Feature: World-class beaches just around the corner
October 15, 2008Surigao del Sur — Sparkling lights bouncing over the surface of the clear, pristine waters; powdery white-sand beaches, panoramic view–these characterize the world class beaches of Britania islets in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur.
Britania’s 24 islets captured those who caught a glimpse of its unspoiled beauty and gained prominence to those who have tried its cool waters and set foot on its fine sands.
Among the islets, Buslon and Hiyor-hiyoran are the most visited because of the shade it offer and the amazing view it provide of the other islets facing the Pacific Ocean.
Britania is one of the barangays of San Agustin. The place is very accessible since the municipality is located along the soon-to-be-finished Surigao-Davao Coastal Road (SDCR). A public utility bus passes every hour in San Agustin going to Tandag City or Lianga.
Manuel Alameda, San Agustin Municipal Mayor in a press conference held in Alameda Function Hall just recently, said that San Agustin is generally peaceful and threats to security is not a concern. He said, rebel groups have not infiltrated the coastal barangays like Britania. He added that personnel of the Philippine National Police are alert and visible in the community.
Ace Orcullo, Executive Assistant and President of Association of Community Development Information Advocates (ACDIA) said that for a better experience of the place and its people, local or foreign tourists may contact the local Tourism Office for assistance and others. Ace added that the LGU of San Agustin and its local Tourism Office has already set arrangements for tourism in their municipality.
Ace disclosed that the Department of Tourism recommended leaving the islets as it is to preserve its natural beauty. He said that putting up infrastructures, as what most tourists want, were discouraged as it would flaw the surface of the islets. He said, the LGU under the leadership of Mayor Alameda has also preserved the coral reefs in the area. He added that the attractiveness of the islets and its beaches arises from its simplicity and freedom from artificiality.
In mainland Britania, the LGU has also rehabilitated the mangroves to continuously protect and preserve the ecosystem. People were relocated and infrastructures posing threat to the environment were also dismantled to prevent further damage to the place. Mayor Alameda said that they offer a good relocation program to those affected such as free residential lots and others.
However, Mayor Alameda admitted that the road in going to Britania from San Agustin town proper still needs concreting, but added that it would be a good legacy for the future leaders.
He said, as of now the LGU has not yet gained income from Britania as a tourist destination but they continue to preserve and protect it for the near future. He added that when the coastal road project of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in going to San Agustin is finished it will encourage tourists to visit the municipality to have a memorable experience with its pristine waters and white sand beaches.
It can be remembered that during the visit of President Arroyo on June 19 in San Agustin for the ceremonial drive-through of the concreted portion of SDCR, Mayor Alameda recognized the importance of the road and said “very few tourists visit Surigao del Sur despite its vast potential as a tourist destination because of the poor road condition.”
Yet despite the existing road conditions, for those who visited Britania islets, a photograph captured in their memories depicting excitement and joyful experiences will linger on through the years. They would probably say, “I’ve been to a world class beach in just around the corner of San Agustin.” (PIA-Caraga)
over all the san agustin of surigao is a beutiful place in the whole mindanao..
it is a bless of god..sana ipag patoloy pa ang kagandahan hanggang sa susunod na heniration…
Posted by rizal rojo at January 11, 2010, 1:28 pm