DESIRE TOP 10 TOURIST ATTRACTION IN AGUSAN DEL SUR
EXCITING THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER HISTORY: LOOKING BACK KNOW THE HISTORY OF AGUSAN DEL SUR
EDITOR: JEAVICA KRYSTRELLE NEMENIO
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DESIRE:AGUSAN DEL SUR
History of Agusan del Sur
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To be able to understand the past of the Golden Land
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Living in Agusan del Sur Know the way of living and the opportunities
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Culture and Heritage The rich culture of Agusan del Sur
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Things to do
Exciting things to do this summer in Agusan del Sur
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Festivals and Events Dates to add in your calendar
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Where to go? The top destination of Agusan del Sur
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About
the
Editor
Hi Im Jeavica Krystrelle Nemenio, 19 and I am a Bachelor of Science in Tourism. My passion is to Travel and into designing. My dream is to be a Flight attendant and have a happy family in the future hahaha ..
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HISTORY:
Looking Back
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he province of Agusan del Sur once shared one governance with its sister province, Agusan del Norte. However, Republic Act 4969, enacted on June 17, 1967, divided the Agusan province into two: Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Agusans pre-hispanic history was greatly influenced by the Madjapahit Empire. This can be attested through the discovery of the Golden Tara in 1960, in one of its towns, which is Maasam, Esperanza. The 8-inches gold image, that was retrieved along the river of Esperanza, originated from the Madjapahit Empire. The aborigines of Agusan were the ancestors of the present-day
Mamanwas who were driven to the hinterlands by the waves of Malay immigrants from nearby Borneo, Celebes and Malaysia. These people, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles because of the forays and the constant raids of Moros. Being a sea-faring people, they confined themselves to the coastal areas where they started settlements, leaving the forestall area to the other native tribes. FEBRUARY 2014
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C u l t u r e And
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he original inhabitants of Agusan Province were the forefathers of the Present-Day Mamanuas who were driven away to the remote areas because of the intrusion of Malay immigrants coming from nearby Borneo, Celebes and Malaysia. The discovery of a Golden Tara, an eight-inch tall image of a woman in pure gold at Maasin, Esperanza, in the early 1920’s and a Molten Jar unearthed at Bahbah, Prosperidad in the early 1960’s, marks the Agusan’s Pre-Hispanic Cultural History which was greatly influenced by the Madjapahit Empire of India. The icon, a 21karat gold figurine, is presently kept at the Gem Room of the Chicago Field Museum of National History, Chicago, USA. This Buddhist image, of the Sailendra Period during the Sri-Vijaya History (900-950 AD), is the FEBRUARY 2014
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e g a t i er
earliest known image of Indian origin, depicting early Hindu-Philippine relations. Through the years, the province has
become a melting pot of peace-loving people, from various regions in the country, all lured into this Land of Golden Opportunities. The predominant inhabitants are Cebuano speaking, with Roman Catholicism as the main religion. Festivals, showcasing the tribal heritage are held every year in every municipality of the province.
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Things
DO!
TO
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.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING (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.
SHOOTING (Patin-ay, Prosperidad). There is an available shooting range located at the PNP Provincial Headquarters, Patin-ay, Prosperidad. Accommodations can be done through the office of the Provincial Directorate, PNP, Agusan del Sur.
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Festival
And
Events
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KAAMULAN
(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’s indigenous culture.
DESIRE:AGUSAN DEL SUR
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’s own products also takes place at the Naliyagan Plaza.
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KAHIMUNAN
(September 23, Salug, Esperanza). This is a yearly convergence of all tribal leaders in Agusan del Sur. The festivals highlight is the performance of authentic tribal rituals by the tribal priests.
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TOP 10 DESTINATION 1.
