This document provides information about the province of Surigao del Norte in the Caraga region of the Philippines. Some key details: - Surigao del Norte is located in northeastern Mindanao, bounded by the Pacific Ocean, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and the Surigao Strait. Surigao City is the capital. - The province has vast agricultural lands, thick forests, beaches, lagoons, falls and the largest nickel reserves in the country. - It was once part of the old Caraga territory and was separated from Surigao del Sur in 1960. The Mamanwa tribe are the dominant indigenous group. -

1. Region13
CARAGA REGION

2. Surigao del Norte
“Surfing Capital of the Philippines”

3. >> Geographical Location
• Surigao del Norte is located at the
northeastern part of Mindanao. It is
bounded to the north and east by the
Pacific Ocean, on the south by the
provinces of Agusan del Norte and
Surigao del Sur, and on the west by
the Surigao Strait.
• It has a total land area of 201,710
hectares. And a total populationof
442,588 as of 2010.
• Surigao City its capital is dubbed as
“the Gateway to Mindanao.”
• Belongs to 2nd income class
provinces.

4. >> Climate
•The province falls under climate
type II characterized by no
pronounced dry season but with a
very pronounced maximum
rainfall period from November to
January. Temperature ranges
from a low of 23.60oC in January
to a high 32.5oC in May and July.

5. >> Natural Resources
Land Resources
• Vast Agricultural Lands
• Thick Forests.

6. >> Natural Resources
Water Resources
• White sand beaches
• Lagoons
• Majestic Falls

7. >> Natural Resources
Mineral Resources
• Largest Nickel
Reserves in the
country.
• Gold Mining.

8. >> Historical Background
• Surigao del Norte was once a part of an old territory that
existed in Northeastern Mindanao called "Caraga" named after the
people called "Calagans" who were believed to be of Visayan origin. They were
the inhabitants of the province that time.
• In 1538, Francisco de Castro, a Portuguese-born Spaniard in the expedition from
Ternate in search of Loaisa, landed on what presently is Surigao del Norte
province.
• Historically, the early Spanish settlements were established in Tandag. It was on
February 1, 1752, a year after the town of Siargao (Numancia) was burned by
the Moros (Muslim Pirates), when the Recollects residence was transferred to
Surigao.
• It was on June 19,1960, through Republic Act 2786 that
Surigao was divided into two provinces : Surigao del Norte and Surigao del
Sur.

9. >> Customs & Traditions
Burial Customs
- The dead were either laid on a platform built beside a tree,
or wrapped in a mat and bamboo slats and hung up a tree. After the
funeral, the relatives of the deceased abandon their dwellings and
clearing.
- A widowed husband usually lies beside his deceased wife
while relatives and friends sit around them.

10. >> Customs and Traditions
Religious practices
-The Mamanwa tribe believed in the existence of Tahawan, the
indigenous religion is derived from the word “Tahaw” which literary means
supreme being or god. In fact this Tahawan ritual in which they would
give thanks and make merry. They are still practicing this ceremony
which is an indigenous manner of worship, thanksgiving and cheery
making.
- They are also a firm believer of the folk healing ritual of the
tribe’s Baylan or Tambalon (Shaman).

11. >>Customs and Traditions
FESTIVALS
Bonok-bonok Festival is the
local festival held in the city of
Surigao. This is a ritual dance
which originated from the
Mamanwas, the early settlers
of Surigao. The rhythm usually
starts with a slow beat and
gradually gets faster, causing
the dancers to work at pace
with the music.

12. >> Population
• Surigao del Norte is home to
the Mamanwa ethnic tribe.

13. >> Economic Activities
AGRICULTURE,
FIISHERY & FORESTRY

14. >> Tourist Spots
Suhoton Cave, Buca’s Grande
This enchanting cave is
half- submerged in
water most of the time
and is accessible only
during low tides, inside
is a lagoon with
countless islets and
crystal waters that
sparkle with the bright
reflection of the sea.

15. >> Tourist Spots
Lumondo Waterfalls and Eco-Park
This natural park nestled at
Brgy. Budlingin, Municipality of
Alegria is just 2 kilometers from
the Poblacion. One will be
awed by the huge volume of
water cascading into a 45 meter
granite precipice a majestic
panorama which can be viewed
from a misty mountain trail.

16. >> Tourist Spots
Magpupungko Rock Formation, Pilar
A most refreshing natural
lagoon, sorrounded by
limestone and granite
sculptures facing the Pacific
Ocean, Its pockmarked
limestone floor reveal pools of
assorted shapes and sizes
resembling basins, barrels,
tubs and ponds during low
tides.

17. >> INSIGHTS
I learned that
Surigaonons have
given great respect and
value to their ancestors
and to their teachings.
They value the cultures
and traditions that are
passed on to them by
their native people and
they preserve that
traditions by doing it
themselves until the
present.
I realized that we should
have to preserve our native
ancestors and the belief
and tradition that we
received from them so that
we will not lose our identity
of being a Filipino. Even if
we say that the native in
which we came from are
small, black skinned, curly
haired, and etc., we should
still be proud of them for
they have given us rich
culture.
I intend to teach to my
future students of the
importance and value
of our natives and how
it gives identity to each
of the Filipino. I will
also teach them of the
rich culture that they
left us, and how we
can preserve it.

