Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 953)
The primary purpose of Act No. 953 is to reduce the thirty-four municipalities of the Province of Surigao to twenty-nine by consolidating certain municipalities and outlining their new boundaries and governance structures.
The municipality of Surigao was formed by combining its present territory with that of the municipality of Anao-aon.
The new municipality of Cabarbaran consists of its present territory and the municipalities of Tubay and Jabonga.
The municipalities of Nasipit, Butuan, Veruela, Talacogon, Loreto, Nonoc, Dinagat, Sapao, Numancia, Cabuntog, Dapa, Mainit, Bacuag, Taganaan, Placer, Claver, Gigaquit, Tandag, Tago, Hinatuan, Cantilan, Carrascal, and Lanuza preserved their present boundaries.
The municipality of Cortes was expanded to include the territory of the municipality of Tigao, with the seat of municipal government at the present municipality of Cortes.
La Paz was expanded to include the barrio of Marijatac from the municipality of Lianga, with the seat of municipal government established at the barrio of Cagaet in La Paz.
Municipal elections in the new municipalities of Surigao, Cabarbaran, Cortes, La Paz, Bislig, and Lianga shall be held in accordance with the rules of Act Numbered 730, as amended by Act Numbered 928.
Once the new municipal officials have been elected and qualified, the existing municipal organizations will be abolished, and all offices under the previous organization will be vacated.
Yes, the present municipal organizations will continue until the new municipal officials have qualified and taken their oath of office.
This Act took effect immediately upon its passage on October 22, 1903.