Agusan M arsh
P
urple Herons, storks and sea eagles… these are only few of the migratory birds from all over southeast Asia is best seen during the months of Nov. to Jan. in Agusan Marsh. The largest Marshland in the Philippines. Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most significant wetlands in the Philippines. It is a protected area covering more thanh 14,000 hectares, in the heart of the Agusan River. During the rainy season extensive flooding is a natural and unique phenomenon, which is vital for the survival of flora and fauna. Interfacing between land and water systems, it is highly productive and biological rich ecosystem.
Where TO
Agusan Marsh was formally included in the Ramsar List Wetlands of International Importance in 1999. The Sanctuary is a home to several globally endangered animals, such as the Golden-crown flying fox (Acerodon Jubatos), Silvery Kingfisher crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus). It is a once in a lifetime experience to observe the thousands of blooming water lilies floating in shallow marsh lakes. Here one can see the ethnic Manobo tribe clustered in floating bamboo houses, enjoying the abundance of fresh water beneath the weight upto 30 kls. The sight has undisturbed exotic flora and fauna like giant water lilies length over a meter high. The endangered “dinata” a soft shelled giant turtle and sailfin lizard are only some of
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1332 species of birds, 112 species of flowering plants and ferns, 2 crocodile species and 65 types of butterflies features that exists in this wildlife sanctuary. San Francisco is the best gateway to Agusan Marsh considering its strategic location for inbound travel from Davao, Butuan and Surigao del Sur. The jump off point of barangay Caimpugan via Gibung River to Agusan Marsh has proven to be safe, comfortable, adventurous and more enjoyable for every tourist. A 30 minute travel will bring you from town proper to the jump off point, barangay Caimpugan and A Two hour travel by boat will bring you to the Agusan Marsh proper. The birds at flight in Agusan Marsh are definitely a view that will take one’s breath away!
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B e g a Wat e r f a l l s
Situated at Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. According to legend, Bega falls is a haven of beautiful women. It has an ambiance of irresistible forest breeze that refreshes tired visitors after an hour’s hike from the access road. Exotic hanging plants can also be seen along the way.
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Los Arcos Hot Spring
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T u g on a n Fa l l s
Popular for physical therapy, it is located in Los Arcos, Prosperidad. Accesible via Awa-Los Arcos Road going to LIanga, Surigao del Sur.
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The name is derived from the word “tugon” meaning “remind”. The falls located in Sna Lorenzo, Prosperidad with a towering trees and rare orchids, tempts the promise of a return
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5. Binaba Falls A 10-minute motorboat ride from the mini-wharf to the Gibong Recreation Center where the crystal clear water displays nature’s naked beauty can be found at Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.
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Mt. M a gdiwata
Nature lovers, adventurers and Mountain enthusiast alike will certainly love Mt. Magdiwata. A lushfull virgin forest, with 14 series of water falls one can enjoy after another, the beautiful and endemic flora & fauna, the natural swimming holes and cold springs and also the biggest Bagrass tree can be found only here. . At almost sunset, Mt. Magdiwata has the semblance of a pregnant woman and during midnight looks like a crocodile eager to catch a prey. Mt. Magdiwata is sacred among the Manobo Tribes due to its legend and belief that the soul of Giant Magdiwata might punish those who cause destruction to its natural resources. The mountain is characterized by prominent ranges and the towering heights of an elevation approximately
592 meters above sea level reflect the pride of the Manobos. Today, this natural tropical rainforest reserve provides a life-sustaining water source for the residents of San Francisco. With the proclamation of the area as a watershed through Presidential Proclamation No. 282, Mt. Magdiwata now preserves its natural aura. The fresh mountain breeze soothes the town and its alluring forests are a sanctuary of the most endangered wildlife like the Philippine deer, monkeys and Philippine tarsiers
