Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Grades

(Geography and Culture)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. The Rise of Local Identity…………………………………………………………………………………………………………2

II. Natural Heritage in the Locality………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

III. Building Heritage…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...15

IV. Movable Heritage…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...17

V. Local Technology……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

VI. Dance/Festival………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..21

VII. Song/Music……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………24

VIII. Rituals/Ceremonies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….26

IX. Language/Poetry/Literature/Documents…………………………………………………………………………………….27

X. Local Cuisine……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………28

XI. Beliefs/Healing Arts/Secret Knowledge………………………………………………………………………………………30

XII. Distinguished Personalities in the Locality…………………………………………………………………………………31

XIII. Local History…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………36

XIV. National Cultural Hegemony against Local Cultural Identity……………………………………………………….37

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I. The Rise of Local Identity

Agusan Del Sur

Agusan del Sur is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in
Mindanao. It borders from the north clockwise, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao
de Oro, Davao del Norte and Bukidnon. The province was established on June 17, 1967 when the former
Province of Agusan was divided into two new independent provinces: Agusan del Norte and Agusan del
Sur. The Province of Agusan del Sur is divided into 13 municipalities and 1 city. The capital is the
municipality of Prosperidad.

Agusan del Sur belongs to the Caraga Region. It is an elongated basin formation with mountain
ranges in the eastern and western sides forming a valley, which occupies the central longitudinal section
of the land. The Agusan River, which flows from Compostela Valley in the south towards Agusan del
Norte in the north, runs almost in the middle of the valley and empties at Butuan Bay. The river has
twelve tributaries: Wawa, Gibong and Simulao Rivers in the eastern side and Ojot, Pusilao, Kasilayan,
Libang, Maasam, Adgawan, Cawayan, Umayam and Ihaon Rivers in the western side. These tributaries
are fed by streams and creeks. The southern half of the province from the municipality of Veruela is an
area filled with swamps and lakes, the biggest of which is Talacogon Lake.

            In 1976, the province's land area was 8,568 square kilometres, making it the seventh
largest province in the country. After claiming the disputed boundary between Davao del Norte, Butuan
City and with the creation of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur now has an area of 8966 km².

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            The province is geographically situated below the typhoon belt but is usually affected by
depressions forming in the typhoon regions of Visayas and the province of Surigao del Norte.

II. Natural Heritage in the Locality

Agusan Marsh

Purple Herons, storks and sea eagles… these are only few of the migratory birds from all over
southeast Asia is best seen during the months of  Nov. to Jan. in Agusan Marsh. The largest Marshland in
the Philippines.

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most significant wetlands in the Philippines. It is a
protected area covering more thanh 14,000 hectares, in the heart of the Agusan River. During the rainy
season extensive flooding is a natural and unique phenomenon, which is vital for the survival of flora and
fauna. Interfacing between land and water systems, it is highly productive and biological rich ecosystem.

Agusan Marsh was formally included in the Ramsar List Wetlands of International Importance in
1999. The Sanctuary is a home to several globally endangered animals, such as the Golden-crown flying
fox (Acerodon Jubatos), Silvery Kingfisher crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus). It is a once in a lifetime
experience to observe the thousands of blooming water lilies floating in shallow marsh lakes.

Here one can see the ethnic Manobo tribe clustered in floating bamboo houses, enjoying the
abundance of fresh water beneath the weight upto 30 kls. The sight has undisturbed exotic flora and
fauna like giant water lilies length over a meter high. The endangered “dinata” a soft shelled giant turtle
and sailfin lizard are only some of 1332 species of birds, 112 species of flowering plants and ferns, 2
crocodile species and 65 types of butterflies features that exists in this wildlife sanctuary.

San Francisco is the best gateway to Agusan Marsh considering its strategic location for inbound
travel from Davao, Butuan and Surigao del Sur. The jump off point of barangay Caimpugan via Gibung
River to Agusan Marsh has proven to be safe, comfortable, adventurous and more enjoyable for every
tourist. A 30 minute travel will bring you from town proper to the jump off point, barangay Caimpugan
and A Two hour travel by boat will bring you to the Agusan Marsh proper.
The birds at flight in Agusan Marsh are definitely a view that will take one’s breath away!

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Mt. Magdiwata

Nature lovers, adventurers and Mountain enthusiast alike will certainly love Mt. Magdiwata. A
lushfull virgin forest, with 14 series of water falls one can enjoy after another, the beautiful and endemic
flora & fauna, the natural swimming holes and cold springs and also the biggest Bagrass tree can be
found only here. . At almost sunset, Mt. Magdiwata has the semblance of a pregnant woman and during
midnight looks like a crocodile eager to catch a prey. Mt. Magdiwata is sacred among the Manobo Tribes
due to its legend and belief that the soul of Giant Magdiwata might punish those who cause destruction
to its natural resources. The mountain is characterized by prominent ranges and the towering heights of
an elevation approximately 592 meters above sea level reflect the pride of the Manobos.

Today, this natural tropical rainforest reserve provides a life-sustaining water source for the
residents of San Francisco. With the proclamation of the area as a watershed through Presidential
Proclamation No. 282, Mt. Magdiwata now preserves its natural aura. The fresh mountain breeze soothes
the town and its alluring forests are a sanctuary of the most endangered wildlife like the Philippine deer,
monkeys and Philippine tarsiers.

Wildlife Park and Campsite

A preserved watershed with swimming pool and picnic huts three kilometers from San Francisco,
this is known for its virgin tropical forest areas, drawing many visitors.

Biggest To-og Tree

To-og, scientifically known as Combretodenton quadrialatum is a tree species that thrives only in
Mindanao.  In the early 1970’s, one of its species was identified and proclaimed as the biggest and most

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majestic tree and it was found in Barangay Alegria, San Francisco.
This To-og Tree measures 360 centimeters in diameter, standards 65 meter and estimated to be 300
years old. (DENR - Caraga Region).Today, To-og remains a prominent specie because kaingeros and
loggers have difficulty in cutting this tree.

In 1940, San Francisco Municipality, still a vast forest with trees luxuriantly like giants standing
majestically. The manobos only occupied small patches of lands scattered in this vast forest lands. In
1942, a super strong typhoon blew down these century trees with a diameter from 3 to 4 meters. Eight
months after a long drought the fallen trees become dry. A forest fire burnt out all the fallen tree to the
ground. In 1975, PICOP agro-forestry officers like Mr. Froilan Montero, (Asst. agro-forestry), supt. &
former vice mayor Teofilo Gelacio Sr. discovered one To-og tree, at alegria, San francisco, Agusan del
Sur. They reported it to the forestry department of PICOP and a thorough research was made data
gathering and interviews about the To-og tree. An old man named Micomedes Lagulao, alias datu
sangka-on was interviewed. He was already ninety yrs. Old in 1975, he died in 1985. He told the group
that this was the only To-og tree that survived the strong typhoon in 1942. It is already almost of the
same size and height when he was still a little boy. This tree was fortunate because it grow at the center
of a camote farm and sorounded by tall big trees. However, the sorounding big tree succumbed to the
strong typhoon. This To-og tree was spared from the ravage of the forest fire for it grow about 50 to 60
meters of Sumugbong River. Due to its size, wood cutter did not care to cut it down with axes alone. Few
years after its discovery, a book was published financed by PICOP. ”The tallest To-og tree in the phils”. A
concrete marker was constructed and a fence at the base of the said tree.

The Datu Anawa Kalipay Cave

This cave is also known as Inepan Cave, came from a manobo term “Inepan” which means
subterranean cave where creek submerge inside the cave. Located at Brgy. Lucac,San Francisco. this
cave is generally a wet cave.

For the Lumads, this is a ritual place of the “Baylan” (priest) and only a “Baylan” can enter this
cave. This cave was claimed by Faustino Espana Sr., known as Datu Anawa Kalipay who was married to a
Maguinda Clan. Datu Anwa Kalipay died sometime in 1999 at the age of 120 but his remains mysteriously
did not decomposed up to the present. His dead body can be found at the top of the hill, at Sitio Durian,
Lucac inside a nipa hut, Kilometer away from the cave. Upon request of the Espana family, the cave was
named Datu Anawa Kalipay in honor of Faustino Espana Sr.

The cave is about 800 meters from the main entrance to the exit however the main chamber of
the cave is yet to be explored. It was sealed by water and equipment is needed to pursue its
explorations. It has two (2) story chambers full of fresh stalactites and stalagmites of different
formations. An elephant like formation, spaceship formation, different kinds of horn etc. An Altar like
structure can be found inside the cave.

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The City Cave

To the Lumads, this is known as Aningaw Cave, from Manobo term “Aningaw” which means echo
because when somebody talks, the voice will echo due to the high-rise rocks that surrounds the cave.
The external view of this cave is characterized by big and high-rise rocks of gothic design, while the
inside is characterized by big chambers reinforced by century old adjoining stalactites and stalagmites.
These chambers are so spacious that can be developed into function rooms. One chamber portrayed the
image of Virgin Mary and the other is the chamber of thousands of Bats while the ground is carpeted with
thick guano (Bats manure) and a good natural fertilizer. The ceiling of the cave is a solid rock that can be
compared to a special panel due to its artistic holes that serves as incubator of baby Bats and imaginative
view of the cave. Few meters away from this cave is the giant and mysterious rock, sinking cave (Beto)
and numerous unexplored caves. The area of the cave is about 5,000 sqms and generally a dry cave. 

This cave is known to be the sacred place for the manobos and can be found at Brgy. Bitan-
agan. During holy week, the “Lumads” went to the cave to conduct rituals. They believe that their power
(Agimat) will be renewed by visiting this cave during Lenten season.

Puting Buhangin Cave

It is located in Poblacion, Prosperidad. It consents of three sections of different characteristic.

One of the challenging characters is the unending running stream inside the cave and nature proofs of
varied depths. Accesible infront of the Prosperidad Municpal Hall.

