Blue Waters of Hinatuan

ENCHANTED RIVER in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur fascinates everyone with its deep blue abyss. Locals said nobody dared to swim in the river after dark because of the enchanted spirits. Sight is stunning

Siargao, Boracay of Caraga

Siargao is not only famous as the surfing destination of the Philippines, it also boasted of a long stretch of white sand beaches and crystal clear water.





Going to Siargao may take several hours but setting foot to the so called gem of Mindanao, everything is worthwhile.

From Manila it will take 1 and a half hour flight to reach Butuan City and three hours bus ride to Surigao City.

From Surigao City, one can choose between taking the two-hour fast craft ride to Dapa (Siargao's main port) or by 4 hour ferry travel (RORO) from the port of Lipata to Dapa.

Once in Dapa, you'll have a 45-minute tricycle ride to reach Siargao, General Luna for only 30 pesos per person during off season.

Caraga's Regional MOFYA Winners for 2010

An Overseas Filipino Worker from Trianggulo, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and Mangagoy, Bislig City in Surigao del Sur was chosen to be this year’s Regional Winners of the prestigious Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA.

The land-based category winner is Engr. Benjamin Selim who bested 8 nominees while Mamerto Sore was declared winner for the sea based category.

Both received a trophy, a check worth 20,000 pesos from GLOBE g-cash, a savings account in BDO having an initial amount of 10,000 pesos and 150,000 worth insurance coverage from Phil Am Life.

The regional winners will represent Caraga during the national MOFYA awarding ceremonies to be held in Manila on December 2010.

Bali Inspired Resort in Nasipit

A peaceful beach resort with beautiful sunsets, waves breaking gently on a pristine beach....the AMONTAY BEACH RESORT.

The first-ever Bali-inspired Hotel and Restaurant by the Sea in Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte boasts of a long stretch of shoreline, rock formations, a family truly can find serenity and relaxation.

Finding the best vacation in a tranquil, serene along with the beautiful nature your eyes can feast.

A 34-seater Mini-Coach bus is provided to comfortably transport guests from and to the airport, pier, hotel and to Butuan City with only 45 minutes travel time.

The resort offered air-conditioned bungalows, a restaurant, cable TV, Wi-Fi, comfortable Bali Huts with mattresses to relax, banana boat ride, kayaking, boating and much more.

Mutya ng Agusan del Norte

Mutya ng Agusan del Norte & Miss Tourism with 1st Runner Up Ms. Magallanes-Maria Arvie Baguhin, 2nd Runner Up Ms. Cabadbaran-Liza Marie Garbo, 3rd Runner Up Ms. Las Nieves-Sheryl Lae Musico


Mutya ng Agusan del Norte 2010, Miss Kitcharao - Marjorie T. Chiong


Miss Tourism Agusan del Norte, Miss Buenavista - Joannah Pearl Crusit

Created by Republic Act 4979 from Agusan province...and on August 16, 2000 the seat of provincial government was transferred from Butuan City to Cabadbaran by virtue of Republic Act 8811, although the province is yet to complete the transfer of provincial services and functions to the new capital.

This year, the provincial government marked the celebration with a series of events, one of which is the search for the Mutya ng Agusan del Norte.

This year's winner is from the municipality of Kitcharao, Miss Marjorie T. Chiong.

Best in Swimwear,Resort, Evening Gown, Photogenic -Ms. Magallanes, MARIA ARVIE L. BAGUHIN

Best in Production, Interview, Talent-Ms. Buenavista, JOANNAH PEARL M. CRUSIT

Web Choice Award-Ms. Santiago, SHOMAE LILI F. PANCHITO


(photos from provincial government of Agusan del Norte)

112th Independence Day in Caraga

On June 12, 2010, thousands of Filipino people all over the world celebrates the 112th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day, taking pride of the country’s declaration of independence from Spain.

By history, before the formal conclusion of the Spanish-American War, Filipino revolutionary forces under the command of General Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of Philippines from Spain on June 12, 1898.

In Caraga Region, A flag raising ceremony spearheaded by the Local Government Officials was held and a cultural presentation was shown.


Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra, City and Provincial Officials of Surigao pay respect to the flag during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall grounds.


Students from Agusan National High School performs their conceptualized revolutionary dance of the Philippine Flag in a ceremony held at the Rizal Park


The province of Agusan del Sur held a holy mass celebrated by Bishop Juan de Dios Publos at the Naliyagan Plaza to signal the opening of the joint celebration of the 112th Philippine Independence Day celebration and the 18th Naliyagan Festival


Even Google Inc. paid tribute to The Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 12, by showing this special edition Search logo. This is the first-ever Google doodle for the Philippines

BIR Caraga Implements 10 Strategies to Increase Revenue in 2010

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has launched 10 strategies to intensify tax campaign activities for 2010 and identified 3 priority areas, 16 programs and 108 activities and projects that will push BIR to attain its successes for the current year.
BIR Regional Director Atty. Eduardo Bajador has announced, the biggest bulk of their collection which accounts 50.23% comes from the Income Tax, followed by revenues on value-added tax at 33.69%.

Comparatively, the collection for 2009 has exceeded 4.18% with that from 2008, as BIR Caraga obtained more than 2.1 million in 2009 compared to only 1.8million in 2008.

This year, BIR Caraga have adopted the theme: “Making the Public Know” that aptly reflects the thrust of pursuing a high visibility of communication to all stakeholders of BIR’s tax administration activities and initiatives that also highlights the transparency policy that the BIR will be vigorously promoting.

This year, to help meet tax collection targets Revenue Region No. 17 (BIR Caraga) has announced its 10 strategies to include: high visibility public awareness campaign on the enforcement and service programs, integrated approach in administering the large taxpayers, re-invigorating the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program, enhanced and strategic enforcement approaches, focus of big ticket items, more rigorous third party matching campaign, expanded linkage with key institutions, effective partnership with taxpayers and tax practitioners, close monitoring and investment incentive programs and motivating the BIR workforce.

Revenue Region 17 or the BIR Caraga assigned collection goal for 2010 in the amount of more than 2.494 million pesos and hopes to collect 1.231M in income tax and 825 thousand for value added tax.