OBJECTIVES

This module is conceived with the following objectives in mind.

1. To equip the readers, specifically the pupils and students, with the knowledge of the
process by which Agusanons have emerged from the past to the present, meeting the
challenges and the vagaries of human nature, thereby realizing how much we owe from
the past;

2. To provide these pupils and students with a vast array of information on the history and
heritage of Agusanons so that they can appreciate and cherish their race better;

3. To rediscover the province as the gateway to breathtaking nature and a step away to
thrills and adventures, thereby promoting it as a frontier of discovering life and the
many divine treasures it offers; and

4. To improve the pupil’s ability to read critically and to gather information from maps,
charts, diagrams, and other illustrations.

INTRODUCTION

A tropical haven of natural beauty, scenic Agusan del Norte casts an enigmatic
charm drawn from the many archaic mementos spread throughout the province. Yes, the
place is rich in history and culture, but nature’s drama prevails most completely over the
imagination.

Agusan del Norte is a second class province and one of the provinces 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.
Its crystal-clear waters that sparkle with the bright reflection of the sun and verdant
landscapes, enchanting caves, pear-shaped lake, multi-tiered waterfalls are great gateways
that await you.

Visualize yourself encircled by the gentle burst of falling waters amid the tranquility
of the lush vegetation and discover a world of earth and sea so elemental it fills you with a
deep sense of belonging to the infinite.

Come and let’s all together have a sneak peek into the wonders of amazing AGUSAN
DEL NORTE- A HAVEN OF ANTIQUATED FINDS.

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2
 LESSON 1

Learning About Agusan del Norte

I.Location

AGUSAN DEL NORTE is situated 9° north latitude and 125° and 30 minutes east
longitude on the northeastern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Butuan Bay and the Province of Surigao del Norte bound it on the north, Agusan
del Sur on the south, Surigao del Sur on the east and Misamis Oriental on the west.

II. Political Subdivision

The place is one of the 79 provinces of the Philippines and one of the five that
comprise the Caraga Region (Region XIII). Within its territory lie 10 municipalities and
one city that has on their expanse a total of 167 barangays.

The City of Cabadbaran is the capital. The municipalities are Buenavista,

Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T.
Romualdez, Santiago and Tubay.

Butuan City, its previous capital, is still the seat of the provincial government as
of 2000 and will continue to serve as such until its base of operations is transferred to
Cabadbaran, the new administrative center.

III. Historical Development

Believed by some historians as the place where the first Christian Mass in the
Philippines was celebrated, Agusan was first referred to by its Malay settlers as
“agasan”, a word in the dialect meaning “where water flows”. This alluded to the
presence of a mighty river that traversed the whole area. With the coming of the
Spanish conquistadores, the area where flowed a mighty river came to be known as
“Agusan” to the civilized world.

The aborigines of Agusan were the ancestors of the present day Mamanwas who
were driven to the hinterlands by the first wave of Malay immigrants coming from
Borneo and Celebes. These people, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles
because of the forays and the constant raids of moro pirates.

The Moros, being a seafaring people, confined themselves to the coastal area
where they started settlements, leaving the forestal areas to the Manobos.

Agusan del Norte’s claim to being the province where the first mass was held is
perpetuated in oral historical traditions whose beginnings date as far as the latter part of

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March and early part of April, 1521. Rajah Siagu, the ruler of Agusan, was said to have
left his settlement in order to visit his friend Rajah Humabon of Bohol. Together, they
visited the ruling rajah of a place called Limasawa where a fleet of Spanish galleons
headed by a Portuguese navigator called Fernao Magallao (Fernando Magallanes in
Spanish) had just dropped anchor. Rajah Siagu invited the navigator to visit his place, to
which Magallanes went and had a mass celebrated on Easter Sunday in what is now
called “Magallanes” formerly Masao. It is said that Magallanes ships were given
provisions by Siagu for which, in gratitude, his people were exempted later on from
paying tribute to the King of Spain. This boon lasted only for sixty years and was taken
away when the people rose in revolt against the conquistadores.

With the occupation of Spanish troops came the priests and scholars who
immediately started converting the natives. Of the missionaries sent here, the most
outstanding was Reverend Saturnino Urios, a Jesuit, who indefatigably set about
converting some 23,000 natives during his 28 years in the province. He is oftentimes
called the “Apostle of Agusan” for his missionary zeal and to honor him, the parochial
school of Butuan was renamed Father Urios College.

Agusan took up arms against Spain during the revolution. With Aguinaldo’s
revolutionary government, a small native unit was organized in Butuan under the
leadership of Señior Gumersindo Flores. This small force put to task the American
soldiers stationed in the place. Spears being no match to the powerful guns of the
Americans, Agusan yielded to the might of the American soldiers in January 1900.

Until 1911, Agusan, under the name of Butuan, was part of Surigao Province,
formerly known as Caraga District. However, following the passage of Act 1693, creating
the non-Christian provinces, it was separated from Surigao, with the Diwata Mountains
as the boundary lines. Before the approval of Republic Act No. 4979 on June 17, 1967
and its proclamation as a province on January 5, 1968, Agusan del Norte was part of the
former Province of Agusan.

The province was under military rule until 1913. When the Department of
Mindanao and Sulu was created under the Secretary of Interior, Agusan became one of
the seven provinces comprising the Department with Frank W. Carpenter as the first civil
governor. In 1914, the first Filipino governor of Agusan was appointed in the person of
Teofisto T. Guingona. The first elected governor of Agusan was Apolonio D. Curato who
was elected in 1923, holding this position for three terms. Jose R. Rosales followed him
and stayed as governor for two terms. Mariano D. Atega was elected governor and was
succeeded by Agustin O. Caseñas.

Then, war broke out. During Japanese occupation, General Aguirre occupied the
governor’s post for five months. Liberation came and Curato was again the governor.
However, he stayed in the position only for a year. Servano D. Jongko who was elected
in 1947, stayed as governor until 1951. From 1952 to 1959, Felixberto C. Dagani
occupied this post. He was succeeded by Democrito O. Plaza who served as governor
from 1960 to 1963. Jose C. Aquino took over in 1964 and resigned in 1966 when he ran
for congress. His vice-governor, Mrs. Consuelo V. Calo ran for governor in 1967 and
won.

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 On June 17, 1967, R.A. 4979, authored by then Congressman Jose C. Aquino
was passed by Congress dividing Agusan into two (2) provinces, namely Agusan del
Norte and Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Norte joined the ranks of fast developing
provinces on July 1, 1974 when it became a Provincial Development Assistance Project
(PDAP) province through the efforts of its incumbent Governor Consuelo V. Calo, who
remained as Agusan del Norte’s Chief Executive until February of 1986 when the EDSA
peaceful revolution took place.

The province then was administered by Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Governor Jose T.

Gonzales. When he passed away on the same year, he was succeeded by OIC-Governor
Jesus S. Delfin.

The local elections of 1988 placed incumbent Governor Eduardo L. Rama at the
helm of the provincial government. He is ably assisted in administering the affairs of
government by Vice Governor George D. Tolentino and Board Members Pablito U.
Basadre, Alan M. Famador, Ramon M. Calo, Pelagio T. Berido, Jr., Roberto T. Tejano
and Juanito B. Suacillo.