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Pagas Cave

It is located in Poblacion, Prosperidad. It consents of three sections of different characteristic.

One of the challenging characters is the unending running stream inside the cave and nature proofs of
varied depths. Accesible infront of the Prosperidad Municpal Hall.

New Hinagdanan Cave

Its 4 kilometres away from the junction of Osmeña and Magkiangkang, Bayugan, Agusan del Sur.
An open cave wherein its portal has a height of 10 feet. There is a presence of a stairway from the
opening to going down the cave.

Bega Falls

Situated at Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. According to legend, Bega falls is a haven of
beautiful women. It has an ambiance of irresistible forest breeze that refreshes tired visitors after an
hour’s hike from the access road. Exotic hanging plants can also be seen along the way.

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Binaba Falls

A 10-minute motorboat ride from the mini-wharf to the Gibong Recreation Center where the
crystal clear water displays nature’s naked beauty can be found at Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.

Gibong River

A bewitching stretch of water with breathtaking panorama of untouched vegetation along its
banks, the Gibong River is the only route to Binaba Falls. It is also the source of irrigation for some 6,000
hectares of rice fields in three municipalites in Agusan Del Sur. Located in Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan
Del Sur.

Lake Himbang

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 Located in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. It is just more than hour’s drive from the Philippines-
Japan Friendship Highway to Talacogon. The lake is an alternative destination to Agusan Marsh. The
thrills of riding a motorized small boat or a wooden boat (made out a log) while admiring the tranquility
and view of the lake added with a relaxing meal at the floating cottage are some of the attraction.

Tugonon Falls

The name is derived from the word “tugon” meaning “remind”. The falls located in Sna Lorenzo,
Prosperidad with a towering trees and rare orchids, tempts the promise of a return.

Los Arcos Hot Spring

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 Popular for physical therapy, it is located in Los Arcos, Prosperidad. Accesible via Awa-Los Arcos
Road going to LIanga, Surigao del Sur.

Kalingayan Hotspring

Located along the national Highway of Sition Kalingayan, Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan
Del Sur. Local residents believe that the hot water can cure illness such as arthritis. There’s a wide
presence of vegetative covering at the back of the spring which is predominantly covered with terminalia
species and algae in water.

Tagubay Falls

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 It is located in Barangay Tagubay, Bayugan, Agusan Del Sur. A 20-meter waterfalls found within
a secondary forests and 5 km away from the National Highway.

Camponay Waterfalls

It is 2.5 km away from the junction of Eureka, Tabon-tabon and National Highway of Sibagat,
Agusan del Sur. Its 12 meters in height and 3 meters in width.A cave can be found in the middle of the
waterfalls within a secondary forests which is a potential for local outdoor and recreation site.

Bird Sanctuary at Lake Mambagongon

It can be found at the Municipality of La Paz, Agusan Del Sur. Recorded over 200 migratory birds
from Northern Asia and Siberia, making the Philippines an important ecologically significant site.

Lake Panlabuhan

A floodplain lake of Loreto, Agusan Del Sur. A swamp area found habitat for freshwater
crocodiles and home of floating houses for indigenous people.

Lake Ginhalinan & Lake Tugno

An hour drive from the wharf of Talacogon, Agusan Del Sur. A magnificent view of a climax
wetland forests and wide presence of small shrimp subject for fish biology research. The lake is a major

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source of potable water for the community. It is best for boating and outdoor recreation for visitors and
environmental research.

Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Agusan Del Sur

General Information

Agusan March Wildlife Sanctuary was established by the virtue of Presidential Proclamation No.
913 on October 31, 1996.  It has been designated as one of the Ramsar sites in the Philippines and
included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR TREATY) No. 1009 dated November
12, 1999,being the refuge and nesting area of migratory bird species.

Physical Features  

The marsh is situated in the Agusan del Sur Province, Northeastern Mindanao and covers an area of
40,954 hectares.  It is composed of of six (6) municipalities and thirty-eight (38) barangays. On the
Western side, Agusan Marsh can be reached through a road running west from national highway to
Talacogon, Agusandel Sur.  Access to interior of Talacogon and La Paz can be reached through the
Agusan River and its tributaries, the Gibong and Adgawan rivers.

Significance

Agusan Marsh as the catch basin of Agusan-Davao Plain in Eastern Mindanao.

It plays as a vital role in the socio-economic development of the provinces of Agusan del Norte and
Agusan del Sur.

It is an ecologically significant wetland ecosystem in the Philippines.

The marsh harbors unique and pristine habitats like Sago and Peat Swamp forests that provide habitat to
the rare and endangered soft-shelled fresh water turtle (Trionyx spp.), fresh water crocodile (Crocodylus
mindorensis), oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster), purple heron (Ardea purpurea) and other species.

It serves as the wintering ground of birds migrating from Japan, China, Russia and other Western
countries during winter season.

Flora

There are 112 species of trees found in the marsh (Prof. Arreza and Team),including 3 spp. of bamboo,
vines, lianas and epiphytes, grasses, ground ferns, and other herbaceous plants in the different habitat
types of Agusan Marsh.Other plant species are expected to be discovered from future systematicand
extensive surveys of Agusan Marsh.

Fauna

A total of 127 birds which belong to 47 families were identified by the latest survey of the Haribon
Foundation, February, 1999 six globally important species for conservation (based on bird watch 2, 1994
and endemic bird areas of the world, 1998) are recorded in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. The most
threatened in the record is Silvery Kingfisher (Alcedo argentatus). Listed as endangered five other as
threatened spp. includes the Darter, (Anhinga melanogaster), Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica), Mindanao
Tarictic Hornbill (Penelopides affinis) Black-Headed Tailorbird (Orthotumus nigriceps) and the Naked-
Faced Spider-Hunter (Arachnoter clarae)

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Fourteen (14) freshwater fish species belonging to nine (9) families were identified in Agusan Marsh
Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of sixty (60) species of herpetofauna recorded, these includetwenty-one (21)
species of amphibians and thirty-nine (39) species of reptiles, one (1) fresh water turtle, one (1) soft-
shelled turtle, two (2) crocodile, twenty-three (23) lizards, and twelve (12) snakes.

Four globally important species for conservation (based on the 1996 IUCN Red List of the Threatened
Species) are recorded  on the marsh. These are the Phillippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), listed
as Critically endangered category. The Estauarin Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), listed as lower risk:
least concern category. The Malaysian Fresh-Water Turtle (Coura amboinensis), listed as nearthreatened
and the Philippine Salifin Lizard (Hydrosaurus pustulatus). Listed in dataas deficient category. An endemic
species in Agusan Marsh,  "Danta" a freshwater soft shelled turtle (Trionyx spp.) recorded in  Agusan
River is according toManobo, locally threatened.

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The current known mammalian species in the area is composed of fourteen (14)mammalian species.
These made up of five (5) fruit bat spp., two (2) micro bats or insectivorous bats, a long tailed macaque,
a squirrel, three (3) rats and two civets. Five (5) of the 14 species are Philippine endemic or native
species including two fruit bats, and insectovirous bat, a squirrel and a rat. One of the endemic species,
the golden-crowned flying fox (Acerdon Jubatus) is globally classified as ENDANGERED by
the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  The Vertebrate and key Invertebrate
Survey team (1991) identified sixty-five (65) species of butteflies. Of the total, three (3) species are
relatively rare, namely Papilio antonio, Graphium cordus and Graphium idaeoides.  

THE AGUSAN DEL SUR ENVIRONMENT CODE OF 2007

The Code: Principles and Policies

Principles.

The Province of Agusan del Sur consistent with the constitutionally declared policy which states
that “the state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature” (Article II, Sec.16 of the 1987 Constitution), adopts the
principle mandated under the Provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A.7160), particularly
Sec. 3 (i) which states that “the Local Government Units, shall share with the National Government the
responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial
jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of RA 7160 and national policies”.

Policies

A. Forest Resources Management. This Code, consistent with the National Policies concerning the
management and rehabilitation of the forest resources shall endeavor to harmonize local policies and/or
programs for the protection, development, occupancy, conservation of forest lands and watersheds,
including grazing in pasture lands, swamp and wetland areas, promote reforestation/afforestation
program and rehabilitation of critically denuded/degraded forest reservations, improvement of water
resources use and development, wilderness areas and other natural reserves, development of
trees/forest plantations, including rattan, bamboo and other minor forest resources, rationalization of the
wood-based industries, regulation in the utilization and exploitation of forest resources, including wild
flora and fauna to ensure continued supply of forest goods and services.

B. Biodiversity Protection and Cultural Resource Preservation. The Provincial Government

hereby declares a policy to intensify biodiversity protection and cultural resource preservation in
accordance with the provisions prescribed under existing policies and promotion of people’s
participation in the conservation effort of suchresources cited under Letter of Instruction No. 1312,
series of 1983; Republic Act No. 9147, series of 2001; Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act No.7586, series of 1997, respectively.

C. Agusan Marsh and other Wetland Management. It is hereby declared the policy of the province
to ensure protection and conservation of Agusan Marsh, which has played a significant role in maintaining
ecological balance within the province consistent with RA 7586, not to mention its importance as one
internationally recognized cultural heritage.

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D. Mineral Resources Management. Pursuant to Section 465 of RA 7160, which empowers the Local
Chief Executive to adopt adequate measure to safeguard and conserve its mineral resources, it is hereby
declared the policy of the Province to promote mineral resources rational exploration, development,
sustainable utilization and conservation, to enhance economic growth in a way that it will not create
adverse effect to the environment.

E. Water Resource Management. The Provincial Government shall adopt adequate measures to
safeguard and conserve all water resources within the province pursuant to the mandate of R.A.
7160 and applicable provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1067.

F. Solid Waste Management. The Provincial Government hereby declares a policy to improve
and maintain an effective enforcement of solid waste management system and services
consistent with the policies on general hygiene and sanitation thereby ensuring public health and
environmental protection consistent with the provisions of RA No. 9003 known as the Solid
Waste Management Act of 2000 and PD 856, the Philippine Sanitation Code of 1975.

