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 has 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 as 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 and
businessmen to the area. On August 2, 1950, by virtue of Republic Act 523,
the City Charter of Butuan was approved.

CULTURAL GROUPS

Majority of the inhabitants of the region are of Visayan lineage. The ethnic
groups include the Manobo, the Mamanwa, Banwaon, Kamayo, Higa-onon,
Umayamnon, and Kalagan.

TRADITION

Caraga region is steadily becoming an economic hub in Mindanao, with its

regional center Butuan City leading its fast-paced development in commercial
and communication infrastructures. It is linked by roads to its major trading
partners Cagayan de Oro and Davao. Major sea ports are located in Nasipit,
Agusan del Norte and Lipata, Surigao City. Airports are in Butuan City,
Surigao City, Tandag City and Siargao Islands. It has an increasing number of
telecommunication facilities.

Burial Customs - The dead were either laid on a platform built beside a tree,
or wrapped in a mat and bamboo slats and hung up a tree. After the funeral,
the relatives of the deceased abandon their dwellings and clearing. - A
widowed husband usually lies beside his deceased wife while relatives and
friends sit around them.

Religious practices -The Mamanwa tribe believed in the existence of

Tahawan, the indigenous religion is derived from the word “Tahaw” which
literary means supreme being or god. In fact this Tahawan ritual in which they
would give thanks and make merry. They are still practicing this ceremony
which is an indigenous manner of worship, thanksgiving and cheery making. -
 They are also a firm believer of the folk healing ritual of the tribe’s Baylan or
Tambalon (Shaman).

FESTIVALS Bonok-bonok Festival is the local festival held in the city of

Surigao. This is a ritual dance which originated from the Mamanwas, the early
settlers of Surigao. The rhythm usually starts with a slow beat and gradually
gets faster, causing the dancers to work at pace with the music.

F. Sionil José
Notable works
The "Rosales Saga" Novels (1962–1984)

SHORT STORIES

 The old woman of the. candles.

 Five math poems.
 Soledad.
 The steel brassiere.
 Tether.

REGIONAL LITERATURE

SOLEDAD

by Angela Manalang Gloria

It was a sacrilege, the neighbors cried,

The way she shattered every mullioned pane

To let a firebrand in. They tried in vain

To understand how one so carved from pride

And glassed in dream could have so flung aside

Her graven days, or why she dared profane

The bread and wine of life for some insane

Moment with him. The scandal never died.

But no one guessed that loveliness would claim

Her soul's cathedral burned by his desires

 Or that he left her aureoled in flame…

And seeing nothing but her blackened spires,

The town condemned this girl who loved too well

and found her heaven in the depths of hell.

POEM

 TRAHEDYA NG ISANG BIRHEN

by Genevieve Asenjo

 Praevalet illicita

by Karen Pioquinto

 MORE MATH POEMS

by Eileen Tupaz