amazing caraga

Siargao, Boracay of Caraga

2011-01-15T23:31:00.001-08:00

Siargao is not only famous as the surfing destination of the Philippines, it also boasted of a long stretch of white sand beaches and crystal clear water.

Going to Siargao may take several hours but setting foot to the so called gem of Mindanao, everything is worthwhile.

From Manila it will take 1 and a half hour flight to reach Butuan City and three hours bus ride to Surigao City.

From Surigao City, one can choose between taking the two-hour fast craft ride to Dapa (Siargao's main port) or by 4 hour ferry travel (RORO) from the port of Lipata to Dapa.

Once in Dapa, you'll have a 45-minute tricycle ride to reach Siargao, General Luna for only 30 pesos per person during off season.

Caraga's Regional MOFYA Winners for 2010

2010-10-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

An Overseas Filipino Worker from Trianggulo, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte and Mangagoy, Bislig City in Surigao del Sur was chosen to be this year’s Regional Winners of the prestigious Model OFW Family of the Year Awards (MOFYA.

The land-based category winner is Engr. Benjamin Selim who bested 8 nominees while Mamerto Sore was declared winner for the sea based category.

Both received a trophy, a check worth 20,000 pesos from GLOBE g-cash, a savings account in BDO having an initial amount of 10,000 pesos and 150,000 worth insurance coverage from Phil Am Life.

The regional winners will represent Caraga during the national MOFYA awarding ceremonies to be held in Manila on December 2010.

Bali Inspired Resort in Nasipit

2010-08-01T05:26:00.000-07:00

A peaceful beach resort with beautiful sunsets, waves breaking gently on a pristine beach....the AMONTAY BEACH RESORT.

The first-ever Bali-inspired Hotel and Restaurant by the Sea in Nasipit, Agusan Del Norte boasts of a long stretch of shoreline, rock formations, a family truly can find serenity and relaxation.

Finding the best vacation in a tranquil, serene along with the beautiful nature your eyes can feast.

A 34-seater Mini-Coach bus is provided to comfortably transport guests from and to the airport, pier, hotel and to Butuan City with only 45 minutes travel time.

The resort offered air-conditioned bungalows, a restaurant, cable TV, Wi-Fi, comfortable Bali Huts with mattresses to relax, banana boat ride, kayaking, boating and much more.

Mutya ng Agusan del Norte

2010-06-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Mutya ng Agusan del Norte & Miss Tourism with 1st Runner Up Ms. Magallanes-Maria Arvie Baguhin, 2nd Runner Up Ms. Cabadbaran-Liza Marie Garbo, 3rd Runner Up Ms. Las Nieves-Sheryl Lae Musico

Mutya ng Agusan del Norte 2010, Miss Kitcharao - Marjorie T. Chiong

Miss Tourism Agusan del Norte, Miss Buenavista - Joannah Pearl Crusit

Created by Republic Act 4979 from Agusan province...and on August 16, 2000 the seat of provincial government was transferred from Butuan City to Cabadbaran by virtue of Republic Act 8811, although the province is yet to complete the transfer of provincial services and functions to the new capital.

This year, the provincial government marked the celebration with a series of events, one of which is the search for the Mutya ng Agusan del Norte.

This year's winner is from the municipality of Kitcharao, Miss Marjorie T. Chiong.

Best in Swimwear,Resort, Evening Gown, Photogenic -Ms. Magallanes, MARIA ARVIE L. BAGUHIN

Best in Production, Interview, Talent-Ms. Buenavista, JOANNAH PEARL M. CRUSIT

Web Choice Award-Ms. Santiago, SHOMAE LILI F. PANCHITO

(photos from provincial government of Agusan del Norte)

112th Independence Day in Caraga

2010-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

On June 12, 2010, thousands of Filipino people all over the world celebrates the 112th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day, taking pride of the country’s declaration of independence from Spain.

By history, before the formal conclusion of the Spanish-American War, Filipino revolutionary forces under the command of General Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of Philippines from Spain on June 12, 1898.

In Caraga Region, A flag raising ceremony spearheaded by the Local Government Officials was held and a cultural presentation was shown.

Mayor Alfonso S. Casurra, City and Provincial Officials of Surigao pay respect to the flag during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall grounds.