BUENAVISTA

In the year 1887, a group of Manobos from the frontier of Agusan found an ideal
place for a fishing retreat and rendezvous which was later on named Tortosa by Adolfo
Calo who visited the village and found the place abundant with tortoise.

Soon another group of immigrants who were attracted by the abundance of fish
in the place and its good prospects in agriculture settled in Tortosa, later on renamed
Lihaw-an after a white deer believed sacred by its pagan dwellers. This deer was found
dead by the natives not far from the river bank which encircled the village and its
remains placed on the table and allowed to rot. Because its odor spread over the area of
the village, the place was named Lihaw-an, meaning “baho-an” (bad smell).

In the year 1920, the village known as Lihaw-an was change to Buenavista
meaning “good view”, a name given to it by an emissary of the Governor-General who
was impressed by the picturesque view of the village.

On January 1, 1937, by virtue of Executive Order No. 65 issued by the

Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon, the barrio of Buenavista became a
municipality.

CABADBARAN

“Reunion” the former name of Cabadbaran in the 19 th century, was a new

settlement rising along the mouth of the Cabadbaran River. The place was then only a
barrio of the municipality of Tubay. Among its earliest inhabitants were the Manobos.

5
 After a short time, a handful of Christians like the Raras, Jamboys, Doldols and
other came and settled there. Not long after them, came another group like the
Daganis, Cabonces, Curatos, Jongkos, and others who also resided permanently in the
place. Together, these people began to clear the area along the coast while the natives
were moving inland to occupy the interior area which later on became the town site.

Later on, the Barrio Reunion was named Tolosa. There are no records available
to indicate the reasons for the change in the name but it is believed that the settlement
was named after the town in Spain. The same name is now retained by a barrio in the
municipality that once was the town proper. The change of Tolosa to Cabadbaran was
believed to be attributed to an incident where the local chiefs ordered the release of two
captives who were bound by ropes and were then untied. The word Cabadbaran,
therefore, came from the vernacular word Badbad meaning to untie. Others, however,
said that it was derived from the phrase “ Badbaran sa Kawad-on” which in English
means to “release from want”. Persons who faced hardships and suffered from want on
other places had found solace and comfort in the locality.

CARMEN

Formerly called Kabayawa by the Manobo natives, Carmen got its present name
from the miraculous image of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, believed to have been
instrument in killing the leader of the bandits who used to inhabit the place. A Spanish
soldier named Juan Cardoniga was supposed to have fired his rifle but did not work.
Cardoniga got the image of the Virgin from his necklace and placed it inside the hole of
the barrel, after which he succeeded in firing the rifle and in killing the outlaw chief. It
was Father Saturnino Urios, the famous Jesuit priest of Agusan, who suggested that the
name Kabayawa be formally changed to Carmen in honor of the sacred image.

On July 1, 1949, barrio Carmen became a Municipality by virtue of the provisions

of Republic Act No. 380 sponsored in the Philippines Congress by the late Congressman
Marcos M. Calo.

JABONGA

Jabonga traces its origin to a village formerly occupied by Negritos and a few
Christian immigrants led by Monobo Negrito mestizo Angelecio Montante. The village
became known as Celopan, a name derived from bamboos growing along the bank of
the river that was made into smoking pipes.

Sometime during the middle part of the nineteenth century, the increasing
number of inhabitants who were joined by other Christian immigrants from other places
transferred to a new settlement which is the present site of Colorado. By this time, the
Spanish government was already sending missionaries to all parts of the island and the
group that went up to Calinawan River reached the settlement of Colorado, a name
derived from the word Colorado meaning colored, because of the white, spotted arms of
Domingo Monoy, the brave settler who dared to face the newcomers.

6
 Proceeding upstream, the missionaries reached Celopan and seeing a native
inside a hut, the floor of which was just one meter above the water, they asked him
what the place was called. Thinking that the Spaniards were referring to the hut, he
answered habongan. Thus, Celopan was renamed Habongan which later became
Jabonga.

KITCHARAO

Legend has it that Kitcharao was once ruled by two powerful kings, Mangipikan
who ruled the North and Busaylan who ruled the south. A dispute over their respective
hunting territories eventually broke out into an open war wherein each side fought
furiously until the subjects of King Busaylan were driven to the hills. The victorious King
Mangipikan ordered his mighty boars to uproot crops and other plants on their way,
crushing, biting, and scattering their items on the ground to show their victory. “ Kit, Kit
ug Isarao”, (Bite and scatter the plants) the King’s orders, thus became associated with
the name of the embattled plain of abundance. Time has shortened this famous battle
cry to Kitcharao, the name by which the same place is known today.

The municipality of Kitcharao was created by Republic Act No. 3842 sponsored
by Congressman Guillermo Sanchez. It was once a barrio of Jabonga but through the
initiative of the then Vice-Mayor Francisco Tuozo of Jabonga, who sponsored a
resolution petitioning Congress for the creation of the Municipality of Kitcharao, Republic
Act 3842 was passed.

Kitcharao is the northernmost town of the province and lies on the boundary line
between Surigao del Norte and the Agusan del Norte. It has a land area of 225
kilometers and owes its abundant fresh-water fish supply to the famous Lake Mainit, a
top tourist attraction in the area.

The inhabitants of the municipality come from various regions in Luzon and the
Visayas, hence, you can find Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Ilongos, Warays, Cebuanos, Boholanos ,
and a few aborigines called the Mamanwas or Kongking, peacefully living side by side in
this coconut and banana rich town.

LAS NIEVES

Las Nieves was formerly named Pinana-an meaning a place for hunting, by its
early inhabitants. The natives or Manobos with their bows and arrows ( pana) went to
Pinana-an to catch wild pigs, birds and other animals.

Soon, some people from Butuan and other places of Mindanao began to settle
and establish permanent residence in Pinana-an.

At night time, however, the inhabitants shiver from the intense coldness of the
area. On early mornings, thick fogs and dews blanket the whole place as if ice were

7
constantly and silently falling upon the inhabitants. Because of this, the name Pinana-an
was changed by the new inhabitants into “Las Nieves”, which means ice.

MAGALLANES

The written history of Magallanes is traceable to a monument with the Spanish

inscription which reads:

AL IMMORTAL
EL PUEBLO DE BUTUAN CON SU PAROCO Y ESPANIOLES
EN EL RESIDENTES
PARA COMMEMORAR SU ARRIBO Y CELEBRACION DE LA
PRIMERA MISA EN ESTE SITIO EL DIA
8 DE ABRIL DE 1521
ERIGIDO EN 1872 SIENDO GOBERNADOR DEL DISTRITO
D. JOSE MARIA CARAVALLO

It is believed by some writers that the first Catholic Mass in the island of
Mindanao and in the Philippines for that matter was celebrated in Magallanes. This is
disputed by other writers however who asserted that such incident happened in
Magallanes which is in Cebu. Nevertheless, a midway point is accepted which states that
Magellan was not with the group that celebrated the mass in Magallanes although his
men on an exploratory mission were there.

