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ARD'q. ntzn Orivemor' . Republic of the

PROVINCE OF

Governor Democrito O. Plaza Government Center,

MESSAGE

Greetings!

The province of Agusan del Sur is blessed with one of Asia’s biggest marsh land and home to the best eco-tourism destination in the country – the Agusan Marsh. It is endowed with rich natural resources, beautiful landscapes, tropical plants, endemic birds, and beautiful people.

We are fortunate and grateful that the Department of Tourism (DOT) has identified the Agusan Marsh as one of the key eco-tourism sites in the country and recognized Agusan del Sur as one of the bird watching destinations in the Philippines.

Align with the province’s vision to become “An agri-industrialized, eco-tourism province of God-centered, caring, healthy, productive and self-sustaining communities”, we have formulated the 1st Agusan del Sur Provincial Tourism Development Master Plan.

I have high regard that the natural beauty of this province will be highlighted, developed and be given more value so that it can pave the way to more significant opportunities that will eventually improve the social and economic status of the lives of the Southern Agusanons.

Furthermore, I am very confident that this plan, being a product of multi-sector partnership, will also be implemented with the same enthusiasm of the different LGUs, CSOs, Private Sector, concerned communities, and other development partners as it was crafted.

With this, I sincerely appreciate and thank all those who have contributed to the crafting of this document.

Come and visit Agusan del Sur – the land of golden opportunities and adventures!

Mapajag nu Agusan!

ADOLPH EDWARD G. PLAZA Provincial Governor

iv

Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR

Governor Democrito O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad

Message

Agusan del Sur is nature at its best. In its vast forest and marsh lands, and thriving rural development, rich natural resources flourish, but the Agusanon remains to be our most essential wealth. Needless to say, pursuing developments to share the wonders of our home with our people and the country is a timely goal because tourism is a viable engine for socioeconomic development.

Essentially, tourism can have a profound impact on the society, economy, and environment of nations. Socially, one of the immediate benefits of the tourism industry is its ability to create employment and, in the case of tourism, an added benefit is that it caters for both skilled and unskilled employment. As a labor-intensive industry, tourism has the potential to create more jobs per unit of investment than any other industry. As we move to promote equality, tourism is also a productive source of employment for women and tribal groups. Environmentally, tourism, when properly developed and managed, can serve as a mechanism for protecting natural environments; preserving historical, archaeological and religious monuments; and, stimulating the practice of local cultures, folklore, traditions, arts and crafts, and our very own cuisine. And, economically, tourism brings many benefits to the provincial and local government, as well as the private sector through the generation of foreign revenue, financial returns on investment, taxation on tourists and tourist products, and linkages to other local industries such as agriculture and aquaculture.

That is what drives the formulation and execution of the First Agusan del Sur Tourism Development Master Plan's recommendations. It is expected that the development of Agusan del Sur, through tourism, and with the aid of its provincial and local governments, would be better equipped to develop and manage the tourism industry so as to enhance the social and economic benefits of tourism through sustainable, people-oriented development policies which would spread the benefits of tourism to all parts of the province, as well as to all layers of society, thereby significantly contributing to the eradication of poverty, and to further the advancement of equitable empowerment of Agusan del Sur and its people.

Agusanon, ikaw ang numero uno!

MARIA VALENTINA G. PLAZA 1st District Representative Agusan del Sur v

Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives Batasan Complex, Quezon City, Metro Manila

HON. EVELYN P. MELLANA Representative 2nd District, Agusan del Sur

M E S S A G E

COMMITTEES I CONGRATULATE THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT of Agusan del Sur for putting Vice Chair: together the Tourism Master plan for CY 2010-2015.

Banks and Financial Tourism is one of the cornerstones of a sound and sustainable economy given its Intermediaries multiplier effect. It generates income for the private sector and tax revenues for the public Women and Gender Equality sector, creates direct and indirect employment, and attracts more investments and

Member: enterprises, which spills over to other sectors of the economy like import-export trade, which in turn, redounds to economic benefits to the communities and to the people. Appropriations Ecology We, the sons and daughters of Agusan, are fortunate to have been blessed with the Food Security natural endowments and rich cultural heritage that enable us to easily open our province to Local Government the tourist market. Mindanao Affairs I commend the local government for recognizing the tourism potentials of the Poverty Alleviation province and for tapping this to enhance the province’s contribution to the regional and Tourism national economy. This master plan will synchronize all our efforts and resources towards a Trade and Industry common vision of placing the province in the roster of top tourist destinations in the country and in Southeast Asia. TO ALL LOCAL OFFICIALS AND EVERY AGUSANON, I enjoin you to support this master plan for the province’s inclusive growth. Let this not be a mere blueprint. Together, let us work towards the realization of this master plan’s vision. I look forward to working with you, as we become partners in local tourism development and promotion. As you are working hard in the local level, I am also working on necessary legislative measures to develop tourism in the province. I am currently championing the protection and development of Agusan del Sur’s most prominent tourist destination and most important ecological site, the Agusan Marsh, in the halls of Congress.

EVELYN P. MELLANA

Room 515, South Wing Building, House of Representative, Batasan Complex, Quezon City, Philippines Telephone Number (63 2) 931.6509 Trunk (63 2) 931.5001 local 7293 Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM Regional Office City

MESSAGE

The Agusan Del Sur Provincial Tourism Masterplan is a significant tool that outlines the development agenda of the province to ensure responsible tourism. One that promises growth and development that trickles down to every community and to every family. The Agusan del Sur Tourism Master Plan espouses this advocacy to harness the province’s tourism potentials and have all its benefits reaped by its people.

Bestowed with vast unique natural attractions, basked with rich culture and warm people, Agusan del Sur has what it takes to be among the country’s finest eco- tourism destination. The plan will serve as a guidepost that will rationalize the tourism development agenda of the province.

We are doubly grateful because the crafting of the plan is indeed very timely in the advent of the New Tourism Act or Republic Act No. 9593. The completion of the plan has further put the province to an advantage as the law prescribes. For this, I give my high commendation to the dedicated and committed efforts of those who toiled to put this plan together.

Guided by the Agusan del Sur Tourism Master Plan, we shall give birth to the vision we have set for the province together. Let us never stop until every stone has been turned unchanged.

LETICIA DC. TAN Regional Director

vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur would like to thank Honorable Secretary Joseph Ace Durano of the Department of Tourism for the Grant Amount of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P1,500,000.00) for the formulation of the 1st Agusan del Sur Provincial Tourism Development Master Plan and for the support of other tourism related activities.

We also acknowledge the valuable inputs and technical assistance provided by DOT Regional Director Leticia Tan and her staff Ms. Mary Jean Camarin, NEDA Regional Director Carmencita Cochingco and her staff Engr. Emmanuel Gidacan, Ms. Michelle Palacay, and Mr. Arven John Lumag in the conduct of site validations and series of planning workshops and activities.

We salute the priceless contribution of all the members of the Provincial Tourism Technical Working Group headed by Mr. Christopher H. Lindo of the Provincial Governor’s Office together with his staff Miss Grace Cepillo; Engr. Deanna P. Fudalan, Engr. Danilda B. Legaspi, Engr. Caryl A. Cavan and Ms. Sylvia G. de Guzman of the Provincial Planning and Development Office; Mr. Venchito Indias of the Tourism Unit, Forester Emmilie Teves of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Provincial Office; Forester Nestorio V. Dizon and Forester Alex Correos of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources, Forester Nathaniel Lamzon of ASERBAC, Engr. Shiela Padillo of NCIP, our partner NGO’s, the HEED Foundation headed by Engr. Fernando Salise and his staff Ms. Ofelia Simugan, the EIPADS represented by Ms. Thelma Estremos, the Save Mindanao Foundation represented by Mr. Ruel Hipulan, the Focus represented by Mr. Froilan Montero, and our donor partner, the PACAP through its Provincial Project Officer Mr. Arceu James Honculada.

We acknowledge the technical inputs of our Municipal Tourism Officers/Representatives: Ms. Noradel Martinez of Prosperidad, Mr. Diosdado Perez Jr. of Rosario, Mr Johnny Jamaquilan of Trento, Ms Luz Puzalan of Sta. Josefa, Mr. Fernan Escano of Veruela, Ms. Elizabeth Oculam of Loreto, Ms Eva Ducena of La Paz, and Ms. Elvira Lamanilao of Esperanza.

We also recognize the active participation of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators or their representatives like: Mr. Roger Gomez of , Engr. Cesar Bahalla of Prosperidad, Engr. Anecito Estillore of San Francisco, Engr. Rodolfo Chua of Rosario, Ms. Elda Sanchez and Mr. Roberto Ibarra of Bunawan, Mr. Anastacio Burdeos of Trento, Mr. Joel Simugan of Sta. Josefa, Engr. Gil Salise of Veruela, Engr.Bertram de Leon of La Paz, Mr. Remegio Remedio of Talacogon, and Mr. Ely Jesus Teritet and Mr. Gregorio D. Dumanig of Esperanza.

Special thanks are also extended to Ms. Vilma A. Coranes and Mr. Abigail B. Maandig for their clerical support.

viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PDC/SP RESOLUTION i-iii MESSAGES iv-vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT viii TABLE OF CONTENTS ix-x EXECUTIVE SUMMARY xi-xii

I. Historical Background 1 - 2 1.1 Ethnic Origin of the People 2 1.2 Language and Dialect 2 II. Provincial Profile 2 - 6 2.1 Development Administration 2-3 2.2 Economic 3-4 2.3 Social 4-5 2.4 Infrastructure 5 2.5 The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur 5-6 2.6 Hazard Prone Areas/Climate Change Adaptation and 7 Disaster Risk Reduction III. The Far Reaching View of Tourism 8 -9  Perspective of Tourism 8  Special Characteristics of Tourism 8  Product Development 8  Product Planning 8-9 IV. Assessment of Existing Tourism Industry by Tourism Zone 9-84 4.1 Resources/Accommodations/Establishments 10 - 45 4.1.1 Agusan Marsh Ecotourism Zone or Aquatic 10 - 17 Adventure Tourism Zone 4.1.1.1 Brief Profile 10-11 4.1.1.2 Resources 11-14 4.1.1.3 Accommodation 14-15 4.1.1.4 Transport 15-17 4.1.1.5 Tourism Products and Activities 17 4.1.2 North Diwata Range Zone or Eco Adventure 18 - 26 Tourism Zone 4.1.2.1 Brief Profile 18-20 4.1.2.2 Resources 20-21 4.1.2.3 Accommodation 21

ix

Page 4.1.2.4 Establishments 22 4.1.2.5 Transport Services 22-24 4.1.2.6.Tourism Product and Activities 25-26 4.1.3 South Diwata Range Zone or Agri-industrial 27 - 35 Tourism Zone 4.1.3.1 Brief Profile 27 4.1.3.2 Resources 28-30 4.1.3.3 Accommodation 31 4.1.3.4 Establishments 31-32 4.1.3.5 Transport 33-34 4.1.3.6 Tourism Products and Activities 35 4.1.4 Lower Agusan River Valley or Cultural Tourism Zone 36-40 4.1.4.1 Brief Profile 36 4.1.4.2 Resources 37 4.1.4.3 Accommodation 37 4.1.4.4 Establishments 37-38 4.1.4.5 Transport 38-39 4.1.4.6 Tourism Products and Activities 40 4.1.5 Upper Agusan River Valley or Organic Agriculture 41 - 44 Tourism Zone 4.1.5.1 Brief Profile 41 4.1.5.2 Resources 41-42 4.1.5.3 Accommodation 42 4.1.5.4 Establishments 42 4.1.5.5 Transport 43 4.1.5.6 Tourism Product and Activities 44 4.2 Existing Organizations 45-54 4.2.1 Civil Society Organizations 45-48 4.2.2 Government Offices 49-50 4.2.3 Community-Managed Tourism Sector 51-52 4.2.4 Community-Based Product Development Sector 53-54 4.3 Market 54-71 4.4 Tourism Statistics 72-73 4.5 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) 73-78 4.6 Impact of Tourism 79-84 V. Development Framework 85-86 VI. Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objective Strategies, 86-93 VII. Provincial Tourism Investment Plan (2010-2015) 94-101 VIII. Implementing Mechanism, Monitoring and Evaluation 102

x

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur through the Provincial Tourism Technical Working Group has formulated the 1st Provincial Tourism Master Plan. This was realized through the financial assistance from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and technical assistance from the Caraga Regional Office of NEDA and DOT.

The Agusan del Sur Tourism Master Plan is a 6-year planning document covering the period from CY 2010 to CY 2015. It is aligned with the province’s vision to become an agri- industrialized and ecotourism province of God-centered, caring, healthy, productive and self sustaining communities. It is within the regional tourism framework plan that designates Agusan del Sur as the Agusan Marsh Zone, recognizing Agusan Marsh as one of the icons in the region.

The plan adopted the zonal spatial strategy in tourism development planning, where the province is subdivided into 5 tourism zones. First, is the Agusan Marsh Zone or the Acquatic Adventure Tourism Zone covering portion of 6 municipalities, namely: San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz and Talacogon. Second, is the North Diwata Range Zone or the Eco Adventure Tourism Zone covering the municipalities of Sibagat , Bayugan, and Prosperidad. Third, is the South Diwata Range Zone or the Agri-industrial Tourism Zone covering San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan and Trento; Fourth is the Lower Agusan River Valley or the Cultural Tourism Zone covering Esperanza, San Luis, Talacogon and La Paz, and Fifth, is the Upper Agusan River Valley or the Organic Agri-Tourism Zone covering Loreto, Veruela and Sta. Josefa.

Based on the inventory of tourism resources, generally, Agusan del Sur is an ecotourism destination. Most of its existing and emerging tourist attractions are within the protected areas. Hence, the Provincial Tourism Master Plan is guided by a tourism development framework designed to address persistent issues that prevent the development of tourism /ecotourism on the ground. This framework is anchored on ecotourism policies, social capacities and product development.

Vision:

By Year 2015, Agusan del Sur is One of the Major Tourism Destinations in the Country Offering Unique Ecotourism Attractions and Supported by Empowered, Peaceful, Environment-Friendly Communities thru Strong Partnership Among Stakeholders.

Mission:

To support sustainable tourism development, with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of Agusanons.

xi

Goals/Objectives:

1. To become a recognized tourism icon in the country. 1.1 To increase tourism investments; 1.2 To develop and improve potential and existing tourism products; 1.3 To develop tourism related establishments, structures and services in accordance with DOT standards; and 1.4 To intensify promotion and marketing initiatives.

2. To preserve and conserve significant tourism resources. 2.1 To preserve archeological sites, artifacts and other cultural heritage such as indigenous knowledge, systems and practices; 2.2 To preserve social account and historical heritage; 2.3 To increase awareness and consciousness on environmental preservation; 2.4 To have an adequate mitigation of environmental hazards in tourism areas; and 2.5 To preserve and protect important species of flora and fauna, and critical habitats.

3. To strengthen partnership among stakeholders to support tourism development. 3.1 To capacitate local communities with tourism related skills; 3.2 To organize and capacitate Private sectors, CSOs, and POs to actively participate in tourism related activities; and 3.3 To improve networking and collaboration among key players.

4. To alleviate poverty. 4.1 To increase access to basic social services; 4.2 To develop and sustain community and resource-based enterprise; and 4.3 To facilitate the creation of tourism livelihood activities.

5. To strengthen institutional development. 5.1 To harmonize existing policies in terms of systems and protocols; 5.2 To institutionalize local tourism office and council in the provincial and municipal levels; 5.3 To formulate Municipal Tourism Plan; 5.4 To increase awareness on the importance of tourism; 5.5 To increase annual allocation for tourism development; and 5.6 To mainstream culture of peace.

The Provincial Tourism Investment Plan from 2010 -2015 ranks and prioritizes programs, projects and activities based on approved prioritization criteria set by the Provincial Tourism Technical Working Group, DOT, and NEDA. The estimated total investments for the next 6 years amounted to P 30M.

The plan adopts an implementing mechanism to ensure its effective and efficient implementation.

xii

I. Historical Background

The province of Agusan del Sur was born on June 17, 1967 under Republic Act No. 4979 providing for the division of the province of Agusan into and Agusan Del Sur. In January 1970, the first set of provincial officials assumed office after the provincial election of November, 1969. The same law provided that the capital of Agusan Del Sur shall be the municipality of Prosperidad and the Government Center has been set up in Patin-ay.

Hon. Rufino C. Otero was elected as the first Provincial Governor and Hon. Democrito O. Plaza, the first Congressman in the election of November, 1969. The term of office of Congressman Democrito O. Plaza would have continued until December 1973 had it not for the proclamation of Martial Law on September 21, 1972, which in effect abolished the Congress. When Interim Batasang Pambansa was convened in 1978 after almost a decade of absence under Martial Law, Hon. Edilmiro Amante represented the province in the Interim National Assembly.

Agusan literally means “where the water flows”, after that great river that split the land from south to north in a 250 kilometer rush to the Butuan Sea.

Agusan’s pre-Hispanic cultural history is traced back to the great influence of the Majapahit Empire through the discovery of an eight - inch tall image of a woman in pure gold at Maasam, Esperanza in the early 1920’s and molten jars unearthed at Bahbah, Prosperidad in the early 1960’s. The aborigines of Agusan were the ancestors of the present - day Mamanwas who were driven to the hinterlands by the waves of Malay immigrants from the nearby Borneo, Celebes and Malaysia. These people, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles because of the forays and the constant raids of “Moro” pirates. The “Moros” being a sea-faring people, confined themselves to the coastal areas where they started settlements, leaving the forested areas to other native tribes.

The coming of Spaniards was in time the visit of Rajah Siagu, the ruler of Agusan, to his friend Rajah Humabon of Bohol. Together, they visited the ruling rajah of an island called Limasawa where a fleet of Spanish galleons commanded by a Portuguese navigator named “Feranao Magalhao” (Fernando Magallanes in Spanish) has just dropped anchor. Expressing fervent hospitality which has been characterized of the Filipino natives, Rajah Siagu invited “Magalhao” to visit his place and on the occasion of Easter Sunday, April 8, 1521, the first mass in Agusan, and for that matter in the Philippines was celebrated in what is now called Magallanes (formerly Masao).

Agusan took up arms against Spain during the revolution of 1898. After the signing of the Treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898, the Americans took over the civil government. Under the Americans, the dream of independence and self-government continued to haunt the Filipinos, and Agusan was again active in a campaign to drive away the conquerors, this time against Americans. But bolos and spears were no match to powerful guns of the Americans and in January 1900, Agusan yielded. The peaceful road toward self-government followed, cut short by the Japanese occupation in December 1941. Liberation came 1946.

1

1.1 Ethnic Origin of the People

Records of the Commission of National Integration show that five native tribes were found in the province, namely: Manobo, Higaonon, Banwaon, Mamanwas and Talaandig. Three of these tribes can be distinctly located: the Manobos living along the national highways and river towns towards the boundary of Agusan Del Sur and Davao del Norte and Banwaons and Higaonons living in the western side of the Agusan River, in the municipality of Esperanza towards the boundary of Bukidnon.

The original inhabitants of Agusan del Sur were the Negritoes and Mamanwas who were in the very early years driven into the interior by migrating tribes from nearby Borneo, Celebes and Malaysia, and also by Manobos or Bagobos by neighboring Davao Region. Mamanwas descendants still inhabit the innermost recesses of Agusan del Sur’s forested areas. They comprise the great bulk of the cultural community of the province.

Agusan Del Sur is now inhabited by people coming from different ethnic groups. The lure of the “land of Promise” has brought into the province settlers from different regions mostly coming from the Visayas, with Cebuano being spoken more than other dialect.

There are thirteen municipalities and one city in the province with a total population of 609,447 (2007 Census).

1.2 Language and Dialects

Cebuano is dominantly spoken followed by Boholano and Ilongo. Of the native tongue, Manobo dialect is the most popular. Other popular dialects are the Hiligaynon, Butuanon, Surigaonon and Kamayo. Most, however, can understand and talk in Filipino, the national language. English is usually used in conversations and in the government transactions. It is also used as the medium of instruction in schools.

II. Provincial Profile

2.1 Development Administration

Political Background and Subdivision

Agusan del Sur was established on June 17, 1967 under the Republic Act 4979. It has two congressional districts, 14 municipalities, and 314 barangays. The municipalities are classified into two such as highway towns and river towns. The highway towns from the north to the south are Sibagat, Bayugan, Prosperidad, San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Trento. Prosperidad is the capital town of the province, where the government center is located at Barangay Patin-ay. The river towns from upper Agusan River to lower Agusan River are Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Loreto, La Paz, Talacogon, San Luis and Esperanza.

2

Geography

The province is located in the North Eastern Mindanao. It is a land-locked province with an elongated basin formation, and with mountain ranges in the eastern and western sides. It has a total land area of 8,960 square kilometers and is considered as the fourth largest province in the country. It comprises 47.6% of the total land area of Caraga Region. The province is situated below the typhoon belt. It used to have only one type of climate, the Type II climate with no dry season and with maximum rain period, or locally known as “wet and very wet” season. Lately, however, the Province’s rainfall map shows two types of rainfall. Type IV at the western side of the province and Type II at the eastern part.

Demography

The province has a total population of 609,447 based on 2007 Census, and is considered as the highest among the provinces in CARAGA. The population will reach up to 691,211 in 2017 as projected. It has a growth rate of 1.19 and a population density of 68 persons per sq. km. The urban population comprises 27% of the total, while rural population comprises 73%. The population of Indigenous People is 33% of the total based on 2005 CBMS data. The population of children (0-17 years old) is half of the total population.

2.2 Economic

Based on CBMS 2005, sixty three percent (63%) of the households are engaged in crop farming and gardening. Rice and corn are the major crops produced in the province with a total land area planted of 29,551 hectares and 27,232 hectares, respectively (2007). The municipality of Trento is the top producer of rice in the province while Esperanza is the top producer of corn. Another common crops produced in the province are coconut, oil palm, and banana, while the major forest products in the province are falcata, mahogany, gemelina, rattan, and agsam. The province is also rich in mineral resources such as gold, silver, and copper.

The province adopted the “Growth Diamond Strategy as the framework of the province’s development. The municipalities are clustered into four convergence development areas (CDA) with four growth centers. Each CDA played a major role in the province economy. CDA 1 is composed of Sibagat, Bayugan and Esperanza with Bayugan City as the growth center. It is designated as the agri-processing zone. CDA 2 is composed of Prosperidad, San Francisco, Rosario and Bunawan with San Francisco as the growth center and Prosperidad as the government center. It is positioning as the commercial trading center. CDA 3 is composed of Trento, Sta. Josefa, Veruela, and Loreto where Trento is the growth center. It is designated as the center of organic food and rubber production and processing center, while CDA 4 is composed of La Paz, Talacogon and San Luis, where Talacogon is the growth center and positioning as the wood processing Center.

The existing processing center/plants in the province are corn processing plant (1), palm oil mills (2), banana chip processor (1), kaong processing center (1), wood processing plants (9), rattan semi-processing center (2), and goldsmiths.

3

Tourism activities in the province are bird watching; boating, lake hopping in Agusan Marsh; river cruising in Gibong River; mountain trekking at Mt. Diwata; spelunking in Puting Buhangin and waterfalls gazing; cultural heritage of Higaonon Tribe in Esperanza; and organic farming in Esperanza and Trento. The province has also tourism potentials in which other activities can be done such as kayaking in Agusan Marsh; canopy walk at Mt. Diwata; and white water rafting in Wawa River and Zip Line in Sibagat.

The province has also financing institutions such as 2 government banks, 2 commercial banks, and 33 rural banks. Rural banks serve as lending institutions especially for the poor farmers in the province.

The province has an employment rate of 85.5% based on CBMS 2005. Veruela and San Luis got the highest employment rate among the municipalities with both 92%, followed by Talacogon with 90%, and Bayugan with 89%. High employment rate in these municipalities are basically seasonal in nature because these are agri- forest based areas.

2.3 Social

The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) of the province has a fluctuating trend from 2003 to 2007. The Crude Birth Rate in 2007 is 21.9% per 1,000 population. The incidence of death in the province is not alarming. The Crude Death Rate in 2007 is only 1.84%. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) per 1000 live births is only 4.2% and has decreased from the past five years. While the Under Five Mortality Rate per 1,000 children aged 0-4 years old is only 1.14%. The Maternal Mortality Rate is only 0.89% and has also decreased from the past five years because of the maternal care and services provided.

Health Program on feeding of malnourished children has greatly contributed to the decrease of incidence of malnourish in the province. The 2007 Prevalence Rate of malnutrition among children aged 0-5 years old in the province is 16.46% from 24.44% in 2003. Another health program of the province is immunization of children which marked 91.25% immunized in 2007.

Programs such as providing access to safe drinking water and access to sanitary toilet facility are also contributory factors for improved health condition of the populace in the province. There is a remarkable increase of the number of household served with potable water from 73% in 2005 to 77% in 2007. But there are still municipalities with less access to potable water such as Loreto, La Paz, and Veruela. On the other hand, there is also a remarkable increase in the access to sanitary toilet from 72.53% in 2004 to 76% in 2007.

The education indicators of the province have increasing trend comparing the two school years 2004-2005 and 2006-2007. For SY 2006-2007, there is 33% enrolment under Early Childhood Care and Development Program for aged 3-5 years old children; the Participation Rate in elementary is 74.95% while 44.14% in secondary school . It means that there is only 74.95% of the proportion of children aged 6-12 years old who are enrolled in elementary school while only 44.14% in secondary school. Low education indicators in the

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province are basically due to poverty, poor road condition and less access to school especially those who live in far-flung barangays.

The Achievement Rate in elementary is 69.49% while 55.93% in secondary school. While Drop-out Rate has a decreasing trend both in elementary and secondary school which brought about a positive impact to the province. The Drop-out Rate in elementary for SY 2006-2007 is 5.93% while 17.57% in secondary school.

Social infrastructure supports of the province are 5 public hospitals, 2 private hospitals, 14 rural health units, 132 barangay health stations, 203 day care centers; 3,092 classrooms in elementary while 1,736 in secondary school.

The Human Development Index (HDI) of the province has also improved. The HDI in 2003 is only 0.494 that placed the province at rank 69th among the provinces in the country. In 2006, HDI has increased to 0.556 that placed the province at rank 57th. The poverty incidence in 2006 is 48.7 with a poverty threshold of P14, 544 per capita per annum based on NSCB. This is lower compared to CBMS data in 2005, where 63% of the households are suffering from poverty having an income below poverty threshold of P13, 000 per capita per annum. There is disparity of the data at the regional level because as cited by Ms. Urquico of UNDP, there is a province in the region which is extremely poor, and is extremely rich. The highest incidence of poverty in the province is among the river towns such as San Luis, Loreto, and La Paz. These municipalities have also low school participation of children 6-16 years old.

2.4 Infrastructures

The province has 188 units of bridges. It has a total road length of 3,220.69 kilometers of which 631.34 kilometers are classified as Provincial Roads. There are 12,000 hectares irrigated out of 48,000 hectares irrigable area. TRANSCO is the source of electricity of the province. While ASELCO is in-charge of the power distribution throughout the province with three substations situated at Bayugan, San Francisco, and Trento transmitting a power with a total of 20 MVA. Most of the barangays in the province are already served with electricity constituting 95% of the total. While there is already 65% of the barangays served with potable water based on 2007 data.

2.5 Administration of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS)

Agusan del Sur is a first class province with a total income of P729M in 2007 (Provincial Accounting Office, ADS). It has a total Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of P652M in 2007. The total number of PGAS employees is 1,859 of which 882 are permanent, 454 are casual, and 523 are job order.

