agusan del sur — Caraga rising paradise

Agusan del Sur – Land of Golden Opportunities

December 1, 2011 8 Comments

Agusan del Sur known also as “Land of Golden Opportunities” is one of the Philippine’s largest provinces – the 4th largest province in the country and the largest province in Caraga Region. The other provinces of Caraga are Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the newly-created Dinagat Islands.

The province is subdivided into 13 municipalities and a one newly-declared city. The place is abundant with natural resources that are mainly consists of agricultural lands, marsh lands and vast forests. Until now, it serves as the main agro-processing center and a perfect tourist destination for those nature lovers who love mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, springs, and waterfalls.

If you want to know more about Agusan del Sur, you can simply use this article as your guide. This will help you understand the different cultures, discover tourist destinations and other information about the province.

The Place, Its Land Area and Population

Agusan del Sur is said to be the home of ethnics and is indulged with various cultures. The province is dominated by five group of peoples who were early settlers and these are the Mamanwa, Bagobo, Aeta, Manobo and Higaonon.

It primarily consists of 896,550 hectares of flourishing forests that gives best supply of oxygen. Its four big municipalities such as Loreto, La Paz, Esperanza and San Luis occupy 60% of land area, while the rest includes Bunawan, Prosperidad, Rosario, San Francisco, Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Talacogon, Trento, Veruela and Bayugan City get the remaining 40% of the province.

Disposable and alienable land represents 24% of the total land area while 76% are forestlands. Moreover, the commercial and settlement areas already occupy several forestlands.

In addition, the Agusan River also flows unreservedly. It is the reason why it is called as Agusan. The word “Agusan” came from the term “agasan”, it simply means “where the water flows”.

When it comes to the cultural history, it is mainly influenced through Madjapahit Empire. This can be outlined through various discoveries including the pure gold old icon of a certain woman called Golden Tara. At present, the province has total inhabitants of 559,294 and with annual growth rate of 1.79%.

Economy

With regards to the economy of the province, workers in Agusan del Sur usually engaged in forestry and agriculture. One of its main agricultural crops is the fruits, rice and corn. Similar to other provinces, rice occupies the biggest cultivated area having 243.85 kilometers in irrigated rice land. On the other hand, the area dependent on rainfall has 163.73 kilometers. As estimated, the production of rice covers 1,072,456 people and it therefore means that totally oversupplied against the total population in the province.

In addition, one of its abundant crops is banana. They also produced banana chips and engaged in various investments. Rubber and abaca productions are also common commodities that are suitable due to its climatic condition and have marketing potentials.

The province also has the biggest plantations of palm oils in the Philippines. It covers over 11,800 hectares and both private and government sectors take part to the improvement of its plantations. They have some reforestation projects to sustain the demands for match splints and veneer. They also set up several factories for the production of palm oil. Above all, they process various indigenous materials and transform it into handicrafts; gold into stunning jewelries; and crops and fruits into several food items. In addition, the province also offers several agro-industrial products that can truly help in achieving the growth of the economy.

Highlights of the Province

Agusan del Sur also covers attractive waterfalls that are widely preferred by the tourists and these are the following:

Gibong River – It is an opening to the Binaba Falls that also provide as the water irrigation to several rice fields. River banks are rich of untouched vegetation as you make the journey the flowing river.

Bega Falls – According to the legend, this falls is known as the refuge for stunning mystical women. It also covers with abundant and bright forest breeze. It also considered as the hidden treasure. Because of its calm surroundings and pristine waters, you will completely feel its essence and beauty to uplift your tired spirit. Bega Falls was a haven of nature and mountain trekkers because of its jungle paradise in a one clad of Mother Nature. Adventurers started walking into the river channel meeting 18 falls, wild fauna and flora, thick forest and wild birds before embracing Bega Falls, the three-tiered falls.

Binaba Falls – It is one of the most attractive waterfalls in Agusan del Sur. It is located at the middle of the jungle with fresh waters coming from the natural springs. Right now, it is being developed to appear like a suitable swimming pool. Through this, peoples from the nearby towns started flocking and enjoy the clear cold water emitting from the deep of the earth flowing onto a rock of limestone.

Tugonan Falls – The word “tugon” means promise and located at Barangay San Lorenzo. It covers innate wonder that captivates the preference of the tourists. It mainly described as the bliss of nature with various orchids, ornamental and towering plants.

In addition, the Agusan Marsh is also one of the highlights of Agusan del Sur. It is one of the most significant ecological wetlands and finest eco-tourism destinations in the Philippines. The Agusan Marsh is the largest in the Philippines found at the center of the Agusan Basin in Mindanao. During summer season, numerous migratory birds came from Russia, China and Japan are coming to escape the chilly winter winds in northern hemisphere. Overall, there are 200 distinct species of migratory birds and wild animals species every year, making it a transient point for visiting species living from the other side of the globe.

agusan marsh, agusan del sur — Credit: Bob Tan

Agusan Marsh is a throng of nature lovers because of the presence of wide vast of water envelope with wild fauna and flora living in a natural habitat. Living in a modern world will compensate the beauty of nature when visiting Agusan Marsh like living in a world where Adam and Eve resides.

Cultural Heritage in Agusan del Sur

Aside from these, festivals are also one of its tourist’s attractions. The Naligayan is a local term which means most loved or chosen one. The Naligayan Festival is performed to celebrate the anniversary of the province. It is an annual celebration that started since 1993. During the festival, people participate to several competitions. The typical examples of these are the motor cross racing, air soft tournaments, and off-road races.

Aside from Naligayan Festival, Agusan del Sur also celebrates Kaamulan Festival. It is being commemorate every first Sunday of January. During the festivals, the residents dance to portray their tribal life. In addition, they also celebrate the Santikan Festival yearly in the municipality of Trento. It also includes numerous friendly competitions and other activities.