The present site of Magallanes was previously called Ba-ug meaning “bad odor”
in the Butuan dialect. There are several explanations were plausible. One version states
that this area was thickly surrounded with nipa palms and mangrove trees and because
of the fermentation of the dead leaves, roots and branches, bad smell permeated the
area, hence the name Ba-ug.

As time passed, Magallanes emerged as the new name of Ba-ug as it gained

popularity by its assertion that the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was celebrated
there.

During the early times, Magallanes was the poblacion for settlements along the
river bank especially when inhabitants were on the war path. In peaceful times, the
people went to other areas where farming was better and this led to the neglect of
Magallanes.

Around the end of the last century, nine families from Butuan decided to stay in
Magallanes permanently. They were Macario Butil, Juan Plaza, Pedro Duncano, Wulegio
Burias, Andoy Curilan, Jose Dumaplin, Prospero Dumdum, the Sumili Brothers and one
known as Captain Santo, with Macario Butil acting as leader of the group.

As time went on, many residents came back to Magallanes, oftentimes with their
families, relatives or friends, and in due time, Magallanes became a permanent barrio of
Butuan.

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 The municipality of Magallanes became politically independent from Butuan City
by virtue of Republic Act No. 5660 which was passed by Congress on May 5, 1969 and
finally approved on June 21, 1969. This Republic Act fixed the boundaries of this newly-
created municipality.

NASIPIT

Perched on a promontory overlooking the picturesque Nasipit Bay is the

progressive industrial town of Nasipit. From the open sea, approaching the town one
would readily notice that pall of heavy smoke emanating from giant smoke-stacks,
evidence of industrial activity within the sprawling compound of the Nasipit Lumber
Company and the Philippine Wallboard Corporation.

The shoreline of Nasipit assumes a claw-like from which “ Nasip-it” was derived.
Until 1929, Nasipit was a barrio of Butuan. The then Governor Guingona proposed to
change the name Nasipit to “Aurora”. Due to the strong opposition of the early
inhabitants, however, the word Na-si-pit was retained.

Little is known about historical events that took place in this town during its early
days. But legend has it that three women were abducted by marauding Moro pirates
who occasionally came to this place to rob and plunder. It was said that the villagers
were terrified whenever the pirates came ashore and they went into hiding for days atop
the thickly-forested hill which they later on settled and developed as the present-day
Poblacion. Because of this danger, the early settlers constructed a watchtower at the
site presently occupied by the Catholic Church, to watch out for and warn the people of
an impending pirate raid.

The earliest settlers of this town were immigrants from Cebu, Leyte and the
different parts of the archipelago threaded their way into this town to settle
permanently.

The administration of the late Mayor Catalino S. Atupan saw the beginnings of
industrial activities in this once sleepy town. During his nine years in office, Mayor
Atupan strove to increase tax collection and encouraged the establishment of factories
on account of the town’s strategic geographical location and ideal shipping facilities. At
the end of his term in 1946, the Nasipit Lumber Company Incorporated, controlled and
operated by the Fernandez Hermanos started its operation. Thus, began Nasipit’s march
to progress.

REMEDIOS T. ROMUALDEZ

The new town of Remedios T. Romualdez is composed of barangays: Poblacion

I, Poblacion II, Tagbongabong, Humilog, Basilisa, Panaytayon, Balang-balang and San
Antonio, all previously a part of the municipality of Cabadbaran. These barangay’s are
the principal sources of real property taxes of Cabadbaran and the primary supplier of

9
agricultural products, notably rice. They were appropriately named the rice granary of
Cabadbaran.

The eight barangays slowly but steadily progressed as more migrants came and
settled permanently to till the fertile soil. Agriculturally oriented and industrious new
comers found the place a productive haven for an idyllic life. Situated along the
Maharlika Highway, the inhabitants were convinced that their place could become a
town halfway between the city of Butuan and Cabadbaran later.

When Atty. Antonio R. Tupaz, was elected Assemblyman of Agusan del Norte in
1978, he brought to the Interim Batasan Pambansa the proposal to make Agay as a
municipal corporation. Acting on the petitions of the Agayanons and other neighboring
barangays to be separated from its mother municipality, the assemblyman sponsored
Parliamentary Bill No. 1291, an act creating the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez.

Having qualified with the requirements provided under the law, Batas Bilang 336
was passed making Remedios T. Romualdez the eleventh town of Agusan del Norte. It
officially became a Local Government Unit on January 1, 1984 Mr. Euquerio A. Dominise,
a former Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, serving as its first Municipal Mayor.

SANTIAGO

A group of natives fleeting from the Municipality of Jabonga settled in a new

place recognized by the Municipality of Cabadbaran as Barrio Santiago in the latter part
of 1898.

However, in 1924, the existing Aciga River swelled its banks, destroying all
properties, plants and animals and forcing the inhabitants of Santiago, Cabadbaran to
transfer to Barrio Jagupit. In 1936, the same river brought havoc to the barrio and the
barrio folks again decided to transfer to Sitio Paypay at the foot of the hill. But when the
national government constructed highway cutting through Sitio Paypay, the influx of
people to the place began.

In 1936, through a bill in Congress sponsored by the late Congressman Marcos

Calo, Paypay was changed to Santiago in Honor of Saint Santiago.

In the latter part of 1964, the barrio officials of Barrio Santiago indicated their
desire to become a municipality. Finally, in 1969, a bill sponsored by Ex-Congressman
Jose C. Aquino and approved by the Sixth Congress of the Republic, gave birth to
Republic Act 5242, which created the new Municipality of Santiago.

TUBAY

Tubay, which was named after its brave founder Datu Tabay, lays claim to being
the Second Spanish settlement in Agusan. Formerly, the people settled in the wilderness
of Ilihan, then transferred to Sitio Malubog and later to Tubay-tubay and Sebang near

10
the mouth of the Jabonga River. However, the danger of constant inundation and Moro
attacks convinced the succeeding leaders of the place to move the Pueblo Daan
Lungsod where now survives the massive Magkuno posts of a once strongly built
spacious church. And it was here the settlement firmly took roots.

Since 1898, Tubay was a prosperous town but when the Americans visited Tubay
and Cabadbaran, they were convinced that the later was the better seat of government.
Therefore, in 1903, Tubay was reduced to a barrio to give way to its equally thriving
neighbor Cabadbaran. Although reduced to a barrio status, it still remained a center of
commercial activities due to the presence of Chinese merchants there. Boom in business
in Tubay was still noticeable until the early and fabulous 20’s when the navigable
Jabonga River was still the chief artery of its copra and hemp traffic. However, when the
provincial road connecting Cabadbaran to Butuan and Cabadbaran to Santiago was
finished, business in Tubay began to decline and business through the Jabonga River
slowly disappeared.

On October 20, 1947, Tubay regained its township by virtue of Presidential

Proclamation No. 44 of the late president Manuel A. Roxas.

THE PROVINCE OF AGUSAN DEL NORTE WAS CREATED on 17 June 1967 by

virtue of Republic Act 4979, a legislative action authored by the late Congressman
Jose C. Aquino.

The place was carved out of what was then just one Agusan province. The
territory was split into two and Agusan del Sur was also created as Agusan del Norte
one of the provinces of the country.

