A. Catholic Population
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As of Dec. 31, 2009, Butuan diocese had 994,030 baptized Catholics, representing 78.34 percent of all 1,268,713 people in the territory. The diocese had 34 parishes with resident priests. During 2009, the diocese recorded 17,311 baptism of Children and 2,455 Adult Conversions. There were 3,122 marriages between Catholics and 19 mixed ones.
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People in the Diocese
Baptized Catholics: 994,030, or 78.34 %
Members of other Christian denominations (Protestant: United Church of Christ in the Philippines,
Seventh-day Adventist Church, Philippine Independent Church/Aglipay, Iglesia ni Cristo, Mormons,
Rizalians, United Pentecostal Church, Born Again and Jehovah's Witness): data not available
Followers of other religions (mostly Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists): data not available
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B. Diocesan and Religious Priests
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Diocesan Priests: 84 (all Filipino)
Religious Priests: 25 (17 Filipino, 8 foreign)
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C. Religious Brothers, Sisters
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Religious Brothers: none
Religious Sisters: 110
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D. Lay Missionaries, Catechists
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Lay missionaries: none
Catechists: 2,324 (salaried: 11, volunteers: 2,313)
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E. Seminaries, Houses of Formation (Click here for details)
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Minor seminary: none
Major seminary: 1
Houses of Formation: 4
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F. Vicariates in Diocese are: Vicariate of Mary, Mother of the Church; Vicariate of Mary, Our Lady of
the Holy Angels; Vicariate of Mary, Mother of God; Vicariate of Mary, Queen of Apostles; Vicariate
of Mary, Star of the Sea; Vicariate of Mary, Queen of Peace; Vicariate of Our Lady of the Rosary;
Vicariate of Mary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart; Vicariate of Mary, Queen of Martyrs
G. There are 34 parishes with resident priests in 3 districts: Butuan City, Province of Adusan del
Norte, Province of Agusan del Sur (Click here for details)
Diocesan Activities and Organization
A. Major Diocesan Commissions and Organizations
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Vocation Apostolate
Director: Father Dennis D. Badic
Phone: +63 85 342-5388
Diocesan Commission on Clergy
Episcopal Vicar: Msgr. Bienvenido Betaizar, PC
Assistant Episcopal Vicar: Father Carmelo Rey Lim
Episcopal Vicar for Religious Men & Women
Father Eduardo Albiño, O'Carm
Lay Formation Apostolate
Charismatic Renewal Movement, Director:
Agusan del Norte: Father Stephen Brongcano
Agusan del Sur: Father Ruel Jabonite
Butuan City: Father Joie Acedera
Catechetics Apostolate
Diocesan Catechetics Ministry Coordinator: Sr. Estrellita Edioma, MSM
Bible Apostolate
Director: Father Nercipino Obus
BEC Apostolate
Director: Msgr. Bienvenido Betaizar, PC
Diocesan Commission on Liturgy
Director: Father Jorge Dosit Buot
Ministry of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: Father Ronniel Babano
Ministry of Lectors: Father Jober Rivera
Ministry of Music: Father Herbert Jaranilla
Ministry of Altar Servers: Father Dennis Badic
Ministry of Ushers: Father Darius Tudlasan
Youth Apostolate
Director: Father Jodimar Bañas
Social Action Center Justice and Peace
Director: Father Isaleo Madelo
Phone: +63 85 342-2815
Family and Life Apostolate
Coordinator: Sr. Dolores Reloba, MSM
Indigenous People Apostolate
Coordinator: Father Carlito Clase
Phone: +63 85 815-5125
Health Care Apostolate
A Chance for the Poor Foundation
Coordinator: Sr. Genara Sarigumba, MSM
Phone: +63 85 342-3257
Mission Apostolate
Director: Father Jorge Dosit Buot
Museum Curator
In-Charge: Father Joesilo Amalla
Prison Apostolate
Coordinator: Father Antonio A. Saniel
Por Cristo Apostolate
Coordinator: Father Dennis Prisco
Phone: +63 85 342-8774
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B. Catholic Educational Institutions (Click here for details)
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Statistics:
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Schools |
Students |
| Pre-Primary Schools |
2 |
533 |
| Primary Schools |
2 |
983 |
Secondary Schools
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17 |
7,482 |
| Post-secondary Schools |
4 |
8,068 |
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C. Catholic Social Welfare
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Seminar/Retreat House 1
Clinics 1
Chance for the Poor Foundation, INC.
