The conceptualization for development of Cagwait White Beach Resort previously called Waikiki Beach by Charles Lindbergh started 10 years ago during the incumbency of former Mayor Johnny Lozada the husband of the present Local Chief Executive Hon. Lillian Yu-Lozada.
The Department of Tourism Regional Office Region XI of which at that time Surigao del Sur was still a part of said region based in Davao City identified Cagwait White Beach as a potential tourist spot and destination in the region after the Municipal Officials headed by former Mayor Lozada travelled to Davao City without expense on the part of the local government and requested the DOT for technical assistance.
With the representation, Hon. Catalina S. Dakudao, the Director of DOT Region XI at that time with her family visited Cagwait particularly White Beach and was impressed with its scenic horseshoe shape coastline, for white sand and crystal clear bright water.
Attracted with the beach pristine beauty, she recommended to the Philippine Tourism Authority for possible funding assistance and years later approved and allocated the amount of 2 Million Pesos for the construction of Tourist Pavillion and facilities and the development of Town Park and Plaza. The project was completed and inaugurated last May 14, 1994.
Managed by the Local Government, the local leadership taught of some ways how to further boast its potent tourism industry. That was the time "Kaliguan", a native word was coined meaning place to take or have a refreshing bath after a tedious work and a manifestation of gratitude for the blessings received in the meaningful events of the community. Festival a mammoth fete on the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist every June 24th where everybody takes to the beach.
The first Kaliguan Festival was celebrated last June 24, 1996 initiated by the Municipal Tourism Council chaired by the present Mayor Hon. Lillian Yu-Lozada in collaboration with the Mun. Government of Cagwait the Provincial Government and the Department of Tourism.
Various activities highlighted the one day affair depicting customs, traditions and culture in celebrating St. John the Baptist Day in the local version with the theme: "Kaliguan ‘96 Pasingud sa Kadayawan nan Cagwait". As highlight, Search for Miss Tourism Cagwait was participated in by 8 sectors of groups in the locality namely: Business, NGO/POs, Religious, DECS Elem., DECS High, ABC, Integrated National Agencies and the Local Government Unit.
On June 19-24 of 1997, the second Kaliguan Festival's participation was expanded provincewide. Search for Miss Tourism Cagwait was renamed Search for Perlas ng Kaliguan to harmonize with the festivity. The municipalities who participated were the following: Bislig, Hinatuan, San Agustin, Bayabas, San Miguel, Tago, Tandag, Cortes, Carmen and Lanuza. The 5-day celebration was witnessed by an estimated crowd of more or less 10,000 spectators.
Last year, 1998, the celebration was shortened to 2 days tapping the 11 barangays in the locality as participants. The obvious reason was the time constraints in the preparation due to the fact that transition of local leadership was in the offing as a result of the May 11 national and local elections. Yet, the festival was a big success.
The previous 3 festivals was fulfilling - a realization of once upon a time a dream of former Johnny Lozada and his Municipal Officials, the architects who turn Waikiki Beach into a developed White Beach Resort, the venue of the now acclaimed KALIGUAN Festival a festivity is already included in the calendar of activities of the Department of Tourism.
The Department of Tourism Regional Office Region XI of which at that time Surigao del Sur was still a part of said region based in Davao City identified Cagwait White Beach as a potential tourist spot and destination in the region after the Municipal Officials headed by former Mayor Lozada travelled to Davao City without expense on the part of the local government and requested the DOT for technical assistance.
With the representation, Hon. Catalina S. Dakudao, the Director of DOT Region XI at that time with her family visited Cagwait particularly White Beach and was impressed with its scenic horseshoe shape coastline, for white sand and crystal clear bright water.
Attracted with the beach pristine beauty, she recommended to the Philippine Tourism Authority for possible funding assistance and years later approved and allocated the amount of 2 Million Pesos for the construction of Tourist Pavillion and facilities and the development of Town Park and Plaza. The project was completed and inaugurated last May 14, 1994.
Managed by the Local Government, the local leadership taught of some ways how to further boast its potent tourism industry. That was the time "Kaliguan", a native word was coined meaning place to take or have a refreshing bath after a tedious work and a manifestation of gratitude for the blessings received in the meaningful events of the community. Festival a mammoth fete on the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist every June 24th where everybody takes to the beach.
The first Kaliguan Festival was celebrated last June 24, 1996 initiated by the Municipal Tourism Council chaired by the present Mayor Hon. Lillian Yu-Lozada in collaboration with the Mun. Government of Cagwait the Provincial Government and the Department of Tourism.
Various activities highlighted the one day affair depicting customs, traditions and culture in celebrating St. John the Baptist Day in the local version with the theme: "Kaliguan ‘96 Pasingud sa Kadayawan nan Cagwait". As highlight, Search for Miss Tourism Cagwait was participated in by 8 sectors of groups in the locality namely: Business, NGO/POs, Religious, DECS Elem., DECS High, ABC, Integrated National Agencies and the Local Government Unit.
On June 19-24 of 1997, the second Kaliguan Festival's participation was expanded provincewide. Search for Miss Tourism Cagwait was renamed Search for Perlas ng Kaliguan to harmonize with the festivity. The municipalities who participated were the following: Bislig, Hinatuan, San Agustin, Bayabas, San Miguel, Tago, Tandag, Cortes, Carmen and Lanuza. The 5-day celebration was witnessed by an estimated crowd of more or less 10,000 spectators.
Last year, 1998, the celebration was shortened to 2 days tapping the 11 barangays in the locality as participants. The obvious reason was the time constraints in the preparation due to the fact that transition of local leadership was in the offing as a result of the May 11 national and local elections. Yet, the festival was a big success.
The previous 3 festivals was fulfilling - a realization of once upon a time a dream of former Johnny Lozada and his Municipal Officials, the architects who turn Waikiki Beach into a developed White Beach Resort, the venue of the now acclaimed KALIGUAN Festival a festivity is already included in the calendar of activities of the Department of Tourism.