The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) has eight (8) development agenda such as Peace and Order; Economic Development; Health and Sanitation; Education and Sports Development; Social, Cultural and Tourism Development; Moral and Spiritual

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Renewal; Ecological and Environment Protection; and Information, and Communication Technology (ICT).

Being one of the 20 poorest provinces in the country, the province has become one of the recipients of various foreign funded projects. These are the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) funded by World Bank; the Northern Mindanao Community Initiatives for Resource Management Program (NMCIREMP) funded by IFAD; the Health Sector Reform Program funded by EU; the Growth with Equity (GEM) funded by USAID, the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) , the Philippines-Australia Human Resource Development Facility (PAHRDF) , the Malaria Control Program; the Country Program for Children (CPC VI) funded by AusAID thru UNICEF, all these bilateral assistance program are funded by AusAID; the 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program funded by World Bank and implemented by DSWD; the Kalahi-CIDSS funded by World Bank thru the DSWD and Act for Peace funded by NZAID thru the Provincial Social and Welfare Development Office. Lately, is the Provincial Road Management Facility funded by AusAID.

The province is also a recipient of programs and projects supporting agrarian reform communities thru the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), such as the Philippines- Australia Technical Support for Agrarian Reform on Rural Development (PATSARRD); the Mindanao Settlement for Sustainable Agricultural Development (MinSSAD) funded by JBIC, the Agrarian Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) funded by ADB. Other projects are the KR2 project funded by JICA and implemented by NEDA 13, and the Infrastructure Fund for Rural Enhancement (InFRES) funded and implemented by DA 13.

Among the foreign funded projects that have contributed to tourism industry of the province are PATSSARD, PACAP, PAHRDF and KR2. In 2004 PATSSARD has funded and facilitated the formulation of Bunawan Tourism Plan in coordination with the Municipal Local Government Unit, DOT and DENR. This plan was implemented by PACAP through the HEED Foundation as proponent NGO in partnership with Bunawan MLGU and POs in San Teodoro, Lake Mihaba and Lake Kilobedan in San Marcos, Bunawan. Another tourism related PACAP funded projects are the plantation of endemic species, like Banaba and Ilang- ilang along Simulao River Bank in Bunawan implemented through EIPADS and the tourism project in La Flora Talacogon. Under PAHRDF Long Term Training, 2 scholars from the provincial government attended tourism training in Australia in 2007. KR2, a JICA funded project has provided tourist boat in the floating communities in Talacogon.

In 2009, UP Geography Class in coordination with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur has come up with an Evaluation of Agusan Marsh potential for tourism.

2.6 Hazard Prone Areas/ Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

Agusan del Sur topography as an elongated basin and being surrounded by mountain ranges is highly vulnerable to flooding and rain induced landslide. Emerging tourist destinations such as Agusan Marsh, lakes and rivers, Mt Diwata, and Bahbah caves and falls would be adversely affected if climate change adaptation, and disaster risk reduction would

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not be managed properly. To caution the impact of natural and athropogenic hazards, the following factors should be considered:

1. First and foremost is environmental protection in the hazard prone areas; 2. Regular cleaning of waterways and rivers should be a regular program of the LGUs; 3. Mining and logging activities in the upland should be stopped because it loosen the mountain soil that result to soil erosion and landslide, when continuous rain occurs; 4. Access roads and bridges toward tourism sites should be carefully designed and routed away from the strong current of floodwaters; 5. The LGU should acquire a standby watercraft equipped with communications gadgets and facilities for rescue operation; 6. Mobile water tank and water purifying machine should be accessible; 7. Evacuation Centers should be strong and high enough; and 8. Constant reminder thru radio/tv program on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

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III. The Far Reaching View of Tourism

Tourism is a composition of activities, services and industries with its primary desire to deliver "TRAVEL EXPERIENCE AND SATISFACTION".

These are the objectives of tourism to keep our consumers coming back. Experience and satisfaction are intangible benefits that result into "INDELIBLE TOURISM PRODUCTS".

We have to take a look at the nature of tourism and take into consideration the "COMMUNITY AS A COMMODITY".

Perspective of Tourism

The Tour is a journey or trip done by an individual for a purpose.

The Tourist is anyone who makes such a tour. They seek various psychic and physical experiences and satisfaction and at the same time determine the destination chosen activities and enjoyment.

The Business of Providing Tourist Goods and Services. Tourism was viewed as an opportunity to make a profit by supplying the goods and services that the tourist market demands.

Special Characteristics of Tourism

1. The Products not brought to the Consumer rather the Consumer has to travel and go to the product to buy it. 2. The Products of tourism are not used-up. 3. Labor-Intensive Industry. 4. People-Oriented Industry. 5. Multi-Dimensional Phenomenon. 6. Seasonal. 7. Dynamic.

Product Development

Product development is the process of combining all the components of tourism to relate the three A’s (Assets, Accommodations and Activities).

Product Development Strategic Thrust

The strategic thrust of product development will focus on the following:

1. Resources such as historical sites, potential ecotourism sites, major ecotourism sites, cultural sites and others;

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2. Quality accommodations such as hotels, tourist inns, resorts, restaurants, and the like; 3. Roads leading to the sites; 4. Transportation; 5. Shopping; 6. Amusement and entertainment; 7. Recreations; 8. Pilgrimage tourism; 9. Tourism services; 10. Culture and arts; 11. Human resource; and 12. Other support facilities and services

IV. Assessment of Existing Tourism Industry by Tourism Zone in Agusan del Sur

Agusan del Sur envisioned to become one of the tourism icons in the country. It is articulated in its vision to become an agri-industrialized, ecotourism province of God centered, caring, healthy, productive, and self-sustaining communities. The scenery of verdant mountains, unspoiled caves, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear water of streams and lakes, mystical Agusan Marsh, serene lakes, floating communities with floating houses, floating schools , floating birthing clinic and floating rice and corn mills, highly diversified flora and fauna, migrating and endemic birds are just some of the attractions why Agusan del Sur is a must-see destination. Another must –visit areas for benchmarking are the innovations on agricultural technology like rice-duck farming, the best practices on ICT applications like CBMS and RPTIS, and the co-management on watershed protection.

For planning purposes, the province is subdivided into 5 tourism zones. These are the Agusan Marsh Tourism Zone or the Acquatic Adventure Zone, a special ecosystem covering 6 municipalities such as portion of San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Loreto, La Paz and Talacogon. The North Diwata Range Zone or the Agri-Eco Adventure Zone covering Sibagat, Bayugan, and Prosperidad, and the South Diwata Range Zone or the Agri-industrial Tourism Zone covering San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, and Trento. The Lower Agusan River Valley Zone or Cultural Tourism covering Esperanza, San Luis and Talacogon, and La Paz and the Upper Agusan River Valley Zone or Organic Farming Tourism Zone covering Loreto, Veruela and Sta. Josefa.

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Fig.1 – Agusan del Sur Map of Tourism Zones

N

North Diwata Range Zone e t r o N

l e Sibagat d Lower n a s u g AgusanNorth W eRiverstern A P

f ro o v Agusan Zone e in c c Valley zone in e v o o r f P Bayugan S u r i g a o

d e l S Prosperidad u r Esperanz a

Agusan Marsh Zone San Francisco San Luis

Talacogon South Diwata n Agusan Marsh

o Rosario

n Range Zone

d

i

k

u

B

f o

La Paz

e

c

n

i

v

o

r Bunawan

P :

South Western UpperAgus Agusanan Zone Loreto Veruela Trento River Valley Sta. Josefa

Zone Pro vin ce of C om p ostela Valley

4.1 Brief Profile/Resources/Accommodations and Establishments

4.1.1 Agusan Marsh Zone or Aquatic Adventure Zone

4.1.1.1 Brief Profile

Agusan Marsh is a unique ecosystem that plays a significant role to the two Agusan provinces, and Butuan City in the Caraga Region. It has a total area of 110,069 hectares. It is a floodplain of the Agusan River, the third longest river in the country. It serves as a giant sponge that absorbs excess water or flood flows from the mountain of Compostela Valley and Bukidnon provinces during the rainy season, creating a large area of wetland and protecting downstream municipalities in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Butuan City from catastrophic floods.

The Agusan Marsh is characterized by a complex of terrestrial, wetland and freshwater ecosystem, harboring unique and pristine types of habitats such as: swamp forest, scrub swamp, sago palm forest, peat swamp, Terminalia forest and other swamp forest that are extremely rare in the Philippines. Most likely to occur only in Agusan Marsh with its distinct species for every habitat type (PASA report 1996). 10

An ecologically and economically important wetland in the Philippines, the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a Protected Area by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 913 dated October 30, 1996 with an area of 19,197 hectares. It is a recipient of the 1009th Ramsar Site Certificate in 1999, making it as one of the Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is also recognized by the Conservation International as one of the Important Key Biodiversity Areas in the Philippines because of its biodiversity richness.

The marsh is traversed by 5 major rivers such as Agusan River, Simulao River, Gibong River, Umayam River and Sabang Adgawan River. There are at least 59 lakes in the marsh, with Lake Mihaba and lake Kelobidan, and lake Ticgon in Bunawan, Lake Kayawanon, Lake Dinagat, Lake Bukogon in Loreto, Lake Mambagongon in La Paz, Lake Cangno, lake Ginhalinan, and lake Togno in Talacogon, to name a few.

The marsh is the home of the Agusanon-Manobos who live in floating houses. Houses are built in simple wooden structures set on rafts tied to trees. When the water rises, so do their houses. It is the only place, they say, where you can change address by literally moving your house. The Agusan Marsh is a perfect retreat from the stresses of city life.

4.1.1.2 Resources

1. Lake Mihaba - is one of the major lakes of Agusan Marsh within the municipal jurisdiction of Bunawan. It is positioned as one of the tourism destinations due to its biodiversity uniqueness, proximity and accessibility. It has a stand of Nuclea forest and other wetland tree species with vines, grasses, epiphytes and ferns that all serve as a refuge site of migratory and endemic birds. It is also known as the habitat of the remaining species of freshwater and saltwater crocodile that are found in the wild. The silvery kingfisher, a critically endangered specie, is usually found perching on the branches of trees and vines along the banks of the creeks that drains the Lake Mihaba and is rarely found in the other lakes of the Agusan Marsh. This attribute is significant or of scientific value that captured interest to species diversity conservation and management implementation by all sectors of society to avoid biodiversity reduction on a worst level of existence.

Lake Mihaba is located inside the coordinates of 80 10’ - 80 12’ latitude and 1250 24’ - 1250 25’ longitude as technically described. Lake Mihaba is bounded on the N-East by 11

Agusan Marsh corner brdy. monument #36,37,38 and Tagsubon creek that gradually form into a lake at the upper part of creek channel having two (2) outlet flow; one (1) for lake Mihaba and one (1) for Agusan river; on the N-West portion by Nueva Gracia river and LC line; while on S-East portion by Agusan Marsh corner boundary monument #39 and 40 with an unknown creek tributary connecting Lake Binatiaoan; and on the S-West portion by Agusan River upstream as shown and indicated on the attached map. (PENRO,Dizon)

Lake Mihaba is the haven of the 18 households of Manobos who had adapted the way of life in the marsh. They live in floating houses latched in bamboo poles and are tied in adjacent trees to avoid being swept away by the water current.

2. Lake Mambagongon - according to key tribal history informants the word Mambagongon came from the word Bagongan which mean tail of crocodile. Mambagongon location is found within the municipal jurisdiction of La Paz, Agusan del Sur adjacent to Lake Panlabuhan. Passage point for Mambagongon visitors/tourist during summer time particularly on the month of May to August could start from Poblacion, La Paz to Barangay Kiandag on a motorcycle ride traveling about 2 km. following rough road. Hiking follows from Kiandag to Kaogohan of about 3 kms. on partly muddy and dried route. Boat riding finally reaches Mambagongon on an estimate distance of 2 km. totaling 7kms.

Another passage point of Mambagongon is by a pumpboat ride from Agusan River downstream to Sitio Ticgon or upper portion of Sitio Abihid where the channel outlet of Lake Mambagongon is located. While entering this channel you could observe the woodpeckers nesting sites in Bungyas trees that are found dominant along the channel and Javan pond herons perching on the Bangkal trees and dropping at water hyacinth to catch small fish and insects for food. A total of 40 households of Manobo in their floating houses live along the creeks and at the periphery of the lake.

3. Lake Tagsubon - is an adjoining lake to Lake Mihaba of about 100 meters distance. It was recognized by the locals as the crocodile sanctuary and planned to be delineated as a strict protection zone to protect the remaining population of crocodile species in the wild.

4. Lake Kayawanon - serves as fishing ground of the locality of Kelobidan. It is located in San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. It has a wide expanse of calm lake water dominated by species of Bangiba Grass that served as the nesting ground for the Purple heron, Japan and Chinese Pond Heron, Black Bittern, Purple Swamphen, and Green Pigeons or Punay. The site is suitable for boating and fishing. The periphery of the lake has small patches of tree species of Bangkal, Katmon, and Mambog. It is adjacent to the stand of 12

Lanipau (Terminalia spp) trees which is more or less 3 kilometers from the national Highway.

5. Lake Kandibuko - is one of the major lake systems located in Sitio Panlabuhan, Poblacion, Loreto, Agusan del Sur. Kandibuko is an acronym for the names of the adjoining lakes found in the area, namely: Kaningbaylan, Dinagat, Bukogon, and Kobasayon. It is dominated by a pure stand of Bangkal species which are inundated during rainy season. The lake offers a picturesque scene welcoming first time visitors in the area. Its calm lake and cold breeze exudes a good ambiance that soothes one’s soul. It is ideal for boating, bird watching, and lake hopping. A captivating view of the sunrise and sunset can be experienced while you are in the site. A Manobo ritual called “panagtawag” must be performed to appease the spirits and to ensure the safety and protection of the visitors. This strict adherence of the locals in practicing their culture is its most outstanding features. Lake Kandibuko can be reached via pumpboat ride from the Bunawan wharf traversing the Agusan River and Subaon Creek for about 2 hours. About 35 households of Manobos in floating houses coexist with nature in this site.

6. Lake Kelobidan - is one of the major lake systems in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary located in San Marcos, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur. Lake Kelobidan is a conduit to other sublakes found within the area, namely: Lake Kawayanon, Lake Tikgon, Lake Maasin, and Lake Cangno. With the vast expanse of its lake, it is considered the largest lake in the Agusan Marsh which is a good site for boating and fishing. The serenity of the lake creates a good environment for meditation and relaxation. Its lush vegetation of sedges and grasses and a variety of wetland tree species harbor species of migratory and endemic bird species such as the Moorhen, Pond Heron, Purple Heron, whistling ducks and others. Bangkal and various species of trees can be seen draped with flowers, herbs, and vines. The blooming pink flowers of the lotus and water lilies set captivating scenery that will surely attract visitors. The chirping of birds and the soft blow of the wind assure visitors of a beholding sight that is about to unfold before their very eyes. The site is accessible during rainy season when the water level is high via pumpboat ride from the Bunawan wharf to Sitio Kelobidan for about 2 hours and baroto ride for about 20 minutes from Sitio Kelobidan to the lake. A total of 28 households of Manobos in floating houses live in Sitio Kelobidan.

7. Lake Binoni - a crocodile sanctuary and habitat of migratory birds, counted as one of the 59 lakes inside Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary located in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. The name of the lake was derived from the local word “bino” considering the resemblance of the color of the lake to wine that people of that locality used to drink during their leisure time at the height of logging operation on that place. Other version also says it derived its name from the word “noni” which means a mixed sound heard in the lake during night time.

Lake Binoni from Talacogon entry point could be reached by means of road transport on a single motor ride and a four (4) wheeled vehicle passing Barangay Desamparados, before Sitio Bataran, where accessible road ends. The remaining portion is ended by crossing 13

Mayat creek, walking on open areas and go across rain feed rice field and periphery forest before finally reaching the lake. Travel distance from entry point to Barangay Desamparados following the road network is about 16 km. and 2.5 km. to Sitio Bataran, while walking distance is estimated to be about 600 meters more or less.

8. Casawangan Lake - Casawangan lake of Causwagan, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur is surrounded by untouched vegetation and undisturbed environment. It can be reached through a 4 hours hike. However, all wearies are gone once you feel the soft breeze and gaze at the panoramic view of the lake.

4.1.1.3 Accommodation in Agusan Marsh

Tourism Establishments are the Primary and Secondary Enterprises that are directly involved in providing essential services that the arriving tourists demand. Since tourism is a Service Industry, the supply components of tourism are identified in the given cluster zones to give preferences to the potential tourists. Among the identified primary enterprises are engaged in providing facilities and services on accommodations, food and beverage, transport among others. Secondary enterprises are the support services to supply other needs and activities of the mass tourists in the Province of Agusan del Sur.

Major lakes in Agusan Marsh offer floating accommodation facilities and dugout canoes in support to tourist recreational activities in the area.

Northern Section

Sitio Abihid in Talacogon has 2 floating cottages with comfort rooms along the banks of Agusan River. 1 unit floating literacy center converted as a dormitory that accommodates 16 pax, furnished with double decked beds and beddings. The other unit is a multi purpose floating cottage used as a dining area with utensils.

Eastern Section

Sitio Ticgon near Lake Kilobidan has 2 floating cottages. 1 unit is custom made for tourists. It has male and female comfort rooms and multi-purpose hall at the lower level, at the second level is the sleeping quarter. It can accommodate 25 pax. The other floating cottage is a literacy center that can be utilized as tourist accommodation. It can hold 20 pax. Also there is a retail store and personal dugout canoes for service to visitors in the area.

Western Section

Lake Mambagongon in La Paz has no specific tourist accommodation facilities. "Datu Mambagongon"the tribal chieftain usually offers his house for visitors who wish to stay overnight through arrangements. There are 38 households potential as homestay facilities, 3 retail stores and several personal dugout canoes to facilitate visitors activities in the area.

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Southern Section

Lake Mihaba in Bunawan has 1 floating cottage with comfort room. At the first level is a multi-purpose hall and the second level is a sleeping quarter. It can hold 25 pax. Another 1 floating cottage is a literacy center that can hold 16 pax. There are 18 households that are potential for homestay program. Personal dugout canoes are also present in the area.

For booking and reservation for the agusan marsh tour, the visitor may contact the Provincial Tourism Office or the Bunawan Eco-tourism Group or Talacogon Municipal Tourism Office.

4.1.1.4 Transport

Agusan Marsh can be reached by means of land and water transportation. From Butuan City or , the visitor can take a bus going to Talacogon, or may take a jeepney or bus going to Talacogon at Prosperidad Jeepney terminal. At Talacogon wharf the visitor may take a boat going to Lake Togno or any part of the marsh. However during dry season, when the water level is low, the visitor can proceed to Barangay La Flora through a graveled road and take a boat from there.

From Davao City the visitor can drop in San Teodoro, Bunawan and take a boat from Bunawan wharf. Before proceeding to Lake Mihaba, an off-site briefing will be conducted at the Visitors Coordinating Center.

Fig. 2. Road Network Map and river tributaries in Agusan Marsh

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Himbang Lake

# Talacogon Lake Y TOURISM RESOURCES MAP AGUSAN MARSH ZONE Kasawangan Lake

Togno Lake

Himbang Lake LEGEND : Ginhalinan Lake Major Lakes # Talacogon Lake Y Agusan Marsh Lake Himbang Agusan River Tributary River

Kasawangan Lake Creek

Kilobi dan Lake LAKE TALACOGON Togno Lake

Primary National Rd. Maasin Lake

Ginhalinan Lake Secondary Nat'l. Rd. Tikgon Lake Major Lakes Kayawanon Lake Provincial/Municipal Road. Mambagongon Lake

Unident ifed Lake Agusan Marsh Y# Wharf

Kobasayon Lake

Agusan River Dinagat Lake Kani gbaylan Lake

Tributary River Bukogon Lake Creek Lake Tugno Kilobi dan Lake Y# Primary National Rd. Maasin Lake

Mihaba Lake Secondary Nat'l. Rd. Y# Tikgon Lake

Kayawanon Lake

Provincial/Municipal Road. Mambagongon Lake Lake Kasawangan Unident ifed Lake Y# Wharf

Kobasayon Lake

Dinagat Lake Kani gbaylan Lake LAKE KILOBIDAN

Bukogon Lake

LAKE MAASIN Lake Ginhalinan Y#

Mihaba Lake Y#

LAKE KANDIBUKO

LAKE MIHABA LAKE TIKGON Lake Cayawanon Lake Mambagongon LAKE TICKGON

Table 2. List of roads/river along the route to Mihaba Lake

Total length, km/ Road/River Name of Road/River Means of transportation Average travel Condition time in river, hr

From Davao/Butuan via 4-wheeled vehicle, Bunawan: motorcycles , pedicab 500m Concrete NRJ San Teodoro – Bunawan wharf (Municipal Road)

San Teodoro Wharf – IPAS 16 seaters passengers 30 min Water Velocity – Complex via Simulao River boat normal

IPAS complex – Sabang Passengers boat/tourist 1.5 hour kawayanan –Lake Mihaba boat, banca

Lake Mihaba – Lake Passengers boat/tourist 1.5 hour Kilobidan via Agusan River boat, motorized banca

Alternative route to IPAS Complex:

NRJ San Andres – Hagnaya , 4-wheeled vehicle, Fair Graveled 16

Total length, km/ Road/River Name of Road/River Means of transportation Average travel Condition time in river, hr

Mambalili Road (Barangay motorcycles 2.1512 km. Road road)

From Butuan/Davao via Talacogon:

NRJ Prosperidad-Talacogon Road (Natl secondary road) Bus, Jeepney, 21Km Concrete Road motorcycles

Talacogon Wharf – Lake Passengers Boat/tourist 2.5 hrs Togno boat, motorized banca

Lake Togno – Sitio Abihid Passengers boat 1 hr Visitors coordinating center

Sitio Abihid - Lake Passengers boat/by foot 15 min Guinhalinan

Sitio Abihid – Lake By foot/ canoe 1 hour/1 hour Casawangan

Sitio Abihid- Lake Passengers Boat 2 hours Mambagongon

Alternative Route during Jeepney, motorcycles 25 min Graveled road dry season:

Talacogon – La Flora

4.1.1.5. Tourism Products and Activities Table 3: DESTINATION PRODUCTS ACTIVITIES TOURIST ATTRACTIONS THEME 1. Lake Safari a. River and a. River cruising a. Agusan River creeks b. Lake hopping b. Lake Binoni b. Major lakes c. Boating or c. Lake Casawangan

c. Sub lakes d. kayaking d. Lake Ginhalinan

d. Crocodiles e. Sight-seeing e. Lake Himbang

e. Endemic f. Wanderlust f. Lake Tugno

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birds g. Game fishing g. Lake Kawayanon f. Migratory h. Community h. Lake Kelobidan birds i. immersion i. Lake Lake Ticgon

g. Sun rise and j. Nature j. Lake Bukogon sun set interaction k. Lake Dinagat h. Wild flora k. Bird watching l. Lake

i. Wild insects l. Insect Mambagongon

j. Rivers and watching m. Lake Mihaba creeks n. Lake Tagsubon k. Swamp forest o. Peat Swamp l. Bonsai forest p. Floating houses m. Fishes q. People of AMWS n. Floating accommoda- r. AMWS Ecosystem o. tions s. AMWS Cultural features

4.1.2 North Diwata Range Zone or Agri-Eco Adventure Tourism Zone

4.1.2.1 Brief Profile

The North Diwata Range Zone covers the municipalities at the northeastern part of the province. These are the municipalities of Sibagat, City of Bayugan, and Prosperidad. This tourism zone recognizes the Diwata mountain range as its landmark.

Sibagat is the first municipality from Butuan City. It is a highland municipality where four of its barangays are connected with hanging bridges. It is presently known as the abaca center of the province. Abaca handicrafts are tourism products that are sold in the provincial display center.

Sibagat is a potential tourism destination because of its mountainous terrain promising for adventure activities like cable car, zip line and sky riding. Other attraction is the mountain cliff formation along the river bank of Wawa River in Barangay Villangit. In one section of Wawa River is a rock passage known as “Puting Bato” where early commuters used to pass before the existing road was constructed. Some of the river sections are potential for white water-rafting. Every November the municipality of Sibagat is celebrating the Bagat Festival.

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Bayugan City is a newly created component city of Agusan del Sur. It is known for its large track of rice and corn land. It is also the vegetable and cut flower capital of the province where anthuriums, dahlias, chrysanthemums, ginger plants, curcuma and other tropical cutflowers abound. The Pagkain ng Bayan is also located here. It showcases the LGU managed orchard and the Province’s joint venture project with NABCOR, the corn processing plant. Unexplored caves and waterfalls in the city are found in the barangays of Getsemane, Pinagalaan, Mt Ararat, Mt Carmel, Magkiangkang, Mt Olive, Sto Nino and Del Carmen. Every January Kahimunan Festival is celebrated in the city of Bayugan.

Bayugan City is also proud to have the biggest rotunda in the Philippines and the home of the San Lorenzo Diocesan Shrine located at the hilltop of Barangay Taglatawan. With the city emerging amenities both commercial and financial services, it is projected to become one the sub-centers for tourism services in the province.

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Prosperidad is the capital town of Agusan del Sur. The government center is situated in Barangay Patin-ay about 7 kilometers from the Poblacion (formerly Bahbah). It is itself a tourist destination. It has an area of about 100 hectares, where both national and provincial offices are established. The capitol building is composed of 3 branches of the government where, the executive building is located between the legislative and judiciary buildings. A large amphitheater in front of the capitol building serves as an open ground for flag raising and other outdoor programs and activities. The government center has its own Sports Complex, complete with oval, grandstands, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, swimming pool, and covered court for indoor events. The center with its well paved road is perfect for morning walk, jogging or bicycle riding around the Naliyagan Plaza or boating in the lagoon. For environment and nature lover, a clonal nursery is also located near the Provincial Office of the DENR. The capitol vicinity provides a window for bird watchers where birds like egret and purple heron are sighted in shrub and bushes.

Within the government center are the Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital, the Department of Education – Agusan del Sur Division Office, the Agusan del Sur National Science High School, the Patin-ay Elementary and National High School and the Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades. A local TV station of National Broadcasting Network (NBN) and local radio station (DXDA) are also located here. ATM machine and GSIS Kiosk are also available in the Legislative building.

Poblacion is the center of the capital town of Prosperidad. The Philippine Normal University is located here. The municipality celebrates the Angot Festival every month of September. The potential and emerging tourism sites are Putting Buhangin Cave, Gibong River, Binaba Spring, and the Archeologic site of stone ax.

4.1.2.2 Resources

1. Puting Buhangin Caves - an eco-tourism site that promised a lot of surprises that can be considered unique among the subterranean in the province. It has cool and clear stream that seems endless to cool anyone while having adventure with its ecosystem and rich biodiversity.

Putting Buhangin Caves is a long line of cavern that was classified into three classes to cater different types of cave enthusiasts. Class 1 for its delicate and fragile geological formations and threatened species, Class II with areas that are hazardous in conditions and contain sensitive geological, archaeological, cultural, and historical and biological values or high quality ecosystem; and Class III, a generally safe to inexperienced visitors.

The Caves which is located in Purok 20, Poblacion, the lead barangay in the municipality of Prosperidad, its distance from Maharlika Highway is approximately 2

20

kilometers and can be reached by all types of wheeled vehicles or on foot while enjoying the lush forest of the area.

The cave area also promised a wide variety of endemic wild birds for the bird lovers and birding enthusiasts.

2. Bega Falls - a legendary and bewitching spectacle crafted by Mother Nature!

Bega Falls derived its name from a popular folklore that according to the natives there were ten enchanted maidens, once seen beckoning and combing their long strands of hair while bathing in the multi-tiered cascades that some of which are highly visible and the rest are hidden in the midst of the above forest.