Students from Agusan National High School performs their conceptualized revolutionary dance of the Philippine Flag in a ceremony held at the Rizal Park

The province of Agusan del Sur held a holy mass celebrated by Bishop Juan de Dios Publos at the Naliyagan Plaza to signal the opening of the joint celebration of the 112th Philippine Independence Day celebration and the 18th Naliyagan Festival

Even Google Inc. paid tribute to The Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 12, by showing this special edition Search logo. This is the first-ever Google doodle for the Philippines

BIR Caraga Implements 10 Strategies to Increase Revenue in 2010

2010-02-25T05:59:00.000-08:00

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has launched 10 strategies to intensify tax campaign activities for 2010 and identified 3 priority areas, 16 programs and 108 activities and projects that will push BIR to attain its successes for the current year.
BIR Regional Director Atty. Eduardo Bajador has announced, the biggest bulk of their collection which accounts 50.23% comes from the Income Tax, followed by revenues on value-added tax at 33.69%.

Comparatively, the collection for 2009 has exceeded 4.18% with that from 2008, as BIR Caraga obtained more than 2.1 million in 2009 compared to only 1.8million in 2008.

This year, BIR Caraga have adopted the theme: “Making the Public Know” that aptly reflects the thrust of pursuing a high visibility of communication to all stakeholders of BIR’s tax administration activities and initiatives that also highlights the transparency policy that the BIR will be vigorously promoting.

This year, to help meet tax collection targets Revenue Region No. 17 (BIR Caraga) has announced its 10 strategies to include: high visibility public awareness campaign on the enforcement and service programs, integrated approach in administering the large taxpayers, re-invigorating the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) Program, enhanced and strategic enforcement approaches, focus of big ticket items, more rigorous third party matching campaign, expanded linkage with key institutions, effective partnership with taxpayers and tax practitioners, close monitoring and investment incentive programs and motivating the BIR workforce.

Revenue Region 17 or the BIR Caraga assigned collection goal for 2010 in the amount of more than 2.494 million pesos and hopes to collect 1.231M in income tax and 825 thousand for value added tax.

Support Earth Hour 2010

2010-02-24T03:35:00.000-08:00

At 8:30pm on Saturday, March 27 some of the world’s most recognized symbols of hope, peace, human endeavour and natural wonder will plunge into darkness for Earth Hour as a powerful sign of the unrelenting resolve of the global community to respond to the threat of climate change.

PRO 13 Honours 24 Awardees on 19th PNP Day

2010-02-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

Police Director Andres Caro II, Directorate for Operation trooping the line accompanied by Police regional Director Police Chief Supt. Lino Calingasan

Police Senior Supt. Nestor Fajura, Chief of Operations in PRO 13, Outstanding Senior Staff Police Commissioned Officer

Police Supt. Joseph Boquiren, Butuan City Police Station 1 Commander-Outstanding Police Commissioned Officer

Best Urban Police Station- Surigao City Police Station

PNP Press Corps was among the individuals and organizations who received an award

Police Regional Office 13 celebrated its 19th PNP Day on February 19, 2010 with Police Director Andres Caro II, Directorate for Operation as the guest of honour in a ceremony held inside Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City.

A total of 24 awardees received recognition as the highlight of the celebration including partner organizations and individuals who have contributed to PRO 13 in the implementation of police community activities.

Police Senior Supt. Nestor Fajura, Chief of PRO 13 Operations Division was awarded as Outstanding Senior Staff, for successful implementation of the campaign of the Philippine National Police on gun amnesty program, which yielded 6,132 loose firearms putting PRO 13 in number 4 rank out of 17 regions that generated the highest number of firearms.

PRO Police Senior Supt. Antonio Paguirigan Jr. is the Outstanding Senior Field Police Commissioned Officer (PCO), for the proper handling of kidnapping incident in Maitum, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with75 people being kept hostage but were released unharmed.

Police Supt. Joseph Boquiren-Outstanding Junior (PCO), was commended for initiating the “Luma Mo, Bago Ko” Balik Eskwela Program replicated by all police stations under the jurisdiction of Butuan City Police Office.

