I was born in Caraga. Of course Caraga was a name of newly created region then – a baby region in the northeastern part of Mindanao. It was created in 1995, and Butuan City as the capital city of the region. It was composed of three cities which make it brothers of Butuan, the cities of Surigao and Bislig.

Since then, the national office considered the newly created region as priorities in all major projects. Like a baby nestled in mother’s arms, milking to develop into a strong child, and became a fine young man in the future. This is how it started, and now, it poise to compete with other 17 regions that make up Philippines. The competition was so intimate like the Birmingham accommodation did.

Although Caraga, being an experimental region in terms of education, but it has created intelligent citizens for being the number 1 region in the Department of Education based on NAT results either in elementary or secondary or both. That is consistent on the top spot since 1998 as far as my recollection is concerned.

In terms of agriculture, we have valuable contribution in our economy and help stop the food shortage due to our technologically-inclined pre and post harvest facilities such as farm to market roads, farm equipments, and drying technology. Caraga is one of the regions that withstood the recent attack of food crisis.

In terms of infrastructures, at this moment, the landmark that is incomparable is the longest-cabled bridge in the country the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge that is found in Butuan as the best in entire Mindanao and next to Cebu’s Mactan Bridge. The 2nd bridge cemented more the place which separates us by the mighty Agusan River. The bridge symbolizes as one Caraga. Yes, it will prosper economic activity in the region as it moves forward in the near future.

The beautiful City Hall Complex in Butuan City is the finest in Mindanao, or else, one of the best in the Philippines. Being a capital city wherein the seat of government is the most important aspect in dealing with peoples and services. The seat of government with its present look symbolizes a progressive Butuan.

In terms of tourism, The Department of Tourism posted a 73 percent increase of tourist arrivals compared to last year. The uncontrollable visits is considered as positive growth that resulted to creation of jobs, and well, we have here sprouting first class hotels to accommodate the increasing visitors coming from within and outside our territories just the same the one from Birmingham accommodation and the cheap hotels in Amsterdam.

I have just mentioned the major developments of Caraga at this moment. This is how the baby region stopped crying when she was a newly-born baby. And now the baby is growing strong at the end.