Adventure knows no boundaries in Caraga Region-XIII, the country’s newest geopolitical subdivision. If you are seeking a challenging experience, or simply an escapade from the humdrum of urban living, venture no more … CARAGA is it.
Experience CARAGA – the most exciting adventure one can find south of the Philippine islands that simply lures a visitor to frolic in its pristine beauty.
It is the land of extremes and superlatives. The country’s largest freshwater wetland and largest mangrove swamp nestled within its boundaries. The deepest waters in the country --- some of the deepest in the world --- lie just off its shores. Its borders encompass Agusan del Sur, where the Philippines’ largest gold deposit is found.
The History
The Caraga Administrative Region or Region-XIII is a region re-born. It is named after the historic Caraga --- an old territory in Northern Mindanao of which Surigao was once a part of. The term is derived from KALAGAN, the name of a people believed to be of Visayan origin. They inhabited the territory during the early part of the Spanish occupation. (“Harnessing Age-Old Regional Strengths, Caraga Administrative Region”. Regional Profiles, Mindanao 1996. Business Guide).
According to Almeda, the word Kalagan came from two Bisayan words, namely: “Kalag” and “An” which means soul or people and land, respectively. He further said that the “Kalagans” had a long history of being treacherous and fearless people. Hence, early chroniclers often times called it as the “Land of Brave and Fierce People”.
The colorful past and glorious days of the old Caraga was but a sad memory buried in the dustbin of history (APPENDEX 1: Caraga: A region Reborn, Fernando Almeda). However, the passage of Republic Act 7901 on February 23, 1995 made possible the rebirth of this region.
The Political Subdivisions
Caraga Region XIII lies in the northeastern side of Mindanao. It is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east, the Bohol Sea and the Provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon on the west, and the Surigao
Strait on the south. It can be reached by air, land, and sea travel.
It embraces the four (4) Provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur, and the three (3) cities of Butuan, Surigao and Bislig. These provinces and cities were administratively under Region X except Surigao del Sur which was with Region XI before the creation of the Caraga Administrative Region.
Scattered all over the region are different indigenous tribes of Manobos, Higa-onons, and Mamanwas. The Caraganons have mostly Malay, Chinese, Japanese, and Arab bloods.
The Land
Caraga has a total land area of 1,902,980 hectares or 18,847.2 sq. km. It represents about 18% of the total land area of Mindanao and roughly 6% of the Philippines. (Agusan-Surigao Ecozone: A Showcase of Development).
Most of these areas are classified into forest and agricultural lands and built-up areas. Bulk of the land area which is 27.11% or 8,965.5 sq. km. belongs to the Province of Agusan del Sur while Surigao del Norte has the smallest area with 2,590.3 sq. km. (This already includes the mainland and the four (4) major islands).
The Resources
Caraga is considered as a Gold Country. Its jewel lies in the region’s vast forest, fertile mountains and valleys, seas, rivers, lakes, mineral deposits, people and other natural endowments.
R.A. 7901 made this northeastern region as the new economic hub in Southern Philippines considering its vast potentials for ecotourism, industrial, mining, agri-industrial, and agricultural development.
Caraga Region XIII is also rich in history and culture. Its indigenous traditions are showcased in year round festivals and its heritage are epitomized in their arts and crafts. Relics and artifacts of a glorious past are displayed with pride in the different museums found in the region.
Indeed, Caraga Region XIII now awaits the touch of investors to turn its resources into profits and encourages more tourist receipts for economic, social and political development.
Inventory of Tourism Products
Tourist Attractions
• Siargao Island
• Bucas Grande Island
• Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
• Waterfalls (Tinuy-an Falls)
• Resorts
• Historical Sites
• Archaeological Sites
• Caves
• Mountains
• Lakes
• Festivals
• Beautiful Islands and cluster of islets
• Rock Formations
• White sand beaches
• Variety of fresh seafoods (lobsters, fish, crabs, oysters, etc.)
• Indigenous handicrafts
• Ecotourism Destinations
Anchor Destinations
1. Historical / Archeological Sites of Butuan City
2. Exciting Islands of Surigao: Beautiful Islands and cluster of islets of Surigao City (e.g. Sagisi Island, Zaragoza Rock Formations, Manjagao Mangrove Forest, Punta Baluarte, Punta Kalabera, etc.)
3. Lake Mainit (Agusan del Norte)
4. Agusan Marsh (Agusan del Sur)
5. Siargao Island (Surigao del Norte)
6. Bucas Grande Island (Surigao del Norte
7. Mt. Hilong-Hilong (Agusan del Norte)
8. Tinuy-an Falls (Surigao del Sur)
Satellite Destinations
1. Cagwait Beach (Surigao del Sur)
2. Mt. Mas-ai (Agusan del Norte)
3. Dinagat Island (Surigao del Norte)
4. Longest Wooden Footbridge in the Philippines (Surigao City)
5. Lanuza (Surigao del Sur)
6. Tandag (Surigao del Sur)
7. Carmen (Agusan del Norte)
8. Britania Islands ( Surigao del Sur)
Tourism Facilities
Transport Facilities:
Air :
2 domestic (secondary) airport in Butuan City and Surigao City
1 domestic airport in Tandag, Surigao del Sur
1 feeder airport in del Carmen, Surigao del Norte
1 feeder airport in Bislig, Surigao del Sur
Sea:
1 international seaport in Nasipit, Agusan del
Norte
1 domestic seaport in Surigao City
4 wharves in Tandag, Bislig, Dapa, and Placer
1 ferry landing terminal in Lipata, Surigao City
linking Mindanao to Visayas and Luzon
Land:
Buses / Jeepneys / Vehicles for hire serve commuters bound to other points of destination in Mindanao 24-hrs. a day.