G. Air Pollution Control. The Provincial Government consistent with R.A. 8749 known as the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 shall ensure the proper management and maintenance of air
quality standards within its territorial jurisdiction and shall create local policies, laws and
regulations for the protection of public health and its environment.

H. Water Pollution. Consistent with the Philippine Sanitation Code of 1975 (PD 856) governing
sewage, sewerage treatment, collection and disposal of waste water and the Clean Water Act of
2004 (RA 9275), the Provincial Government shall advance an appropriate and effective
strategies to ensure the enforcement of waste water management and related activities for the
protection of watercourses and public health.

I. Nuisance. The Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur in consonance with the mandate
of the Local Government Code and the Civil Code of the Philippines shall enforce abatement
proceedings of all forms of nuisance towards peaceful and normal living conditions of the people
within the community.

J. Environmental Assessment and Monitoring. The Provincial Government hereby declares a

policy to enforce and implement Environmental Impact Assessment System as provided for under PD
1856 over small and medium enterprises engaged in the utilization, development and processing of
natural resources which has adverse effect to the environment.

K. Land Management. The Provincial Government in consonance with the mandate of Par.2, Section
I, of the 1987 Constitution and the Public Land Act shall facilitate the acquisition, ownership, use
and disposition of real properties and its increments and in a way regulate the same in order to promote
social justice.

L. Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It is hereby declared the policy of the province to ensure
protection and conservation of the Municipal waters towards sustainable fisheries and aquatic resource
management consistent with the mandate of RA 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fishery
Code.

M. Promotion of Organic Farming and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Program. The Provincial Government hereby declares a policy to maximize utilization and
production of compost organic materials as an alternative way of farming practices and adopts
integrated pest management technologies to economize farm inputs and implements thereby
reducing economic burden and difficulties to the farmers.

N. Safe Use and Handling of Harmful Chemicals. The Provincial Government recognizes the
harmful effects of pesticides and other chemicals to human and animal life as well as to the
surrounding environment. Henceforth, declares it a policy to regulate the usage and application,
transport, storage and disposal of chemical bottles and containers as precautionary measures
against toxic and poisonous effects. It is also declared a policy to prohibit the repacking or
disposal of such chemicals without due approval by the authorized agency of the government and to
the fertilizer and pesticides authority.

O. Energy. It is declared the policy of the Provincial Government to promote, develop and
utilize the conventional and non-conventional energy resources to compliment the ever
increasing demand for electric power brought about by the on-going industrialization
of the province.

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P. Ecological Tourism Development and Management. The Provincial Government hereby
declares the policy to adopt ecological tourism as a major strategy for the development,
conservation and preservation of existing and potential eco-tourism attractions, cognizant to
Presidential Executive Order No. 120-A and Section 17.(xii), Chapter II, Book I of R.A. 7160.

Q. Engineering and Infrastructure Management. The Provincial Government shall ensure the
integration of environmental safety and protection to all engineering works and infrastructure
development projects consistent with PD 1594, DPWH Standard Specifications and PD No. 1586.

III. Building Heritage

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

Municipal Hall of Sibagat

Rosario, Agusan Del Sur Municipal Hall

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Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Trento, Agusan del Sur

Municipality of Prosperidad

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IV. Movable Heritage

Agusan Image

The Agusan image (commonly referred to in the Philippines as the Golden Tara in allusion to its
supposed, but disputed, identity as an image of a Buddhist Tara) is a 2 kg (4.4 lb),21-karat gold
statuette, found in 1917 on the banks of the Wawa River near Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, Mindanao in
the Philippines, dating to the 9th–10th centuries. The figure, approximately 178 mm (7.0 in) in height, is
of a female Hindu or Buddhist deity, seated cross-legged and wearing a richly-adorned headdress and
other ornaments on various parts of the body. It is now on display in the Field Museum of Natural History
in Chicago.

Since its discovery, the identity of the goddess represented by the gold statuette has been the subject of
debate. Proposed identities of the gold figurine range from that of a Hindu Sivaite goddess to a Buddhist
Tara. Recent scholarship suggests that the image represents the offering goddess Vajralāsyā of the
Tantric Buddhist tradition.

Rattan Crafts

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 Trento, Agusan del Sur—In a small roadside village here, locals have been weaving baskets and
home decorations made out of rattan since the mid-1970’s but with the evolving demands of the market,
the community has slowly expanded their skills to cope with the changing demands of their market.

Around 10 roadside rattan basket and furniture craftsmen have set up stalls along the National
Highway in Barangay Langkila-an, Trento town in Agusan del Sur, which is on the border of the town of
Monkayo in Compostella Valley. Making baskets and furniture are their main source of income.
Occasionally, travelers passing by the National Highway would stop to buy the handmade items.

“We have been doing this for about two years now. I learned how to weave rattan from my
relatives and with the hope that it could sustain my family’s day to day existence. But now, I have started
to make innovations and make products such as the rattan swing chair that I learned to create on my
own after one of our customers brought a photo showing a product they saw on the television,” Efren
Paradero spoke in the local dialect while presenting his hanging egg chair made out of rattan.

Paradero added that he also taught his brothers how to weave baskets so they could also
establish their own source of livelihood.

“I think we are capable of creating the products needed but we just lack new ideas and
inspiration in creating newer designs. I think it is crucial that we also adopt to the changes and make
new designs to sustain this business,” shared Paradero, whose wife and five children serve as his
weaving assistants.

Most of the vendors in the area still make the old traditional baskets and home decorations since
it is easier to them to make and can be sold at a much cheaper price of Php80 to Php450.

The weavers revealed that most of the new designs take a lot of time to make. The hanging egg
chair, for instance, takes up three days and is sold for Php3,500. which isn’t really a sizable amount
considering the time and effort one spends working on the materials.

But Paradero and other third-generation rattan weavers like him are holding on to the traditional
craft that hasn’t only sustained their families but remain an important part of their village’s history and
heritage.

Costume

Umpak – jacket of two color combination – red and black or black and white accented with intricate
multicolored suyam (embroideries) of x’s, crosses, diamonds, zigzag designs on the neckline, chest and
cuffs

Sawa – pants, either long or calf-length with intricate suyam at the seams and hems

Tayubang – triangular red headscarf with beads and yarn .Bead necklaces, bracelets, kneelets and
anklets

Umpak – long-sleeved pullover jacket of two color combinations – red and black – the chest is black and
the sides and sleeves are red or vice versa

Malong – tube skirt

Saya – tailored version of a skirt, usually red in color ; this takes the place of the malong

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 Both jacket and skirt are accented with multicolored suyam (embroideries) of the same design as those
of the men’s costumes

Jewelries include bead necklaces (dumpas), bracelets (bukala), waistband (bagakis), beadwork headband
(lampunaya), braided wild boar’s bristles fashioned into necklaces (bayungkag), and brass hawkbells
(tungkaling) dangled from the waistband and anklets.

V. Local Technology

Agusan del Sur Provincial Library – Digital Hub

The Agusan del Sur Provincial Library – Digital Hub located at the Datu Lipus Macapandong Cultural
Center at Patin-ay, Prosperidad was officially launched and provided with seven (7) computer equipment
on March 10, 2021. This is pursuant to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the
Department of Information and Communications Technology Mindanao Cluster II (DICT MC2) and the
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur.

“Internet access, gadgets, and other digital resources are now the essentials in securing quality
education. With this, your DICT aims to ensure equitable access to digital resources necessary for the
delivery of online and blended learning systems,” DICT Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said.      

The Digital hub aims to achieve three main objectives: (1) provide access to ICT resources and
opportunities, (2) provide training on ICT skills; and, (3) provide a facility for digital workers.

“With the MOA we agreed to cooperate and jointly commit to promoting community development
through the use of ICT,” said Regional Director Sittie Alawi. “This undertaking is a by-product of the joint
DigitalJobsPH Program of DICT and the Provincial Government of Agusan Del Sur for the free use of
DICTs platform, solutions, technology, and brand of Tech4ed Project” she added.

Governor of Agusan del Sur, Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr. expressed his gratitude for the partnership,
stating that “it is very timely that the DICT has partnered and turned-over this equipment to use in order
to further and become more efficient in the transmission of communications.”

The DICT is keen on fulfilling its mandate to promote the use of ICT for countryside development.
Undersecretary Alan A. Silor stated that the Digital Hub shall be used to empower the unserved members

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of the population, push for improved transparency and accountability in government and bolster
confidence in our economy.

“Your DICT shall continue to develop, improve and implement our plans and strategies to support the
education sector in line with our mandate and consistent with the directives of President Duterte in
promoting ICT for education,” Honasan asserted.

Tech Transfer

Local government workers from the Municipality of Mandaon in Masbate went out of their way to learn
the nationally- acclaimed Human Resource Information System (HRIS) developed by the Provincial
Information Management Office (PIMO) of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS).

The 3rd class local government unit took their time out in the benchmarking on the Management
Information Systems on November 26 since they are planning to upgrade their system of governance and
adopt the evolving technology of PGAS.

The HRIS of PGAS has been recognized by the Civil Service Commission as an efficient technology that
can be replicated by LGUs nationwide.

The IT journey of PGAS and its history was presented by Israel De Guzman, the Division Head of
Software Division. He discussed the process flow and IS integration of management information systems
developed by the programmers.

Ronald Maghilum, one of the programmers of PIMO, gave a run through of the HRIS.

Vivian Fe, Human Resource Management Officer II, shared her work experience in preparing NOSA that
will take 3 to 5 days only for 460 casual and 749 permanent employees using the HRIS compared to
doing it manually that will take a month.

The visitors shared their appreciation about HRIS and how it helps the PGAS organization especially in
the automatic computations in the salary grade, salary increment and even in the leave credits and how
fast it generates different reports.