Its breathtaking scenery spells out its flirting statement and existed with the name bestowed on this natural jewel of the mountainous region of Barangay Mabuhay in the municipality of Prosperidad. It is also a good site for birding activities.

3. Gibong River - surely anyone cannot miss to see this serpent like waterway as it cuts through the Maharlika Highway in Poblacion (formerly Bahbah) in the town of Prosperidad. It is a historic natural landmark as it served as a highway during the last Asia-Pacific War. American and Japanese troops traversed this river as they transported ammunitions and prisoners of war into the midst of Agusan Marsh. A remarkable tributary to the mighty Agusan River, which at present a large community of Manobos in their floating abode, settles in the vicinity of the mouth of Gibong River called “Sabang Gibong”. Enroute the Gibong River are more interesting sights to see. The pristine environment covered with lush greenery along the Gibong Ridge, the rock formations and sparkling waters of Binaba Falls/Spring and the promising flora that is a favorite destination for wild birds like the Philippine Trogon. Silvery king Fisher and sunbirds to name a few are found in the area.

Anyone can enjoy river cruising and sighting birds in going farther upstream in the Maug junction where several river tributaries from far flung barangays and can be found.This is also an alternative route going to the archaeological site where Paleolithic stone are uncovered in the banks of Barangay New Maug. At a distant, a hanging bridge that connects the Philippine Normal University (PNU) and Poblacion could be a best site for photography overlooking the Gibong Dam, Gibong Bridge and Gibong River.

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The Provincial stock farm is also potential for bird watching and rodeo. It is located in Taonaga, Magsaysay, Prosperidad.

4.1.2.3 Accommodation

Generally, accommodation establishment in this cluster are much in number and of different variety especially in Bayugan City. It is also because it has the highest population and it is the center of trade and industry.

Bayugan City has 9 accommodation establishments with a total of 85 rooms, 162 furnished beds and 84 extra beds. These establishments have the categories of hotels (2); travelers' inns (2); resorts (2); and lodging houses (3). The Municipality of Prosperidad also has 9 accommodation facilities with 173 furnished beds and 48 extra beds. These facilities include Provincial Training Center (PTC) Hostel (1) within the government center; tourist inns (3); lodging houses (3); and resorts (1). This cluster zone has an over-all total of 18 accommodation facilities, 166 rooms, 335 furnished beds and 132 extra beds that can be offered to mass tourists movement. (Annex - Table 2)

4.1.2.4 Establishments

On Food and Beverage Services

There are about 15 food & beverage joints in Bayugan City while the Municipality of Prosperidad has 9 food & beverage facilities that are considered traditional and off-beat dining places. Along the National Hi-way are the Loft, the Rosario’s Grills, and the Kirstein Kambingan. (Annex - Table 3)

On Novelty and Souvenir Shops

The Provincial Training Center Showroom in Patin-ay, Prosperidad displays a wide array of handicrafts, wood crafts, furniture and delicacies made by various organizations in Agusan del Sur. (Annex - Table 4)

On Commercial Establishment

Bayugan City has 1 big department store, the Warehouse and other family chain of groceries, 1 reputable drug store and public market site where retail shops/stores and food stalls are located. Prosperidad has the public market where most of the retail stores, pharmacies and food stalls are located.

On Financial Services

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13 financial institutions classified as rural and commercial banks are available and mostly are located in Bayugan City. (Annex - Table 5)

Other Support Facilities and Services

Health and medical care can be facilitated in Bayugan Community Hospital, medical and health clinics or through the Rural Health Units. Dental and eye clinics are also available for both care services. Tour and travel retail agents are also available. (Annex – Table 5)

4.1.2.5 Transport Services

Prosperidad is accessible to all types of transportation. It is located along the Agusan-Davao Primary National Road. It is about 1.5 hour ride from Butuan City and 4.5 hours from Davao City using a private vehicle. The government center in Barangay Patin-ay is also along the National Highway. The capitol is about 1 kilometer from the highway. To reach there, one can take a multicab, a motorcycle or a pedicab.

The Gibong River is right there at the Gibong Bridge. A boat can be arranged in advance with the Municipal Tourism Office.

The Puting Buhangin Caves is about 2 kilometers from the national highway. From the highway it can be reached by foot or 4-wheeled vehicle along the earth-graveled road of NRJ Bahbah-Puting Buhangin Barangay Road. From there, one has to walk along the trail to reach the entrance of the cave.

The Bega Falls is approximately 5 kilometers from the barangay settlement of Barangay Mabuhay. It is about 16 km from Bahbah, Prosperidad through NRJ Awa- Los Arcos- National Secondary Road and PRJ Los Arcos - Mabuhay Road. The falls can be reached via the access road that passes through rugged terrain leading to 2 hillsides community of Purok 5.

Fig 3. Road Network Map in North Diwata Range Zone

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ROAD NETWORK MAP NORTH DIWATA RANGE ZONE

LEGEND : Primary Nat'l. Rd. Secondary Nat'l. Rd. Provincial Rd. Municipal/Barangay Rd Sibagat

N Bayugan City 5 2.5 0 5 Kilometers

Prosperidad

Table 4 List of Roads going to Tourism Sites

Name of Means of Length/ Destination Condition Road/Trail Transportation Travel Time

Sibagat Highland, NRJ-Poblacion- Motorcycle 7.1438 Km Fair Hanging Bridges, Villangit- Road, graveled & Villangit Sibagat Mountain Cliff

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Name of Means of Length/ Destination Condition Road/Trail Transportation Travel Time

Cutflower NRJ Osmeña Motorcycle 9.2817 km. Fair Gardens, Magkiangkang – graveled waterfalls Villa Undayon 6.66 km. Villa undayon- New Salem Gravel Provincial Road, (Bad) Bayugan

Caves and PRJ- Motorcycle 11.39 km. Fair Waterfalls, and Magkiangkang- graveled cutflowers Grace Estate-Mt Olive- Mt Carmel- Wilderness Road

Chrysanthemum NRJ Sta Terisita Motorcycle 6.835 km. Fair s, dahlias and – Pinagalaan graveled roses Road

Gibong Gibong Bridge, Motorized boat 20 min River/Binaba Prosperidad spring along Agusan – Davao National Highway

Bahbah Caves NRJ Bahbah- Multicab, 2.26 km Earth road (Putting Puting Buhangin motorcycle Buhangin Caves) Barangay Road

Bega Falls (19 NRJ Azpetia- 4-wheeled up 4.7918 km. Fair tiered falls) Mabuhay to mabuhay, graveled Barangay road road Motorcycle up Mabuhay – to Purok 5, 3.298 km. Earth (Bad) Purok 5 by foot 1.019 km. Trail Prk.5– Falls

Government NRJ Naliyagan - All types of land 1km Concrete Center Capitol Road transportation along Agusan- Davao National Road

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4.1.2.6 Tourism Products and Activities

Table 5: DESTINATION PRODUCT ACTIVITIES TOURIST ATTRACTIONS THEME 1. Misty a. Vegetables a. Trading a. Mt. Ararat Mountains/ Leisure b. Cut-flowers b. Bird watching b. Mt. Carmel c. Wild birds c. Mountain c. Mt. Olive d. Forests climbing d. Magkiangkang

e. Rock d. Mountain e. Sto. Nino viewing Formations f. Mountain

e. Sight-seeing resorts f. Rock climbing

2. Sparkling a. Water falls a. Water falls a. Wawa River Water Sheds b. Rivers and trekking River b. Gibong River cruising creeks c. Gibong Gorge

c. Canyons b. Boating or kayaking d. Binaba Springs/Falls c. Canyoning e. Gethsemane

d. Bird watching Falls f. Pinagalaan Falls g. Bega Falls

3. Underground a. Caves a. Spelunking a. Puting Buhangin Wonders b. Stalactites b. Caving Caves

c. Stalagmites c. Nature inter-

d. Bats action e. Reptiles

4. Sports and a. Sports a. Multiple a. Provincial Sports Athletics Events Athletics Complex Competition b. Games b. City and b. Sports Contests Municipal Gymnasiums c. Tournaments

5. Religious and a. Feast of City a. Patron Saints a. Angot Cultural & Town Processions Festival Encounters 26

DESTINATION PRODUCT ACTIVITIES TOURIST ATTRACTIONS THEME

Patron b. Street b. Bagat Festival Saints Dancing c. Kahimunan Celebration c. Grand Parade Festival b. City and d. Community d. Naliyagan Towns immersion Festival Fiestas

6. Educational a. Gov 't Best a. Educational a. Provincial Practices Tours Government Paperless Center b. Student Sessions Exchange b. Pagkain ng b. Academic Bayan Studies c. Philippine Normal University

7. Hosting a. Hospitality a. Business a. Provincial meetings and Training Center b. Facilities conferences b. Provincial Covered Court

4.1.3 South Diwata Range Zone or Agri-Industrial Tourism Zone

4.1.3.1 Brief Profile

The South Diwata Range Zone covers the municipalities of San Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, and Trento.

San Francisco is the commercial and trading center of Agusan del Sur. It is also the center of banking and finance where major banking institutions like LBP, DBP, PNB and 27

Metro Bank, and rural banks are located. Private colleges and pre-schools are situated here. With its existing amenities, it is designated as the Tourism Service Center of Agusan del Sur.

The large track of oil palm plantation is found in 5 barangays. It is the home of the lushful and majestic Mt Magdiwata with flourishing mountain resorts at its base. The giant Toog Tree in Barangay Alegria was recorded as the tallest Toog Tree in the Guinness Book. San Franciso serves also as the entrance to Peat Dome via PRJ Pasta- Buena Suerte- Caimpugan Road.

San Francisco celebrates the Diwata Festival during the month of June.

Rosario is the agri-industrial center of the province. It is the home of Oil Palm Mill of NGPI and NGEI, now FPII. It is also known as the Gold processing center for both the large scale (PHILSAGA Mining) and small scale mining. One of its potential tourism sites are the Latay Cave, the Nyholm Falls and Gomoko Tunnel. Annual Yagi-yagi Festival is Falls @Mt. Magdiwata held every month of June.

Bunawan is the gateway to the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. As one of Integrated Protected Area System (IPAS), it is managed by Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). Its office is located in the IPAS Complex, 7 Kilometers from San Teodoro. It is where the briefing on Agusan Marsh is conducted by the DENR Protected Area Superintendent. It can be reached by land thru NRJ San Andres – Hagnaya Road or by boat via Simulao River from San Teodoro wharf.

Bunawan is known for its dried mud fish or daing which are displayed along the national hi-way. It is also the home of fresh water crocodile. A crocodile confine area is to be established in Consuelo, Bunawan.

Haw-an Festival is celebrated every January where the Sadsad dance is being performed.

Trento is the first municipality from Compostela Valley. It is being benchmarked for its organic rice and swine farming, as well as duck- rice production. One of oil palm mills is located here at Manat, Trento. An annual celebration of Santikan Festival is held every June 12-15 of the year. Tourism attractions include Pangyan Falls and Hills View.

4.1.3.2 Resources

1. Mount Magdiwata - this mountain is a magnificent backdrop of the town of Francisco. It covers an area of 1,658 hectares serving as the landmark of the municipality endowed with the beautiful scenery and physical features such as lake, hot & cold spring and waterfalls. The biggest Bagras that associates with the uniform stand of commercial height of Tangile Trees of dipterocarps family are also found. At the summit it is overlooking

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the Pacific Ocean. During sunset, Mt Magdiwata can be seen like the resemblance of a pregnant woman and at midnight looks like a crocodile eager to catch a prey at midnight. Its forest remains to be a sanctuary of the most endangered wildlife like the Philippine Eagle, deer and monkeys. It was proclaimed as watershed forest reserved through Presidential Proclamation 282 dated October 25, 1993. Today, this natural tropical forest reserve provides life-sustaining source of water to the residents of San Francisco.

2. Mt. Magdiwata Resorts - at present there are various mountain resorts at the foot of Mt. Magdiwata, the biggest of which is Datu Makapandong Eco-tourism Resort in Lapag, Karaos, San Francisco. Existing tourism activities are mountain climbing/trekking, bird watching, nature gazing, camping and swimming, and exploring waterfalls. Other family managed mountain resorts are the Villa Terisita in Lapag; the Agus Jubilan in Taglikid, Bayugan 2; the Broadcast Resort in San Isidro, and the Garden Groove in Alegria.

3. Caimpugan Peat Dome - is part of 40,898 hectares expanded area of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary declared as protected area under NIPAS Law for it plays a refuge range of migratory birds that passed a year in the marsh making the Philippines a very important wetland ecosystem in Asia.

Caimpugan is one of the barangays of San Francisco that occupies portion of Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. This site could be reached through motorcycle ride, four wheels drive vehicle, cut across the river by raft, walking along ricefields, and tough walking at the peat dome vicinity.

The Caimpugan peat dome was discovered during the logging operation back in the year 1970 when in search of merchantable trees to be traded and transported through Agusan river, found a large track of stunted growth of emerging Tiga trees mostly in pencil size. The name of Caimpugan was derived from the families of: Curato, Ayaton, Ignacio, Mondejar, Puliga, Ostos, Galopan, Aguilar and Noja.

An overview of Caimpugan Peat dome

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Overlooking the periphery forest of Caimpugan peatdome

Peat is somewhat fibrous and spongy materials consisting mostly of partially decayed vegetation which accumulated, for centuries or even thousand years, underwater or waterlogged places such as swamps and bogs.

4. Latay Cave- this “flawless” cave is a haven of blind white crabs classified as crustacean species which existed almost 3 centuries ago. It has a unique shape that exists in both shallow and deeper water. It is located at Barangay Marfil, Rosario, Agusan del Sur which is 15 kilometers away from Poblacion Proper. It is accessible by PUJ, single motor, and hiking via two different routes, via Poblacion-Marfil or via San Francisco--Tagbina Surigao del Sur route. The entrance of the cave is 30 meters away from the barangay road at the foot of Latay mountain ridge. Around its vicinity are flora and fauna. The cave length stretch approximately 3 kilometers with an average width of 4 meters.

5. Pangyan Falls - is one of the most beautiful water falls in Trento. Climbing and clinging into the rock-steps will make the adventurers experienced a breath-taking scenery of a multi-layered falls that drop behind the rocky mountain. It has fantastic forest cover where one can really feel the pure fresh air coming from the surrounding virgin forest. It is inhabited by endangered wild life species particularly, birds. The water falls can be reached through an all-weather municipal road of about 1½ hrs travel time by a single motorcycle. It is approximately 13 kilometers from the Barangay Poblacion.

6. Hills View Inland Resort - is an elegant resort, with a more or less twenty (20) hectare area, partly commercial and mostly agricultural, serving the public since 2006. Its amenities and/or services components include (1) organic, natural and bio-dynamic farming; (2) hotel, restaurant and function rooms servicing; (3) swimming pool with modular slides; (4) modern-concept bar; (5) commercial center; and (6) motor servicing (high-in vulcanizing equipment/facility). The resort is located in the heart of the tranquil community of Pulanglupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur; adjacent to the Maharlika National Road, midway from Butuan City and Davao City. It can be reached by means of all types of vehicles.

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Hills View Inland Resort is a place where you can spend your time with your family, friends and reunions or other big events that need an exclusive accommodation. 24-hour hotel and restaurant are also found at this place. Swimming areas are ready to handle all kinds of activities such as parties, pictorials for documentary and memorable events. Conference hall caters the different occasions such as seminars, meetings, birthday celebration and other related occasions. At night time, hills view is also open for bar hopping.

7. Demegillo Garden Resort - is the first resort to operate in the Municipality of Trento, showcasing a naturally-grown orchard and garden; an establishment where you can enjoy overlooking to the beautiful rice fields and developed agricultural areas. The resort covers more or less ten (10) hectares, mostly agricultural; it serves the public since 2005. Its services and amenities include (1) swimming pool; (2) video-K bar; and (3) function rooms. The Resort is located in the Barangay Pulanglupa, Western part of the Municipality and adjacent to the secondary national road particularly Cuevas – Sta. Josefa – Veruela Road. It is 6 kms away from the urban center and can be reached by all means of vehicles.

8. Organic Farming Technology - Trento is an agri-based municipality in the Southern part of Agusan del Sur. It is composed of 16 barangays where rice and corn are the main sources of livelihood. It adopts a new sustainable agricultural development approach thru an organized women group called PLAKAT (Pinagbuklod na Lakas Kababaihan ng Trento) which aims to deliver appropriate services to all Trentohanon’s women and men through sustainable livelihood in line with natural farming technology. This organic, natural and bio- dynamic farming technology system and agricultural development approach are one of the agri tourism industries in the municipality. The objective is to generate more yields of crops at a lesser cost by applying fertilizers which are environment – friendly, because it do not contain toxic chemicals and substances that will harm the plants and pollute rivers and lakes.

Figure 4: Map showing location of tourism resources

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BITAN-AGAN CAVE CITY #Y Bitan-agan, San Francisco TOURISM RESOURCES MAP #Y SOUTH DIWATA ZONE #Y

#Y San Francisco

#Y

#Y #Y

Rosario

#Y PEAT DOME FOREST Caimpugan, San Francisco

Bunawan

#Y ORGANIC FARMING Poblacion, Trento Trento

#Y PANGYAN FALLS Pangyan, Trento

4.1.3.3 Accommodations

This cluster has a total of 18 amenities, 131 various types of rooms, 178 furnished beds and 24 extra beds to accommodate the movement of mass tourists. (Annex – Table 46)

The Municipality of San Francisco has 11 amenities, one of which, the Paseo Suite de San Francisco is accredited by DOT classified as a tourist inn. Other establishments are the Northway Hotel, De Asis Lodging House, Donegal, and Noralex. Combined all the facilities together, there are about 75 various type of rooms, 76 furnished beds and 36 extra beds. Bunawan has three lodging houses; two of these have dormitory type rooms, with a total of 25 furnished beds. Trento has a tourist inn, 1 pension house and 2 lodging houses. All combined have a total of various types rooms for single up to family size or group occupants, furnished with 77 beds and 24 extra beds. (Annex – Table 6)

4.1.3.4 Establishments

On Food and Beverage Services

This area offers 12 food & beverage joints. 6 are in San Francisco categorized as family or commercial restaurants, coffee shops, fast-food shops and the traditional off-beat restaurants are available. Famous ones are the Kristina’s restaurant that is well known for its hard-wood building materials and tasty food, Maya’s Restaurant with its appetizing garlic rice and lechon kawali, the Rosario’s with its good ambiance and mouth-watering food, and the Jollibee.

For bake shops and pastries, are the Rose Bakery and the Julies.

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While Bunawan has 1 commercial type restaurant. Then at Trento, there are 3 family type restaurants and 2 coffee shops. The most accessible is the Hill’s View known for its hot bulalo and tinolang native chicken, along Agusan Davao National Hi-way. (Annex - Table 7)

On Novelty and Souvenir Shops

There are 2 shops in San Francisco, one of which is the Tourism Building with a display room showcasing a wide array of handicrafts made of agsam, abaca, nito and other local non-timber forest products, wood crafts, furniture and delicacies made by various organization producers in Agusan del Sur. Bunawan has 2 gold and silver jewelry shops. While Trento has 2 drift wood furniture shops and 1 shop offering delicacies. For flowers enthusiasts, gardens of cutflowers and other ornamentals are just adjacent to the Municipal Tourism Building in San Francisco. (Annex - Table 8)

Other Support Facilities and Services

There are 2 function/convention halls and a Gymnasium present in San Francisco. Health and medical care can be facilitated in hospital, medical and health clinics or through Rural Health Units. Dental and eye clinics are also available for both care services. San Francisco has 1 rural health unit, 2 dental clinics and private medical clinics. Bunawan has 1 public hospital, a rural health unit and 2 private medical clinics.

On Financial Services

A total 11 financial institutions classified as rural and commercial banks and lending institutions are available in San Francisco (3 commercial banks, 6 rural banks and 2 lending institutions).

On Commercial Establishment

Commercial establishments in this zone are mostly located in San Francisco. The largest of which is the Warehouse-San Francisco Branch, Novo, Taiwanese Stores,the Hibayas Chain of Grocery Stores and the Mercury Drug Store. San Francisco Mall with its dry and wet market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, sea foods and meat. It is located right at the heart of San Francisco.

On Games and Amusements on Communication and Information Services

Gymnasium and internet cafes and Galleria are also accessible in these areas.

4.1.3.5 Transport

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The 3 municipalities are located along the Agusan-Davao National Highway. The tourism sites can be reached by any type of land transportation. The Toog Tree in Alegria, San Francisco is just along the secondary national road of NRJ San Francisco- Barobo Road. While the jump off- point to Datu Lipus Makapandong Resort is Barangay Karaos. To reach the resort, the visitor can walk or ride via NRJ Karaus-Alegria Road. The Latay Cave in Marfil, Rosario can be reached via NRJ-Poblacion-Libuak-Cabantao-Marfil Road or via San Francisco-Barobo-Tagbina- Road.

Figure 5. Road Network Map in South Diwata Range Zone

ROAD NETWORK MAP SOUTH DIWATA RANGE ZONE San Francisco LEGEND : Primary Nat'l. Rd. Secondary Nat'l. Rd. Provincial Rd. Municipal/Barangay Rd Rosario

N

5 2.5 0 5 Bunawan Kilometers

Trento

Table 6. List of Roads going to tourism sites

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Means of Length/Travel Destination Name of Road/Trail Condition Transportation Time Toog Tree NRJ San Francisco – All types of 3 km from Concrete in Alegria Barobo,Surigao del land Rotunda,Pob., Sur transportation San Francisco

Datu Lipus NRJ- Karaus-Lapag All types of 1Km All Makapando Road land weather ng transportation graveled Mountain road Resort and Camp site

Mt. Diwata Either via NRJ All types of 1km All Karaus-Lapag Road land weather or via Taglikid, transportation road Bayugan 2 up to the foot of Mt Diwata

Peat Dome NRJ Pasta- All types of 9.329Km Fair in Buenasuerte- land transport graveled Caimpugan CaimpuganProvincial up to road Road Caimpugan

Caimpugan-Crossing Raft -by foot 4.2975 km. Gibong River-River Trail Bank to Peat Dome

Latay Cave NRJ Cabantao-Marfil, Vehicle w/ 13.07 km. Fair grave Provincial Road/ San front drive, led road Francisco-Barobo- motorcycle Tagbina-Marfil Road

Pangyan NRJ Cuevas-Sta Vehicle with 21.79 km. Fair Falls Maria-Pangyan Road front drive, graveled habal-habal road

4.1.3.6 Tourism Products and Activities 35

Table 7: DESTINATION THEME PRODUCTS ACTIVITIES TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Mountain a. Forests a. Mountain a. Mt. Magdiwata climbing Adventures/ Leisure b. Flora and b. Latay Cave Fauna b. Bird watching c. Nyholm Falls c. Wild birds c. Nature inter- d. Pangyan Falls action d. Caves e. Peat Land/Peat Dome d. Spelunking e. Water falls Bonsai Forest Swamp e. Caving f. Bugtong Bukid Forest f. Water falls g. Tallest " Toog Tree" trekking h. Biggest "Bagras Tree" g. Sight seeing i. Pacific Ocean View

Cultural Encounters a. Festivals a. Street a. Diwata Festival dancing b. Haw-an Festival b. Street c. Santikan Festival partying d. Yagi-yagi Festival c. Community immersion d. Trading

Educational a. Organic a. Educational a. Organic Farms of Farming Tour Trento Philsaga Technology Mining Corporation

b. Gold and b. Ridge Mountain Mine silver Site industry c. Filipinas Palm Oil c. Palm oil Plantation industry

Farm Vacation a. Organic fruits a. Organic & vegetables fertilizer making

4.1.4 The Lower Agusan River Valley or the Cultural Tourism Zone 36

4.1.4.1 Brief Profile

The Lower Agusan River Valley or the Cultural Tourism Zone is composed of the municipalities of Esperanza, San Luis and Talacogon. These are among the 7 river municipalities in the western part of the province. They lie along the Agusan River, the third longest river in the country that traverses almost at the middle of the province from south to north. It runs from Compostela Valley down to Butuan Bay. It used to be the only route from Butuan City to Agusan del Sur, before the Agusan Davao Road was built in 1965. The special features in these municipalities are the presence of cultural minorities such as Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig and Manobos.

Esperanza is located in the northwestern part of Agusan del Sur. It is the home of Higaonon which comprises 33% of its total population who settled mostly in Salug, Bunaguit and other western barangays. Its sacred place is found in Barangay Salug. It is accounted as the place where the famous golden tara was discovered. It is the only municipality in the province where accounts of cultural customs, indigenous apparels and ethnic objects are being preserved in the museum. Other potential tourist spots in the municipality are the waterfalls in San Vicente and Salug, Limot and Minsawa Caves in Tagabase and Duangan and Sinakungan Mountain, Lake Oro and Lake Calahian.

Esperanza is also known for its organic swine and best practices in solid waste management. It is also the place where tilapia is abundant, especially at Lake Oro. It celebrates its annual Kaamulan Festival during the Month of September. Other festivals are Tampuda (Peace pact done after tribal war celebrated in the designagted place agreed by the two confliucting datus), Dumalongdong, a sacred tribal ritual, and Gakit Festival in Agusan River.

San Luis is the rattan capital of the province. It is a home of the Banwaon who settled in Binicalan, about 60 kilometers from the national secondary road of Talacogon – San Luis Road. It was known before with its longest hanging bridge. To date however, it is already replaced with a concrete Jumbo Bridge that connects between Barangays Dona maxima and Dona Flavia. It is the place of the state- of- the - art hospital where waterless toilet is adopted. It is anticipated that once this hospital will be fully operationalized, it could be one of the benchmarking destination. Other potential tourism sites are the rapids in Maasam River, the Minting Kalong Falls, and the LGU-led Tree plantation and orchard. San Luis celebrates its Kaligaon Festival every month of June.

Talacogon is located at the heart of Agusan del Sur. Talacogon Industrial Center specializes wood processing where 9 wood processing companies are currently in-placed. It is the oldest municipality and the entrance to Agusan Marsh, especially the visitors coming from Butuan City. Its tourist attractions include Talacogon Lake, Himbang Lake, and lakes in the Agusan Marsh. Every month of November Talacogon is celebrating the Himbang Lake Festival.

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La Paz is the second largest municipality in terms of area but the smallest municipality in terms of population. It is the home of the Manobo where the dialect is widely spoken. One of its potential attractions is the Motong Falls in Angeles, La Paz. Kaliga Festival is celebrated in the municipality during the month of March.

4.1.4.2 Resources/Tourism Sites

1. Higaonon Tribal Heritage - a tribal house where tribal gathering is held. A Higaonon tribal gathering such as meetings, Tampuda (peace pact), Kaamulan & Dumalongdong (the most sacred tribal ritual) are performed. The tribal house reflects the preserved culture and traditions of the Higa-onon tribe in the municipality.

2. Golden Tara Historical Landmark - is a landmark in Barangay Cubo where the 24k Golden Tara, a Javanese idol was found . It was a spectacular archeological find in the Philippines during the American Era which is now displayed in the museum of Chicago, USA.

3. Lake Himbang - it is the center of freshwater tourism in Talacogon. It has clear, deep waters that serve as fishing ground of the local residents. The carpet of water lilies that stretches wide in the lake catches every visitor’s eyes. Its pink flowers bloom with pride creating a lovely ambiance. The water is also considered as potential source of potable water

4. Japanese Garrison - is the site where Japanese soldiers built their barracks during World War II. It is located in an elevated site at San Nicolas, Talacogon. It was identified thru the balete tree and the twin giant baono tree that are existing until now.