Road Network (6,404 kilometers of road)
Butuan - Surigao City - Paved roads
(first class roads)
Butuan - Trento Agusan del Sur
unpaved roads under construction
Surigao del Sur - most of its roads are unpaved while some are under construction
Communication Facilities
• 5 telephone companies offering NDD and
• IDD service
• 3 cellphone companies (SMART, GLOBE & PILTEL)
• Fax outlets
• Post Office
• Internet Café / Computer Services
Other Facilities
• Department Stores
• Souvenir and Antique Shops
• Restaurants / coffee shop
• Banks
• Standard Bowling Centers
• Sports & Exercise Facilities
• disco & KTV Bars
• Convention Centers / Function Rooms
• Health facilities and drugstores
Special Events
Festivals
• Commemorative events
• Surfing and other water sports activities
• National/Regional Conventions
• Nature trips
• Spelunking
• Mountain climbing
• Mountain biking
• Motocross
Provincial Profiles
BUTUAN CITY
Brief History
Located at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley, sprawling across the Agusan River is BUTUAN CITY, popularly known for its colorful history and culture.
Butuan’s history, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th Century as reflected in museums, festivals and events that make Butuan an exciting source of Cultural artifacts in Mindanao.
As early as the 10th century, according to the Chinese Soong Shi (History), the people of Butuan had already established trading relations with the kingdom of Champa or Vietnam.
By 11th century, Butuan was the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines. This can be attested by the discovery of nine (9) balangays or Butuan Boats dating from 320 to 1250 A.D by the National Museum. Along with these boats, archaeologists excavated gold jewelry, death masks, Chinese porcelains, weighing scales, and other pieces of evidence of a thriving trade and commerce. Most of these artifacts were found in Ambangan, Libertad near the old EL RIO de BUTUAN and MASAO River.
Butuan was originally located in Pinamanculan by the banks of Masao River, about a kilometer from the barrio of Libertad. Finding the site less ideal because of floods, the people moved to Baog, now the municipality of Magallanes, at the mouth of the Agusan River. Still troubled by floods, the people once more settled some 80 years ago in a higher place called Agao, which is the present site of the city proper.
Description of Butuan is never complete without infusing it with the significance of the Agusan River. It is the river and its tributaries that provide the valley with rich soil from periodic floods and its serpentine routes. The rivers had provided people with easy means of transportation for trade and commerce and encouraged settlements along its banks. The Agusan River greatly helped the booming logging industry that made Butuan the “Timber City of the South”.
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact time when the name Butuan first emerged. Certainly, the name Agusan came into being upon the creation of the province in 1914. Before this, the entire area had been known as Butuan and had always been known as such as can be borne out by old historical books.
The term BUTUAN is believed to have originated from the sour fruit called “Batuan”. Others opined, it came from a certain “Datu Buntuan”, a chieftain who once ruled Butuan while the scholars believed, it came from the word “But-an”, which literally means a person who has a sound and discerning disposition. Whichever theories appear credible depends on the kind of people residing in Butuan, for whatever is said about them, Butuan continues to live on.
Butuan became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 523 otherwise known as the City Charter of Butuan, which formally converted the municipality into a city on August 2, 1950. Then, in 1995, Butuan was declared as the regional centre of Caraga Region-XIII.
Population
In 1995, Butuan City placed its total population at 247,074. Population in the city is expected to double in the year 2015. About 92% of its 40,625 households speak Cebuano. The rest speak any of the 26 other dialects, which include among others Butuanon, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Tagalog. Roman Catholic is the dominant religion among the Butuanons.
Location
Butuan City is situated in the central part of the Province of Agusan del Norte with an approximate land area of 81,728 hectares. It lies flat along the banks of Agusan River following along course within the province of Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.
The city is a strategic center of the Northern Mindanao Region. The national highways from Misamis Oriental, Surigao and Davao traverse the city and meet at the junction of Barangay Ampayon, effectively linking the Northern Mindanao provinces together.
Accessibility
Butuan can be reached by plane from Manila and Cebu in more than an hour and 30 minutes, respectively. It is also accessible through Surigao City by plane or by regular passenger boats from Manila & Cebu. From Surigao, take a 2 &1/2 hours bus ride or you can hire a van to Butuan.
There are also commercial boats that ply the Cebu/Manila-Nasipit route. Butuan is only 30 minutes away by bus or jeepney ride from Nasipit Seaport.
Tourist Destinations
HISTORIC BUTUAN
• NATIONAL MUSEUM-BUTUAN BRANCH (City Hall Compound, Doongan)
• BALANGAY SHRINE MUSEUM (Ambangan, Libertad, Butuan City)
• DIOCESAN ECCLESIASTICAL MUSEUM (St. Joseph Convent, Butuan City)
• NATIONAL SHRINE (CENTENNIAL MARKER) OF THE FIRST FORMAL HOISTING OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG IN MINDANAO (Rizal Park)
• MT.MAYAPAY
• AGUSAN RIVER (Butuan City proper)
• NIPA WINE DISTILLERY
• BOOD PROMONTORY FIRST EASTER MASS ECO- PARK. (Barangay Pimanmanculan and Ambangan, Libertad)
• ST. JOSEPH CATHEDRAL. (In front of Rizal Park)
• STO. NIÑO DIOCESAN SHRINE. (Km. 5, Barangay Libertad, Butuan City)
• BANZA CHURCH RUINS. (Barangay Lilo, Banza)
• PRIVATE ANTIQUE COLLECTIONS. (By prior arrangement)
Sports Activities
MOUNTAIN BIKING
SHOOTING
Events and Festivals
JANUARY
Commemoration of the Hoisting of the Philippine Flag in Mindanao (January 17, Butuan City)
Kahimunan Festival (Every 3rd Sunday of January, Libertad, Butuan City)
MARCH
Magellan Trek: Mt. Mayapay Challenge (March 21, ButuanCity)
Butuan Trade Mission to China (March 17, Butuan City)
First Easter Mass Celebration (March 31, Butuan City)
MAY
Balangay Festival (May 1 to 31, Butuan City)
Balik Butuan (May & August, Butuan City)
JULY
Cultural Festival / Tourism Consciousness Week (July 26-August 2, Butuan City)
Abayan Festival (every last Sunday of July, Butuan City)
AUGUST
Adlaw Hong Butuan (August 2, Butuan City)
SEPTEMBER
Regional Tourism Council Assembly (September /movable)
DECEMBER
Light-Up Butuan for Christmas (December 1-31, Butuan City)
Accommodation Facilities
Butuan has a variety of accommodation establishments available from standard hotels, economy hotels, and tourist inns to lodging houses at affordable rates.
