Classes in Dinagat Islands Shools Suspended due to Super Typhoon 'Yolanda'

DINAGAT ISLANDS -- Classes in all levels in public and private schools in the province of Dinagat Islands are suspended starting Wednesday afternoon, November 6, 2013 and will resume until further notice, said Provincial Information Officer Rosario Roxas, Jra. on Wednesday.

Akbayan Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao defends role as caretaker of Dinagat Islands' pork

Akbayan Rep. Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao on Wednesday via Inquirer News defended her role as a conduit for funds for pork projects in Dinagat Islands, saying any benefit it may have to her run for the district’s congressional seat this year was only “incidental.

Official AVP for ‘It’s More Fun in the Philippines’ Campaign Released - Newest Province Dinagat Islands Featured!

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched earlier this month the official Audio Video Presentation (AVP) of its new international tourism campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.”

The AVP which runs for 2 minute and 42 seconds features the country’s world famous tourist destinations, festivals, foods and attractions such as the Mayon Volcano in Albay, the Chocolate Hills in Bohol and Boracay, among others.

The presentation was quite fast-pacing but if you pause between 26-27 seconds, surprisingly the newest province, Dinagat Islands is being featured there as one of the finest and beautiful islands in the country (see below).

Watch the official AVP of the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign here:

Finally! Dinagat Islands now a Province! - SC Upheld the Legality of RA 9355

The Supreme Court affirmed the legality of Republic Act 9355 or the law creating Dinagat Islands as a separate province from Surigao del Norte.

In a report made by GMA News Online on Thursday, September 20, 2012:

"The Supreme Court has upheld the legality of Republic Act No. 9355, the law that declared the Dinagat Islands in northeastern Mindanao as a separate province from Surigao del Norte.

In an en banc resolution last September 11, the high court denied a motion for reconsideration filed May 24, 2011 by petitioners former Surigao del Norte politicians Rodolfo Navarro, Victor Bernal and Rene Medina seeking to reinstate a Feb. 10, 2010 ruling declaring RA 9355 as unconstitutional.

The February 2010 decision was overturned on April 12, 2011 when the majority took back their earlier ruling and decided to uphold the legality of Dinagat Islands provincehood.

Critics have since branded the reversal as a "flip-flop," to which then-Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez said: "In the greater interest of justice, you can always consider each particular case."

The reversal prompted the petitioners to file the motion for reconsideration last May 24, 2011.

But in its latest ruling on the case, the high court ruled: "The Court Resolved to DENY WITH FINALITY the said motion for reconsideration as no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned resolution."

RA 9355

In October 2006, then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law RA 9355 otherwise known as "An Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands." A new set of provincial leaders was later installed as a result of the May 2007 elections.

In November 2006, a month after the Dinagat Islands became a province, Navarro's group filed a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify RA 9355.

The court dismissed both their petition and a motion for reconsideration. The petitioners later filed yet another petition for certiorari which the high court eventually granted on February 10, 2010. Consequently, the ruling not only voided RA 9355 but the election of its officials as well.

The petitioners insisted the Dinagat Islands could not be made into a province because it has not met the requirements set under Section 10, Article X of the Constitution and of Section 461 of the Local Government Code (LGC).

Section 10 reads as follows: "No province, city, municipality, or barangay may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially altered, except in accordance with the criteria established in the local government code and subject to the approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected."

Under the LGC, an area could be turned into a province provided that it has an average annual income of P20 million and either of the following: It has a "continuous" land area of at least 2,000 square kilometers; and a population of not less than 250,000 people.

The petitioners stressed that Dinagat Islands at the time had a land area of 802.12 square  kilometers and a  population of only 106,951.

The government argued that the Dinagat Islands should be exempt from the LGC requirements since they are composed of several islands and not just one "continuous" territory.

But the high court, in the February 2010 ruling penned by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, sided with the petitioners: "The land area requirement shall not apply where the proposed province is composed of one (1) or more islands,” is declared NULL and VOID."

But in a later ruling, the high court pointed out why the exemption from land area requirement only applied to units smaller than a province and not to provinces themselves.

"There appears neither rhyme nor reason why this exemption should apply to cities and municipalities, but not to provinces," the majority said.

The high court said that while the LGC's exemption only covered municipalities and cities, provinces were later included as well as "expressly provided" in Article 9(2) of the LGC's Implimenting Rules and Regulation (LGC-IRR). The high court described the non-inclusion of provinces from the land area requirement exemption as an "inadvertent omission."

