For the municipality in the province of Davao Oriental, see Caraga, Davao Oriental

Caraga is an administrative region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act No. 7901 on February 25, 1995. The region is composed of five (5) provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur; three (3) cities: Butuan, Surigao and Bislig; seventy (70) municipalities and 1,346 barangays. Butuan City is the regional center. Image File history File links Map of the Philippines showing the location of Caraga region. ... Butuan City is the regional center of the Caraga Region in the Philippines. ... Map of the Philippines showing the regions and provinces (click for larger version). ... Judiciary Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno Court of Appeals · Sandiganbayan Court of Tax Appeals · Ombudsman Elections Commission on Elections 2007 | 2004 | 2001 | 1998 1995 | 1992 | 1986 | All Foreign relations Human rights Other countries Politics Portal      A city (lungsod, sometimes siyudad, in Filipino and Tagalog) is a tier of local... Judiciary Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno Court of Appeals · Sandiganbayan Court of Tax Appeals · Ombudsman Elections Commission on Elections 2007 | 2004 | 2001 | 1998 1995 | 1992 | 1987 | 1986 | All Foreign relations Government Website Human rights Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      A municipality (bayan, sometimes munisipyo, in Tagalog) is a local... A barangay (Tagalog: baranggay , pronounced as ba-rang-gai, gai as in guy), also known by its former name, the barrio, is the smallest local government unit in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward. ... Type Lower house Houses House of Representatives House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Jr. ... Surigaonon is a local Philippine language spoken in the province of Surigao del Norte, and some portion of Agusan del Norte especially those towns near the Mainit Lake. ... Cebuano, also known as Sugboanon, is an Austronesian language spoken in the Philippines by about 20,000,000 people (according to Ethnologue). ... Butuanon is an Austronesian language spoken in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, with some native speakers in Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte. ... Davao Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. ... Caraga is a municipality located in Davao Oriental, Philippines. ... Map of the Philippines showing the regions and their provinces (click for larger version). ... Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. ... is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... Agusan del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Agusan del Sur Region: Caraga (Region XIII) Capital: Prosperidad Founded: June 17, 1967 Population: 2000 census—559,294 (45th largest) Density—62 per km² (7th lowest) Area: 8,966. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Dinagat Island. ... Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... A barangay (Tagalog: baranggay , pronounced as ba-rang-gai, gai as in guy), also known by its former name, the barrio, is the smallest local government unit in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward. ... Butuan City is the regional center of the Caraga Region in the Philippines. ...

History

The history of Caraga can be traced back to the 15th century when explorers discovered the existence of "Kalagans", believed to be of Visayan Origin in one of the three districts in Mindanao. The word Caraga originated from the Visayan word Kalagan: kalag meaning soul or people, and an meaning land. The Kalagans have a long history of being brave and fearless. Thus, the region was called by early chroniclers as the "Land of the Brave and Fierce People".

The "Kalagans", called "Caragans" by the Spaniards, occupied the district composed of the two provinces of Surigao, the northern part of Davao Oriental and eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan Provinces were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided into Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed suit. While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in the 1950s drew business to the area. On August 2, 1950, by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved. is the 214th day of the year (215th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

It is reported that during the early years of the Caraga region, its inhabitants came from mainland Asia, followed by Malayans, Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Americans. Migrants from the Visayan and Luzon provinces later settled in the area. Most of its inhabitants speak Cebuano and reside in the rural areas.

Political divisions

Caraga is subdivided into 5 provinces and Butuan City. Map of the Philippines showing the regions and provinces (click for larger version). ... Butuan City is the regional center of the Caraga Region in the Philippines. ...

Political Map of Caraga.

Province/City		Capital	Population (2000)	Area (km²)	Pop. density (per km²)
	Agusan del Norte	Cabadbaran	285,570	1,773.2	161.0
	Agusan del Sur	Prosperidad	559,294	8,966.0	62.4
	Dinagat Islands	San Jose		802.1
	Surigao del Norte	Surigao City	481,416	1,936.9	175.8
	Surigao del Sur	Tandag	501,808	4,552.2	110.2
	Butuan City	—	267,279	817.3	327.0

Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Map of the Philippines showing the regions and provinces (click for larger version). ... Judiciary Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno Court of Appeals · Sandiganbayan Court of Tax Appeals · Ombudsman Elections Commission on Elections 2007 | 2004 | 2001 | 1998 1995 | 1992 | 1986 | All Foreign relations Human rights Other countries Politics Portal      A city (lungsod, sometimes siyudad, in Filipino and Tagalog) is a tier of local... Year 2000 (MM) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full 2000 Gregorian calendar). ... Square kilometre (U.S. spelling: square kilometer), symbol km², is a decimal multiple of SI unit of surface area square metre, one of the SI derived units. ... Image File history File links Ph_seal_agusan_del_norte. ... Agusan del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Cabadbaran is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines. ... Image File history File links Ph_seal_agusan_del_sur. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Agusan del Sur Region: Caraga (Region XIII) Capital: Prosperidad Founded: June 17, 1967 Population: 2000 census—559,294 (45th largest) Density—62 per km² (7th lowest) Area: 8,966. ... Prosperidad is a 1st class municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Dinagat Island. ... San Jose is a 5th class municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines. ... Image File history File links Ph_seal_surigao_del_norte. ... Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Surigao City is a 2nd class city in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. ... Provincial seal of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. ... Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Tandag is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. ... Image File history File links Ph_seal_agusan_del_norte_butuan. ... Butuan City is the regional center of the Caraga Region in the Philippines. ...