SURIGAO CITY
BRIEF HISTORY
What is now the city proper of Surigao was formerly known, according to FRAY SAN FRANCISCO de San ANTONIO, as BANAHAO. San Antonio, in his “Chronicas” written in 1738, described Banahao as located at the Northern head of Mindanao within which there is a good port for ships called “Bilan – Bilan.”
Banahao was part of the old district of Caraga, which later on became the Politico – military district of Surigao with Tandag (presently the capital of Surigao del Sur) as its capital. In its original size during the Spanish era, Surigao was the biggest province in the whole of Mindanao with territories including parts of Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte up to Gingoog River, Misamis Oriental. According to the Philippine Commission Report of 1901, Surigao was ten times
bigger than Rhodes Island and three times bigger than Connecticut. Because of repeated attacks by Moro pirates, the provincial capital was within the defensive perimeter of the Spanish naval squadron in Cebu and Ozamis.
Surigao officially became the permanent residence of the Recollects on February 1, 1752 when all the canonical books were moved from Siargao to Surigao. The first canonical books bore the signature of Fr. Lucas dela Cruz. Previously, the place was just a “vista” of the parish of Caolo (Siargao). This maybe considered as Surigao’s foundation Day.
It was through Surigao Strait that the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan after a brief stay at the island of Homonhon sailed into the Philippines Archipelago during the epic voyage of discovery and eventual circumnavigation of the world in 1521.
Likewise it was this famous and historic body of water that the greatest naval battle in history known, as the “Battle of Surigao Strait” was fought in World War II, from October 25-26, 1944, between U.S. and Japanese fleets.
Surigao is named after the old province (district) of the same name (Surigao). There are many versions regarding the meaning of Surigao; how this was derived. Like Sulo, which means swift water or current. With the division of Surigao into two provinces, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte, the municipality of Surigao became the capital of Surigao del Norte. It became a chartered city on August 31, 1970.
By: Fernando A. Almeda, Jr.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Surigao City is geographically located in the northeastern portion of Mindanao. It lies between 9 to 10 degrees north latitude and 125 to 126 degrees East longitude. It is bounded by Dinagat Island on the north, the mainland of Surigao del Norte on the South, Hinatuan passage on the East, Surigao Strait and Southern Leyte on the West.
LAND AREA
In the 1980 Surigao City Town Plan, Surigao City’s total land area was recorded at 24,534 hectares or 245.34 sq. kms. This total land area is roughly equivalent to 1.4% of Caraga Region’s land area of 1,884,697 hectares. This was officially recognized by DENR & NSO as the official land area of Surigao City.
Barangay Talisay, in the island barangays has the largest land area accounting for 9.8% of the city. It is followed by Barangay Nonoc and Barangay Cantiasay accounting for 9.6% and 6.3% respectively.
CLIMATE
The prevailing climate in the city falls under climate Type II with no definite dry season but with a pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January. Its average annual rainfall is 3,6 73.8 millimeters (144.72 inches) based on a 50-year average. There are 242 rainy days within the year in the area making the city one of the “wettest” in the country. Its average temperature stands at a convenient 26.9 degrees centigrade with an average humidity of 85%.
TOPOGRAPHY
The mainland and clustered islands of Surigao City has irregular or hilly topography with flat lands near the coast. It has an average elevation level of 19 meters or 65.5 ft. above sea level. The highest elevation in the mainland is the Kabangkaan Ridge situated along the border of the Municipality of San Francisco with a peak elevation of 465 meters above sea level. Along the border of Tagana-an is the Mapawa peak with an elevation of 245 meters above sea level with scattered descending slopes covering the barangays of Cabongbongan, Nabago and Capalayan.
In the Islands, the highest range is the island of Nonoc with an elevation of 263 meters above sea level, overlooking the Cantiasay Channel and the Island of Hanigad with a peak elevation of 163 meters. The highest point in Hikdop Island is in Mt. Telegrapo with a peak of 250 meters. The Island of Bayagnan located on the eastern part of Surigao City has a highest elevation of 242 meters.
CITY BARANGAYS
Surigao City is comprised of 54 barangays, 33 are mainland 21 are island barangays. The city proper is divided into five (5) urban barangays namely: Taft, Washington, San Juan, Canlanipa and Luna. It has also eight (8) urbanizable barangays. Thirty-six (36) of the city’s barangays has an extensive coastline or coastal area of which 15 are from the mainland and 21 are in the islands.
