MANILA – Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday urged the people of Surigao del Sur not to abuse the environment particularly their tourist spots to maintain their booming tourism industry.
In his speech during the 58th Araw ng Surigao del Sur, Go lauded the province’s tourist attractions particularly the Tinuy-an Falls, Britania Group of Islands and the famous Hinatuan Enchanted River.
“These are just some of the landmarks in your province that continues to attract tourists. I know that more tourists will visit your province and I just want to give you an advice – protect these tourist spots,” Go said.
Go personally conveyed to Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to study the possibility of extending the runway of the Tandag Airport, in addition to the construction and rehabilitation of the concrete fence of said airport.
The top aide of President Rodrigo Duterte also commended the booming agriculture sector of the province.
“From your abundant agriculture to your booming tourism, we should be careful so that what we have achieved (here), our natural resources will not be abused,” he said.
“I don’t want you to experience what happened to Boracay that we need to close (it) for so many months to regain its old glory,” he added.
At present, Surigao del Sur has 25,000 hectares of rice fields with 12,000 hectares irrigated, making the province 90 percent rice self-sufficient.
Surigao del Sur is the only producer of soybeans in the Philippines and producer of green coffee in the CARAGA Region.
“Your province is also the sixth producer of abaca in the Philippines. So let’s give ourselves a round of applause,” he said.
Go also took advantage of the occasion to remind the people of Surigao del Sur about the Duterte administration’s three-point campaign against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.
“Once we eradicated these plagues, not only Surigao but the entire Philippines will attain progress. So, join the President in these campaigns,” he appealed.
He commended the local leaders of Surigao del Sur for being hospitable, progressive and proactive.
“Because of this, you have a big opportunity to flourish as a province,” he added. (PNA)
