Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Philippines

Butuan City, Agusan del Norte is within Region XIII – (CARAGA), in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Butuan City

• As of the 2020 Census, Butuan City had a population of 372,910.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 337,063, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 10.6% over five years.
• Butuan is historically home to the Mamanwa and Manobo peoples. The Mamanwa are among the oldest indigenous groups in Mindanao, known for their forest-based traditions, music, and rituals. The Manobo have ancestral domains in the Agusan Valley and are recognized for their oral epics and weaving practices.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, though Butuanon and Tagalog are also widely used. Indigenous languages such as Mamanwa and Manobo are still spoken in tribal barangays. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Butuan City

• Butuan City is located in northeastern Mindanao, within Region XIII (Caraga). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 8.948°N latitude and 125.543°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 816.62 square kilometers, comprising 86 barangays. Its terrain includes river plains, coastal zones, and low-lying hills. The climate is tropical rainforest (Af), with rainfall distributed year-round and average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C.
• Butuan serves as the regional center of Caraga and is administratively independent from Agusan del Norte. The City Hall is located in Barangay Doongan, while regional offices are spread across the city.
• Most people reach Butuan via land and air. The city is served by Bancasi Airport, which connects to Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The Port of Nasipit is the nearest major seaport, located about 30 minutes from the city center. Bus terminals link Butuan to Surigao, Cagayan de Oro, and other parts of Mindanao.

Tourist Attractions of Butuan City

• Balangay Shrine Museum: Home to the ancient Balangay boats, dating back to 320 A.D., showcasing Butuan’s maritime heritage.
• Butuan National Museum: Displays artifacts from pre-colonial to colonial periods, including the Butuan Ivory Seal and Chinese ceramics.
• Banza Church Ruins: The oldest stone church ruins in Mindanao, built by Jesuits in the 17th century.
• Agusan River: The third longest river in the Philippines, ideal for river cruises and ecological tours.
• Kahimunan Festival: Celebrated every July, this festival honors Santo Niño and showcases indigenous dances, crafts, and rituals.

Economy of Butuan City

• Butuan’s economy is anchored in:
  • Trade and commerce: As the regional center, Butuan hosts malls, markets, and financial institutions serving Caraga.
  • Agro-industrial processing: Facilities process rice, corn, coconut, and wood products for regional distribution.
  • Forestry and timber: Historically known as the “Timber City of the South,” Butuan remains a hub for lumber and furniture production.
  • Tourism and services: Museums, festivals, and heritage sites contribute to seasonal income and employment.
• In 2024, Butuan posted a GDP of approximately ₱45.2 billion, ranking it among the top-performing cities in Caraga. It continues to grow through infrastructure, education, and regional connectivity.

Educational Institutions of Butuan City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Caraga State University (CSU): A state university offering programs in engineering, IT, forestry, and environmental science.
  • Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU): A private Catholic institution offering liberal arts, law, and health sciences.
  • Butuan Doctors College: Specializes in nursing, medical technology, and allied health programs.
  • St. Joseph Institute of Technology: Offers programs in engineering, maritime studies, and business.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in electronics, welding, culinary arts, and other trades.

History of Butuan City

• Butuan is one of the oldest settlements in the Philippines, with archaeological evidence of trade and civilization dating back to the 4th century A.D. The discovery of the Balangay boats and Chinese ceramics attests to its role as a pre-colonial trading hub.
• Some historians claim that the first Catholic mass in the Philippines was held at the mouth of the Agusan River in Butuan, not in Limasawa, Leyte, as traditionally believed. This theory is supported by early Spanish records and local oral histories.
• Butuan was officially founded on January 31, 1901 and became a chartered city on August 2, 1950. It was declared a highly urbanized city on February 7, 1995, making it administratively independent from Agusan del Norte.
• Today, Butuan is known as the “Historical Capital of the Philippines,” balancing cultural heritage, urban development, and regional leadership. It continues to grow through education, tourism, and sustainable planning.

Elected Officials of Butuan City

• As of the 2025 elections, Butuan City is led by:
  • Mayor: Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun (Nacionalista)
  • Vice Mayor: Reynante B. Desiata (Nacionalista)
  • Representative – Lone District: Jose S. Aquino II (Lakas)
  • City Councilors: Glenn Carampatana, Ferdinand Nalcot, Rema Burdeos, Carlo Sanchez, Victor Plaza, Dennis Bacala, Arturo Gado, Dendo Udarbe
• For full election results and updates, visit: Butuan City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines