CARAGA
REGION XIII · PHILIPPINES
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Surigao del Norte

Siargao Island

The Surfing Capital of the Philippines

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Surigao del Sur

Enchanted River

Hinatuan's Mystical Deep-Blue River

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Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls

The Niagara Falls of the Philippines

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Agusan del Sur

Agusan Marsh

A Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

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Dinagat Islands

Sohoton Cove

Bioluminescent Waters & Cathedral Rock Formations

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Surigao del Sur

Britania Islands

24 Pristine Islets of Emerald Waters

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XIII
Caraga Region
Land of Promise · Philippines
5
Provinces
2
HUC Cities
2.8M+
Population
21K+
km² Area
320 AD
Est. History
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Caraga Region
1995Established
Quick Province Access
Agusan Norte Agusan Sur Surigao Norte Surigao Sur Dinagat Islands
About the Region

The Heart of Northeastern Mindanao

Caraga (Region XIII) occupies the northeastern portion of Mindanao — bounded by the Bohol Sea to the north, the Philippine Sea to the east, Davao Region to the south, and Northern Mindanao to the west. Established on February 23, 1995 via Republic Act 7901, Caraga covers 21,515 km² across five provinces, two highly urbanized cities, and three component cities.

The region is defined by extraordinary natural wealth: vast tropical forests, the Agusan River basin, rich coastal ecosystems, and significant mineral deposits including nickel, gold, and coal. Butuan City holds a special place in Philippine pre-colonial history as the site of the Balanghai boat discoveries — evidence of a sophisticated seafaring civilisation dating back to at least 320 AD.

Caraga is home to indigenous peoples — the Manobo, Mamanwa, Higaonon, Banwaon, and Surigaonon — whose traditions, languages, and deep ecological knowledge continue to shape the region's identity.

Regional Center
Butuan City
Total Area
21,515.23 km²
Population
~2.8 Million
Established
February 23, 1995
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Our Story

History of Caraga

From ancient seafarers to a thriving modern region — trace the remarkable journey of Caraga across 1,700 years of history.

~320 AD
Ancient History

The Balanghai Era

Ancient plank boats called Balanghai carried Austronesian settlers along the coasts of what is now Butuan. Unearthed in the 1970s in Libertad, Butuan City, these are among the oldest watercraft found in Southeast Asia.

~900–1000 AD
Pre-Colonial

The Gold Trade Period

Butuan emerged as a major gold-trading hub in Southeast Asia. Over 1,500 gold artefacts — golden masks, kinnari figurines, and jewellery of finest craftsmanship — reflect wide-ranging maritime trade networks.

1001 AD
Pre-Colonial

Rajah Kiling's Mission to China

Rajah Kiling sent an official envoy to Emperor Zhenzong of China's Song Dynasty — the earliest recorded diplomatic contact between a Philippine polity and China.

March 17, 1521
Spanish Contact

Magellan's First Philippine Landing

Ferdinand Magellan's fleet made its first recorded Philippine landfall at Homonhon Island, off the coast of what is now Surigao del Norte.

1563
Spanish Colonial

Spanish Colonisation Begins in Caraga

Spanish forces extended colonial reach into the Caraga coast. Augustinian missionaries established footholds, founding mission towns along the Agusan River valley and Surigao coastlines.

Early 1900s
American Period

American Period & Modernisation

Under American administration, public schools, roads, telegraph lines, and health infrastructure expanded rapidly. The Agusan River valley opened for large-scale agriculture.

1970s
Modern Era

The Balanghai Boats Unearthed

In 1976, workers in Libertad, Butuan City, uncovered the first Balanghai boat. Carbon dating placed the oldest at approximately 320 AD — rewriting Philippine history.

February 23, 1995
Birth of Region XIII

Republic Act 7901 — Caraga Becomes Region XIII

Republic Act 7901, signed by President Fidel Ramos, formally established Caraga as a separate administrative region with Butuan City as the regional centre.

