Shark Feast-On Bridge (Tag-Iho Bridge)

Thanks Rex for the review. The P100 million Dinagat Island Road Network budget a year ago approved and released now became P22.1 million Tag-iho bridge done project.

Proof1- DPWH Caraga Regional Director Romeo Momo said an initial funding of P100 million was recently released to launch construction of the Dinagat Island Road Network which is seen critical in providing access between urban and rural areas in Dinagat Island. He said detailed engineering work is being done while its bidding process is set to take off before year end. Link1

Proof2- Mindanao Region is considered as the country’s food basket because of its large fertile land areas and evenly distributed tropical climate that makes it suitable for year round crop production. Of the 3 – billion pesos spent for 3000 kms of farm to market roads, 1000 km are earmarked for Mindanao as the government aims to further harness the competitive advantage in agribusiness of the region. Major infrastructure projects being prioritized are the: P210 million Dakak-Dapitan Road Project, the P100 million Dinagat Island Road Network, the P1.326 billion Sibuco-Siraway-Siocon-Baliguian-Gutalac Coastal Road in Zamboanga del Norte and the P6.52 billion Surigao-Davao Road Project. Link2

Proof3- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech during her visit to Basilisa town to inaugurate the P22.1 million Tag-iho bridge emphasized infrastructure development in the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, "what you need here is infrastructure, importante ang usa ka imprastruktura alang sa bag-o nga probinsya (infrastructure is important for a new province)." Link3

And here's another coming sharky event...
The President immediately ordered Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr to begin the soonest possible time the construction of Basilisa-San Jose national road, "we have to build the road from Basilisa to San Jose." The project will cost P200 million.

Libjo's Miss Bikini Open Result

Tonight's Miss Libjo Bikini Open Result.

Major Awards:

Ms. Libjo Bikini Hype 2008- San Antonio
1st Runner up - Osmena
2nd runner up - San Jose
3rd runner up - Sto. Nino
4th runner up - Dona Helen

Minor Awards:

Miss Congeniality - Kanihaan
Miss Photogenic- Bayanihan
Miss Production Number-San Antonio
Miss Urban Amazon Attire- San Antonio
Beach Goddess Attire- Osmena
Miss AMPHIL Corporation - San Antonio
Best in Awesome Bikini- San Antonio
Miss Natasha- Bayanihan
Miss Hot legs- Sto. Nino
Pretty Face - Bayanihan

Click for more photos.

Miss Libjo Bikini Open 2008

Here is our list of the contestants:

Zenith Mondano Jamero -17 years old - Magsaysay
Lourdaneilyn Tumamak Llamera - 15 yrs old - Albor
Rosejane Salamputan Lopez - 18 yrs old-Kanihaan
Mia Maurice U. Villanueva - 16 yrs old - Plaridel
Tetche Monterola Pana - 17 yrs old - Quezon
Mel Ann Comparativo Mensurado - 16 yrs old- San Antonio
Sarah Jane P. Maurillo - 18 yrs old - General Aguinaldo
Shekina C. Mira - 15 yrs old - Osmena
Myeth C. Cababat - 17 yrs old - Llamera
Maria Vanessa C. Abarca - 18 yrs old - Bayanihan
Marnie F. Sacuram - 21 yrs old - Rosita
Mechele M. Obsioma - 15 yrs old - Garcia
KC Blanza - 19 yrs old - Dona Helen
Angelli V. Oslob - 16 yrs old - San Jose
Alzanne Venne R. Codilla - 16 yrs old - Sto. Nino
Emmalyn Enoy Bullo - 15yrs old - Arellano

News: PGMA emphasizes infra development in Dinagat

Basilisa, Dinagat Islands (April 17) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech during her visit to Basilisa town to inaugurate the P22.1 million Tag-iho bridge emphasized infrastructure development in the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, "what you need here is infrastructure, importante ang usa ka imprastruktura alang sa bag-o nga probinsya (infrastructure is important for a new province)."

Being one of the newest provinces in the country and being identified as one of the ten poorest provinces in the country, the President said that, "infrastructure is very important for our competitiveness and for equitable development."

Stressing that in order for new investments to come to the island, one must be competitive. "You cannot be competitive without decent roads. Importante sab sa (It is also important for) equitable development."

She underlined national infrastructure program of road networks designed to spur trade and economic progress in the most remote and poorest areas of the island. The President immediately ordered Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr to begin the soonest possible time the construction of Basilisa-San Jose national road, "we have to build the road from Basilisa to San Jose." The project will cost P200 million. More ...

News: GMA pushes projects for food security

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – Within less than a month, President Arroyo visited Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) again yesterday, pushing for multimillion-peso infrastructure projects which, she said, are vital to food security and economic programs in the region.