Other awardees include: SPO4 Federico Kinazo, Outstanding Senior Police Non Commissioned Officer (PNCO), PO3 Roldan Damayo, Outstanding Junior PNCO and Gil Licayan as the Outstanding Non-Uniformed Personnel.

Meanwhile, Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office was chosen as the Best Provincial Police Office, Surigao City Police Station as Best Urban Police Office, Nasipit Municipal Police Station as Best Rural Police Office, 133rd Regional Public Safety Management Company as Best Regional Maneuver Company, Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Safety Management Company as Best provincial Maneuver Company, and Butuan City Police Safety Management Company as the Best City Maneuver Company.

Also PRO 13 presented a special award to SPO2 Marifel Cortez for being chosen as one of the Ten Outstanding Policewoman of the Philippines and to San Francisco Police Station, adjudged as the Model Barangay Peacekeeping Action teams.

Individual awards were given to Pastor Florendo Bohol of Baptist Church in Surigao del Sur, Rotary Club of Downtown Butuan, Peter Esterioso, principal of Agusan National High School, Butuan City School of Arts & Trade, Pilipinas Shell Butuan, LGU of Surigao City, PNP Press Corps, Philsaga Mining Corporation in Agusan del Sur, 401st Philippine Army in Liangga, Surigao del Sur and the 402nd Philippine Army in New Awa Leyte, Agusan del Sur.

70 New Police Recruits Sworn In

2010-02-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

The latest intake of PNP members which includes seven women and 63 men had their oath taking in Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City after passing series of physical, mental and medical tests.

The 70 new recruits stood in front of Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan and some Police Regional Office 13 officials in a ceremony held on February 15, 2010 and swore to serve the community, safeguard lives and property and protect the innocent against deception and crimes.

Deputy Regional Director for Administration Police Chief Supt. Nelson Nario revealed, there were a total of 363 applied for the 2nd Semester of 2009 Attrition Quota.

Of these numbers, 252 survived the Agility Test but after the Neuro-Psychiatric tests, only 90 applicants were left until it was narrowed down to only 70 who were deemed qualified for the Police Officer 1 rank.

Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan in his speech emphasized, that the Regional Screening Committee chaired by DRDA Nelson Nario has complied a strict recruitment process without biases and political colours.

After the oath taking ceremony, the 70 new police recruits immediately were sent in to Lipata Training Center to undergo intense 6-month police training before integrating fully to the PNP force for their frontline duties.

132 Police Caraga Promoted to Higher Rank

2010-02-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan pinned the shoulder board to Police Chief Inspector now Police Supt. Rodelio Roqueta.

A total of 54 Police Commissioned Officers and 132 Police Non-Commissioned Officer's or those holding SPO3 down to PO2 ranks had their mass oath taking and pinning of ranks in a ceremony held at Police Regional Office 13 at Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Libertad, Butuan City.

The newly promoted policemen and women came from different provinces within the region.

In his speech, Police Chief Supt.m Nelson Nario, Deputy Regional Director for Administration reminded them that with their promotions comes greater responsibility.

Of these number only one officer rose to a rank of Police Senior Superintendent from Police Chief Inspector.

He is Rodelio Roqueta assigned in the Province of Agusan del Sur.

Caraga Region, Recipients of Most Numbered Patrol Cars in Entire Philippines

2010-01-26T04:14:00.000-08:00

Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan and the number two man in the 125,000 strong Philippine National Police, Deputy Chief for Administration Police Deputy Director General Geary Lingan Barias led the blessing and turn-over of 17 patrol vehicles to different police stations in Caraga region.

In his speech, he reminded recipients to maintain this in good condition: “These vehicles came from the taxes of the people and for that matter you should see to it that these are properly maintained, taken cared of and should be used to its fullest utilization in the service of our people,”

PDDG Barias was also happy to announce, that Caraga was given the most number of patrol vehicles in the entire Philippine National Police.

Just this year, PRO 13 was given 36 patrol vehicles and PDDG remarked, “This is the first time that I experienced these much number of vehicles being distributed in one region alone.”

The PNP under its Integrated Transformation Program will have a continuing procurement of equipment and facilities.

PNP Chief Jesus Versoza envisioned in upgrading the physical facilities to support field operations of the PNP.