Other Tourist Spots

Agusan del Sur not an ordinary province because of its fascinating destinations and tourists spots. Aside from the famous festivals and other places, the province is also best for mountain trekking. Mount Diwata is one of the well-known mountains that add pleasures to all the people who plan to visit the province. Mount Diwata also offers not only cold and hot springs but also perfect sceneries.

The discovery of ‘Lolong’ the largest crocodile in the world which was officially announced by a team of crocodile expert from National Geographic Channel in the town of Bunawan became the hotspot tourist destinations. Lolong was discovered on September 3, 2011 in Agusan Marsh on the part of Bunawan town forcing town mayor to build Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center to accommodate increasing visiting local and international tourists.

Everyone who desires to travel in this province feels great pleasure and satisfactions. Additionally, the province also covers 34 water falls excluding 34 lakes, 4 springs, 14 caves and various cascades and lagoons. As you can see, there are several spots and tourist destinations you can visit. You can easily reach the place through understanding its geographical and historical background.

With the presence of the tourists spots and other destinations, people prefer to visit this place. Unlike other destinations, Agusan del Sur provides excellent ambiance and sceneries that truly marks to all the day-tripper. In fact, because of its amazing nature destinations, the province can acquired great income and truly enhances their economy.

Agusan del Sur can be easily reach from Butuan City as the center of Caraga.

Caraga: A Wonderful Paradise on Earth

October 13, 2011 Leave a Comment

Top class surfing beaches, an amazingly blue lagoon, a mysterious tree aging 500 years old, unique caves, sanctuary marsh wildlife, extraordinary rock formations, magic whirlpool, spectacular falls, picturesque Britania Islands as well as “Jurassic Park.” These things are just some of the top tourist destinations in Mindanao, popularly known as Caraga Region. Caraga is being particularly readied for tourism by the local governments and private groups in some Mindanao provinces. And truly, Caraga tourist spots are world class and must see.

The government agencies in the locality, like Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the eco-tourism in the region, have already recognized the 127 Caraga tourist spots and are now working to attract more foreign and local tourists to experience this wonderful paradise on Earth.

Caraga is made up of several provinces including Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, with cities such as Butuan, Bislig, and Surigao. Last February, the Supreme Court approved the creation of another three new cities of Caraga Region, Cabadbaran, Bayugan and Tandag. Butuan which became the capital of Caraga Region houses history as one of Caraga tourist spot destinations.

Every year, there are surfing tournaments conducted in General Luna town of Surigao del Norte’s Siargao Island called Cloud 9. All tilts are meant for both foreigners and locals. Here, competitors and visitors are equally enjoying the playful waves and winds from the astonishing sea advantageous for the sport. Well, this is without mentioning the unspoiled and spectacular beaches and homelike tourist inns that only Caraga can offer.

Tourists are also being lured by Agusan Marsh wildlife haven with 19,196.588 hectares which stretch the rich shores of six municipalities in total. The country’s marsh lands used to suffer a dismal state because of depressing human spoilage. But the improved efforts of private entities and the government have led to full rejuvenation of several areas of marsh wildlife and made them into one of Caraga tourist spots.

Marsh lands can be regarded as important for keeping the marine life, particularly the thriving, propagating and endangered. The marine life only thrives in the natural habitats like the areas of the marsh wildlife. Agusan Marsh wildlife teems with marine life of the tropic that are not seen in other areas in the world.

First on the list of the wonders in the southern part of Caraga is Bucas Grande’s well acclaimed Sohoton Cove. This is in Socorro town of Surigao del Norte. There is also Catadman’s interesting rock formation that is naturally sculptured, known as Punta Calabera. Another of the Caraga tourist spots is Zaragoza’s rock formation that is definitely a wonder of nature and Bitaugan’s magic whirlpool, both of which are found in the city of Surigao.

Other Caraga Region’s tourist spots can be seen in northern and southern parts of Surigao and Agusan yet most of these are still awaiting discovery, harnessing as well as promotion. All of these natural wonders in Caraga are being protected and conserved by units of the local government as well as businessmen.

Mindanao is one haven in Philippines of various astonishing yet curiously natural picturesque sceneries, and most of these can never be surpassed by other spots of the world. Caraga is among the many regions that vividly illustrate this outright tourism fact as the Caraga Region combines challenge, beauty and mystery into one complete package.

Caraga – a place of never-ending adventures

April 20, 2008 42 Comments

CARAGAcan be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of Kalagans, believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word “Kalagan”: “Kalag” meaning soul or people and “An” meaning land. The “Kalagans” have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the “Land of the Brave and Fierce People.”

The “Kalagans”, called “Caragans” by the Spaniards occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided as Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in 1950’s drew business and businessmen to the area. On August 2, 1950. by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.

CARAGA is an Administrative Region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act Number 7901 on February 25, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and the newly created province, Dinagat Islands (from Surigao del Norte); six (6) cities: Butuan, Surigao and Bislig, and recently, the newly created component cities: Cabadbaran, Bayugan, and Tandag; seventy (70) municipalities and 1,346 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center.It’s haven for tourists and adventurers. The region hosts two of the Philippines’ 10 National Integrated Protected Areas – the Siargao Seascape, and the 100,000-hectare Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary – as well as world class dive, surfing, and sport fishing sites, mountains trekking and biking, white sand beaches, hot and cold springs, caves, rivers, forests, and waterfalls.If you are seeking a challenging experience or simply an escapade from the humdrum of urban life, venture no more… Come and experience adventure one can find south of the Philippines islands that simply lures visitors to frolic in its pristine beauty.