2006
Province Created

Dinagat Islands — Caraga's 5th Province

Republic Act 9355 created the Province of Dinagat Islands, separating it from Surigao del Norte. Known for rock formations, bioluminescent coves, and significant nickel mineral deposits.

2015–Present
Global Recognition

Caraga Goes Global

Siargao was named "Best Island in Asia" by Condé Nast Traveler in 2019 and "Best Island in the World" in 2021. Caraga balances sustainable development and tourism.

Administrative Divisions

Provinces of Caraga

Each province in Region XIII carries its own distinct character, culture, and natural wonders. Click any card to explore.

Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Norte
Agusan

Agusan del Norte

The political and cultural hub of Caraga. Home to Butuan City — site of the ancient Balanghai boats, National Museum, and the Kahimunan Festival.

Balanghai Museum Butuan City Masao Beach
Capital: Cabadbaran City
Founded: 1914
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Agusan del Sur
Agusan del Sur
Agusan

Agusan del Sur

The largest province in Caraga and all of Mindanao. Home to the vast Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary — a Ramsar wetland with floating Manobo communities.

Agusan Marsh Freshwater Croc Mainit Lake
Capital: Prosperidad
Area: 10,314 km²
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Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Norte
Surigao

Surigao del Norte

A surfer's paradise anchored by world-famous Siargao Island. Home to Cloud 9, Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, and Homonhon — where Magellan first touched Philippine soil.

Cloud 9 Sugba Lagoon Magpupungko
Capital: Surigao City
Known for: Siargao
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Surigao del Sur
Surigao del Sur
Surigao

Surigao del Sur

Home to the mystical Enchanted River, thundering Tinuy-an Falls, and the 24-island Britania archipelago — making this province one of Caraga's most breathtaking destinations.

Enchanted River Tinuy-an Falls Britania Islands
Capital: Tandag City
Area: 5,256 km²
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Dinagat Islands
Dinagat Islands
Island Province

Dinagat Islands

Caraga's newest and smallest province — a stunning archipelago with Sohoton Cove's cathedral formations, bioluminescent plankton at night, and dramatic volcanic rock islands.

Sohoton Cove Bioluminescence Rock Arches
Capital: San Jose
Province since: 2006
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Destinations

Top Tourist Spots

From surfing paradises to mystical rivers — Caraga's natural wonders await your discovery.

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Culture & Festivals

Major Events & Celebrations

Caraga's vibrant festivals celebrate its indigenous roots, maritime heritage, and rich cultural tapestry.

August

Balanghai Festival

Butuan City's grandest celebration — street dancing, a fluvial parade on the Agusan River, and cultural showcases honouring the city's ancient Balanghai seafaring heritage.

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
September

Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Kataw

Surigao City's beloved festival — a spectacular fluvial procession, street dancing, and cultural performances paying tribute to the sea and the city's maritime identity.

Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
October

Kahimunan Festival

A deeply religious fiesta in Butuan honouring the Virgen de los Remedios — colourful processions, traditional Butuanon dances, and a week-long celebration of faith.

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte
September

Cloud 9 Surfing Cup

One of Asia's most prestigious surfing events at the legendary Cloud 9 break in Siargao Island. International competitors ride the powerful, barrelling waves.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
June

Panaghiusa sa Kinaiyahan

An environmental festival celebrating Caraga's natural heritage — mass tree planting, river clean-ups, eco-tours into the Agusan Marsh, and indigenous culture showcases.

Agusan del Sur
December

Caraga Fiesta

A region-wide celebration bringing all five provinces together — trade fairs, cultural performances, indigenous craft markets, and food festivals showcasing the best of Caraga.

Region-wide, Caraga
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Find Us

Caraga on the Map

Region XIII sits in the northeastern corner of Mindanao — explore the territory on the interactive map below.

Province Centres
Butuan / Cabadbaran — Agusan del Norte
Prosperidad — Agusan del Sur
Surigao City — Surigao del Norte
Tandag City — Surigao del Sur
San Jose — Dinagat Islands

Ready to Explore Caraga?

Discover the region's breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Your adventure awaits.

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