Recipients for these patrol vehicles are the following: Buenavista Municipal Police Station in Agusan del Norte, San Isidro MPS in Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office, Lianga Police Station, Tubajon MPS, Cortes Police Station, Taganaan Police Station Agusan del Norte Provincial Public Safety Management Company, San Miguel MPS, and police stations of Madrid, La Paz, Esperanza, Rosario, Sibagat and Bunawan.

Police personnel who will be assigned as drivers of the newly acquired patrol vehicles were also directed to always use proper uniform and to be courteous at all times to every Juan.

Mainit Lakeside Legacy Resort

2010-01-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

This is the newest tourist destination in Caraga Region, the P200-million Mainit Kasili Lakeside Legacy Resort and Tourist Hotel in Mainit, Surigao del Norte operated and managed by the local government as iniated by Mayor Ramon Mondano.

Once fully operational the two-storey resort has 58 rooms of the two-storey lakeside resort hotel are already tiled and painted, including with four suite rooms, two conference rooms, six concrete cottages, two lounging areas, and two swimming pools -- one for children with slides and one for adults.

Mayor Mondano believes, Mainit Kasili Lakeside Legacy Resort and Tourist Hotel will generate more tourists, both foreign and domestic and can offer better employment opportunities for the Mainitnons and Surigaonons.

"I want to prove to all that this leadership could give rise to a multimillion-peso structure -- a concrete landmark of my administration, my legacy to the people of Mainit, which for generations the Mainitnons could take pride of," said Mayor Mondano.

Lake Mainit has been known as the fourth largest and the deepest lake in the Philippines.

35 Policemen and Women in Caraga Region Promoted to Police Inspector

2010-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan placed the shoulder board to newly promoted Police Inspector Regino Presioso Jr.

Thirty five (35) personnel of Police Regional Office 13 assigned in different cities and provinces were appointed into the Philippine National Police Officers Corps via lateral entry in the rank of Police Inspector effective today.

Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan in a ceremony held at PRO 13 Grandstand placed the shoulder board with the presence of family and loved ones of those who were accorded with rank promotions namely:

1.Rodel Dorado
2.Junalyn Suan
3.Regino Precioso Jr.
4.Rene Sarento
5.Marisan Liza
6.Solomom Cumahig Jr.
7.Tessiel Moleta
8.Venus Sarveda
9.Ignacio Serrano III
10.Junil Gultiano
11.Eunice Gonzaga
12.Elmer Ligalig
13.Napolen Boiser
14.Joel Cabanes
15.Roland Orcullo
16.Elmar Claret
17.Carmelo Malubay
18.Angie Gonzales
19.Pacifico Gerong
20.Joemel Maquiling
21. Agustin Navarro
22. Raymund Morillo
23. Joepetrus Catubig
24. Elsa Montenegro
25. Joy Allan Blasco
26. Dores Torralba
27. Ernesto Telano Jr
28. Randy Abunda
29. Maricor Rivas
30. Ernesto Marcos Jr.
31. Angel Cadeliña
32. Roderick Aranas
33. Jessie Ray de Gracia
34. Jerry Fernandez
35. Elvie Salino

In a speech made by Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan, he urged the newly promoted Police Inspectors to serve as inspirations to other PNP personnel and hopes to strengthen the PNP’s campaign against insurgency, criminality and in the implementation of the internal security operations as well as for the pushing of the Integrated Transformation Program.

He added, “Your promotion is a big step towards a better life but a bigger responsibility to shoulder as you received your new shoulder board”.

The newly promoted 35 Police Inspector detained in different police station in the region are expected to help in PO 13’s effort to reduce the crime rate and solve if not minimize terroristic acts perpetuated by lawless elements.

1,156 Members of Barangay Peacekeeping Teams Took their Oath with DILG Secretary

2009-11-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno as guest speaker

The Police Regional Office 13 through its Police Community Relations Office organized the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in Caraga Region in order to maintain peace and order in local communities at the same time to immediately respond in emergency situations.
Butuan City and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte was chosen as the pilot areas for the region.
In a simple ceremony held on November 21 at Sanchez gym in Normisist, Ampayon this city, a mass oath taking of 1,156 BPAT’s from Butuan and Agusan del Norte was held with DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno as the guest speaker.