18. Surigao del Sur
“The Dream Holiday Getaway”

19. **Geographical Location
• Located at the Northeastern coast of
Mindanao, facing the Pacific Ocean.
•Bounded on the Northwest by the
Province of Surigao del Norte, on the
Southeast by Davao Oriental, on its
Eastern side by the Pacific Ocean, and
on the West and Southwest by the
Provinces of Agusan del Norte and
Agusan del Sur.
• Tandag city is the capital city.
• The Land Area of the province is
523,050 hectares or 5,230.50 sq.
kilometers. And a total population of
505, 942 as of 2007.
• Income Class: 1st class

20. ** Climate
The province falls under Type II of
climate in the Philippines
characterized by rainfall distributed
throughout the year, although there
is a distinct rainy season which
begins from the month of
November and ends in March.

21. ** Natural Resources
Land Resources
• areas are suitable to
planting tree and vines.
• cultivating of crops.
• forestry

22. ** Natural Resources
Water Resources
• river basins as source of
irrigation.
• lagoons & falls.
• fronting Pacific Ocean.

23. ** Natural Resources
Mineral Resources
• metallic minerals such as
copper, gold, chromite,
cobalt, nickel and lead zinc.
Non-metals include feldspar,
coal and limestones.
• large &small scale minings.

24. *** Historical Background
• Before the Spaniards came, the aborigines of the province were the Mamanua and
Manobo. Later, our Malay brothers from the Visayas came to settle with the natives.
It was with the arrival of the immigrants that the province acquired its name from
one of the natives, Saliagao, who lived near the mouth of the river. The name
Saliagao was later pronounced Surigao by the inhabitants.
• Surigao formerly, was extended from what is known as Agusan, including the
islands east of it and the northern regions of Davao and the capital of the province
that time was Caraga and so the Spaniards called the people Caragas.
• The Province of Surigao del Sur was created as the 56th Philippine province on
June 19, 1960 by virtue of RA 2786 and was formally organized or separated from
its mother province, Surigao del Norte, on September 18, 1960.

25. **Customs and Traditions
• Like Surigao del Norte, the Mamanwa tribe (also called as the Lumads)
are the dominating tribe in Surigao del Sur.
• The Mamanwa’s believed in anitos, babaylan (healer) and the “Tahaw” or
the Supreme being. Tahawan is the ritual.
• The ceremony of merry-making are still practiced until nowadays.

26. ** Customs & Traditions
FESTIVALS
• Kaliguan Festival (June 21-25)
Cagwait, Surigao del Sur
A yearly festivity in honor of St.
John the Baptist highlighted by
search for Perlas ng Kaliguan
beauty pageant and beach
dancing.

27. ** Population
Mamanwa’s (Lumad)
• One of the oldest and still extant
tribes in the Philippines is the
Mamanwa tribe, who bear a striking
physical resemblance to the
Negritos. Their other name is
Mamanwa Negritos and are believed
to be descendants of the original
settlers of the Philippines.
• The Mamanwan dialect is bordered
on the north and east by Suriganon;
on the west by a mixed vernacular of
Surigaonon and Cebuano; on the
southwest by Butuanon; and on the
southeast by Bislig Kamayo.

28. ** Economic Activites
AGRICULTURE,
FORESTRY & FISHERY

29. ** Tourist Spots
Enchanted River, Hinatuan
The Hinatuan Enchanted River
is a complex body of water that
can either be a lagoon, a spring,
and a river. It is a tidal
estuary where its water source
is coming from underground on
the west during low tide and
coming from the east from the
Philippine Sea at high tide.

30. ** Tourist Spots
Tinuy-an Falls, Bislig City
The falls are 95 m wide and 55
metres (180 ft) high, touted as the
Niagara Falls of the Philippines.
Tinuy-an is a white water curtain
that flows in three levels and is said
to be the widest waterfall in the
Philippines. Every morning, the area
shows a rainbow between 9 a.m. to
11 a.m.

31. ** Tourist Spots
Ayoke Island in Cantilan
Isolated from mainland Surigao in
Mindanao and right at the edge of
the Pacific Ocean, Ayoke is an oracle
for the soul-searching nomad or a
playground for the restlessness of
youth. Depending on one's
persuasion, Ayoke Island is an
adventure button waiting to be
pressed.

32. >> INSIGHTS
I learned that Surigao del
Sur had a once thickly
forested land and most
of them remained
untouched. But since the
abusive hands and
minds of the humans
dicovered the bountiful
forests and minerals in
the vast stretch of
mountains, those forests
are in danger of fading.
I realized that our activities
affects everything around
us and one of which is the
miners quarrying and the
deforestation of the forest.
We might have in our
minds now that it will not
have great effect to us. But
life turn like a boomerang,
the effect might be greater
than what we have
expected of the typhoon
Yolanda and it can happen
anytime if we don’t take
care of our surroundings.
I intend to make a
change for our
surroundings. Start
with small and step by
step ideas on how to
lessen the habit that
could certainly affect
our environment. And
also I will be of good
example to everyone
and start in
maintaining our
environments
cleanliness.