The Chief Executive arrived in this newly created Dinagat Islands province aboard the presidential helicopter. She was joined by Caraga Region Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and welcomed by Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, Dinagat Islands Rep. Glenda B. Ecleo and Gov. Geraldine E. Villaroman, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cardozo M. Luna, 4th Division commander Maj. Gen. Roland Rodriguez, and Northeastern Mindanao police regional director Chief Supt. Jaime Milla.

From this island’s capital town, the President inaugurated the Tag-iho Bridge in Barangay Santo Niño, Basilisa town. She was received by Basilisa Mayor Floro Baltar, Northeastern Mindanao DPWH Regional Director Romeo S. Momo, and Tagiho Barangay Captain Mibato Hermogenes. More ...

News: Arroyo to visit Dinagat island Wednesday

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is scheduled to visit this newly-proclaimed island province in the Caraga Region Wednesday to inaugurate a bridge that local officials said would help hasten the delivery of public services and spur economic development on the island.

On Wednesday, the President is scheduled to unveil the marker of a newly-completed bridge.

Dinagat Island Gov. Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman, lone district Rep. Glenda Ecleo, and San Jose Mayor Benglen Ecleo will assist the President in the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Governor Villaroman said the President's visit underscores her sincerity in helping the province and in trying to uplift the lives of the residents.

More ...

Question of Residency and Citizenship.

My father was born in Loreto, grew up between Loreto and Dinagat and now lives in Albor. My father's grand father (mother-side) is from Quemoy China. That makes my father 25 percent Chinese. My fathers grandma (father-side) is from Leyte. But my fathers Papa (my lolo) is from Dinagat. He is the only son. I may consider him lumad (native) since his last name is Jacquez. One of the barangay in Municipality of San Jose is named after our last name. And I remember my father mentioned Master Ruben Sr. makes mano(sign of respect to older relative) to (Lolo) my grandpa when they were both alive.

On the other hand my mom is native from Siargao and I grew up in Libjo but was born in Surigao City. Now my question is would you consider me resident of Libjo(taga Libjo)?

So what makes us resident(Taga Ato)? Is it by birth? Is it by our parents, by last name? Is it by language or by where you go to school. Or where you work or you own land property?

Residency requirement in election according to Section 29 of the Local Government Code says that a candidate should be a resident of his locality for at least one year.

Does it say If you can run for public office you are a resident? Correct? That makes nong Edward Tiu Filipino and resident. He runs for sanguniang panglunsod (municipal councilor) couple of years back. How about the right to vote? Yes?

This is true, since most of our resident including our upland barangays were registered voters. So being a member of a religion or organization or political party doesn't matter, we are all taga ato (Libjo resident), right?

So what is your opinion on taga ato (resident or native)?

News: Dinagat Islands now on world wide web

Coping with the other LGUs who are now having their respective official websites, the Province of Dinagat Islands and its municipalities make sure that they will not be left behind.

After the province-wide Web Upgrading Workshop (WUW) conducted on January 28-30, 2008 under the partnership of the Province of Dinagat Islands and National Computer Center (NCC), their official websites can now be accessed.

One may browse its LGU Official Website to know more about what their place can offer. For the Province of Dinagat Islands, the website is www.dinagatislands.gov.ph; Municipality of San Jose, www.sanjosedi.gov.ph; Municipality of Tubajon, www.tubajon.gov.ph; Municipality of Libjo, www.libjodinagatislands.gov.ph. Click for more...

Sample - Kuratsa Dance

Unique Sound in Libjo

You are not from here if you find the rooster disturbing early in the morning. I'm sure about that. Normal as it sounds, it happens all the time. I don't even wake up with that sound. Speaking about sound, here are some I remember that is unique in Libjo. I'm sure if you're from here you have experience or probably heard these.

Bandillo
We have no newspaper or local radio station in town. So then if we have announcement, warning, information like new implementation of town rules, we use this delivery system to inform everyone. Think of this like the messenger you've seen in the old movies. A man with the whistle and a sheet of paper with the message. Walking by foot he reads his message in every corner in the town. It sounds like this...

Republic of the Philippines
Province of Surigao del Norte
Office of the Mayor

Bandillo

--------message here-----------
Signature (Pinermahan)

Honda
Everyone call a motorbike Honda, even though the brand really is Yamaha or Suzuki. And most everyone's familiar with the unique sound. They can tell one motorbike from the other. They can say just by its sound that it is mayors bike or it is captains bike.

Kuratsa
Its the dance during our town fiesta celebration. The music itself is unique. Courting dance that's one of the income generating piece of the celebration. Partly to pay for the expenses incurred during the hosting. For the sound systems, disco lights and town decoration.