5. Motong Falls –

4.1.4.3 Accommodations

Two (2) facilities are available in this cluster zone. A Municipal Training Center in Esperanza and a traveler’s inn in Talacogon. Gathered together, this zone has total of 18 rooms, 40 furnished beds, and 12 extra beds.

4.1.4.4 Establishments

On Food and Beverage Services

There are about 8 food & beverage establishments in this area. The Municipality of Esperanza offers the Municipal Catering Services for food and beverage to arriving tourists.

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There are 7 food & beverage joints located in Talacogon that are considered traditional and off-beat dining places. (Annex – Table 11)

On Other Support Facilities and Services

Health and medical care can be facilitated in hospitals, medical and health clinics or through the Rural Health Units. Dental and eye clinics are also available for both care services. Esperanza has 1 public hospital and 1 rural health unit. In Talacogon there are 2 health units and 1 public hospital and 1 rural health unit in La Paz. (Annex – Table 13)

On Financial Services

There is only one banking institution in this zone, the Peoples Bank of Caraga, which is located in Barangay del Monte, Talacogon. (Annex – Table 13)

4.1.4.5. Transport

Using the provincial road from Crossing Luna-Duangan, Mc Arthur- Valentina Road in Esperanza it is connected through a barangay road to Barangay Santiago and Mahapag Road in San Luis and to the municipalities of Talacogon and La Paz using the San Luis-Talacogon- La Paz Road.

Figure 6. Road Network Map in Lower Agusan River Valley Zone

ROAD NETWORK MAP

# LOWER AGUSAN RIVER # VALLEY ZONE

Esperanza N

5 2.5 0 5 Kilometers

# # LEGEND : # San Luis Primary Nat'l. Rd. Secondary Nat'l. Rd. Talacogon Provincial Rd. Municipal/Barangay Rd

# La Paz

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Table 8. List of Roads going to tourism sites

Means of Length/ Destination Name of Road/Trail Condition Transportation Travel Time Tribal NRJ Bayugan – All types of 26.80 Km Concrete/all house and Esperanza road vehicles weathered Museum graveled in road Poblacion, Esperanza Site of Poblacion-Cubo All types of 5.64 km. All weather Golden Barangay Road vehicles graveled Tara road Diggings in Cubo, Esperanza Lake Oro NSRJ Crossing Luna- All types 27.21 Km Bad graveled in Oro, Catmonon-Crossing road Esperanza Sopas Road and Fair graveled PRJ Crossing Sopas- road Guadalupe Road Guadalupe to lake Oro via Agusan River Motorized banca 30 min Tree NSRJ Don Alejandro- All types of 7.31 Km Fair graveled Plantation Balit- Policarpo Road vehicle road and Orchard in Policarpo, San Luis Lake Crossing Agusan Boat/canoe 30min Himbang River from San in Nicolas–Lake Talacogon Himbang Japanese Army Camp in San All types of 500m Garrison Nicolas, Talacogon vehicle

Motong NRJ Panagangan- Motorcycle 7.85 km. Falls in Langasian Road Angeles La Paz Angeles via adgawan Motor Boat 2 hrs. river

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4.1. 4.6 Tourism Products and Activities

Table 9: DESTINATION TOURIST PRODUCTS ACTIVITIES THEME ATTRACTIONS .Cultural a. Tribal a. Street dancing a. Higaonon Encounter heritage b. Heritage site Tribal House b. Historical/ visit b. Golden Tara Archeological c. Community Historical Site sites/ immersion c. Municipal museums Museum

c. Festivals d. Kaamulan Festival e. Kaliga Festival f. Kaliga-on Festival g. Lake Himbang Festival Ecology leisure a. Forest a. Sight seeing a. Tree b. Lakes b. Lake hopping plantation and orchards c. Rivers c. River cruising b. Lake d. Water falls d. Boating or Himbang kayaking e. Fish cages c. Lake Oro e. Camping f. Wild and d. Lake migratory f. Fishing Ginhalinan birds g. bird watching e. Lake Tugno

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4.1.5 Upper Agusan River Valley Zone or Organic Farming Tourism Zone

4.1.5.1 Brief Profile

The Upper Agusan River Valley Tourism Zone is composed of Sta. Josefa, Veruela, and Loreto.

Sta. Josefa is the smallest municipality of the province. It is the center of organic farming, particularly the Masipag rice, the Mascuvado Sugar and the Sweet Formosa Watermelon.. The potential tourism sites are the NIA regulating pond and the Kabuhayan Lake, Tandawan Spring and Senoropan Cave in Awao, Underground cave and Tugpan Falls in Sayon ,and Manlangon Falls in Awao. Every March the municipality is celebrating the Taephagan Festival.

Veruela is one of the promising municipalities in the province. It is one of the clean and green municipalities. It is the largest producer of banana. Among the attractions of Veruela are the Kinabali-an Falls and Manlangon Falls. It has the longest Jumbo Bridge that provides shortcut route from the municipality of Veruela to Bunawan. The municipality celebrates its Karudawan Festival during the month of March.

Loreto is the largest municipality of the province. It is one of the oldest civilizations of Agusan del Sur. Every year the municipality is celebrating the Umayam Festival during the month of March.

4.1.5.2 Resources

1. NIA Regulating Pond & Municipal Agri-Echo Park - is located at Sitio Baclise, Angas, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur with the distance of 2.5 km away from Pob. Sta. Josefa. The place is traversed by all weather-road thru all types of vehicles. The NIA regulating pond is an impounding project for the purpose of irrigation facilities constructed by NIA and the area is LGU Owned.

The site has a total area of 21.0 has to be developed with the following projects: Regulating pond with 9.5 has. basin area, 1.5 has. for tourism facilities & amenities, municipal agri-eco demo areas 10.0 has. for ecological park & Pagkain ng bayan demo farm.

To maximize the area into a tourist destination, the LGU proposed the following area development project such as; view deck which is overlooking the area, horseback riding, mini zoo, boating and kayaking, floating fish cages with the support facilities like rest house, food kiosk, etc. Other proposed project is a hanging bridge that will cater to viewers who wanted to observe or study on the irrigation pumping units & equipments.

The scene could cater series of tourist destination for educational, adventure, agri- eco & leisure activities could be done, so trips will be a worthwhile one.

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2. Kabuhayan Lake - is located at Sitio Fatima, San Jose, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur with an area of 7 hectares and could be reached by all types of vehicles. The area is presently developed as fishing project financed by the Department of Agriculture with tilapia floating fish cage culture and served as one of the income generating project of the Indigenous People who are mostly inhabitant in the locality. The activity will unite the tribe and at the same time preserving their cultural practices.

The LGU proposed to develop the buffer area into a tree park with other ornamental plants like the “ascuete” which is locally grown around the lake. The place could be fascinating to excursionist and will enjoy the moment of having family picnics, fish hook catching, bird watching & raft riding (“gakit”). The IP people and their practices will also serve as showcase to the tourist coming in the municipality.

3. Kinabali-an Falls - located in Barangay Sta. Emelia, Kinabalian Falls is a 20 meters high cascade surging into a 48 square meter lagoon and a clear pool with depth of 7 feet. The place is ideal for bathing, swimming, picnics and other recreational activities.

4. Manlangon Falls - is 60 meters high cascade surging into a 300 square meter lagoon and a clear pool with a depth of 15 feet, located at Sitio Mahayahay, Sta. Emelia. Even if it is not fully developed yet and difficult to access, the falls is already a favorite destination of many local tourists.

4.1.5.3 Accommodations

This cluster area offers 7 amenities. Sta. Josefa offers 3 lodging houses with a total of 17 rooms, about 9 furnished beds, and 8 extra beds are available. Loreto has 3 lodging houses covering a total of 27 rooms, with 27 furnished beds and no extra beds, while Veruela offers their Municipal Training Center with 2 dormitory type rooms with 56 furnished beds. (Annex - Table 14)

4.1.5.4 Establishments

On Other Support Facilities and Services

Health and medical care can be facilitated in Loreto and La Paz Municipal hospitals, medical and health clinics or through the Rural Health Units. Dental and eye clinics are also available for both care services. (Annex - Table 17)

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4.1.5.5 Transport

Figure 7. Road Network Map in Lower Agusan River Valley Zone

ROAD NETWORK MAP UPPER AGUSAN RIVER VALLEY ZONE

LEGEND : Primary Nat'l. Rd. Secondary Nat'l. Rd. N Provincial Rd. 5 2.5 0 5 Municipal/Barangay Rd Kilometers

Loreto Veruela

Sta. Josefa

Table 10. List of roads going to tourism sites

Name of Means of Length/ Destination Condition Road/Trail Transportation Travel Time Masipag rice in Angas, Pob -Angas All types of 4km Good Sta. Josefa Road vehicle Mascuvado in San Pob-Cebule, All types of 4km Good Jose, Sta. Josefa Angas Road vehicle Formosa Melon in Pob-Awao All types of 5.9 km Fair Awao , Sta. Josefa road vehicle NIA Regulating Pond, Pob-Angas All types of 3.8 km Good Sitio Baclise, Angas, Road vehicle Sta. Josefa Kabuhayan Lake, Sitio Pob – San All type of 6.0 km Good Fatima, San Jose, Sta. Jose Road vehicles Josefa Manlangon Falls in Poblacion – Hike 3km Bad Sitio Mahayahay, Sta Sta. Emelia Emelia, Veruela War Ruins, Waloe , Pob -Waloe All type of 5.0km Good Loreto vehicles

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4.1.5.6 Tourism Products and Activities

Table 11: DESTINATION TOURIST PRODUCTS ACTIVITIES THEME ATTRACTIONS 1. Organic farms a. Masipag rice a. Farm vacations a. Rice Fields b. Mascovado b. Educational b. Organic sugar tours sugar making c. Formosa water c. Trading cottage melon d. Sight seeing c. Water melon d. Fruits e. Fruits picking plantations d. Municipal Agri-Eco Park 2. Nature Trip/ a. Lakes a. Boating or a. Agusan River Leisure b. Rivers kayaking b. Umayam c. Water falls b. River cruising River d. Forest c. Water falls c. Lake e. Mountains trekking Kabuhayan f. Wild birds d. Mountain d. Kinabalian g. Flora and climbing Falls fauna e. Nature e. Manlangon h. Caves tripping Falls f. Bird watching f. Sisimon g. Wilderness Cave camping h. Swimming i. Spelunking j. Caving 3. War Tourism a. War ruins a. Educational a. War ruins of tours Waloe

4. Man-made a. Irrigation a. Boating or a. NIA wonders waters kayaking Regulating b. Fish b. Fishing Pond c. Horses c. Horse back d. Food facilities riding e. Wild birds d. Picnic e. Bird watching

5. Cultural a. Festivals a. Street dancing a) Karudawan Encounters b. Cultural Festival presentation b) Taphagan c. Community Festival immersion c) Umayam Festival

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4.2 Existing Organizations

Agusan del Sur is rich in networks and organizations working in different advocacies that relatively affect the goal of eco-tourism development in the Province. Partnership with existing and operating organizations will be beneficial towards achieving the vision of eco- tourism program.

In Agusan Marsh, the different private and government organization formed a devolved network called FOCAS Management Committee working together towards the achievement of conserving the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. With the current support of AUSAID-PACAP, there are 10 community-based projects implemented within the Agusan Marsh. These projects are not directly focused on eco-tourism (only 2 projects are into eco- tourism) but it significantly affects the impact of eco-tourism. Today, these partners are towards the formation of an alliance (Agusan Marsh FOCAS alliance), aiming to continue the support to provide services towards conservation of the Agusan Marsh natural resources and expand the best practices of the gains that the community experienced.

4.2.1 Civil Society Organizations Table: 12 Assistance Organization Area of Present Outcomes (as of provided to the Name operation May 2010) communities Pambansang Lake Community 3-ha. Fish sanctuary Kilusan ng Mambagongon organizing established in Lake Nagkakaisang and Sabang Mambagongon Technical and Magsasaka Adgawan, La organizational People’s Organization (PAKISAMA)- Paz trainings beneficiaries capable of Mindanao managing their Rehabilitation organization La Flora, activities Maharlika and Installed functional Enterprise dev. Sabang Gibong financial management And management of Talacogon system to 3 PO Local governance beneficiaries participation Facilitated the lobbying and adoption of local policies for the fish sanctuary established Women Association in Sabang Adgawan is managing the 2 units 4,000-liter rainwater collector

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Propegemus Caimpugan, San Capacity building planted indigenous Foundation Francisco support forest trees along Gibong River but have Rehabilitation only achieved 40% activities survival rate Enterprise organized the development cooperative Community (CANFFIMULCO) with organizing functional management and governance structure Facilitated the formulation of the Caimpugan Peatdome Forest Management Plan Post harvest facilities in Caimpugan established and effectively managed by CANFFIMULCO

KALAMBUAN Don Mateo, Community 2 units of 4,000-liter Foundation Poblacion, organizing rainwater collector Masayan in established in Brgy. Basic social Veruela Don Mateo. This services support resulted the Enterprise decrease of water Development borne disease cases from ave. of 5-10/mo. To 0-2/mo Don Mateo managing the post harvest facility. This improves the economic activities in the barangay As observed, the community appreciated the different activities and brought decrease of conflict cases

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HEED Cebule, Sta. Community Organized the 3 PO Foundation Josefa organizing beneficiaries of eco- tourism in Mihaba and Participatory Kilobedan San Marcos, Research drafted the Lake Bunawan Environmental Mihaba and Kilobedan Science research report Enterprise Strengthen the Development governance accountability of Bunawan eco-tourism program Mainstreamed the environmental science of Agusan Marsh to the Science curriculum of San Marcos Elementary School Established the Tahay Fish Processing in Mambalili. PO beneficiaries are capable to manage the organizations and financial management system is functional

EIPADS, Inc. Mambalili, Research and Reforestation of Bunawan Development indigenous forest tree species along Simulao Enterprise River. EIPADS with the Development Poblacion, IPs was able to Bunawan experience the methods of growing the Lumbia Palm (one Lagnasan, of the natural resources Bunawan in Agusan Marsh potential for a high valued market) Women’s Associations were capable in managing pre and post harvest facilities

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PO beneficiaries financial management system is functional

FOCUS, Inc. Causwagan, Community Organized 6 people’s Talacogon organizing organizations in the IP communities of 6 sitios of Barangay Basic services Causwagan. They are managing the pre harvest facilities as well IP community as the potable rain capacity building water collectors Drafted the Ancestral Domain Natural Resource management Plan for the CADT area

Sibog San Francisco, Reproductive Mainstreamed RH to Katawhan Agusan del Sur Health barangay development Alang sa (Mt. Magdiwata plans Natural resource Paglambo Watershed) management Communities in Mt. (SIKAP), Inc. Magdiwata practiced Community sustainable upland organizing farming

Agusan Marsh San Francisco, Resource FOCAS Agusan del Sur mobilization Alliance Policy advocacy Agenda setting CSO mobilization

PACESS Novele, Rosario IP agenda Facilitated the processing and IP rights advocate submission of CADT Community application of Brgy. organizing Novele, Rosario. The application was approved

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4.2.2 Government Offices

There are government institutions that are visible and pro- active on natural resource management and supporting the development of eco-tourism in the province.

Table 13: Office name Type of support Output/Outcomes

Department of Provided funds for the Provincial Tourism Master Plan Tourism DOT) formulation of Provincial Reactivation and strengthening Tourism Master Plan of Provincial and Selected and Orientation of RA Municipal Tourism Councils 9593 or Tourism Act of 2009 and IRR

National Provided Technical Provincial Tourism Master Plan Economic Assistance and inputs Development for tourism Adminstration development planning (NEDA)

Department of Technical support on Protectioof Agusan Marsh Environment and forestry Inventory of Flora nad Fauna Natural Monitoring and Resources- evaluation on forest Protected Area land affected areas Superintendent Office

Department of Technology research Innovative technologies such as Science and and development the fish processing facility in Technology Mambalili were achieved. Technical mentoring (DOST) Impact assessment Study Product development

Department of Business Planning The quality of Agusan made trade and products were improved Enterprise Development Industry (DTI) support to NGOs and Products were able to establish Pos market (local and export) Market linkage building PO beneficiaries capacity to manage business were scaled-up Product promotion at the entrepreneurs point of view 50

Office name Type of support Output/Outcomes

Department of Tenurial conflict Agrarian Reform management

National Ancestral domain 10 CADT areas were approved Commission for protection 1 IP community developing the Indigenous Advocacy on IP rights ADSDPP People Land use conflict management

PGO Strategic Direction Articulated Tourism in the province Vision Resource Mobilization

PENRO- LGU Land-use mapping Technical assistance Environmental Planning

Provincial Organic Farming and Agriculture Office agri-tourism

Tourism Unit Tourism Potentials, Statistics and marketing

ASERBAC Framework and Impact of Tourism

PPDO CBMS Demographic Data Socio – Economic profile Strategic Planning GIS Mapping Site and Data validation and consolidation

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4.2.3 Community-Managed Tourism Sector

There are functional people’s organizations organized that perform or can potentially perform eco-tourism activities within their own locality. These POs still lack capacity on technical aspect on eco-tourism and other relative components of the program. These POs are the ultimate beneficiary in both economic and environmental aspect.

Table 14: TOURISM AREA OF EXPERTISE/ MANAGEMENT LOCATION REMARKS SERVICES PROVIDED ORGANIZATIONS 1 Lake Mihaba Lake Mihaba, Lake Hopping Active (Non- Fisherfolks Bunawan, Fishing Practices accredited) Association Aguan del Sur Bird watching site/Fruit bats watching site 2 Lake Kilobidan Lake Kilobidan, Lake Hoppping Active PO (non- Fisher Folks Bunawan, Fishing Practices accredited) Association Agusan del Sur 3 HEED Foundation Bunawan, Community NGO PACAP Agusan del Sur Organizing Accredited Enterprise Development 4 EIPADS Bunawan, Community NGO PACAP Agusan del Sur Organizing Accredited Enterprise Dev’t 5 Higaonon Tribal Poblacion, IP Village, Active Council Esperanza Cultural Agusan del Sur Practices 6 Torah-tour And Poblacion, Tour Private Travel (Caraga Prosperidad Operator/Guide Organization Travel Link) 7 Prosperidad Poblacion, Nature Active/LGU Mountainers Club Prosperidad Exploration, Tour Recognized Guiding Non-Registered 8 Lake Oro Guadalupe, Agritourism (Fish Active Fisherfolks Esperanza Farm), Fish LGU Recognize Association Production & Processing 9 Trento Women Trento, Agusan Organic Fertilizer Active / Non- Association del Sur Production accredited Rice-duck farming

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TOURISM AREA OF EXPERTISE/ MANAGEMENT LOCATION REMARKS SERVICES PROVIDED ORGANIZATIONS 10 Liga ng mga Poblacion, Organic Swine Active / Non- Barangay Esperanza Production accredited Agusan del Sur Municipal Program 11 Marbon Womens Marbon, Goat Production Active/DOLE Support Group Talacogon, ADS Registered Association 12 Talacogon Del Monte, Nito Basket Active/DOLE Weaver's Talacogon Production Registered Association 13 Save Mindanao San Agustin, NGO/Tour Active/DOLE Foundation Inc. Talacogon Operator Accredited 14 Prosperidad Poblacion, Tour guiding Adventure Tourism Prosperidad Club 15 San Francisco Tour guiding Mountaineers 16 Sinai Abaca Sinai, Sibagat Abaca sinamay Weaver's Association 17 Mt. Magdiwata San Francisco Management Unit

18 BATREBUN Trento, Agusan Driftwood Driftwood del Sur production Association 19 Tourism Poblacion, Sta Catering Services Active/SEC Environmental Josefa (Native Registered Advocates of the Delicacies) Municipality of Sta Josefa 20 Annies Drift Wood Tapaz, Sta Furniture & For Registration Josefa Souvenir Items 21 Dacutan Bag Dakutan, Bag Making PACAP Program Weaver's Esperanza Association

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4.2.4 Community-Based Product Development Sector

There are community sector that may not be catering direct eco-tourism services but they are developing local products that can be promoted for the benefit of the province.

There are private travel agencies and tour guide agents that exist within the region. This sector is helpful especially on market link. These groups are not the ultimate beneficiary of the program. Sometimes there are gaps that need to be addressed in working within travel agents and tour guides. Some of these are:

Overlaps the community roles to facilitate local activities. Most of the time, community stakeholders become laborers instead of managers. On economic benefits, in most cases there are no clear percentage sharing on payments between agents and people’s organizations. Today, there are already policies, systems and procedures crafted in some areas (i.e. Agusan Marsh in Bunawan area) that private agents and tour guides must abide.

Table 15: TOURISM AREA OF EXPERTISE/ MANAGEMENT LOCATION REMARKS SERVICES PROVIDED ORGANIZATIONS 1. Torah-tour And Poblacion, Tour Private Travel (Caraga Prosperidad Operator/ Organization Travel Link) Guide Prosperidad Poblacion, Nature Active/LGU 2. Mountainers Prosperidad Exploration Recognized Club Tour Guiding Non- Registered 3. Save Mindanao San Agustin, NGO/Tour Active/DOLE Foundation Inc. Talacogon Operator Accredited

4. Prosperidad Poblacion, Tour guiding Adventure Prosperidad Tourism Club 5. San Francisco Tour guiding Mountainers 6. Mt. Magdiwata San Francisco Management Unit

The existence of the different organizations in the province is an opportunity to enrich eco-tourism as the prime economic and environmental program of the province of Agusan del Sur. Partnership and defining the roles of each sector is important with the policy support from the local government to bind and strengthen them.

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4.3 Market

Tourism Market

Tourists determine the demands as well as setting the trends. Behavioral pattern or personality and life-style, social status and class, age and gender, nationality, culture and religion, and preferences have to be considered on selecting potential tourists. This is a process called the "market segmentation".

Tourist Market Trends in the Philippines

Volume of tourist arrivals in the country has increased significantly despite the global economic difficulties. The first quarter of 2010 is remarkable with 6.64 % growth with foreign tourist arrivals still growing faster at 7.89 % while domestic tourists increased by 6.9 % in the same period.

Top destinations showed that Metro-Manila ranks first which attributed on demands for venue on holding local and international meetings, conventions or conferences, and the organized special events. In addition to this is the introduction of new products such as the Newport Entertainment City and the Manila Ocean Park continue to draw tourist traffic and the visits of international cruise ships. Cebu City ranks second with South Koreans as the top market, followed by the Japanese, then the USA and the Chinese who celebrated Chinese New Year. CamSur comes third in the rank by continuously attracting tourists because of increased accessibility and variations of tourist products because of initiatives by the local government and the private sector.

Boracay Island captured the Taiwan market this time while the South Koreans still remain as the major market in this area. Next is Puerto Princesa City because of the combined promotional efforts of DOT and the local government to draw tourists because of the Subterranean River in search for the Natural Wonders of the World. Bohol continuous to emerge with China as the top market, followed by USA, Taiwan and South Korea. Increased accessibility through charter flights paved the way to achieve significant changes in the Philippine Tourism Landscape.

Trends in the Regional Tourist Market

In 2007, Butuan City has the highest tourist arrivals with a total of 214,796. Surigao City followed with a total of 77,935 and Bislig City with a total of 14,545 among the the city destinations. The Province of ranked first with a total of 25,752. Agusan del Sur ranked second with a total of 19,207 and lastly Agusan del Norte with a total of 15,150 tourist arrivals.

As of 2009, North American market comprising of Canada and USA came with the highest tourist arrivals, then Europe market composing of UK in the top, France, Germany, Switzerland and others. Next is the East Asian block, Oceania, and ASEAN. The domestic

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market with a total of 1,540,284 in the first quarter of 2010 and 1,451,922 in 2009 with a growth rate of 6.09%.

Trends in Agusan del Sur Tourist Market

Visitors of Agusan del Sur are identified who belong to the category of Group Travelers who are from Product-related and Psychographic Market Segments. They are classified the Explorer, the Off-beat and the Unusual type of tourists both local and foreign such as the Student Groups, the Club or Affinity Groups and the Family Travelers. They can travel alone or in very small groups. They do not require special tourist accommodations or attractions. They can adapt well with the local life-style and amenities, and they may demand more amenities, unusual, adventurous or primitive experiences.

From the period 2008 to 2009, top visitors are domestic travelers from the Visayas and Mindanao areas whose main activity is related to business and Visit Friends/Relatives (VFR) on a 3 days average length of stay with most male visitors. Among the foreign visitors are from the Far East with China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan in the top. Next are the Southeast Asians from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. From Europe are the Belgians, British/UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. North America from Canada and the USA and Australia from the Pacific area.

In the quarter of 2010, domestic travelers are still the biggest in volume from Mindanao and the Visayas. Foreign tourists came in trickles with Americans leading followed by Asians and Europeans.

Tourist Market Information

To determine the target markets, this includes tourist behavioral pattern and market profile to categorize potential tourist preferences according to the degree of their interest, length of stay in the desired destination. Distance and travel time is also considered. Appreciation of tourist products offered, competition and cost of tour.

Domestic Tourist Market Profile

Based on Product-related, Psychographic, Socio-economic and Geographic segmentations:

1. Most Filipino travelers travel on budget, don't depend much on package tour. 2. Some can adapt to any type of accommodation but very demanding on the standards and value much the money they pay. 3. Not all are time conscious. 4. Security, safety, and health conscious. 5. Some are meticulous on food but mostly adapt to the traditional food. 6. This generation of Filipino travelers is adventurous.

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7. Can stay up to 15 days and an option of 30 days in a destination area. 8. Multi-destination interest. 9. Love to go shopping and discount oriented shoppers. 10. Generally pose no threat to the host community.

Foreign Tourist Market Profile

Table 17: Frequency by Region and Country of Residence

EAST-ASIA SOUTH-AISIA ASEAN * China * India * Indonesia * Hong Kong * Nepal * Malaysia * Japan * Sri Lanka * Cambodia * Korea * Iran * Laos * Taiwan * Vietnam * Brunei * Singapore * Thailand * Myanmar SOUTH-AMERICA OCEANIA EUROPE * Brazil * Australia *Britain-UK * New Zealand * Germany * France MIDDLE-EAST SOUTH-AFRICA * Israel * Nigeria * Egypt * South Africa * Jordan * Kuwait * Saudi Arabia * United Arab Emirates

Table 18:

1. Package Tour Program Preferences

Multi- Low cost 4 to 5 days 4 to 6 days 15 days destinations

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Singapore Singapore Indonesia Britain/ UK Thailand Hong Kong Japan Malaysia France India Korea Hong Kong Africa Taiwan China Pacific Islanders Canada India USA South America Central America

Table 19: 2. Amenities/ Accommodation Services Standards (hotel, resorts, etc.) Low Medium High Superior Others Africa Singapore Japan Saudi Arabia China Japan w/cooking Britain/UK facility France Canada India USA

Table 20: 3. Average Age on Travel 30's 40's 50's 60's Others Hong Kong Japan Korea Canada Taiwan Thailand USA Singapore China Malaysia Britain/UK Indonesia South America India Central America France

Table 21: 4. Travel with Companions/Company

Single Couple Family Group Others

Saudi Arabia South America Israel Africa Central America Table 22: 5. Purpose of Travel (Business or Pleasure) Other Business VFR Beach Holiday Adventure Motivation Britain/UK

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Table 23: 6. Food Behavior and Choices Seafood lover Meticulous Can Adapt Other Demands Japan Hong Kong Canada Indonesia Korea India USA Malaysia Taiwan Israel Pacific Islanders Britain/UK Hong Kong Africa Thailand Singapore South America Malaysia Indonesia China India Britain/UK Saudi Arabia

Table 24: 7. English Communication/Speaking Can Speak Can't Speak Speak Little Nationalistic Singapore Thailand China France Germany South America Arabia

Table 25: 8. Shopping Facilities and Products Big Department Store Specialties Low Cost Hong Kong Singapore India Singapore Malaysia Israel Pacific Islanders Indonesia

Table 26: 9. Travel Frequency According to Gender Male Female Korea Japan Taiwan

Table 27: 10. Transport Facility Standards Low Semi Luxury Luxury Can Adapt to Any

Regional Tourist Arrival Analysis

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Caraga has experienced positive tourism growth since its creation as a region in 1996. An average of 6-10% growth rate was achieved from 1996 to 2009. Obviously, the creation of a separate region has dramatically impacted the industry. A record breaking 53.57% percentage increase in 1997 was the highest since Caraga’s inception in 1996 until 2009. The succeeding years generally created an upward trend to the tourist arrival figures. In 2005, the growth rate reached 15.99% which was second to the highest. This can be accrued to fresh and new tourism promotional approaches. New events were staged on this year as marketing strategies such as the WOW Caraga Roadshow, Lake Mainit Grand Festival, Nickel Mountain Bike Challenge and the Siargao Girls International Surfing to name a few. These events proved to be very effective marketing ploy in luring more visitors to Caraga.