Butuan City, which was a component city of Agusan del Norte then, was named
as capital and seat of government. When Republic Act 8811 was enacted in the year
2000 Cabadbaran became the new capital and administrative center of the province.

Until 1911, Agusan, then named Butuan, was under the jurisdiction of Surigao. It
was separated from Surigao with the passage of Act 1693 later. That separation gave
birth to the then one Agusan as a province.

Agasan (where water flows), an allusion to the mighty river (Agusan River) that
cuts through the area is widely believed to be the origin of the name Agusan.

The ancestors of the present day Mamanwas were the aborigines of the place.
The first wave of Malay immigrants from Borneo and the Celebes drove them to the
hinterlands.

The Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese occupied the province in the
historical wars that also saw the rising up in arms by the Agusanons.

Andres A. Atega led the Agusanons in the war against the Spaniards at the
turn of the 19th century. Victory was attained but it was snapped by the invading
Americans.

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 The province was under direct American military control until 1913. In 1914, the
first Filipino Governor under the Commonwealth Government was appointed in the
person of Teofisto T. Guingona.

In 1923, an election was held and Apolonio D. Curato became the first elected
governor. He served a three-year term. Jose A. Rosales was elected next for two
terms. In 1936, Mariano C. Atega got elected and governed the province.

Agustin O. Casenas succeeded Atega (1941-1944) but after serving three

years, his term was cut by the Japanese occupation. A certain General Aguirre took
the post.

World War II- Japanese occupation troops arrived in Agusan on May 16, 1942.
Filipino and American guerillas fought against the invaders. The Agusan was liberated on
September 8, 1945 by VS Forces and Filipino irregulars.

When liberation came, Curato once again got the governorship for a year.
Servano S. Jongko won in the election that was held in 1947.

Felixberto C. Dagani served as governor in 1952-1959, then Democrito O.

Plaza in 1960-63.

Jose C. Aquino got the post in 1964 but gave up the position in 1966 when he
ran for Congress. His vice governor, Consuelo V. Calo, took over and got elected in
1967.

Calo held the position through the martial law years until 1986 when the
revolutionary government of President Corazon C. Aquino that booted out then
President Ferdinand E. Marcos through people power took over.

Jose T. Gonzales served as OIC Governor of the province as the country

reconstituted the foundations of democracy following years of martial rule. Death,
however, limited his stewardship to only a year.

Jesus S. Delfin finished Gonzales’ watch.

Eduardo L. Rama won in the first elections conducted after the ouster of
Marcos. He held the position for two terms.

Maria Angelica Rosedell M. Amante got elected as governor in 1995 and

served until June 2004.

Erlpe John M. Amante, got the post in the 2004 elections and now steers the
province to its desired development.

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IV. Other Facts

Population 332,487 as of December 2010

Land Area 273,024 hectares

Language/Dialect Cebuano is the major dialect. Filipino and English are

widely spoken. Minor dialects are Butuanon, Ilonggo,
Jabonganon, Mamanwa, Manobo, Higaonon,
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 to 32.1 c. Relative humidity is 84%.

Accessibility The province is accessible by daily flights from

Manila; daily trips by ship from Manila and Cebu via
the ports of Nasipit and Surigao City; by ship twice
weekly from Tagbilaran City via Nasipit Port; and
every 30 minutes by bus from the cities of Surigao,
Davao and Cagayan de Oro.

Distance of Municipalities from the Provincial Capital:

(Capital: CabadbaranCity)

Carmen - 60.8 kilometers

Nasipit - 54.4 kilometers
Buenavista - 47.0 kilometers
R.T.R - 9.0 kilometers
Magallanes - 11.0 kilometers
Tubay - 10.1 kilometers
Santiago - 18.0 kilometers
Jabonga - 30.7 kilometers
Kitcharao - 44.9 kilometers
Las Nieves - 64.0 kilometers

(Source: Agusan del Norte Year 2000 Socio Economic Profile)

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 Hooray for our Leaders!
“Public Service is a public trust.”
As each page unfolds, take a glimpse of the great men and women of our history
who have shared their wisdom and compassion, serving as exemplary leaders and
models of our times.

What could be a fitting tribute to our leaders than to salute them for their great
deeds that had led to the present stature of the province. Well, read on and get to know
them.

ELECTED AND APPOINTED

PROVINCAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN

1901-1902 (Appointed) - Gov. Valentin Calo

1902-1903 (Appointed) - Gov. Canuto V. Rosales
1907-1909 (Appointed) - Gov. Frederick Johnson, Capt., P.C.
1909-1910 (Appointed) - Gov. Ralph Mc Cullough
1910-1911 (Appointed) - Gov. John R. White, Col., US Army
1911 (Appointed) - Gov. Frederick Lewis
1911 (Appointed) - Gov. Guy O. Fort, Capt., P.C.
1912-1914 (Appointed) - Gov. W.C. Bryant
1914-1917 (Appointed) - Gov. Teofisto T. Guingona

1914 – 1917
Teofisto T. Guingona, Sr.
Governor

14
 1917-1920 (Appointed) - Gov. Rafael Acuña
1920 (Appointed) - Gov. Escolastico Zapanta
1922-1930 1930-1937
Hon. Apolonio D. Curato, Sr. Hon. Jose A. Rosales
Governor Governor

1937-1940 1940-1943
Hon. Mariano C. Atega Hon. Agustin O. Casińas
Governor Governor

1943 (Appointed) - Gov. Ramon Aguirre, Maj. P.C.

1944-1946 (Appointed) - Gov. Jose A. Rosales

15
 1947-1951 1952-1959
Hon. Servano S. Jongko Hon. Felixberto C. Dagani
Governor Governor

Board Members

Hon. Silvestre M. Osin Chief Deputy Governor

Hon. Zacarias Pizzaro Hon. Jorge P. Satorre, Sr.

Deputy Governor
Mr. Alfredo B. Patanao

Board Members
Hon. Pastor D. Ago
Hon. Jose Malimit

1960 – 1963
Hon. Democrito O. Plaza
Governor

Vice Governor -Hon. Teofilo D. Curato

Board Members -Hon. Francisco D. Curato
-Hon. Ramon C. Rosales

16
 1964 – 1965
Hon. Jose C. Aquino
Governor

Vice Governor -Hon. Consuelo V. Calo

Deputy Governor -Mr. Genaro M. Asis
Board Members -Hon. Basilisa A. Kittilsvedt
-Hon. Jose T. Gonzales

