2026 (1st Edition)
I. Mandate:
The Province of Dinagat Islands was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 9355 and signed into law on October 2, 2005 by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines.
The 5th province of Caraga Region and the 81st province of the Philippines is composed of seven (7) municipalities namely Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo (Albor), Loreto, San Jose and Tubajon and 100 barangays. Its population is 128, 117 based on the 2022 Census of Population. It is bounded on the NORTH, starting from the desolation point is Surigao Strait; on the EAST by the Philippine Sea; on the SOUTH by Gaboc Channel and Nonoc Island; on the SOUTH-WEST by Awasan Bay, Hanigad Island and Hikdop Island; and on the WEST by Surigao Strait.
The Province of Dinagat Islands contains an approximate land area of Eighty Thousand Two Hundred Twelve hectares (80,212 has.) or 802.12 sq. km. more or less including Hibusong Island and approximately two hundred fifty-four (254) islands and islets under the territorial jurisdiction of the municipalities. The capital town and seat of government of the Province of Dinagat Islands is the Municipality of San Jose.
The province has an independent and common seal and may alter the same at its pleasure. It shall exercise the powers to levy taxes; to close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks or squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey and dispose of real and personal property for the general interest of the province; to expropriate or condemn private property for public use; to contract and to be contracted with; to sue and to be sued; to prosecute and defend to final judgement and executions suits wherein the province is involved or interested in; and to exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or hereafter granted.
The province was first led by the interim Governor Hon. Geraldine B. Ecleo-Villaroman from year 2007 to 2010. Then was followed by Hon. Glenda Buray-Ecleo as the second governor from year 2010 to 2019, who served for three (3) consecutive terms. In the 2019 election, Governor Arlene “Kaka” J. Bag-ao won and served as the third female Local Chief Executive from 2019-2022. On 2022 National and Local Elections Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr. then the Vice Governor won against Governor Arlene J. Bag-ao. He is the first male Governor and now serving his second term for year 2025-2028.
In 19 years of existence, the Province of Dinagat Islands continues to rise and showcases socioeconomic progress and development. With +9.6% growth rate of its Gross Domestic Product in 2024, the province is declared by the Philippine Statistics Authority as number 1 in Caraga Region, number 1 in Mindanao and number 3 fastest growing economy in the Philippines.
II. Vision
An industrialized agri-fishery and eco-tourism island province with responsively managed mining enjoyed by empowered, resilient, God centered and safe communities.
III. Mission
The promotion of the general welfare of the people of Dinagat Islands is the primary mission of the Province. Towards this end, the Provincial Government shall endeavor to pursue sustainable development of its resources, including the protection of the environment, for a better quality of life of its citizenry, through good governance and effective partnerships with stakeholders and component LGUs.
IV. Service Pledge
We, the officials and employees of the Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands, commit to provide efficient, transparent, and accountable public service consistent with our vision.
Guided by our mission, we pledge to:
- Serve you promptly and courteously from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM;
- Provide accurate and updated information on our programs and services through:
- Official Website: www.dinagatislands.gov.ph
- Official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PDIPIO
- Attend to your needs immediately upon entering our office premises;
- Ensure that our employees wear proper identification and deliver services with integrity, respect, and professionalism; and
- Continuously improve our systems and processes in line with the REMEDY Strategic Development Framework TARGETS to ensure accessible, efficient, and quality public service for all.