Mayor Democrito D. Plaza in his message was thankful that Butuan was chosen to pilot the project and assured the city government will support for its sustainability.

The BPAT purposely was created as the primary operators to conduct Community-Oriented Policing and Public Safety System which will be composed of PNP supervisor, Barangay Chairman, and Barangay Tanods.

Police Senior Supt. Nestor Fajura, Plans and Operations Chief of PRO 13 said, the primary mission of BPATs includes the conduct of peacekeeping activities, organize and mobilize various sectors of the community in support of the maintenance of peace and order and safety.

BPAT members were also trained to conduct crisis management, disaster mitigation, search, rescue, and relief operations within the community, played important roles to strengthen and support the Barangay Justice System (Lupong Tagapamayapa) and authorized to conduct crime prevention and deterrence measures to protect the vulnerable sectors of the community.

“With the Barangay Peacekeeping Operations (BPO) and the BPAT, security and safety services traditionally dispensed by the PNP will be enhanced by the grassroots approach. The BPAT, the prime movers of the BPO will render services tailor-made for the community which they belong and serve”, said DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

The Secretary also denied any political motivation behind the move to Launch BPAT.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Director Lino Calingasan explained that this is the new dynamic and proactive approach to community peacekeeping which the PNP leadership is pushing for.

“The formation and operationalization of the BPAT shall be guided by the principles and guidelines composed of the awareness phase, organization and training phase, and mobilization phase. Social investigation shall be conducted prior to the recruitment of prospective members of the BPAT. The results of the investigation will be the basis for the configuration of the team since no two barangays are the same in terms of peace and order and safety situation,” said Police Chief Supt. Calingasan.

Magallanes, Agusan del Norte

2009-11-17T03:12:00.000-08:00

Perfect view on sunset at Magallanes, Agusan del Norte. Magallanes is a Spanish name of the Portuguese maritime explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Having only 8 barangays but the the town has two plywood manufacturing firms: EMCO in Brgy. Sto. Rosario and PSPI in Brgy. Marcos, and one safety matches manufacturing firm: JAKA Equities Corp (Brgy. Marcos). The three manufacturing plants are all on the main street and operating near the Baug River and Agusan River.

DSWD Released 6.1M Katas ng Vat for Senior Citizens in Caraga

2009-11-17T03:03:00.000-08:00

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga facilitated for the month of October a total of 2,612 senior citizens from Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur in the continuing implementation of the government’s Katas ng Vat: Para kay Lolo at Lola Project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The Department has continued the one-shot provision of 500 pesos to senior citizens taken from the collection of the oil value added tax.

Implemented nationwide, the program requires that beneficiaries must be 70 years old and above, dependent or belonging to a family whose income is within or below the poverty threshold and not covered by any private or government agency retirement benefits like SSS, GSIS or PVAO.

The guideline also provides that a ratio of one beneficiary per family shall be followed.

DSWD Caraga Director Mercedita Jabagat said the Katas ng VAT: Tulong Para kay Lolo at Lola project was conceptualized to extend support in the form of a one-time cash grant to indigent senior citizens.

The Senior citizen in order to avail the program must present a valid identification card (OSCA ID, etc.) that indicates the birth date for validation purposes or a certification from the barangay captain as to the age of the senior citizen.

Last year, a total of 9,632 senior citizens received the 500 peso allocation fund.

On November 4 of this year, DSWD Caraga had an additional 2,312 senior citizen beneficiaries from Butuan City who will be receiving 500 pesos each.

The latest data of the implementation of the Katas ng VAT: Para kay Lolo at Lola released by DSWD-Caraga showed more than 6.1 million has already been released to senior citizens in different provinces and cites in the region. (with reports from Leah Quintana)

Agusan River

2009-05-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

The main water artery, the Agusan River, cuts across the length of the Agusan Valley traversing from the south to the north direction touching lands which connects the twin provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

Butuan River is the widest, deepest and longest navigable river in Mindanao, and the 3rd largest river in the Philippines. A cruise along the river barangays reveals much about Butuan's history, culture, arts, and people.