33. Dinagat Island
“TheMystical Island
Province of Love”

34. ^^ Geographical Location
• The Dinagat Islands is a group of
islands constituting a province in
the Philippines, located on the south
side of Leyte Gulf. The island
of Leyte is to its west, across Surigao
Strait, and Mindanao is to its south.
• It has a total land area of 1,036.34
km2
• Population is 126,803 as of 2010.
• Divide into 7 municipalities with San
Jose as its capital.
• Income class: 3rd

35. ^^ Climate
The climate of the province is characterized by no pronounced
dry season but with a very pronounced maximum rainfall period
from November to January.

36. ^^ Natural Resources
Land Resources
• Thick Forest
• Livestock raising

37. ^^ Natural Resources
Water Resources
• Crystal clear beaches
• Rich in marine species

38. ^^ Natural Resources
Mineral Resources
• Metallic and non-metallic resources
•Abundance of chromite

39. ^^ Historical Background
• Although one of the newest provinces of the country, settlements in
Dinagat Islands were already present during the Spanish regime as a result
of migration of people from nearby provinces of Bohol and Leyte.
• Adding to the historical significance of the province is the foundation of
the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association by Ruben Ecleo, Sr.
• The municipality of Dinagat is the oldest community in the province.
• The province was the site of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait during the
Second World War. The Municipality of Loreto became the entry point of the
American Liberation Forces on October 17, 1944. It was on this shore that
the 6th Ranger Battalion of the 6th U.S. Army under Col. Mucci landed at
Sitio Campinta of Barangay Panamaon, Loreto. It was during this landing
that the first American flag flew on Philippine soil. They named the place
"Black Beach No. 2."

40. ^^ Customs and Traditions
Dinagat Islands is rich in structures, buildings and landmarks that are
remnants of a once affluen tlifestyle. Most notably of which are the
Galeto Ancestral Home in Tubajon and the Divine Master Shrine in San
Jose, built by the benevolence and volunteerism of the members of the
famous believers of Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr., the PBMA, Inc. (Philippine
Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc) members who are dominants
in the province.

41. ^^ Customs and Traditions
FESTIVAL:
Bugkosan sa Isla: Dinagatan Festival
Bugkosan" originated from the word
"pagbugkos" means to bind,
"paghiusa" to unite, "paghugpong"
to merge, "pagbug-os" to
incorporate and "pagtibu" to
convene. It depicts unity and
cooperation among all Dinagatnons
and promotes the province tourism
potentialities.

42. ^^ Population
•The “lumads” or the dominant settlers of the province were called
“Dinagatnons”
•Dinagat Islands is predominantly a Cebuano-speaking province. However,
towns facing the Surigao del Norte are Surigaonon-speaking particularly the
municipalities of Dinagat and Cagdianao due to their proximity to the province
of Surigao del Norte. Influences of the Cebuano and Boholano languages with
a Tausug accent can be traced. A majority are able to speak English.

43. ^^ Economic Activities
Livestock raising, Agriculture
& Fishery

44. ^^ Tourist Spots
Basilisa and Libjo Islands - Lake Bababu
The lake got its name from the
Bisaya phrase 'Baba ng Buaya"
which means 'mouth of
crocodile'. Whether this name
came from a crocodile mouth-
shaped rock formation or there
used to have crocodiles living
here is still undetermined.

45. ^^ Tourist Spots
Punta Villa Cave
This massive, sun-lit cave
is home to a huge
population of bats as well
as a variety of limestone
formations. Traces of
previous treasure
excavation activities can
also be found here.

46. ^^ Tourist Spots
Hinophopan Cave, Municipality of Loreto
Hinophopan is a 5 minute stroll from farm
to market road bound to a new technical
caving adventure perfect for day-tripper
explorer has been discovered named
Hinop-hopan cave. Wild species of snakes,
rock formations, bats, shrimps and water
eel are found while exploring to that
place. It is called Hinop-hopan because
running water from the forest falls on the
cave during rainy days.

47. >> INSIGHTS
I learned that Dinagat
Island was a beautiful,
undiscovered haven. God
indeed blessed Philippines
with such a scenic and
bountiful place. And also
that these island were the
home of the Ecleo’s and
his followers. The Ecleo
were the centre of
controversy because of
their rumoured cults.
I realized that even
under controversies,
one can rise up and
become more of what
they are before. An
example was theb
island of Dinagat
because of the Ecleo
but it didn’t become
hindrance of their
becoming a new and
sought after vacation
islands in our country.
I intend to visit this
island if I already had
the time… and of
course the money I will
need to discover this
hidden, small but
magnificent place.
This place actually
drew me when I was
creating this
presentation and I was
impressed with scenic
view.

48. Prepared By:
Besabella, Lauralen K.
Geo 2 (2:30-3:30 MWF)