tatak Surigaonon!

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Japanese Consul General Pays Courtesy Visit to Discuss Development and Cooperation

Today, Consul General of Japan Ono Hirotaka paid a courtesy visit to the Provincial Governor, highlighting the continuing partnership between the Japanese Consulate and the Province of Surigao del Norte. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen ties and discuss matters important to the province and its communities.

Among the topics discussed was the “Reconstruction of the Evacuation Center and Community Center in Brgy. San Juan, Municipality of Alegria, Surigao del Norte.” The project aims to support disaster preparedness, provide a safer space for residents during emergencies, and contribute to community development. Updates on the project’s progress were also briefly shared during the meeting.

The discussion also touched on the province’s current security and economic situation, allowing both parties to exchange insights and perspectives on local developments.

The visit reflected the shared commitment of both the Japanese Consulate and the Province of Surigao del Norte to cooperation, development, and the welfare of the community.

A biodiversity assessment has been completed for the Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas of Siargao Island (AWSPSA), aimed at securing safe water for Siargao’s residents and its booming tourism sector.
The assessment, conducted as part of the project’s environmental safeguards, identified several key ecological markers within the Siargao Islands Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS). Staff from the PPDO and LCI Envi Corporation focused on mapping local aquifers and spring sources to ensure that upcoming infrastructure does not disrupt the island’s delicate "water-to-wildlife" balance.
During the study, the team documented significant number of nectar-feeding bats and other endemic species near proposed water transmission routes. These species act as natural bioindicators; their continued presence confirms that the primary water sources remain uncontaminated and ecologically viable. This biodiversity data ensures that water security does not come at the cost of the island’s natural heritage.

The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) extends its sincere appreciation to the Philippine Statistics Authority - Surigao del Norte for organizing the Training for the R Programming and Data Management using the 2024 CBMS Data on April 13–17, 2026, at the Almont Beach Resort, Surigao City.

The activity brought together participants from the component LGUs of Surigao del Norte, along with the PPDO, including the province’s Data Protection Officer, PPDC Jonathan A. Litang. This initiative enhances the LGUs' capacity in data management and strengthens evidence-based planning and decision-making across the province.

Pilot Test of WASH Assessment/Kobo Toolbox

Personnel from the World Bank and the Department of Public Works and Highways, together with representatives from the Provincial Planning and Development Office, conducted baseline information gathering and assessments of identified public institutions in Siargao Island, namely: schools, daycare centers, health facilities, municipal halls, and evacuation centers. In line with this initiative, the team conducted a pilot-test of the WASH baseline assessment form (Kobo Toolbox) and determine the ideal enumerator profiles and field teams for the comprehensive data-gathering phase.

The assessment team was composed of Ms. Midori Makino (Lead Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist), Ms. Madleleine Anne Edgeworth (World Bank WASH Consultant), Mr. Rolando Canizal (Consultant), Engr. Lorenz Atajar (DPWH) and PPDO Planning Officers, Engr. Jayson Tandan and EnP Janette A. Pontillo.

Strengthening LGU Capacity for Fair and Inclusive Resettlement in Siargao

The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Workshop for Siargao Island Local Government Units (LGUs) was held from March 26 to 27, 2026, in General Luna, Siargao. The event supported the Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas (AWSPSA), a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) initiative aimed at achieving universal water and sanitation access in the Philippines. The workshop’s primary goal was to capacitate LGUs in managing land acquisition and resettlement in compliance with World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 5 (ESS5).

Key Sessions and Activities Day 1 focused on the AWSPSA framework, project components, and the rationale for RAPs, emphasizing the need to minimize physical and economic displacement. Technical sessions led by DPWH and World Bank specialists covered the essentials of RAP preparation and template orientation. Day 2 transitioned into practical applications, including a session on conducting due diligence for lands acquired prior to project approval and an ESS5 case study. The activity concluded with an LGU-specific RAP Writeshop and a discussion on ways forward for project implementation.

Impact and Outcomes: Participants gained clarity on their roles in the RAP lifecycle—from initial screening and census-taking to compensation delivery and grievance redress. By aligning local protocols with international standards, the workshop ensured that upcoming infrastructure works in Siargao will prioritize fair compensation and livelihood restoration for all affected persons.

STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TOWARDS PARTICIPATORY GOVERNANCE

Last Tuesday, March 24, key stakeholders convened for an activity that highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Provincial Administrator Atty. Rise Faith R. Recabo delivered the welcome message, emphasizing the need to strengthen partnerships to promote inclusive, participatory, and responsive governance. This was followed by an overview from DILG Provincial Director Mr. Domingo E. Bulabog, who discussed the rationale and objectives of the activity and underscored the vital role of CSOs in local development processes.

The Status of Accredited Civil Society Organizations was subsequently presented by the representative from the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), providing updates on the current list of accredited CSOs in the province, including organizations with pending or incomplete documents among those that have already submitted their applications.
During the Open Forum, participating CSOs raised key issues and concerns related to the clarity of accreditation requirements, timelines for submission and approval, and the need for technical assistance in completing the required documentation. Several organizations also expressed the need to strengthen coordination and communication mechanisms with concerned government offices to ensure their meaningful participation in development planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Moreover, the CSOs shared their needs and expectations from the government, which include continuous capacity-building initiatives, enhanced access to relevant information, increased opportunities for collaboration, and sustained institutional support to effectively implement community-based programs and projects.

The activity concluded with the Recognition and Awarding of Accreditation Certificates to Civil Society Organizations, acknowledging the compliance, commitment, and active engagement of CSOs in local governance and development efforts. In the Closing Message, appreciation was extended to all participants for their active participation, while reaffirming the importance of sustaining strong partnerships between the government and CSOs towards achieving inclusive, participatory, and sustainable development outcomes.