Noel Niño T.

Olvis SOCSCI031 - H1
BsCpE – 2 Dr. Manolito E. Gemota

THE HISTORY OF SURIGAO

When we talk about Surigao, it is prominently known for its beautiful natural
wonders and rich cultural heritage. Oftentimes, we find that many folks have some
sort of natural affinity for Surigao, especially for its Islands. In which its capital is
Surigao City, it is often called as “City of Island Adventures”. A person may ask,
“but what is Surigao? Where did the word come from? What is its etymology?”.
Like the word Sulo, which means current or Sulog, it also (probably) came from
the Spanish word Surgir, which means swift water or current. Prior to that, in 1738
there were writings by a man known as Fray San Juan Francisco de San Antonio,
from his writings we could deduce that Surigao City was known before as
“Banahao”. Banahao was located at the northern head of Mindanao within there is
a good port for ships called Bilan-bilan, as described by Fray San Juan Franciso.
Surigao City has a total land area of 245.34 km2 (94.73 sq mi), is distinguished by
gently undulating hills that act as a buffer against its eastern and western borders.
The Kabangkaan Ridge, which separates the city from the municipality of San
Francisco (previously Anao-aon), rises to the southwest. The Kinabutan River, also
called the Surigao River, flows through the Surigao Valley and empties into the
Surigao tidal basin, a mangrove swamp that is rapidly diminishing due to
urbanization. It is situated on average 19 meters, or 65.5 feet, above sea level. At a
peak elevation of 465 meters above sea level, the Kabangkaan Ridge is the highest
point on the mainland. At 245 meters above sea level, Mapawa Peak is located
along Tagana-an's boundary. The barangays of Capalayan, Nabago, and
Cabongbongan are situated near the base of the mountains. The focus of this paper
of mine is to unfold and discover the truth and the reality of Surigao. Its people,
festivals, its richness, and abundance in wealth (i.e. golds), and any sorts of human
acrobatics.
I think many of us Filipinos are well-aware, and well-versed with regards to a
priceless collection of pre-Spanish Era gold artifacts from around the Philippines.
With that, any tom, dick, and harry who knows about the Boxer Codex —a 16th
century manuscript — showing elaborately ornamented pre-colonial Filipinos with
gold accessories. (You might get shocked with this information that I am going to
write in detail, as I was flabbergasted when I first read it.) A significant part of the
collection belongs to the “Surigao Treasure” which was accidentally discovered on
April 27, 1981, by a bulldozer named Berto around 10 AM, in Sitio Magroyong,
San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. He was flattening the road for about a week, for an
irrigation project by National Irrigation Administration. He said that the golds were
scattered all over the place, which he got from the mountain in which he got the
“panambak”, refers to soil or gravel used for filling. He got golds the likes of belts,
necklace, bracelet, etc. Berto sued muriatic acid to ensure if it were real golds. Due
to fear that people might jumped him and his family, he went to a church and
spoke with a father, being a churchperson that he was. By the advice of Fr.
Francisco Olvis, they went in Manila, and was aided by the friend of the said
priest. (Initially, I did not intend to include Surigao del Sur, but due to the lack of
information Surigao del Norte have, I am forced to include Surigao del Sur.)
From the image are the set of two waist cord weights. Surigao Treasure, Surigao
del Sur province, ca. 10th–13th century. Gold. Each: H. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm). Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas, G7P-1981-0003. Photography by Wig Tysmans; Image
courtesy of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). From
here, we could deduce that the Surigao was always rich in natural resources before
the advent of the Spaniards.
In 1901, Surigao was once a municipality with a jurisdictional area of 949.90
square kilometers. In the province of Surigao, the Americans set up a civil
administration. The market, plaza, and business center were all located next to each
other along the Old Spanish Road, which served as the only significant
thoroughfare during this time. A new provincial road was built in 1930 in place of
the Old Spanish route, which had been abandoned. The official seat of the
municipal authorities is a Casa Real that was constructed. Here’s an old image of
the Casa de Real:
With its rich historical legacy, the Casa Real del Distrito de Surigao stands as a
testament to the cultural and architectural heritage of Surigao City in the
Philippines. Previously, it was known as the Provincial Building, now, it is
recognized as the Surigao City Hall, as it has undergone transformations over the
years. Now it looks like this:

Do you wish to live peace and serenity? If so, then living in Surigao City would
give you an utmost pleasure. The proof of that is, the Monument of Peace by
Rotary Club:

This marker placed at the rotonda in front of the city hall is a symbol that Surigao
is one of the peaceful cities and one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. If
you are a person who does not wish to live a peaceful life, or a person who does
not find peace special, then I will not be surprised if you do not find this marker
special. But for the peace-loving people just like the Surigaonons, this marker
means so much.