As a tribute to the Patroness of the Agusan River Senora Sta. Ana, the Abayan Festival- a day-long celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession at the Agusan River held every last Sunday of July. Part of tourism activity, the city government of Butuan holds Balik Butuan River Cruise during the Balangay (pronounced as ba-lang-hāy) Festival in May of every year.

While most rivers are drying up, this famous river, - “sawgan” in Butuanon dialect - of Agusan Valley has the highest overflow of water. Through the ages this serves the civilization that ones dotted in banks and the recent communities of this riverine highway. Great civilization of man here always situated on great valleys and along the rivers that gave them life.

“Agusan” is derived from the visayan word “agus” which means “where the water of life flows.”

Caraga Products

2009-05-05T06:01:00.001-07:00

These are the products in Caraga, tissue holders, folders, decorative bottles, exquisite jewelries, and native products. Place your orders through striker_jem@yahoo.com

PGMA to grace 2nd International Game Fishing Tournament, Siargao

2009-05-05T05:12:00.000-07:00

The 3-day 2nd International Game Fishing Tournament will kick off on May 7 in Pilar town, Siargao Island, considered as the paradise island in the province of Surigao del Norte, with no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as guest of honor.

More than a hundred foreign and local anglers are expected to participate and compete to catch the largest bony fish in the open sea off the northeastern tip of the Caraga Region that composed the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Initially, anglers or game fishing enthusiasts from manila, Cebu, Davao, Japan, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan, the United States and other Asian countries have signified their enthusiasm to participate in this big fishing sea tournament.

Three of the country’s national game fishing clubs, the Philippine Game Fishing Foundation, the Philippine Sports Fishing Club and the Silver Jack Fishing Club of Manila, have also confirmed participation.

Prizes at stake are almost 500 thousand pesos to the anglers who will tally the highest weight points and heaviest catch during the three-day international tourney.
On the first day of the event, President Arroyo will lead the symbolic throwing of a fishing rod in Siargao waters.

Representative of the 1st District of Surigao del Norte Honorable Francisco Matugas is proud to host the event which was first launched last year, introducing the town of Pilar as the game fishing destination of the Philippines, and boasts Siargao Island as having in abundance of giant fishes such as the Swordfish, Sailfish and Great Barracuda, Blue Marlin, huge Pacific Tuna and Barilis (yellow fin tuna), Tanguigue (Spanish mackerel) , Morang (dolphinfish), King Mackerel, Marlin and other big and rare species of fish.

A night before the grand opening, visitors and participants will be welcomed with a Cultural Show, and at 10 o’clock in the morning of May 7, the much awaited event shall begin at Pilar Boulevard with a grand opening ceremony.

A game fishing clinic will also be held during the duration of the tournament, and the holding of a Bikini Babe in the evening of May 9 after the awarding ceremonies, and a “Miss Siargao Contest” are expected to add color to the festivities.

Siargo Island was promoted to be the next tourist destination in the Philippines, famous for its “Cloud 9” which is considered one of the world’s top surfing waves and declared as one of the best surfing sites.

Butuan City Hall

2009-04-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

The New and Old City Hall Building, big transformation, bringing into the reality Mayor Plaza's vision. " Tomorrow will start today. The challenge is to make the present a springboard for the future, where today's initiatives will build the pillars of tomorrow's generation.

Another landmark is the Butuan City Hall, it was inaugurated in August 2, 2005, the day when Butuanons celebrate its 55th Charter Day. The old city hall still is being utilized as offices of the PESO, LTTMO, Butuan Manpower Training Center, Community Affairs,City Comelec and the PRC.

In keeping up withe advanced technology, and modern archetecture, Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza II, "Boy Daku" to everyone, once has said, "commitment extends beyond the present to preparing our future. Because we have laid firm foundation, we are not forever chasing today's crises, but are able to focus on building for tomorrow."

Today, Butuan City Hall Complex is considered as one of the best City Hall in the country, and the best in Mindanao.

BOOD PROMONTORY 1st EASTER MASS ECO PARK, Pinamanculan, Butuan City

2009-04-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

This hill site or “Bood” in Butuanon dialect in Baragay Pinamanculan, is the historic site of commemoration when Magellan and his men erected a cross and celebrated the 1st Mass on Philippine Soil on March 31, 1521. It is the highest elevation and promontory overlooking the whole of Butuan bay and Masao River.

