News: Caraga has Least Corrupt Officials

Sandiganbayan records showed public officials from the Caraga Region and the Western Visayas are the least corrupt in the country.

From 1979 to 2008 or a period of almost 30 years, only 41 cases were filed before the Sandiganbayan special anti-graft court against government officials from Caraga administrative region, which is composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur; and the cities of Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Butuan, Surigao and Bislig. Read more...

News: Dinagat roads to development

Passing through the road of Dinagat Island from Cagdianao to Loreto gives Dinagatnons clues of the island's past and a vivid picture of its current status. It also gives us a glimpse of our future towards development, or perdition.

From the picturesque road of Cagdianao, to the welcome road of Dinagat, to the hilly road of San Jose, to the scenic road of Basilisa, to the Libjo road that dissect Paragua Forest, to the rustic road of Tubajon, and to the historic road of Loreto, Dinagatnons could see indicators of current endeavors towards local development.

New bridges, concreting & repairing of roads, and sprouting of public signboards are almost everywhere. Old roads are having a facelift, while new ones cut across uncharted terrains. It is just a matter of time when these roads will be totally paved with concrete. Read more...

Christmas Greetings from Here and Abroad!

To all Dinagat-non and Libjo-anon from Here and around the world Merry Christmas and Happy New year to all!

Throughout this year and next year and on these difficult times we wish you all safe and healthy.

We lost connection in Libjo :-( - that is the other thing we want to say. To all our local customers in Libjo we apologies we are temporarily closing our internet service until further notice. Though we will try to make you (LibjoLive! visitors) informed about what's happening in Libjo and around the Island. We hope you will still find this site informative and consider it our community online.

Thank you very much for all your continued support.

Nico


Please leave your greetings here.

KALAHI-CIDSS Bring Development to Libjo

Development has practically reached the barangay's of Libjo, Dinagat Island as the government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's KALAHI-CIDSS Project has made all these possible.

Last September 2-3, 2008, DSWD Caraga Chief Mercedita P. Jabagat, Libjo Mayor Lamberto T. Llamera Jr. and the Barangay Officials together with Msgr. Ramon S. Cafe, conducted a series of Sub-Project Inauguration in four barangay's of Libjo.

KALAHI-CIDSS is the flagship anti-poverty project of the office of the President which has been implemented since 2003 and is said to culminate on June 2009.







DSWD Caraga Chief Mercedita P Jabagat, Libjo Mayor Lamberto T. Llamera Jr. and Reverend Cafe in one of the ceremony.










Sea Wall - Barangay Osmena

Water System - Barangay Dona Helen

Two Classroom Elementary Building

- Barangay Bayanihan

Day Care Center - Barangay Kanihaan

News: Dinagat Islands Gov Delivers Second State-of-Province Address

San Jose, Dinagat Islands (October 9) -- In her one hour and thirty minutes State of the Province Address (SOPA) yesterday, October 8 at the Aurelio Gym here, Gov. Jade B. Ecleo shared her story a year ago when she left Manila to accept the mandate given to her by the Dinagatnons to lead them to a better future.

"Our story is about obstacles hurdled, fears overcome, weaknesses converted into strengths, and confusion cleared by a common direction. It is a story of faith, and confusion cleared by a common direction. It is a story of faith, courage, commitment, and partnership. A story of people helping each other to transform current adversities to windows of opportunities."

She further added that with the birth of the youngest province of the country, the expectations of the people were mountain high. "But instead of cowering from fear of not able to deliver it, we dissected these expectations, set parameters, and placed the parts within a time frame. We built hopes and encourage community participation. We purposively placed key stakeholders on board, and created our vision." More...

News: Libjo mayor "loses" P2-M a year

Libjo Mayor Lamberto Llamera claimed that his administration is losing a sizable amount of P2 million a year as local cash counterpart for the KALAHI-CIDSS Project, a flagship anti-poverty project from the government implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

However, he affirmed that every amount is worth it since development is felt as various facilities are in the works at the different barangays in this mineral-rich town of the Province of Dinagat Islands.

"With the present economic problem which is widely felt even in other parts of the world, I think it is just wise to invest with projects like the KALAHI- CIDSS. If we only rely with our municipal IRA (internal revenue allotment), these sub-projects now would not have been possible," the town mayor said in during an inauguration ceremony conducted early this week. More ...

PPPP in Libjo

DSWD in collaboration with the Libjo Local Government Unit, launch and implements the Pangtawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (PPPP) which other countries may call the Conditional Cash Transfer. This program is headed by Caraga Regional Director Mercedita P. Jabagat as Chairman and Regional Coordinator Angelita P. Amista and is being represented by their Focal Person Ms. Wilma B. Geralla.
It is a Philippine Government funded program that provides the identified and selected poor family who meet certain conditions with a P500 pesos monthly cash grant with health and educational benefits to pursue the governments aim in reducing poverty.

