SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – In its desire to continue extending assistance to the efforts of the Aquino administration, the Australian government through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) expanded its assistance to the provincial government of Surigao del Norte with the amount of P49,015,240 for the province’s social services program.

It was learned that the incentive grant to the province of Surigao del Norte is in addition to the P50-million grant in the second year (Fiscal Year 2011-2012) of the Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF).

PRMF is a facility funded by the AusAID.

Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol F. Matugas, Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st District, Surigao del Norte), Rep. Guillermo A. Romarate Jr. (2nd District, Surigao del Norte), and Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas were elated upon learning of this new development.

The province of Surigao del Norte and this city were given additional grants because of their good and exemplary performance in performing social services to the Surigaonons, local officials said.

Surigao del Norte is one of the seven pilot provinces in the country to benefit under this AusAID program.