ELECTED AND APPOINTED

PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN/AGUSAN DEL NORTE

1965 – 1968 Provincial Governor - Hon. Consuelo V. Calo

Vice Governor - Hon. Jose T. Gonzalez

Board Members - Hon. Basilisa A. Kittilsvedt

- Hon. Sulpicio R. Lagnada
- Hon. Vicente C. Rosales

1969 – 1971 Provincial Governor - Hon. Consuelo V. Calo

Vice Governor - Hon. Jose T. Gonzalez

Board Members - Hon. Vicente C. Rosales

- Hon. Genaro B. Asis
- Hon. Pastor D. Ago

1972 – 1979 Provincial Governor - Hon. Consuelo V. Calo

Vice Governor - Hon. Vicente C. Rosales

Board Members - Hon. Simon F. Puyot

- Hon. Jose R. Villanueva
- Hon. David Q. Sandalo

17
 1980 – 1986
Hon. Consuelo V. Calo
Governor

Vice Governor - Hon. Vicente C. Rosales

Board Members - Hon. Leovigildo B. Banaag
- Hon. Euquierio A. Dominise
- Hon. Emanuel R. Balanon
- Hon. Mariano R. Corvera
- Hon. Willy M. Cervantes
- Hon. Elpedio V. Montilla
- Hon. Cosme Sanchez
(PKB) ABC 1982 – 1986
- Hon. Ceferino L. Baltazar
(PKB)1981
- Hon. Rey Luison
(PKKB)Jan. 1982 – July 1982
- Hon. Rechilda B. Sajor
(PKKB) 1982 – 1985
- Hon. Ferdinand B. Perez
(PKKB) 1986
- Hon. Gregorio L. Yangson, Jr.
(PKKB)

April 1986 – Sept. 1986

Provincial Governor - Hon. Jose T. Gonzalez

Designate
Vice Governor - Hon. George D. Tolentino
Designate
Board Members - Hon. Roberto T. Tejano
- Hon. Arnulfo Celeste
- Hon. Carlos Cambray

18
 - Hon. Ernesto A. Ruiz
- Hon. Daniel D. Sanchez
- Hon. Teofilo D. Curato, Sr.
- Hon. Ceferino L. Baltazar (PKB)
- Hon. Gregorio L. Yangson, Jr.(PKKB)

October 1986 – Nov. 1987

Provincial Governor - Hon Jesus S. Delfin

Office -In-Charge
Vice Governor - Hon. George D. Tolentino
Officer In-Charge

Board Members - Hon. Roberto T. Tejano

- Hon. Arnulfo B. Celeste
- Hon. Carlos B. Cambray
- Hon. Ernesto A. Ruiz
- Hon. Daniel D. Sanchez
- Hon. Teofilo D. Curato, Sr.
- Hon. Ceferino L. Baltazar
(PKB)

April 1987 – Nov. 1987 - Hon. Perlita S. Jongko

April 1987 – Nov. 1987 - Hon. Hortensio P. Rojales
April 1986 – Nov. 1987 - Hon. Gregorio L. Yangson, Jr.
(PKKB)

Dec. 1987 – 1988

Provincial Governor - Hon. Simon F. Puyot

Officer in-charge
Vice Governor - Hon. Ricardo S. Castillo
Officer in-charge
Board Members - Hon. Felixberto M. Dagani,Jr.
Hon. Amadeo D. Paduganan
- Hon. Alfredo L. Taer
- Hon. Elvin Grana
- Hon. Nestor Magtibay
- Hon. Rogelio B. Doce
- Hon. Jesus M. Aquino

19
 1988 – 1992
Hon. Eduardo l. Rama, Sr.
Governor

Vice Governor - Hon. George D. Tolentino

Board Members - Hon. Pablito U. Basadre
- Hon. Pelagio T. Berido, Jr.
- Hon. Roberto T. Tejano
- Hon. Juanito B. Suacillo
- Hon. Guillermo S. Roa
- Hon. Ramon M. Calo

ELECTED AND APPOINTED

PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN/AGUSAN DEL NORTE

1992 – 1995

20
 Hon. Eduardo l. Rama, Sr.
Governor

Vice Governor - Hon. Roan I. Libarios

Board Members - Hon. Venerando D. Atupan
Officer In-Charge
- March 1995 – July 1995
- Hon. Alan M. Famador
- Hon. Roberto T. Tejano
- Hon. Pelagio T. Berido
- Hon. Andres R. Tan
- Hon. Ramon M. Calo
- Hon. Ricardo A. Cabal
- Hon. Dale B. Corvera (PCL)
- Hon. Guillermo S. Roa
(FABC)
- Hon. Fe R. Montante (FSK)
- Hon. Jary P. Mondejar
(FABC)

21
 ELECTED AND APPOINTED
PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
1995 – 1998

Hon. Eduardo L. Rama Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Hon. Roberto T. Tejano
Representative, District II Governor Vice-Governor

Hon. Venerando D. Atupan Hon. Dale B. Corvera Hon. Luisito B. Ago Hon. Ramon A. Bungabong
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. Andres R. Tan Hon. Alex R. Garay Hon. Antonio C. Espino Hon. Jary P. Mondejar, FABC
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

22
 Hon. Edsel I. Dumangas, FSK Hon. Ohmar S. Marcellones, FSK
Board Member Board Member
January 1996-June 1996 August 1996
ELECTED AND APPOINTED
PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
1998 – 2001

Hon. Roan I. Libarios Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Hon. Roberto T. Tejano
Representative, District II Governor Vice-Governor

Hon. Dale B. Corvera Hon. Luisito B. Ago Hon. Hector B. Magtibay Hon. Ernie M. Ceniza
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. Andres R. Tan Hon. Ramon AG. Bungabong Hon. Rogelio A. Fabe Hon. Alex R. Garay
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

23
 Hon. Rosiana L. Podadera, PCL Hon. Consuelo A. Prollo, FABC Hon. Ohmar S. Marcellones, FSK
Board Member Board Member Board Member

ELECTED AND APPOINTED

PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
2001 – 2004

Hon. Edelmiro A. Amante Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Hon. Roberto T. Tejano
Representative, District II Governor Vice-Governor

Hon. Dale B. Corvera Hon. Hector B. Magtibay Hon. Ernie M. Ceniza Hon. Ramon AG. Bungabong
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. Alan M. Famador Hon. Venerando D. Atupan Hon. Francisco D. Rosales Hon. Consuelo A. Prollo, FABC
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

24
 Hon. Ohmar S. Marcellones, Hon. Eladio B. Anino II Hon. Sulpicio T. Dedumo Hon. Cesar Jhomer Y. Ong Oh,
FSK Board Member Board Member PCL
Board Member Board Member

ELECTED AND APPOINTED

PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
2004 to 2007

Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Hon. Erlpe John M. Amante Hon. Dale B. Corvera
Representative, District II Governor Vice-Governor

Hon. Ernie M. Ceniza Hon. Rogelio P. Dagani Hon. Alan M. Famador Hon. Venerando D. Atupan
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. Sadeka G. Tomaneng Hon. Aquino W. Gambe Hon. Arcedel I. Libarios Hon. Ramon Virgilio R. Escaseńas
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

25
 Hon. Marjorie C. Rosal Hon. Raymundo M. Beluan, FABC Hon. Dhomer R. Amora, FSK
Board Member Board Member Board Member

ELECTED AND APPOINTED

PROVINCAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
2007 to 2010

Hon. Edelmiro A. Amante Hon. Erlpe John M. Amante Hon. Enrico R. Corvera
Representative, District II Governor Vice-Governor

Hon. Sadeka G. Tomaneng Hon. Aquino W. Gambe Hon. Alan M. Famador Hon. Rogelio P. Dagani
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. James T. Reserva Hon. Venerando D. Atupan Hon. Rey G. Jamboy Hon. Francisco J. Rosales
Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member

26
 Hon. Ernie M. Ceniza, PCL Hon. Raymundo M. Beluan, FABC Hon. Vianesse Suzanne M. Lim,
Board Member Board Member FSK
Board Member
ELECTED AND APPOINTED
PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
2010 to Present

Hon. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante Hon. Erlpe John M. Amante Hon. Enrico R. Corvera
Representative, District II Governor Vice-Governor

Hon. Joseph E. Tomaneng Hon. Aquino W. Gambe Hon. Rey G. Jamboy

Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. James T. Reserva Hon. Loreto Q. Maragañas Hon. Rodolfo A. Pitogo

27
Board Member Board Member Board Member

Hon. Daniel O. Racaza Hon. Ernie M. Ceniza

Board Member Board Member

Hon. Fortunato J. Rosales Hon. Raymundo M. Beluan, Jr.