Component cities

• Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
• Tandag City, Surigao del Sur
• Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
• Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur
• Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte

Bislig City is a 4th class city in the province of Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Philippines. ... Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... ≈ Tandag is a 2nd class city in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. ... Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Surigao City is a 2nd class city in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. ... Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Bayugan is one of the newest city and the only city in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Agusan del Sur Region: Caraga (Region XIII) Capital: Prosperidad Founded: June 17, 1967 Population: 2000 census—559,294 (45th largest) Density—62 per km² (7th lowest) Area: 8,966. ... The City of Cabadbaran is a component city in the province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines. ... Agusan del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ...

Location and size

Caraga Region, situated in the northeast section of Mindanao, is located between 8 00’ to 10 30’ N. latitude and 125 15’ to 126 30’ E. longitude. It is bounded on the north by the Bohol Sea; on the south by the provinces of Davao, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental of Region XI; on the west by Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental of Region X; and on the east by the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

The region has a total land area of 18,846.97 km². This represents 6.3% of the country’s total land area and 18.5% of the island of Mindanao. 47.6% of the total land area of the region belongs to the province of Agusan del Sur.

Topography

The region is characterized by mountainous areas, flat and rolling lands. Mountain ranges divide Agusan and Surigao Provinces and sub-ranges separate most of the lowlands along the Pacific Coast. The most productive agricultural area of the region lies along the Agusan River Basin. The famous Agusan Marsh also sits in the middle of Agusan del Sur. Among the lakes in the region, Lake Mainit is the widest. It traverses eight (8) municipalities: Alegria, Tubod, Mainit and Sison in the Province of Surigao del Norte and Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte.

Climate

Caraga Region has Type II kind of climate, with no pronounced wet and dry season. It has been observed that during the months of November to February, occurrence of heavy rains is usually experienced in the region.

Land classification and major land uses

Of the total land area, 71.22% is forestland and 28.78% is alienable and disposable land. Major land uses include forestland comprising 31.36% and 23.98% of agricultural and open spaces.

Gross regional domestic product (GRDP)

The region performed fairly well in terms of regional output contributing 8.01% in 1998, 8.25% in 1999 and 8.29% in 2000 to the Mindanao GRDP. The region contributed 1.44% in 1998, 1.48% in 1999 and 1.50% in 2000, to the Philippine economy. In terms of growth rate, the region accelerated faster and outpaced the other regions in Mindanao from 1998 to 2000, except for the Southern Mindanao Region which posted a 6.06% increase in 1999-2000. Caraga Region recorded a 5.42% increase during the same period.

GRDP in 2000 amounted to P14.336 Billion as against the 1999 performance of P13.599 Billion. The deceleration of the region’s economy from 6.03% in 1999 to 5.42% in 2000 was attributed to the slowdown of the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry (AFF) and Services sectors. The improved performance of the Industry sector, from 5.69% in 1999 to 6.69% in 2000, cushioned the effects of what could have been a slowdown of the region’s economy.

Demography

Population

Based on the final results of the 2000 census, the total population of the region was 2,095,367 which was 7.86% higher than the 1995 population of 1,942,687. The annual population growth rate over the last five years was pegged at a manageable 1.63%, one of the lowest in the country.

Among the four (4) provinces, Agusan del Sur registered the largest population at 559,294, and Surigao del Norte the smallest at 481,416. In terms of growth rate, Surigao del Norte was the fastest growing province with an annual average growth rate of 1.84% over the last five (5) years, while Surigao del Sur was the slowest at 1.35% over the same period.

Butuan and Surigao Cities which were included in the census tabulation have total population of 267,279 and 118,534, respectively. Butuan City registered an annual growth rate of 1.70% in the last five (5) years, while Surigao City posted 2.65%.

Language

Cebuano was spoken by 43.79% of the household population in the region. Other dialects spoken were Surigaonon, spoken by 25.21%; Kamayo, by 7.06% ; Boholanon, by 5.87%; Manobo, by 4.73%; Butuanon, by 31.9%; Hiligayon, by 2.87%; and other dialects by 7.20%.

Religion

The 1995 census revealed that the dominant religion in the region was Roman Catholic, with the population of 1,397,343 or 79% of the total household population in Caraga. Most numerous in this census were the manobos with 294,284 or 43.55% of the total population of cultural communities. Most of them reside in the province of Agusan del Sur. Other cultural communities in the region with significant population were the Kamayo, Higa-onon, Banwaon, Umayamnon, and Mamanwa. Surigaonon is a local Philippine language spoken in the province of Surigao del Norte, and some portion of Agusan del Norte especially in towns near Mainit Lake. It is related to the Butuanon and Tausug languages. Year 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full 1995 Gregorian calendar). ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ...

Cultural Groups

The majority of the inhabitants of the region are of Visayan heritage. The province is also home to several minority groups, totaling 675,722 in 1995, representing 34.7% of the region's population. Most numerous were the Manobos with 294,284 or 43.55% of the total population of ethnic minorities. Other cultural groups in the region with significant population were the Kamayo, Higa-onon, Banwaon, Umayamnon, and Mamanwa. Most members of these cultural groups reside in the province of Agusan del Sur.

It is reported that during the early years of the Caraga region, its inhabitants came from mainland Asia, followed by Malayans, Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Americans. Migrants from the Visayan and Luzon provinces later settled in the area. Most of its inhabitants speak the Cebuano dialect and reside in the rural areas.

