Brief History (source: www.caragatravelguide.com):
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.
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.
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