It focuses on the children sector aged 0 to 14 , including pregnant women and also provides parents education and livelihood programs for them to be able to rear their kids to the right direction. You can visit www.dswd.gov.ph for more information.

Libjo Mayor's 53rd Birthday Celebration

The 53rd birthday celebration of Libjo's town mayor this August 1 was extended until the next day. Honored guests includes the executives of mining companies in Libjo, Board Member Ukem Ecleo, Vice Mayor Romeo Villarosa, Tubajon's Mayor Ronald Luib with his better half, SB Members and the Barangay Officials. The ANHS Dance Troupe , launching of the hot air balloon and a disco that ends around 4am graced the said occasion.




Libjo's Mayor Lamberto Llamera and Tubajon's Mayor Ronald Luib together with their first ladies Dr. Ma. Fe Borja Llamera and Mrs. Velia Arreza Luib during the extended day.









At the mayor's residence.

Voyage to Paradise

Armed with good food, good company and an indomitable sense of adventure, we sailed off the beaten track and found the joys of frontier diving.

We hope the pictures speak adequately of Napantaw's mind-boggling fish-clouded, candy-colored, coral-laden wall; or do justice to remote, paradisaical Dinagat Island, an undiscovered gem tucked away in a time-forgotten corner of the archipelago; or perhaps convey the sense of living la dolce vita at The Surf Camp on Calicoan Island.

Link to Kevin and Joy's Site and to more photos.

Waterworld by Sight

The horizon at sunrise











Wave makers













Libjo Bay at sunset










Playing with the sunset

Libjo at First Rally

“Libjo? Nasa Pilipinas pa ba yan?” Those were my exact words the first time I heard of the town. For the past eight months I dreaded the idea of going to the islands, yet I know like the air that I breath, it is inevitable.

So, as a loyal subject, I decided to go and get it over and done with. With the smug smile on my face and all the positivism I could master, I go aboard on a journey to Libjo and mentally labeled it as “MY JUNE ADVENTURE”.

I was totally captivated by the serene view of twilight, and the chill of dawn that greeted me.

I thought I had my share of the trimmings during fiestas, because I’ve been to different places, yet nothing cautioned me for the assault of colors when I first saw the bandiritas…. all lined up on the streets of Albor…streets after streets.. corner after corners… as far as the eyes can see… giving one an ambiance of nobility and welcome.

Everybody is so warm and friendly, treating me like their long lost bestfriend…and telling me.. that I must stay for the Fiesta and got the chance to dance “kuratcha”…( I do not have any idea how that is being done,until i asked someone to explain)

How I wish I could…but pressing matters need to be attended to.. and since my work has been done, (although with some bumps and hallows along the way), I need to say goodbye to Libjo.

Never again though, will I ever look at the map, and see it as an insignificant island, because seven days ago, in this historic land mass, I embarked on a job and an adventure… where I had BOTH and something more. A lagniappe I call it. Story by Illusion

Libjo Fiesta Celebration 2008

4th Libjo Motocross Open Invitational

Result For Enduro Novice:
1. Loloy Cuares (Surigao) - 1st
2. Eddie Vega (Surigao) - 2nd
3. Jumby Galagaran (Surigao) - 3rd
4. Cesar Crisologo (Surigao)
5. Dindo Arlan (Surigao)
6. Kenken Helya (San Jose)

Result For Underbone (Small Bike)
1. Kenken Helya (San Jose) - 1st
2. Dodong Helya (San Jose) - 2nd
3. Hataw Boy (Surigao) - 3rd

Result Inter-open Category:
1. Leo Letim (Surigao) - 1st
2. Angelo Elacion (Surigao) - 2nd
3. San Jose Boy - 3rd

Result For AMA - Production:
1. Loloy Madrid (Cantilan) - 1st
2. Angelo Elacion (Surigao) - 2nd
3. Leo Letim (Surigao) - 3rd
4. Ronie Elsisura

Result For Expert Production:
1. Pupit Frias (Cantilan) - 1st
2. Payok Cuares (Surigao) - 2nd
3. Jeck Gubaton (Surigao) - 3rd
4. Leo Letim (Surigao)
5. Loloy Madrid (Cantilan)

News: Sandiganbayan Affirms Ecleo's Graft Conviction

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed three graft convictions against former San Jose, Surigao del Norte Mayor Ruben Ecleo, Jr., and three of his former subordinates in connection with fund disbursement anomalies in three construction projects during his term.

In a resolution by the anti-graft court's First Division promulgated June 6, Ecleo’s appeal was dismissed for lack of merit, noting that the defendant raised arguments that were already "deliberated, passed upon and explained by the Court" when it convicted him on October 13, 2006.