Poverty

Poverty incidence in the region decreased by 1.7% from 44.7% in 1997 to 42.9% in 2000. Another positive development is the increase in the regional annual family income based on the 1997 and 2000 Family Income and Expenditure Survey, which increased by 13.65% from PhP 71,7126.00 in 1997 to PhP 81,519.00 in 2000. Regional annual family expenditures also posted a 16.65% increase, from PhP 61,815.00 in 1997 to PhP 72,108.00 in 2000. The average annual savings slipped by 5% from PhP 9,911.00 to PhP 9,411.00. Poverty incidence data for 2003 is not yet available.^[1]

On a national and Mindanao-wide perspective, Caraga Region is one of the most impoverished regions in the country. The region has the fourth highest poverty incidence level of families among all the regions in the country for years 1997 and 2000 while among Mindanao regions, Caraga has the third highest poverty incidence (in terms of incidence of families).^[1]

Regional economy

From 2001-2003, Caraga Region consistently maintained its performance vis-à-vis other regions in Mindanao, Philippines. Caraga posted a 0.9% growth rate compared to the 9.5% growth rate of Region 12 and the 2.6% growth rate of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Caraga’s growth rate in 2001-2002 and the 2002-2003 period was the same (0.9%). This was much less than the growth of the population. This performance was better however than the region’s performance in 2000-2001 period, where the region’s economy declined by 1.4%.

The region’s contribution to Mindanao’s domestic product is 7.58% in 2003. In terms of per capita income, Caraga has the second lowest per capita income among Mindanao regions and nationwide. In 2003, the region accounted for 1.35% of the country’s GNP.

Caraga’s GRDP: 2001-2003

Caraga’s economic performance, in terms of the GVA and the GRDP, was not as robust as expected. Nevertheless, some bright spots in the region’s economic sector emerged from 2001-2003 which the region can capitalize to further increase economic growth and maximize social welfare.

From the 1.4% decrease in the GRDP in 2000-2001, the GRDP bounced back in 2001-2002 by a 0.9% growth. The positive trend was maintained in 2002-2003, with the region’s GRDP growing by 0.9%, the same growth rate from the previous year.

The agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF) sector is Caraga’s banner economic sector, exhibiting an increasing growth trend of 3.8% and 6.8% growth rates in 2001 and 2003 respectively. Despite the decreasing growth trend of the agriculture and fishery subsectors, the sizeable growth rate of the forestry subsector more than compensated for the decrease. The forestry subsector grew by 36.3% in 2003, the highest growth rate for any subsector in the region. It is also important to note that Caraga region has the highest GVA in the forestry subsector among all regions in the Philippines.

The services sector is also one of the bright spots in the region’s economy. After experiencing a decelerated growth rate in 2002 compared to the previous year’s 6.1% growth rate, the sector bounced back in 2003 with a 5.6% growth rate. Moreover, the trade subsector continued to be the dominant subsector posting a 5.6%, 6.6% and 6.3% growth rate in 2001 to 2003 respectively. It is significant to note that all the subsectors posted positive growth rates in 2001 and 2003. The transportation, communication and storage sub-sector posted the highest growth rate of 8.4% among the sub-sectors in the services sector.

The industry sector was the worst performing sector of the regional economy with a continuous decline from 2001-2003. Although the sector’s slide slightly decelerated in 2002 (-6.7% in 2002 from -13.3% decline in 2001), it contracted by -12.1% in 2003. The construction subsector had the largest decline of 16.6%, 11.3% and 33.5% in 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. The mining subsector also posted negative growth rates but the decreasing trend in this subsector decelerated. The manufacturing offset the decrease in the two sub-sectors by growing at 8.9% in 2003, making it the biggest contributor to this sector. It should be noted that even with the negative performance of the mining and quarrying sector, Caraga was the second highest producer of metallic minerals, with metallic mineral productions valued at PhP 1.25 billion in 2001 (Philippine Yearbook, 2003).

Exports and investments

The amount of exports from the region and investments pouring in the region are concrete indicators of a region’s economic dynamism, progress and development. It also serves as an indirect indicator of the business climate in the region and a barometer of investor confidence in the region.

Investments in the region fell by 25.4% from PhP 6.3 billion in 2002 to PhP 4.6 billion in 2003. All provinces in the region posted a negative growth rate in investments, with Agusan del Sur posting the biggest year-on-year decline of 62.6% for the 2002-2003 period. Agusan del Norte’s percentage share on investments increased from 64.8% to 79.5% despite an 8.5% decline. Per DTI Caraga’s advise, the data on investments are partial at best and is not reflective of the whole investment level in the region. DTI Caraga’s data does not include public investment figures.

Exports decreased by 19.08% in the 2000-2001 period and 57.52% in 2001-2002. Agusan Norte, Surigao Norte and Surigao Sur posted negative growth rates in the 2000-2001 period, with Surigao Sur posting the biggest decrease in exports (81.31%). In 2002, Agusan Norte posted an impressive 741.04% increase in exports, a harbinger of increased economic activity in the province. Surigao Norte posted the biggest decrease in exports for 2002 (63.17%).

It is of interest to note that Caraga’s percentage contribution to Mindanao’s exports has been erratic. In 2000, the region contributed 1.87% to Mindanao’s exports; this expanded to 2.68% in 2001 only to decrease to 0.77% in 2002.^[1]

Natural resources

Rich in natural resources, the region has large tracts of land available for development. The region is noted for its wood based economy, its extensive water resources and its rich mineral deposits such as iron, gold, silver, nickel, chromite, manganese and copper. Its leading crops are palay, banana and coconut. It has excellent tourism potentials because of its unspoiled and beautiful beaches, abundant and fresh seafood, ancient and historical landmarks, hot and cold springs, evergreen forests and balmy weather.

