SIKAT, Inc. - Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte

08/04/2026

HUMPHREY VOICES SERIES | Kauban sa Kinaiyahan

09 April 2026 (Thursday), 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Congressional District Office, P-6 Barangay Wilson, San Jose, Dinagat Islands

OPEN TO ALL DINAGTNONS! Learn more about environmental conservation and climate resilience, themes that are especially relevant to the context of Dinagat Islands.

The session on Stewardship and Valuation of Natural Resources will be led by Arch. Anna Maria M. Gonzales (Head of Sustainability, AyalaLand), followed by Climate-Responsive Environmental Governance in Dinagat Islands, to be facilitated by Dr. Gella Patria Abella (Head, Institute for Climate Change and Environmental Management, Central Luzon State University). Yeb Saño (SIKAT Executive Director and Former CCC Commissioner) will deliver a presentation entitled From Vulnerablity to Empowerment: Building Community-led Climate Resilience.
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This event is the 78th iteration of the HUMPHREY VOICES SERIES, established in 2014 as a platform for experts, scholars, policymakers, and stakeholders across sectors to exchange insights on critical issues such as human rights, governance, health, culture, and the environment.

This event is a Partnership Program of the Office of Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao with the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Alumni Philippines, which is composed of over a hundred fellows from diverse fields, including individuals who have served or continue to serve in all branches of government — among them a Supreme Court Justice, cabinet secretaries, legislators, and other public officials — as well as judges, lawyers, academics, journalists, and leaders in civil society and the private sector.

Rep. Kaka is a member of the organization, as a Humphrey Fellow in 2006-2007 in the University of Minnesota, USA.

26/03/2026

09/03/2026

Happy Women's Month!💜



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23/01/2026

The two-day training held on January 21–22, 2026, on Communication Skills and Advocacy and Orientation for Champions on Laws and Policies Concerning Fisheries, Women, and Children was successfully conducted through the invaluable support and expertise of our distinguished resource speakers: PMSg Donaly C. Ranan – Philippine National Police; Ms. Estela Marie Vallespin – MLGOO, San Benito; Ma’am Analiza Dolar Estoque – MSWDO, San Benito; and Atty. Sheena D. Asas – OIC, Legal Unit, BFAR.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the LGU–San Benito for generously accommodating and supporting this training. We also express our sincere appreciation to all participants from the municipalities of Socorro, San Benito, and Sta. Monica who actively took part in this meaningful and impactful activity.

The training equipped participants with essential skills to write effective advocacy documents such as appeal letters, resolutions, and ordinances; communicate clearly, persuasively, and diplomatically with key stakeholders and higher administrative bodies; and actively engage in advocacy initiatives that influence policy decisions and institutional actions.

In addition, the activity strengthened local champions’ knowledge and practical understanding of relevant national and international laws and policies, particularly on fisheries management, environmental protection, child protection, and gender mainstreaming.

Participants also gained deeper insights into municipal decision-making and policy-making processes, further empowering them to contribute to stronger, more inclusive, and rights-based local governance.

This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening local advocacy efforts and promoting informed, participatory, and responsive governance in our communities.

SIKAT, Inc., Siargao is truly grateful to everyone who gave their time and actively took part in this significant training.

24/12/2025

15/12/2025

📌 Cross Learning Visit | Day 1 – Campingganon, San Benito (Nov. 26, 2025)
The Cluster Level Association (CLA)/Campingganon Womens Association (CAMWOA) showcased the strength of women-led organizations through shared experiences in savings discipline, seaweed farming, and livelihood enterprises. Campingganon Womens Association (CAMWOA) members highlighted how small, consistent savings grew into reliable support for education, emergencies, and community needs. Stories of seaweed production, by-products, and market linkages demonstrated how partnerships with SIKAT, LGUs, BFAR, and DSWD transformed livelihoods. Despite challenges, the discussions emphasized that unity, commitment, and perseverance are the foundations of a resilient organization.

📌 Cross Learning Visit | Day 2 – Barangay Salvacion, Pilar (Nov. 27, 2025)
The Cluster Level Association (CLA)/Empowered- Womens Association in Barangay Salvacion (E-WABS) Emphasized the power of structured systems and perseverance in sustaining women’s organizations. EWABS shared best practices in savings, transparent financial management, and livelihood diversification that enabled members to support education, improve mobility, and reduce dependence on moneylenders. Testimonials and workshops highlighted how discipline, teamwork, and clear systems strengthen trust and sustainability. The day reaffirmed that love for the organization, collaboration, and hard work are key to long-lasting community empowerment.

SIKAT, Inc. is deeply grateful to all participants and active women in our CLAs and SHGs who continuously support our goal towards women empowerment. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our host CLAs and partner LGUs for their strong partnership and collaboration. We look forward to a harmonious partnership as we work together toward our shared goals of sustainable development.

23/10/2025

07/10/2025

The local champions and CSO representatives from the municipalities of Socorro, Santa Monica, and San Benito, Siargao Island Surigao del Norte actively participated in the Learning Exchange and Benchmarking for Champions on Good Governance and Best Practices held in the Municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, on September 17–19, 2025.

The activity aimed to promote good governance practices and strengthen accountability mechanisms to ensure that duty bearers at both local and higher administrative levels effectively fulfill their mandates and responsibilities. At the same time, it sought to inspire and empower Civil Society Organization (CSO) networks by providing opportunities for learning and sharing of best practices.

Sincere appreciation is extended to Hon. Algerico H. Irizari, MD, Municipal Mayor of Lanuza, and the various municipal offices for generously sharing their insights and experiences on good governance and sustainable development.

25/09/2025

We're proud of you Kuya Yeb! 👏👏👏👏

Raising Hope is a conference for the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si. It will take place beginning October 1 in Italy.

29/08/2025

We are honored to welcome our new Executive Director Sir Yeb!🤗