The Province of Dinagat Islands was officially created on December 2, 2006, through Republic Act No. 9355, signed into law by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It was carved out of the province of Surigao del Norte, making it the Philippines’ 81st province. The law was approved through a plebiscite held on December 2, 2006, where the majority of the residents voted in favor of the province’s creation.

Key Events in the Creation of Dinagat Islands:

1. Legislation:
   • Republic Act No. 9355, also known as the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands, was enacted to formally establish the province.
2. Plebiscite:
   • The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducted a plebiscite in the affected areas of Surigao del Norte to determine the people’s approval.
   • The majority voted in favor of the creation of the province.
3. Legal Challenges:
   • In 2010, the Supreme Court of the Philippines declared the creation of the province unconstitutional, citing a failure to meet the population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code of 1991.
   • However, in 2011, the Supreme Court reversed its decision, reinstating the province’s status as a legitimate province.

Geography and Demographics:

• Dinagat Islands consists of a group of islands in the Caraga region in northeastern Mindanao.
• Its capital is San Jose, which serves as the political and economic hub of the province.

Significance:

The creation of the Dinagat Islands as a separate province aimed to promote local governance, development, and the representation of its unique cultural and socio-economic identity.