Address: Shelter Home, Villa Kananga, 8600 Butuan City, Philippines
Phone: +63 85 342-9345
In-Charge: Sr. Genara Sarigumba, MSM
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D. Social Communications
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Jubilee Press
Address: San Francisco Street, Butuan City (In-front of FSUU), 8600 Butuan City, Philippines
Phone: +63 85 342-5818
General Manager: Father Isaleo Madelo
Introibo Publication
Phone: +63 85 342-3747
Editor-in-Chief: Father Felixberto Floreta
Butuan Diocesan Liturgical Museum (F-1992)
Address: Saint Joseph Cathedral Rectory
8600 Butuan City, Philippines
Phone: +63 85 342-4319
Curator: Father Joesilo Amalla
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E. Other Church Organizations and Associations
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Commission on Organizations
In-charge: Msgr. Marcelino J. Caldoza
A. Church Recognized Organizations
A1. Diocesan
Legion of Mary
In-Charge: Father Joesilo Amalia/Ms. Delia Gaballo
Sierra Club International
In-Charge: Father Joseph Alner Y. Garrido
Knights of Columbus (KC)
In-Charge: Father Juanito Nuñez/Mr. Enrique Siaboc
Catholic Women's League (CWL)
In-Charge: Ms. Leonie Tadena
Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI)
In-Charge: Ms. Pelagia Joven
Mothers Butlers Guild (MBG)
In-Charge: Ms. Adelfa Yumo
Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)
In-Charge: Mr. Mark Villareal
Filipino Catholic Chinese Women's Org.
In-Charge: Father Ronniel G. Babano/Ms. Virginia Po
A2. Parochial
Community of the Compassionate Women of Jesus (CCWJ)
In-Charge: Msgr. Bienvinido Betaizar, PC and Dra. Eufrocina Cupin
B. Religious Movements
B1. Diocesan
Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM)
In-Charge: Father Ronniel G. Babano
a. Agusan del Norte - Dr. Rosemarie Mag-isa
b. Agusan del Sur - Ms. Gloria Lumbad
Couples for Christ
In-Charge: Father Severino Diamante, Jr.
a. Agusan del Norte - Mr. Jose Bautista
b. Agusan del Sur - Atty. Genaro Sansaet
Mother Thrice Admirable (MTA) (Schoenstatt)
In-Charge: Father Dennis Prisco/Ms. Baby Rosales
B2. Parochial
Lingkod ng Panginoon
In-Charge: Ronniel G. Babano
Experiencing God in the Family (EGF)
In-Charge: Father Ruel Lasco
C. Religious Devotions
C1. Diocesan
Perpetual Dawn Rosary (PDR)
In-Charge: Father Joie Acedera / Engr. Carlito Oraiz
Divine Mercy Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Joselito Galido
Apostleship of Prayer (Apostolado sa Pag-ampo)
In-Charge: Father Ruel Lasco / Ms. Jean Mejias
Inahan sa Kanunayng Panabang (ISKP)
In-Charge: Ms. Lilia Tero
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA)
In-Charge: Parish priests
C2. Parochial
Alliance of Two Hearts
In-Charge: Ms. Valentina Plaza
Fatimanians
In-Charge: Ms. Amanda Lacho
Ina Poon Bato
In-Charge: Dra. Mercedes Atupan
Holy Face
In-Charge: Father Ruel Lasco
True Vine-Sto. Niño
In-Charge: Bishop Zacarias Jimenez
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Religious Congregations, Societies and Institutes
A. Religious Institutes of Men (Click here for details)
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Missionaries of the Sacred Heart ~ MSC
Order of the Carmelite ~ O.Carm
Society of the Divine Word ~ SVD
Order of the Augustinian Discalced ~ OAD
Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ~ CICM
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B. Religious Institutes of Women (Click here for details)
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Carmelite Sisters of Our Lady ~ Carm.OL
Franciscan Sisters Pro Infante et Familia ~ FSPIF
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary ~ FMM
Religious of the Good Shepherd ~ RGS
Contemplative of the Good Shepherd ~ CGS
Missionaries Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima ~ MSOLF
Missionaries of the Assumption ~ MA
Disciples of Jesus in the Eucharist ~ DGE
Augustinian Sister of the Divine Love ~ SDL
Missionary Sisters of Mary ~ MSM
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| General Characteristics of the Diocese
In a land area of 11,276.85 square kilometers, the diocesan territory covers the City of Butuan and the civil Provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
Agusan del Sur is a landlocked province bounded on the North by Agusan del Norte, on the South by Compostela Valley, on the West by Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon and on the East by Surigao del Sur.