They raised questions about the process of time and attendance and they also asked how to inquire if
ever they will adopt the HRIS in their local government unit.

Nephtali F. Morgado, the PIMO Department Head of the province replied on the inquiries about the
systems and how the Civil Service Commission adopted the Human Resource Information System last
year.

The presentation went well and the visitors decided to visit other offices such as the PHRMO, PBO, and
PACCO to witness the process flow of the daily transactions in the province especially in financial
management.

After the office-to-office visitation, Mandaon Municipal Treasurer Anthony A. Diaz expressed his desire to
visit the towns of the province to see the Electronic Treasury Management System (eTOMS). They chose
to visit Prosperidad because it is important they can relate the process of their financial transactions.

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VI. Dance/Festival

Festivals in Agusan del Sur

The important all-year round festivities such as the Kaamulan Festival which is held every September 23
and it showcases the authentic tribal performances and/or rituals by the tribal priests.

Another festival is the Naliyagan Festival which is celebrated every June 12 to 17 in Prosperidad, this
festival depicts Agusanon culture and heritage with natives showing off their tribal dances and rituals. A
trade fair also takes place during the festival. During the week of Naliyagan celebration there are
Motocross racing show, banca race, rock band competition, fireworks during the night and beauty contest
for the year’s Miss naliyagan. These are all held at the government center of patin-ay, prosperidad

There is also a celebration of Kahimunan Festival during the first Sunday of January in Bayugan
municipality and this is like a version of Sinulog in Cebu. The festival highlights street dancing portraying
tribal life in Agusan Del Sur. Lastly is the Santikan Festival which is celebrated every June 12 to 15
annually in Trento municipality which offers various friendly competitions.

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Another yearly celebrated festival is the Angot Festival on this province capital town, Prosperidad. This
festivity is annually performed on 28th day of September during the town Fiesta in honor of St. Michael
the Archangel, the Patron Saint of Prosperidad. Angot is characterized by a ritual called “bat-ad”. The
ritual is usually performed by a babaylan, a well-respected faith-healing old man in the village. Bat-ad is
an offering of food to Angot or Ompo, the god of abundant harvest, which includes a plate of rice, a
boiled egg, broiled mudfish, a white wine and a mama. After the ritual, all villagers join together for a
merry-making. Angot means “a thanksgiving ritual for the abundant harvest”.

Naligayan Festival

Naliyagan Festival is Agusan del Sur’s province-wide festivity which coincidentally starts on June 12 which
is the Philippine Independence Day and culminates on the Foundation Anniversary on June 17. Incepted
in 1993 during the incumbency of the late Gov. Democrito O. Plaza, the festival is recognition of the
Manobo people’s loyalty to their tribal leader Datu Lipus Makapandong.

In 1993, weeks before the 26th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of Agusan del Sur a gathering of
all Tribal Leaders in the province was held and presided by the Provincial leader Datu Lipus
Makapandong, Governor D.O. Plaza. The Manobo leaders unanimously agreed to call that day of
celebration as Naliyagan Festival.

Naliyagan is a Manobo word which means “the chosen one” or “the most loved one”. It is a weeklong
celebration of socio-cultural and arts exposition of indigenous tribes in the entire Agusan valley and
displaying their skills and culture through ritual activities, exhibit of native products, ethnic games and a
host of sporting tournaments and special events.

The festival depicts the Agusanon’s culture and heritage. Natives from far-flung places usually come
down and display their skills through tribal dances and rituals. A trade fair displaying the provinces
cottage industries also takes place in Naliyagan Cultural Center Grounds at the Gov. D. O. Plaza
Government Center, Prosperidad.

Naliyagan festival is a day of thanksgiving among the natives for the bounties received for the year.
Thus, they bring in during the festival their agri-industrial products for the people in the valley to buy and
savor.

Move by the unfaltering support of the indigenous people of the Province, then  Governor Democrito O.
Plaza thought of a day that these people which he loves must be given a day of recognition. Thus, in the
year 1993, in the time for the foundation anniversary of the province, will also be the day the indigenous
people of the province will take the center stage to showcase their rich cultural heritage, products and
artifacts, as well as their cultural practices.

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And as a fitting name, the Governor upon consultation with the manobo elders of Agusan del Sur chose
the word “Naliyagan” which means the chosen one, the most loved one. Hence, the word Naliyagan
Festival which will be held at Naliyagan Plaza, a space inside the Government Center designated as the
place for official celebration in the province as well as the venue for official programs. Here, all the
indigenous natives of the entire river valley of Agusan del Sur converge to display their dances, songs,
products both agricultural and cottage industries, novelties intricately handmade displaying their glorious
past of the natives.

Usually celebrated for a week and starts with the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day
anniversary every June 12th, the Naliyagan Festivals opens with a manobo high priest called “baylan” will
call on the spirits of the forest to spare the day for the celebration and drive away the evil spirits that
might harm the grand celebration. Then a pig is butchered and its blood offered by the baylan to
appease the spirits so they may not harm the mortals celebrating. Offerings of tobacco, eggs, white
chicken, gin, candles and beetle nut fruit and leaves as “mama”, a concoction usually chewed by the
natives.

On the other hand, the Christians present will also have their own holy mass celebration as thanksgiving
for the blessings enjoyed for the year and in the years to come.

After all the spiritual invocations, follow the rising of the colors both national, provincial, municipal and
barangays. Each barangay numbering 318 all in all has its own barangay flag and is raised at its assigned
flag pole within the Naliyagan plaza. After which is the release of the giant balloon and 3218 small
balloons representing the many high aspirations hopes and dreams of the Agusanons for its total
development entrusted in the hands of their leaders. Adding color to the raising of colors and balloons is
the ethnic choral ensemble rendering the official song of the nation, the province and the doxology.

Highlight of the Opening Day celebration is the tribal agro-industrial fair where all indigenous cottage
industry products and agricultural products are displayed for sale to the general public. The fair lasts until
the end of the Naliyagan Festival which is June 17, the founding anniversary of the province. The second
day of the celebration are conducted the different contest like essay-writing, cock derby, native games
like spear throwing, boat rowing contest, boxing, and other sports competitions. The third day is a
continuation of the second day.

The fourth day is highlighted with the talent competition among candidates vying for the title, Bae
Naliyagan which is the most prestigious beauty pageant in the province. The talent competition is part of
the search for miss Agusan del Sur dubbed as Bae Naliyagan.

The 5th day is the pageant proper usually held at the San Francisco Gymnasium. The pageant is the
Search for Bae Naliyagan or Miss Agusan Del Sur. Here, 14 lovely beauties from the 14 municipalities of
the province compete each other in the beauty and talent to vie for the prestigious title that brings with it
a cash prize and the privilege of becoming the ambassadress of the goodwill 0of the province.

The 6th day falls the foundation anniversary of the province and the culmination day of the celebration.
Highlight of the day is the Drum and Bugle competition, the ethnic street dancing contest where each
indigenous tribe in the province will show-off their ethnic dances first along the street of Government
Center then finally the tribal theater where each competing team will present a choreograph dance
depicting some cultural practices of the past which lead them to the present times. It is also the day that
dignitaries is invited to grace the occasion are made to deliver their speeches to the delight of the natives
present as this is their only chance to view in person dignitaries they often times could see only in their
television sets and newspapers.

Before the day ends, awarding of prizes to the different contest are to be given then follows the lowering
of the colors then a thanksgiving mass is again held in gratitude to a successful celebration.

The hands shown to be lifting a basketful of agricultural products

Represent the people of Agusan Del Sur  from all walks of life who, without lit-up continuously worked
hand-in-hand with the provincial Government in bringing into the province its needed development and in
realizing the province’s vision and mission that of making Agusan Del Sur the food Basket in the Caraga
Region and eventually in the Southern Philippines.

The basketful of agricultural products

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Symbolizes productivity which every Agusanon is striving to attain, It is lifted by many hands since it is
the concerted efforts of both the government and the people living in the province. It is also a projection
of support of the people to its leader, a symbol of unity and cooperation for a common goal established
by its leaders irregardless of political colors and beliefs.

 Objectives of the Naliyagan

In recognition of their unfaltering support and loyalty to their leader, Datu Lipus Macapandong, then
Governor D.O. Plaza though of giving tribute to the natives living within the entire Agusan river valley.

It was the vision of then Governor Democrito O. Plaza in 1992 to identify a day that all the indigenous
people of Agusan del Sur will be given a change to showcase their culture, products, and best practices
including the most beautiful lass in their community to symbolize the warm hospitality of every tribe.

Thus, in 1993, weeks before the 26th Foundation Anniversary of the Province of Agusan del Sur a
gathering of all Tribal Leaders in the province was held, presided by their Provincial leader Datu Lipus
Makapandong, Governor D.O. Plaza. It was in this gathering that the Manobo Leaders unanimously
agreed to call that day of celebration as Naliyagan Festival where the word Naliyagan means, the chosen
one, the most loved activity, Hence, Naliyagan Festival.

The festivity is dedicated to the natives of Agusan del Sur, As the Provincial Government’s Tribute for
their unfaltering support and loyalty while on the part of the natives, the day for them means to show-off
their beautiful cultural heritage thru songs and dances, their best products and best players of the
different ethnic games like rowing contest, marathon contest, hunting contest, hunting contest, spear
throwing, cock derby, beauty pageant for the search for Bae Naliyagan as Miss Agusan del Sur, and to
showcase their novelty products which they intricately handmade as their cottage industry. Since it is a
celebration of pure Agusanons, the tribal leaders also agreed that it would fall on the foundation
anniversary of the Province hence the celebration will be annual.

The Naliyagan festival is also the day to adapt national figures who in one way or another have
contributed to the upliftment of the welfare of the natives thus then President Fidel V. Ramos, during his
presidential visit to the province in 1993, was adapted by the Manobo natives as their “Datu Apo”, then
Senator Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as “Bae Anawa Pinintu”, Senator Nikki Coseteng as “Bae Magahom” and
many more national figures was baptized  in a fitting ceremony initiated by the natives which include top 
Brass of the PNP and AFP, Senator Biazon, Senator Roco, Senator Kit Tatad and many more.

