CLEAN UP SURIGAO…CLEAN UP THE WORLD

The Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte through the (ACES) program Advocacy for a Clean Environment and its Sustainability jointly implemented the “ Clean up Surigao…Clean up the world” project last September 18, 2009 through the support of the provincial government.

The Local Government Unit of Gigaquit under the supervision of Hon. Carlos M. Egay Sr. supported the said program with the theme: “Communities Uniting to Combat Climate Change”. The chief officers in the community were challenged to undergo “zero waste” process which eliminates waste as an efficient way of looking at the materials to be used in the resource recovery center.

The Government employees in the municipality were divided into five (5) groups. Each has an assigned area in the cleaning process. The venue for the said activity was Sitio Baoy, Brgy. San Isidro, Gigaquit, SDN particularly the dam irrigation which served as the "port area" going to the hinterlands of the three (3) barangays (LASICAM).

The weighing of collectible wastes was also done by the assessor’s office to determine the quantity of waste and also for segregation purposes. The non-biodegradable item was placed in the newly established (MRF) Material Recovery Facility. All recyclable items must be handled in the most resourceful way. This is one way also of achieving a clean environment and minimizing destructions from calamities that certainly ruined the lives of the people in the community. As concerned citizens in this municipality, we were called to be united in order to combat climate change. Good motivation would be dependent on everyone, provided they are more educated and knowledgeable regarding environmental concerns. Prevention is the most essential way in fulfilling this kind of goal.

Doot Beach Operation Linis 2009

Prior to the Las-ay and Jinawa Festivals . . .

First Las-ay Festival

Doot new beach ground
October 31, 2009

Submitted by Miss J. Galanida / Municipal Tourism Office

Gigaquit is well-known for its nipa wine called "Gigaquit Rum”. Through the efforts of the Local Government of Gigaquit and the Gigaquit Agra-Multi Purpose Cooperative (GIAMUPCO) the manufacturer and producer of the famous wine, the “Gigaquit Rum” was identified as the One Town One Product (OTOP) of the municipality. With great pride it was also adopted by the Provincial Government as the "OTOP" of Surigao del Norte.

Accordingly, the Local Tourism Office of the Gigaquit Local Government launched the “1st Las-ay Festival” last October 31, 2009 at Doot Beach, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. Another objective was to utilize what is given by mother earth and mother nature . . . our Doot Beach. The masses positively responded and cooperated by sharing their time and money during the festival. Government employees, barangay officials and the general public gave great support to the event through their attendance . . . their contribution in promoting our local product and other tourism assets. Tickets amounting to 100/person were sold to those who wanted to avail of the unlimited meals and drinks (las-ay).

Various activities were involved . . . the bar tendering competition and wine mixing served as the highlight of the affair. Contestants were HRM students from several colleges in Surigao City namely; Surigao Education Center, Philippine Women’s University and Center for Healthcare Profession. The core point during wine mixing is they used the "GR" as the main ingredient. The flavorings depends on the choice of each competitor.

From First Las-ay Festival 2009

The winner was the Center for Healthcare Profession. They were awarded with cash gifts and certificates.

The spokesperson during the event was the Regional Director of Department of Tourism Ms. Letecia Dc. Tan assisted by the Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Mr. Romeo P. Edillor and company.

From First Las-ay Festival 2009

The Augustinians and GNSHIans also participated assisted by their respective faculty staff by giving intermission numbers. Other entertainment were performed by the Mamanwa Tribe of Brgy. Mahanub, an acoustic band from Surigao City, Rodol (the Gigaquitnon pianist), and DJ R-Cue.

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The Local Tourism Office would like to extend its wholehearted appreciation to the sponsors who fully supported the activity . . . the municipal officials, college and high school departments from the aforementioned schools, all the committees and individuals who shared time and effort for the success of the festival.

The 2nd ROBERT ACE S. BARBERS, SEARCH FOR THE CLEAN AND GREEN MUNICIPALITY

The Provincial Government of Surigao Del Norte through the Provincial Environment and Management Office conducted the second “Search for the Clean and Green Municipality” competed by various municipalities from both mainland and Siargao Islands, last October 26, 2009. The Local Government Unit of Gigaquit was part of the itinerary on that scheduled date. The evaluators came from selected departments in the province such as: Provincial Health Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, Provincial Tourism and Culture Office and Provincial Planning and Development Office. Through the implementation of such initial hauling plan in the municipality, various educational campaign and information were also done by some officials concerned on the segregation of wastes and the existence of compost pit.

The evaluation procedures were guided by the department heads of the municipality, particularly the on-site visitation in schools both secondary and elementary level, rural health centers, barangay chapters and the practiced of waste segregation of the constituents through the existence of a resource recovery center. The purok Makiangayon in barangay Alambique served to be the model site for winning the 1st prize during the last purok fencing contest. The garden area in the health center was also visited featuring different kinds of vegetables in gardening procedures.

Through this project, it is hoped that the constituents may realize the importance of having a clean environment leading to a better and productive community.

ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Seminar

In relation to RA 9003, Hon. Mayor Carlos M. Egay is deeply committed in the implementation of the ecological solid waste management program in our municipality. Significant events and activities were initiated by the Local Government Unit of Gigaquit relevant to the program.

A series of on-site visits were done by members of ESWM board and TWG, Vice-Mayor and members of Sangguniang Bayan, Brgy. Captains and Mayor Egay himself. These sites include the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) of the municipality of Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, and the facility of the Surigao del Norte provincial government.





The local government hosted a seminar inviting the Provincial Environment & Monitoring Office for the preparation of the ten-year solid waste management plan of the municipality. The most recent activity was a two-day “Strategic Planning and Seminar Workshop on Solid Waste Management” participated by the members of the board and technical working group of LGU-Gigaquit and key officials of all the thirteen (13) barangays, last September 24-25, 2009 at Gigaquit Multi Purpose Building.



The said training was conducted by a team from LGU of Sto. Tomas headed by their ESWM Specialist, Mr. Charlemagne Fernandez. Every barangay was guided and assisted in the creation of their respective ecological solid waste management program. The highlight of the seminar is the signing of “Pagpanumpa sa Katungdanan” by the members of the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste committees, followed by an oath of sustaining the implementation of their ESWM program. A massive information and education campaign were conducted by the Technical Working Group, in the schools and barangays during assembly. Mr. Fernandez also urged for an inspection of every household of municipal employees to determine whether the segregation of wastes is practiced and what is the availability of compost pit in their respective areas.

To date, the municipal garbage hauling plan is on the stage of initial implementation. And the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) of the municipality is now operational.

Municipal Solid Waste Management Board
Chairperson - Hon. Carlos M.Egay
V-Chairman - Hon. Felixberto Jala

Members
William R. Enario - ENRO-Designate
Hon. Domingo R.Cubelo - Chairman SB Committee on Environment
Hon. Loreto B. Laurena - ABC President
Mr. Rodelio S. Torregosa - MPDO
Engr. Restituto E. Mira Jr. - Mun. Engr.
Mrs. Lucila Virtudazo-Mun - Tresurer
Mrs. Caremncita G. Naldoza - DepEd District Supervisor
Dr. Roland E. Mira - Municipal Health Officer
Mrs. Rosalina A. Sering - DILG MLGOO
Mrs. Elvira A. Egay, Ph.D - NGO Representative
Mr. Hilario T. Go, - Business Sector Rep.
Hon. Eduardo A. Neuda - Brgy. Captain Alambique
Mr. Marcelino S. Verano - Mun. Agriculturist
Mr. Leslie S. Pingal - Consultant on Tourism