by Amadis Ma. Guerrero
If you like mountains, white beaches, waterfalls, lagoons and spring fishing villages, then Surigao del Norte is the province for you. Its official seal is represents mining tools and three mountains highlighting the gold, silver and iron deposits of the province.
Surigao del Norte lies on the northeast part of Mindanao, bounded on the north by the Leyte Gulf, on the south by Surigao del Sur, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, and on the west by the Surigao Strait; its core is a portion of the old Surigao province plus the islands of Dinagat, Siargao, Bucas Grande and many other islets. The province has a land area of 2,739 sq.km.
Although Surigao del Norte faces the Pacific Ocean, it is seldom visited by typhoons. The favorable climate has perhaps molded the character of the Surigaonons who have the humor and easy-going nature of the Visayans, the frugality of the Ilocanos, and other traits inherited from their forebears.
The province has a lot of arable land, although very little is being cultivated. Abaca, copra and maize are the most important agricultural products. Then there are the coal, iron, copper and gold deposits.
Weaving of baskets and hats is taught in the schools, along with embroidery. Those who live in coastal areas engage in fishing and in catching tortoises, which are sold in the markets. There is considerable trade along the seacoast.
The province has a rich history influenced by the Malay, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Arab, along with snippets of European and American culture.
Known by various names when the Spaniards landed in the 16th century, Surigao became the seat of government in 1848; 12 years later it became the East district, one of six in Mindanao and Sulu. As Surigao District it included the politico-military commandancia of Butuan, which was made a part of Agusan province in 1911.
During the Philippine Revolution in 1896, Ramon Visier, the last Spanish Governor, handed over the reins of government to Manuel Mallori, a gobernadorcillo who resigned a few days later. He was succeeded by Juan Gonzales who, however, had to give way to Gen. Prudencio Garcia, who earlier took up arms against the Spaniards but who engineered what would now be called a coup.
Garcia later surrendered the government unconditionally to the Americans, and a civil government was established on May 15, 1901.
In 1924, colorums led by Francisco Bornales alias "Lantayug" rose in revolt and occupied Tubod and Timama-an; but a strong force under Captain Bowers shelled and razed Socorro, and hundreds of rebels perished.
During World War II, on May 23, 1942, the Japanese Imperial Forces occupied Surigao. The province remained under .Japanese control until the Americans returned in September 1945, bombing Bilang-Bilang Harbor and, the following month, landing troops at Desolation Point in Dinagat Island. The Japanese were defeated a few days later.
On June 12, 1960, by virtue of Republic Act No. 2786, the province of Surigao del Norte was created, consisting of the capital city of Surigao and 27 towns.
The province has many tourist attractions natural as well as man-made. There is the Mother of Perpetual Help on Ceniza Heights built by devotees of this patroness and surrounded by natural green landscapes.
There are historical landmarks like the Labor Monument in the capital city, the century-old replica of the Liberty Bell on Capitol Site, and the US Landing Avenue in the town of Loreto.
Above all, however, Surigao del Norte is known for its white sandy beaches, mountains, rock formations, caves and lake islets.
There are the IPIL BEACH resorts, featuring a white pebble beach of clear sea water along lush coconut trees. Partly Developed by the Surigao City Lion's Club, the Ipil resorts are just 10 km. away from the city proper.
In DANAWAN island is a resort where the white beach is rich in sea shells, and shell aficionados often go there to collect rare shells.
MABUA BEACH has rock formations which serve as natural diving boards for swimmers. It is located near a precipice ideal for amateur mountain climbers. Other favorite sports of visitors are PANOMBOYON BEACH, with its fine coral rocks, and GENERAL LUNA beach, frequented by surfers and scuba divers.
Then there are the caves like MAPAWA CAVE which has cathedral-shaped inner domes, natural chandeliers and other sculptural forms which impress tourists.
BUENAVISTA CAVE has three entrances which lead to a cavern which stretches for three kilometers. The cave has unique stone formations which create the illusion of a royal court, and a knee-deep underwater pool.
Located in Catadman on Hikdop Island is a naturally sculpted stone formation which local folks call PUNTA KALABERA (Skull Point). From a distance the stone looks like a skull of a man, formed as a result of the continuous lashing of the waves.
Located in Sibale Island, ZARAGOZA rock formation has unique dagger-shaped structures which rise to a height of 20-feet and occupy an area of about one hectare; the natural sculptures are surrounded by waist-deep, crystal-clear waters. Next to the rock formations are two fine white beaches.
BASUL ISLAND, lying northwest of the city, is notable for its beaches with empty shells and corals. From this island, which guards the entrance to Surigao Channel, can be seen the Surigao Strait, site of the 1944 battle between the US Seventh Fleet led by Admiral Oldendorf and the Japanese Imperial Navy led by Admiral Nishimura.
At RAZA ISLAND, where the tide reverses itself every six hours, one can simultaneously watch the low tide at one end of the island and the high tide at the other end. It is common to see people picking up sea shells at one end and then continuing the task at the other end when the tide reverses.
The best known waterfalls in the province are the STA. MONICA, with its well-preserved natural environment; and BUYHO, where the waters cascade down 70 feet from a pool-like reservoir.
The DAY-ASAN FLOATING BARANGAY may be called the Venice of Surigao City. The houses stand on shallow water lanes, and the mode of transportation is the banca or small boat.
Then there are the "magic" WHIRLPOOLS OF BITAUGAN, which appear and disappear during designated time intervals, announced by an almost inaudible "explosion" that pull and suck anything that comes near them.
These are among the many attractions which await the adventurous traveler to Surigao del Norte.