"Thus, when the exemption was expressly provided in Article 9(2) of the LGC-IRR, the inclusion was intended to correct the congressional oversight in Section 461 of the LGC – and to reflect the true legislative intent. It would, then, be in order for the Court  to uphold the  validity of Article  9(2) of the LGC-IRR," the court said.

Among the dissenters in the Sept. 11, 2012 ruling were Peralta, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Arturo Brion, Martin Villarama Jr, and Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

In his dissenting opinion, Carpio said the petitioner's motion for reconsideration should have been granted and that the February 2010 should be reinstated.

"To validate Dinagat Islands’ provincehood, the majority skirts around these minimum statutory requirements by the simple expedient of exempting Dinagat Islands from the minimum land area requirement (while still conceding its non-compliance with the minimum population requirement)," Carpio said.

Carpio said there was a reason why Congress had particularly not given any exemption in the land area requirement in creating provinces.

"Congress intentionally fixed the minimum land area equirement for provinces because provinces host cities and municipalities, which have minimum land area requirements," he said.

"Undoubtedly, the people of Dinagat Islands are entitled to aspire for provincehood. This coveted status, however, with its  concomitant responsibilities and benefits, must be attained in accordance with the law... Currently, the law and the Constitution bar Dinagat Islands from  attaining such status," he added."GMA News Online

excerpt from the original resolution from the Supreme Court;

"Please make notice that the Court en banc issued a Resolution dated SEPTEMBER 11, 2012, which reads as follows:

G.R. No. 180050 (Rodolfo G. Navarro, et al. vs. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, et. al.) Acting on the Motion for Reconsideration (of the Resolution dated April 12, 2011), dated May 24, 2011 filed by counsel for petitioners, the Court Resolved to DENY WITH FINALITY the said motion for reconsideration as no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned resolution" Carpio, J., dissented. Sereno, C.J., and Peralta, Brion, Villarama, Jr. and Perlas-Bernabe, JJ., joined the dissent of Justice Carpio."

(Sgd.) ENRIQUETA E. VIDAL
           Clerk of Court

Lake Bababu in Basilisa, Dinagat Islands Featured in GMA-7's Pinoy Adventures

In an episode of GMA-7's Pinoy Adventures tonight, July 8, 2012, Richard Gutierrez set foot on the pristine beach of Dinagat Islands and reached the unusual dive spot in the Caraga Region, the LAKE BABABU.

Situated between Puerto Princesa and Melgar in Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, Lake Bababu is a mountain lake that is a sight to behold. The steep vertical inclines add thrill to an avid adventurer like Richard Gutierrez. The lake has an Area of 5 hectares (12 acres) with surface elevation of 45 metres (148 ft) and is Tectonic in type.

Richard Gutierrez took on an exciting, thrilling, new adventure on PINOY ADVENTURES as he exerted his adrenaline rush exploring lush vegetation and diving beneath Lake Bababu:

Watch out the glimpse of the episode here:

This Sunday, Richard Gutierrez continues his first visit to Surigao and discovers a new world of adventure.

He sets foot on the pristine beach of Dinagat island, just one boat ride away from the city, to try his luck at a new adventure- freshwater diving. To reach the unusual dive spot, Richard treks to the peak of the mountain that cradles Lake Bababu, considered by the locals as a sacred place of healing.

From the peak, it's a treacherous downhill trek for Richard but this doesn't stop him from being awed by the majestic beauty of the forest and its winged creatures. He takes part in a curious tradition that involves drinking the lake water before descending into the darkness of the sinkhole lake.

As he submerges into the lake, Richard discovers a new thrill- swimming in dark water as he is carried by tides from the sea. But even in the depths of the mountain lake, he explores a new world filled with saltwater marine life, even pre-historic looking fishes. He also finds a halocline, an area where inland fresh water merges with seawater. This discovery leads him to an underwater cave that leads to the open sea.

After a grueling and fantastic underwater adventure, Richard finds himself in Surigao City once more for a much-deserved food trip.

 See more of Lake Bababu's lust vegetation below:

Top view of Lake Bababu

An eagle flying in the surroundings of Lake Bababu

A rare specie of Spider crawling on the Lake Bababu

A rare specie of a white juvenile Planthopper, roam around the shore of Lake Bababu

You can join Richard Gutierrez in a new adventure every Sunday on PINOY ADVENTURES, aired during GMA Sunday Grande, 8:30 PM after "I-Bilib".