Major products

Its long stretch of shoreline promises abundance in production of fisheries and aquatic products. With its large tract of fertile lands, the region has a great capacity in producing varied commercial crops as well as livestock and poultry. Major agricultural products of the region are palay, corn, coconut, gold, banana, rubber, oil palm, calamansi, prawns, milkfish, crabs, seaweeds and mango. Caraga's proximity to Cebu and Manila makes it a favorable shipping point for products to and from these markets. Nasipit Port can serve as a secondary shipping hub to Cagayan de Oro when traffic volume from other points in Mindanao increases. With a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ferry service now in place, Surigao City serves as a vital transportation link for trucks and buses bound for Luzon.

Tourist attractions

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Surfing

Lying at the edge of the Philippine archipelago, Siargao is reputed as the surfing capital of the Philippines, and hosts an annual international surfing event. Its waves combine the best features of top-rated waves of Hawaii's fabled "pipeline" and the top-billed waves of Indonesia. The huge and powerful "pacific rollers" have been ranked among the top five breaks in the world, including the "Cloud Nine" which is considered one of the world's top surfing waves. Other excellent breaks, which offer the adventurous surfer top-class exploratory surfing without crowds, are found in the towns of Cantilan, Tandag and Lanuza. Official language(s) English, Hawaiian Capital Honolulu Largest city Honolulu Area  Ranked 43rd  - Total 10,931 sq mi (29,311 km²)  - Width n/a miles (n/a km)  - Length 1,522 miles (2,450 km)  - % water 41. ... Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Tandag is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. ... Lanuza is a 4th class municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. ...

Island-hopping

Hop from island to island while you discover the picturesque landscapes and feast on the rich marine delights like the fresh blue marlin, crabs, squids, seaweeds, giant clams and lobsters. Once in Caraga, you can take your pick of which to visit. The alluring islets and islands of Guyam, Daku, Naked or Pansukian, La Janosa, Pig-ot, Dinagat, Bucas Grande,Britania and the General island in Cantilan have white-sand beaches and are ringed by teeming coral reefs that are ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Among the region's tropical treat include: a boat ride along the naturally-carved water channels amidst the jade-colored lush of mangrove forest in Barangay Manjagao; a journey to the floating village of Barangay Dayasan, and to Buenavista Cave; and a visit to the tropical island paradise of white sand beach, deep blue crystal water in Sagisi island. The Britania in San Agustin-Surigao del Sur hosts 25 unspoiled islets and islands of sugary-white sand and clusters of limestones hills, much like the fabled hundred islands in pangasinan. After having enough sightseeing, swimming and snorkeling, you can spread your picnic blankets in the sand and eat with gusto amidst the serenade of slashing waves and the whispering winds. But you have to bring your food and drinks since there are no restaurants yet in the islands.

Mountain-biking

Great trails run all around the Cities of Butuan and Surigao, Surigao del sur, Agusan del Norte and Siargao. There are regular cross-country and downhill competitions done in these areas which are participated by local and international bikers. Caraga has an active and hospitable biking scene. Butuan or Surigao-based bikers regularly tour the rugged terrain of the region and are eager to show their routes to new comers. ΣΧΕ fraternity and sorority is a part of this.

Trekking

Mt. Mas-ai and Mt. Hilong-Hilong are the best sites for trekking or mountain climbing. The views from the mountains are superb, taking in the full scope of the vast lower Agusan Valley. Close to Mt. Mas-ai lies the picturesque Lake Mainit, which is considered the fourth-largest lake in the country, with a total land area of 147 km². Through the years, the lake has been a known lair for pidjanga, tilapia, kasili, banak, haw-an, gingaw, saguyon and igi. Migratory birds, pagosi and tabokali flowers are its intermittent added attractions. From the coastal areas of Lake Mainit to the hills of Jabonga, Tubay, and Santiago, hikers are offered the opportunity to explore the quiet and interesting life of these places. There are a few established treks in the region, but everywhere else you will be hiking in areas virtually untouched by tourism.

Surigao first became famous for its surf, so kayakers who like big waves enjoy it very much. There are also mangrove swamps in the island where you can paddle both in the main channel and through narrow passages in the mangroves while seeing some wildlife and enjoying the serenity of the place. The first is just behind the Pansukian Tropical Resort while the other one is in del Carmen, where the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the Philippines is located. The "must see" place in Caraga where you can paddle around spectacular limestone formations to a point where you can enter a narrow channel which soon becomes a cave is in Sohoton Cave and Lagoon in Bucas Grande Island, which is more than an hour boat ride from Siargao. Since the sport is new here, only Pansukian Tropical Resort offers kayak tours in several locations around Siargao. Aside from sea kayaking, Masao & Agusan Rivers, Lake Mainit and the Agusan Marshland have tremendous potential for paddling using wooden canoes.

Scuba diving

Scuba diving is a new sport in the region, so there are no dive resorts available in the area but the Butuan Divers Club offers dive safari at Bito Wall in Bolobolo-Jabonga, Lipatan Shoal in Karihatag-Malimono, Punta Diwata Reefs and Balete Wall in Vinapor-Carmen, and artificial reefs in Calibunan-Cabadbaran. For adventurous divers, the coasts of Surigao offer interesting dive site while the islands of Sagisi and Corregidor are excellent for snorkelling activities.