Naliyagan festival is also a day of thanksgiving among the natives for the bounties received for the year.
Thus they bring in during the festival their agri-industrial products for the people in the valley to but and
savor.

Bagat Festival of the Municipality of Sibagat

BAGAT FESTIVAL is held every 6th day of November in the Municipality of Sibagat. The term bagat is a
native term for "encounter". It is convergence of natives of surrounding areas of Wawa and Sibagat and
highlighted by Manobo dancers and industrial fair.

Santikan Festival

The name of the festival is a Manobo word means striking two hard objects to make fire, which is
common to the different competitions in the festival. Manobo is one the native tribes who live in the
province. The festival is held during the month of June in the town of Trento.

Diwata Festival

The Diwata festival is celebrated every June and is held in San Francisco. It features the Manobo culture
and traditions of Agusan del Sur. The main attraction in the celebration is street dancing that brings life
to the festival. The celebration is also a celebration of the foundation anniversary of San Francisco.

VII. Song/Music

Kahimunan: Cultural Music of the Manobo, Higaonon, Banwaon of Agusan Del Sur

1. Panawagtawag (Higaonon) by Salvador, Angela Placido

2 Limbay (Higaonon) by Salvador, Angela Placido

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3 Sayuday - Binaylan (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

4 Tod-Om (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

5 Takumbo (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

6 Idangdang Taephag (Banwaon) by Salvador, Angela Placido

7 Gimbae & Agung (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

8 Dasang (Higaonon) by Salvador, Angela Placido

9 Kobing (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

10 Uyaging (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

11 Pulala (Higaonon) by Salvador, Angela Placido

12 Idangdang Buwa-Buwa (Banwaon) by Salvador, Angela Placido

13 Kudyung (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

14 Tod-Om (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

15 Kobing (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

16 Tod-Om Buwa-Buwa (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

17 Sayuday Pinandamgo (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

18 Uyaging (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

19 Takombo - Sayuday (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

20 Tod-Om (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

21 Gimbae & Agung (Manobo) by Salvador, Angela Placido

Music of the Lumad

Lumad, a Bisayan word for “native” or “indigenous,” refers to non-Christian and non-Muslim indigenous
groups in Mindanao. In general, lumad music encompasses a wide repertoire of sounds performed for
various occasions, and makes use of an extensive array of musical instruments, including the agong, the
most widely distributed brass instrument among the Mindanao lumad.

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The biggest group of lumad is the Subanen (Subanon, Subanun) of Zamboanga del Norte and
Zamboanga del Sur. Their vocal music is characterized by chants and different types of songs such as the
dionli (love song), buwa (lullaby), and giloy (funeral song), among others. Their musical instruments
include the gagong, kolintang, and durugan.

The Manobo (Manuvu, Minuvu) inhabit core areas from Sarangani Island and the provinces of Agusan del
Sur, Davao provinces, Bukidnon, and North and South Cotabato. The Manobo are “probably the most
numerous of the ethnic groups of the Philippines in terms of the relationships and names of the various
groups that belong to this family of languages.” (NCCA) Their vocal music types include ritual songs,
narrative songs, lullabies, and songs of nature, that may also be accompanied by rhythmic sounds from
the singer’s armpit.

The T’boli, the indigenous people of South Cotabato, perform various songs for different occasions and
sentiments, like weddings and fishing, and when they are joyful or sad. Their music reflects their
closeness to nature through the imitation of natural sounds. Among their several musical instruments is
the hagalong, a long slender spindle-shaped two-string guitar.

The Tiruray, the traditional hill people of southwestern Mindanao, also have a wide range of songs like
the balikata (melodic pattern for debates, converstions), lendugan (love song), siasid (prayer), foto moto
(teasing song during weddings), and meka meka (song of loyalty by a wife to her husband). They are
among those with the most developed agung ensembles.

The Mansaka from the provinces of Davao del Norte and Compostella Valley, are among the most
dominant ethnic group in Compostella Valley province. Among their wide array of musical instruments is
the gimbal, a drum made of bahi or betel nut and animal hide (doeskin and male deerskin). Their musical
forms include the saliada which is similar to ballad, and bayok on love and adventure.

The B’laan (Bilaan) of Davao del Sur also have a wide range of instruments such as idiophones
(percussions), zithers (bamboo tubes with strings), chordophones (wooden lutes), and aerophones (flutes
and reeds). They also make use of the tangungo, a set of 8 metal gongs hung on a harness. Music from
these instruments accompanies their ritual sand dances.

The Bagobo are among the largest groups of indigenous peoples of southern Mindanao, inhabiting areas
from the west coast of Davao Gulf to Davao’s well-known mountain ranges of Mt. Apo. Their music forms
part of their religious and festive occasions as well as daily activities, which include advice songs,
children’s songs and lullabies, among others. Their musical instruments bolang-bolang and pagakpak are
related to agriculture as their design and sound are meant to please gods, to reward them with bountiful
harvests.

Other lumad groups in Mindanao include the Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig, Ubo, Tagakaolo,
Dibabawon, and Manguangan.

VIII. Rituals/Ceremonies

Hakyadan Ritual

A generic term for spirits who are present during the offering of cooked food in rituals that involve animal
sacrifice.

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Rituals being performed with the Manobo officials of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur: (A) The tribal chieftain,
healer, leaders, and council of elders together with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
(NCIP) focal personnel; (B) Ritual prayer asking permission to their deities; (C) Sacrificing chicken; (D)
Offering to their deities; (E) Signing of certification using blood thumbmarks; and (F) Group photo on the
approval of the conduct of study.

The Cultural Minorities

With its proud history, Agusan del Sur offers you to bear witness to its never ending Pagan rituals
performed by the varoius Manobo tribes during the planting and harvesting season, and marriage rituals,
mystifying ceremony preserved inspite of close to 400 years of oppression by Spanish colonizers and
untouched by the space age drudgery. In Salog, Esperanza, San Luis, Talacogon areas, thousands of
tribes that inhabit the hinterlands and riverbanks, are sometimes misunderstood as cruel and barbaric
group of people, yet deep within one will discover that they are the friendliest on earth once their
customs and traditions are understood. These proud tribes are usually called Banwaon, and Higaonon
tribes of the Manobo group. But the most feared groups are the Magahats, and the Tala-andings, the
vanishing tribes, that keep on penetrating deeper into the jungle away from the civilized world.

IX. Language/Poetry/Literature/Documents

The poems of Melvin Delamente:

 Trust me as I Trust You

 To My Special Friend
 My Life Is Nothing Without You
 Death Penalty
 Limitations

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

By Kwentong Likas Yaman

Taong 1996 ng ideklara nanprotektado ang lugar

Taong 1999 ng ideklara namang Ramsar
Sa Agusan del Sur,Mindanaon matatagpuan
Yamang likas ng bansa na dapat ingatan

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May sukat na humigit na 19, 196 na ektarya
Pero sa Expanded Nipas Act (RA 11038) ay naging 40, 940 ektarya
Kaya napakaraming organismo ang nakatira
Di ba ang sikat na si Lolong na buwaya, na namatay na

Kilala bilang isang wetland paradise sa Mindanao

Iba’t ibang uri ng ibon at mga berdeng halaman ang masisilayan
Habang sakay ng bangka ay pwede ka ring magsagwan
Mother Nature’s masterpiece ay isang paglalarawan

Anu anong hayop ang maaaring makita

Isdang tabang, soft shell turtle, bats at buwaya
Maraming water hyacinth at lotus na kasama
Tunay na kamangha mangha sa ating mga mata

Kung mga uri ng isda ang isa isahin

May tilapia,karpa, haluan at giant gourami rin
Kung mga ibon ay napakaraming uri kung babanggitin
Kaya isang patotoo na mayaman ang bansa natin

Doon ay makikita ang Lake Panlabuhan

May Tribo ng Manobo na naninirahan
Sa pag aalaga sila ay katuwang
Mainit na pagtanggap ay kayang maranasan

Kaya isang malaking pasasalamat

Kay PASu Emmz T.Ibonia ang sinasabi sa lahat
Sa kanyang pamamahala sa Agusan Marsh
Kung saan pagmamalasakit sa likas yaman ay taos at tapat

Higaonon Oral Literature: A Cultural Heritage

Ethnic oral literature preservation contributes to the development of a national culture. This study
aimed to document the indigenous oral literary genres of an ethno linguistic group in Agusandel Sur, the
Higaonons; and analyze these in terms of richness in human values, symbols, imagery, point of view, and
characterization. The study sought to determine further the indigenous knowledge in the transmission
and preservation of these oral literary pieces as cultural heritage. The researcher used purposeful
sampling and in-depth interviews, categorizing oral literature in terms of prose and analyzing them using
the formalistic approach. Results revealed that the Higaonons have rich oral literature categorized by
prose as short stories, essays, and legends narrated by the key informants in the omniscient point of
view. The common human values reflected in their literature include patience, courage, godliness, and
industry. The wearing of beads and Higaonon costume symbolizes pride and identity of the tribe. The
literature includes vivid images that appeal to the senses of the readers. They are transmitted and
preserved through storytelling only by the datus of high rank of whom knowledge of all tribal lore is a
requisite may reveal the story; and in their yearly Kaamulan Festival.

X. Local Cuisine

Adobong Sahang

29
  

Sahang is a sea snail which is abundant in the bodies of water of surigao. It is then cooked adobo style
with bell pepper.

Sayongyong

 This famous Agusan delicacy is kakanin wrapped in banana leaves with the color and consistency of a
puto or rice cake. Its made up of glutinous rice , brown sugar , calamanci juice , rousted peanut and
coconut milk. Sayongyong comes out wrapped in banana leaves. Some of people say it taste like "puto"
but with coconut milk.

Palagsing

Palagsing is another version of the suman that is made from the starch of sago palm mixed with coconut
and brown sugar. This is usually eating along with hot chocolate or coffee.

Dried Pijanga

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Also known as "white goby", this first class dried fish comes from lake mainit in surigao this delicacy has
a special story because its produced from the efforts of rural agrarian reform community of surigao.

Kinilaw

Kinilaw is a common dish for many provinces. This local delicacy is made in raw fish and its does not
involve any form of cooking. To prepare this native cruisine, the people in agusan debone and wash the
raw fishes and conbine it with the numbers of condiments. The perfect mix of ginger , vinegar , onions ,
chilli peppers , and salt make this delicacy a haven on your taste buds.

Poot poot Ginamos

This delicacy is unfamilliar to tourist or even in Filipinos coming from manila. Poot poot ginamos is a
unique and tasty treat from agusan . flavorful delicacy is made of small fishes locally known as poot poot
This type of fish can only be found in Philippine shores. This fish specialty comes with fermented fish
sauce which is very cheap , making it even more popular to tourists.

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XI. Beliefs/Healing Arts/Secret Knowledge

The religious beliefs of the Manobo revolve around many unseen spirits interfering in the lives of
humans. They believe these spirits can intrude on human activities to accomplish their desires. The spirits
are also believed to have human characteristics. They are both good and evil in nature and can be
evoked to both anger and pleasure.

While the religious practices of the Manobo vary slightly, there seems to be at least one common
thread linking them together. Each culture believes in one "great spirit." This "great spirit" is usually
viewed as the creator figure.

As the various Manobo groups have been separated, the religious beliefs of other peoples have
influenced them somewhat. However, the Manobo have often incorporated these new practices into their
belief system, rather than abandoning their practices and being converted to new religions.

Agusanon Manobo Cosmology

Manobo cosmology based on Garvan (1931)

Contemporary Agusanon-Manobo cosmology according to a baylan,age72

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 Hierarchy of the Manobo spirits (contemporary)

XII. Distinguished Personalities in the Locality

Bayang Barrios

Bayang Barrios (born on June 12, 1968 to parents of Lumad origin) is a Filipino musician and singer who
hails from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, and is known for her use of indigenous instruments and styles.

In 2005, Barrios' song "Isipin Mo Na Lang" was used in the end credits of the indie Filipino film Ang
Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros). In September 2013, she launched
her fifth studio album entitled Malaya.

Alfel Bascug

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Alfelito "Alfel" Maraon Bascug is a Filipino politician. He currently serves as a member of the Philippine
House of Representatives representing the 1st District of Agusan del Sur.

John Cadeliña

John Cadeliña is a Filipino Pop Christian singer and also an arranger of gospel songs. He had formed the

band called Skeights, when he became a finalist in the talent show Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2.In 2015,
he had also collaborated with Fr. Raul G. Caga SVD and Laarni Lozada for the album Gracious Mercy and
on the same year he also been released his Album called Follow The Light. In 2016, he also competed for
Vispop Music Festival with Irving Guazon.

Santiago Cane Jr.

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Santiago Cane Jr. is a Filipino politician from the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines where he
currently serves as Governor. He was the Vice Governor of the province from 2016 to 2019 and was re-
elected in 2019 as a Governor.

Dennis Laurente

Dennis Laurente (born July 29, 1977 in Palompon, Leyte, Philippines) is a Filipino professional boxer.

During his younger days, his family migrated to Agusan del Sur. He continued his studies in Sibagat,
Agusan del Sur and later in 1997, they migrated again in Agusan del Norte where he had a stint of work
in a factory line making durian candy in Butuan City. Later, Laurente joined his parents in Leyte and did
some work in the farm until he went to Manila to live with his uncle. A friend and pro boxer Aljun
Corporal brought Laurente to Elorde in 1998.

He fights under the care of Johnny S. Elorde, President of the Johnny Elorde Management International,
and his wife, Liza Elorde, a boxing care manager.

Laurente started as a professional boxer on April 23, 1994, against Alberto Sososco. He won the bout via
technical knockout in round 4.

He won his first title, the Philippines Games & Amusement Board (GAB) lightweight championship, on
August 9, 2000, against veteran fighter Francis Velasquez. The bout was held in Manila and ended by
unanimous decision, all in favour of Laurente. On May 4, 2001, he took on Thai boxer Prawet Singwancha
but suffered his first ever loss by unanimous decision. The fight was for the PABA lightweight title.
Despite the loss, Laurente won the vacant OPBF lightweight title against Yosuke Otsuka in his next bout
on November 23, 2001. He defended the title a total of 7 times, but fell short to Chicashi Inada on March
5, 2005. After 3 more fights, Laurente moved to the light welterweight division.

Grace Nono

35
Grace Nono is a Filipino singer, known for her musical style based on traditional Filipino rhythms. She is
also an ethnomusicologist, scholar of Philippine shamanism, and cultural worker.

Grace Nono was born on May 6, 1965 in Butuan, Agusan, Caraga region, northeastern Mindanao,
southern Philippines, years before Agusan was divided into two independent provinces. She was raised in
the historic town of Bunawan, now a part of Agusan Del Sur. Her mother, Ramona R. Sacote, originally
from Camiguin Island, was an English and mathematics teacher, writer, and school administrator during
the foundational years of what is now the Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology.
Her father, Igmedio A. Nono, originally from Nueva Ecija, was a farmer leader who promoted land
reform, established cooperatives, and advocated organic farming long before it was widespread.

Grace attended the East Bunawan Central School where she graduated at the top of her class in 1976.
After a year at the Agusan National High School, she moved to the Philippine High School for the Arts
where she majored in Theatre Arts, finishing in 1981.[4] Grace went on to complete a bachelor's degree in
Humanities in 1986 and a master's degree in Area Studies focusing on the Philippines in 2004 from the
University of the Philippines-Diliman. In 2009, Grace began her doctoral studies in Ethnomusicology at
New York University, graduating in 2014. Grace received a second master's degree in Religious and
Gender Studies in 2019 from Yale University. She has been a fellow of the Asian Cultural Council in New
York in 2008 and in 2017–19, the UCLA Asia Pacific Performance Exchange in Los Angeles in 2006, the
Asia-Pacific Cultural Center for UNESCO in Kyoto in 2009, the Asian Institute of Management's Managing
the Arts Program in Makati in 2003, and the Global Research Initiative in Florence in 2013. From 2015 to
2016, Grace was awarded a post-doctoral position at the Harvard Divinity School’s Women’s Studies in
Religion Program, with residency at the Center for the Study of World Religions in Cambridge.

Grace is known for her music performances that draw from Philippine sung oral traditions. She has
performed in over sixty cities and venues in over twenty countries in Asia, Europe, and North America.
These performances have included solo aconcerts at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila
(1995, 2017), the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (1995), the House of the World's Cultures in Berlin
(2005), the Circulo de Bellas Artes in Madrid (2006), Mercat de les Flors in Barcelona (2006), the Asia
Society in New York (2013, 2015), the Renee Weiler Hall in New York (2012), the Irish Arts Center and
Symphony Space in New York (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), the Soul Force Sacred Music Festival in
Pasadena (2019), the World Exposition on Nature's Wisdom in Nagoya (2005), the WOMAD-Minato Mirai
in Yokohama (1996), the National Museum in Singapore (2009), the Singapore Arts Festival (2003), the
Hong Kong Festival for the Arts (1998), the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching (2018), Asia
Society Hong Kong (2013); collaborations with the Asian Fantasy Orchestra in New Delhi, Bombay,
Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Miyazaki (1998), Bangkok, Vientiane, Yangon, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (2003), and
with the Gathering of Drummers in Prague and Bratislava (2009); various artists concerts at the Lincoln
Center La Casita Festival in New York (2009), the Music Village Festival in London (2002), the World
Music Festival in Penang (2012); guest performances and presentations in Monte Carlo (2006), Paris
(2002, 2006), Ithaca (2006), Boston (2014, 2016), Toronto (2014), Vancouver (2014, 2016), Huairou
(1995), Nanning (2006), Shanghai (2008), Kaohsiung (2005), Seoul, Jaraseom (2008), Jakarta, Honolulu
(2006, 2016), Los Angeles (2006), San Francisco (2008), San Diego (2002), Chicago (2002), Ann Arbor
(2016), Bloomington (2016), Richmond (2016), Blairstown (2014), Fairfield (2014), Quezon City, Cebu,
Iloilo, Roxas, Bikol, Baguio, Sagada, Butuan, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Zambales,
Cagayan Valley, Palawan and Mindoro.

In addition to her work as artist and scholar, Grace is a devoted volunteer worker for Philippine cultural
revitalization. She, together with friends in education, arts, and grassroots cultural work established the
Tao Foundation for Culture and Arts in 1994. The Tao Foundation has published educational materials on

36
Philippine traditional musics; organized school tours for Cultural Masters; mounted training programs for
traditional performing arts, healing arts, and arts and crafts; and sponsored the schooling of selected
indigenous scholars. In mid-2017, the Tao Foundation began to operate the Agusan del Sur- School of
Living Traditions, a non-formal, community-based learning space where Cultural Masters transmit the
knowledges and practices of indigenous languages, chants, dances, instruments-making and
performance, traditional housebuilding, embroidery, grass weaving, pottery, traditional medicine,
environmental regeneration, indigenous models of gender balance, inter-faith dialogue, leadership, and
peace-building to the younger generations.

In its over twenty years of existence, the Tao Foundation has collaborated with local, national and
transnational groups (1994–present) and has received support from the National Commission for Culture
and Arts (2000, 2007, 2015, 2016), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (2005), Give2Asia (2014, 2015),
Sanctuary Fund (2014, 2015), Toyota Foundation (2004), UNESCO (2006), Advocates of Philippine Fair
Trade (2006, 2007), and the Australia-Philippines Community Cooperation Program (2007), and the
province of Agusan del Sur (2007).

