Caraga Region Brief Profile

Caraga Region: A Rich Tapestry of Nature and Culture in the Philippines

Legislative Basis

The Caraga Region (Region XIII) was created under Republic Act 7901, signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 23, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Island; six (6) cities: Butuan, Cabadbaran, Bayugan, Surigao, Tandag, and Bislig; sixty-seven (67) municipalities and 1,308 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center.

 Prehispanic Period

Early chronicles date to 487 years with Antonio Pigafetta. He wrote: “sua Isola che chiama Butuan e Calagan." The Spanish word is a reference to "kalagan," a compound of the Visayan words "kalag" and "an." "Kalag" means "soul," while "an" means "land." Hence, Caraga is a "land of the brave and fierce people." 

Notably, the historic Butuan City, an ancient trading hub that dates to the 10th century, offers a glimpse into its pre-colonial past. Before Spanish colonization, Butuan traded with the Rajahnates of Cebu, Ternate (present-day Moluccas of Indonesia), and the Kingdom of Champa (now Central Vietnam). Gigantic boats, known as “balangay” were the main trading vessels at the time. Nine balangays were unearthed in the late 1970s in Sitio Ambangan, Barrio Libertad, Butuan City. 

Natural Wonders

 The region is renowned for its captivating landscapes, featuring lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches, and majestic mountain ranges. Caraga boasts a wealth of natural resources, including rich mineral deposits, particularly nickel and gold. The mighty Agusan River is the third-longest river in the country, meandering through the region as it irrigates fertile plains and supports diverse ecosystems.

Topography

Forestland occupies an estimated 71% of the total land area. Agusan Marsh in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, covers an area the size of Metro Manila and is one of the most ecologically significant wetlands in the Philippines. Among the lakes in the region, Lake Mainit is the widest. It traverses eight municipalities: Alegria, Tubod, Mainit, and Sison in Surigao del Norte; Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga, and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte. The most productive agricultural area of the region lies along the Agusan River Basin.

Siargao Island is one of Caraga's crown jewels. It is known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines." Its gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surf breakers bring explorers and water sports enthusiasts worldwide. Aside from surfing, Siargao offers a charming small-town atmosphere with active local neighborhoods and lively island culture.

White beaches abound in the islets and islands of Guyam, Daku, Naked or Pansukian, La Janosa, Pig-ot, Dinagat, Bucas Grande, Britania, and the General Island in Cantilan, ringed by coral reefs suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Naturally carved water channels amidst mangrove forests added allure to Barangay Manjagao. Barangay Dayasan boasts a floating village and the Buenavista Cave. Sagisi Island also hosts tropical white sand beaches. The Britania in San Agustin-Surigao del Sur features twenty-five islets and islands of white sand and clusters of limestone hills. The Laswitan Lagoon and the Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur have also become major tourist destinations. Bislig City takes pride in having the Tinuy-an Falls, known as the Little Niagara Falls of the Philippines.

Mt. Mas-ai and Mt. Hilong-Hilong feature panoramic views of the vast lower Agusan Valley. Close to Mt. Mas-ai lies Lake Mainit, the fourth-largest lake in the country, with an area of 147 square kilometers (57 sq mi). The lake is a rich natural habitat for pidjanga, tilapia, kasili, banak, haw-an, gingaw, saguyon and igi. It is also a site for migratory birds. The 8,000-hectare (80 km2) mangrove forests in Del Carmen form one of the largest contiguous mangrove forests in the Philippines. Sohoton Cave and Lagoon in Bucas Grande Island, which is more than an hour's boat ride from Siargao, features limestone formations to a point where one enters a narrow channel connected to a cave.

 Local Culture

The indigenous groups in the area contribute to its rich cultural diversity. The Mamanwa, Manobo, Higaonon, and Surigaonon are four indigenous people that have persisted in maintaining their traditions despite the encroachment of modernity. Travelers can learn about their rich heritage and experience their friendly hospitality by visiting their ancestral communities. 

 Festivals

Festivals include the Naliyagan Festival of Agusan del Sur; Kahimunan Festival, Balangay Festival, Palagsing Festival, Unaw Festival of Butuan City; Kaliguan Festival of Cagwait in Surigao del Sur, Dagkot Festival of Cabadbaran, and the Lisagan and Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw Karadjaw Festivals of Surigao City.

 Economy

 Economically, Caraga plays a vital role in the Philippines, with its regional center Butuan City leading its fast-paced development in commercial and communication infrastructures linked by roads to its major trading partners, namely Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Major seaports are in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and Lipata, Surigao City. Airports are in Butuan City, Surigao City, Tandag City and Siargao Islands.