Board Member Board Member

Hon. Ronica P. Chung, FSK

28
 Board Member

Learning Activities

Directions: You have just read the contents on the brief history of
Agusan del Norte, its locations and political subdivisions.
You are now ready to do Activity I.

Activity I: Use the boxed facts to fill in the following sentences

June 17, 1967 R.A. 8811

332,487 Mamanwas

Agasan Teofisto Guingona

273,024 hectares

1. _________were the aborigines of Agusan del Norte.

2. Agusan province was named after a word__________, meaning “ where water flows”
3. The population of the province as of December 2010 is___________________.
4. ___________________is the land area of the province.
5. By virtue of ______________________Agusan became an independent province.
6. On_________________Congress passed R.A 4979 dividing the lone province of Agusan
into Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
7. The first Filipino Governor under the Commonwealth Government was
______________.

Done with activity I, you can now proceed to the next engagement activity.

29
 Activity II: Arrange the scrambled letters to form a word. Words to be
formed are names of the I0 municipalities and 1 city of Agusan
del Norte.

1. CBRANADBAA - _______________
2. ACRMEN - _______________
3. SLA I E N V S E - _______________
4. S N I T I P A - _______________
5. B U T Y A - _______________
6. T I G O A N A S - _______________
7. N G A BJ A O - _______________
8. H K I CT A O RA - _______________
9. AG M A L NL A S E - _______________
10. M R E E D O I S T O R M U L A E Z D _______________
11. UEBANAIVST - _______________

Good work kid. You are now ready to learn more of Agusan del Norte.

Activity

Plot a time line based on the term of office served by the Governors’ of Agusan del
Norte. Put the years mentioned on the time line horizontally. Write the Governor’s name
vertically.

30
 Good work kid. You are now ready to learn more of Agusan del Norte.

HERALDIC MEANING OF THE OFFICIAL SEAL

Silhouette of the lower portion of the - Lauan tree, symbolic of the lumber
tree industry which propelled Agusan to
development

Coconut trees - Depict the old and still growing coconut

industry

Banana trees - Stand for banana as the other and

upcoming major product of the province

Bottom level of tree - An arrangement of a Manobo brass shield,

two crosses Manobo spears against a
multi-folded Manobo garment, colored red,
green, yellow and black symbolic of
cultural beginning of the Province

Center level - A factory representing the thriving

wallboard, lumber and forest product
industries

Top levels - Symbolic of mining operations along the

rich Lodes of Diwata Range

31
 Symbols of the Province

Agusan del Norte

PROVINCIAL FRUIT PROVINCIAL BIRD

JACKFRUIT HORNBILL (KALAW)

PROVINCIAL TREE PROVINCIAL FLOWER

MAGCONO WALING-WALING

32
 PROVINCIAL COLOR
RED
The Provincial Song
Province of Agusan del Norte

MABUHAY! AGUSAN DEL NORTE

(Agusan March)

Agusan del Norte lalawigan

Bahandianong yuta
Kadagatan nakabuhi sa tanan
Malipayong katawhan
Madanihon, ma-abi-abihon
Paghiusang baruganan
Makugihon, malipayon
Kauswagan ang kaugmaon
-Chorus-
Agusan del Norte
Gimahal sa kanunay
Ang imong bahandi
Sa tanan panalipdan
Ang imong kadungganan
Among pakamatyan
Agusan del Norte
Ikaw, ikaw lamang
Ikaw lamang, ikaw lamang
Ikaw among gimahal.
(Repeat Chorus)

Composed by: Arsenio B. Flores (retired)

33
 CREATION OF CITY/MUNICIPALITIES OF AGUSAN DEL NORTE

Name of City/ Law Creating the

Date of Creation
Municipalities City/Municipality
1. Cabadbaran City 1. Officially, the birth of the
township of Cabadbaran under
the American, 1894 January 31
(Source: CDP, p. 3) separated
from Butuan
2. July 28, 2007-RA 9434-An act
converting the municipality of
Cabadbaran into a component
city of the province of Agusan del
Norte to be known as the City of
Cabadbaran
2. Buenavista The municipality was created 1. January 1, 1937
under Executive Order No.65, 2. January 15, Araw ng Buenavista
separated from Butuan (as amended) Mun. Ordinance #
07-07 s.2007
3. Carmen The municipality was created July 1, 1949
under Republic Act No. 380,
separated from Nasipit
4. Jabonga Jabonga was created as a regular- July 1, 1921
independent town under Executive
Order No. 18, separated from
Cabadbaran
5. Kitcharao The municipality was created August 29, 1963
under Republic Act No. 3842,
separated from Jabonga
6. Las Nieves The municipality was created June 25, 1963
under Executive Order No. 42,
separated from Butuan City
7. Magallanes The municipality was created June 21, 1969
under Republic Act No. 5660,
separated from Butuan City
8. Nasipit The municipality was created August 1, 1929
under Executive Proclamation
Order 181, separated from Butuan
9. Remedios T. The municipality was created September 12, 1982
Romualdez under Batas Pambansa No. 236,
(R.T.R) separated from Cabadbaran
10. Santiago The municipality was created June 15, 1968
under Republic Act No.
5242,separated from Cabadbaran
11. Tubay The municipality was regained of October 20, 1947
being a town under Presidential

34
 Proclamation No. 44, separated
from Cabadbaran

MUNICIPAL FIESTAS AND THEIR PATRON SAINTS

Municipality Date Patron Saint

1. Buenavista July 25 Saint James

2. Cabadbaran February 2 Nuestra Sra. Candelaria
3. Carmen July 16 Virgin del Carmen
4. Jabonga August 15 Lady of Assumption
5. Kitcharao August 22 Immaculate Heart of Mary
6. Las Nieves August 5 Nuestra Señora De las Nieves
7. Magallanes 3rd Saturday of October Nuestra Señora Del Rosario
8. Nasipit September 29 Saint Michael Archangel
9. R.T.R. May 15 San Isidro Labrador
10. Santiago July 25 Señor Santiago
11. Tubay July 26 Señora Santa Ana

A. What festivities are observed in your place? Share stories with your classmates so that they
will have an idea of how you celebrate your own feast days.

B. Follow the directions to solve the message that follows. The message is written in code so
you have to use a key to break the code.

