Discover Cagdianao!

CEBU, Philippines - In the eastern part of Dinagat Province in Surigao del Norte, in the Caraga Region, lies the municipality of Cagdianao. It takes an outrigger boat from Surigao City an hour and forty-five minutes to reach the island.

The island life is simple, laid-back in the eyes of visitors from the city. And, as Cagdianao is facing the Pacific Ocean, fishing is the main livelihood, along with farming, in majority of the island municipality’s 14 barangays. The place prides of its hospitable people and rich culture.

It’s a close-knit community one finds on the island. The local dialect is Surigaonon but the local people understand Cebuano, Tagalog and English. The only problem in communication is the very poor mobile-phone signal.

The island life is simple, laid-back in the eyes of visitors from the city. And, as Cagdianao is facing the Pacific Ocean, fishing is the main livelihood, along with farming, in majority of the island municipality’s 14 barangays. The place prides of its hospitable people and rich culture.

It’s a close-knit community one finds on the island. The local dialect is Surigaonon but the local people understand Cebuano, Tagalog and English. The only problem in communication is the very poor mobile-phone signal.

Well, the local people are quite shy and visitors may have to talk them out of their shells at first. But no sooner do they become the welcoming and warm people that they truly are, very particular of their visitors’ comfort. The mayor’s home itself is open to everybody all the time.

Visitors never go hungry, what with the island fishermen’s bountiful catch from the surrounding sea. All the more if one’s visit is timed for the town fiesta. There’s not only a lot of food everywhere, but a lot of fun as well.

Cagdianao celebrates its annual fiesta on June 29, in honor of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Apostles. A highlight of the week-long celebration is the Sirong-Sirong Festival. The word “sirong” means to gather around together, which is common practice among the islanders. The fisher folks would gather together when catching fish with their nets. Or, entire neighborhoods would gather in groups around a bonfire or under the moonlight having friendly conversations.

The Sirong-Sirong Festival is quite unlike similar festivals seen in big towns and cities. The municipal government solely underwrites the expenses, no commercial sponsors whatsoever. The participating contingents are composed of pupils and students from the different schools representing the different barangays.

The tourism appeal of Gagdianao, however, is not limited to festival time. The island has stretches of pristine beaches with white, gray and brown sands. The local government is working on luring visitors to the island in order to benefit the local people.

And visitors are sure to come – to savor the peace and quiet of this paradise. They will come to experience the warm hospitality of the island people and to feast in the sumptuous beauty of the island scenery. They will come to discover Cagdianao! (FREEMAN)