Photo Credit: Mr. Bong Ong, "The Web Master"

2.7 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts San Jose, Dinagat Islands (Thursday, April 5, 2012)

A 2.7-magnitude earthquake rocks San Jose, Dinagat Islands Thursday evening, April 5, 2012 the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake was tectonic in origin and was recorded at 07:59:43 PM .

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the epicenter was traced to 09.92°N, 125.52°E - 012 km S 28° W of San Jose (Dinagat).

Phivolcs said the quake was felt at Intensity II in San Jose, Dinagat.

It also said no damage or aftershock was expected from the quake.

No casualties or damages were reported as of this posting.

Classes Suspended in Dinagat Islands - February 16, 2012

Classes to pre-school and elementary schools are still suspended today, February 16, 2012 in the entire province of Dinagat Islands due to heavy rains.

The suspension of classes was actually started yesterday, February 15, 2012 until today as advised by PIO-Dinagat Islands through the recommendation of DOST-PAG-ASA since Alert Level is remain hoisted in the province. This is due to the heavy rains that occurred in 2 and more consecutive days brought by the Low Pressure Area (LPA) spotted in the a certain part of Mindanao.

All MDRRMCs are advised to continuously advocate proactive response for the safety of their constituents in their respective Area of Responsibility, PDRRMC-Dinagat Islands said.

At 2:00 am today, The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 100 km East of Southern Mindanao (7.0°N, 127.5°E).

Forecast that Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms becoming widespread rains over Bicol Region and Visayas which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Luzon will be mostly cloudy with light rains.


Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast and East will prevail over Northern Luzon and from the Northeast and Southeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. 

For the latest in weather news, call the PAG-ASA new 24-hour hotline at 433- ULAN (433-8526)  

or

Receive regular PAG-ASA updates via SMS:

• For the one-time registration, text ULAN<space>REG<space>NAME/ADDRESS/AGE and send to 717-ULAN (7178526).
  
  To subscribe, text ULAN<space>PUSH <space>ON send to 717 ULAN.
  
  To unsubscribe, text ULAN<space>PUSH <space>OFF send to 717 ULAN. 
• OR
  Text ULAN<space>INFO<space>ADVISORY for the daily weather
  Text BAGYO<space>INFO<space>ADVISORY for the tropical cyclone update
  Text SIGNAL<space>INFO<space>ADVISORY for the public storm warning signals raised
  and send to 7008526

4 Arrested for Marijuana Possession in San Jose, Dinagat Islands

ABS-CBN News Caraga reported on Monday, September 19, 2011 that four persons were caught by police authorities in possession of marijuana (cannabis) leaves in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

Natasha Villaroman is Olay's The Fairest One of All - The New Olay Natural White Bar Ambassador!

Olay congratulates "Natasha Villaroman" as the new Olay Natural White Bar Ambassador after declaring on Friday, September 16, 2011 as the winner of Olay Philippines "The Search for the The Fairest One of All!"

5.5 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Dinagat Islands

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake rocks Dinagat Islands on Wednesday afternoon, September 7, 2011, but no casualties or damage to property were reported, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) posted in their website.

Top Ten Beaches in the Philippines

Sundayo Beach, Basilisa, Dinagat Islands

The Philippines have been well known for its fantastic beaches. Here are some of the best beaches in the Philippines that one may consider visiting according to http://www.netguard.dk:

Dinagat Islands, the "Mystical Island, Province of Love"

Dinagat Islands is an island province in the Philippines located in the CARAGA Region or Region XIII in Mindanao. Its capital is San Jose and is the center of local affairs. The province is located on the south side of Leyte Gulf. Leyte is to its west, across Surigao Strait, and Mindanao is to its south. Its main island, Dinagat, is about 60 km from north to south. The province is known as "Mystical Island, Province of Love", where you can find different wonders with its natural and fascinating beauty and loving people.

Map of the Philippines

Map of Dinagat Islands

History

Dinagat Islands had been a part of the First District of Surigao del Norte Province until becoming a province on its own on December 2, 2006 with the approval of Republic Act No. 9355, the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands, in a plebiscite.