DISTANCE OF CITY BARANGAYS FROM THE CITY HALL
The farthest mainland barangays from the city proper measures 20 and 18.5 kilometers respectively. These are the barangays of Cabongbongan and Nabago at the east side. On the west side, Barangay Sukailang has a distance of 15.554 kms., Barangay Anomar – 15.008 kms., Barangay Trinidad – 14.780 kms. and Barangay Danao - 14.272 kms. Of the island barangays, Barangay San Jose of Bayagnan Island has a distance of 19.000 vertical kilometers, followed by Barangay Aurora – 16.500 vertical kilometers, Cagutsan and Sugbay-16.000 vertical kilometers.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
• Buenavista Cave
• Silop Multi Caves
• Capalayan Waterfalls
• Basul Island
• Sagisi Island
• Miwa Beach
• Mabua Pebble Beach
• Zaragoza Tourist Park
• Bitaugan Whirlpool
• Manjagao Mangrove Forest
• Cantiasay-San Pedro Footbridge
• Punta Calabera
• Lisondra Rock Formations
• Sabang Beach
• Raza Island
• Punta Baluarte
• Sto. Niño De Bad-Asay Shrine
• Surigao City Cathedral
• Tagbasingan Eco-Village
• Day –Asan Floating Village
• Maharlika Resort And Training Center
• Luneta Park
• Island Hopping
• Mountain Biking
• Cave Exploration
• Scuba Diving
January 14 - STO NIÑO DE BAD-ASAY FEAST DAY
15 - STO NIÑO FEAST DAY
SUROY SA SURIGAO
May 29 – SANTA CRUZAN
June 1 – FLUVIAL PROCESSION
CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION
AUGUST 31 DRUM & LYRE COMPETITION
SEPTEMBER 8 KINILAW FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 9 BONOK-BONOK MARADJAO KARADJAO FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 25 BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT
December 1-24 PASKUHAN
BISLIG CITY
Bislig is now a component city of Surigao del Sur, through a Republic Act that was passed in year 2000
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Bislig City is located at the Southeastern coast of MIndanao facing Pacific Ocean. 158 kms. south of Butuan [Caraga Regional Center], 152 kms. south of Tandag [Surigao del Sur Provincial Capital] and 208 kms. northeast of Davao City.
THE LAND
The city belongs to the second Congressional district of Surigao del Sur and it is composed of 24 barangays with a total land area of 45, 290.25 hectares.
CLIMATE
Type II climate characterized by no dry season and with a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January. The city enjoys good steady weather condition being outside the typhoon belt.
Population
As of 1995, the population count for Bislig City is
103,668 with a growth rate of .03% and a population density of 277.80. It is composed of 19,331 households with an average household size of 5.35.
The Resources
The City is home to PICOP Resources Incorporated (PRI), one of the largest paper maker in South East Asia which covers four provinces of its land concession area. PRI is known for being advance in the field of research and development of tree species.
Bislig is rich in coal mineral deposits which can be a source of fuel for coal-powered plant. DMC, Inc. is currently undertaking the operation of coal mining.
The City is also the site of BIBAHILITA Provincial Agri-Industrial Center with an area of 60 has.
Tourist Attractions
TINUY-AN FALLS (Bislig)
BANBOW & TATOL
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
FOREWORD
Tourism in Agusan del Norte is an infant industry. However, blessings of history, culture and the arts, natural endowments and people make her a blue-chip mix destination for heritage, sports, adventure and eco-tourism.
A heritage tour brings one back in time with visits to the 1872 Magellan Marker and the 15th Century Bitaog Tree in Magallanes, the 1878 Our Lady of Assumption Parish and Museum in Jabonga, and a first-hand look at Cabadbaran’s beautifully preserved Ancestral Houses and Community Museum.
Sports tourism destinations like the Arnis Camp in Jabonga, Badminton Camp in Cabadbaran and Table Tennis Camp in Nasipit are strong reflections of the province’s effort to preserve culture and the arts, on one hand, and grassroots sports specialization as a formula to sports development, on the other.
Teeing off, therefore, from her romance with the “baoto” o native dug-out canoe, the available adventure and eco-tourism menu on sale includes: canoeing the historic Lake Mainit and Kalinawan River; climbing the mystical Mt. Hilong-hilong; scuba diving the abysmal Vito Wall; trekking the panoramic Malimono Ridge; snorkeling the kaleidoscopic Goso-on Fish Sanctuary; rappelling the vertical entrance of Anibongan Cave; sailing at Nasipit Cove; sunset viewing at Mt. Carmel; camping at Looc Cove; Mamanwa encounter at Corro and others.
From the famous outdoor-saying, “The World is your Backyard . . . Go Outside and Play” – we invite one and all from ages 6 to 60 to come and play with us here in amazing Agusan del Norte.
Brief Description
Agusan del Norte is a second-class province and the smallest in the Caraga Region. It is mountainous along its northeastern and western parts. In between are flat, rolling lands particularly where the Agusan River cuts through as it empties into Butuan Bay. Agusan del Norte’s highest peak is Mt. Hilong-hilong, with 2,012 m. above sea level and is located in the Diwata Mountain Ranges near the eastern boundary of Surigao del Sur. Indigenous people of the Mamanwa, Manobo and Higa-onon tribes populate her majestic mountains.
History
Agusan was named after a Malay word “agasan” meaning “where water flows” probably because of a mighty river that traverses the area. Early migrants from Borneo and Celebes came to the region in Balangays or wooden boats. Nine such boats where excavated in the 70’s. One dates back to 320 A.D. pre-dating the European Boat and the Chinese Junk.
By the time the Spaniards arrived, the natives were already trading with foreign merchants as evidenced by 10th century ceramics unearthed near Butuan. Some historians claimed that Magellan held the first mass in the Philippines in Masao at the mouth of the Agusan River, and not in Limasawa, Leyte, on Easter Sunday of 1521.