Today, the indigenous “Hadlayati Tree” still abounds lording over a Clonal nursery and tree park, and the serpentine Masao River (ElRio de Butuan) amidst fishponds and archaeological treasures.

On this hill an image of the cross was put up to celebrate the historic event of the 1st Mass and the planting of the sign of the cross in Philippine soil. Pigafetta recorded this event which took place in the afternoon of March 31, 1521 after the Easter Mass was celebrated in the morning of the same date. Two Butuanon brother kings attended these Easter ceremonies of 1521. According to the chronicles of Pigafetta, rice fields and Balanghai boats could be seen on the hill where they were.

The park was constructed not just for its historical significance but to provide to the people of Butuan including its visitors to rekindle the past during the first landfall of Magellan in the Philippines.

Interesting Sites in Butuan You'd Love to Explore: Mount Mayapay

2009-04-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

“You’ll know Butuan can’t be far away when you see the majestic Mayapay at a distance”

According to historians, Mt. Mayapay got its name from the ancient Madjapahit Empire which bears much meaning and influence on Butuan’s pre-historic and archeological discoveries which supports its claims as the first kingdom in archipelago.

It has an elevation of 675 meters or 2,214 ft. above sea level, it provides a good camping ground for people who need fresh air and is awed by the majestic view of Butuan.

Mount Mayapay is the highest peak along the Butuan City-Buenavista Mountain and is located West of South from the Butuan City proper.

However, in 1751 the mountain was called in the ‘Mapa de Caraga’ as MONTE de MINAS but geographically it does not belong to the territory of Butuan but to the town of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Its predominant feature is the plateau formation at the peak overlooking Butuan City and nearby municipalities along Butuan Bay. There are three barangays and a sitio found along the foot of the mountain namely: Nongnong, Bonbon and Dumalagan, Butuan City and Sitio Tapnigue, Sangay in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

ACCESSIBILITY
Mount Mayapay can be reached through 4 alternative routes:
1. From Butuan City to Barangay Nongnong with about 21 kilometers to the base of the mountain. From the base to the top will take about 1 hour more or less through trekking.
2. From Butuan City proper to Sitio Matin-ao, Bonbon is about 12 kilometers then about 4 hours of trekking to the top of the mountain.
3. From Butuan City to Barangay Dumalagan is about 20 kilometers and another 8 kilometers through access road to the top of the mountain.
4. Butuan City via sitio Tapnigue, Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte id about 20 kilometers or about 25 minutes ride then hiking of about 3 hours to the top of the mountain.

Existing Developmental Activities Implemented within Mt. Mayapay
 Reforestation/rehabilitation on degraded watershed area – 58.35 hectares
 Agro-forestry – 29.0 hectares
 Nursery establishment
 Vegetative measures – 9 hectares
 Trail road

Butuan City – ‘The Historic City’

2009-04-08T03:56:00.000-07:00

The City of Butuan is the regional center area of the Caraga Region located at the Northeastern part of Agusan Valley sprawling across the Agusan River is Butuan City, known for its archaeological sites. BUTUAN is a term believed to have originated from the sour fruit “Ba-tu-an”. Others opined, it came from a certain “Datu Buntuan”, a chieftain who once ruled Butuan. Scholars believed, it came from the word “But-an”, which literally means a person who has sound and discerning disposition. Whichever theories appear credible depends on the kind of people residing in Butuan, for whatever is said about them, Butuan continues to live on.
Butuan’s history, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th century as showcased in museums which makes Butuan an exciting source of cultural artifacts in Mindanao.
As early as the 10th century, according to the Chinese Song Shi (history), people from Butuan had already established trading relations with the kingdom of Champa in what is now South Vietnam.

By the 11th century, Butuan was the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines. The best evidence to prove this fact is the discovery of 9 balangays (The BUTUAN BOAT) and other archeological finds in the vicinities of Butuan City, particularly in Ambangan, Libertad near the old EL RIO de BUTUAN and MASAO River.

Welcome to a City that has seen over 1,683 years of recorded history! The original site of the First Easter Mass in Philippine Soil, here, the present nurtures the past and vice-versa. While the future waits promisingly in the wings.

