Higatangan Island, with two component barangays (Brgy. Mabini and Brgy. Libertad) and home to a total population of 1970 (PSA, 2015), is one of the picturesque tourist destinations in Biliran that has gained increasing esteem due to its marvelous shifting sand bar that stretched about 200 meters from the shoreline of Brgy. Mabini to the open and relaxing sea. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters that is enticing for snorkelers and divers. White beaches are found on the west side and rock formation carved by nature on the north.
Like many rural barangays throughout the country, Higatangan is not immune to common social and developmental problems. Simple community problems are compounded by the fact that influx of local and foreign tourist is expected to increase due to rising promotional activities spearheaded by the young and active Mayor of Naval, Hon. Gerard Roger M. Espina.
The CEST program used the modalities of the CLCP to help the representatives of various sectors in Higatangan. The process involves the crafting of common dream or vision for Higatangan in the next 10 years and identify the key issues and activities they deem important in achieving their dream. Ms. Evelyn Tablante, of DOST-8 served as resource person and led facilitator of the workshop. Support facilitators for the two-day training workshop are DOST-Biliran staff Ms. Ma. Catherine Maniba-SRS II, Ms. Juliet M. Aguirre-AA III, and Gracevillalyn Saldo-PA II with DOST-8 support staff Ms. Teresa Yepes and Ma. Arian Jane Q. Gad.
Result of the CLCP shows that among the top concerns of the island are: 1) access to safe and potable water; 2) clearing of unwanted structures in the beach and sand bar area; 3) easy access to health services and medicine, 4) putting up of police sub-station, 5) construction of covered court both for sports and evacuation purposes, and 6) dumping site for solid waste management. The 55 participants coming from the two barangays were composed of representative from the barangay officials, farmers, fisher-folks, women, youth, senior citizens, housewives, and micro entrepreneurs (mat weavers) sectors. The final output of the activities is an action plan for one year in relation to their priority activities.
Regional Director Edgardo M. Esperancilla, of DOST-8 who headed the CEST Team himself, inspired the participants of the training workshop by reminding them how fortunate they have to have a potential world class tourist spot that is even better than other popular places abroad. He also stressed the need for better management of their resources to maximize their potential especially for tourism purposes. He was also appreciative of the enthusiastic response and cooperation of the representatives from various sector coming from the two barangays. Director Esperancilla further stated that results of the CLCP will be a good entry point for identification of priority projects for implementation by concerned line agencies.
Engr Ramil Uy, Sr. SRS of DOST-8, presented the programs of DOST-8 to the participants to give them a birds’ eye view of relevant services DOST-8 is providing to the community under the CEST program. Dr. Romeo Dignos, Provincial S & T Director for DOST-Biliran also presented the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program to encourage the micro-entrepreneurs in the island to adopt technology innovation for better product quality to catch the tourist taste and needs.
The Naval State University, headed by OIC-President Dr. Victor Cañezo, ably represented by the NSU’s Director Extension Services Office, Dr. Christopher Vicera served as the organizing institution for the CLCP activity. Mr. Jeremy Balondo and Engr. Bryan Bernil, both personnel and instructors of NSU served as facilitators of the training-workshop.
The NSU ESO is expected to undertake follow-up activities to link the community with concerned line agencies and other development stakeholders to address their problems. Meanwhile, DOST-8 encouraged the barangay officials to coordinate with DOST Provincial Office for further partnership and preparing proposals for possible project cooperation in relation to areas where science and technology can be used to address the major issues identified by Higatangan Island constituents.