Agusan River

The main water artery, the Agusan River, cuts across the length of the Agusan Valley traversing from the south to the north direction touching lands which connects the twin provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

Butuan River is the widest, deepest and longest navigable river in Mindanao, and the 3rd largest river in the Philippines. A cruise along the river barangays reveals much about Butuan's history, culture, arts, and people.

As a tribute to the Patroness of the Agusan River Senora Sta. Ana, the Abayan Festival- a day-long celebration of baroto races and fluvial procession at the Agusan River held every last Sunday of July. Part of tourism activity, the city government of Butuan holds Balik Butuan River Cruise during the Balangay (pronounced as ba-lang-hāy) Festival in May of every year.

While most rivers are drying up, this famous river, - “sawgan” in Butuanon dialect - of Agusan Valley has the highest overflow of water. Through the ages this serves the civilization that ones dotted in banks and the recent communities of this riverine highway. Great civilization of man here always situated on great valleys and along the rivers that gave them life.

“Agusan” is derived from the visayan word “agus” which means “where the water of life flows.”

Caraga Products

These are the products in Caraga, tissue holders, folders, decorative bottles, exquisite jewelries, and native products. Place your orders through striker_jem@yahoo.com

PGMA to grace 2nd International Game Fishing Tournament, Siargao

The 3-day 2nd International Game Fishing Tournament will kick off on May 7 in Pilar town, Siargao Island, considered as the paradise island in the province of Surigao del Norte, with no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as guest of honor.

More than a hundred foreign and local anglers are expected to participate and compete to catch the largest bony fish in the open sea off the northeastern tip of the Caraga Region that composed the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands. Initially, anglers or game fishing enthusiasts from manila, Cebu, Davao, Japan, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Russia, Taiwan, the United States and other Asian countries have signified their enthusiasm to participate in this big fishing sea tournament.

Three of the country’s national game fishing clubs, the Philippine Game Fishing Foundation, the Philippine Sports Fishing Club and the Silver Jack Fishing Club of Manila, have also confirmed participation.

Prizes at stake are almost 500 thousand pesos to the anglers who will tally the highest weight points and heaviest catch during the three-day international tourney.
On the first day of the event, President Arroyo will lead the symbolic throwing of a fishing rod in Siargao waters.

Representative of the 1st District of Surigao del Norte Honorable Francisco Matugas is proud to host the event which was first launched last year, introducing the town of Pilar as the game fishing destination of the Philippines, and boasts Siargao Island as having in abundance of giant fishes such as the Swordfish, Sailfish and Great Barracuda, Blue Marlin, huge Pacific Tuna and Barilis (yellow fin tuna), Tanguigue (Spanish mackerel) , Morang (dolphinfish), King Mackerel, Marlin and other big and rare species of fish.

A night before the grand opening, visitors and participants will be welcomed with a Cultural Show, and at 10 o’clock in the morning of May 7, the much awaited event shall begin at Pilar Boulevard with a grand opening ceremony.

A game fishing clinic will also be held during the duration of the tournament, and the holding of a Bikini Babe in the evening of May 9 after the awarding ceremonies, and a “Miss Siargao Contest” are expected to add color to the festivities.

Siargo Island was promoted to be the next tourist destination in the Philippines, famous for its “Cloud 9” which is considered one of the world’s top surfing waves and declared as one of the best surfing sites.