The most recent increase in tourist arrival recorded 6.98% growth rate in 2009. The previous year paved way for the development of new products through various tourism project grants aimed at helping private entrepreneurs in the tourism business. The Grassroots Entrepreners for Ecotourism and other government tourism project investments created better tourism atmosphere that attracted more visitors in the region. Another factor that contributed to the increase is the opening of new flights catered by Cebu Pacific and PAL in Surigao City encouraging more travels in the region.

Fig. 8:

Butuan City is the leading destination among the cities and provinces in Caraga Region which registered 197,851 tourists in 2009. This accounts to 44% of the total tourist arrivals in the region. Understandably, Butuan City is the Regional Center and the MICE or Meetings Incentives Conventions Exhibitions destination. It also serves as the major gateway to Caraga with the presence of an airport and nearby port at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. Second in rank is Surigao City with 115,412 tourist arrivals that serve as sub-service center of the region. It is also the jump-off point to Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, host to

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international surfing events. Following on the third rank is Surigao del Norte. New tourism aqua sports activities such as the International Game Fishing Competition and the Siargao Surfing Circuit among others pulled up the tourist arrivals of Surigao del Norte from 26,192 in 2008 to 37,924 in 2009. The 44.79% increase of Surigao del Norte has brought Agusan del Sur to its fourth rank in 2009. However, in year 2008, the province ranked third followed by Surigao del Norte with a slim margin. Records show that Agusan del Sur has 28,390 tourist arrivals in 2008 and 29,882 tourist arrivals in 2009. Although Agusan del Sur experienced a 5.26% increase in the same year, it has not surpassed the percentage increase of Surigao del Norte in 2009. The figures implicitly suggest the importance of more aggressive tourism promotional efforts and the introduction of new tourism products through new activities.

Fig. 9: Tourist Arrivals of Cities and Provinces 2008 & 2009

Tourist Demands As a land-locked province, Agusan del Sur has a lot to offer. Natural attractions such as the Iconic Agusan Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) which is an object of interest among the local and foreign eco-tourists. The underground wonders for spelunking or caving activities and the pristine beauty of waterfalls and cascades that are almost everywhere. Rivers for aquatic adventures and the verdant mountain forests that is suitable for bird-watching. Tourist facilities and services ready to provide the needs of arriving tourists.

Based on surveys, the psychographic and product-related tourist market demand on low budget accommodations and a few are high-spenders. Low budget travelers have expenditures less than Php 500 on accommodations and food and beverage. Php 599 on transportation and very conservative expenditures on entertainment and shopping less than Php 200.

Promotion of Culture & Arts:

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The province of Agusan del Sur celebrates its yearly festivals promoting the rich culture and heritage of the Agusanon people. Naliyagan Festival the mother of all festivals, celebrated and participated by all Municipalities and one City. Below is the calendar of activities featuring the annual festivals of Agusan del Sur.

Date of Events

January (1st Sunday) - Kahimunan Festival of Bayugan City January 26 - Haw-an Festival of Municipality of Bunawan March 31 - Umayam Festival of Municipality of Loreto - Kaliga Festival of Municipality of La Paz - Taphagan Festival of Municipality of Sta. Josefa - Karudawan Festival of Municipality of Veruela June 12-17 - Naliyagan Festival of the Province of Agusan del Sur June 12-15 - Santikan Festival of Municipality of Trento June 15 - Kaliga-on Festival of San Luis June 18-21 - Diwata Festival of San Francisco - Yagi-yagi Festival of Municipality of Rosario September 23 - Kaamulan Festival of Esperanza September 29 - Angot Festival of Prosperidad November 06 - Araw and Bagat Festival of Sibagat November 08 - Lake Himbang Festival of Talacogon

Festivals

Kahimunan Festival – held every 1st Sunday of January at the Municipality of Bayugan. The festival is a local version of Sinulog of Cebu. The main attraction of this particular event is the street dancing which portray tribal life in Agusan del Sur.

Haw-an Festival – held every 26th day of January at the Municipality of Bunawan. This festival showcases the different kinds of Haw-an.

Umayam Festival – held every 31st of March at the Municipality of Loreto is the indigenous Manobo word “humuy” which means rice. It depicts the cultural practice of Manobo tribe of planting upland rice near the banks of the river.

Kaliga Festival – held every 31st of March at the Municipality of La Paz. The festival is based on Manobo culture, beliefs and tradition. Kaliga means “joyous or happy.”

Taphagan Festival – held every 31st of March at the Municipality of Sta. Josefa. This festival is a timeless ritual for bountiful harvest.

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Karudawan Festival – held every 31st of March at the Municipality of Veruela. “Karudawan” is a native term pertaining to to unassailable mileu. One of the interesting features is the presence of Bahay Kubo of houses owned by local inhabitants. Naliyagan Festival – held every 12-17th day of June at the Government Center, Prosperidad. The Festival depicts the Agusanon culture and heritage. Natives from the far- flung places of the province usually come down and display skills and grace in tribal dances and rituals. A trade fair displaying the province’s own products also takes place at the Naliyagan Plaza.

Kaliga-on Festival – held every 15th day of June at the Municipality of San Luis. This is a festivity of thanks giving and praising the MAGBABAYA for the good harvest, abundant blessing and a gift of life.

Santikan Festival – held every 12th-15th day of June at the Municipality of Trento. “Santikan” is a Manobo word which means the striking of fire, alluding to the different friendly competitions throughout its duration.

Diwata Festival – held every June 18-21 at the Municipality of San Francisco. This showcases the Manobo culture of Agusan del Sur. Street dancing adds color to the celebration which is presented on the 21st of June, the foundation anniversary of San Francisco.

Yagi-yagi Festival – held every 18th to 21st day of June at the Municipality of Rosario. This is another term for neighbor and gathered in the corner of the village to relax bonded together with the native drinks.

Kaamulan Festival – held every 23rd day of September at Salug, Esperanza. A yearly convergence of all tribal leaders in Agusan del Sur. The festival’s highlight is the performance of authentic rituals by the tribal priests.

Angot Festival – held every 29th of September in the Municipality of Prosperidad. “ANGOT” is a kamayo term for thanksgiving for an abundant harvest. It is characterized by the ritual “Bat-ad”. The ritual is usually performed by the Babaylan who is known Faith Healer. “Bat-ad” is an offering of food to “Angot Ompo.” Ompo is God of abundant harvest which includes a plate rice, boiled egg, boiled mudfish, white wine and Buyo & betel nut.

Bagat Fesival – held every 6th day of November at the Municipality of Sibagat. The term Bagat is a native term for “encounter”. It is a convergence of natives of surrounding areas of Wawa and Sibagat and highlighted by traditional Manobo dances and industrial fair.

Lake Himbang Festival – held every 8th day of November at the Municipality of Talacogon. The festival is a celebration of gratitude towards the abundant gift of Flora & Fauna that can be found only in the various lakes and bodies of water that surrounds the Municipality.

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Marketing Plan

Tourism marketing is a system of matching tourism products with the target markets to maximize the satisfaction of tourist demand. Through market analysis, marketing activities are designed and strategies are formulated to ensure the continuous flow of tourist arrivals based on the tourist products that will be offered to tourists in every tourism cluster zone of the province. It involves a process to achieve greater benefits by knowing the products to be sold, the price, the exact tourist market for a certain tourist product, and the attractive brand-name for the sites and/or destinations to draw tourist traffic. In other words , marketing processes all the elements from production and product improvement to final exchange of a product or service.

This marketing plan will serve as a guide to position Agusan del Sur on the map of travelers worldwide in order to maximize the benefits for both the provider and the provided.

Objectives

1. To let the potential tourists know that Agusan del Sur has many tourist products to be offered; 2. To collaborate product development and improvement of tourism services; and 3. To increase tourist arrivals in coherence with increased revenue generation through creation of sales opportunities.

Strategies

1. Identification of potential tourist market; 2. Selling of tourist products according to tourists preferences, needs and wants; 3. Distribution Channels; 4. Market research and product development 5. Marketing mix (tourism promotion) 6. Creation of new tourist demands.

Promotional Materials

Provincial Promotional Lure Brochure

The Provincial Tourism Office should develop colorful three-fold lure brochure featuring the priority destinations and attractions. The image pictures should be of good quality for clear spectacular aspects of the Eco-Tourism Travel. Descriptions of the featured attractions should be limited so that the recipients will focus on the pictures. At the reverse panel, should have a detailed map of the province with clear tourist destination and attraction's locations, major highways and major communities and only minor roads, which are essential to gat the tourists/visitors to the tourist destinations. In addition, the back panel should include addresses and telephone numbers of the tourist office, also feature

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the provincial and municipal websites and e-mail addresses. Featuring also the arts, handicrafts, museum and cultural events like festivals, shows, exhibitions, concerts, and sports events.

Products/Services Propositions Flyers

For the provincial boat operations (private operators, carabao drawn carriages operations) must develop and print own flyers. Single sheet, two panel, two color product/service proposition flyer. Simple strategy in marketing that should fit as an insert in the provincial or community promotional lure brochure. On one side of the flyer, a map showing the location of the docking is, a written description of how to get there. Any points of interesting spots "en route" should be featured. Address and telephone of the operators (public or private) web site and e-mail address should be features on the same side.

On the other side, the flyer features the product/service proposition or details like the individual and group prices and discounts for specific categories such as children or kids. It will also feature hours of departure and arrival, duration of tours and brief description of the tour and its highlights and points of interest "en route".

Posters and Banners

a. Posters and banners are highly visible support tools, which are commonly used to promote events of the locality such as fiestas, concerts, cultural events, arts exhibition and other communal activities.

b. Banners are distributed mostly to the local community but the posters can include wide variety locations outside the community, including other provincial communities in other regions.

c. Inclusion of bulletin boards in educational institutions.

Postcards and Pennants

High quality picture images should be developed that can be used to print services of colorful posy cards. The pennants of different sizes with the images of the scenic spots. The postcards and pennants are to be distributed to and displayed in all kinds of retail outlets (not only in souvenir shops) and tourist information booths, this is a targets exposure.

Direct Mail and Other Methods of Distribution

Develop Contact list

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Develop up to date "contact list" for the group targets as outlined above under the heading "targets". Implementation of a Scheduled Distribution

The "stakeholders" develop a "direct mail" schedule at least twice a year by which each stakeholder mails or delivers its promotional piece. for follow-up calls to the contacts to solicit the group business, then the stakeholder includes a covering letter, expressing its intention to call back.

Follow-up after the Schedule Distribution

For obtaining group bookings, a Group Sales Executive who is employed by the community tourist office or other travel agencies should approach each "prospect" who received the lure brochure. Person to person sales calls is the most effective way and invitation to prospects to the local tourist office and offer the familiarization tour.

Direct Sales or Group Sales Solicitation Activities

The community and other private operators should make a conscious decision to go after the group (source of business) as part of their overall Marketing Effort. For the marketing effort, a Group Sales Executive is needed and is in charge for the solicitation of bookings of visitors. Training is needed for Marketing Executive in order to familiarize him/her for the booking operations. As for the booking office is not limited to group sales but also for individuals’ sales and be processed at a booking office. Without group sales activities that are directed towards the target source of business like the educated environmentalists and Eco-tourism targets like the educational institutions. The number of prospective "visitors" to our community will not sufficiently justify the development of a viable and successful Eco-tourism infrastructure.

Publicity and Public Relation Activities

Free Advertising Press release by the mayor with a well planned tourist activities, special events and launching of new Eco-tourism activity. Familiarization tours which is well planned for credible travel writers and tour wholesalers by which these influencers can have a first hand experience of the Eco-touristic event or trip. The influencers have varied source and should include travel magazines, travel sections of national and regional newspapers, environmental and eco- tourism publications, radio and TV stations, Philippine Arts and Cultural Publications and magazines.

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Influencers

Influencers are people or organizations who can influence others to buy our tourism products/services. The influencers are the travel agents, tour operators, Philippine tourist information offices, bus lines, Philippine consulates and embassies abroad. The provision of tourism product/services information to these "influencers" is essential in launching and sustaining a municipal wide marketing effort.

Cross Promotions

Cross-promotional activities enhance the chance that the visitors will spend time and money in the Province of Agusan del Sur. Promoting continuously each community with each other with posters, brochures and by oral recommendations by the staff. The "word by mouth" and pass on information from one individual to the other is one of the cheapest means of communicating and cross promotional activities. The tourist Information Center should also cross promote the tourism products/services of other communities and areas.

Provincial Tourist Information Building

The need for a Tourist Information Building and contains the following:

a. A large display counters featuring the major tourist destinations and attractions, the access roads to these attractions from which these tourism attraction can be reached. b. A large geographical map displayed on the wall featuring the same information plus other detailed geographic details of the province. c. Display racks, which contain the stakeholders', lure brochure together with the tourism products/services propositions and also brochures and rate flyers from "lodging" providers, restaurants and café's operators. d. Display of arts and crafts where these artifacts can be bought in the province. e. Comfort rooms with access inside the reception area. This will make the visitors brows around the area. f. Highway signs should raise 5 kms. from all directions announcing the location of the tourist information building. g. The provincial tourist building staff members should be trained well with complete knowledge of the tourism master plan with 12 hours daily operations. It should also have a parking space in the design of the building. h. Directional signages to reach the tourist information building or center in order for the visitors to find the information destination.

Signage

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When approaching the tourism site or any touristic attractions or point of interest in the community, clear and visible signage should announce to the visitor that he/she has arrived at the planned destination of his/her visit. Clear and visible directional signage should guide the visitor around the community to the "touristic" attraction or point of interest. The signages are important so that they will not get "lost" and "frustrated" as one of the influencers, a costumers guarantee service is very much needed so that they will leave good impressions and the "word of mouth" recommendations to friends and families and associates will follow in the future.

Awareness Program

This campaign will prove the awareness of the community members. The Tourism Officer should "educate" and "inform" the community members about the importance of providing quality customer service and satisfaction of the visitors. With the help of community based organizations, with the aid of posters, get- together or meetings. Educating the community members about how tourism improves the quality of life and it adds employment opportunities. Orienting the community members that tourism is not only for "seeing" the visitors come but treating kindly and unabusively, making them feel at home and safe.

Websites and E-mail Address

For a global desire for our targets, the province should establish a website, together with an e-mail address. The website should feature photography of the priority destinations, attractions, including arts, cultural and folkloric events of high quality. Additional information or brochure should be available immediately in response so that support medium and its integrity will be protected.

Advertising

This procedure is expensive but beneficial and must have objectives.

The objectives are as follow:

1. To install an awareness on the physical, historical and cultural tourism assets of the province. 2. To inspire to know more about the physical beauty, people's culture and history and its tourism assets. 3. To develop a theme for the rediscovery of the province and its tourism assets.

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For fostering the above creation of the support activities in order to reach its goal. Nature trips such as trekking, camping, picnicking, spelunking and other wilderness activities. Cultural and historical activities such as attending festivals, observing living traditions of the Manobos in this community. Scientific observation and educational trips to study and observe flora, fauna and other natural wonders of this province.

As part of the strategies, all media exposure whether radio, television, and print: for the print media, the best choice of special interest publications such as Travel Magazines, National Park and Conservation Magazines, Better Camping Outdoor World and the Great Outdoor Magazine and other publications.

Attending travel shows: as the tourism industry requires (this might not be acceptable in a political point of view) less expensive comparable to other media communications. The travel shows give as the chance to expose the best the province can offer. From then smallest products such as articrafts, brochures, postcards and pictures of high quality print to point the potential attractions that the province has.

Forecasts

General Outlook

Optimistically, Philippine tourism will be vibrant in the coming years. Volume of tourist arrivals will continue to increase and will get a big share in Southeast Asian Region because of the aggressive promotional and marketing efforts of the Department of Tourism to position the country as a major tourist hub in Asia.

Attributes to further influx of tourists are the strengthening of tourism relations with other countries and participation at world tourism forum, proximity of the Philippines to other nations of Asia and the Pacific. Taking away tourism barriers by means of air space liberalization policy called as the “OPEN SKIES” economic recovery plan that will allow regional air carriers to make unlimited flights in the capital cities of this region and implementing a common visa between ASEAN members will pave the way for dynamic outlook of the country's tourism industry. An ASEAN undertaking on product development focuses on nature and ecotourism sites. The emerging competitive source of tourist arrivals such as cruise ships bringing in high-spending market segment from Europe, USA and Asia are the strategies to achieve the targets by 2015. Through this all major and emerging destinations in the country will have their share from the major global tourist markets

Agusan del Sur Tourism Industry in the Future

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The Department of Tourism has taken a closer look on the potentials of all the promising ecotourism sites in the country. In the recent years an assessment team composing of travel industry experts and a foreign expert, has visited AMWS and other areas of Agusan del Sur to evaluate capability on bird watching, then after DOT announced the launching of a new volume of new Birding sites in the Philippines that included AMWS in the travel map of bird watching for global distribution. Other measures are tapping major tourist markets such as Britain/UK and European countries and introduction of new birding destinations in the Philippines, Agusan del Sur is one of the priorities. The advent of RA 9593 known as The Tourism Act of 2009 has put in place a policy on tourism development, strengthening partnership between the national and local governments, and the private sector to move the advancement of tourism as a major industry. This is an opportunity that the province can hold on to achieve the goals, objectives and targets to generate tourist traffic and other economic benefits.

Identified Potential Tourist Markets

In summary, below is the list of potential tourist markets as well as the existing tourist in Agusan del Sur, both local and foreign under the following categories based on market segmentation:

1. Explorer Type Travelers - Students, singles or couples, the affinity or club travelers and special interest groups. They do not require special tourist accommodations and poses no threat to the local residents. 2. Elite Type Travelers - Singles or couples, family, friends or relatives, the affinity or club travelers and special interest groups who belong to the upper class because they are high-spending market segment. They can adapt to unsual experiences. They pose no threat to the host community. 3. Off-beat Tourists - Students, singles or couples, family, friends or relatives. They can go along well with the local life-styles and amenities. They are no threat to the local community. 4. Incipient Mass Tourists - The business sector who travel individually or in small groups. Singles or couples, affinity or club members who travel in small group. They look for western-style amenities. 5. Mass Tourists - Students and/or business organizations, associations or institutions that travel in large groups. They demand western-style amenities. 6. Charter Tourists - Students, professionals and/or business organizations, associations, institutions, and special interest groups who travel with large volume. They demand for impersonal and standardized services.

Market Segmentation

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Table 28: SOCIO-ECONOMIC OR DEMOGRAPHIC SEGMENT DOMESTIC TOURISTS INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS 1. Students from schools, colleges and 1. Students from schools, colleges and universities. universities. 2. Professionals in any field. 2. Professionals in any field. 3. Employees from private companies 3. Employees from private companies or or public offices/ agencies. public offices/agencies. 4. Family, friends and relatives. 4. Family, friends and relatives. 5. Business travelers. 5. Business travelers 6. Singles or cpouples 6. Singles or couples

All of them coming from Luzon, Visayas From Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Mindanao. Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, & Australia.

Table 29: PRODUCT-RELATED SEGMENT

DOMESTIC TOURISTS INTERNATIONAL TOURITS

1. Students from schools, colleges 1. Students from schools, colleges and and universities. universities. 2. Professionals in any field. 2. Professionals in any field. 3. Employees from private 3. Employees from private companies or companies or public public offices/agencies. offices/agencies. 4. Family, friends and relatives.

4. Family, friends and relatives. 5. Business travelers.

5. Business travelers From Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, All of them coming from Luzon, Thailand, China, Korea, Japan, and Visayas and Mindanao. Australia.

Table 30:

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PSYCHOGRAPHIC SEGMENT DOMESTIC TOURISTS INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS 1. Allocentric Group - singles or 1. Allocentric Group - singles or couples, couples, family, friends or relatives, family, friends or relatives, organization/association/institution organization/association/institutions s, business travelers, and pleasure business travelers and pleasure travelers. travelers. 2. Mid-centric Group - singles or 2. Mid-centric Group - singles or couples, couples, family, friends or relatives, family, friends or relatives, organization/association/institution organization/associztion/institutions s, business travelers and pleasure business travelers and pleasure travelers. travelers. 3. Psychocentric Group - singles or 3. Psychocentric Group - singles or couples, family, friends or relatives, couples, family, friends or relatives, organization/association/institution organization/association/institutions s, business travelers and pleasure business travelers and pleasure travelers. travelers.

All coming from Luzon, Visayas and Global Mindanao.

Table 31:

GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT DOMESTIC TOURISTS INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS 1. Students from schools, 1. Students from schools, colleges and colleges and universities. universities. 2. Professionals in any field. 2. Professionals in any field. 3. Employees from private 3. Employees from private companies companies or public or public offices/agencies. offices/agencies. 4. Family, friends and relatives. 4. Family, friends and relatives. 5. Business travelers. 5. Business travelers. 6. Singles or couples. 6. Singles or couples. 7. Pleasure travelers 7. Pleasure travelers 8. Organization/association/ institutions 8. Organization/association/ institutions 72

From cities, countries and regions of the All of them coming from cities, world: ASEAN, Central/East/South Asia, municipalities, provinces and regions Oceania, North/South America, Europe, of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Middle East, and Africa.

4.4 Tourism Statistics

Table 32: VISITORS DATA IN AGUSAN MARSH 2008 CENRO OFFICE LOCAL FOREIGN TOTAL BUNAWAN 91 91 LORETO 53 53 TALACOGON 28 28 OTHER SOURCE TOTAL 172 172

Table 33: Profile of Foreign Visitors by Nationality

Place of Origin 2008 Data (No.) Taiwan 30 USA 17 Canada 12 Australia 10 Korea 10 British/UK 10 Japan 8 Germany 5 Thailand 2 Malaysia 2 China 2 Italy 1 Spain 1 Belgium 1 Indonesia 1 France 1 Switzerland 1 Sweden 1 Total 115 73

Table 34: Visitors Monthly Data Based on Establishments Records (2008)

MONTH LOCAL FOREIGN TOTAL January 2,013 27 2,040 February 2,057 19 2,076 March 2,095 13 2,108 April 2,134 10 2,144 May 2,201 14 2,215 June 2,246 14 2,260 July 2,377 16 2,393 August 2,501 4 2,505 September 2,219 - 2,219 October 2,841 - 2,841 November 2,767 - 2,767 December 2,821 - 2,821 Total 28,272 117 28,389

4.5 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats (SWOT)

Strengths:

Rich in biodiversity Vast potential area for ecotourism Undisturbed tourism natural resources Unique potential tourism sites Vegetative cover Agusan Marsh, Peat Dome Abundant trees Presence of lakes, rivers and bodies of water Rich in natural and cultural sites 4-lane and well- lighted center island of National Highway in 7 town proper Supportive LGU officials 74

Existing TWG on Tourism People’s desires for tourism development Presence of organized group within tourism sites Receptive communities Stable peace and order Integrated tourism as one sub-sector of Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) to BDP, MDP, PDP On-going Formulation of Provincial Tourism Master Plan (PTMP)

Weaknesses:

Lack of knowledge on tourism development. Less awareness of tourism standards Less priority support to tourism Illegal activities, uncontrolled illegal fishing activities in Agusan Marsh Inadequate educational support program geared towards tourism development Undeveloped roads & bridges to tourism sites Inadequate tourism Infrastructure facilities Problem of communication network Poor services Lack of Support services No accredited tourism related establishments (TREs) Potential Tourism resources poorly developed & undeveloped Pollution created by the community & industrial plants Unharmonized policies on tourism (DOT/DENR) Lack of policies, system & procedures on tourism development & management Unestablished/absence of system & protocols (Agusan Marsh) Non-compliance of FPIC process (Free Prior Informed Conse Lack of trainings for tourism Officer Lack of Promotion, Untimely promotion Lack of documentation/info materials IEC Lack of readiness to receive tourist Inadequate tour guides (specialized tour guides) Inactive Tourism Council Absence of Tourism Assistance Centers (TAC’s) Lack of Financial support for tourism development No Provincial/Municipal tourism office No permanent position for tourism officer

Opportunities:

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Job Opportunities Economic boom Income generation Intermediaries to sell our tourism products/services Become a recognize tourism icon Venue of advocacy “preservation of ecology” Added attraction due to the presence of more Migratory Birds because of climate change Access fund support for climate change related project More financial support, funds support from funding institution (local and foreign) Funds support from Overseas Development Agencies (ODA)

Threats:

Fault line within Agusan Marsh Calamities, annual flooding, erratic weather due to climate change, soil erosion Pollutants from other provinces Possible change in priorities of incoming administration Uncontrolled violation of environmental laws Economic recession Illegal land conversion Global financial crisis Presence of Heavy Industries Plant (Waste disposal may leads to Agusan Marsh water pollution) Presence of irresponsible mining activities (waste) Some cultural practices of IP’s may vanish Presence of illegal recruiters Possible prevalence of disease Child exploitation increased Incidence of child labor Illegal gambling Sexual abuse

Issues and Concerns:

Table 35: Issues Challenges/Strategies Socio-Economic & Cultural Issues: (to delineate issue boundary between socio-eco & cultural)

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Issues Challenges/Strategies  Lack of knowledge on Intensify information drives tourism development and (Brochures, signages) less awareness on tourism Involve Academe thru preparing a standards module related to tourism as Conduct training/seminars to teachers and service providers related to tourism Identify potential tour guides  Less priority support to LGU Officials should undergo tourism seminar workshop on tourism the “ what” and the “why” Involve the community as service provider (tricycle driver/operators, fast food, homestay, food specialty etc.) LGU Officials should provide a budget for tourism development.  Illegal activities such as Enhance skills of the inland trapping & hunting of wild fishermen on cientific fishing wildlife uncontrolled illegal Conduct trainings on the wildlife fishing activities in Agusan protection and deputisation of Marsh (environmental) wildlife enforcement officer   Undeveloped roads & Improve Infrastructure- farm to bridges, inadequate market road infrastructure Facilities, Provide adequate facilities and Lack of facilities for amenities that will respond to the convenience to visitors. tourist basic needs such as parking space, clean CR’s, availability of potable water, picnic area, children’s playground.  Inadequate educational Encourage CHED & TESDA to offer support program geared formal and non-formal education on towards tourism tourism related courses. development Adapt-a-tourism program training. Develop educational learning tool for primary schools use. LGU & Community shall employ graduates with tourism related

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Issues Challenges/Strategies courses. Encourage Academe (higher education, institution) to offer HRM, entrepreneurship, etc. courses to cater to the needs of the tourist. Prepare modules for elementary, secondary, high education teaching tourism, development & contribution/ impact to the communities.  Tap external experts to develope modules for tourism related courses.  Use experience (HEED foundation activities in San Marcos) to teach students to cut the process as sanctioned by CHED.  Poor tourism related Conduct training on tourist handling services to all tourism enterprises.