Uwang sa Ero
Consider this the dark side. When lights are gone and everyone's in bed, you can hear this sound of dogs howling like a wave. You can hear it like moving from one end of the town to the other. Dogs in Libjo are called “Askal” or asong kalye or street dogs. Dogs watches our homes but they are free in the streets and not in cage or leash. Some say ghost or “not like us” roam during the night. And since dogs has strong eye sight they are the only one who can see them. I wonder since it happens to me too (dog howls ) when I play my harmonica. Do you think someone is playing a music during the night that only dogs can hear?

Tell me what you think. And tell me what unique sound you can remember in your town?

48th Araw ng Libjo Celebration

Libjo municipal employees had agreed on the highlights of the upcoming 48th Araw ng Libjo celebration this coming April 23, 2008. The said affair is to be opened with an ecumenical service where all religious groups will converge in one mass like celebration while the following fun and games are expected to color the occasion.

• Bikini Open ( open to everybody , pictorial will be on April 13, 2008 )
  
• Battle of the Band ( only for Libjoanons )
  
• SK Inter Barangay Basketball Tournament ( to start on April 15, 2008 )
• Inter - Agency Basketball and Volleyball Tournament
  
• Ballroom Dancing ( Shall We Dance kind of competition )
• Singing Contest

To join, please contact any of Libjo Barangay Captains......................

News: ‘Hot’ logs seized in Dinagat Island

Aides of Dinagat Islands Gov. Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman seized more than 3,600 board feet of illegal lumber in Barangay Boa, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands Sunday, the Dinagat Provincial Information Office said.

The lumbers were from endangered hardwood species like magkono, yakal, red lawaan and doyok-doyok.

Earlier, the governor and her family claimed they were getting death threats after she launched an intensified anti-log poaching campaign in the island province, which is being groomed as an "eco-tourism center" in Caraga Region.

Villaroman claimed having received text messages from concerned citizens in Ba­rangay Boa after arriving from Manila that illegal lumbers were being shipped out at the shore of the said coastal barangay. More ...

News: 4 Fishermen Rescued from Capsized Boat

Four fishermen from Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, were rescued several hours after their fishing boat capsized off the coast of Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte past midnight Friday, authorities said.

Rey Gozon, administrative officer of the Office of Civil Defense in Eastern Visayas, identified the rescued fishermen as Richard Poras, 30, Joy Poras, 25, Arnel Buloson, 22, and Ryan Nodalo, 19, all residents of Purok Tres, the village of New Mabuhay, Dinagat Island.

Gozon said the Philippine Coast Guard in Maasin City informed him that the fishermen's boat, F/B Mary Glenn, capsized off the coast of Limasawa at 12:30 a.m. due to strong winds and high waves.

The fishermen had to stay on top of the overturned boat. More...

News: Super Region Projects to be completed by 2010

Completion of infrastructure development projects under the Mindanao Super Region is underway as various line agencies are speeding up efforts to monitor and address major implementation bottlenecks.

Undersecretary Virgilio Leyretana, Chair of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (Medco) and Deputy Development Champion for the Super Region, cited the need for greater focus on fast-tracking the implementation of high-impact projects in Mindanao during an inter-agency meeting here recently of the Mindanao Super Region.

In its recent report, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed that 32 percent of various priority infrastructure projects under the Mindanao Super Region are nearing completion as of November last year.

The first road project set to be completed, is the Dinagat Island Road Network project, which involves the improvement of a 15-kilometer road in Surigao del Norte. This road, which began construction in October 2006, is reported 65.57 percent completed. More...

News: 4 drown in Rivers Swollen by Rain in Dinagat

At least four people drowned after being swept by swollen rivers here and on Dinagat Island, the Office of the Civil Defense said Friday.

Liza Mazo, assistant director of the OCD in the Caraga region, said the deaths occurred on Thursday.

Mazo said the first set of fatalities was Rico Manigo and his son Richard, who were swept away while trying to cross the river in Barangay Anticala here on Thursday afternoon. She said rescuers have recovered the body of the younger Manigo while that of his father remained missing.

In Basilisa town on Dinagat Island, Mazo said the couple Leopoldo and Lucina Tapic were crossing a makeshift bridge in Barangay Helen when they were swept away by the raging river. More...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008

Christmas season is a busy season. And so am I. Muthja is also hopping from one event to another. From being judge to organizer from one occasion to another. She's only loaded with Solicitations. She got a tons of it. And she sometimes call it Tulis-sitation. Anyways...

How can you complain? Its Christmas. This only happens once a year. Everyday is once in a year right? Agree? But this day happens to be Christmas. Its time to give. I still have to send my share by the way :-)

Yes, time to share, to give and forgive. Its time to be with our family. For us we consider this kind of thanksgiving for the previous year since in next few days it will be another year.