Area
81,728 hectares
27 Urban Barangays
59 Rural Barangays

Dialect
Multi-lingual predominantly Butuanon, Cebuano and English

Climate
Dry – March to September
Wet – October to February

Holidays
May 19 – City Fiesta (in honor of St. Joseph)
August 2 – Adlaw Hong Butuan (Charter Day Anniversary)

What to Wear
Lightweight clothing is recommended. Informal clothing is acceptable when visiting churches or offices. For formal occasions, the traditional barong tagalong is accepted for men. Bars, restaurants and hotels have no dress code but it is considered improper to wear shorts and slipper.

How to get there
Butuan is accessible by plane or boat from Manila and Cebu. Land transportation to any point of Mindanao is available.

Air
Butuan has one domestic Airport, the Bancasi Airport proper with Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights. It has various food outlets within the vicinity and souvenir items.

Sea
Butuan is easily accessible by boat from Manila, Cebu and Bohol. Fares vary according to accommodations.

Land
Oranged colored tricycles are common in Butuan. They go around and even outside the city proper. Multicab jeeps or AC’s (auto calesa) are used in the main city streets, with corresponding route numbers. Cars for rent are available upon request in most hotels and at the airport, but all are not metered, so remember to agree on the fee before boarding. Few metered taxes are also available in the city. Bus Company plies the routes from Butuan to other municipalites in the region.

A GLIMPSE OF CARAGA & BUTUAN HISTORY

2009-04-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

Caraga derived from the word Calagan. In a book “Historia de Mindanao y Jolo” published in 1667 Fr. Francisco Combes, S.J., wrote that the name Calagan is derived from two Bisayan words....’kalag’ which means soul and ‘al’ for land. Thus, Calagan means “The Land of spirited and courageous people”. Both Pablo Pastells, S.J. and Sebastian de Oporto, described the inhabitants of Caraga as fearsome, hostile, treacherous, and warlike.

Since there is no ‘k’ in the Spanish alphabet, the ‘c’ is used for Bisayan words with ‘K’ in them. So, ‘kalag is written as Calag’, likewise, Kalagan’ as ‘Calagan’. Later, Calagan became Caraga.

On February 6, 1624 Governor General Alfonso Fajardo divided the island of Mindanao into two big sections, to avoid conflict over jurisdictions. The giant eastern portion of Mindanao Island comprised the “Provincia de Caraga”, and it was almost one-half of the entire island that comprised the province that constituted a portion of Misamis Oriental (from Gingoog), Agusan, Surigao and partly from Vergara.

In 1860, through a Royal Decree, Mindanao fell under one politico-military government and it was finally subdivided into 6 districts: Primero Distrito (Zamboanga), Northern District (Cagayan/Misamis), Eastern District (Caraga-Agusan/Surigao), Fourth District (Davao), Central District (Bukidnon/Cotabato), and South District (Basilan).

The Eastern District later known to become the province of Surigao, hence, the collective name of the old Caraga province was forgotten. A town in Davao Oriental of today carries the name Caraga but it does not refer to the new region at present.

In 1898, Agusan otganized a single-politico commandancia named Butuan, later on became a sub-province of Surigao...and in 1907, Agusan became a separate province. Its capital was Butuan which became a chartered city on August 2, 1950 by virtue of RA 523 authored by Congressman Marcos M. Calo. Further the province of Agusan was divided into two..AGUSAN del NORTE with BUTUAN CITY as the provincial capital, and AGUSAN del SUR with Prosperidad as its capital, based on the approved RA 4979 dated June 17, 1967.

In the process of regionalization when provinces and citries were grouped into regions, Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte became as part of Region X.

On February 16, 1995, House Bill #10643, principally authored by Congresswoman Charito B. Plaza of the First District of Agusan del Norte was passed and consolidated with Senate Bill #729 and finally passed by the Senate on February 20, 1995. This was signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 23, 1005.

Republic Act #7901, an act Creating Region XIII, known as The Caraga Administrative Region, heralded the birth of the Caraga Region with BUTUAN CITY as the regional center. The establishment of the new Caraga Region composed of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the cities of Butuan and Surigao brought back a large portion of land from the original Provincia de Caraga.