 Poor tourist facilities & Conduct seminar on DOT standards amenities to all tourist enterprise owners/operators.

Conduct information drive to all

municipal licensing officers,

municipal engineers and DTI

business registration officers on DOT

related policies and standards.

Intensify building permit processing and inspection on tourism related facilities & amenities to assure adherence to building code standards. Upgrade facilities to conform to DOT standards

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Issues Challenges/Strategies  Existing tourism sites are Improve support facilities to all poorly developed and existing tourism sites. potential tourism sites are Develop potential tourism sites. undeveloped

Environmental Issues:  Rampant resource Involve DENR & MENRO on the extraction on identified discussion on environmental issues tourism sites. affecting tourism sites. Encourage multi-stakeholder participation.

 Pollution (wastes) created Mobilise community/cause oriented by the community groups in the conduct of advocacy program and implementation of sanitation programs/projects.  Pollution generated by Conduct dialogue with plant industrial plants. operators/owners to intensify pollution mitigating measures. Facilitate for the inclusion of industrial plant operators membership with the ASESDC.  Pollutants from other Strengthening linkages with member provinces LGUs of Agusan river basin.  Illegal land conversion Refer to PDPFP. Institutional Issues: (can be addressed at the provincial level)  No provincial/municipal Influence LCEs on RA 9593. tourism office and no permanent position for tourism officers  Conflicting provisions on Tapping external experts on plan IPRA Law versus Local integration. Government Code.  lack of financial support Finalization of the Tourism Plan. for tourism development Preparation of PP on resource valuation and market chain analysis.

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Issues Challenges/Strategies  No tourism development Provide incentives for MLGUs with plans in most of the tourism plan in the form of tourism municipalities related infra and facilities (No Plan No Fund)

4.6 Existing Impacts of Tourism

Tourism development is perceived to bring 3 major classifications of cost and benefits associated during program implementation. These impacts are expected to provide effects on local economy; socio-cultural activity of the local residents; and environmental sustainability of the area.

Among the benefits that tourism may bring to the local economy are focused on: employment generation, income augmentation, emerging financing opportunities, creation of livelihoods and entrepreneurial activities, improved products and services, and creates challenge and competition among MLGUs programs to attract tourists to visit in their respective sites. In contrary, tourism may also impact the economic activity through: increase of real property valuation, economic disparity, and labor out-sourcing. Relatively, a challenge for legislation to promulgate policy supporting tourism influx at the same time protecting the interest of the community is seen to be very significant. The above- mentioned impact & benefits are outlined in Table 36.

Table 36. Impact and Benefits of Tourism into the Local Economy.

Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies A. Impacts A. Mitigation 1. Increase value of real property 1. Establish investment desk to facilitate real property issues.

2. Inflation rate 2. Create more income generating business and livelihood projects to increase the benefits of individual family.

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Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies 3. Economic disparity/monopoly of 3. a. Improve marketing access to business create to more employment to link and help marginal sectors. 3. b. Develop micro business options to attract interested groups.

4. Sourcing-out of workers 4. Provide trainings that will capacitate local people by targeting the needs of future tourism related investments. 5. Change of peoples behavior 5. Conduct social impact assessment to address the varying issues in every site.

B. Benefits B. Enhancement strategies 1. Increase in employment 1. Gov’t should conduct training to develop new skills that will fit to the needs of tourism industry.

2. Emerging of new business ventures 2. MLGUs should prepare investment such as lodging houses packages to attract investment onsite. 3. Increase income of businesses. 3. MLGUs should improve collection process to gain more taxes. 4. Enhanced quality of life 4. Create more tourism products to capture the social preference and provide recreation to various social groups. 5. Improvement of tourism 5. Intensify promotion and marketing establishments & amenities. of tourism products and services.

6. Opportunities for financing windows 6. Conduct investment forum to /Banks offering business loans. attract tourism investments on site.

7. Encourage mass production of local 7. a. Extend technical assistance to products goods and services. target entrepreneurs to improve product quality. 7. b. Facilitate technological upgrade to meet production needs.

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Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies 8. Enhancement of livelihood activities 8. Facilitate marketing of local products to generate more income. 9. Develop forward and backward 9. Source out training provider to market links (value chain track market flow to have a approach) to boost revenue. balance benefit to every market players. 10. Formulation of policies that would 10. Update revenue generation policy affect the revenue generation for every municipality.

Meanwhile threats associated on environmental sustainability are centered on waste disposal, vegetation loss, and, non-conformance to existing land-use. In addition, underdeveloped tourism sites are seen to generate impacts due to possible change on landscape due to increase access that will lead to resource utilization. This will also correlate to the increase of built-up and inappropriate land use. On the positive point, tourism development is viewed to provide better results in the future, these are in terms of: bringing new technology to improve the management of the site, enhance ecological and cultural preservation on site. On policy component, the possible harmonization of local and national laws is sighted as the greater benefit to improve tourism operation. Refer to Table 37 for the details of impact assessment on environment.

Table 37. Environmental Impact Associated with Tourism Development.

Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies A. Impact A. Mitigation program 1. Increase waste disposal 1. Empower MENROs to enforce and implement RA 9003 & sanitation code. 2. Increase water 2. Tourism officers in the municipal level consumption shall seek strategies to find ways & means to find potable & sustaining supply. 3. Loss of vegetation 3. Ensure development plans that will inflict damage to vegetation replenishment program. 4. Unprepared site for tourism 4. MLGUs shall facilitate site development activity on potential tourism site. 5. Non-conformance on 5. MLGUs shall enforce implementation of existing land-use and zoning comprehensive land-use plan (CLUP). 6. Increase access to site 6. Creation of task environmental task leading to resource force in every site to facilitate IEC, extraction or utilization. monitor and enforce environmental policies. 82

7. Change in Landscape 7. LGUs shall thoroughly scrutinize all major development projects and look for appropriate solutions. 8. Increase of built-up areas 8. LGUs shall allocate potential areas to address the growing population needs on settlement. 9. Inappropriate land-use 9. LGUs& partner agencies shall conduct information campaign to caution stakeholders. B. Benefits B. Enhancement strategies 1. Bring new technology 1. LGUs shall study the effectiveness of new technologies implemented on ground for possible replication to other sites. 2. Reduction of forest 2. Implementing agencies shall seek to disturbance/exploitation. improve preservation of environment to 3. Enhance ecological showcase its best practices making it as preservation tourism product. 4. Increase investment for 3. Concerned agencies shall identify environmental potential areas for environmental management & protection investment to attract investors. 5. Preservation of historical 4. Not just preservation but also document sites the unique features of the area to develop a new tourism product. 6. Environmental policies 5. LGUs shall take a lead in creating a harmonize localized policy that will address to the needs of stakeholders and its current issues on the ground.

On the social part, tourism development adds burdens to the society through the increase of crimes; alter IP practices and norms; and, raise tourism related human exploitation. Health associated diseases may be prevalent in progressively developing areas that may generate community bad image. Also commodification in all forms will affect the socio-cultural set-up of the indigenous communities. In the lighter context, the tourism development will improve community consciousness preferably on the preservation of significant tourism sites; boost self-esteem of local communities to communicate with various people; and in overall, increase quality of life & practices of the people living in and around the tourism site. The above stated information’s are tackled in Table 38.

Table 38. Social Impacts & Benefits of Tourism Development.

Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies A. Impact statement B. Mitigation program

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Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies 1. Disturbed/threatened cultural 1. LGUs shall spearhead in the beliefs and practices. conduct of social impact assessment to address cultural transformation.

2. Restriction of IP to exercise 2. Concerned agencies shall customary practices in develop guidelines to address IP protected areas. (e.g. hunting customary practices to exist. of wildlife for food). 3. Petty crimes (interest of 3. Concerned LGUs shall initiate to tourist belongings)/Increase conduct informal education & serious crimes information campaign to address the occurrence of crimes.

Intensify security procedures as deterrent to the would-be crime offenders. 4. Loss of cultural 4. LGUs shall initiate to conduct identity/Diminishing cultural recovery program to culture/Identity crisis revive new generations understanding of their culture. 5. Opportunity seeker operators 5. LGUs to formulate policy to impose high tour rates. customize on tour operation to protect the interest of the general public. 6. Increase of tourism driven 6. Create more employment prostitution opportunities that can accommodate or give benefit to the people with low levels of education.

7. Displacement of local 7.8. EnticeMLGUs toinvestors find relocation to generate areas residents morefor local jobs people. for the populace in the area. 8. Increase of population 9. LGUs with potential areas for tourism development shall allocate areas for settlement expansion to accommodate more people. 9. Child/women exploitation 10. Intensify IEC especially to the remote areas, and formulate monitoring team to trace and address the issue. B. Benefits B. Enhancement strategies 84

Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies 1. Increase awareness on 1. Organize a pool of local speakers environmental protection. to relay goods practices to other areas.

2. Improve IP confidence/IPs 2. Intensify IEC using IPs as pool of become educated/Improve IP speakers as a tool to transmit self-esteem learning’s to educate younger 3. Enhanced management skills 3. LGUsIPs. shall monitor and trace the in managing their business improvement of management skills as measure to expand or create new form of business to the people. 4. Increase awareness on 4. Encourage local talents to create technology new and locally adoptable ways and strategies to capitalize awareness on various 5. Increase number of transport 5. Regulationtechnologies of learned. this sub -sector services shall be assessed to facilitate 6. Preservation of local culture 6. LGUs shall provide program to rehabilitate and preserve significant local practices & traditions. 7. Greater participation & 7. LGUs should document the commitment transformation of this benefit to generate tourism product that will be a tool improve areas or communities with low community participation and commitment to government programs & projects. 8. Improvement of inter- 8. Entice foreigner who got married marriages with a local to invest tourism related business in the areas to generate more employment. 9. Reduction of racial 9. LGUs should note this kind of discrimination improvement in the local community to replicate this practice to other area.

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Impact and benefits statement Mitigation and enhancement strategies 10. Improve equity 10. LGUs shall provide more livelihood or business opportunity to capitalize the improvement of local economic growth.

11. Establishment of goodwill with 11. Communities will be provided the tourism with proper coaching and mentoring to capitalize network to generate funding to augment more funds for their business operations.

The above data may generate gaps along time specifically on the community needs and leaders perspective on development. Hence, programs with tourism thrust must have an updated information base to have a precise projection and data analysis.

To have a realistic evaluation on every site, it is suggested that developers should conduct a thorough social, economic and environmental impact assessment to determine the concerns of people from all walks of life. A balance and standard consultative information drive process is required to obtain a sound management decision. V. Development Framework

The Tourism Development Framework is designed to address persistent issues that prevent the development of ecotourism on the ground. These have everything to do with ecotourism policies, social capacities and products.

First, policy issues pose a great role in the development of ecotourism in the province or country at large because most of potential sites are within the protected areas. For instance, the case of Agusan marsh, it is cosseted by the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Law. Moreover, the presence of indigenous people within Agusan Marsh clothe them with the rights and privileges provided under Indigenous People’s Right Act, which may regulate or prevent any developments that can have impacts on the IP culture. Hence, introduction of any development even the ecotourism in particular is subject to abide on these laws.

Second, the social capacity of the host communities may have implications on the development of ecotourism. This is attributed to being weak in the social encounter with the tourists coming to their area. If the unpreparedness of the locals is not addressed or considered as a development program in ecotourism, the impact on their culture would be likely undesirable. Local culture would be gradually diminished. Moreover, if the host communities are left out in the development, there are two conditions that may possibly occur: resentment and violence. On the other hand, such condition may also have negative impact on the business side of ecotourism. It is because an unspoiled culture and safety are

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crucial to eco-tourists or cultural tourists. Thus, capacity development forms a part in the EDF.

Third, the product is another essential factor of success of the destination. It is the very reason that a visitor comes to the site with a bulk of expectations to see great things to top up their knowledge and experience. This is also their opportunity to get involved in the conservation and economic relief program at the visited site. This simply suggests that product development should be in a respect that can meet visitor’s needs and expectations for their full satisfaction. This can only be attained if players in this realm of development have common understanding on the processes and components to developing authentic tourism/ecotourism products.

Overall, policy, capacity building and product are three development pillars perceived to extinguish the burning issues that prevent the full growth of ecotourism in the province. Moreover, these pillars are key elements in coming-up with doable and direct strategies.

Tourism Development and Investment Framework (Figure 10)

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VI. Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives, Strategies

Vision

By Year 2015, Agusan del Sur is One of the Major Tourism Destinations in the Country Offering Unique Ecotourism Attractions and Supported by Empowered, Peaceful Environment-Friendly Communities thru Strong Partnership Among Stakeholders.

Mission

To support sustainable tourism development, with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of Agusanons.

GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES

1. To become a 1.1 To increase 1.1.1. Formulation of Formulation of recognized tourism Provincial and Mun. Provincial Tourism tourism icon in investments Tourism Plan as the Master Plan, the country. bases of the operation Municipal Tourism of Major Tourism Plans Destination of the province.

1.1.2 Encourage local, foreign, Balik-bayans investors to invest subject to the policies of the province.

1.1.3 Provision of Financial support to financial support to Tourism-Related local skilled crafters for livelihood projects their livelihood.

1.2 To develop 1.2.1 Identification/ Preparation of and improve inventory and project proposal/FS potential and prioritization of and program of existing tourism existing and potential works products; tourism products.

1.2.2 Access of external Endorsement of funds for the proj. studies to implementation and PDC/RDC for enhancement of tourism funding. products and other Const./improvemen support services. t of tourism support facilities

1.3 To 1.3.1 Identification of Capacity Building develop/ improve competency gaps on Program tourism related tourism services services in accordance with DOT standards;

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES

1.4 To Intensify 1.4.1 Creation of Agusan del Sur Promotion and Official Provincial Tourism Website Mktg. Initiatives Tourism Website.

1.4.2 Production and Preparation of distribution of quality tourism maps and and informative maps, brochures,etc brochures, leaflets, and other forms of media.

1.4.3 Conduct and join Attendance to local trade fair activities. and foreign trade fair activities. 1.4.4 Establishment Establishment and and maintenance of maintenance of Provincial and Provincial and Municipal Display Municipal Display Centers/Tourist Centers/Tourist Assistance Centers. Assistance Centers.

1.4.5 Encourage cross- Benchmarking visits in the provincial/municipal level.

1.4.6 Adoption of local branding/tag line.

1.4.7 Conduct of massive IEC on DOT standards

1.4.8 Clustering of attraction of SMEs

1.4.9 Adopt the culture to avoid biases/discrimination

1.4.10 TRAs be included in the CLUP and zoning areas.

1.4.11 Local Passing of Local

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES declaration of tourism Ordinance sites as protected area

1.4.12 Establishment of Establishment of Tourism Investment Tourism Investment Promotion Unit Promotion Unit

2. To preserve 2.1 To preserve 2.1.1 Identification and Installation of and conserve archeological delineation of potential signages and significant tourism sites, artifacts archeological sites, monuments in resources. and other cultural cultural heritage and archaelogical and heritage such as other significant sites. other significant indigenous sites knowledge, systems and practices

2.1.2 Enforce Advocacy on preservation and preservation and protection of all sites in protection accordance to IPRA Law and other existing governance policies.

2.2 To preserve 2.2.1 To document all social account indigenous practices, and historical customs and traditions. heritage;

2.2.2 To include in the curriculum of IP school the customs and traditions thru songs and dances.

2.2.3 To establish local Construction of museums where Provincial Museum historical accounts of and Heritage center archeological sites, cultural and artifacts are preserved.

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES

2.3 To increase 2.3.1 Capacitate local Capacity Building awareness and communities, LGU’s on Program on consciousness on existing environmental Environmental environmental laws and policies. protection preservation;

2.3.2 Deputize local communities, LGU’s, NGO’s, PO’s and CSO to enforce environmental laws

2.3.3 Establish and mobilize patrol sectors in identified strategic points.

2.3.4 Periodic monitoring and assessment of implementation

2.3.5 Provide logistic support for environmental protection activities.

2.3.5 Linkages with LGU’s and other concern national agencies.

2.3.6 Strictly control and regulate dev’t in environmentally critical areas and declared protected areas.

2.4 To have an 2.1.1 Intensification of Preparation and adequate IEC on environmental Printing of mitigation of protection and information environmental preservation thru mass materials hazards in media, print materials, tourism areas; signages, meetings and

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES assembly.

2.1.2 Active community involvement in all aspects of environmental planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and feed backing.

2.1.3 Mobilize community in advocating environmental preservation and conservation practice

2.5 To preserve 2.5.1 To encourage and protect tourist to engage in important species activities geared of flora and towards the fauna, and critical preservation of tourism habitats. sites.

2.5.2 Crafting of tourist code of conduct.

2.5.3 Crafting of general guidelines on festivals.

3. To strengthen 3.1To capacitate 3.1.1 Institutionalize partnership among local incentives to active and stakeholders to communities with existing organizations. support tourism tourism related development. skills;

3.1.2 To capacitate local communities and stakeholders involved in tourism related skills thru trainings and exposures;

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES

3.1.3 Access/source out fund support from ODA’s for tourism related activities.

3.3To improve 3.3.1 Launching of networking and ecotourism project collaboration with collaborative among key efforts among players. stakeholders;

4. To mainstream 4.1 To increase 4.1.1 To provide basic Construction /Rehab culture of peace access to basic social services like of tourism related To alleviate social services; water, power, facilities poverty transport services, sanitary toilets and schools.

4.2 To develop 4.2.1 To organize and Capacity Building and sustain capacitate women for community and resource-based resource-based enterprise enterprise;

4.2.2 To provide capability building interventions related to tourism based enterprise

4.3 To facilitate 4.3.1 Linkages to the creation funding institution and tourism other government livelihood agencies like DTI & activities; DOST for product development.

5. To strengthen 5.1To harmonize 5.1.1 Facilitate Adoption of local institutional existing policies harmonization of polices development; in terms of policies for smooth systems and implementation of protocols; projects;

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GOALS OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES PROGRAMS/ PROJECTS/ ACTIVITIES

5.2 To 5.2.1 Creation/ Creation of p/m institutionalize mobilization of a tourism office local tourism functional tourism office and council offices at the in the provincial municipal and and provincial level municipalities

5.2.2 Organize/ Organization of reorganize and P/M Tourism strengthen municipal Council and Provincial tourism council

5.2.3 To formulate Municipal Tourism Plan;

5.2.4 To capacitate Capacity building Tourism Officers & Councils (Municipal to Provincial levels)

5.2.5 To conduct periodic monitoring & evaluation.

5.3 To increase 5.3.1 Improve awareness on the communication network importance of & communication lines tourism thru sharing of reliable information.

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VII. Provincial Tourism Investment Plan (2010-2015)

PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

I. Institutional Development

1. Reorganization 100 50 50 PLGU and strengthening of the Provincial Tourism Council

2. Organization/ 14 56 28 28 MLGUS reorganization and Municipali strengthening of ties Municipal Tourism Councils

3. Creation of Province 2,000 2,000 PLGU Provincial Tourism Office

4. Creation of 14 6,500 500 1,500 1,500 1,500 1,500 MLGUs Municipal Tourism Municipali Office ties

5. Formulation of Province 1,500 800 700 P/ Provincial Tourism MLGUs Master Plan

6. Formulation of Municipali 1,400 100 500 500 300 MLGUs Mun. Tourism Plan ties

7. Crafting of PTC 500 500 DOT/DE tourist code of NR-ADB conduct

8. To capacitate PTC 200 100 100 DOT/ Tourism Officers DENR & Councils (Municipal to Provincial levels)

9. Establishment of San 500 500 PTO Provincial Tourist Francisco Assistance Center

10. Procurement of Province 1,000 1,000 mini-bus or coaster

Sub-total 13756 3478 3300 3500 1978 1,500

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PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

II. Environmental Protection of Significant Sites

1. Resource Barangays 800 200 200 200 200 PENRO- Management and LGU Environmental Protection Trainings

2. Establishment Agusan 1,000 1,000 PAMB- and mobilization Marsh DENR of patrol base stations for monitoring purposes of illegal activities

3. Enforcement Agusan 1,500 500 500 500 DENR/ of NIPAS Law and Marsh ADB other related environmental laws

3.1 Prohibition of bio- prospecting and wildlife collection

Sub-total 3300 200 1700 700 700 -

III. Cultural Preservation

1. Formulation 3,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 PENRO/ of ADSDPP NCIP

2. Preservation of 500 100 150 150 100 archaeological sites

3. Installation of 500 200 200 100 DENR/P signages and ENRO monuments

4. Enactment of 200 50 50 50 50 PENRO/ Local ordinance SP on the preservation of IP culture, customs and traditions 97

PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

5. 500 250 250 PLGU/ Mainstreaming IP MLGU culture in SEF DepEd Curriculum

6. Support to 1,000 300 300 300 100 SIKAT (School of Indigenous Knowledge and Tradition)

7. Crafting of 50 50 general guidelines on festivals

8. Establishment 8,000 3,000 5,000 of Provincial Museum and Cultural Heritage Center

Sub-total 13,750 3,050 6,900 1,950 1,600 250

IV. IMPROVEMENT OF TOURISM SITES

1. Installation of Agusan 200 200 Signages Marsh

2. Landscaping of San 500 250 250 wharf Teodoro, Bunawan and Talacogon

3.Construction/I Lake 12,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 mprovement of Mihaba, FloatingEcolodge Lake with view deck kelobidan, and board walk Lake Panlabuha n, Lake Ginhalinan , Lake Mambago ngon 98

PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

4. Improvement -do- 800 200 200 200 200 LGU/ of Floating POs Literacy Centers

5.Establishment -do- 10 10 of Floating vegetable and herb garden

5.Establishment -do- 200 50 50 50 50 LGU/ of Floating POs vegetable and herb garden

6. Provision of -do- 800 200 200 200 200 LGU/ PVC Plastic Water POs Tank

7. Construction -do- 1000 250 250 250 250 LGU/ of floating POs sanitary toilets and septic tank/portalets

8. Improvement -do- 2,000 500 500 500 500 Private of transport Sector facilities

9. Bayugan Magkiang 2,200 600 600 500 500 Cutflower kang, Mt. Garden Olive, Mt.Carmel, Villa undayon, Pinagalaan

10. Landscaping Poblacion 1,000 1,000 of Binaba Spring

11. Improvement San 10,000 5,000 5,000 Private of Datu Lipus Francisco Sector Macapandong Mountain Resort

Sub-total 30,700 2250 6,050 9,700 9,700

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PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

V. Construction/ Improvement of Roads and Bridges

NRJ San Andres – Bunawan 3,000 753 753 753 753 MLGU/ Hagnaya, Other Mambalili Road Sources (Barangay road) Maintenance - 2.5Km

Talacogon – La Talacogon 7,400 1,850 1,850 1,850 1,850 MLGU/ Flora (3km) Other Maintenance Sources

NRJ-Poblacion- Sibagat 13,560 5,000 5,000 5,000 PLGU/ML Villangit- Road, GU and Sibagat (7.14km) other sources

PRJ -Sinai Road (4 Sibagat 18,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 other km.)Rehab. sources

NRJ Causwagan sibagat 11,200 6,000 5,200 other Road (2.8 km) sources

NRJ Anahawan Sibagat 14,000 7,000 7,000 other Road (3.5KM) sources

NRJ Osmeña Bayugan 9,750 3,250 3,250 3,250 PLGU/ Magkiangkang – and Villa Undayon other (9.2km) sources Maintance

Rehab. of Villa Bayugan 26,640 8,000 8,000 10,640 PLGU/ undayon-New and Salem Provincial other Road, Bayugan sources (6.67km)

PRJ- Bayugan 11,970 3,990 3,990 3,990 PLGU/ Magkiangkang- and Grace Estate-Mt other Olive- Mt Carmel- sources Wilderness Road (11.39km) Maintenance

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PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

NRJ Sta Terisita – Bayugan 7,170 2,390 2,390 2,390 PLGU & Pinagalaan Road other (6.85km) sources

NRJ Panaytay Rd 16,000 6,000 6,000 6,000 P/MLGU (4km) rehab. Other Sources

NRJ Bahbah- Prosperidad 13,560 2,300 5,000 5,000 3,560 PLGU/ Puting Buhangin MLGU/ Brgy. Road Other (2.26km) Sources Upgrading from earth to gravel

NRJ Azpetia- Prosperidad 3,360 1,680 1,680 P/MLGU Mabuhay Other Barangay road Sources (4.7km)

Mabuhay –Purok Prosperidad 19,790 6,000 6,000 7,790 P/MLGU 5(3.3km) Other Sources

San Martin-Mikit Prosperidad 2,000 2,000 Road (approach of bridge, Maintenance)

NRJ- Karaus- San 5,000 5,000 PLGU Lapag Rd. (1km.) Francisco

NRJ Pasta- San 10,000 10,000 Buenasuerte- Francisco CaimpuganProvin cial Road (9.4km)

Caimpugan- San 4,000 4,000 Crossing Gibong Francisco River-River Bank to Peat Dome (4.2km)

NRJ Cabantao- Rosario 13,000 5,000 8,000 Marfil, Provincial Road (13km)

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PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

NRJ Cuevas-Sta Trento 20,000 10,000 10,000 Maria-Pangyan Road (21.79km)

Pob.-Cubo Brgy. Esperanza 2,000 2,000 Road(5.64)

NSRJ Crossing Esperanza 2,000 1000 500 500 Luna-Catmonon- Crossing Sopas - Guadalupe road (27.21km)

NSRJ Don San Luis 2,000 2,000 Alejandro-Balit- Policarpo Road (7.31km)

Army Camp in Talacogon 500 500 San Nicolas, Talacogon (500m)

Pob -Angas Road Sta. Josefa 4,000 4,000 (4km)

Pob-Cebule, Sta. Josefa 2,500 2,500 Angas Road (2.5km)

Pob-Awao road Sta. Josefa 5,000 3,000 2,000 (5.9km)

Pob-Angas Road Sta. Josefa 3,000 3,000 (3.8km)

Pob – San Jose Sta. Josefa 5,000 2,000 3,000 Road (6km)

Poblacion – Sta. Veruela 7,000 7,000 Emelia (7km)

Pob -Waloe Loreto 1,000 1,000 (5km)

Sub-total 263,400 7,300 11103 70233 100,613 79,903

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PROGRAMS/ Total SOURCE PROJECTS/ LOCATION Budget 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 OF ACTIVITIES ('000) FUNDS

VI. Capacity Building Program

1. Orientation of All 250 50 50 50 50 50 DOT tourism to all municipali LGU officials, ties transport operators, hotel and restaurant owners, homestay owners

2. Community 1,000 200 200 200 200 200 DOT skills training on tour guiding

3. Skills training 1,000 200 200 200 200 200 DTI/ on Water lily DOST handicraft,abaca handicraft & other souvenir items

4. Hotel & 500 100 100 100 100 DOT Restaurant Management basic training

5. First Aid 500 100 100 100 100 PHO/ training MHO

Sub-total 3250 650 650 650 650 450

VII. Promotion and marketing

1. Creation of 50 50 PTO/ Provincial MIS Tourism Website

2. Naliyagan Patin-ay, 17,000 3,000 3,000 4,000 4,000 3,000 Festival Prosperidad

Sub-total 17,050 3,000 3,050 4,000 4,000 3,000 -

Total 345,206 6,478 19,800 33,903 89,211 117,763 80,603 103

VIII. Implementing Mechanism, Monitoring & Evaluation

Implementing Mechanism

The provincial government of Agusan del Sur thru the Provincial Planning and Development Office will ensure that the provincial tourism master plan will be implemented as planned through a well defined mechanism. Using the plan as guide, the Provincial Tourism Office will implement the programs and projects in coordination and partnership with the PENRO, DENR, DOT, DTI, DOST, NEDA, Academe, LGUs and NGOs. Also to include the private sectors such as the travel tour and transport operators, as well as hotel and restaurant proprietors. To realize this, a communication plan will be drafted and shared to all partners.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Provincial Planning and Development Office will be responsible in the monitoring and evaluation of plan implementation. During the implementation stage monthly monitoring should be conducted together with concerned partner agencies in order to ensure quality, economical, effective and efficient plan/project implementation. A yearly evaluation will be conducted to determine the positive and negative impact of the project to be able to come up with a relevant recommendation and sound policy agenda. A provincial tourism dash board will be adopted as official monitoring tool of this plan.