Caving

The limestone karst bedrock of some areas in Surigao and Agusan provinces (particularly in the towns of San Agustin, Tagbina, Lianga, Rosario, and Bislig) features dozens of caves, but none of these are regular destinations for recreational cavers. Located within the towns of Tagbina and Bislig, Banbow and Tatol caves (which are ranked the 6th and 9th longest caves in the Philippines) have recently been declared by the Japanese cave explorers as the third longest cave in the country. Further expeditions are expected as more cave systems are discovered. Some of the most frequently visited and accessible caves in the region are Buenavista and Silop Caves in Surigao City and Libas Cave in Jabonga-Agusan del Norte. These caves have impressive limestone formations and naturally carved stalagmites, stalactites and columns.

Bird-watching

Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur is the biggest marsh in the country and is host to diversified species of birds.

Events and festivals

The events and festivals offer an experience in color and character, giving a good view of the rich culture that makes up Caraga's heritage. Whatever time of the year, there will always be an event or festival to experience and enjoy, like Kahimunan, Balangay, Kaliguan, Lisagan and Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Karadjao festivals. Surfers from around the world converge in Siargao to pit their skills against each other during the annual international surfing competition.

Facilities

The entire region is connected by roads from and to the major commercial, trading and processing centers of Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Butuan City is being developed as the regional center with modern facilities. There are secondary seaports and airports in the region. It has an increasing number of telecommunication facilities and the presence of LIPATA ferry services.

Social development

Education and skills development

The region's literacy rate of 93% in 1990 was marginally higher than the National Average of 92.57%. Supporting the education of the region in 1997 were the 1,478 public and 49 private elementary schools, 110 public and 71 private secondary schools, 26 secondary school annexes, and 7 vocational schools.

The region has a total of 49 higher education institutions comprising 45 private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and 4 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). Among the Higher Education Institutions, San Nicolas College (now St. Paul University-Surigao) is identified as the center for development in teacher education and the regional center for gender and development, it being the seat of CARAGA Women's resources center. While one of the SUCs, the Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology (NORMISIST), is the seat of the CARAGA center for environmental studies and management (CCESM), acts as the focal point of capability building and coordination for environmental efforts in the region.

The oldest school in Caraga, the Urios College, was founded by Caraga's most loved Spanish missionary, Fr. Saturnino Urios S.J. in 1901. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized Urios College as one of the best schools in the region producing topnotchers in national board examinations in Nursing, Engineering and Accountancy. Its performance in the Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) and the Philippine Bar (BAR) is also relatively high. On July 12, 2006, Urios College formally announced its elevation into a University and is now renamed Fr. Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), the first home-grown university in Caraga.

For the school year 1996–1997, the participation rate for public elementary schools was 93.65%. Public secondary schools registered a lower rate, 56%. The teacher-to-pupil ratios for both levels were within the standard of one (1) teacher per forty (40) pupils. Cohort survival rates were considered low for both the elementary and secondary levels at 66.23% and 68.93%, respectively. For the school year 1996–97, dropout rate at the secondary level was high, especially in Butun City (9.5%) and Surigao Del Sur (7.8%). This can be one of the causes why the majority of the population finished only up to the elementary school level.

Health and nutrition

All the vital health indicators from 1992–1997 showed a decreasing trend except for maternal mortality rate. The crude birth rate decreased from the 1992-1996 five-year average of 21.02 to 18.71 in 1997. The crude death rate also decreased from 3.60 in the 1992–1996 average to 3.0 in 1997. The infant mortality rate increased from an average of 1.33 in 1992–1996 to 1.56 in 1997.

All of the leading causes of morbidity from 1992–1997 were communicable diseases, and showed a reduction in rates for every 1,000,000 population, except for pneumonia (836.30 to 1,200.23), diarrhea (1,059.40 to 1,133.11), influenza (655.36 to 926.74), and malaria (216.80 to 366.5). With regards to the leading causes of mortality, lifestyle-related diseases like cardiovascular diseases and cancer top the list, replacing the communicable diseases.

The region is faced with problems of endemic diseases like schistosomiasis and malaria. Although there was a slight reduction in its prevalence for the past three years, still Caraga ranked as number two in schistosomiasis cases and number six in malaria cases nationwide. Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is a disease affecting many people in developing countries. ... Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. ...

Malnutrition rates were posted at 49.25%, of which 34.05% were classified as mildly underweight, 11.66% as moderately underweight, 1.43% as severely underweight and 3.60% as overweight.

Life expectancy for the region, based on the 1995 census, was 65.73 years old for males and 70.98 years old for females.

As of 1997, there were 62 hospitals in the region, of which 35 were government and 27 were private. Out of the 27 private hospitals, 20 were primary, 4 secondary and 3 tertiary. Out of the 35 government hospitals, 18 were primary, 14 were secondary and 3 were tertiary. There were 73 main health centers, 489 barangay health stations manned by 76 doctors, 147 nurses, 35 medical technologists, 45 dental aides, 52 dentists, 608 midwives and 137 sanitary inspectors. All of these were devolved to the local government units in accordance with the 1991 local Government code.

Social welfare services

In 1996, Caraga had 1,619 welfare facilities of which 1,238 were Day care Centers;8 were Senior Citizens' Center; 3 were Productivity Skills capability Building for Disadvantaged Women (PSCBDW); and with 1 each were the child Learning and Resource Center, Women Center, Home for the Girls, Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, Lingap Center, Balay Silongan, Foster Home for Exploited Children And Women, and Halfway Home for Improved Mental Patients.

On the community-based services, only the PSCBDW is being managed by DSWD while the rest are managed by the LGU's.

Housing

The region had unique housing profile in 1990. While other areas complained of housing shortage, a significant number of houses, particularly in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte were vacant. However, available statistics do not give the magnitude of substandard of units to be replaced and current housing backlog. Currently, the cities of Butuan and Surigao and other municipalities are not spared from housing problems, i.e. squatters bought by urbanization.