Agusan del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Butuan City and it borders Surigao del Norte to the north, Surigao del Sur to the east, Agusan del Sur to the south, and Misamis Oriental to the west. It faces Butuan Bay, part of the Bohol Sea, to the northwest.
Butuan City is situated in the central part of the Province of Agusan del Norte. It lies flat along the banks of Agusan River following along course within the province of Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. The city is a strategic center of the Northern Mindanao Region. The national highways from Misamis Oriental, Surigao and Davao traverse the city and meet at the junction of Barangay Ampayon, effectively linking the Northern Mindanao provinces together.
Agusan del Sur occupies a portion of the Northern Mindanao Region bounded on the north by Agusan del Norte, on the east by Surigao del Sur, on the South by Davao del Norte and on the west by Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. The entire province has a lone congressional district, which is composed of 14 municipalities and 314 barangays (villages). Its capital town is Prosperidad where the Provincial Government Center is situated.
Agusan del Norte is divided into 10 municipalities and one component city. The highly-urbanized city of Butuan, being geographically located in Agusan del Norte, is traditionally grouped with the province, although it is governed independently from it with 1st and 2nd districts of Agusan del Norte (shared with Butuan City).
Butuan City is politically subdivided into 86 barangays. Of these, 27 are classified as urban and the remaining 59 are classified as rural.
Population
As of yearend 2009, the total population of the diocese is 1, 268,713 of which 78.34947 percent are Catholics or equivalent to 994,030.
Five native tribes were found in the province, namely: Higaonon, Mamanwas, Talaadig, Banwaon and Manobo. Three of these tribes can be distinctly located the Manobos living along the National highway and the river towns towards the boundary of the Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte and Banwaons and Higaonons living in the western side of the Agusan River, in the municipality of Esperanza towards the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon. The original inhabitants of the Agusan del Sur were the Negritoes and Mamanwas. The descendants of the latter still inhabit the innermost recesses of Agusan del Sur's forested area.
Language
Cebuano is dominantly spoken followed by Boholano and Ilonggo. Of the native tongue, the Manobo language is the most popular. Other popular languages are Hiligaynon, Butuanon, Surigaonon, and Kamayo. A good portion of the population, however, can understand and communicate in Filipino, the national language. English is usually used in conversations with tourists who cannot communicate in Filipino, and in government transactions. It is also the medium of instruction in schools.
Political structure
A Philippine province is headed by a Governor. A Provincial Council (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) is composed of a Vice Governor (Presiding Officer) and Provincial Board Members. A Philippine city or municipality is headed by a Mayor. A City Council (Sangguniang Panlungsod) or Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan) is composed of a Vice Mayor (Presiding Officer) and City or Municipal Councilors. A barangay is headed by a Barangay Captain, who is also the presiding officer of the barangay council. The Barangay Council is composed of seven (7) Barangay Kagawads. A similar unit called a Youth Council (Sangguniang Kabataan) is headed by an SK Chairperson with a similar rank to a Barangay Captain. The council is composed of SK Members.
Economy
Annual per capita income (as of November 2008, in Philippines Peso) 14,841 (USD337 as of January 2011).
Mining, agriculture, fishing and logging are the major industries of the region. Other mineral products are gold, silver, copper, lead and chromite. Agricultural products consist of rice, copra, abaca and corn. Toog which is considered the biggest tree in the Philippines is found in Agusan del Sur. Rubber is another important product in this province.
Agusan del Sur is endowed with rich natural resources contained in its vast agricultural, forest, and marsh lands. Its vision: to become an agro - processing center and an eco-tourism destination. The large scale enterprises in Agusan del Sur deal mainly with logs and lumber productions and mining.
The province of Agusan del Norte's main industries are logging, fishing, and farming. Recent discoveries of gold deposits are attracting prospection and investors. Gold panning has become a lucrative "business" for all types of livelihood.
Butuan, like the Caraga Provinces, is primarily an agricultural province. It is also one of the leading rice producers after Bukidnon. Butuan is also a major timber producer in the region. There are 23 lumber producers and plywood plants in the city. Butuan's rattan is one of the best in the country. The city is a trade center for the Agusan river valley, where lumber, gold, abaca, and copra are produced. Butuan City major industries are banana, corn, wood, prawn, furniture, handicrafts, and coconut.