As Roman Catholicism is prominently widespread in the entirety of Surigao, it is

not surprising that we also have a Cathedral named as San Nicolas de Tolentino
Cathedral, in which has its own history. The San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral’s
history began when it was first built in 1760. Unfortunately, it was destroyed and
demolished during World War II, but on June 15, 1988, the Missionaries of the
Sacred Heart rebuilt it. The diocesan clergy are currently in charge of the parish.
The Cathedral is also situated within the grounds of what is now St. Paul
University Surigao, formerly known as San Nicolas College. Founded in 1906, this
university is the oldest in Surigao.
Here’s what the San Nicolas de Tolentino Cathedral looks like in contemporary
time:

On May 28, 1942, during World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army took control
of Surigao. More than two years later, on September 9, 1944, American forces
bombed the Japanese battleships docked at Surigao harbor. American forces waged
a wider campaign against Japanese fortifications in the area, which included this
engagement. Situated within the broader Battle of Leyte Gulf, was the Battle of
Surigao Strait, fought on October 25, 1944. Here’s the Battle of Surigao Strait
Memorial:

During the post-war era economic activities in Surigao started to boom. Mindanao
Mother Lode Mines, Inc. began extracting gold in Mabuhay. The population grew
because of in-migration. In-migration caused a rise in population. Certain of its
barrios were transformed into towns including Malimono, Anao-aon, and Sison
because of this post-war economic expansion. The provincial capitol, the local jail,
and a few school buildings were also built during this time in 1946. The sports
field was created. Surigao was divided into two (2) provinces —Surigao del Norte
and Surigao del Sur pursuant to R.A. 2786 dated June 19, 1960.

The main agricultural products grown in the city include rice, corn, vegetables,
coconut, copra, and bananas. It is a significant supplier of fish and crustaceans,
with buyers in China, Japan, and Hong Kong for its exports. There are plans to
build the first tuna canning factory in the Caraga region.

In the city of Surigao there are also festivals, the likes of Pasayan Festival, Kinilaw
Festival, and Bonok-Bonok Marajao Festival.
Pasayan Festival (September 10–11): This event honors the abundant shrimp, or
"pasayan," in the region. Large numbers of shrimp are produced in a variety of
dishes during the cook-off that is part of the festival1. A shrimp eating
competition, a senior citizen backward marathon, a palm wine (tuba) drinking
competition, and a threading-the-needle contest are among the festival's other
highlights.
The Kinilaw Festival is scheduled for October 2. It features several methods of
making "kinilaw," which is raw fish marinated in vinegar, lemon, or coconut milk
with spices. The South American ceviche and this dish are comparable. Numerous
more maritime goods from the city are also on display at the festival.
September 9: The Bonok-Bonok Marajao Karadjao Festival is a daylong
celebration that includes street dance and other activities. The celebration includes
the Bonok-bonok, an ethnic Mamanwa tribal dance that honors god-worship, tribe
marriages, and thanksgiving following a great harvest. The city's patron saint, St.
Nicholas of Tolentino, is also honored at the event.
Along the northwestern coast of Surigao del Norte situates the Municipality of San
Francisco. It is 12 kilometers from the City of Surigao, a mountainous place in the
eastside of the towering Tendido Mountain. It has a total land area of 5,672
hectares, composed of 11 barangays.
As far as the origin of the town is concerned, there has been many stories about it,
but the most common is about the two lovers, Anao and Aon. Anao was a
handsome, strong hunter who fell in love with Aon, the most beautiful woman and
daughter of a powerful datu, who ruled the town which was formerly a barangay.
Anao and Aon vowed to be true to their love, despite the datu's objection. The datu
wanted to break their love, however, he failed since the lovers were found dead
near the riverbank in cold embrace. Thus, the name Anao-aon in memory of the
two lovers.

When the encomienda system was abolished in the early years of the Spanish rule,
Anao-aon became a pueblo, and Lorenzo Tremedal—a legitimate Surigao
resident—became the Kapitan del Pueblo. The town was nearly destroyed in the
Spanish-American War, and until the early months of 1957, it had been a barrio.
By virtue of Executive Order No. 249 on May 24, 1957, during the administration
of President Carlos P. Garcia, Macario M. Diaz was granted the title of Father of
the Municipality of Anao-aon. This was made possible by the tireless efforts of
Martillano Diaz, the father of former board member Macario M. Diaz. The
municipality was established on August 15, 1957.

Thru House Bill No. 1768, approved May 20, 1971 by the House of the Senate,
Anao-aon was changed into San Francisco in honor of the Patron Saint, Saint Francis
Xavier. From then on, the progressed under the leadership of the following mayors;
1957 – Macario M. Diaz
1958 – Hermigildo Naparota
1963 – Simon Reyna (6 months before 1963 election)
 1963 – Celso Bernal
1967 – Francisco Delani
1971 – Agapito A. Angob
1986 – Col. Tomas G. Japzon (Ret)
1988 – Agapito A. Angob
1992 – Emeliano T. Senaca
1995 – Emeliano T. Senaca
1998 – Nestor A. Olvis
2007 – Simplicia P. Bacol
2016 – Guia Plaza Sabanal
2019 – Val P. Pinat
2022 – Val P. Pinat

San Francisco (i.e. my hometown) is also known for its beautiful natural scenery.
Its 28-kilometer shoreline facing the Surigao Strait is suited for tourism
development. In essence, Surigao is not just a city; it's a living testament to
resilience, cultural vibrancy, and a rich tapestry of history. Whether it's exploring
its historical landmarks, indulging in its festivals, or basking in its natural wonders,
Surigao offers a glimpse into the heart of the Philippines.