The Sandiganbayan cases involved the construction of a public market, a new municipal building and a guesthouse, which the court said were all fraudulent, and were undertaken between 1991 and 1994. Full story.

News: DBP Launches Initiatives for Strategic Sectors

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) launches today new initiatives on health care, corporate governance, and the environment as part of its traditional Independence Day celebration at the DBP headquarters in Makati City.
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DBP will sign an agreement with UK-based CarbonAided Limited for the registration of a number of mini-hydro power projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. CDM registration entitles project owners to profit from the sale of carbon emission reduction credits that result from the implementation of their projects.

The projects to be registered under the CDM are the Hinubasan Minihydro Power Project in Dinagat Island; Cantingas Minihydro Power Project in Romblon; and the Sevilla Minihydro Power Project in Bohol.

David said the initiative enables the projects to generate an estimated emission reduction of 15,000 tons of CO2 a year, translating to about US$150,000 additional income to minihydro power project owners. He added that the initiative is a breakthrough for DBP, with the income generated also benefiting the host communities of the said minihydro power projects. Full story.

ACES Alumni Homecoming

Albor Central Elementary School of Libjo, Dinagat Islands successfully held its 1st Grand Alumni Homecoming in June 10, 2008 and eventually elected the first set of Alumni Officers. It is agreed by everybody that a homecoming shall be held every year where a particular batch will be assigned to sponsor the event. Grand Alumni Disco grace the said affair.

The New Set of Officers;
President - Ralph Cafe
Vice President - Marivic Boquilon
Secretary - Muthja Jacquez
Asst. Secretary - Janette Pachu
Treasurer - Euzel Cabeza
Auditor - Suzanate Sandigan
Asst. Auditor - Ednalyn Patulin
Sgt. At Arms - Mitchelle Bagata, Cyrus Malbacias, Redson Torillo, Wenhel Ebra
P.I.O. - Adelyn Plarisan, Bimbo Tumamak, Tito Bucio, Jelson Andit
Board of Directors - Irma Verana, Marlo Ebale, Jeanette Salupan, Yenyen Malbacias
Muse - Irish Bonje
Escort - Dennis Buenafe


Grand Alumni Disco Photos ( Click the photo to have a closer look)

Windows of Libjo

On the way to Bolod-bolod



At the corner....Adring's Store


Road improvement reached Quarry




Almost sunset, Libjo Bay



Albor Barangay Hall




The Rural Health Center (rightmost)




Ricefield, along Bolod-bolod to San Jose highway




Watermelon.....



Copra business



Banana.......anyone? :)




Tabo every Friday



Beside Navarro Gym, during the Tabo




Carabaos.....



Coco Farm

Dinagat in History: Legacy of Memories

Four months earlier during World War II, a less-famous flag-raising occurred on Dinagat Island in the Philippines on Oct. 17, 1944, heralding the pending arrival of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who had promised, “I shall return.”

“Today, I saw the first flag recaptured from the Japs here. It is in the office of Lt. General Krueger, gruff soldierly commander of our Sixth Army. Here is part of the story of the flag, but only part of the story, for no single man knows the whole story. We can assume it passed into the hands of the Japs somewhere on Luzon Island back in 1942, and eventually a Nipponese lieutenant named Yamate took what he thought final possession of it. Yamate was stationed on Bataan. One day he was transferred to Dinagat Island. Dinagat, you’ll recall, was seized by Sixth Army Rangers on Oct. 17 -- three days before the invasion of Leyte. Well, when we landed there, Lt. Yamate skipped and he skipped in a hurry. Around noon on the 17th, Lt. Therrien of Thompsonville, Conn., was checking articles which fleeing Jap officers had left behind. And in Lt. Yamate’s trunk Therrien found the flag. What’s more it was neatly folded, according to the prescribed American Army regulations. The flag, which Yamate brought to Dinagat Island from Bataan, was recovered intact, except for two small holes possibly caused by shots though no one will ever know for sure. In the early hours of the afternoon of the 17th, a little group of the Sixth Army Rangers gathered around a hastily constructed flagpole on Dinagat Island. Sgt. Francis W. Anderson, Chehalis, Washington, raised the flag and the others saluted. A few days ago, the Rangers turned it over to General Krueger, their boss, and some day soon, he’s going to give it to his boss, Douglas MacArthur, and that’s the story of the first flag recaptured in the Philippines. From Lt. Yamate to Gen. MacArthur. This is Arthur Feldman reporting.” Link to Full Story by Julie McDonald For The Chronicle

Libjo by the Port

This is Libjo by the port. A view from Joks Bunk House. Photo by HouseKeeper