On February 11, 2010 the Supreme Court of the Philippines declared the creation of Dinagat Islands Province null and void on grounds of failure to meet land area and population requirements for the creation of local government units. Dinagat Islands then reverted to Surigao del Norte Province. On March 30, 2011, however, the Supreme Court reversed its ruling from the previous year, and upheld the constitutionality of RA 9355 and the creation of Dinagat Islands as a province (Wikipidia).

Dinagat Islands Province is composed of seven municipalities, including the provincial capital, San Jose. Its six other municipalities are Dinagat, Loreto, Cagdianao, Libjo (Albor), Basilisa (Rizal) and Tubajon. The oldest among other municiplities is the Municipality of      Dinagat, which formally established on 1855. (Click here to view the  full history of Dinagat Islands)

 

Geography

Located in the northeast of Suriago del Norte, Dinagat Islands is separated physically from the mainland of Surigao City by a narrow channel, which takes about 45 minutes to cross by pumpboat from the Surigao City Port  to San Jose Port. Dinagat Islands is one of the smallest island provinces of the country with a total land area of 1,036.34 km² (400.1 sq mi).

Sundayo Beach/Cave

Dinagat Islands is also famous for its caves, resorts, and beaches. Clear blue waters, white sand and marine life rivals that of Boracay. One of the famous are the Bitaug Beach, Lake Bababu, Puerto Prinsesa Beach & Hagakhak Cave in Basilisa, Tagberayan Beach, Sayaw Beach, Legaspi Water Falls, Hinabyan and Leandro's Beach Resort in Cagdianao, Talisay Beach in Tubajon, Quano Blue Lagoon and Quano Cave, Ben Paz Mountain Resort and Oasis Islet Resort in Libjo, and the Cab-ilan Beach & Cab-ilan Gamay Beach in Dinagat. The province is also surrounded with beautiful islands and islets. Famous among are the Cab-ilan Island in Dinagat, La Isla Aga and Lalaking Bukid in Basilisa, Kisses Islets in Libjo and the Stingray Islet and Puyo Islet in San Jose.

Demographics

Old setlers of the province are called "Lumad". Residents of Dinagat Islands are called "Dinagatnon". Dinagat Islands is predominantly a Cebuano-speaking province. However, towns facing the Surigao del Norte are Surigaonon-speaking particularly the municipalities of Dinagat and Cagdianao due to their proximity to the province of Surigao del Norte. Influences of the Cebuano and Boholano languages with a Tausug accent can be traced. A majority are able to speak English.

 

Culture, People and Arts

Dinagat Islands is rich in structures, buildings and landmarks that are remnants of a once affluent lifestyle. Most notably of which are the Galeto Ancestral Home in Tubajon and the Divine Master Shrine in San Jose, built by the benevolence and volunteerism of the members of the famous believers of Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr., the PBMA, Inc. (Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc) members who are dominants in the province. Other landmarks are the Cuarenta Pulang Lupa and the Islander Castle in San Jose, the Biray-biray Rock Formation and Lalaking Bukid in Basilisa, Bat Sanctuary and the Babaeng Bukid in Tubajon, the Kisses Islet of Libjo and the Campintac Landmark in Loreto,

Divine Master Shrine

Islander Castle

The Dinagatnons' joie de vivre is manifested in the various festivals all over the province, foremost among which is famous is the "Bugkusan sa Isla...Dinagatan Festival", the provincial festival that brings together the 7 municipalities in a showcase of history, arts and culture, tourism, trade, commerce and industry, beauty and talent as well as games and sports.

See Also:

Official Website of Dinagat Islands: 

http://www.dinagatislands.gov.ph

Facebook Page (Dinagat islands):  

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001764396271

Facebook Page (Province of Dinagat Islands Tourism Council (PDITC): 
http://www.facebook.com/PDITC

Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinagat_Islands

The Beauty of Dinagat Islands

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

To see the full and clear view of each photos, click "here"

Pictures credit: Albert Eran's Facebook account

Land of Promise (Poem)

LAND OF PROMISE

Between the seas and the sky

There is life and love that never die

Different cultures different races

Bonded together in one embrace

Bless our Journey, our Nation

Let dreams grow in the horizon

Land of Promise Land of Freedom

People live in peace and harmony

And we are one, we are free

This is our Land, this is our home

We’ll live for you

You gave us hope and dignity

It  is our pride, its is our joy

To die for you

We share the smile and the pain

The greatness and opportunities

Our destiny

We’ll keep the light shining for you

Our hearts are yours and true to you

And we shall stand and fight for you

Our motherland, our faith is you.

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