The document summarizes information about the Province of Surigao del Norte in the Philippines. It discusses that the province consists of two major islands, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, located 800km southeast of Manila. It notes that Siargao is one of the top ten best surfing sites in the world. The document then discusses the population of the islands, transportation routes between the islands and mainland via ferry and air, and increasing passenger and cargo traffic in recent years. It identifies issues with the current shipping route, including long travel times and safety concerns during rough weather. An alternative proposed shipping route between the islands is presented that could provide safer, faster year-round transportation.

2. THE PROVINCE OF
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Located 800 kilometers southeast of
Manila is the Province of Surigao del
Norte. It is one of the five provinces of
the Caraga Region in Mindanao with
Surigao City as its capital. The province
consists of two major islands: Siargao
and Bucas Grande Islands which is
bounded by the Philippine Sea in the
north and the Pacific Ocean in the east.
Siargao is the eight among the top ten
best surfing sites in the world and the
Game Fishing Capital of the Philippines
with a coastline accented by succession
of reefs, small points and white sandy
beaches. The tide of Siargao is diurnal
with tidal curves typically present
especially in the east coast.

3. SHIPPING AND TRADE
Siargao and Bucas Grande have a total
population of 153,361 as of 2010 census.
These are isolated islands, unspoiled by
commerce until it was discovered by
backpackers and surfers. It can be
reached by air from Manila and Cebu or
via ferry from Surigao City to the Port of
Dapa. The islands’ Pacific-facing reef are
situated on the edge of the Philippine
Trench.
A total of 181,514 passengers and 974
ship calls were recorded in CY 2007, and
increased to 238,528 passengers and
1,444 ship calls in CY 2011, or a 31% and
48% increases, respectively. Cargo
throughput also increased by 59% from
26,991 to 42,813 metric tons for the same
period.
40 Nautical Miles

4. ISSUES AND CONCERNS:
1. The travel time from Surigao City to Dapa Port takes 2 ½ hours for
motorized banca and 4 hours for RoRo vessels. During the months
of November to February, the rough sea condition would render said
route unsafe for travel;
2. For the period 2011 to present alone, there were 10 recorded
maritime incidents. Earlier, on 25 November 2006, M/B Leonida
sank at the vicinity off Bilisan Point, Hinatuan Island, which resulted
in 14 casualties including the Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen, with
66 survivors;
3. Based on interviews and consultations, an alternative shipping route
which can significantly reduce sailing time is deemed necessary for
the safe and comfortable travel of passengers/tourists, as well as
movement of cargoes, all year round.

5. Proposed Alternative Route
Based on a pre-feasibility study
conducted by SyConsult, Inc. and
Science & Vision Technology Inc., the
proposed “Hayanggabon-Doña Helene”
sealink (6.5 nautical miles) and
“Buenavista-Jubang/Dapa” sealink (4.5
nautical miles) is the safest. Dubbed as
the “Siargao Agri-Ecotourism
Nautical Highway”, this sealink would
play a major role in the provision of safe
and year-round access for nature
enthusiasts, domestic and foreign
tourists, businessmen and investors to
various potential world class tourism
destination in Siargao and Bucas
Grande Islands, including transport of
high value agri-fishery products to major
domestic and world markets.
26 kms.
26 kms.
6.5 Nautical
Miles
4.5 Nautical
Miles

6. Desired Actions
1. For the RDC-Caraga to endorse the proposed “Siargao Agri-
Ecotourism Nautical Highway” as a priority program of the
Province of Surigao del Norte;
2. For the concerned LGUs and government agencies to extend
full support and assistance, as well as in providing the requisite
funding to implement the program;
3. For the DPWH to prioritize the conversion and/or construction
of a national road and bridges component from the mainland
(Hayanggabon, Claver) to Bucas Grande Island via Doña
Helene - Socorro - Sering – Buenavista, thence Jubang/Dapa;
4. For the DOTC, through PPA, to prioritize the provision and
phased construction of Roro port facilities to link Hayanggabon
and Doña Helene; and Buenavista and Jubang/Dapa.

7. SALAMAT
KARAJAW