Agusan del Sur, located in the Caraga region of Mindanao, Philippines, is a province with Prosperidad as its capital. It shares borders with Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental to the northwest, Surigao del Sur to the east, Davao Oriental to the southeast, Davao de Oro to the mid-south, Davao del Norte to the southwest, and Bukidnon to the mid-west. In terms of land area, it ranks as the fourth-largest province in the country.
Being landlocked, Agusan del Sur does not have a coastline. The Agusan River runs through the province, originating from Davao de Oro in the south and flowing towards Agusan del Norte in the north. It traverses the middle of the valley and eventually empties into Butuan Bay. The river is joined by twelve tributaries: Wawa, Gibong, and Simulao Rivers on the eastern side, and Ojot, Pusilao, Kasilayan, Libang, Maasam, Adgawan, Cawayan, Umayam, and Ihaon Rivers on the western side. These tributaries are supplied by various streams and creeks.
Agusan del Sur experiences a tropical climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. The wet season occurs from November to May, while the dry season lasts from June to October. The average temperature ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.
The majority of the population in Agusan del Sur practices Christianity, with a small Muslim minority. The primary languages spoken in the province are Cebuano, Higaonon, Manobo, and Bagobo.
The province’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, forestry, and mining. Key agricultural products include rice, corn, coconuts, and bananas. Timber and bamboo are significant forest resources, while gold, copper, and nickel are the major mineral deposits.
Agusan del Sur is a popular destination for tourists due to its natural attractions, notably the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. The province also boasts several historical and cultural sites like the Golden Tara. This 21-carat gold statue of a Hindu goddess was discovered in Agusan del Sur in 1917.
Agusan del Sur is a province located in the Caraga Region of Mindanao, Philippines. It is named after the Agusan River, the country’s third-longest river, which runs through the province. Here is a brief history of Agusan del Sur:
Pre-colonial Era:
Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, the area that is now Agusan del Sur was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Manobo, Mamanwa, Higaonon, and Banwaon. These indigenous peoples lived in small communities and relied on agriculture, fishing, and hunting for their livelihoods.
Spanish Colonial Period:
The Spanish colonizers arrived in the Philippines in the 16th century, and in the 17th century, they established several missions and settlements in the region. The Agusan Valley, where Agusan del Sur is located, became a part of the province of Caraga, which encompassed a larger area than the present-day province. The Spanish influence in the area was limited, and the indigenous communities maintained their way of life despite the presence of colonial authorities.
American Period and Provincial Establishment:
After the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines came under American control. In 1903, the Philippine Commission divided the province of Caraga into several smaller provinces, including Agusan. Agusan was further divided in 1967, resulting in the creation of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur as separate provinces.
Post-World War II:
During World War II, the province was occupied by Japanese forces, who were eventually driven out by Filipino and American troops. After the war, Agusan del Sur experienced rapid economic growth, primarily due to the expansion of agriculture, particularly in the production of rice, corn, and other crops.
Recent Developments:
In recent years, Agusan del Sur has continued to develop its infrastructure and promote tourism in the region. The province is known for its natural attractions, such as the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a protected area and home to diverse flora and fauna.
Agusan del Sur has also faced challenges related to social issues, such as poverty, land conflicts, and the preservation of indigenous culture. Efforts have been made to address these issues and promote sustainable development in the province.
Today, Agusan del Sur remains an important agricultural province in the Philippines, contributing to the country’s food production. It is also known for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting tourists who are interested in exploring the province’s diverse landscapes and indigenous communities.
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