"Everything is in place, ground works of all projects are on-going," said Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas, who was the guest of honor at the opening of the first four-day surfing festival called "Cloud 9 Masters Open" in this scenic capital in Caraga Region.

At least P20 million has been set aside for the improvement of Del Carmen-Sta. Monica-Pilar road, Congressman Matugas said.

He said the P6-million Dapa-Union road is also set for implementation, while the P5-million farm-to-market road in the Dapa-Socorro area has been for the ground work.

Another infrastructure project here is the P70-million bridge that connects Barangays Katangnan and Cabitoonan to each other. The government has already partially released P10 million for the initial ground works on this bridge project.

In support of the food-security program for the island, a P4.4-million irrigation project in Barangays San Isidro and Esperanza, both of Del Carmen town, is also set for implementation, he said.

Congressman Matugas said the P130-million construction of the Dapa-Del Carmen road is on-going and is expected to be completed before the end of this year.

"The President, with the full support of the nine mayors of the towns on the island, is determined to develop this area into one of the country’s top tourism destinations," Matugas said.

Tourism Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Northeastern Mindanao Joseph Ace Durano is coordinating with Matugas and Surigao del Norte Rep. Guillermo Romarate to make the island developed and progressive.

Secretary Durano initially allotted P1 million for the development of the Magpopongko Beach Resort in Pilar town where the first international fishing tournament graced by President Arroyo was held.

Pilar Mayor Lucio Gonzales is coordinating with Matugas in the upgrading of the cottages and the construction of roads in the town.

Congressman Matugas is also looking for funds for the development of the crocodile area in Del Carmen town.

Northeastern Mindanao Public Works and Highways Regional Director Romeo S. Momo is supervising the multi-million-peso infrastructure projects on this island.

Meanwhile, members of the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) led by Director Momo held last Tuesday their first meeting in the newly created Dinagat Islands Province.

In the meeting officially called the "1st ACE Dinagat Islands People’s Day Conference Forum held in Libjo town, the regional directors assured Dinagatnons of more government services.