Telecommunications
The territory is equipped with modern telecommunications facilities which enable callers to reach any place in the world. Facsimiles and cellular phones are available. Long distance calls are serviced by the Bayan Telecommunications, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and PhilCom while wireless calls are serviced by Globe Telecoms, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular.
There are 5 internet service providers in the area namely: bayanDSL, PLDT myDSL, Smart Bro, Globelines Broadband and Sun Broadband.
Radio Stations
The diocesan territory has 4 AM radio stations and 11 FM radio stations 2 of which are online station.
TV Stations
There are seven TV stations in the diocesan territory service by nations leading broadcast network.
Infrastructure
Airport
Bancasi Airport, also known as Butuan Airport, is an airport serving the general area of Butuan City, located in the province of Agusan del Norte in the Philippines. It is the only airport in the province and largest in the Caraga region. The airport is classified as a trunkline airport, or a major commercial airport, by the Air Transportation Office, a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports.
Seaport
Butuan is served by 3 ports, namely (1) Masao Port, the (2) River Port in Poyohon along Agusan River and (3) The Nasipit Baseport.
The Nasipit Port is the major port of entry in the Northeastern Mindanao region, with shipping connections to the major ports in the Visayas and in Manila. Located 25 kilometers away from the city center via a smooth paved concrete highway, transport time takes only 30 minutes.
The port is one of the naturally protected seaports in the country being located within a cove that shields it from storms. From the port, one can see the picturesque view of the Agusan mountains.
There are also vital structures within the cove area, the NPC Power barge and the Nasipit Agro-Industrial Estate.
Transportation
How to get to Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Norte is accessible by two (2) flights daily from Manila; by ship daily from Manila and Cebu via Surigao City and Nasipit Ports; and by aircon bus every hour from Surigao City, Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City.
Getting around Butuan
Bright colored tricycles are common in Butuan. They go around and even outside the city proper. Jeepneys are used in the main city streets, with corresponding route numbers. Cars for rent are available upon request in most hotels and at the airport, but all are not metered, so remember to agree on the fee before boarding. Metered taxis' are also available in the city. Bus companies ply the routes from Butuan to other cities and provinces of the region.
Trips via sea transport from the municipality to Cebu, Manila and Bohol are also available directly from Nasipit Port.
Education
As of October 2009, Literacy rate (simple literacy) is 88.21 percent.
Cultural dimension
Kahimunan Festival
The Kahimunan Festival is celebrated every third Sunday of January in celebration of Barangay Libertad fiesta with its patron Señor Sto.Niño.
Kahimunan is a Lumad term which means "gathering".
The main theme of the ceremonies in the Kahimunan Festival is a combination of the Butuan's pre-colonial culture and its affiliation with Christianity.
During the street parade participants' line up the streets to present exotic dances and ceremonies where dancers are all dressed up in colourful costumes as they dance to an indigenous music. Theatrical performances of ceremonies and dances are highlighted as they decorate the streets with their exotic costumes and native ornaments such as baskets, spears and other accessories.
The City Sports Complex in Libertad was likewise jam packed with people, devotees, local and foreign spectators to witness each contingents dance performance.
Balanghai Festival
Balanghai Festival is one historical event commemorated through a night of exotic performances, costumes in an array of colors and creativity, and dazzling floats. One can also take part in the festivals activities such as contests, exhibits, and many other events.
Commemorating the coming of the early settlers from Borneo and Celebes, Butuan in Agusan del Sur is celebrating Balanghai Festival during the third week of May, coinciding the feast of Butuan's patron saint, Saint Joseph.
The balanghai, also known as balangay and Butuan boat, is the first water vessel to have excavated in Southeast Asia, serving as evidence to the craftsmanship of the early Filipinos in attempting to transport on water.
Adlaw Hong Butuan Festival
The Adlaw Hong Butuan Festival is a yearly event in Butuan that celebrates its Charter Day. The festival pays tribute to Butuan's administrative status as a city. It therefore honors Butuan's municipal officials, citizens and past leaders who have contributed their loyalty and efforts to the city. Adlaw Hong Butuan presents the city's modern culture through its street parties, beauty pageants and motorcades. There is also a parade of performers and colorful floats to as the highlight of the event. Adlaw Hong Butuan is celebrated on the second day of August.