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Table of Contents

Page 1. Prioritization Ranking Matrix 01 – 13 2. Accommodation and Establishment 14 – 44 2.1 North Diwata Range Zone Accommodation & Establishment 14 – 25 2.1.1 Accommodation 14– 16 2.1.2 Food & Beverage 16 – 18 2.1.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop 18 – 19 2.1.4 Other Support Facilities 19 – 25 2.2 South Diwata Range Zone Accommodation & Establishment 25 – 38 2.2.1 Accommodation 25 – 31 2.2.2 Food & Beverage 31 – 32 2.2.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop 32 – 33 2.2.4 Other Support Facilities 33 – 38 2.3 Lower Agusan River Valley Zone Accommodation & Establishment 38 – 41 2.3.1 Accommodation 38 2.3.2 Food & Beverage 38 – 39 2.3.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop 39 2.3.4 Other Support Facilities 39 – 41 2.4 Upper Agusan River Valley Zone Accommodation & Establishment 42 – 44 2.4.1 Accommodation 42 2.4.2 Food & Beverage 42 2.4.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop 43 2.4.4 Other Support Facilities 43 – 44 3. Workshop Output 44 – 46 3.1 In what ways Tourism Affects the Local Economy? 44 3.2 How will Tourism Affect the Environment? 45 – 46 3.3 In What way the local population /residents are affected by tourism? 46 3.4 Perception on Tourism Development? 46 4. Glossary / References 47 – 51

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Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL SUR

Gov. Democrito O. Plaza Government Center, Prosperidad

Agusan del Sur Tourism Master Plan 2010 – 2015 Annexes

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ANNEXES

1. Prioritization Ranking Matrix Table 1: LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) 1. Agusan Marsh & Tributaries Agusan Bunawan 10 20 8 10 3 4 8 15 8 86 51.6 13 13 25 7 25 83 33.2 84.8 Marsh Caimpugan San

Peat Dome Francisco Lake Buwanan

Mihaba Lake La Paz Mambagung on Lake Bunawan

Kilobidan Lake Loreto Panlabuhan (Agusan Marsh) Lake Tikgon Bunawan Lake Bunawan

Kayawanon

1

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) Lake Talacogon

Benone Lake Tugno Talacogon Lake Talacogon

Ginhalinan Lake Talacogon

Casawangan 1st Priority Entry Points Existing Coordinating

Center with alternative

all tourists regarless of entry IPAS Complex points shall at Hagnaya pass thru Mambalili IPAS Complex for briefing;

2

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) 2nd Priority Talacogon (North) Palibo Novele, Rosario Poblacion Loreto thru Umayam River 3rd priority 1. Bah2x Cave, Prosperidad 10 20 7 10 4 3 7 15 7 83 49.8 15 15 22 6 22 80 32 81.8 Poblacion, Prosperidad 2. Mt. San 10 17 8 10 4 3 8 12 8 80 48 13 15 25 7 18 78 31.2 79.2 Magdiwata, Francisco Karaos, SF with Mt. Magdiwata Falls) 3. Gibong Prosperidad 10 17 8 10 3 4 5 12 7 76 45.6 15 15 20 7 25 82 32.8 78.4 River - Binaba Spring

3

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) 4. Wonderla San 10 18 8 10 2 2 8 15 8 81 48.6 15 10 20 4 26 75 30 78.6 nd,Caimpu Francisco gan SF 5. Bega Falls, Prosperidad 10 20 10 10 3 3 6 14 5 81 48.6 5 8 20 4 25 62 24.8 73.4 Mabuhay, 6. Latay Rosario 10 15 6 10 1 2 5 15 5 69 41.4 10 15 25 3 20 73 29.2 70.6 Cave, Marfil Rosario 7. Home of Esperanza 8 10 2 6 1 1 5 15 5 53 31.8 15 5 10 2 12 44 17.6 70.6 the Golden Tara 8. Nyholm Rosario 8 18 6 10 2 2 5 15 5 71 42.6 10 12 20 5 20 67 26.8 69.4 Falls & Pool, Brgy. Marfil 9. Lucac San 8 18 8 10 3 4 5 15 6 77 46.2 5 5 15 3 20 48 19.2 65.4 Cave, SF Francisco 10. Pinagalaan Bayugan 4 12 5 6 2 2 2 10 5 48 28.8 10 10 10 5 20 55 22 50.8 Mountain Experience (Hamogaway, Cutflowers , caves) 4

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) 11. War Zone Loreto 8 15 5 10 1 2 2 5 3 51 30.6 12 12 10 2 15 51 20.4 51 12. Cave City, San 8 20 8 6 1 1 3 5 5 57 34.2 3 5 10 1 10 29 11.6 45.8 Bitan-agan Francisco SF 13. Pangyan Trento 6 18 5 8 3 2 1 3 2 48 28.8 5 5 10 3 10 33 13.2 42 Falls, Brgy. Pangyan Distinct Readiness Impact ion/s to receive (depends receive tourists on best prac d (40) (20) adopted and number of adoptor) (20) 14. Organic Trento 35 17 15 67 134 80.4 0 Farming & Solid waste Managem ent

15. Lake Sta. Josefa Kabuhayan, San Jose 5

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) 16. Regulating Sta Josefa Pond & Mun. Tree Park, Brgy., Angas, 17. Lake Talacogon 7 17 5 8 3 2 7 7 4 60 36 15 13 15 4 12 59 23.6 59.6 Himbang 18. Bayugan Bayugan 8 18 5 8 4 4 8 18 8 81 48.6 15 12 25 7 28 87 34.8 83.4 Cut Flower Garden, Villa Undayo, Magkiangk ang,Mt. Carmel, Novele, Wilderness, 19. Masapia Consuelo, 5 10 5 7 2 2 6 3 3 43 25.8 10 10 15 2 10 47 18.8 44.6 Falls Bunawan 20. Mount Kasapa, 0 45 Apawid Loreto

6

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) 21. "Centenni Toog - San Vicente, Prosperidad, Toog - Alegria, Baluno - Talacogon, Toog- Causwagan, Talacogon, Yakal Malabato - Rosario, Seedling production in the IPAS, establishment al Trees nursery for endemic species Butterfly Tour", (Endemic Species) 22. Motong Angeles, La last Lake & Paz priority Motong Falls 23. Taomowa- Rosario last hong Cave priority 24. Bugtong Bayugan 3 8 15 10 8 4 4 7 20 8 84 50.4 15 15 15 3 15 63 25.2 75.6 Bukid Rosario, Viewing Deck for Agusan Marsh and sacred ground 25. Sibagat Phil. Eagle, 8 15 7 8 2 3 2 10 4 59 35.4 10 8 20 1 20 59 23.6 59 Highland Hanging Bridges; Mountain Ranges; Abaca production & processing

7

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) Historical & Cultural Festivals Naliyagan Showcase Festival of agusan culture and heritage

Year-round festivals Bagat Sibagat Festival Angot Prosperidad Festival Kahimunan Bayugan Kaamulan Esperanza Festival

Lake Himbang Talacogon Festival Kaliga La Paz Festival Diwata SF Festival 8

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) Santikan Trento Festival Haw-an Bunawan Karudawan Vereula Taphagan Sta Josefa Umayam Loreto Festival Yagi-yagi Poblacion, Festival Rosario Arbor Day (June 25)

Wetland Day (Feb. 2) National Tourism Week (3rd week of Sept)

International Biodiversity Day (May 22)

Higaonon Poblacion, 5 18 7 6 3 2 10 15 8 74 44.4 10 10 15 6 20 61 24.4 68.8 Tribal Esperanza heritage (priority of the Mun. Gov’t.)

9

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) Centennial Alegria, San Toog Tree Francisco registered, drafting of spiles be required, priority support for documentation; signages Provincial Naliyagan priority; for establishment Museum & Plaza, Tribal House

Danata Soft Priority for 8 18 8 7 2 3 3 10 5 64 38.4 15 13 25 1 15 69 27.6 66 Shelled establishm Turtle ent; IPAS Sanctuary Complex, "Home of Danata"

Requires policy support at the local level Education Tourism PHILSAGA Bayugan 3, Mining Rosario Talacogon wood Industrial processing Estate plants Filipinas Prod’n. & Palm Oil processing, Plantaion only in ADS 10

LEVEL LEVEL FIRST LEVEL (60%) SECOND LEVEL (40) Tourism Product Social/Political Support Natural (40%) Local (20%) (40%) benefits Availa Richness Establ Accessi accruing bility and Current ished Peac bility to the TOURISM Comm Mark of GRAND Location significan conditio Govern linkag e & from commun SITE Unique unity et visitor TOTAL ce of n of the ment es Total 60% Ord major ity thru Total 40% ness of involve dema facilit biodiversi natural/ Poten Exis- Emer- Support with er gate livelihoo landsca ment/p nd 30 y and ty/ cultural tial 10 ting 5 ging 5 (10%) * other (15) ways d and pe articipa servic cultural/ environ policy stake 15 employ (10%) tion es 10 historical ment suppport holde ment (20) environm (10%) rs opp. 30 ent (20) (10) "Orchard Mabuhay, Tour"1. Bayugan Pagkain ng Bayan LGU Best Practices Organic Trento and Swine Esperanza Production/ Organic farming /SWM Rice Duck Farming ICT Provincial Gov’t. Clonal Prosperidad Nursery Goat Milk PLGU, Processing Governme nt Center

11

Table 1A. Summary of Prioritization Ranking TOURISM ZONE Grand Total Rank

AGUSAN MARSH ECO-TOURISM ZONE

1. Agusan Marsh & Tributaries 84.8 1st

NORTH DIWATA RANGE SIBAGAT Sibagat Highland 59 2nd BAYUGAN Pinagalaan, Bayugan Bayugan Cut Flower Garden 83.4 1st PROSPERIDAD/PLGU Provincial Museum & Tribal House 1st ICT 1st Clonal Nursery 1st

Goat Milk Processing, Government Center 1st

PROSPERIDAD

Bah2x Cave, Poblacion, Prosperidad 81.8 1st

Gibong River - Binaba Spring 78.4 1st Bega Falls, Mabuhay, Prosperidad 73.4 1st

SOUTH DIWATA RANGE SAN FRANCISCO Mt. Magdiwata, Karaos, SF 79.2 1st Lucac Cave, SF 65.4 2nd Cave City, Bitan-agan SF 45.8 3rd Wonderland, Caimpugan SF Centennial Toog Tree 1st ROSARIO Latay Cave, Marfil Rosario 70.6 2nd Taomowahong Cave last priority 3rd Bugtong Bukid 75.6 2nd Nyholm Falls & Pool, Marfil, Rosario 69.4 2nd

12

TOURISM ZONE Grand Total Rank

Filipinas Palm Oil Plantaion 1st PHILSAGA Mining BUNAWAN

Danata Soft Shelled Turtle Sanctuary 66 2nd Masapia Falls 44.6 3rd Tribal Village;Croc Confine Area/Croc

Alternate Support Area; TRENTO

Pangyan Falls, Pangyan Trento 42 3rd

Organic Farming & Solid waste 1st Management, Pob., Trento NORTH WESTERN AGUSAN TALACOGON Lake Himbang 59.6 2nd Talacogon Industrial Estate ESPERANZA Home of the Golden Tara 70.6 2nd Higaonon Tribal heritage 1st Organic Swine Production/Organic farming/SWM Rice Ducking Farming

SAN LUIS

LA PAZ

SOUTH WESTERN AGUSAN SANTA JOSEFA Lake Kabuhayan, San Jose 3rd Regulating Pond & Mun. Tree Park, Angas, 1st Sta. Josefa Motong Lake & Motong Falls last priority 3rd VERUELA

LORETO War Zone, Waloe, Loreto 51 2nd Mount Apawid 45 3rd

13

2. Accommodation and Establishments

2.1 North Diwata Range Zone Accommodation and Establishments

2.1.1 Accommodation (Table 2)

Mun./Classifi Name of # of Extra Rate/day Location # of Beds cation Establishment Rooms Bed or night Sibagat St. Anthony de Poblacion, Padua Seminar Sibagat House

Poblacion, 4 doors Masagca Sibagat mini Apartment apartele

Geonson Poblacion, 20 beds Boarding Sibagat House

Bayugan Lolita's Loft National 9 rooms 17 beds 12 850.00/rm Inn & Highway, beds with aircon Restaurant Maygatasan , Bayugan Curvada Prk. 19 15 single 15 beds 15 420.00/rm Lodge (Esperanza with beds with aircon rd.), aircon & overnight Poblacion, CR and 220.00 Bayugan short time 5 single 5 beds 5 beds w/ aircon w/o aircon Nendotel Prk. 1, 6 double 7 beds 20 600.00/rm. Cagbas, beds Overnight

Bayugan and 270.00 short time

Patio Grande National 2 Family 2 beds 10 850.00/rm. Highway, beds Add'tl. 200/bed Prk. 4, 4 Single 4 beds Taglatawan, Bayugan 6 6 beds Matrimonial Villa Amor National 11 rms 2 3 beds 650.00/rm Hotel Highway, matrimoni add Prk. 8, al beds 100/bed Taglatawan, 5 twin Bayugan beds

14

Mun./Classifi Name of # of Extra Rate/day Location # of Beds cation Establishment Rooms Bed or night Parba Lodge Prk. 8, 4 single 4 beds 4 bed 500.00/rm Taglatawan, with aircon Bayugan 3 ordinary 13 beds 3 beds

Family's Place Prk. 2, 2 single 2 beds 500.00/rm. Osmeña, Bayugan 10 80 beds 960.00/rm dormitory w/ aircon

Prosperidad Provincial Gov't. 4 Twin 8 beds 4 beds 800.00/ day Training Center, Room 300 for Center, Patin-ay, extra bed Hostel Prosperidad 2 16 beds 4,000/night Building Dormitory or 250/head Type 1 Suite 1 bed 1,500/night Room Guay Lodge Nat’l. 2 standard 2 beds 4 500.00/rm.

Highway, single beds Patin-ay, 2 standard 4 beds 2 600.00/rm. Prosp. double beds

1 economy 2 beds 350.00/rm. 1 5 beds 350.00/rm. dormitory 2dormitory 10 beds 500.00/rm.

1 dormitory 6 beds 600.00/rm. Nerians Farm New Leyte, 3 Family 500.00/rm. Place Awa, 2

Prosperidad dormitory Sierra Paula Prk. 4, 4 double 4 beds 400.00/rm. Lodge Poblacion, (aircon)

Prosperidad 6 double 6 beds 150.00/rm. (non-aircon)

Gibong Lodge Prk. 4, 1 single 1 bed 400.00/rm.

Poblacion, 5 single 5 beds 150.00/rm. Prosperidad 2 double 2 beds 150.00/rm.

Ubuta’s Prk. 9, 1 single 1 bed 500.00/rm. Traveler’s Inn Poblacion, Prosperidad 6 single 6 beds 250.00/rm.

15

Mun./Classifi Name of # of Extra Rate/day Location # of Beds cation Establishment Rooms Bed or night Prosperidad Ernielita’s Inn Patin-ay, 4 double 4 beds 600.00/rm. Prosperidad 1 Family 1 bed 1,300.00/rm

5 single 5 beds 200.00/rm. 6 dormitory 6 beds 200.00/rm. Kerena’s Inn Prk. 2 Patin- 2 single 2 beds 300.00/rm. ay, 2 double 2 beds 600.00/rm. Prosperidad 2 Family 2 beds 600.00/rm. 1 dormitory 1 bed 600.00/rm. Naliyagan Patin-ay, 2 single w/ 2 beds 4 beds 450.00/rm. Lodge Prosperidad T&B (aircon)

1 single 1 bed 2 beds 450.00/rm. (aircon) common T & B

4 double 150.00/rm 5 single 75.00/rm. 2 double 75.00/rm.

2.1.2 Food and Beverages (Table 3)

Municipality/Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Sibagat Jovan’s Eatery Poblacion, Sibagat

Sheila’s Eatery Poblacion, Sibagat

Bayugan

Mang Inasal Warehouse Inc. Maygatasan, Bayugan City

Kirstien Kambingan National Highway, Maygatasan, Bayugan City

Victoria's Grill Haus & Catering National Highway, Maygatasan, Bayugan City

Rose Bakeshoppe & Restaurant Rotunda, Poblacion,

16

Municipality/Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Bayugan City

Muzika Bar Esperanza Road, Poblacion, Bayugan City

Meteor Garden Catering Balite Drive, Poblacion, Bayugan City

Teritoryo ni San Miguel National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City

3 Kids Kambingan Rotunda, Poblacion, Bayugan City

* SARCE'S National Highway, Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Manok ni San Pedro National Highway, Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Santiago Food Mart Rotunda, Poblacion, Bayugan City

Aloma's Catering Poblacion, Bayugan City

3 Roses Eatery Poblacion, Bayugan City

King Paks Eatery Poblacion, Bayugan City

RG's Diner Poblacion, Bayugan City

Prosperidad

Provincial Training Center D.O. Plaza Gov’t. Ctr., Catering services, Prosperidad accept reservation for the ff: Trainings, Seminars, Weddings, Birthddays, Anniversaries and other occasions

New Leyte, Awa, NERIAN’S Farm Place Prosperidad

Hibaya’s Grill & Restaurant Poblacion, Prosperidad

17

Municipality/Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Tesoro’s Fastfood Poblacion, Prosperidad

Laguesma BBQ Poblacion, Prosperidad

La Mega’s Place Poblacion, Prosperidad

Rose Bakeshop Poblacion, Prosperidad

Panaderia Bakeshoppe Poblacion, Prosperidad

Romero’s Bakery Poblacion, Prosperidad

2.1.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop (Table 4)

Municipality/Name of Location Product Line Remaks Establishment

Sibagat

Sinai Abaca Weaving Sinai, Sibagat Abaca Handicraft Association (SAWA) Abaca Ribbon net

Bayugan

BAGET'S Banana Chips Poblacion, Bayugan Delicacies City

Hinay's Rattan Nat’l. Highway, Pob., Rattan Furnitures Bayugan City

Mabuhay Woodcraft Rotunda, Poblacion, Narra Furniture Bayugan City Prosperidad

Provincial Training Center PTC Showroom, D.O. Handicrafts & Plaza Gov’t. Center, driftwood Prosperidad Prosperidad Weavers Magsaysay, Bags & Souvenir Prosperidad items made of Association romblon, corn husk, nito & coco beads

18

Municipality/Name of Location Product Line Remaks Establishment

(SAFAMCO) San Martin San Martin, Sinamay & Prosperidad Tinagak made of Farmer’s Multi-Purpose ABACA Cooperative

(LACAMFA) La Caridad La Caridad, Candle Prosperidad Farmer’s Association

2.1.4 Other Support Facilities (Table 5)

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment

Sibagat Health Services

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.) SMART/GLOBE Cellular phones

Handheld radios

Sibagat Community Radio

FM Station

Radio Natin

ABS CBN

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

People’s Bank of Caraga, Inc. Poblacion, Sibagat

Green Bank, Inc. Poblacion, Sibagat

Sibagat Employees MPC Poblacion, Sibagat Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Maimai’s Store Poblacion, Sibagat

Nelian’s Store Poblacion, Sibagat

19

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment SERVIAM Store Poblacion, Sibagat Function/Convention Hall

Bayugan Health Services

Bayugan Community Hospital City Government Center, Bayugan New Bayugan Doctor's Hospital National Highway, Maygatasan, Bayugan City Bascug Medical Clinic Poblacion, Bayugan City

Sto. Niño Hospital Rotunda, Poblacion, Bayugan City

Bayugan Doctor's Hospital Poblacion, Bayugan City

Bañosa Medical Clinic Taglatawan, Bayugan City Rural Health Unit/HC City Government Center, Bayugan

Gerona Dental Clinic Poblacion, Bayugan City

Cañizares Optometry Poblacion, Bayugan City Therapy & Massage Clinic & Spa Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

PHILCOM Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Bayantel Poblacion, Bayugan City

Cruztelco Poblacion, Bayugan City

Radio Station (3)(Radyo Natin, Poblacion & Taglatawan, Bayugan City Friendster FM, etc.)

Broadband Poblacion, Bayugan City

20

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

Allied Bank Poblacion, Bayugan City

Land Bank of the Philippines (w/ Taglatawan, Bayugan City ATM) One Network Bank Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City Green Bank Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City Rural Bank of Montevista Public Market,

Taglatawan, Bayugan City DAFAMCO Multi-Purpose Bank Esperanza Rd., Poblacion, Bayugan City FICCO Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City KING Cooperative, Inc. Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City

SAFRAGEMC National Highway, Taglatawan, Bayugan City SRT Lending National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City Enterprise Bank National Highway, Taglatawan, Bayugan City Western Union - Lhuiller Inc. National Highway, Poblacion & Taglatawan, Bayugan City First Consolidated Bank Rotunda, Pob., Bayugan City

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Mercury Drug National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City LOTTO Outlet Poblacion & Taglatawan Bayugan City 21

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Warehouse Club Inc. National Highway, Maygatasan, Bayugan City

Grace Ong Enterprise National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City New Hervic Commercial National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City

Santiago Foodmart/Grocery Rotunda, Pob., Bayugan City

Bayugan Flairmart Rotunda, Pob., Bayugan City

BWM Rotunda, Pob., Bayugan City

Brightstar Trading Rotunda, Pob., Bayugan City Rose drug National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City NOVO National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City AJ Santiago Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City Samper's Clothing Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City Aguilar's Dry Goods Public Market, Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Internet Café

NPJ Computer express Taglatawan, Bayugan City Guildmate Internet Café Esperanza rd. Pob. , Bayugan City

Skyline computer Network Inc. Taglatawan, Bayugan City

M @ DAD’S Internet Café Poblacion, Bayugan City

2 I & ‘Z Internet Café Bayugan Public Market HP online Internet Cafe Poblacion, Bayugan City

22

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Fuel refilling & Services (9 Poblacion & Taglatawan establishment) Bayugan City

Function/Convention Hall San Lorenzo Ruiz Function Hall Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Meteor Garden Balite Drive, Poblacion, Bayugan City Patio Grande National Highway, Taglatawan, Bayugan City

Family's Place Osmeña, Bayugan City CSWD Function Hall CSWD Bldg., City Government Center ADSCO Covered Court National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City FYTC/City Gym National Highway, Poblacion, Bayugan City BNCHS Gym BNCHS, Poblacion, Bayugan City ADSPIL Covered Court Poblacion, Bayugan City

FUHS Gym Poblacion, Bayugan City

Prosperidad

Health Services

Prosperidad Rural Health Clinic Poblacion, Prosperidad Blue Star Clinic Poblacion, Prosperidad

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Bayantel Poblacion, Prosperidad

SMART Poblacion, Prosperidad

GLOBE Poblacion, Prosperidad 23

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Sun Cellular Prk. 15, Poblacion, Prosperidad Department of Transportation & Prk. 15, Poblacion, Communication (DOTC) Prosperidad DXDA Radyo Agusan DOP, Gov’t. Ctr., Prosperidad NBN (National Broadcasting DOP, Gov’t. Ctr., Network) Channel 8 Prosperidad Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

People’s Bank of Caraga, Inc. Purok 14, Poblacion, Prosperidad

First Consolidated Bank Purok 12, Poblacion, Prosperidad Rural Bank of , Inc. Purok 2, Poblacion, Prosperidad Quedan & Rural Credit D.O. Plaza, Gov’t. Center, Guarantee Corporation Prosperidad Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

M & J Hibaya Store & General Poblacion, Prosperidad Merchandise Balad-on Enterprise & General Poblacion, Prosperidad Merchandise A & B Pharmacy & General Poblacion, Prosperidad Merchandise

Dionsay Store Poblacion, Prosperidad

Santuyo Store Poblacion, Prosperidad

Gascon Store Poblacion, Prosperidad

Anuta Filling Station (Petron) Poblacion, Prosperidad MUC Filling Station (Caltex) Poblacion, Prosperidad

24

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Function/Convention Hall

Provincial Training Center- Four Gov’t. Center, Patin-ay, 1,000/day- can (4) function room, accommodate an Prosperidad average of 50 persons/function room

2.2 South Diwata Range Zone Accommodation and Establishment

2.2.1 Accommodation (Table 6)

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment San 1 economy w/ 1 bed 1 bed 300.00/rm Francisco Northway Brgy. 5, T&B (single- Tourist Inn Hotel San non aircon) Francisco 11 double 22 beds 3beds 700.00/rm standard (aircon) 4 double de 4 beds 12 800.00/rm. luxe w/ hot & beds cold shower, TV (aircon)

1 Suite rm. w/ 1 bed 3 beds 1,000.00/rm. Hot & Cold shower, TV & refrigerator

3 Matrimonial 1 bed 9 beds 700.00/rm. w/ T&B, cable TV (aircon)

1 dormitory 4 beds 900.00/rm (double deck) (aircon)

Paseo de Brgy. 2, 2 single 2 beds 580.00/rm San San standard Francisco Francisco

25

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment 8 double 8 beds 3 beds 780.00/rm standard

6 twin bed 12 beds 4 beds 880.00/rm. deluxe

2 twin suite 4 beds 2 beds 998.00/rm. deluxe 3 Queen suite 3 queen 2 beds 998.00/rm. deluxe size beds Paseo de Brgy. 2, San 3 King suite 3 king 9 beds 1,800.00/rm. San Francisco executive size beds Francisco 1 Family suite 3 beds 1 beds 1,980.00/rm. executive

1 Presidential 1 bed 3 bed 1,980.00/rm. suite executive Extra bed 250.00 extra person 150.00

Asia Brgy.2, San 7 single 7 beds 7 beds 650.00/rm, Novotel, Francisco (aircon) 200.00 add'tl. Inc. bed Wash-up rm. 280.00/rm for 3 hrs. 14 matrimonial 14 beds 14beds 700.00/rm (aircon) 2 twin size(VIP) 2 beds 2 beds 750.00/rm Millenium Prk. 4, 5 double 5 beds 5 beds 600.00/rm. Drive Inn Brgy.5, San (aircon w/ TV, Francisco T&B)

Pension Donegal Brgy. 5, San 7 double 7 beds 7 beds 550.00/rm, House Pension Francisco (aircon) 100.00 add'tl. House bed

2 single twin 4 beds 2 beds 750.00/rm (aircon) 2 double 7 beds 7 beds 550.00/rm

(non-aircon) Sligo's Prk.3, 4 single twin 8 beds 4 beds 850.00/rm., Place Brgy. 4, (aircon) 100.00 San add'tl. bed

26

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment Francisco 9 double 9 beds 9 beds 650.00/rm. (aircon)

1 single 1 bed 1 bed 400.00/rm. (aircon)

2 double 2 beds 2 beds 300.00/rm (non-aircon)

Nhoralex Brgy. 4, 2 single w/ 2 beds 400.00/rm. Pension San T&B, TV Haus Francisco (aircon)

1 matrimonial 1 bed - 550.00/rm. w/ T&B, TV (aircon)

1 double w/ 1 bed 1 bed 550.00/rm. T&B, TV (aircon)

1 single triple 3 beds 750.00/rm. (aircon)

Alegria Prk. 4, 3 dormitory 42 beds 2,000.00/rm Garden Brgy. type w/ aircon Groove Alegria, San Francisco

Cauley Brgy. 1, 5 single 5 beds 550.00/rm Lodge San (aircon) Francisco 5 double 5 beds 650.00/rm (aircon)

Lodging Arian Prk. 5, 4 single 4 beds 700.00/rm., House Lodge Brgy. 2, (aircon) 500.00/rm. for 12 hrs. San Francisco 2 double 2 beds 800.00/rm., (aircon) 600.00/rm for 12 hrs.