Enjoy our traditions.. like caroling, pamasko with Ninong and Ninang, simbang gabi, church/school/work parties. Parol contest, enjoy making our traditional Christmas tree made from a mangrove and baboto. Discoral after chruch!!! What else?

We hope you will enjoy the holidays and be safe. Don't drink to much and be careful with firecrackers.

Wherever you are from Asia, New Zealand, Middle East to Canada. From the Philippines, US, South America, Australia to Europe. We are all wishing you all Merry Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

From your friends and family in Libjo and LibjoLIVE!

News: Gov to Finance Dinagatnons in Working Abroad

Province of Dinagat Islands (December 21) -- Dinagat Islands Governor Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman pledged financial support to the qualified Dinagatnons who wish to work abroad, this she revealed during the official launching of 'Pamaskong Handog ni PGMA' yesterday, December 20, at San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

The financial assistance according to Villaroman is only available to the beneficiaries of TESDA's 'Galing Mekaniko Ako' and 'Galing Masahista Ako', where 100 trainees from Dinagat Islands successfully received their training kits yesterday.

The said assistance will cover placement fees and other fees to those Dinagatnons who wished to work abroad after their graduation in TESDA's scholarship program dubbed as "Pamasko ni Gloria Matutulungan Ako" (PGMA).

Aside from the scholarship program of TESDA, some 500 Dinagatnons identified by the Prov'l Social Welfare & Dev't Office from 1,500 indigent families were initially given packs of goodies consisting of rice, noodles, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, sugar, and canned goods.

Gov. Villaroman thanked the Arroyo Administration for the support and all those present for their cooperation in making the affair a success. More...

News: 1,500 Dinagatnons to Receive Pamaskong Handog

Manila (18 December) -- Dinagat Islands (December 18) -- About 1,500 Dinagatnons will receive a "Pamaskong Handog ni Presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo" on Thursday, December 20, 2007.

Dep't of Social Welfare and Dev't Secretary Esperanza Cabral will lead the gift-giving at Brgy. Aurelio, San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.

Dinagat Islands Prov'l Social Welfare & Dev't Officer Virgie Salar in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency bared that from 1,500 beneficiaries an initial five hundred indigent families will receive pack of goods consisting of rice, sardines, noodles, sugar, and corned beef amounted to P250.00 per pack during the launching ceremony.

Aside from groceries, the newly established Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) office in the province have also prepared capability trainings dubbed as "Pamasko ni Gloria Matutulungan Ako" (PGMA) for 75 tricycle drivers and 25 "masahista" (masseurs) of the province. More...

Albor National High School did it again!

On the 2nd Regional Science Fair, Quiz and Olympics Albor did again. In the photo Judee Crispo, Jefford Crispo, Kenneth Ecle, Remijer Turno and with adviser/coach Euzel Cabeza. Muthja will provide more information in when and where this is held, who are the participants, what are the prices are. Whats next and more.

Muthja: 2007 Regional Science Fair was held at Surigao City in November 27-29,2007. As documented, participants were from Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bislig City, Butuan City, Dinagat Islands, Siargao, Surigao city, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Albor NAtional High Shcool won 2nd in Paper Tower Making and Electromagnet. The prizes they got were medals and certificates.

Delivering Baby in Libjo

Ginhawa ug lawom Day... (Deep breath Girl). I heard it most of the time when nurses deliver a baby in Libjo's Albor District Hospital. It's good, husbands are not allowed to stay on the delivery rooms. They just stay and wait outside and have some drinks with barkadas (friends). If not I can imagine wives shouting in pain..”Ikaw gyud ang naka among aning sakita” ( You really is the reason why I get into this pain).

My mom works at this hospital few years back before she retire and pursue with her business. She handles delivery and operating room. Though I can peek and even went inside the delivery operations. No pain relievers like Epidural not even make the delivery quick or Induction with Pitocin. Most of the time delivery is done in natural. We don't have the advance equipment to check status of the baby. I remember I was 9 years old that time, my mom deliver a baby with two heads. One of the head came off but they all wonder why the baby is still stuck. Later on they made a CS (Ceasarian Section) operation just to save the mother. Unfortunately the mother also died.

Some times doctors here are really busy. They are On-Call 24/7. And they have to look for alternative ways and non expensive way of treatment. Much more if the patients can only offer a chicken in exchange for the service. But life is so simple. We don't need health insurance. We pay nothing for Insurance. None as in zero. Only when prescription is needed that's the time you need to pay. But remember the delivery of the baby I told you before? The new Dad came back and have with him Skyflakes (kind of crackers) and 4 liters of Coke for all the hospital employees. Thankful for the service and a kind of celebration for the new baby.