SURIGAO CITY — A former guerrilla stronghold has taken on a new purpose as the City Government of Surigao officially opened the Nature and Family Park in Sitio Brazil, Barangay Mat-i on September 7, 2026. The blessing and opening ceremony marked the completion of the first phase of the city’s Eco-Tourism Park Master Plan, transforming the once conflict-affected area into a welcoming destination for families, visitors, and the local community. Funded through the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) Local Government Support Fund–Green, Green, Green Program. The newly developed park features a viewing deck, tribal hall, community garden, tree parks and nursery, and camping grounds, offering visitors a refreshing setting to relax, spend time with loved ones, and appreciate the surrounding natural environment.
From Conflict Site to Sustainable Community Destination
The development of the park marks a significant change for Sitio Brazil, an area that was once used as a guerrilla base and was rarely visited by public officials. DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, who led the project’s groundbreaking in March 2025, highlighted the Green, Green, Green Program’s goal of creating greener and more vibrant public spaces across the country. Beyond recreation, the park is envisioned as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and local development. Its features are intended to help preserve cultural heritage, encourage economic activity, and support food security through edible landscaping. The park will also be managed by the DSWD Brazil Hugpong Pamana Livelihood Association, giving community members an active role in maintaining the shared space while opening additional livelihood opportunities for local residents.
More Opportunities Ahead for Surigao
The Nature and Family Park is only the beginning of the city’s broader eco-tourism plans. Future development phases are expected to include an adventure zone with zip lines, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) track, and expanded nature trails designed to draw more visitors to the area. For Surigao City, the project represents more than the creation of another public park. It symbolizes how a place once associated with conflict can be transformed into a space for families, livelihood, tourism, and environmental sustainability—helping build a greener and more inclusive Surigao where communities can live, grow, and thrive.