Agusan del Norte was part of the province of Surigao during the Spanish Colonial Administration. By virtue of R.A. 1306 of 1914, it became an independent province of Agusan during the American Administration. On June 17, 1967, Congress passed R.A. 4979 dividing the province of Agusan into Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
Other Facts:
Capital : Cabadbaran
Land Area : 2,503.9 sq./km.
Administrative Center : Cabadbaran
Predominant Industry : Agriculture
Geography
Located in the northeastern part of Mindanao, it is bounded on the north by Butuan Bay and Surigao del Norte; east by Surigao del Sur; west by Misamis Oriental; and south and southwest by Agusan del Sur.
Political Subdivision
The province has 11 municipalities, 164 barangays and 2 congressional districts. District 1 is composed of Butuan City and the municipality of Las Nieves. District II is composed of the municipalities of Carmen, Nasipit, Buenavista, Magallanes, RTR, Cabadbaran, Tubay, Santiago Jabonga and Kitcharao. Caraga Region XIII is composed of 4 provinces including the province of Agusan del Norte and 3 cities.
Population
As of December 2003, the total population of Agusan del Norte is 299,313. Annual growth rate – 1.89%
Language/Dialect
Cebuano is the major dialect. Filipino and English are widely spoken. Minor dialects are Butuanon, Ilonggo, Mamanwa, Manobo, Higa-onon, Maranaw and Fukienese.
Climate
The province is located outside the typhoon belt and has no definite dry season. Rainfall is pronounced throughout the year occurring heavily from November to January. Temperature ranges from 22.8 C to 32.1 C. Relative humidity is 84%.
Industries
Primarily an agricultural province, Agusan del Norte is the region’s leading rice producer. Other major crops are coconut, corn, mango, bananas, vegetables and prawns.
The province continues to be a major timber producer despite its extensive deforested areas. There are 23 lumber producers and plywood plants most of them operating in Butuan City. Minor licenses concentrate on gathering rattan which is considered the best in the country.
The emerging industry mix is on agri-business where its 2 special economic zones (TAPCEN & NANIE) Tubay Agricultural Processing Center & Nasipit, Agusan del Norte Industrial Estate will play a vital role in transforming the place from a timber dependent industry to a balanced agri-forestry-tourism industry.
Accessibility
The province is accessible by 2 daily flights from Manila; daily trips by ship from Manila and Cebu via the Ports of Nasipit and Surigao City; and by bus every 30 minutes from the cities of Surigao, Davao and Cagayan de Oro.
Distance of Municipalities from the Provincial Capital (CAPITAL: CABADBARAN)
MUNICIPALITY DISTANCE (In kms.)
• Buenavista 47
• Carmen 60.8
• Jabonga 30.7
• Kitcharao 44.9
• Las Nieves 64
• Magallanes 11
• Nasipit 54.4
• Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) 9
• Santiago 18
• Tubay 10.1
The Resources.
Agriculture and forestry are the predominant occupations in the area. Its rich agricultural lands and climate are ideal for the growing of raw materials and plantation crops such as banana, mango, abaca, and coconut. Its grasslands are ideal for cattle raising while its lush virgin forest is a potential source of timber.
Minerals such as limestones, marble, manganese and the province’s estimated 1,566,200 metric tons of gold deposits are generally untapped. The town of Kitcharao alone has 179 hectares of high quality limestone and marble with mineral reserves of at least 23,370,000 cubic meters.
1872 Magellan Marker (Magallanes, Agusan del Norte)
1878 Our Lady of Assumption Parish Church (Jabonga, Agusan del Norte)
500 Year–Old Bitaug Tree (Brgy. Caloc-an, Magallanes)
Municipal Museum (Cabadbaran)
Ancestral Houses (Cabadbaran)
Adventure/Eco-Tourism Destination
Canoeing
• Lake Mainit
• Kalinawan River
• Mountain Climbing
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling/Skin Diving
• Caving
• Windsurfing/Sailing
• Camping
• Trekking
• White Water
• Waterfalls
• Cultural Villages
• Sports Tourism Destinations
• Industrial (Educational) Destinations
• Agri-tourism Destinations
Festivals / Events
• Mango Festival
• Baoto Festival
• Musikainan
• Sumayajaw Festival
• Lisagan Festival
• Araw ng Agusan del Norte
AGUSAN DEL SUR
Brief History
The province of Agusan del Sur once shared one governance with its sister province, Agusan del Norte. However, Republic Act 4969, enacted on June 17, 1967, divided the Agusan province into two: Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.
Agusan’s pre-hispanic history was greatly influenced by the Madjapahit Empire. This can be attested through the discovery of the Golden Tara in 1960, in one of its towns, which is Maasam, Esperanza. The 8-inches gold image, that was retrieved along the river of Esperanza, originated from the Madjapahit Empire.
The aborigines of Agusan were the ancestors of the present-day Mamanwas who were driven to the hinterlands by the waves of Malay immigrants from nearby Borneo, Celebes and Malaysia. These people, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles because of the forays and the constant raids of Moros. Being a sea-faring people, they confined themselves to the coastal areas where they started settlements, leaving the forestall area to the other native tribes.
Population
As of 1995, the population count for Agusan del Sur is 514,736. It is composed of 99, 048 households with an average household size of 5.3. The province population growth is 3.85% with a population density of 59.75.
People.
Based on the records of the National Integration Commission, the Aeta, Mamanwa, Bagobo, Banwaon, and Manobo are the five tribes who are found in Agusan del Sur. However, most of the Agusanon speak Cebuano while some use Boholano and Ilonggo. English is usually spoken in conversations with foreigners, in offices, and educational institutions.
Among the five existing tribes in the province, only Manobo and Banwaon or Higaonon Tribes are distinctly identified since they live along the National Highway and river towns of Davao del Norte while others live in the town of Esperanza towards the boundaries of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
The Manobo.
