History

            The winds of change that swept the province from the four corners of the world has witnessed the meeting of diverse local and foreign influences which nurtured the emergence of a unique and distinct Surigaonon culture.

            In 1538, the eastern coast of Mindanao which included the present province of Surigao del Norte was visited by the Portuguese explorer Francisco de Castro, who found the place inhabited by the Caraga tribe who were believed to be of Visayan origin.

            The ancient district of Caraga, which was established in 1609, comprised all of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, the Northern part of Davao Oriental and Eastern Misamis Oriental.

            By the end of the Spanish rule in 1898, the two Agusan provinces were organized as a single politico-military comandancia named Butuan, within the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao.  In 1901, this comandancia became a sub-province of Surigao, and in 1907, Agusan became a separate province.

            It was on June 19, 1960, through Republic Act 2766 that Surigao province was divided to form Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte.
 

Location

Surigao del Norte lies on the northeastern tip of Mindanao and faces the world's deepest point, the Philippine Deep.  It is surrounded on the north and east by the  Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, and on the west by the historic Surigao Strait.  Surigao del Norte is one of the four provinces comprising the newly created Caraga Region of Mindanao.

The province has an area of 273,902 hectares 2,739.02 sq. kms. of which is roughly equivalent to 9.67% of the total land area of Northern Mindanao.  It embraces 27 municipalities and a component City - Surigao City  -  the provincial capital.   Surigao City can be reached by a 45-minute ride from Cebu daily.  Commercial flights from Manila also fly to Surigao City regularly.  The Lipata Ferry Terminal serves commuters in the province and other parts of Mindanao who are bound for Luzon through Eastern Visayas.
 

Tourist Attractions

A rich potential in tourism, Surigao del Norte is blessed with a panoramic group of islands surrounded of the country's most beautiful coral reefs and sea walls at the rim of the Asian continental shelf.  The province has a number of promising scenic spots which only  needs investment infusion for its development into world-class tourist  attractions.
 

General Luna Beach    Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. 

A bewitching 27 kilometer stretch of sugar-white beaches,sapphire seas and natural coral barrier that keeps the inlet waters placid.  At high tide, tube-like waves from the Pacific Ocean can be heard and seen.  A perfect destination for surfing during the months of September to January and island-hopping adventure from March to June.

  Siargao Surfing Cup     Every year a regular annual international surfing competition is being held in General Luna Siargao Island participated by surfers from different countries particularly the United States, Australia, Japan and other Asian countries.  Other events such as Mountain Biking Competition, Kite Flying and others are also held in the area.
 
Guyam Island    Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. 

Across the General Luna Beach is an islet with powdery-white sand and a cluster of coconut trees.  It can be reached by pumpboat in less than 10 minutes.  It offers a good view of the incredibly powerful waves of Siargao Island.  A few meters away from the island, one can go surfing and do other water sports activities.
 

Sohuton Cove    Socorro, Bucas Grande Island. 

This enchanting cove is half-submerged in water most of the time and accessible only during low tide.  As such, it can be entered only during low tide passing through a cave entrance. Once inside the cove, visitors can go around paddling in kayaks passing through rocky islets while enjoying the pristine waters and beautiful natural sceneries. It can be reached from Surigao City in an hour ride by boat.

Del Carmen   Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.  The Crocodile Sanctuary of the Philippines.  It is the home of the biggest crocodiles in the country.  These crocodiles can be usually found in Del Carmen's vast and preserved mangrove forest with an area of about 500 hectares.

Daku Island    Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.  A wonderful island adjacent to Guyam Island which only takes about 5 minutes by pumpboat.  It is an ideal location for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.

Mainit Lake    Mainit, Surigao del Norte.  A 17,000 lake found in between Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte. Eels and other fresh water fish species are abundant at all times. During summer, purplish bloom of water hyacinths and wild ducks abode just above the periphery.

Sagisi Island    Barangay San Jose, Surigao City. 

A tropical island paradise of white sand beach, deep blue sea waters and shades from lofty coconut trees. The island's coral reef teeming with lush preserved marine life also provides enthusiasts one of the excellent snorkelling and diving sites ever known in the Philippines.

Siargao Blue Cathedral    General, Surigao del Norte.  This 200 to 300 meters swimming area has the most unspoiled underwater scenery ever seen. Teeming with varied shapes and sizes of marine life, dazzling coral reefs and spectacular walls of crystal waters, the place is just about perfect for diving.

 Little Baguio Ranges and Waterfalls   Little Baguio, Barangay Payapag, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte.  This beautiful scenic attraction is about 280 feet high with winding upward road overlooking the sea. The falls flows down into a small basins before rushing deeper into crevices surrounded by different varieties of ferns and vines. The place has cool climate and is best for mountaineering, camping, swimming and picnics.

Other Tourism Sites and Resorts
 

Major Industries

            A number of thriving resource-based industries operate in various areas in the province.

            The following are some of the major locators:

• Hinatuan Mining Corporation.  Hinatuan Island, Surigao del Norte
• KROMINCO, Inc.  Mt. Redondo, Loreto, Dinagat, Surigao del Norte
• Manila Mining Corporation   Placer, Surigao del Norte
• PHILNICO Processing Corporation   Nonoc Island, Surigao del Norte
• Pacific Cement Company, Inc.  Km. 11, Surigao City
• V. Buenaflor Fish Farm Corporation  Bgy. Rizal, Surigao City
• Surigao Marine Products, Inc.  Panag Bay, Brgy. Nabago, Surigao City
• Taganito Mining Corporation   Taganito, Claver, Surigao del Norte
• Philex Mining Corporation   Tubod, Surigao del Norte

Investment Opportunities

            Considering the resources available, potential investors have a wide range of possible enterprises where they can infuse their capital for viable business ventures. Specialized fiscal and non-fiscal incentives will be granted to investors in various enterprise projects.

            The following are the priority areas for investments:

            Among the specific projects listed are the following:
 
 

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