1. Copy the numbers of the words in the message

2. Use the key to find the letters
3. Write the letter above each number MESSAGE
4. Finally, read the message
____ ____ _____ _____ ____ ____ ___

CODE 21 18 22 8 7 26 8

A- 26 H- 19 O- 12 V- 5 _____ _____ ______

B- 25 I- 18 P- 11 W- 4
C- 24 J- 17 Q- 10 X- 3 26 13 23
D- 23 K- 16 R- 9 Y- 2
____ ____ _____ _____ ______ ______
E- 22 L- 15 S- 8 Z- 1
F- 21 M- 14 T- 7 11 26 7 9 12 13
G-20 N- 13 U- 6
_____ ____ _____ _____ _____ _____

8 26 18 13 7 8

35
 How much have you learned

Let’s have an activity that will develop your observation skill using the graphics of
Agusan del Norte’s Official Seal.

Activity 5: Spot the Difference

Directions:

1. Look at the pictures

2. Find the differences
3. Mark the differences with a cross (x) on the right hand of the picture.

Have fun kid!

You have done a great job kid! Please proceed to the next activity. Here’s an
enjoyable puzzle which will help you remember the symbols of Agusan del Norte.

36
Activity 5: Knotty Points

What to do: Write the words defined by clues on spaces provided.

3
2

Across

1. Provincial flower
2. Provincial bird

Down

3. Provincial color
4. Provincial fruit
5. Provincial tree

37
LESSON II

Unfolding Agusan del Norte… A lively mix of cultures, traditions and eco-
destinations

Agusan del Norte rose from its Spanish period beginnings. Its rich cultural heritage is
evident in its preserved colonial period house and its archeological collections

Come join us as we venture out and hop across the province to her blue chip destination
for heritage.

Heritage/ Culture
Magellan Marker

Erected in 1872, this Marker is located at the

mouth of Agusan River where the town of
Magallanes now stands.

15th Century Bitaog Tree

This airborean giant was declared a

Centennial Tree by the Philippine Centennial
Commission in 1998. It is about 5 centuries
old, a silent witness to various historical
events that took place in the historic town of
Magallanes.

Atega Ancestral
Home

38
Caraga’s biggest and most beautifully preserved ancestral house. It is the dwelling of Don
Andres Atega - Cabadbaran’s revolutionary hero.

Our Lady of the Assumption Church

It is the oldest church in Caraga in 1876. Father Urios prompted Jabonganons to

look for a higher ground for a permanent church. Father Chambo SJ, started construction
in1878.

Fr. Lloberia, SJ blessed it during the Feast of Corpus Cristi on June 17, 1897.

39
 Learning Activities

You have had a heritage tour which brought you back in time to
the Spanish era.

Now, brace yourself for the next activity.

Activity: Write on the box a cultural heritage site of Agusan del Norte and formulate
statements that would best describe each site.

CULTURAL/HERITAGE SITES

40
Eco-Adventure Destinations/Activities
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on the go? Well, the heat is on…get ready
for an escapade. After all you get to have a hob nob with the province eco-adventure sites and
activities Agusanons love to do.

Lantawan Eco- Park

The Lantawan Eco- Park is endowed with eye catching natural landscape and panoramic
view of the Lake Mainit. It is located in the borderline of Barangay San Roque and Sitio Little
Baguio of Barangay Crossing, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. It has an area of 48 hectares of
forest land within the Kitcharao Reserve and Communal Forest, a part of 477 hectares Co-
Management Area with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The area is planted and surrounded with exotic and secondary grown natural species of
trees. Lately, this area was declared as Regional Nursery of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources. In some parts of the area are the constructed training center, 3 kiosks,
nursery building, communication facilities, access roads going to the lake, electricity and water
facilities, Regional Wild Animal Rescue Center, community stage, mini-children playground and
plantation of mahogany, pine trees, bagrass, molave and different kinds of fruit trees that
started to bear fruits.

41
 Lantawan Eco-Park can be reach by land. Vans and buses that is available anytime from
Butuan City to Surigao. Single motorcycles are available as means of transport from the
National Highway going to Lantawan Eco-Park.

Sports Fishing and Other Lake Based Recreational Activities

Sports fishing and other leisure activities are promoted as part of the Lake Mainit
festival. This will give the tourists the opportunity to relax and experience the tranquility and
natural beauty of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte. The area is situated between San Roque,
Tabunan and Anibongan islets which are designated as recreational fishing zone. Wooden dug-
out boats are made available to sports fishers. Fishing paraphernalia such as spear guns, hooks
and lines, live baits and scoop nets are provided at a very minimal cost.

The sports fishers are allowed to capture only specified kinds and sizes of fish. With
depths ranging from 10 – 15 meters, the area designated for leisure such as boating on cool
and calm water along the rocky shores and verdant forest that will surely make the visitors
appreciate the beauty of nature.

42
Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing is a fun adventure

sport. The province offers climbing tours to
any of these destinations: Mt. Hilong-
hilong, 2,012 m. asl. is Caraga’s highest
peak. straddling over the eastern portion
of Cabadbaran and RTR; Mt. Mabaho, 1,
823 m. asl is Caraga’s second highest peak
and the K2 of Mindanao; Mt. Mas-ai, 1, 646
m. asl; Mt. Mayapay, 712 m. asl; and Mt.
Mina-asug, 534 m. asl, an ideal practice
climb destination for beginners.

Canoeing

The native dug-out canoe (baoto)

became synonymous to Agusan for the last
1,000 years because it was known to be the
most proficient means of transportation in
water. Today, canoeing has grown into an
adventure and sport competition.

Scuba Diving

Jabonga reef 2, another dive site

located in San Vicente bounding Carigatag,
Malimono, Surigao del Norte is generally a
rock formation. It has crevices, caves,

43
overhangs, alleys and walls with depths ranging from 45 to 200ft. pelagic abound together with
snappers, sweetlips and trevallies.

Wind Surfing

Besides Lake Mainit, this leisure sport can

also be enjoyed at the sea lanes of Carmen, Nasipit
and Buenavista.

Camping

Come and visit Looc Busay in

Barangay San Vicente, Jabonga and
Doña Telesfora C. Ong Oh Program
and Training Center in Tubay. If you
love to go camping, enjoy the lush
vegetation and the crystal clear and
chilly water in the midst of a tropical
forest.

44
 Read on kid as we offer you more of other Eco-Adventure Destinations
and Activities we have in Agusan del Norte

Snorkeling / Skin Diving

Gosoon Fish Sanctuary, Carmen

Cahayagan Fish Sanctuary, Carmen
Tagcatong Fish Sanctuary, Carmen
Payongpayong.