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7. Giant To-og Tree To-og, scientifically known as Combretodenton quadrialatum is a tree specie that thrives only in Mindanao. In the early 1970’s, one of its species was identified and proclaimed as the biggest and most majestic tree and it was found in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco. This To-og Tree measures 360 centimeters in diameter, standards 65 meter and estimated to be 300 years old. (DENR - Caraga Region) Today, To-og remains a prominent specie because kaingeros and loggers have difficulty in cutting this tree. In 1940, San Francisco Municipality, still a Vast forest with trees luxuriantly like giants standing majestically. The manobos only occupied small patches of lands scattered in this vast forest lands. In 1942, a super strong typhoon blew down these century trees with a diameter from 3 to 4 meters. Eight moths after a long drought the fallen trees become dry. A forest fire burnt out all the fallen tree to the ground. In 1975, PICOP agroforestry officers like Mr. Froilan Montero,( Asst. agro-forestry), supt. & former vice mayor Teofilo Gelacio Sr. discovered one To-og tree, at alegria, San francisco, Agusan del Sur. They reported it to the forestry department of PICOP and a thorough research was made data gathering and interviews about the To-og tree. An old man named Micomedes Lagulao, alias datu sangka-on was interviewed. He was already ninety yrs. Old in 1975, he died in 1985. He told the group that this was the only To-og tree that survived the strong typhoon in 1942. it is already almost of the same size and height when
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he was still a little boy. This tree was fortunate because it grow at the center of a camote farm and sorounded by tall big trees. However, the sorounding big tree succumbed to the strong typhoon. This Toog tree was spared from the ravage of the forest fire for it grow about 50 to 60 meters of sumugbong river. Due to its size, wood cutter did not care to cut it down with axes alone. Few years after its discovery, a book was published financed by PICOP. ”The tallest To-og tree in the phils”. A concrete marker was constructed and a fence at the base of the said tree.
Puting Buhangin Cave It is located in Poblacion, Prosperidad. It consents of three sections of different characteristic. One of the challenging characters is the unending running stream inside the cave and nature proofs of varied depths. Accesible infront of the Prosperidad Municpal Hall.
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The Datu Anawa Kalipay Cave
This cave is also known as Inepan Cave, came from a manobo term “Inepan” which means subterranean cave where creek submerge inside the cave. Located at Brgy. Lucac,San Francisco. this cave is generally a wet cave. For the Lumads, this is a ritual place of the “Baylan” (priest) and only a “Baylan” can enter this cave. This cave was claimed by Faustino Espana Sr., known as Datu Anawa Kalipay who was married to a Maguinda Clan. Datu Anwa Kalipay died sometime in 1999 at the age of 120 but his remains mysteriously did not decomposed up to the present. His dead body can be found at the top of the hill, at Sitio Durian, Lucac inside a nipa hut, Kilometer away from the cave. Upon request of the
Espana family, the cave was named Datu Anawa Kalipay in honor of Faustino Espana Sr The cave is about 800 meters from the main entrance to the exit however the main chamber of the cave is yet to be explored. It was sealed by water and equipment is needed to pursue its explorations. It has two (2) story chambers full of fresh stalactites and stalagmites of different formations. An elephant like formation, spaceship formation, different kinds of horn etc. An Altar like structure can be found inside the cave.
10. To the Lumads, this is known as Aningaw Cave, from Manobo term “Aningaw” which means echo because when somebody talks, the voice will echo due to the high-rise rocks that surrounds the cave. The external view of this cave is characterized by big and high-rise rocks of gothic design, while the inside is characterized by big chambers reinforced by century old adjoining stalactites and stalagmites.
The City Cave
cave is a solid rock that can be compared to a special panel due to its artistic holes that serves as incubator of baby Bats and imaginative view of the cave. Few meters away from this cave is the giant and mysterious rock, sinking cave (Beto) and numerous unexplored caves. The area of the cave is about 5,000 sqms and generally a dry cave.
This cave is known to be the sacred place for the manobos and can These chambers are so spacious be found at Brgy. Bitan-agan. Durthat can be developed into function ing holy week, the “Lumads” went rooms. One chamber portrayed the to the cave to conduct rituals. They image of Virgin Mary and the other believe that their power (Agimat) will is the chamber of thousands of Bats be renewed by visiting this cave during while the ground is carpeted with thick Lenten season. guano (Bats manure) and a good natural fertilizer. The ceiling of the
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