IN THE BEGINNING
Surigao's history dates back centuries. The winds of change that swept the province from the four corners of the world has witnessed the meeting of diverse local and foreign influences which nurtured the emergence of a unique and distinct Surigaonon culture.
In 1538, the eastern coast of Mindanao which included the present province of Surigao del Norte was visited by a Portuguese explorer, Francisco de Castro, who found the place inhabited by the Caraga tribe who were believed to be of Visayan origin.
Five years later, a Spaniard Ruy Lopez de Villalobos landed in the same region. His navigator, Bernardo dela Torre, named it "Cesaria Caroli" in honor of the reigning Spanish Monarch, Carlos V. The name, however, never persisted since the Spaniards preferred to name the area "Caraga" after its chief inhabitants.
The Jesuit Missionaries in 1597 tried to avengelize the people of Butuan (Agusan) and Caraga (Surigao), with much difficulty and intermittent success. They were followed in 1622 by the Augustinian Recollects who established parishes in Tandag and Bislig in 1642. The Recollects stayed until 1875, then secular priests took over, followed by the Benedictine Monks from 1893 to 1908.
The ancient district of Caraga, which was established in 1609 comprised all of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, the Northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental.
In 1860, six military districts were established in Mindanao. Surigao and Agusan, including the territory lying between Butuan and Caraga Bay, formed the third district called the East District which was changed in 1870 to "Distrito de Surigao."
By the end of the Spanish rule in 1898, the two Agusan provinces had been organized as a sinle politico-military comandancia named "Butuan," within the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao. In 1901, this comandancia became a sub-province of Surigao, and in 1907, Agusan became a separate province.
It was on June 19, 1960, through Republic Act 2766 that Surigao province was divided to form Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte.
THE LAND
Surigao del Norte is a mosaic of islands that lies at the rim of the Asian continental shelf. It is perched at the northeastern tip of Mindanao and faces that abysmal canyon known as the Philippine Deep. It is bounded on the north and east by the vast Pacific Ocean, on the south by the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and on the west by the historic Surigao Strait.
The province has an area of 274,014 hectares of 2,740.14 square kilometers which is roughly equivalent to 9.67 percent of the total land area of Northern Mindanao. It embraces within its domain 27 municipalities and a component city.
Surigao City, the provincial capital is dubbed as the "Gateway to Mindanao." The ferry landing terminal in Lipata links Mindanao to Luzon through Eastern Visayas. It annually showcases in full regalia its distinct cultural heritage through the "Bonok Bonok Maradjao Karadjao" Festival. A provincial city that offers a respite from the bustling metropolitan life.
On the Northeastern side of the province is Siargao and Bucas Grande islands. These island paradise are famous for their long stretch of sugar-fine beaches, perfect surfs, vast mangrove forests and deep waters teeming with a plethora of marine life. A tropical gem that has managed to preserve its beauty through the years.
Dinagat Island, situated on the northeastern part of the province is a shangri-la for adventurers. Its enchanting caves, magnificent rock formations and mountain lakes provide a perfect ambiance for the thrill-seeker and highly-strung individuals. It is also the seat of the greatest and historic Battle of Surigao Strait during World War II and the entry point of the American Liberation forces before the momentous return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte.
Mainland Surigao del Norte is a cradle of civilization of the province. The Panhutongan and Amoslog archeological excavations in Placer would give a glimpse of the origins of the province and its people.
Such is the image of Surigao del Norte. A month of history and unspoiled beauty. An untouched eden, warmed by smiles of people with unquenching thirst for an exuberant lifestyle.
THE PEOPLE
The Surigaonon is of rich Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, Japanese and Arab blood. Glints of European and American influences are also evident in the Surigaonon's appearance and culture. With a population of almost 450,000 the lines between stocks can not be accurately distinguished.
The Surigaonons are peace-loving and gentle. Its favorable climate makes them non-temperamental. They have the humor of the Visayan, the frugality of the Ilocano and other traits which were inherited from their forebears who ventured into this part of the archipelago.
Some 95 percent speak Surigaonon as a major dialect. Influences of the Cebuano and Boholano dialects with a Tausug accent can be traced. A few speak Waray and Tagalog. Majority are able to speak English.