Abayan Festival
The Abayan Festival is known for its yearly baroto race (is a competition of speed among small boats using paddles participated by pairs representing corresponding barangays) along the mighty Agusan River. The festival is highlighted by a colorful fluvial procession of decorated boats carrying the image of St. Anne; the patron saint of Agusan River. The festival is held every the last Sunday of July.
Magellan Marker
Erected during the time of Spanish District Gov. Jose Maria Carvallo in 1878, it commemorates the First Mass in the Philippines. Located in the municipality of Magallanes proper.
Our Lady of Assumption Church
After a devastating typhoon in 1876, Father Urios instigated Jabonganons to look for a permanent church. Father Llobera, SJ, blessed it during the feast of Corpus Cristi, June 17, 1897. Today it is the oldest surviving Spanish church in the whole of Caraga.
Baoto Festival
Held in Jabonga every 2nd Friday of September. The festival pays tribute to the native "baoto" or dug-out canoe. It features, among others: tree planting, adventure skills clinics, triathlon, beach volleyball, culinary contest and bikini show. Canoe contests are: sprints, slalom, regatta, most beautiful baoto and the finale event - the 30K paddling marathon, the longest paddling race in the Philippines. This is upgraded into a national contest beginning this year.
Lisagan Festival
Held every 3rd Saturday of October is a religious celebration showcasing Manobo dances and rituals. It re-enacts a miraculous healing in 1910 of a Manobo while dancing in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary brought to the town of Magallanes from Las Nieves, Spain.
Sumayajaw Festival
A thanksgiving of song, dance and "luwa" (lyrical poem) offered to the Blessed Virgin Mary for blessings received and forthcoming. Celebrated annually in Jabonga every 15th of August.
Tawo-Tawu
Thanksgiving celebration for bounty rice harvest held annually in RTR every September 8.
Araw Ng Agusan del Norte
This is founding anniversary celebration of the province of Agusan del Norte every June 13-17. Activities include: trade exhibit, state of the province address, barangay night, employees day, peoples day, inter-agency sports competition, concert at the park, flatboat race; and a 4 x 4 race.
Mango Festival
This is a two-week festival that highlights the mangoes of Carmen. Held from July 1-16, activities here include: agri-fair, food processing, cultural shows and sport events.
Musikainan
A festival of food and music that features local song artists and native delicacies of Cabadbaran City. This is held annually every last week of January.
Araw Ng Cabadbaran
The celebration commemorates the founding anniversary of the town. Activities include thanksgiving Mass and Agro Fair. This is held every July 29.
Drum & Lyre Competition
This event highlights a drum and lyre competition participated in by different schools in Agusan del Norte during the Town Fiesta of Nasipit. Celebrated every September 29.
Brief History
Suffragan of Cagayan de Oro
Created: March 20, 1967
Erected: July 10, 1967
Comprises: the City of Butuan and the civil Provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur
Titular: St. Joseph. May 19
The Diocese of Butuan was created on March 20, 1967, comprising the civil provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. Its titular patron is St. Joseph, whose feast is celebrated on May 19 each year. This diocese is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro.
The name "Butuan" is believed to have originated from the sour fruit "Batuan"(Garcinia morella). Other etymology sources say that it comes from a certain "Datu Buntuan", a chieftain who once ruled over Butuan.
Butuan City is the regional center of Caraga Region. The regional offices of the different government agencies are located here almost all of it. It was the capital of Agusan del Norte until 2000 when Republic Act 8811 mandated the transfer of the capital to Cabadbaran City; however Butuan City still serves as the province's seat of government as many of the provincial government offices are located, including the provincial capitol.
Agusan Province was named after Malay word Agasan, meaning, "where water flows", probably because of the mighty river that traverses the whole area. Early immigrants from Borneo and Celebes came to the region in Balanghai or wooden boats. Nine such boats were excavated. One dates back to 320 A.D. The Malay settlers drove the aborigines, called Mamanwas, to the hinterlands.
By the time the Spaniards arrived, the natives were already trading with foreign merchants, as attested by 10th-century Chinese ceramics unearthed near Butuan. Some historians claim that Magellan held the first mass in the Philippines at the mouth of the Agusan River, and not in Limasawa, Leyte, on Easter Sunday, of 1521. Agusan was part of Surigao province during the Spanish colonial administration. By virtue of R.A. 1306 during the American regime, it became the independent province of Agusan. On June 17, 1967, Congress passed R.A. 4979 dividing the lone province into Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
< Last updated on: February 9, 2011 >
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