The Manobos have medium built/stout bodies with light brown-straight hair and brown eyes. This was the result of the inter-marriages among Duyag-Batang, Talaandig and Mamanwa aborigines and the Indonesians during the reign of the Madjapahit Empire, plus the inter-marriages of the natives with the Malay River people during the Sri Visayan Empire and the Chinese traders who came to Agusan in the 11th and 12th Centuries. The coming of the Spaniards had also contributed to this racial and cultural marriages.
The monobos have their own dialect, which is a mixture of a native dialect and an acquired foreign language. The name “Manobo” is influence by the Malay River People. These people are called “Mansuba”, from the word “suba”, the malayan term for river. Therefore, “Mansuba” literally means “people living near or in the river (most of them live on floating houses). Later on, Mansuba is shortened to Manuba, which eventually took its masculine gender which is Manobo.
The Higaonon-Banwaon Tribe.
Higaonon-Banwaon Tribe is the second largest indigenous community in Agusan del Sur. Higaonon is derived from the native word “gaon”, which means mountain or literally, it means “The mountain people”. They are somewhat nomadic, traveling from one mountain to another, looking for fertile soil for a better harvest.
The Higaonons have medium built bodies with an average height of 5 ft. & 2 inches tall and a lighter skin complexion as compared with the other tribes in the province. Quite a number of them have a recognizable European features, aqualine nose, deep-set eyes and prominent cheeks, a legacy of the intermarriage between the natives and the spanish conquiestadores. Generally, they are warm and friendly people but when intimidated, they are the fiercest warrior. Higaonons are good hunters and farmers.
The Banwaon is a relative to the Manobo tribe. Banwaon is derived from the word “banwa”, meaning village or country or they are called the village settlers. So, while the Higaonons occupy the mountains of Esperanza, the Banwaons live in the lowlands and upstream of Maasam, Libang and Adgawan Rivers. Just like the Manobos, they are adept in fishing and farming and they have similar features with the Manobos.
Being neighbors, these two tribes were constantly in conflict with each other. In order to resolved the tribal differences, the datus of the two tribes allowed their constituents to intermarry. Eventually, the intermarriages between Higaonon and Banwaon had resolved the conflict, bringing forth the Higaonon-Banwaon Tribe.
The Land.
It has a total land area of 896,550 hectares or 8,965.50 square kilometers, with flat and rolling topography crisscrossed with rivers. The Agusan River is the largest and cuts the province into two along North-South direction.
Political Subdivision
Agusan del Sur occupies a portion of the Northern Mindanao Region bounded on the north by Agusan del Norte, on the east by Surigao del Sur, on the South by Davao del Norte and on the west by Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon.
The entire province has a lone congressional district, which is composed of 14 municipalities and 314 barangays. Its capital town is Prosperidad where the Provincial Government Center is situated.
The Resources.
Agusan del Sur is maybe one of the country’s richest gold deposits. It contributes to the estimated 5.5 billion metric tons of metallic and non-metallic ore reserves Caraga region possesses. Other minerals found in the area are limestone, marble, gypsum, manganese, phosphate rock, coal, andesite rock, chromite, quartz, gold, white clay, and sand & gravel.
As part of Caraga region, it is also known to have the largest established timberland hectarage nationwide. In fact, it is envisioned to be the next timber corridor and food bowl in the region. Its major forestry and agricultural products are exotic tree species, rice, corn, coconut, cacao, coffee, banana, palm oil, and other agricultural resources.
Accessibility
The province is landlocked and can be reached only by land transportation through the Davao-Butuan National Highway. Three minor roads also provide access for travelers coming from Tandag, Lianga, Barobo, and Bislig in Surigao del Sur. One road connects the southwestern part of the province and Asuncion, Davao del Norte. Although the Agusan River is a potential highway for travelers to the province, there is no existing ferry facilities regularly servicing passage from Butuan City or Davao del Norte through the river.
The province is adequately linked to its neighboring provinces. Its municipalities are likewise interconnected with paved roads, except for La Paz and Loreto which are accessible through a motorized flat boat from the mini-ports of Bunawan and Talacogon. Most barangays are also connected to the main road arteries.
Since the major entry point of Caraga is Butuan City (74 kilometers away from Prosperidad), access to the province from Cebu or Manila is essentially the same as the access to its regional capital.
Distance of Municipalities from the Provincial Capital
PROVINCE: AGUSAN DEL SUR CAPITAL: PROSPERIDAD
MUNICIPALITY DISTANCE (In kms.)
• Sibagat 49.88
• Bayugan 32.28
MUNICIPALITY DISTANCE (In kms.)
• Prosperidad 8.90
• San Francisco 6.10
• Rosario 22.25
• Bunawan 47.66
• Trento 65.04
• Sta. Josefa 77.42
• Veruela 91.88
• Loreto 83.94
• La Paz 62.38
• Talacogon 34.42
• San Luis 43.60
• Esperanza 46.00
Tourist Attractions
• MT. MAGDIWATA (San Francisco)
• BINABA FALLS
• MT. DIWATA HOT & COLD SPRING
• AGUSAN MARSH
• LAKE HIMBANG
• MT. DIWATA PARK AND CAMPSITE
• NALIYAGAN (June 12-17, Government Center, Prosperidad)
• SANTIKAN (June 12-15, Trento)
• KAHIMUNAN (First Sunday of January, Bayugan)
• KAAMULAN (September 23, Salug, Esperanza)
• LAKE HIMBANG FESTIVAL ( October, Talacogon)
Accommodation/ Other Tourism Facilities
Agusan del Sur has a very limited type of accommodation facilities. There are no hotels or pension houses in the area but this is not a reason of not going there because there are many lodging houses and homestays at very affordable rates. For the detailed list of accommodation & other tourism facilities, please refer to ANNEX 4.
