The Department of the Interior and Local Government of Surigao del Sur (DILG SDS), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur (PLGU SDS), as the co-led conveyor, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) SDS, successfully held the first Provincial Dagyaw 2023 Open Government Town Hall Meeting in the region on September 29, 2023, at the Shacene Pension House & Restaurant, Tandag City.

Inspired by the nature of the word Dagyaw, a Hiligaynon term for "togetherness", which exemplifies the value of Bayanihan, the activity was dubbed "Tambayayong: Hisgut-hisgut sa Kalambuan", as it targeted to discourse the livelihood activities, challenges, and opportunities, being one of the topmost pressing needs in the province that impedes the delivery of a comfortable life for Surigaonons.

Displaying the true essence of Bayanihan, the activity garnered support from several partner offices, viz: Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG); Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office (PFARO); Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office (PSWDO); Provincial Tourism Office (PTO); Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI); DA-Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR); DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), whom together, addressed the raised issues and concerns of the participating Civil Society Organization CSO) Federation Officers across the province.

Three (3) pre-identified representatives coming from the livelihood subsectors of Farming, Fishing, and Livestock Raising shared their stories of perseverance and were given the opportunity to converse with the concerned agencies for assistance. The interactions elicited vigorous participation from the physical attendees and virtual participants, as the activity was also aired online via Facebook.

The milestone, which strives to improve trust and confidence between the People and the government by providing an open, neutral, and protected space for multiple sectors across society, has reached an audience of 150 participants in the physical venue and 1,500 views on the streamed coverage. This has been viewed as a triumph in this significant effort to advance the fundamentals of good governance.

In her message, DILG Surigao del Sur, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Rizza D. Sion, CESE, expressed her gratitude to the PLGU SDS, PIA SDS, and other key players who worked hand-in-hand towards the success of the endeavor. Further, she hoped that by bringing Dagyaw to the provincial level, the government offices would be brought closer to the people.

Maximizing meaningful engagements, a Serbisyo Caravan showcasing products and services was simultaneously provided by BFAR, PFARO, OPAG, DOLE, TESDA, PTO, and PSWDO to the participants. (LGOO Crizza Mae Joyce A. Hurtado-Ponce)