Infrastructure-utilities development

Roads and bridges

The region is connected to the major centers of its neighboring regions by the Maharlika Highways that runs from Davao City to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro and Surigao Cities. The provinces are interlinked with concrete roads, except for Surigao del Sur. Total road length of the region runs to 7,515.596 km. Road density was at 0.3988 as of 1995. There were 1,325.558 km classified as national roads in the region and 1,289.774 km of city and proivincial roads. The total municipal road length for the region was 696.46 km.

The region had bridges with the combined length of 23,775.49 meters linear. Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur had the longest bridge length 9,288.520 m linear and 7,853,4 m linear, respectively.

Ports and airports

As the overland gateway to Visayas and Luzon, the region is accessible by sea through the baseport of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte, Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao city and other terminal ports of Surigao Cit, Tandag, and Bislig. Fast craft ferry services also ply Surigao-Cebu everyday. Private ports can also be found in the different municipalities of the region, however, only three of these 42 ports are operational. For other uses, see Cebu (disambiguation). ...

The region is also seviced by commercial flights to and from Manila and Cebu through the airports of Butuan, Surigao, and Tandag. The Bislig airport used to serviced commercial flights before its operation were suspended. There are six other private owned airports in the region. The ports and airports are supported by the road natworks that connect the provinces within and outside the region. Butuan City is a 1st class city in the province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines. ... Surigao is the name of two provinces in the Philippines: Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur It can also refer to: Surigao City - the capital of Surigao del Norte This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Tandag is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. ... Bislig City, the Orient City of the South-east, is the only city in the province of Surigao del Sur in the Philippines. ...

Telecommunication facilities

All provincial centers have access to domestic and international telephone facilities, both landlines and cellular phones. Three (3) telephone companies serve the region, namely BAYANTEL, CRUZTELCO, TETCO and PHILCOM. The three cellular phone companies in the Philippines (Globe, Smart and Sun) have facilities in the region. There are four Internet Service Providers (ISP) serving Butuan City and two in Surigao City.

References

External links

• http://www.ButuanDirectory.com Butuan Business Directory
• More historical info about the Caraga Region at the Agusan–Surigao Historical Archive
• Detailed Map of the Caraga Region with transportation corridors (from the Agusan–Surigao Historical Archive)
• Business opportunities in Caraga region

v • d • e Philippines
Capital	Manila • National Capital Region
Provinces	Abra • Agusan del Norte • Agusan del Sur • Aklan • Albay • Antique • Apayao • Aurora • Basilan • Bataan • Batanes • Batangas • Benguet • Biliran • Bohol • Bukidnon • Bulacan • Cagayan • Camarines Norte • Camarines Sur • Camiguin • Capiz • Catanduanes • Cavite • Cebu • Compostela Valley • Cotabato • Davao del Norte • Davao del Sur • Davao Oriental • Dinagat Islands • Eastern Samar • Guimaras • Ifugao • Ilocos Norte • Ilocos Sur • Iloilo • Isabela • Kalinga • La Union • Laguna • Lanao del Norte • Lanao del Sur • Leyte • Maguindanao • Marinduque • Masbate • Misamis Occidental • Misamis Oriental • Mountain Province • Negros Occidental • Negros Oriental • Northern Samar • Nueva Ecija • Nueva Vizcaya • Occidental Mindoro • Oriental Mindoro • Palawan • Pampanga • Pangasinan • Quezon • Quirino • Rizal • Romblon • Samar • Sarangani • Shariff Kabunsuan • Siquijor • Sorsogon • South Cotabato • Southern Leyte • Sultan Kudarat • Sulu • Surigao del Norte • Surigao del Sur • Tarlac • Tawi-Tawi • Zambales • Zamboanga del Norte • Zamboanga del Sur • Zamboanga Sibugay
Other subdivisions	Island groups • Regions • Cities • Municipalities • Barangays • Legislative districts
Territorial disputes	Sabah • Scarborough Shoal • Spratly Islands