Convention/Function Facilities
PROVINCIAL TRAINING CENTER (Government Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur)
MUNICIPAL GYMNASIUM ( San Francisco, Agusan del Sur)
Other Information
FILIPINAS PALMOIL PLANTATION & PROCESSING, INC. (Agusan del Sur)
PROVIDENT TREE FARMS, INC. OR PTFI (Talacogon & San Luis, Agusan del Sur)
SURFING SIARGAO
SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte. The unspoiled teardrop shaped island called Siargao is the shangrila of adventurers and nature lovers. It is the surfing capital of the Philippines, which is 800 kilometers southeast of Manila.
Siargao, which many surfers claim has the best and most consistent surf in the Philippines, has made an eccentric entry into the world of surfing arena. Through the success of the First International Surfing Cup in 1996, Siargao is now one of the world's great frontiers for surfing exploration. Its most popular break is "cloud nine". Surfing is best from July to November when strong waves are in constant motion.
Siargao is the largest of a group of islands emerging as on of the finest water sport destinations in the country. Aside from the surfing, there is sea kayaking, long stretch of white sand beaches, hidden caves and lagoons, mangrove swamps, magnificent rock formations and mountain lakes.
The most striking feature of the island is the existense of several endangered and rare species of floral & fauna such as well known Philippine Crocodile, marine turtles, sea cow, the attractive fire and century orchids and the "iron wood" or magcono. It has the biggest mangrove reserve in the Philippines covering 8,760 hectares and vast areas of coral reef with rich marine resources.
in 1992, the island was proclaimed a protected area (Protected Landscape and Seascape Category) under Republic Act 7586 (NIPAS Acts of 1992), which will prove the legal basis for pursuing plans for the conservation and continues protection of the island's natural resources.
LOCATION
Siargao Island is politically under the jurisdiction of Surigao del Norte, a province located at the Northeastern portion of Mindanao which lies between 125 50' Longitude and between 9 30' and 10 0.5' North Latitude. It is bounded on the north by Dinagat Island, on the south by mainland part of the province of Surigao del Norte, on the east by Hinatuan Passage, and on the west by Surigao Strait and the province of Southern Leyte. Streching along its southeastern coast is the Philippine Deep, the greatest known depth within Philippine waters at 11,094 meters below sea level.
AREA
Siargao Island has an approximate land area of 67,726 hectares including Bucas Grande Island and all coastal barangays. It consists of nine (9) municipalities with 131 barangays.
CLIMATE
The prevailing climate type of the island falls under Type II which is characterized by no pronounced dry season and with a very pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January. Siargao receives the highest amount of rainfall during December while June is the Driest month.
RELIGION
The five major dominant religions of the island are Roman Catholic, Philippine Independent Church, Iglesia ni Cristo, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and Jehovah's Witness.
POPULATION
Siargao Island has a total population of 83,100 comprising 19.16% of the population of Surigao del Norte with 15,109 households (as of 1995). As the commercial and trade center, Dapa town has the highest population among the municipalities with 15,500 inhabitants having 2,818 households while General Luna, which is known as the tourist destination in the island has 12,500 with 2,273 households.
COMMUNICATION FACILITIES
Communication facilities are limited in the area. The form of communication widely used by the municipalities is the telegraphic transfers through Radio Telecommunication, postal services and incoming radio broadcast. Recently direct long distance calls can be done through Public Calling Offices in Dapa.
TRANSPORTATION
There are inter-island water vessels plying between Siargao/Bucas Grande Islands and Surigao City. Passenger jeepneys, motorized boats, and "habal-habal" or motorcycles serve commuters bound to anypoint of destination in the island.
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Brief History
The winds of change that swept the province from the four corners of the world has witnessed the meeting of diverse local and foreign influences which nurtured the emergence of a unique and distinct Surigaonon culture.
In 1538, the eastern coast of Mindanao which included the present province of Surigao del Norte was visited by the Portuguese explorer Francisco de Castro, who found the place inhabited by the Caraga tribe who were believed to be Visayan of origin.
Five years later, Ruy Lopez de Villabos landed in the same region. His navigator, Bernardo de la Torre, named it Cesaria Caroli in honor of the reigning Spanish Monarch, Carlos V. The name, however persisted since the Spaniards preferred to call it Caraga after its chief inhabitants.
The Jesuit Missionaries in 1597 tried to evangelize the people of Butuan (Agusan) and Caraga (Surigao), with much difficulty and intermittent success. They were followed in 1622 by the Agustinian Recollects who established parishes in Tandag and Bislig in 1642. The Recollects stayed until 1875, then the secular priest took over followed by the Benedictine Monks from 1893 to 1908.
The ancient district of Caraga, which was established in 1609, comprised all of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, the Northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
In 1860, six military districts were established in Mindanao. Surigao and Agusan, including the territory lying between Butuan and Caraga Bays, formed the third district called the East District which was changed in 1870 to Distrito de Surigao.
By the end of the Spanish rule in 1898, the two Agusan provinces were organized as a single politico-military commandancia named Butuan, with the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao. In 1901, this commandancia became a sub-province of Surigao, and in 1907, Agusan became a separate province.
It was on June 19, 1960, through Republic Act 2766 that Surigao province was divided to form Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte.
The Land
With a land are of 273,902 hectares or 2,739.02 square kilometers, Surigao del Norte ranks third in the Caraga Region in terms of land area which is equal to 0.99% of the total land area of the Philippines.
Political Subdivision
Surigao del Norte is a group of islands at the rim of the Asian continental shelf. It is located at the northeastern tip of Mindanao facing the Philippine Deep. It is bounded on the north and east by the vast Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and on the west by the historic Surigao Strait.
