Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman joined local government officials of Surigao del Norte in leading the groundbreaking ceremony for Surigao City's Nature and Family Park Project in Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i on 13 March 2025.

 

The project, funded under the DBM Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) - Green Green Green Program, seeks to promote environmental conservation, stimulate economic growth through sustainable tourism, and enhance the well-being of the local community. It is also designed to celebrate and preserve local cultural heritage and contribute to food security through edible landscaping.

 

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Budget Secretary underscored the importance of boosting tourism infrastructure and investment to stimulate local growth.

 

"Gayunpaman, sa ganda po ng Surigao, alam po natin na marami pa ang kailangang gawin o isakatuparang proyekto lalo pa’t nariyan ang iba’t ibang pagsubok tulad ng mga kalamidad na madalas tumama sa lugar. Kaya’t kailangan pong suportahan ang mga programa ng gobyerno na magpapa-unlad sa Surigao City, kabilang na po diyan ang mga inisyatibong magpapalakas sa pamumuhunan at turismo," Sec. Mina said.

 

The DBM has allocated P10.279 million for the development of the Nature and Family Park, the first phase of the overall Surigao City Eco-Tourism Park Master Plan. The project will include a viewing deck/tribal hall, community garden, camping ground, and tree parks.

 

The Green Green Green Program under the LGSF is designed to support beneficiary provinces, cities, and municipalities across the country in promoting green open spaces and infrastructure projects for active mobility. It aims to develop greener, more vibrant, and well-connected public open spaces that foster an active lifestyle and enhance the community's overall wellness.

 

"‘Yan naman po ang hangarin ng ating Green Green Green Program na ating inilunsad noong nakaraang taon. Kaya nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa madaliang pag-apruba ng makahulugang programang ito," Sec. Mina expressed.

 

For his part, Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II emphasized that the project marks a meaningful transformation of the land from a place of conflict into a place of growth, peace, and sustainability.

 

"Five years ago, Ma'am, it would have been impossible to hold an activity like this because where we stand now used to be a guerilla base. And now, we are making that transformation. And thanks to you –  and thanks to the government – that we are breaking grounds," Mayor Dumlao shared, addressing the Budget Secretary.

 

"Even now, Ma'am, public officials are seldom here. It is only this time that we have activities right now. And you are the highest public official to set foot in Sitio Brazil – a cabinet secretary," he continued.

 

Mayor Dumlao also thanked Secretary Pangandaman and other agency partners for funding the project and supporting the local government's goal of a cleaner and greener Surigao.

 

"This groundbreaking activity signals a new dawn for a greener, healthier, and more progressive Surigao City. Kasama n’yo po kami sa inyong adhikain para sa mas maunlad na bukas para sa lahat," Sec. Mina ended.

 

Also present during the groundbreaking ceremony were DBM officials, such as Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran, Local Government and Regional Coordination Bureau Director Ryan Lita, Region XIII - CARAGA Director Maria Fe Jagna; Surigao City Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra, other local government officials of Surigao, and key representatives from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

 

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