In addition to her work with the Tao Foundation, Grace—between 2014 and 2015—also headed the
Artists Welfare Project, Inc., a national non-profit corporation established to contribute to Philippine
artists’ wellbeing by 1) tapping into government agencies that provide welfare benefits to Filipino citizens;
and by 2) pushing for legislation that will provide long-term solutions to Filipino artists’ vulnerable
conditions.

Eddiebong Plaza

Adolph Edward "Eddiebong" Galido Plaza is a Filipino politician. He currently serves as a member of the
Philippine House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Agusan del Sur.

Rodolfo Plaza

37
Rodolfo Galido "Ompong" Plaza (born March 13, 1958) is a Filipino politician. A member of the Nationalist
People's Coalition, he has been elected to three terms as a Member of the House of Representatives,
representing the Lone District of Agusan del Sur, first in 2001 and most recently in 2007.

XIII. Local History

History

The Agusan Valley was settled by a variety of cultural communities like the Manobos, Mamanwas and
Higaonons. Archeological excavations in the lower Agusan valley plains have uncovered evidence of
strong relationships between the region and the Southeast Asian states. A golden image of Javan-Indian
design unearthed in the 1920s and molten jars uncovered in Prosperidad are indications that the region
had commercial and cultural ties with the coast.

The Augustinian Recollects established a mission in Linao, in the vicinity of present-day Bunawan, in
1614. However, mission work was hampered by the hostility of the surrounding Manobo tribes. At the
height of the power of the Sultanate of Maguindanao in the mid-17th century, the Manobos of the
Agusan Valley were in alliance with Sultan Kudarat. Linao was attacked several times during the 1629
Caraga Revolt and the 1649 Sumuroy Revolt. Nevertheless, the Recollects were able to establish
themselves in their mission work, and remained there until the middle of the 19th century.

In the late 19th century, the Recollects (under protest) turned over many of their mission territories,
including those in the upper Agusan region, to the reconstituted Jesuit order (the Jesuits had been
banned by Papal edict in the 1760s, and ejected from the Philippines in 1768). Missionary work was
interrupted by the Philippine Revolution when the Jesuits either fled or were arrested by revolutionaries.
During the American occupation, lumbering became an important activity in Agusan del Sur. Visayan
migrants settled in the cleared plains, pushing indigenous communities farther into the mountainous
slopes.

The territory of Agusan del Sur was governed as part of the province of Caraga during most of the
Spanish period. In 1860, it was placed under the comandancia of Butuan, a district of the province of
Surigao. In 1914, the province of Agusan was created by the American government.

In the Second World War, Japanese troops landed in the province of Agusan in 1942 and occupied the
province until their defeat by combined U.S. and Philippine Commonwealth troops as well as recognized
guerilla units in 1945 at the Battle of Agusan.

The general headquarters and military camp and base of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was active
from January 3, 1942, to June 30, 1946, and the 10th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary
was active again from October 28, 1944, to June 30, 1946, are military stationed in the province of
Surigao was composed to engaging operations against the Japanese Occupation.

In 1945, Filipino soldiers of the 6th, 10th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd, 107th and 110th Infantry Division of the
Philippine Commonwealth Army and the 10th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary together
with the recognized Agusan guerrilla fighter units against the Japanese forces beginning the liberation in
Northern Agusan during World War II.

During World War II, a unit of the joint Philippine-American defense force were located at Manot,
Talacogon, in the interior of the Agusan Valley.

The province of Agusan del Sur was established on June 17, 1967, under Republic Act No. 4969 providing
for the division of the province of Agusan into Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. In January 1970,
the first set of provincial officials assumed office after the provincial election of November, 1969. The
same law provided that the capital of Agusan del Sur be the municipality of Prosperidad. The Government
Center has been set up in Barangay Patin-ay.

Cultural history

The history of Agusan del Sur is essentially linked with that of its sister province, Agusan del Norte.

38
Agusans pre-Hispanic cultural history is traced back to the great influence of the Majapahit Empire
through the discovery of an 8-inch (200 mm) tall image of a woman in pure gold at Maasam, Esperanza
in 1917 and molten jars unearthed at Bah-bah, Prosperidad. The aborigines of Agusan del Sur are the
ancestors of the present day Mamanwas, who were driven to the hinterlands by waves of Malay
immigrants. These immigrants, in turn, sought the protection of the interior jungles because of the forays
and the constant raids of "moro" pirates. The "moros" being seafaring people confined themselves to the
coastal areas, where they started their settlements.

Political. 

The history of Agusan del Sur is intricately linked with that of the sister province, Agusan del Norte, since
both comprised the original province of Agusan. The existance of Agusan del Sur as independent political
entity began on January 1, 1970, when the first set of elected provincial officials assumed office after
having been elected in the election of November 1969. However, Republic Act 4969 which provided that
the capital of the province of Agusan del Sur shall be the municipality of Prosperidad, a permanent
government site in a barrio between Prosperidad and San Francisco.

Hon. Rufino C. Otero was elected in 1969 as the first Provincial Governor of Agusan del Sur and Hon.
Demecrito O. Plaza as the first Congressman.

The province Agusan del Sur falls under the second type. Characterized by a very pronounced maximum
rainfall from October to January with no dry season. The month of January has the highest number of
rainy days with an average of 461.2% millimeters. Relative humidity recorded a monthly average of 82%
while temperature ranges from 42.2 to 30.2 centigrade. Agusan del Sur lies outside from the typhoon belt
but is usually affected by depressions occuring in the Visayas and in Surigao del Norte which are included
in the typhoon belt.

XIV. National Cultural Hegemony against Local Cultural Identity

Government agencies identify 4 major peace and order issues in Agusan Sur

AGUSAN DEL SUR, July 11 – Local government officials have identified four issues that should be
addressed to promote peace and order in the province.

These issues are insurgency, criminality and illegal drugs, land related conflicts and indigenous peoples,
and environmental conflicts.

Earlier, a Provincial Situational Analysis and Organizational Assessment (PSAOA) of Agusan del Sur
identified ten identified major conflicts/ issues. These were validated in a workshop attended by members
of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, the Department of the Interior and Local Government from the
provincial and regional offices and the Conflict Sensitive Resources and Asset Management (COSERAM).

The output will become the province’s contribution to the regional road map for peace that will be
formulated by the Regional Peace and Order Council.

Participants said insurgency seriously affected the peace and order situation in the province due to the
continued threat and violent activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-
National Democratic Front.

They also agreed that criminality and illegal drugs are directly related. Criminals were often under the
influence of illegal drugs.

Ancestral domain issue is also a cause of tension in the province. Conflict arise between
indigenous peoples (IP) and logging interests in the province and land issues surface when commercial as
another priority issue. Considering that the province is generally a place surrounded by ancestral domains
of indigenous cultural communities (ICC) and IPs, it is not surprising that tribal and land conflicts are
presently serious issues. Related issues mentioned were, unjust share from mining companies, conflict of
interest, lack of coordination and harmonization of NGAs in implementing the land laws, adoption of
Kyoto protocol by the Philippine Government, identification of mining and non-mining areas.

39
 Leadership in the IP community was also identified as a conflict issue. Illegal logging and mining
were identified as sources of tension, and environmental calamity. When finalized, the Provincial
Situational Analysis and Organizational Assessment of Agusan del Sur will be to the Regional Peace and
Order Council as contribution to the regional roadmap for peace. (RDA/FEA/DMS,PIA-Agusan del Sur)

The Community-Based Monitoring System in AGUSAN DEL SUR : Learning from Experience

Agusan Situationer

Agusan literally means “where the water flows”, after the great Agusan River which runs the length of a
rich basin hemmed by high and rugged mountains and occupying the whole of Agusan del Sur. Almost
76% of the land is classified as forest area while approximately 24% is classified as A & D land. With an
estimated population of some 600,000, the major economic activity is in the agro-forestry sectors, with
agriculture providing the main source of income for some 65% of the labor force. The province ranks
high in terms of poverty incidence and most affected are those who are still largely dependent on natural
resources to make a living—farmers, fishers, forest users, and indigenous communities. One of the key
concerns is that in a large land area which is rich in natural resources, many people especially in rural
areas remain poor.

To raise the welfare condition of the Agusanons, especially those in the grip of poverty, is a priority for
this Province. The cornerstone of the Provincial Government is the improvement of quality of life of
Agusanons through effective, transparent and participatory governance. The 7-point plan of Agusan del
Sur encapsulates the means to achieve this... So, what is the 7-point plan and why do we see the
Community-Based Monitoring System as having such importance in relation to this plan? The 7-point
development plan of Agusan del Sur has evolved as a basis for winning the war against poverty and for
social and economic development in the province. It is guided by principles of the national effort on
poverty reduction,namely an economic philosophy of free enterprise; a modernized agricultural sector
founded on social equity; a social bias toward the disadvantaged; and the raising of moral standards of
government and society.

7 Point Plan ---- Agusan del Sur

1. Peace and Order

 reduction and prevention of all forms of violence and criminality,

 strengthening the judicial institutions

2. Economic Development

 attracting investment opportunities, generation of employment through alternative livelihood

support program, capacity building and strengthening, institutional development
 focus on making Agusan Del Sur the food basket of Mindanao
 lifting agricultural productivity levels

3. Health and Sanitation

 preventive health care

 bringing health services down to the doorstep of every Agusanon
 strengthening community and provincial health facilities

4. Education

 strengthening educational institutions at all levels

 improving scholarship programs

5. Social,Cultural and Tourism Development

 Preserving the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of Agusan Del Sur, promoting
uniqueness
 Strengthening campaigns against threats to social order (e.g.drug trafficking)

6. Moral and Spiritual Renewal

 Transparency in governance
 Promoting the family as a basic institution, family values strengthening civil society

40
7. Ecological and Environmental Protection

 Maintenance of forest cover (60%)

 regulation of mining, waste disposal, control of extraction of natural resources so as to protect
natural resource assets for future generations

When the Provincial Government conducted a major strategic planning excercise in 2004, agreement was
reached to adopt a ‘Convergence Development Strategy’ to future interventions, and to work towards an
integrative approach to development. This was seen as essential for efficient and effective governance
and a fundamental approach in the execution of our 7-point plan. For this approach we acknowledged
that we need reliable, relevant and comprehensive data to support our strategy. We also recognized that
we needed to have a baseline profile of our current situation and a means to regularly update this
baseline.We wanted a monitoring system which would provide us with the data we need.

