Agusan del Sur - Treasures Of Old
Agusan del Sur is the fourth largest province in the country. It is endowed with rich natural resources contained in its vast agricultural, forest, and marsh lands. This is reflected by the numerous natural tourist spots found throughout the province. Much like the Golden Taga dug up on its grounds, Agusan del Sur is a treasure waiting to be unearth and presented to the world. Its treasures awaits those who seek the beauty of the Philippines that are surely priceless.
1. Population - 609,447
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 9,989.52 sq. km
3. Capital - Prosperidad
4. Language/Dialect - Cebuano, Boholano, English, and
Filipino
5. Divisions
Golden Tara
The Golden Tara is the earliest known image of Indian
Origin, a Buddhist image of the Sailendra Period of
the Sri-Vijaya history dated 900 to 950 AD.
Mt. Magdiwata
This mystical mountain located in San Francisco stands
633 meters high, making it the perfect site for a fun
climb by regular mountaineers.
Kaamulan
Festival
The Kaamulan Festival is a yearly convergence of all
tribal leaders in Agusan del Sur.
Naliyagan
Festival
The Naliyagan Festival depicts Agusanon culture and
heritage.
Agusan Marsh
This is a vast expanse of marsh covering an area roughly
the size of Metro Manila, connected to the Agusan River
Golden Tara
Location: Chicago Field Museum of Natural History, USA.
The Golden Tara is the earliest known image of Indian
Origin, a Buddhist image of the Sailendra Period of
the Sri-Vijaya history dated 900 to 950 AD. It is an
eight-inch tall image of a woman in pure gold. It was
recovered in 1917 at the Wawa River, a tributary of
the Agusan River.
Mt. Magdiwata
Location: San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
This mystical mountain stands 633 meters high, perfect
for a fun climb by regular mountaineers. A scenery of
nature in perfection, the mountain's peak offers a panoramic
view of Agusan del Sur and its neighboring provinces,
which poses as a backdrop of San Francisco.
Agusan Marsh
Location: Agusan del Sur
Agusan Marsh is one of the most ecologically significant
wetlands in the Philippines. Found in the heart of Mindanao's
Agusan Basin, this vast expanse of marsh covers an area
roughly the size of Metro Manila. It contains nearly
15 % of the nation's fresh water resources in the form
of swamp forests.
Binaba Falls
Location: Rosario, Agusan del Sur
The Binaba Falls is situated in the heart of a jungle-like
foot of the mountain, with clear waters emitting from
the springs, cascading onto boulders of limestone. The
falls offer a very refreshing bath after a fifteen-minutes
ride on a motor-banca from the mini wharf of Prosperidad
town passing along the Gibong River
Tugonan Falls
Location: Brgy. San Lorenzo, Prosperidad, Agusan del
Sur
The name derived from the word "Tugon" meaning
a promise. It offers a natural wonder where one will
surely promise to come back after a visit. The towering
trees on its vicinity with wild ornamental plants and
orchids hanging on branches, one could have dreamed
having gone to paradise.
Bega Falls
Location: Brgy Mabuhay, Prosperidad,
It is a haven for mountain trekkers, adventure lovers,environmentalists
and bio-diversity researchers. Once within the realm
of the falls, the 18 turquoise-green and pristine waterfalls
will soothen a visitor's weary soul.
Kaamulan
Festival
Place: Salug, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur
Date: September 23
The Kaamulan Festival is a yearly convergence of all
tribal leaders in Agusan del Sur. The festival's highlight
is the performance of authentic tribal rituals by the
tribal priests.
Naliyagan
Festival
Place: Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
Date: June 12 to 17
The Naliyagan Festival depicts Agusanon culture and
heritage. Natives from far-flung portions of the province
usually come down to display skill and grace in tribal
dances and rituals. A trade fair displaying the province's
own products takes place at the Naliyagan Plaza.
Kahimunan
Festival
Place: Bayugan, Agusan del Sur
Date: first Sunday of January
This festival is the province's own version of the Sinulog
Festival of Cebu. The main attraction is street dancing
that portrays tribal life in Agusan del Sur.
Santikan
Festival
Place: Trento, Agusan del Sur
Date: June 12-15
Santikan is a Manobo word which means the striking of
two hard objects to create friction or fire, alluding
to the different friendly competitions throughout the
festival.
Diwata Festival
Place: San Francisco, Agusan del Sur
Date: June 18-21
The festival showcases the Manobo culture of Agusan
del Sur. Street dancing adds color to the celebration,
which coincides with the foundation anniversary of San
Francisco.
How To Get There?
By Air-Land:
Take a flight bound for Butuan City. From there
the capital is 74 kilometers away. The province
can only be reached via land transportation through
the Davao-Butuan National Highway.