The 

Caraga Region was
created through Republic
Act No. 7901 on
February 23, 1995. The
region is composed of
five provinces: Agusan
del Norte, Agusan del
Sur, Surigao del Norte,
z Surigao del Sur and
Dinagat Islands; six
cities: Bayugan, Butuan,
Cabadbaran, Surigao,
Tandag, Bislig; 67
municipalities and 1,311
barangays.
 AGSAM FASHION FERN ACCESSORIES
Agsam Fashion Fern Accessories is a unique collection of
handcrafted fashion accessories, which is made from a wild
fern plant called Agsam. Unique and proprietary only in the
province of Surigao del Sur in the Philippines, this 40-year
old tradition of Agsam Weaving has been handed down, from
generation to generation, among the indigenous women in
Surigao. And to share to the world this beautiful story of
heritage and tradition, Gina started creating unique pieces
using Agsam materials with locally-sourced components, to
showcase to mainstream market.
ALONG the town of Lanuza in Surigao del Sur is an indigenous product that has been
starting to gain recognition as a fashion accessory not only in the Philippines but abroad.
Yet the uniqueness of this fashion brand is it being made out of a plant; an indigenous
fern known to many as “Nito or Agsam.” The Nito plant with the scientific name of
Lygodium circinnatum is a large fern locally known as Agsam and grows abundantly in
Lanuza town and other parts of Surigao del Sur.
The Agsam strips from the ferns long stem is the material used for the making of the
accessories the indigenous Mamanwa tribe had been using in weaving and crafting for
more than a century. From the traditional tribal hand and ankle bracelets and necklaces;
the product has evolved in its designs to compete with the growing market and utilizes
newly added stones and even gems to further enhance the beauty of the native
craftsmanship.

The 40-year-old art of Agsam Weaving renders a breath of new life through Artist and
Social Entrepreneur, Gina Nebrida Ty. An accidental Artist, Gina discovered Agsam
Weaving during one of her regular visits at her husband's hometown in Surigao del Sur,
Philippines. Despite a unique story to tell and Surigaonons' immense talent, Gina learned
that the pieces created by Agsam weavers were limited to commercial market within their
hometown, given the outdated designs and limited trade exposure. Amused and impressed
by the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Surigaonon weavers, Gina began collaborating
with the weavers to create unique designs, which combine Agsam materials with different
local components sourced from various parts in the Philippines. Not only did this
collaboration bring about viable commercial marketability, both to the local and global
market, it has provided these women a sustainable livelihood as they showcase their
heritage and tradition.
 SUYAM EMBROIDERY
(Manobos Traditional Embroidery)
Suyam is Manobos traditional embroidery. Manobos
has a high respect in regards to wearing clothes with
Suyam Embroidery. The designs or patterns used re
inspired by the environment and cultures they have.
The design in the image represents family, which
means, it needs to be a whole. It's a reminder that the
tribe needs to be whole. This same trait they portray
in their efforts to reclaim their heritage. Suyam
Embroidery is an almost forgotten art and skill. Like
traces of tuma, the puting kuto believed to have
guided the old Manobo in Suyam; they are finding
their way back to customs and legacy stitched to
their identity.
Artisan: Manobo tribe of Agusan
Place: Agusan del Sur
PREPARED BY
BOOC, JOHN LOYD
CABAHUG, JAY
CATAMCO, KHIA