When the decision was taken to adopt the Community Based Monitoring System late last year, it was
clear that the characteristics of the system moulded our requirements and that it would support our 7-
point plan. Not only would the 7 themes be addressed by the CBMS but also the holistic nature of CBMS
would match our own integrative approach. For it has long been recognized that the 7 themes addressed
in the development plan are intimately linked, and none can be taken in isolation. For how can we have
Economic Development if we cannot improve our Education and Health systems for example, And without
Peace and Order there can be no Economic Development, and so on. In the same way the Community
Based Monitoring System is holistic: the data supportsan integrative approach to planning and policy
development, having multidimensional aspects, and the indicators which are generated reveal their
richness and value when combined as aspects of a collective picture. Additionally, the system is both
participatory and evidence-based, crucial to our thrust of ensuring effective, transparent and participatory
governance Of the core CBMS indicators, the Provincial government envisions all of these being directly
relevant to the development of programs and policies under our7-point plan. In particular where the
overall aim is the reduction of inequalities in access to basic services three key components of our 7-point
plan namely, Health & Sanitation, Education, Peace & Order, will be directly informed by closely- related
core CBMS indicators. Some areas of the 7-point plan are not so obviously correlated with CBMS
indicators, but this is where the combination of outputs will give us the information we need. For
example, in the broad area of Economic Development we will see that CBMS indicators when combined
together can yield essential data to support investment decisions. CBMS yields essential demographic
data to support decisions on location, and type of future investments and pinpoints economic and
entrepreneurial activities of householders. It also provides comprehensive information on human resource
capacities and will help us to identify capacity building programs which would generate the necessary
skills to maximize future opportunities. Furthermore, CBMS will help us to streamline investment
strategies towards a more unified and integrated approach which will take into consideration all aspects
of the human condition. In Agusan del Sur, we have a particularly rich and interwoven community of
Indigenous Cultures. Under our Social, Cultural and Tourism Development theme in our 7-point Plan we
see the utilization of CBMS data on the welfare condition of our Indigenous People as an important
benchmark in the protection and preservation of our heritage communities, which form such a unique
aspect of culture in our province. In the area of Ecological and Environmental Protection, we have made
use of the flexibility of the CBMS by incorporating additional indicators associated with agro-forestry
activities and additionally we are in the process of developing a natural resource management
information system which will be integrated with our core CBMS system. By establishing the link between
welfare status and natural resources we hope that the CBMS will facilitate effective resource planning to
ensure that natural resources are positively employed while at the same time helping the poor secure a
sustainable livelihood, thereby uplifting their welfare condition. But the value of the CBMS goes beyond
data. This province also sees it as a tool for improving the process of governance itself. In our thrust for
Moral and Spiritual Renewal, the mechanisms incorporated in the implementation of CBMS will embed a
culture of accountability such that our local officials will be forced to work with integrity when they are
held accountable for the impact of the decisions on the communities they serve. In the broadest sense,
the 7-point plan is a long-term road-map addressing the causes of poverty and leading to long-term
socio-economic improvement. The information from CBMS will help us better understand the causes and
consequences of poverty. But what of the short-term problem? The immediate concern is to reduce the
depth and severity of poverty in Agusan del Sur and by utilizing information provided by CBMS we will be
able to identify programs that target the poorest of the poor. We can identify their location and we will
be able to target specific interventions to cater primarily to beneficiaries found in these locations. While
utilizing the outputs for tackling the immediate problems we intend to use the experiences to help us
identify our successful program approaches so that we can establish which program approaches deliver

41
the fastest contribution to poverty reduction. CBMS outputs will be used to inform various planning and
policy-development processes at each geo-political level from Barangay, through Municipal to Provincial
levels. As well as the prioritization of existing programs and projects the CBMS will be used to feed into
the process of selection of new projects and monitoring and evaluation of on-going projects. Overlapping
projects can be consolidated, to reduce redundancy, saving costs and effort. In essence a programmatic
and integrated approach to development in Agusan del Sur will be strengthened through utilization of
CBMS outputs.

The vision for a CBMS project in the Province of Agusan del Sur was first realized in August 2004 when a
team of provincial government officials visited the Planning and Development Office of the Province of
Palawan. There was a unanimous vote of confidence in the system. Soon afterwards, Governor Adolph
Edward G Plaza issued an Executive Order institutionalizing the system and an Executive Order creating a
CBMS project team under the Provincial Planning & Development Office swiftly followed. The project was
simultaneously implemented in the 14 component municipalities of the province, and formerly
commenced at the beginning of this year following the signing of a partnership agreement with the CBMS
Network Coordinating Team. The first major activity was a province-wide drive to promote the system
and to advocate the benefits to the Municipal Local Chief Executives. Working arrangements for the
implementation were formalized through Memoranda of Agreement between the Governor and the
Municipal Mayors. Subsequently, CBMS technical working groups were created at municipal level and also
at barangay level. Collaboration at community level was secured. Technical collaboration between the
CBMS Network Coordinating Team, the Provincial CBMS team and Municipal LGUs and related agencies
started in January 2005 with the design of the survey instruments and in the determination of additional
indicators. As well as the core poverty-monitoring indicators which focus on the standard socio-economic
status of households, additional indicators were incorporated in the Household Questionnaire which were
deemed relevant to our agro-forested communities and which were also easy to collect. Thus, household
indicators focussing on agro-forestry and fishing activities of householders were included. Additionally,
natural resource land management data was collected at barangay level using the supporting Barangay
Profile Questionnaire.

An extended Household Questionnaire was developed to allow for the additional indicators and additional
resources were committed to cope with the extra workload involved in conducting the survey. As a result,
and in close consultation with our Municipal CBMS teams,the number of enumerators was massively
expanded and the planned trainings extended. With the guidance of the CBMS Network Coordinating
Team, the survey questionnaires were finalized and field-tested. Their subsequent involvement in the
capacity-building of municipal officers through a 4-day “Training of Trainors” program in March proved
invaluable. As a result, these municipal officers were able to train almost 2,000 enumerators throughout
the province during the months of April and May At the onset of the survey, which immediately following
the enumerators’ training, an information dissemination campaign was conducted. Announcements were
relayed through local radio at regular intervals during the survey to solicit co-operation of householders in
the province. Recognizing that a province-wide implementation requires total commitment from the
highest levels of local government, it was continuously monitored by the Governor,with regular feedback
through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and weekly reporting from the Provincial CBMS project team.
Throughout the implementation, this gave rise to a highly responsive approach to the mobilization of
financial and human resources involved in the activities. At the same time commitment from the
communities was seen as critical to the success of the survey. It became clear that common problems
arising during the survey could be resolved most effectively and quickly where there was active support
from the community. Best practices were observed where there were pro-active and highly organized
Barangay CBMS teams, supported by an equally effective Municipal CBMS team. Acknowledging that
some Municipal offices may be under-resourced the Provincial team, in cooperation with Municipal
officials provided assistance to ensure the proper processes were in place to guarantee satisfactory
completion of the survey. Towards the end of survey operations, the computerized databanking activities
began in earnest. The CBMS Network Coordinating Team returned to Agusan del Sur to conduct trainings
on encoding, digitizing and data-processing in May and again in August. Driven by the urgency of the
project, most Municipalities rose to the challenge of creating CBMS data repositories by instituting shift-
work and overtime arrangement and by utilizing computer units from outside offices. The Provincial CBMS
team continued to provide technical assistance to their Municipal counterparts. At this stage, in late-
September we are taking our first tentative steps in building a consolidated Province-wide picture of the
development status of Agusan del Sur. Day-by-day, each Municipality is constructing, piece-by-piece, its
own picture of the local welfare condition. We now have preliminary outputs from each of our
Municipalities which are ready for validation. There have, of course, been problems encountered during
this project since the start in January, as with any new undertaking. But these have been accepted as

42
challenges and have mostly been overcome. But more importantly, we have taken our first steps along
the path and with these preliminary outputs we have caught our first glimpse of the present welfare
status of our communities Our experience so far suggests that although the overall aim of CBMS is
poverty reduction there are important associated benefits and these include local government capacity-
building, community empowerment, and developing the capability of communities for data generation
and utilization This has as much been about an investment in people as an investment in data. The
implementation itself, through a unified vision, has given rise to a sustained unified effort in which human
and financial resources have been quickly and effectively mobilized. Organizational changes, creation of
CBMS teams at Provincial and Municipal level and new working arrangements have developed and
enhanced capacities of local administrative units. CBMS is a capacity building activity which empowers
communities to adopt data-based approaches to development planning. This process fuels sustainable
community development. The capacity of the communities to undertake surveys has been established.
Almost 2,000 enumerators were trained in the data collection instruments, and Municipal planning offices
have created new capacities in data banking and data processing. The skills pools is steadily increasing as
a result of a spirit and sense of enthusiasm and responsibility and a new sense of accountability among
local officials in diagnosing and addressing the development concerns of the communities they serve. Like
a ripple on the surface of a pond, these capacities continue to grow. The province is still learning but
these first few months of implementation have already been an outstanding success and the province
continues to learn and leaves itself in good shape to face the challenges which lie ahead. For
implementing CBMS is as much about facing challenges, about adapting to change, and learning from
experience.

43
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