It is composed of 27 municipalities where Surigao City is the provincial capital.
The Resources
The province boasts of lush virgin forests, a long stretch of white sand beaches with world-class surfing sites, magnificent rock formations, and abundant marine life.
Surigao del Norte has the biggest deposits of nickel, gold, chromite, iron, gravel and sand, limestone and sillica.
The rich and fertile land predominantly produces agricultural crops such as rice, coconut and rootcrops. Livestock and poultry-raising are also the main source of livelihood.
Population
While the Philippine population is growing at 2.32% from 1990-1995, the provinces’ population has been growing at a slower rate of 0.70% per annum during the same period. As of 1995, Surigao del Norte has a population of 337, 294.
Accessibility
Since the capital of the province is Surigao City, access to the entire province is essentially the same as the access to its capital. Please refer to ANNEX 1 & ANNEX 5 for more details on the rate and schedule of air, land and sea transportation.
Distance of Municipalities from the Provincial Capital
PROVINCE: SURIGAO DEL NORTE
CAPITAL : SURIGAO CITY
• GENERAL LUNA (Siargao Island)
• GUYAM ISLAND (Siargao Island)
• DAKU ISLAND (Siargao Island)
• DEL CARMEN (Del Carmen)
• SOHUTON CAVE (Bucas Grande Island)
• MAGPUPUNGKO BEACH (Siargao Island)
• LAKE BABABU (Basilisa, Dinagat)
• SANTA MONICA WATERFALLS (Sta. Monica, Siargao)
• ALING CAYAO ISLAND (Claver)
• U.S. LANDING AVENUE
• PIG-OT HIDE AWAY RESORT
• MINI-DAM PARK (San Jose, Dinagat)
• SURIGAONON HERITAGE MINI-MUSEUM. (PPA-Surigao City)
Other Tourism Attractions
• Rock Formations (Pilar and Libjo)
• Hot Spring (Mainit and Placer)
• Mountain Lake (Tubod)
• Waterfalls (Alegria, Bacuag, Tubod, San Francisco and Sison
• Lake Mainit (Alegria and Mainit)
• SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL SURFING CUP
• SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE COMPETITION
• LORETO LANDING
Note: For other list of events and festivals in the province, please refer to Surigao City’s list of events & festivals.
Tourism Facilities
The province has available standard hotels, inns, lodging houses, convention facilities, recreational facilities, shopping centers, souvenir shops, travel agencies, communication facilities, and other support services. Most of the tourism related establishments are found in Surigao City while some are widely distributed in selected towns of Surigao del Norte.
SURIGAO DEL SUR
Brief History
Old folks still like to recount how some Visayan fishermen, forced by strong currents in what is now Surigao Strait, sought refuge in one of the huts somewhere in the province. The locals or Mamanwas thought the fisherman wanted to take the hut by force or “agaw”. This term was given the prefix “suri” and “suriagaw” was formed. In time it was shortened to Surigao.
Still another recounts that, before the Spaniards came, the original inhabitants were the Mamanwas and the Manobos. The Visayans then came and settled on the island with the natives. One of the natives was Saliagao, who lived by the mouth of the river. From his name came “Surigao”.
But now, no matter how Surigao got its name, it is a fact that Surigao del Sur, being a marvel in terms of natural resources, is already an indispensable part of the Philippine map.
Surigao del Sur was created as the 56th independent Philippine province on June 19, 1960 by virtue of House Bill No. 3058 also known as Republic Act No. 2786 authored by then Representative Reynaldo P. Honrado. It was formally created and inaugurated on September 18, 1960 at the capital town of Tandag, the seat of the Provincial Government. Its first appointed and elected Governor was the late Recaredo B. Castillo, followed by the late Governor Adela Serra Ty.
Geography
Surigao del Sur is naturally advantaged. It is located in the northeastern coast of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean. It is approximately 300 kilometers in length and 50 kilometers at its widest stretch.
It is bounded on the northwest by the province of Surigao del Norte, on the southeast by Davao Oriental; on the east by the Pacific Ocean; and on the west and southwest by the province of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. The Diwata Mountain Ranges lines the northwestern boundaries of the province.
Profile
Capital town - Tandag
Land Area - 4,552.16 sq. kms.
Population - 501,808 (2000)
Population Density - 110
Population Growth - 1.26
Literacy Rate - 94%
Languages and dialects - English, Cebuano, Filipino and Surigaonon
Provincial Delineation
No. of Municipalities - 18 mostly located along coastal areas
No. of City - 1
No. of Barangays - 309
Congressional Districts - 2
Income Class - 2nd
Political Subdivisions
Municipalities are grouped into three clusters based on their common resource potentials, proximity and accessibility to common trade and service centers, the BIBAHILITA (Bislig, Barobo, Hinatuan, Lingig and Tagbina), the MACASALTABAYAMI (Marihatag, Cagwait, San Agustin, Lianga, Bayabas, Tago and San Miguel) and CARCANMADCARLANCORTAN (Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, Lanuza, Cortes and Tandag).
Climate
The province falls under the second type of climate in the Philippines characterized by rainfall that is distributed throughout the year. Months with low level of rainfall are from July to October with September as the driest month. Wet months are from November to June with January as the wettest month.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS
Religious, Cultural and Historical Attractions
• Station of the Cross
• Immaculate Conception Parish
• Old Tribunal Building
• Municipal Park of Cantilan
• Shrine of World War II Heroes
• Diwatahan Festival
• Kaliguan Festival
• Taephag
• Pahinungod Festival
• Paladong Festival
• Kalumunan Festival
• Kadagatan Festival
• Sirong Festival
Contact