Amontay Cove, Nasipit

Mutual
Mutual relationship:
relationship: clown
clown fish
fish “nemo”
“nemo” and
and sea
sea anemone
anemone

fish
ierr fish
soldie
po
op ra,, sold
ora
gA
ing cro
Acr
Bra
ra n
nc
c hin
h
B

Caving

Humilog Cave, Barangay

Humilog, RTR, Ka-
anislagan Cave, Barangay
Tagbuyacan, Santiago,
Libas Cave, Barangay
Libas, Jabonga, Anibongan
Cave W, Kitcharao,
Mabaho
45 Cave, Barangay
Guinabsan, Buenavista
 Windsurfing Sailing

Carmen Sea Lane

Nasipit Cove, Nasipit Sea
Lane,
Buenavista Sea Lane,
Lake Mainit

Trekking

46
 Amontay Canyon Area, Nasipit,
Santiago, Tubay Ridge,
Malimono Ridge, Jabonga
Dinarawan Trail

White Water

Aciga River, Santiago

Mapaso Rapids, Santiago
Cabadbaran River (Lusong to Calamba)

Waterfalls
Tangon Falls, Kitcharao
Lambingan Falls, Jabonga
Bikangkang Falls, Santiago
Tagnote Falls, RTR
Sak-a Falls, RTR
Sumag-a Falls, Cabadbaran City
Saboro Falls, Cabadbaran City

47
 Anitapan Falls, Tubay
Tagbabayong Falls, Tubay
Makasigpit Falls, Nasipit
Haguimitan Falls, Nasipit
Tacub Falls, Buenavista

Learning Activities

After having a great time with the province offer of fun and
excitement of its Eco-Adventure sites and activities, you are now
ready for the next activity.

What to do

Fill in the boxes with the names of the different Eco-Adventure destinations and
activities everyone enjoys in the province.

C g

O t g

a C i

c v n

w s

m n g

48
Here’s another task for you to do kid

Directions: Using the matrix table below, fill up the following:

Activities you like to do Where to go

Wind surfing/sailing
Caving
Snorkeling
Trekking

Festivals
Certainly, it is about time to unfurl Agusan del Norte’s famous and crowd drawing
festivals showcasing religious celebrations, rituals, songs, dances and adventures.

Baoto Festival

Held in Jabonga every 2nd week of

September, the festival pays tribute to the
“baoto” or native dug-out canoe. It
features, among others tree planting
adventure skill, training in paddling,
mountaineering, caving, snorkeling and
single rope technique.

Baoto races include short sprints,

slaloms Regatta, Most Beautiful Baoto and
the 3-K Paddling Marathon. Other events
are; Triathlon and Bikini Disco.

Lisagan Festival

49
 Held every 3rd Saturday of October
in Magallanes is a religious celebration
showcasing Mamanwa Dances

Musikainan

Musikainan is a Food and

Music Festival that gives tribute to
the richness of the town’s musical
culture and history as well as the
local’s cooking tradition. The town’s
musical tradition has gained
attention by manifesting its
virtuosity through artist which
somehow have made it in national
scene. It’s celebrated in conjunction
with the celebration of the “ Linggo
ng Cabadbaran” an Annual Fiesta
Celebration in Honor of the city’s
patron saint, Nuestra Señora de
Candelaria every 2nd of February.

50
DAGKOT FESTIVAL

“DAGKOT” is a Cebuano colloquial term which means ”to

light”. In myriad ways, the term is used in a number of
means be it simply doing a chore or more aptly, in
expressing one’s religious zeal using a candle.

The “Dagkot ” street theatre festival competition

is a concept born from this religious custom. It is a
showcase of
artistic
movements
that propels
the essence of
“candle
lighting” into a
more graphical
and vivid
portrayal.

MISS CABADBARAN

Miss Cabadbaran is an
annual feast of beauty
pageantry.

51
 Tamban Festival is observed
every 26th of July in Tubay. It
marks a culinary festival that
features different culinary
menus of the tamban fish.

Tawu-tawo

A Thanksgiving celebration for the bounty

rice harvest is celebrated every 8 th day of
September, Araw Ng R.T.R

52
 Mango Festival

This is a two-week festival that highlights

the mangoes of Carmen. Commemorated
annually from July 1-16.Activities included
here are Agri-fair, food processing, cultural
shows and sports events.

Sumayajaw Festival

A festival celebrated annually in Jabonga every 15 th of August. A

thanksgiving offering for the bounties showered by the Heavenly
Father through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Lady
of Assumption-patroness of
Jabonga

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Here are challenging and enjoyable tasks which will help you remember the different
festivals observed and enjoyed by the people of Agusan del Norte.

Activity : LOOP A WORD

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 Directions: Look for names of festival hidden in this maze. You can go horizontally,
vertically or diagonally.

T L I S A G A N X C
A F G U K M A N G O
W J K M C X Z N J K
U I S A G A N T Y U
T M B Y A S D T G J
A W A A H I I A P B
W E O J O S U M A J
O R T A J T L B S A
X T O W L A O A A O
M U S I K A I N A N

Activity

Write a paragraph or two expressing ways of promoting the festivals of Agusan del
Norte.

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As you’re learning more of Agusan del Norte, you might find the following list of
information useful. Read on kid!

Industries

Wood-based

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EMCO Plywood Corporation – Producer of export quality plywood located in Barangay Sto.
Rosario

PSPI – Philippine Softwood and Paper Industries – Also producer of export quality plywood
located in Barangay Marcos

JAKA Equities Corporation-

power plant, producer of quality
match distributed nationwide.

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 Agusan Plywood Corporation
Buenavista

Mineral-based

 Cahayagan Limestone Factory - Carmen

 BW Manufacturing Corp. - Kitcharao

Honey Pink Marble located at Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte

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 SR Metals, Inc., located at Tubay,
Agusan del Norte

Others

Nasipit Power Barge located at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

Nasipit International Seaport located at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

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 Green Valley Furniture &
Novelties

Agri-Tourism Sites

Banana Garden Agri. Corp located at Brgy. Soriano, City of Cabadbaran

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 Amameo Bee Farm located at Kinabjangan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte

 Salas Farm - Carmen

 Bonaobra Farm - Cabadbaran City
 Tubay Agricultural Processing Center (TAPCEN)

Products/Goods

Where to go What to buy

1. Buenavista Plywood, Nipa Shingles, Organic Rice

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 2. Cabadbaran City Margie’s Handicraft, Calo’s Candle, Anth Delicacy, Precious Gems
3. Carmen Mango, Products from Mango Processing Center
4. Jabonga Pagosi Fruit, Kasili, Fresh Water Dried Fish, Water Hyacinth Products
5. Kitcharao Honey Pink Marble, Fresh Water Fish, Kasili, Kitcharao Handicraft,
Kitcharao Limestone and Agrilime, Biko/Bibingka,
Budbud/Sayongsong
6. Las Nieves Timber, Corn, Corn Husk Products, Sumidlak Sawmill and Veneer
Products (Maningalao)
7. Magallanes Plywood/ Sawn Lumber, Match, Culture Crabs, Prawns and Shrimps,
Mats, Cutleries, Steel Works
8. Nasipit Baroque Furnitures, Amamio Honey and Vinegar
9. RTR Rice, Organic Rice, Organic Fertilizer, Philrice Products
10. Santiago Abaca Products, Gold
11. Tubay Pristine Virgin Coconut Oil/ Food Supplement, Nickel & Cobalt,
Erma’s Beauty Products

Learning Activities

Refresh your memory kid and find the “best buys”, right place and good decisions in
doing the next tasks.

1. List the agri-tourism and industrial sites found in the province of Agusan del
Norte. Record your answer using table below.

Industrial (Educational)/ Agri-tourism Sites Place Located

2. Think as many possible ways you can to promote the products of the province.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Agusan del Norte Travel Guide

2. Provincial Physical Framework Plan
3. Agusan del Norte Special Economic Zone
4. Agusan del Norte Socio Economic Profile

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