2 single (non- 2 beds 200.00/rm., aircon) for 12 hrs.

27

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment 2 double(non- 2 beds 300.00/rm., aircon) for 12 hrs.

Laguna Brgy. 2, 1 single w/ T&B 1 bed 470.00/rm. Lodge San (aircon) Francisco 2 single twin 2 beds 470.00/rm. (aircon)

5 single w/ 5 beds 250.00/rm. T&B, electric fan

4 double w/ 4 beds 250.00/rm. T&B, electric fan

29 single (ord.) 29 beds 75.00/rm. common toilet

Liberty Burgos St., 4 double w/ CR 4 beds 500.00/rm. Park Inn Brgy. 1, (aircon) San Francisco 4 twin double 4 beds 300.00/rm. w/CR & TV (non-aircon)

12 single (ord.), 12 beds 150.00/rm common CR

J&C Lodge Brgy. 1, 3 single (ord. 3 beds 150.00/rm non-aircon San Francisco 6 double (ord. 6 beds 200.00/rm. non-aircon)

3 double twin 6 beds 200.00/rm (non-aircon)

2 single (aircon) 2 beds 500.00/rm.

2 double 2 beds 600.00/rm. (aircon)

1 double 2 beds 700.00/rm. (aircon)

28

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment 1 family (aircon) 3 beds 800.00/rm.

Diwata San Isidro, 3 single (ord. 3 beds 600.00/rm. Trng. Ctr, San aircon) Tel.# Francisco, (085)343- ADS 2 double de 4 beds 800.00/rm. 8185 luxe

3 dormitory 5 beds 450.00/rm. type w/ aircon

Resort Villa Karaos, 10 single 20 beds 1,000.00/rm. Teresita San

Resort Francisco 1 de luxe 1 bed 1,000.00/rm. (single)

2 de luxe 4 beds 1,000.00/rm. (single twin)

1 suite 1 bed 1,700/rm.

18 ordinary 36 beds 500/rm.

Rosario- No accommodation establishment available

Bunawan/ Tamara San Lodging Lodging Teodoro, House House Bunawan

ASSCAT San 2 dormitory 25 beds Guest Teodoro, type House Bunawan

Cabanilla' San s Lodge Teodoro, Bunawan

Floating Lake Mihaba & Lake Eco-Lodge Kelobedan, Bunawan

Trento/Touri >Hill’s Pulang- 1 single, 1 bed 450.00/rm st Inn View Inn lupa, common CR Trento (aircon)

2 double 2 beds 550.00/rm.

29

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment common CR (aircon)

2 single with 2 beds 1 bed 750.00/rm CR (aircon) 1 executive 1 bed 1 bed 1,500.00/rm.

5 de luxe 5 beds 750.00/rm

2 superior 2 beds 950.00/rm

1 Family size 1 bed 1 bed 1,350.00/rm

2 matrimonial 2 beds 2 beds 800.00/rm.

3 studio type 6 beds 3 beds 300/rm

2 dormitory 24 beds 200/pax type

La Poblacion, 2 single, 2 beds 200/rm. Corazon Trento common CR,

Pension (non-aircon) House 2 single, 2 beds 350.00.00/r

common CR, m. (non-aircon)

1 double 2 beds 300.00/rm. deck,

common CR (non-aircon)

1 single 1 bed 400.00/rm. common T&B (aircon)

La Poblacion, 1 single w/ cr 1 bed 550.00/ rm. Trento Corazon (aircon) Pension House 1 double w/ 1 bed 550.00/rm. T&B (aircon)

30

Name of # of Extra Rate/day or Classification Establish Location # of Rooms Beds Bed night (Php) ment 2 double w/ 2 beds 600.00/ rm. H&C shower (aircon) 8 double 8 double 2 beds 450.00/ rm.

3 single 3 beds 3 beds 300.00/ rm.

XYZ Poblacion, 6 double 6 beds 4 beds 300.00/ rm Lodging Trento House

2.2.2 Food and Beverages (Table 7)

Mun./ Name of Locations Remarks Establishment

San Francisco

Jollibee Restaurant - Brgy. 2, San Francisco Softserve product Freemont Foods Corp.

MAYA's Restaurant Brgy. 2, San Francisco Catering services, accept reservation for the ff: Trainings, Seminars, Weddings, Birthddays, Anniversaries and other occasions

Rosario Grill Brgy. 2, San Francisco Catering services, accept reservation for the ff: Trainings, Seminars, Weddings, Birthddays, Anniversaries and other occasions

3KC's Brgy. 5, San Francisco Fastfoods and Coffee shop

Len's Fastfoods Brgy.4, San Francisco Fastfoods

Rosalinda's Brgy. 4, San Francisco Catering services, accept reservation for the ff:

Trainings, Seminars, 31

Mun./ Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Weddings, Birthddays, Anniversaries and other occasions

Rose Bakeshop Brgy 4, San Francisco Fastfoods

Christina Victoria Brgy 4, San Francisco Fastfoods

San Francisco Hubang, San Francisco Stop-Over Restaurant

Rosario

Kusina Rosario Public Market, Rosario

Kambingan Public Market, Rosario

Wow Bakery Public Market, Rosario

Bunawan

Cabanilla's Restaurant

Trento

Jolie’s Bakeshop Pulang lupa, Trento

RC Clapiz Restaurant (Fast Poblacion, Trento food

Anahaw Restaurant Poblacion, Trento (catering services)

Halo-Halo Café (Fast food) Poblacion, Trento

2.2.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop (Table 8) Municipality/Name of Location Product Line Remarks Establishment San Francisco Tourism Display Center Brgy. 2, San Native products, Francisco woodcrafts, beads & furnitures

32

Municipality/Name of Location Product Line Remarks Establishment Paseo de San Francisco Brgy. 4, along Nat’l. Highway

Rosario None

Bunawan

2 Jewelry Shop Prk. 3, San Gold & Silver Teodoro, Manufacturing Bunawan

Trento

Wild Trend Woodcraft Prk. 1 Woodcraft, carving, DOT Poblacion, Accredited Trento

Lily’s Calamansi Prk.1, Delicacies (Juices, DTI Poblacion, homemade coffee and Accredited Trento herbal medicines) (OTOP)

Organic Technology Prk. 1, Organic Fertilizer, DA Poblacion, Accredited Trento

2.2.4 Other Support Facilities (Table 9)

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment San Francisco

Health Services

De Leon Medical Clinic Brgy. 2, San Francisco

Sansaet Medical Clinic Brgy. 2, San Francisco

Dr. Ronquillo Pediatric Clinic Brgy. 1, San Francisco

KIAN Polyclinic Brgy. 2, San Francisco

33

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment San Francisco Diagnostic Brgy. 2, San Francisco Medical Clinic & Drug Testing Center

St. Jude Therapeutic & Medical Clinic

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Communication San Francisco

Bayantel Brgy. 2, San Francisco

Philcom Corporation Brgy. 5, San Francisco

Department of Brgy. 3, San Francisco Transportation and Communication (DOTC)

DXSF San Franz Radio San Francisco

Real Radio San Francisco

Radyo Natin San Francisco

Kuyaw FM San Francisco

DXSN San Francisco

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

Development Bank of the San Francisco Philippines (DBP)

Land Bank of the Philippines San Francisco (LBP)

Philippine National Bank San Francisco

Metropolitan Bank and San Francisco Trust Company (Metro Bank)

One Network Bank San Francisco

Enterprise Bank San Francisco

34

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Rural Bank of Montevista San Francisco

Green Bank Inc. San Francisco

People’s Bank of Caraga, San Francisco Inc.

Rural Bank of Cantilan, Inc. San Francisco

Coop Bank of Agusan del San Francisco Sur

King Development Coop, San Francisco Inc.

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Mercury Drug Brgy. 2, San Francisco

Davao Central Warehouse Brgy. 5, San Francisco, Club, Inc.

Kuki’s Business Venue Brgy. 4, San Francisco (Tour & Travel/Ticketing)

NOVO Brgy. 2, San Francisco

Hibaya’s Merchandise Brgy. 2, San Francisco

Function/Convention Hall

Paseo de San Francisco Brgy. 4, San Francisco 2 unit

Rosario

Health Services

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Communication Rosario

Globe Telecom Rosario

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer /Changer , Remittance Center)

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

35

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Function/Convention Hall

Bunawan

Health Services

Bunawan District Hospital San Teodoro, Bunawan

Rural Health Unit San Teodoro, Bunawan

2 Private Clinic San Teodoro, Bunawan

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Telecommunication San Teodoro, Bunawan

Globe Telecommunication San Teodoro, Bunawan

PLDT (Landline) San Teodoro, Bunawan

6 Internet Café San Teodoro, Bunawan

Radio Station DXAK FM San Teodoro, Bunawan

Post Office San Teodoro, Bunawan

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer /Changer , Remittance Center)

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

15 Grocery Stores San Teodoro, Bunawan

Petron refiling station San Teodoro, Bunawan

Function/Convention Hall

Akbayan Function Hall San Teodoro, Bunawan

CDC Function Hall San Teodoro, Bunawan

Trento

Health Services

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Trento Telephone Services Prk. 4, Poblacion, Trento

36

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Inc. (PLDT)

Smart Telecommunication Poblacion , Pulanglupa, & Cellsites w/ office Kapatungan, Trento

Globe Telecommunication Poblacion , Pulanglupa, & Cellsites w/ office Kapatungan, Trento

Trento FM Prk. 6, Poblacion, Trento

Trento Cable Networks Prk. 6, Poblacion, Trento

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer /Changer , Remittance Center)

One Network Bank (w/ Prk.6, Public Market, ATM) Poblacion, Trento

Green Bank (w/ ATM) Poblacion, Trento

Rural Bank of Montevista Prk.6, Poblacion, Trento

First Consolidated Bank Prk.3, Poblacion, Trento

Enterprise Bank Prk. 7, Public Market, Poblacion, Trento

Cantilan Bank Prk. 7, Public Market, Poblacion, Trento

Western Union (Money Prk. 7, Poblacion, Trento Transfer)

MLhuiller (Money Transfer, Prk. 6, Poblacion, Trento remittance center, Pawnshop)

RD Pawnshop (Money Prk. 6, Poblacion, Trento transfer, remittance center)

RCPI (Money transfer, Prk. 7, Public Market, Pob., remittance , courier) Trento

LBC (Money transfer, Prk. 6, Poblacion, Trento remittance , courier)

37

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Postal Office Poblacion, Trento

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

RC Clapiz Superstore

Function/Convention Hall

2.3 Lower Agusan River Valley Zone Accommodation and Establishment

2.3.1 Accommodation (Table 10)

Rate/day Mun. Name of # of Extra Location # of Rooms or night /Classification Establishment Beds Bed (Php) Esperanza Municipal Pob. 2 dormitory 150.00 Training Ctr. Esperanza type San Luis None Talacogon Juaton San Agustin, 12 double 40 beds 12 beds 450.00 Travellers Inn Talacogon 4 single 4 beds 250.00

La Paz Municipal Poblacion, Training Ctr. La Paz Guest House Poblacion, La Paz

2.3.2 Food and Beverages (Table 11)

Municipality/Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Esperanza Municipal Catering Services Poblacion, Esperanza Talacogon Kim Jason Eatery San Agustin, Talacogon Baylosis Carenderia San Agustin, Talacogon Maligsa Carenderia San Agustin, Talacogon Naranjo's Eatery & Videoke Del Monte, Talacogon Haus

38

Municipality/Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Malinao's Eatery Del Monte, Talacogon Zillovia's Women's Association Zillovia, Talacogon Eatery Eva's Lumihan & Videoke Haus San Agustin, Talacogon San Luis La Paz Juvan’s Eatery Poblacion, La Paz Alexis Foodhaus Poblacion, La Paz Monds Carenderia Poblacion, La Paz Vergins Eatery Panagangan, La Paz Aying Bakery Poblacion, La Paz

2.3.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop (Table 12) Municipality/Name of Location Product Line Remaks Establishment Esperanza

Dakutan Women’s Dakutan, Esperanza Bags & Wallet Association Display Center

Talacogon None

San Luis None

La Paz None

2.3.4. Other Support Facilities (Table 13) Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Esperanza

Health Services

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Communication Esperanza

Globe Telecom. Esperanza

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

39

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Function/Convention Hall

Talacogon Health Services

Rural Health Unit San Isidro, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur

Barangay Health Station Brgy. Zillovia, Culi, Zamora, Labnig, Causwagan, Batucan, Del Monte, Buena Gracia, La Flora, arbon, Desamparados

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Cell Site San Agustin and Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur Globe Cell Site San Agustin and Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center) People's Bank of Caraga, Inc. Brgy. Del Monte, Talacogon, ADS

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Maligsa Store, Bakeshop & Brgy. San Agustin & Del Eatery Monte, Talacogon, ADS

Giango Store Brgy. San Agustin, Talacogon, ADS

Yulito's Pharmacy Brgy. San Agustin, Talacogon, ADS

Parmacia DESSARYN Brgy. San Agustin, Talacogon, ADS

Phoenex Gasoline Station Brgy. San Agustin, Talacogon, ADS

40

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Function/Convention Hall

San Luis

Health Services

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Communication

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Function/Convention Hall

La Paz

Health Services

La Paz Municipal Hospital Rural Health Unit Health Station

Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.)

Smart Cell Site

Globe Cell Site

Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center)

People’s Bank of Caraga, Inc.

Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Function/Convention Hall

41

2.4 Upper Agusan River Valley Zone Accommodation and Establishment

2.4.1 Accommodation (Table 14) Mun./ Name of # of # of Extra Rate/day Location Classification Establishment Rooms Beds Bed or night Sta. Josefa 3Js Lodge Pk 7, Pob 7 3 3 Php 700 Castor’s Apartelle Pk6, Pob 4 3 3 800 Transient lodge Pk5, Pob 6 3 2 500 Veruela Kalahi Farmer's Poblacion, 2 50 Php Training Center Veruela dormit beds 110/pax/ (Fully ory day Airconditioned) type 2 6 beds 450.00/r family m. Loreto Julao Family Lodge Poblacion, 6 & Bakery Loreto rooms Lemos Lodge & Poblacion, 9 Fastfood Loreto rooms

2.4.2 Food and Beverages (Table 15) Municipality/Name of Locations Remarks Establishment Sta. Josefa (Fast Food): Roadside Eatery Prk. 7, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Bermejos Eatery Prk. 8, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Nogaras Batchoy Prk. 8, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Timo-Timoan Prk. 8, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa K'Berks Kamayan Prk. 8, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Accept Catering services for all occassions with 50 persons capacity. Women's Training Center Prk. 8, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Accept Catering services for all occassions with 120 persons capacity. Veruela Cateing Services: Betina's Catering Services Prk. 4, Poblacion, Veruela Offer Cateing Services for all occasions M. Cortez Carendeia & Prk. 3, Poblacion, Veruela Cateing Services Laurencia Salise Catering Prk. 4, Poblacion, Veruela Eatery Villamor's Eatery Prk. 2, Poblacion, Veruela Offer foods mostly during lunch time Loreto None 42

2.4.3 Novelty and Souvenir Shop (Table 16) Municipality/Name of Location Product Line Remaks Establishment Sta. Josefa 3Rs Wood Craft Brgy. Tapaz Drift wood carvings, Display Center is plaque, furniture and at Tourism wood décor Display Center JG's Printing Shop Prk. 8, Polacion Leis, trophies, Souvenir items, tarpaulins & billboard printing Veruela None Loreto None

2.4.4 Other Support Facilities (Table 17) Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Sta. Josefa Health Services Health Center Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Lying-in (Maternal services) Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.) PLDT Poblacion, Sta. Josefa SMART Cellsite Poblacion, Sta. Josefa GLOBE Cellsite Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Postal Office Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Access to internet Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center) People's Bank of Caraga, Inc. Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Mlhuiller Pera Padala Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station) Billanes Budget Center Prk. 7, Poblacion, Sta. Josefa WSS Shopping Center Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Fuentes Dry Goods Poblacion, Sta. Josefa Time Touch Emporium Prk. 7, Pob., Sta. Josefa Canoncia Grocery Store Prk. 8, Pob., Sta. Josefa Petron Gasoline Station Prk. 8, Pob., Sta. Josefa Flying V Gasoline Prk. 8, Pob., Sta. Josefa Sta. Josefa Caltex Station Prk. 8, Pob., Sta. Josefa Function/Convention Hall Gov. DOP Gymnasium and Prk. 7, Pob., Sta. Josefa Recreation Center PTCA Covered Court Prk. 1, Pob., Sta. Josefa

43

Municipality/Name of Location Remaks Establishment Veruela Health Services Veruela Rural Health Unit Maasin, Veruela Birthing Clinic Sinobong, Veruela Newly Constructed Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.) Smart Telecommunication Maasin, Veruela Globe Telecommunication Maasin, Veruela PLDT Poblacion, Veruela Newly Installed Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center) None Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station) Victorian Heights Hardware Prk.2, Veruela Function/Convention Hall Kalahi Farmer's Training Center Poblacion, Veruela Can Accommodate 150 pax, fully airconditioned Loreto Health Services Information Services (Telephone, websites & available networks & Coverage.) Financial Institution (Bank, ATM’s, Money Transfer/Changer , Remittance Center) Commercial Establishment (Groceries Store, Hardware, Gasoline Station)

Function/Convention Hall

3. Workshop Outputs

3.1 In what ways tourism affects the local economy?

Employment will increase as new jobs will be formed. New business ventures will be formed as tourism related businesses and facilities will come up such as lodging houses. Increase in the number of entrepreneurs. Increase in the profits/incomes of businesses. Enhancement of life resulting to higher income. Increase in tax revenue or abrupt escalation of revenue. Provide alternative livelihood for the local economy. Formulation of policies that would affect the revenue generation. More investment opportunities in the locality that will develop the community. Help in the reduction of deficit. Increase in the value of the real property. Improvement in the infrastructures tourism establishments and amenities. Banks offering business loans. Inflations and impacts on prices. 44

Opportunities for new funding windows. Encourage mass production of local products and goods such as delicacies and souvenirs items. More opportunities for livelihood projects that maximizes the natural resources in the area especially the untapped one. Enhancement of livelihood in economic activity. Formation of Technical Working Group in support to tourism activities (LGU in terms of leadership and governance). Local business and people are encouraged to respond the needs and economic activities of/for tourism. People in the community became service provider as well as end user. Community benefits from the tourism activities. Contributes to municipal, provincial and national income. Possible monopoly of big capitalist. Workers being sourced out outside of the locality. Competitiveness of LGU’s. Backward and forward (Value Chain Activities) Enhance the quality of products and services Change of lifestyle (eg. Establishment of Recreational Center) Rise in criminality affects the local economy (more people means more crimes) Rise in economic expenses due to dependence in technology Cost saving due to technology Increase in the number of tourist due to international recognition.

3.2 How will Tourism affect the Environment?

Present Scenario o Less Quality of water o Increase of Solid waste disposed along the river (esp. plastic) o Increase of water consumption o Mining waste (Processing Plant) o Loss of vegetation o Unprepared site for tourism activity o Non-conformance of existing land use and zoning

Future Scenario o Bring new technology/Information (waterless toilet etc.) o Increase access to site leading to resource extraction/utilization o Air pollution (mining & industrial waste) o Change in Landscape (future development) o Increase of Built-up areas o reforestation program (orchard) o reduction of forest disturbance/exploitation o Enhance ecological preservation 45

o Increase of Investment for environmental management & protection o Land use in-place o Land use plan and zoning implemented o Minimize Environmental Degradation o Biodiversity conserve & protected o Inappropriate land uses o Historical & cultural sites preserves o Enhance air, water and soil quality o Environmental policies harmonize

3.3 In what ways the local population/ residents are affected by tourism?

Positive Sides: o Increase awareness on environmental protection specifically on the preserved areas, archeological sites and solid waste management. o Improved interactions/better communication of IPs with other people for they have build self-confidence. o Improved self-esteem especially when their culture is being recognized. o Enhanced management skills in managing their facilities/business. o Cultural consciousness. o IPs become educated. o Increase awareness on technologies. o Women participation in the community. o Generate additional income and employment opportunities. o Improved behavior o Improved quality of life. o More boats are available for travel in the river aside from land transportations. o Preservation of local cultures. o Greater participation and commitment. o Improvement of inter-marriage practices (tourist and local resident). o Reduction of racial discrimination o Improved equity (balance distribution of social needs) o Establish of Good Will to tourists o Preservation of IKSP (Indigenous Knowledge System Practices)

3.4 Perception on Tourism Development

3.4.1 By the LGU’s

3.4.2. By the Private Sector

3.4.3 By the IP’s

3.4.4 By the Community 46

4. Glossary/References: (Compiled by Mr. Venchito Indias, 2010)

Tourism Product Development

Introduction: The Far-Reaching View of Tourism

TOURISM is a composition of activities, services and industries that its primary desire is to deliver TRAVEL EXPERIENCES AND TOURIST SATISFACTION. These are the objectives of tourism to keep our consumers from coming. Experience and satisfaction are all intangible benefits that result into indelible tourism products. We have to take a look at the nature of tourism and take into consideration the community as commodity.

Perspective

The tour is a journey or trip done by an individual for a purpose. The tourist is anyone who makes such a trip/tour. They seek various psychic and physical experiences and satisfaction and at the same time determine the destination chosen activities and enjoyment.

The Business of providing tourist goods and services could help fulfill consumer’s satisfaction. Tourism was viewed as an opportunity to make a profit by supplying the goods and services that the tourist market demands. Political leaders look at tourism as a Wealth Factor in the economy of their own premises. Their views and opinions are related to the incomes their community members can generate from tourism business and enterprises. The government considers foreign exchange receipts from international tourism as well as the tax receipts collected from tourist expenditures either directly or indirectly. The Host Community / local people see tourism as cultural upliftment and employment factor as the effect of interaction between large numbers of international visitors and residents, that could be beneficial or harmful and maybe experienced left and right.

To be called a tourist, one must be:

Any person who is temporarily staying for at least 24 hours in a destination area for a purpose. May it be for leisure such as recreation, vacation, health, study or for religion. For business, like attending to meetings, conferences, or conventions. Perhaps for both business pleasure.

Differentiationof Tourists. Any individual/person who visits a country of his/her choice is a foreign tourist. A person who travel and stays within the country of his/her own is a domestic tourist. Anyone who stays temporarily in a place for less than 24 hours, including the one who’s traveling on cruise is an excursionist.

Tour/Travel according to boundaries. A tour being made by any person within the country of his or her own is a domestic tour or an inbound tour. Any tour done by anyone across international boundaries is an international travel or an outbound tour. 47

Special Characteristics of Tourism:

1. The product is not brought to the consumer, rather the consumer has to travel and go to the product to buy it. The products of tourism cannot be compared to a specific manufacturers goods when it can be brought and sold at the market. 2. The products of tourism are not used-up. The country’s natural resources that are not exhausted with no limited product life cycle that ends up in a junk yard or trash. 3. Labor – intensive industry, requires more human resources 4. People-oriented industry, tourist like to meet other people and see how they live and life style 5. Multi-dimensional phenomenon – dependent on many and various separate activities but interdependent 6. Seasonal – goes with the time, trends and demands 7. Dynamic – requires volition in dealing with changing ideas, tourist attitudes, changes, challenges and demands of this industry.

Importance of tourism

Current forecasts suggest that international travel will double this century, Account for the increase international trade – not less than 10%, potential benefits from tourism and importance. Salient factors of tourism to any World Class Economy 1. Contribution to Balance payment by earning much needed foreign currency. 2. Dispersion of development spread of wealth and bridging economic gaps between the rich and the poor nations. 3. Effect on the General Economic Development, tourist’s expenditures has beneficial effects on all economic sectors. 4. Employment opportunities, sources of jobs, effects on countries with surplus labor. 5. Social benefits, social exchange and contract with the inhabitants. 6. Cultural enrichment, sharing and appreciation of cultures, human and cultural diversity, motivate the preservation of cultural heritage in logical and cultural distance, overcome prejudices.

Tourism Components

Tourism is a network composite of organizations from both public and private sectors that are involved in the development, production and marketing of products and service to serve the needs of travelers. Business and corporation, classified into three categories:

1. Direct providers, business like the airlines, hotels, restaurants, ground transportation, travel agencies, retail shops. Provide services activities and products that we purchased and/or consumed directly. 2. Support services, specialized services such as tour organizers, travel and trade publicist, hotel management firms, and travel research firms. Basic supplies and services like laundry and food services that we contracted. Provide goods and 48

services to both travel organization and tourist directly but not exclusively to tourist. 3. Development organization, the planners, government agencies, financials institutions, real estate developers, academe, sustainable development.

Supply Components and Classification

1. Natural resources, usage of elements in the area for enjoyment such as:

a. Climate b. Land-forms c. Terrain d. Flora and fauna e. Bodies of water f. Beaches g. Natural beauty h. Water supply for drinking i. Sanitation and similar uses

2. Infrastructure, all underground and surface construction such as:

a. Water supply system b. Sewage disposal system c. Gas lines d. Electrical and communication system e. Drainage system f. Other constructed facilities in the surface Highways Airports Railroads Roads Drives Parking lots Parks Night lightings Marina,s and dock facilities Bus and train station facilities Seminar tourist services installation

3. Super structure, above ground facilities/services:

a. Airport buildings b. Passenger traffic terminals c. Hotels d. Motels e. Restaurants

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f. Resorts g. Shopping centers h. Places of entertainment i. Museums j. Stores k. Similar structures

4. Transportation and transportation equipment includes such as:

a. Ships/water crafts b. Aircrafts/airplanes c. Train d. Buses e. Limousines f. Taxis g. Automobiles h. Railways i. Aerial tramways j. Similar transportation facilities

5. Hospitality resources, successful hosting of tourists made possible because of cultural wealth.

a. Welcoming spirit of tourist business employees b. Attitudes of the residents towards visitors c. Courtesy d. Friendliness e. Sincere interest f. Willingness to serve g. To get better acquainted with visitors h. Manifestations of warmth/cordiality i. Cultural resources of an areas (fine arts, literature, history, music, dances, dramatic arts, and shopping)

Classification of major tourism resources and activities that can be promoted locally: Recreation:

 Boating  Camping  Climbing(rock, wall and like)  Rauch (farm vacations, survival training, etc.)  Golf  Hiking, trekking  Hunting and fishing  Horseback riding

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References:

1. CARAGA Regional Development Plan “Growth Boosters” – FAME

Fisheries

Agro-forestry (i.e. industrial tree plantation) - Developing Farmland in the region for agri-business opportunities - Increasing agricultural productivity through interventions such as post harvest facilities, credit support, infrastructure - Encouraging the growth of the forestry sector - Significantly contribute the job generation targets of the region

Mineral - Develop the mineral rich areas of the region - Increased investments in mining - Increase in mining’s share to the regional economy - Generate significant amount of employment for the region

Ecotourism

- Increase tourist arrivals - Increase tourism related employment - Intensify eco-tourism marketing efforts of the region - Increase much needed investments for tourism in the region (improvement of airport, seaports, additional tourist facilities, etc) - Support to agribusiness - Support to existing agri-industrial and industrial estates - Development of the region’s human resources and provision of basic services.

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