DOT 13 - Siargao Island

30/05/2026

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐁𝐈𝐆 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲.

Welcome to Daku Island.

While its siblings Guyam and Naked Island are cute, tiny, and minimalist, Daku went all out. We’re talking:
✨ Daku shores of white sand
✨ Daku clusters of towering coconut palms
✨ Daku waves rolling in just off the coast
✨ Daku Seafood waiting for you on the beach!

So bring your daku appetite, your daku sunhat, and your daku barkada.

Because in Caraga, we don't just dream big—we travel big. 😉

To ensure a safe and seamless travel experience, always book accommodations or tour services exclusively from DOT-Accredited Establishments.
Link for the Siargao TREs: https://dot-tre.vercel.app/siargao-islands

28/05/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰?

Siargao is famous worldwide for its amazing surf, but the island is about much more than just big waves. It is home to a vibrant community, a rich culture, and fragile natural wonders.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Region wants to remind everyone—locals and tourists alike—that keeping Siargao a paradise is a team effort. To make the island a better place, we need to focus on these important actions:

* Follow the Laws and Respect the People, Culture, and Privacy: Always respect Philippine laws, local regulations, and Siargao’s customs and traditions.

* Protect Privacy and Share Responsibly: Respect the privacy of others and share only responsible, truthful content about Siargao.

Siargao belongs to the people who live here and the future generations who will inherit it. Let’s enjoy the island responsibly so its beauty lasts forever.

To ensure a safe and seamless travel experience, always book accommodations or tour services exclusively from DOT-Accredited Establishments.

Link for the Siargao TREs: https://dot-tre.vercel.app/siargao-islands

28/05/2026

𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄-𝐓 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐨
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga successfully conducted the first batch of the Tourism WORCS Training: Detection of Red Flags and Reporting Mechanisms for DOT-Accredited Tourism-Related Enterprises (TREs) in Siargao on May 25, 2026, as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen safe, fair, and protection-sensitive tourism practices in the region.
The activity gathered DOT-accredited Tourism-Related Enterprises (TREs), particularly frontline tourism personnel of Accommodation Establishments, to enhance their knowledge and competencies in identifying indicators of abuse, exploitation, trafficking, gender-based violence, and other protection concerns within tourism settings. Participants were also oriented on proper reporting and referral mechanisms to ensure timely coordination with appropriate authorities and support agencies.
The training forms part of the Department’s Tourism Industry Skills Program (TISP). It supports the pilot implementation of the SAFE-T (Safe and Fair Environment for Tourism) Inter-Agency Program in General Luna, Siargao. The SAFE-T Program serves as a regional platform that institutionalizes collaborative mechanisms among government agencies, local government units, tourism stakeholders, and community partners in promoting tourism safety, protection, and resilience.
Anchored on preventive protection and capacity-building, the Tourism WORCS (Tourism Integrates, Supports, and Minds Women’s Rights and Child Safety) Training aims to transform frontline tourism personnel into active partners in safeguarding women and children and preventing Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) and other forms of exploitation in tourism destinations.
The initiative likewise operationalizes key components of the SAFE-T framework, particularly on Tourism Safety, Protection and Resilience Systems, as well as Capacity Building and Advocacy. Through this intervention, DOT Caraga continues to strengthen the role of the tourism sector in mainstreaming protection-sensitive approaches and integrating tourism stakeholders into the local referral and support system.
As tourism growth continues to drive economic opportunities in the region, DOT Caraga recognizes the urgent need to address emerging social risks and vulnerabilities, including trafficking, Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC), gender-based violence, and sexual harassment. By equipping tourism frontliners with practical protection competencies and referral knowledge, the Department aims to institutionalize a responsive and coordinated tourism protection mechanism that upholds human dignity and promotes a safe, fair, and resilient tourism ecosystem for Caraga.

28/05/2026

𝗦𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗿𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺; 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘀
In a proactive move to preserve the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Municipality of San Isidro in Surigao del Norte has officially begun the installation of the Tourist Code of Conduct for Responsible Travelers tarpaulins across key strategic areas in the municipality.
The initiative aims to guide visitors on sustainable and mindful travel practices while exploring the pristine landscapes of Siargao.
Protecting our paradise is a shared responsibility. When you visit San Isidro and the rest of Siargao, make sure to read, understand, and abide by the Code of Conduct.
Be a Responsible Traveler. Respect the People. Protect Siargao. Preserve its future.
📷: Municipality of San Isidro

28/05/2026

𝐃𝐎𝐓 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐮 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐚𝐝𝐨
The Bureau of Immigration (BI), together with the Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine National Police (PNP), Municipal Mayors of Siargao Island, tourism stakeholders, and partner agencies, convened for the Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting with Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado. The said activity was held on May 22, 2026 at the Nest Pavilion, Farmland, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, which was initiated and facilitated by the Office of Congressman Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas, First District Representative of Surigao del Norte.
During the meeting, DOT Caraga Assistant Regional Director Tiara Julia M. Santos shared the department’s ongoing efforts and collaborative initiatives in addressing current issues and emerging concerns affecting the tourism industry in Siargao Island. She emphasized the importance of strengthened inter-agency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable tourism governance in ensuring the island’s continued growth, safety, and global reputation as a premier tourism destination.
ARD Santos also responded to questions raised by tourism stakeholders regarding tourism governance, coordination mechanisms, and current interventions being undertaken by the Department.
The Department likewise highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Safe and Fair Environment for Tourism (SAFE-T) Inter-Agency Program, with Siargao Island serving as its pilot area. The initiative strengthens collaboration among government agencies, local government units, tourism stakeholders, and community partners in promoting tourism safety, protection, and resilience.
ARD Santos also emphasized DOT’s continued commitment in addressing tourism-related concerns through close coordination with concerned agencies and stakeholders.
DOT Caraga expresses its appreciation to the Office of Congressman Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas for the invitation and for facilitating a meaningful dialogue among stakeholders. The Department remains committed to working closely with concerned agencies and partners in pursuing responsive actions, sustainable solutions, and strengthened tourism governance for Siargao Island and the Caraga Region.