Coordinates: 7°21′N, 126°26′E Map of the Philippines showing the regions and their provinces (click for larger version). ... Map of the Philippines showing the island groups of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. ... Region 1 of the Philippines is located in the northwestern part of Luzon. ... Cagayan Valley (Lambak ng Cagayan in Filipino) is a region of the Philippines, also designated as Region II or Region 02. ... Central Luzon region contains the largest plain of the Philippines, and produces most of the countrys rice supply. ... CALABARZON is one of the regions of the Philippines. ... MIMAROPA, also known as Region IV-B, is a region of the Philippines located in Luzon. ... Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 16 regions of the Philippines occupying the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon island and some other islands. ... The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of the Philippines consists of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Apayao. ... Metropolitan Manila (Filipino: Kalakhang Maynila) or the National Capital Region (NCR) (Filipino: Pambansang Punong Rehiyon) is the greater metropolitan area of the city of Manila, the national capital and largest city in the Philippines. ... Map of the Philippines showing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Visayas is one of the three island groupings in the Philippines along with Luzon and Mindanao. ... Western Visayas, one of the regions of the Philippines, is designated as Region VI. It consists of seven provinces, namely, Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Palawan and 17 cities making it the region with the most number of cities. ... Central Visayas, one of the regions of the Philippines, is designated as Region VII. It is part of the Visayas. ... Eastern Visayas Eastern Visayas, one of the regions of the Philippines, is designated as Region VIII. It consists of six provinces, namely, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar (Western Samar) and Southern Leyte. ... Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. ... It has been suggested that Zamboanga be merged into this article or section. ... Designated as Region X of the Philippines, Northern Mindanao (Hilagang Mindanao) is composed of five provinces and eight cities, namely: Misamis Oriental (Gingoog City and Cagayan de Oro City), Misamis Occidental (Oroquieta City, Tangub City and Ozamis City), Camiguin, Lanao del Norte (Iligan City), and Bukidnon (Malaybalay City and Valencia... Davao Region, designated as Region XI, is one of the regions of the Philippines, located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao. ... SoCCSKSarGen is a region of the Philippines, located in central Mindanao, and is officially designated as Region XII. The name is an acronym that stands for the regions four provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. ... The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM; Rehiyong Awtonomo ng Muslim Mindanao) of the Philippines is composed of five provinces and one city namely: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the Marawi City. ... This is a list of current and former national capital cities in the Philippines, which includes during the time of the Spanish colonization, the First Philippine Republic, the Commonwealth of the Philippines, the Second Republic of the Philippines (Japanese-Sponsored Republic), the Third Republic of the Philippines, the Fourth Republic... Nickname: Motto: Linisin Ikarangal Maynila Map of Metro Manila showing the location of Manila Coordinates: 14°35 N 121° E Country Region Districts 1st to 6th districts of Manila Barangays 897 Incorporated (city) June 10, 1574 Government  - Mayor Alfredo Lim (2007-2010; GO)  - Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (AM/PDP-Laban... Metropolitan Manila (Filipino: Kalakhang Maynila) or the National Capital Region (NCR) (Filipino: Pambansang Punong Rehiyon) is the greater metropolitan area of the city of Manila, the national capital and largest city in the Philippines. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_Philippines. ... Map of the Philippines showing the regions and provinces (click for larger version). ... Abra is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. ... Agusan del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Agusan del Sur Region: Caraga (Region XIII) Capital: Prosperidad Founded: June 17, 1967 Population: 2000 census—559,294 (45th largest) Density—62 per km² (7th lowest) Area: 8,966. ... Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas. ... Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. ... Antique P is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Apayao Region: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Capital: Kabugao Founded: February 14, 1995 Population: 2000 census—97,129 (4th smallest) Density—25 per km² (lowest) Area: 3,927. ... Aurora is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. ... Basilan is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Bataan Region: Central Luzon (Region III) Capital: Balanga City Founded: —1754 Population: 2000 census—557,659 (46th largest) Density—406 per km² (12th highest) Area: 1,373. ... The Province of Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province of the Philippine Republic, both in terms of population and land area. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Benguet Region: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Capital: La Trinidad, Benguet Founded: — Population: 2000 census—330,129 (43rd largest) Density—219 per km² (36th highest) Area: 2,599. ... Biliran is one of the smallest provinces in the Philippines and it is located in the Eastern Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Bohol Region: Central Visayas (Region VII) Capital: Tagbilaran City Founded: March 25, 1565 Population: 2000 census—1,137,268 (18th largest) Density—276 per km² (25th highest) Area: 4,117. ... Bukidnon is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Bulacan Region: Central Luzon (Region III) Capital: Malolos City Founded: 1572 Population: 2000 census—2,234,088 (4th largest) Density—851 per km² (5th highest) Area: 2,625. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Cagayan Region: Cagayan Valley (Region II) Capital: Tuguegarao City Founded: 1581 Population: 2000 census—993,580 (25th largest) Density—110 per km² (16th lowest) Area: 9,002 km² (3rd largest) Divisions: Highly urbanized cities—0 Component cities—1 Municipalities—28 Barangays—820 Congressional districts... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Camarines Norte Region: Bicol Region (Region V) Capital: Daet Founded: — Population: 2000 census—458,840 (25th smallest) Density—217 per km² (37th highest) Area: 2,112. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Camarines Sur Region: Bicol Region (Region V) Capital: Pili Founded: — Population: 2000 census—1,551,549 (15th largest) Density—295 per km² (22nd highest) Area: 5,266. ... Camiguin is a small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao. ... Capiz is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. ... Catanduanes is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Cavite Region: CALABARZON (Region IV-A) Capital: Trece Martires City Founded: March 10, 1917 Population: 2000 census—2,163,161 (5th largest) Density—1,590 per km² (Highest) Area: 1,297. ... For other uses, see Cebu (disambiguation). ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Compostela Valley Region: Davao Region (Region XI) Capital: Nabunturan Founded: January 31, 1998 Population: 2000 census—580,244 (44th largest) Density—124 per km² (19th lowest) Area: 4,667. ... Cotabato, formerly North Cotabato, is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. ... Davao, formerly Davao del Norte, is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. ... Davao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. ... Davao Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Dinagat Island. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Eastern Samar Region: Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) Capital: Borongan Founded: June 19, 1965 Population: 2000 census—375,822 (20th smallest) Density—87 per km² (13th lowest) Area: 4,339. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Guimaras Region: Western Visayas (Region VI) Capital: Jordan Founded: May 22, 1992 Population: 2000 census—141,450 (7th smallest) Density—234 per km² (33rd highest) Area: 604. ... Ifugao is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Ilocos Norte Region: Ilocos Region (Region I) Capital: Laoag City Founded: — Population: 2000 census—514,241 (48th largest) Density—151 per km² (27th lowest) Area: 3,399. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Ilocos Sur Region: Ilocos Region (Region I) Capital: Vigan City Founded: 1572 Population: 2000 census—594,206 (41st largest) Density—230 per km² (34th highest) Area: 2,579. ... Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Isabela Region: Cagayan Valley (Region II) Capital: Ilagan Founded: May 01, 1856 Population: 2000 census—1,287,575 (17th largest) Density—121 per km² (18th lowest) Area: 10,664. ... Kalinga is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. ... La Union is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. ... Laguna is a province of the Philippines found in the CALABARZON region in Luzon. ... Lanao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. ... Lanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Leyte Region: Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) Capital: Tacloban City Founded: 1543 and March 10, 1917 Population: 2000 census—1,592,336 (14th largest) Density—279 per km² (24th highest) Area: 5,712. ... Maguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ... Marinduque is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. ... Masbate is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region. ... Misamis Occidental is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. ... Misamis Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. ... Mountain Province is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. ... Negros Occidental is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Negros Oriental Region: Central Visayas (Region VII) Capital: Dumaguete City Founded: March 10, 1917 Population: 2000 census—1,126,061 (20th largest) Density—208 per km² (41st highest) Area: 5,402. ... Northern Samar is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. ... Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region. ... Nueva Vizcaya is a province of the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Occidental Mindoro Region: MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) Capital: Mamburao Founded: — Population: 2000 census—380,250 (21st smallest) Density—65 per km² (9th lowest) Area: 5,879. ... Oriental Mindoro (Filipino: Silangang Mindoro) is a province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. ... Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the Mimaropa region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Pampanga Region: Central Luzon (Region III) Capital: City of San Fernando Founded: December 11, 1571 Population: 2000 census—1,882,730 (10th largest) Density—863 per km² (4th highest) Area: 2,180. ... Pangasinan, officially Province of Pangasinan (Pangasinan: Luyag na Pangasinan), is one of the provinces of the Republic of the Philippines. ... Quezon is a province of the Philippines located in the CALABARZON region in Luzon. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Quirino Region: Cagayan Valley (Region II) Capital: Cabarroguis, Quirino Founded: June 18, 1966 Population: 2000 census—148,575 (8th smallest) Density—49 per km² (2nd lowest) Area: 3,057. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Rizal Region: CALABARZON (Region IV-A) Capital: Antipolo City† Founded: June 11, 1901 Population: 2000 census—1,707,218 (11th largest) Density—1,304 per km² (2nd highest) Area: 1,308. ... Romblon is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. ... Samar, formerly Western Samar, is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Sarangani Region: SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) Capital: Alabel Founded: March 10, 1917 Population: 2000 census—410,622 (58th largest) Density—138 per km² (23rd lowest) Area: 2,980. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Shariff Kabunsuan Region: Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Capital: Kabuntalan Founded: Population: 2000 census— () Density— per km² () Area: km² () Divisions: Highly urbanized cities—0 Component cities—0 Municipalities—10 Barangays— Congressional districts— Languages: Maguindanaoan Governor: (2004-2007) Shariff Kabunsuan is the newest province... Siquijor is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Sorsogon Region: Bicol Region (Region V) Capital: Sorsogon City Founded: — Population: 2000 census—650,535 (37th largest) Density—304 per km² (19th highest) Area: 2,141. ... South Cotabato is a province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. ... Southern Leyte is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Sultan Kudarat Region: SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) Capital: Isulan Founded: Population: 2000 census—586,505 (42nd largest) Density—124 per km² (21st highest) Area: 4,714. ... Sulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ... Surigao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Tarlac Region: Central Luzon (Region III) Capital: Tarlac City Founded: 1872 Population: 2000 census—1,068,783 (23rd largest) Density—350 per km² (14th highest) Area: 3,053. ... Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Zambales Region: Central Luzon (Region III) Capital: Iba Founded: 1578 Population: 2000 census—627,802 (39th largest) Density—169 per km² (49th highest) Area: 3,714. ... REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Zamboanga del Norte Region: Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) Capital: Dipolog City Founded: June 23, 1635 and June 6, 1952 Population: 2000 census—823,130 (27th largest) Density—124 per km² (27th highest) Area: 6,618. ... Zamboanga del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. ... Zamboanga del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. ... The Philippines is divided into: Regions of the Philippines Provinces of the Philippines Municipalities of the Philippines and Cities of the Philippines Barangays Each division at each level is a local government unit (LGU). ... The Philippines is divided into three island groups. ... Map of the Philippines showing the regions and their provinces (click for larger version). ... Judiciary Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno Court of Appeals · Sandiganbayan Court of Tax Appeals · Ombudsman Elections Commission on Elections 2007 | 2004 | 2001 | 1998 1995 | 1992 | 1986 | All Foreign relations Human rights Other countries Politics Portal      A city (lungsod, sometimes siyudad, in Filipino and Tagalog) is a tier of local... Judiciary Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno Court of Appeals · Sandiganbayan Court of Tax Appeals · Ombudsman Elections Commission on Elections 2007 | 2004 | 2001 | 1998 1995 | 1992 | 1987 | 1986 | All Foreign relations Government Website Human rights Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      A municipality (bayan, sometimes munisipyo, in Tagalog) is a local... A barangay (Tagalog: baranggay , pronounced as ba-rang-gai, gai as in guy), also known by its former name, the barrio, is the smallest local government unit in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward. ... The Legislative districts of the Philippines are the representations of the Philippines provinces and cities in the Philippine Congress. ... A territorial dispute is a disagreement over the possession/control of land between two or more states, or over the possession/control of land by one state after it has conquered it from a former state no longer currently recognized by the occupying power. ... For other uses, see Sabah (disambiguation). ... The Scarborough Shoal, more correctly described as a group of islands, atolls, and reefs then a shoal, is located in the Luzon Sea (South China Sea). ... Map of Earth showing lines of latitude (horizontally) and longitude (vertically), Eckert VI projection; large version (pdf, 1. ...