This was announced by Caraga Region’s Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Joseph Ace Durano during his visit to the city to grace the 13th year anniversary celebration of Caraga Region held recently in one of the local convention centers in this city.

Sec. Durano, in an interview with the local tri-media said that DOT has already given its share, through their regional office, amounting to P2.5 million for the immediate development and implementation of the Agusan River Cruise development project.

Sec. Durano added that with the success of the Loboc River cruise, it is possible that with the city’s own version, same will happen or may even surpass Loboc’s floating restaurants and river cruising, having drawn tourists from all the corners of the globe.

“One advantage of the Agusan River compared to Loboc River in Bohol is the area which is bigger compared to Loboc, considering that Agusan River is one of the longest rivers in the country, connecting Davao and Bukidnon rivers”, Sec. Durano said.

When asked by the local media if the city government and the DOT have plan of dredging the river more particularly at the river’s opening in the municipality of Magallanes, Sec. Durano said there is no need to do the dredging since the boats to be used as floating restaurants are not as big as barges that may cause a problem.

“We will only be converting two or three big pumpboats by connecting them, and from there, a restaurant will be constructed just like the floating restaurants in Loboc. So, there is no need to do river dredging”, Sec. Durano said.

However, Sec. Durano said, additional infrastructure projects is expected to be constructed such as warfs that will serve as waiting areas for those who will experience river-cruising.

To date, Sec. Durano said, the local government, in collaboration with DOT Caraga Regional office is on the process of finalizing everything for the immediate implementation of the project.

The Philippine Airlines plane slowly descended upon rows of green fields and taxied to a stop in the small runway of Bancasi Airport in Butuan City. As we went down the steep stairs, I felt the weariness bearing down on me. I’ve heard the expression travel sore often enough and its hitting me now in full force, having woke up at five in the morning to catch this flight to Butuan City, Agusan del Sur.

My discomfort quickly vanished the moment I stepped into the welcoming ambiance of Almont Inland Resort, a mere 20 minutes from Bancasi Airport and only five minutes away from Butuan city center, near the Gaisano Shopping Mall.

The cozy atmosphere instantly soothed my tired mind and body, the sumptuous lunch of fresh fish, sinigang broth and fruits in season lifted my spirit. Before long, I was raring to take a stroll around the four hectares of spacious grounds comprising the resort, and to take a dip in the inviting swimming pool with its splendid man-made waterfalls.

I noticed that each room has a spacious veranda overlooking either the swimming pool or the man made lake, quite beautiful in the evening, since both are illuminated by softly flickering torch lights reflected in the water.

The resort has deluxe rooms and suites which are fully air-conditioned with cable TV, refrigerator, mini bar, NDD and IDD telephone, hot and cold running water and bathtub.

Likewise, the resort boasts of complete conference facilities including a ballroom which can accommodate up to 1800 people or the Carmen Room which can seat 100 people and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine.

The resort also takes pride in its array of sports facilities (10-hole putting green, horse back riding, biking, tennis and volleyball courts and fishing at the man-made lagoon).

According to the staff, the resort offers other services and facilities, such as, airport transfers, babysitting, car service, currency exchange, parking, safety deposit boxes, wakeup call, airline/booking confirmation, city tours and tour packages, company doctor on call, massage service, laundry/pressing services and 24 hour room service.

A serene get-away

After a hearty dinner, I walked around the resort, reveling in the serenity, my senses keenly attuned to the sights and sounds of nature-crickets chirping, frogs croaking, the whistling wind and the thud of leaves falling on the concrete pathways. I sat on one of the wrought iron chairs facing the man-made pond enjoying the cool evening breeze and the stillness of the place. Here, I could forget for a while the frenetic pace of city living and the daily struggle for survival. I also felt secure because of the staff discreetly roving within the premises, making sure that all is well with their treasured guests.

Thus, it is with reluctance that I bade goodbye to the friendly and courteous staff of the resort, a place which I’ve come to cherish.

Truly, Almont Inland Resort is a home away from home, a soothing balm and a wonderful destination to unwind. I’ll definitely bring my kids here next time around.