26/05/2026

𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗻, 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀
Two (2) tourism enterprises in Caraga continue to uphold quality tourism standards after receiving their Department of Tourism (DOT) accreditation certificates on May 21, 2026.
Journey Inn, a newly accredited Mabuhay Accommodation located in General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, now offers comfortable stay to our tourists in the island.
Meanwhile, Mahigalaon Beach Resort in Carmen, Agusan del Norte also renewed the DOT accreditation of its restaurant, reaffirming its commitment to providing diners with a world-class culinary experience.
The accreditation certificates were officially handed over by Administrative Officer Azelea Peñas and Assistant Regional Director Tiara Julia Santos, respectively, to the representatives of the two establishments.
Congratulations to Journey Inn and Mahigalaon Beach Resort for continuously supporting and upholding the country’s tourism quality standards!
You may also check other accredited TREs here: https://dot-tre.vercel.app

26/05/2026

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘
Please be advised that the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Regional Office will be closed tomorrow, May 27, 2026, in observance of Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), pursuant to Malacañang Palace Proclamation No. 1264.
Regular office operations will resume on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘

Please be advised that the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga Regional Office will be closed tomorrow, May 27, 2026, in observance of Eid'l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), pursuant to Malacañang Palace Proclamation No. 1264.

Regular office operations will resume on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

26/05/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧.

No trees. No buildings. No distractions.

Just a pure, powdery white sand floating in a sea of endless blue waters.

Lie down on the sand, let the Pacific breeze wash over you, and dive into Caraga region's unfiltered form.

To ensure a safe and seamless travel experience, always book accommodations or tour services exclusively from DOT-Accredited Establishments.

Link for the Siargao TREs: https://dot-tre.vercel.app/siargao-islands

📸: Allan Milan

| General Luna Tourism Office

19/05/2026

𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝟰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀, 𝟭 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝟭 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗼

On May 12, 2026, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Caraga is proud to recognize the following tourism stakeholders in recognition of their compliance with the Department’s established standards and requirements for quality tourism service delivery:

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦
(Municipality of Pilar, Siargao Island)
• Jonel Apanto Pepoy
• Jemiel Batistil Espinile
• Christian Escatron Espejon
• Rongie Golgat Espejon

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗧
(Municipality of General Luna, Siargao Island)
• Retreat Siargao Corp.

𝗠𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗛𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡
(Municipality of General Luna, Siargao Island)
• Blauset House 2

The DOT accreditation serves as an assurance to domestic and international tourists that these service providers uphold the Department’s prescribed standards in safety, sanitation, and overall service quality, contributing to the development of a sustainable and competitive tourism industry in the Caraga Region.

Congratulations!

For the full list of DOT-accredited tourism establishments and service providers in the region, visit: https://tinyurl.com/DOTRegion13-AccreditedTREs

15/05/2026

Hospitable ang Pilipino, pero hindi ibig sabihin puwedeng balewalain ang ating mga kababayan, kultura, at batas.

Welcome ang lahat ng turista sa Pilipinas basta may respeto. Walang espesyal na treatment pagdating sa batas — lokal man o dayuhan.

Pinoprotektahan natin ang turismo ng Siargao, pero higit sa lahat, pinoprotektahan natin ang dignidad at kapakanan ng Pilipino.

Kasabay nito, hinihikayat din natin ang publiko na huwag lahatin ang anumang lahi o nasyonalidad dahil ang aksyon ng iilan ay hindi sumasalamin sa lahat.

Ang mensahe natin ay simple: welcome kayo sa Pilipinas—maging mabuting bisita, igalang ang Pilipino, at igagalang din kayo ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Para sa kapakanan ng lahat, hinihikayat namin ang publiko at mga turista na makiisa sa panawagan ng LGU ng Siargao:

1. Sa sinumang saksi sa anumang uri ng kaharasan sa sinumang turista, idulog sa kapulisan ng Siargao.

2. Magsumite ng ebidensya gaya ng larawan, CCTV footages na tutulong mapabilis ang imbestigasyon.

3. Manatiling alerto at madaliang i-dulog ang anumang uri ng karahasan.

——————

We, Filipinos, are known for our warmth. But hospitality is not an invitation to disrespect our people, our culture, or our laws.

Every tourist is welcome in the Philippines, so long as they come with respect. When it comes to the law, no one gets special treatment. Local or foreign, the standard is the same.

We stand in defense of Siargao’s tourism, but more than that, we stand in defense of Filipino dignity and welfare.

At the same time, we call on the public to not paint an entire race or nationality with the same brush. The actions of a few do not speak for the many.

Our message is simple: You are welcome in the Philippines. Be a good guest, honor the Filipino people and the Filipino people will honor you back even more.

For the safety and well-being of all, we urge the public and tourists alike to heed the call of the Local Government Unit of Siargao:

1. If you witness any form of violence against a tourist, report it immediately to the local police.

2. Submit any evidence — such as photos or CCTV footage — that may help expedite the investigation.

3. Stay vigilant and report any form of violence to the authorities without delay.