History

Surigao del Norte was visited by Portuguese explorers led by Francisco de Castro in 1531, during which a number of persons were baptized as Christians. The Spanish explorer Ruy Lopez de Villalobos also reconnoitered the coast in 1543 and named the island Cesarea Karoli after Emperor Charles V, the king of Spain.

The Spanish colonizers tried to establish missions in the area in 1597 but were thwarted by the hostility of the war-like inhabitants of the area. An expedition was sent to the area to subdue the inhabitants in 1609. In 1621, missionaries established the town of Numancia on Siargao and from there conducted the evangelization of the main coast. However, the region remained unsettled and several revolts, like the Caraga revolt of 1629 and the Sumuroy Revolt of 1649, affected the region. In 1752, the area suffered severely from the attack of Moro slave raiders. Nearly all of the inhabitants of Numancia and Surigao were taken as slaves. The Recollect mission was transferred to Surigao soon after.

Surigao del Norte was once part of the province of Caraga, constituted soon after the region was subdued in 1609 by Spanish colonizers. It included the territory of the Agusan provinces, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Tandag was the capital of the province of Caraga until 1848. In that year, the administrative center was moved to the town of Surigao. When Mindanao was reorganized in 1860, the northeastern district was renamed Surigao. In June 1960, the province of Surigao was divided into Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur through Republic Act No. 2786.

People, Culture and the Arts

Surigaonons are of rich Malay ancestry with a mix of Chinese, Japanese and Arab blood. They are peace loving, gentle, and non-temperemental . They have the humorous disposition of the Visayans, and the frugality of the Ilocanos. The major dialect is Surigaonon-- influences of the Cebuano and Boholano dialects, with a Tausug accent. A few speak Waray and Tagalog.

The main cultural minority living in Surigao del Norte is the Mamanwa, a Negrito group whose livelihood is still thru slash and burn cultivation. They usually operate on a ‘patron-client’ relationship with members of surrounding groups to provide them their subsistence needs. They have small settlements with three to twenty households arranged in a circle and established in highridges or valleys. Leadership resides in the oldest and most respected male. It is earned rather than inherited. However, the Mamanwas rarely stay put in a place. They constantly relocate themselves in search of subsistence.

Mainland Surigao del Norte is a cradle of civilization of the province. The Panhutongan and Amoslog archeological excavations in Placer give a glimpse of the origins of the province and its people. Burial jars, and antique Chinese porcelains have been excavated from these sites and are on public display at the Surigaonon Heritage Museum in Surigao City.

The offshore islands of Dinagat and Siargao are the best-kept secrets of the country. Siargao was just recently discovered as a surfing mecca. Cloud Nine beach is among the best in the world. Its unparalleled surf is even viewed as a magnet for deep-sea fishers, windsurfers, and kayakers for its miles of sandy white beaches. Dinagat Island, situated on the northeastern part of the province is a Shangri-la of adventurers. Its awesome caves, magnificent rock formations and mountain lakes provide a perfect ambience for the thrill seekers. It is also the seat of the greatest and historic Battle of Surigao Strait during the World War II and the entry point of the American Liberation forces before the momentous return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Leyte.

Every Septemeber 9-10, the Maradjao Karadjao Festival is commemorated in honor of the feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino. It is a marvelous sight alive with various presentations of Bonok-bonok, a dance performed as a thanksgiving ritual.

Trade and Investments

Surigao del Norte is a mosaic of varied landscapes at the rim of the Asian continental shelf. Perched at the northeastern tip of Mindanao, the province has an area of 274,014 hectares inhabited by a population of 450,000. The province boast of vast reserves of natural resources consisting of rich and fertile agricultural lands, an expansive fishing ground and large deposits of metallic and non-metallic mineral resources. Poultry and livestock production also adds up to the bounty of the land. Surigao del Norte is also filled with hideaways of rustic charms and pristine beauty and a panoramic landscape that never fails to lure visitors to bask in the glory and beauty of its turf and surf.

Surigao del Norte is accessible from Manila, Cebu and other places in the Visayas or Mindanao via Surigao City. Flights from Cebu reach Surigao City in 45 minutes while boat trips using fast crafts require four and half hours travel time. There are many bus routes plying the provincial roads to other destinations in Mindanao. Surigao del Norte has a steady supply of cheap hydro-electric power from the Maria Cristina Plant in Iligan and ample water supply from formal waterworks systems, artisan wells and natural springs. Communication facilities are available in all of the 27 municipalities. The banking services are handled by 3 government owned banks, 8 private commercial banks and one rural bank.

The investment opportunities in Surigao del Norte all seek to tap into the rich resource base of the province. The combined coastal fishing grounds and inland waters of the province holds one of the biggest sources of fish and marine products in the country. This opens the prospects for processing and trade of dried and smoked fish, fish paste, fish and squid flakes, liver oil and other fish preparations. Othervalue-adding ventures include the processing of coconut products, wood, food, beverages, crafts and gift items; processing of essential oils from citronella, ilang-ilang, peppermint, lemon grass and ginger; production of clay brick and ceramics; production of gifts, toys and houseware items using indigenous materials; manufacture of farm implements, marine vessels and parts; and processing of precious stones into fashion jewelry and novelty items. The natural allure of Surigao del Norte, and the challenge of the surf along the Pacific coast also makes investments in tourist based ventures promising. These ventures include hotels, pension houses, tourist inns, restaurants, resorts and other recreational facilities.

Development Initiative Highlights: