Agusan del Sur, Philippines

By James Barcelona

Tourist Attractions 

Mt. Magdiwata

MT. MAGDIWATA (San Francisco). This mystical mountain stands 633 meters high, perfect for mountain climbing to regular mountaineers. It is San Francisco’s sole-source of potable water supply and is a recipient of the DENR’s reforestation program dubbed as Billion Tree Act. It has an area of 1,658 hectares covered with lush forest and an array of wild, rare tropical flora and fauna. A scenery of nature in perfection, the mountain’s peak offers a panoramic view of Agusan del Sur and its neighboring provinces. From a distance, Mt. Magdiwata poses as a backdrop of San Francisco.

Binaba Falls

BINABA FALLS. A 10-minute motorboat ride from the mini-wharf of the Gibong Recreation Center where the crystal clear water displays the nakedness of natural uninhibited wealth. 

MT. DIWATA HOT & COLD SPRING. Surrounded by nature’s preserved forest, the area is a 4 kilometer hiking distance from the Maharlika Highway. It offers not only an impressive scenery but a natural medicine to tired urbanites and nature lovers. 

Agusan Marsh

AGUSAN MARSH. The largest marshland in the Philippines holding up to 15% of the country freshwater. This mystical wetland is the home of indigenous Manobo people who live in clusters of wood and bamboo houses built on rafts of floating logs. For bird watchers, the marsh is a good area for destination. Purple herons, storks, sea eagles, wild ducks and other migratory wetland birds from the Southeast Asia Region will be seen during the months of November to January. Exotic flora and fauna and other endangered species like the dinata, a soft-shelled giant turtle, and sailfin lizard also exist in this wildlife sanctuary. 

Lake Himbang

LAKE HIMBANG. It is more than an hour drive from the Maharlika Highway going to Lake Himbang in Talacogon. The lake is an alternative destination of Agusan Marsh. The thrill of riding a motorized small boat or a wooden-boat (made of a log) while admiring the tranquility and view of the lake plus a relaxing meal at the floating cottage are some of its attractions, which you would never want to miss. 

MT. DIWATA PARK AND CAMPSITE. A preserved watershed forest three kilometers from San Francisco, it is known to have a virgin tropical forest areas. 

Birdwatching

Sports Activities / Special Interest 

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING / TREKKING (Mt. Magdiwata, San Francisco). A minor climb with a height of about 633 meters above sea level, it provides a scenery of nature in perfection. 

Birdwatching

BIRDWATCHING (Agusan Marsh). Being a home to migrant birds during winter time, flocks of birds such as purple herons, storks, sea eagles, wild ducks and many endangered species can be seen in the area particularly during the months of November, December, and January. Agusan Marsh is accessible by boat through the Simulao River at Bunawan. 

Naliyagan

Events and Festivals 

NALIYAGAN (June 12-17, Government Center, Prosperidad). The festival depicts the Agusanon culture and heritage. Natives from far-flung areas of the province participate in the festivity by displaying their skills and gracefulness in a natural way. A trade fair showcasing the province own products also takes place at the Naliyagan Plaza. 

Santikan

SANTIKAN (June 12-15, Trento). Santikan is a Manobo word which means the striking of two hard objects to create fiction or fire. It is to this essence that the festival is highlighted by different friendly competitions throughout its duration. 

Kahimunan

KAHIMUNAN (First Sunday of January, Bayugan). Local version of Sinulog of Cebu, the main attraction of this particular festival is the street dancing. The dances are focused on Agusan del Sur indigenous culture. 

Kaamulan

KAAMULAN (September 23, Salug, Esperanza). This is a yearly convergence of all tribal leaders in Agusan del Sur. The festival highlight is the performance of authentic tribal rituals by the tribal priests. 

Agusan del Sur is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Prosperidad and borders, from the north clockwise, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental

Etymology

Agusan derived its name from the local dialect, "agasan", meaning "where the water flows", referring to the Agusan River that splits the land and meanders south to north in a 250 kilometres (160 mi) rush to Butuan Bay. It is third largest river in the country and served as highway for the Spanish colonizers in gaining access to inner northeastern Mindanao.