The people are predominantly Roman Catholic. The rest of the population are Aglipayan, Protestant and other religions.
COMMUNICATION
All the 27 municipalities of the province have a municipal telephone that facilitates calls between the towns and Surigao City. The province is also serviced by a cable TV service provider, 3 AM radio stations, 1 FM radio station, 4 telegram stations, 12 citizen's band radios, 12 telex stations and 32 postal/subpostal stations.
TELEPHONE & TELEGRAM
COURIER SERVICE
POWER SUPPLY
Steady supply of cheap hydro-electric power is afforded by Ma. Christina Plant in Iligan City. Power distribution is handled by SURNECO in the city and mainland municipalities, and SIARELCO in Siargao Island. These electric cooperatives lighten as many as 31,546 household with a total consumption demand of 3,733,933.70 kilowatts.
BUSINESS & BANKING
Government and private offices operate Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with lunch break from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. Some private offices, however, are open on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shopping centers are open at 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with no noon breaks. Banks are open between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
EDUCATION
About 853 schools including 7 colleges cater to about 150,421 in 1993-1994. Of which, 123,315 were enrolled in public schools while the rest were in private institutions. Among the various fields of specialization, Industrial Technology registered the highest enrollment at 4,186; followed by Education at 2,905; Agriculture at 2,535; and Commerce at 2,530.
HEALTH
The Surigaonons avail of heal services from 16 public and private hospitals, 26 rural heal and family planning centers, 64 barangay health stations, 3 private mediccal clinics, 61 drugstores, 117 botica sa barangay and 25 hospital pharmacies.
INVESTMENT POTENTIALS
Mineral Products - Gold, silver, nickel, chromite, construction materials, guano fertilizer, lime, rock phosphate.
Fresh and Processed Fish & Other Marine Products - Dried and smoked fish, fish pastes, fish and squid flakes, shell foods, dried shark fins, liver oil, and other fish preparations such as fish sausages, sardines, etc.
Coconut-based Products - Coco lumber, food and beverages, gift items, housewares, soap alcohol, coco oil, and others
Processed Root Crops - flour starch, feeds, etc.
Gifts, Toys, Housewares from indigenous raw materials - Ceramic pots, jars, fashion accessories, trays, basket and decorative items from vines, bamboo and coco midribs, spathe and spadix, woven mats, bags, shell buttons and fashion accessories, shell decors and gift items
Clay Bricks and Clay Ceramics Construction - Ordinary bricks, roof tiles, hollow bricks, floor tiles, inter-locking bricks and others
Foundry - Farm implements, marine vessels parts, iron parts
Tourism Facilities - Hotels, pension houses, tourist inns, theaters, restaurants, disco pubs, karaoke bars, and other recreational facilities
Essential Oils - Citronella, Ilang-Ilang, Peppermint, Lemon Grass, Ginger
Gem Stones - Fashion jewelry, novelty items
Surigao del Norte is accessible through Surigao City from Manila, Cebu and other places in the Visayas and Mindanao. It can be reached by a 45-minuted plane ride from Cebu City. Sea transport is daily to and from Cebu (Cokaliong and Trans-Asia shipping companies, Waterjet fastcraft), and weekly to Manila (Sulpicio Lines) and vice versa. The Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City serves commuters from the province and other parts of Mindanao bound for Luzon through Eastern Visayas (Leyte). Buses and jeepneys link the province to oher points of destination in Mindanao (such as Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and Davao). The different municipalities of the province is accessible by jeepney and motor launches.
When in Surigao City, get around like the Surigaonons do -- via the tricycles, or motorcycles with sidecars, and pedicabs, bicycles with side cars (fare is P2.50 per passenger). These modes of transportation gets to almost every where around the city.
By Land - Bachelor Express, Joana Paula Express (bus terminal, Borromeo St.)
By Air - Philippine Airlines (domestic airport, Km. 4)
By Sea - Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Trans Asia Shipping, Sulpicio Lines, PSEI Transport Corp.
The Provincial Tourism Office located at the Provincial Sports Complex, Rizal St. and the City Tourism Office at the Luneta (city park), offer tourist information and assistance. Package tours by group is also offered upon arrangement.
Published by the Provincial Government