The Province of Agusan del Sur

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.