Surigao del Norte Province: The Gateway to Philippine Surfing

Located at the very northeastern tip of Mindanao, the province of Surigao del Norte serves as the northern gateway to the Caraga Administrative Region (Region XIII). It is strategically bounded by the Surigao Strait to the east, the Bohol Sea to the north, Agusan del Norte to the west, and Surigao del Sur to the south. Surigao del Norte is composed of a mainland section and several major island groups, most notably the world-famous Siargao Island and the Bucas Grande Island group, making it primarily a marine and island-driven economy.

The capital and political hub of the province is Surigao City, which acts as the main transport and commercial center. The province is widely known as the primary tourist destination in Caraga, drawing global attention for its unparalleled natural beauty, especially its world-class surfing waves.

Location and Accessibility

Surigao del Norte’s popularity stems largely from its dual accessibility, catering to both land travelers from Mindanao and air travelers seeking the island experience:

• Via Air: The province is served by two main airports. The Surigao Airport (SUG) in Surigao City handles domestic commercial flights, primarily connecting to Manila and Cebu. For direct access to the famous surfing spots, the Sayak Airport (IAO) on Siargao Island (in Del Carmen municipality) is the main entry point, offering direct flights from major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
• Via Sea: The Surigao City Port is one of the busiest in Mindanao, acting as a crucial inter-island hub. Ferries and fast crafts regularly run from Surigao City to the major port of Dapa on Siargao Island (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours) and to neighboring provinces like Dinagat Islands and Leyte/Samar in the Visayas.
• Via Land: The mainland is connected to the Philippine national road network. Air-conditioned bus lines link Surigao City reliably to key cities like Butuan City (about 2-3 hours) and Davao City (about 8-10 hours), ensuring the efficient flow of people and goods across Mindanao.

For most tourists, getting to Surigao del Norte is a choice between landing directly in Siargao for the beaches or landing in Surigao City for the capital’s services and onward travel to neighboring islands.

Population and Demographics (2020 Census)

According to the latest data from the 2020 Census of Population and Housing by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the total population of Surigao del Norte stands at 534,636 residents. This figure accounts for approximately 19.06% of the Caraga Region’s total population, making it a significant center of human activity in the region.

The population is distributed across one component city (Surigao City) and 20 municipalities. The provincial capital, Surigao City, is the most populous local government unit, hosting 171,107 residents as of the 2020 census. The people of Surigao del Norte are predominantly Surigaonon speakers, a Visayan language closely related to Cebuano and Boholano, with minor linguistic groups present in various island and mainland areas.

Connectivity: Headquarters to Major Ports

The seat of governance, the Surigao del Norte Provincial Capitol, is located centrally in Surigao City. Due to the provincial capital being the region’s main transportation hub, the headquarters enjoys extremely convenient access to major transport gateways:

• To Surigao Airport (SUG): The airport is situated conveniently close to the city proper, typically within 5 to 10 kilometers of the Capitol complex. Travel time by car or local tricycle usually takes approximately 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic within the city center.
• To Surigao City Port: The main passenger and commercial seaport is located almost in the heart of the city. The distance from the Provincial Capitol to the port is minimal, often requiring less than 10 minutes of travel by local transport. This proximity is vital for the administrative and commercial functions of the province, particularly for managing sea travel to the critical island municipalities of Siargao and Bucas Grande.

Economy, GDP, and Main Contributing Industry

Surigao del Norte is classified as a 1st Income Class Province. Its economy is characterized by a strong mix of mining, fisheries, and rapidly growing services sectors, boosted significantly by the tourism boom in Siargao.

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The provincial economy, measured by the Gross Provincial Domestic Product (GPDP) in 2022, was estimated at ₱ 78.38 billion (at constant 2018 prices). The economy grew by a robust 4.8% that year, demonstrating resilience in post-pandemic recovery.
• Regional Ranking: Surigao del Norte secured the rank of the largest economy in the entire Caraga Region in 2022, accounting for 24.2% of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). This leadership position is mainly driven by its Industry and Services sectors.
• Main Contributing Industry: While mining and quarrying (part of Industry) provide substantial revenue, the province’s economic structure is diversified. In 2022, the Services sector and the Industry sector were the primary contributors to the regional economy. Key sub-industries driving this growth include Construction, Transportation and Storage, and crucially, Accommodation and Food Service Activities (fueled by Siargao’s popularity), reflecting a successful economic shift toward a service- and tourism-driven model.

Current Elected Provincial Leaders (2022 Elections)

The provincial executive leadership, elected for the three-year term spanning 2022 to 2025, is responsible for guiding the province’s development and policy implementation:

• Provincial Governor: Hon. Robert Lyndon S. Barbers
• Provincial Vice Governor: Hon. Geed Gokiangkee

These officials lead the provincial government from the Capitol in Surigao City, managing the needs of the mainland and the distinct challenges and opportunities presented by the island municipalities, particularly in Siargao and Bucas Grande.

Higher Education and Youth

The province is home to several institutions that provide higher learning opportunities, ensuring local youth have access to diverse academic and technical programs:

• Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU): This is the premier public state university, offering a wide array of courses, including Engineering, Information Technology, Teacher Education, and Agri-Fisheries. SNSU operates multiple campuses across the province (Surigao City Main, Del Carmen, Malimono, and Mainit), making tertiary education accessible to students in both mainland and island communities.
• Saint Paul University Surigao (SPUS): One of the oldest educational institutions in the region and the first university in Caraga, SPUS is a private Catholic university offering courses in Business, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Teacher Education, attracting students from across Caraga and Mindanao.

These universities serve as critical centers for academic and technical development, supporting the province’s need for skilled professionals in its growing services and industry sectors.

Tourist Attractions and Destinations

Surigao del Norte is globally celebrated as an ecotourism powerhouse, primarily driven by the fame of Siargao Island, which is consistently ranked among the world’s best islands:

• Cloud 9 (General Luna, Siargao): Recognized internationally as the “Surfing Capital of the Philippines,” this spot is famous for its powerful, thick-barreled waves, making it a favorite for professional and amateur surfers worldwide.
• Magpupungko Rock Pools (Pilar, Siargao): A natural wonder that reveals a beautiful coastal rock formation and a series of crystal-clear tidal pools at low tide, perfect for swimming and exploration.
• Sohoton Cove National Park (Bucas Grande Island): A protected area featuring a labyrinthine system of caves and lagoons, most notably the stingless jellyfish sanctuary where visitors can swim harmlessly alongside thousands of golden and spotted jellyfish.
• Tri-Island Hopping: The popular island-hopping route includes Naked Island (a pure sandbar), Daku Island (the largest, known for its coconut groves and local hospitality), and Guyam Island (a picturesque, palm-studded islet).

Yearly Festivals

The province celebrates its cultural heritage and bountiful resources through several vibrant festivals. The largest and most famous is held in the provincial capital:

• Bonok-Bonok Maradjao Karajao Festival: Held annually in Surigao City every September 9th, this is a celebration of thanksgiving and community spirit in honor of the city’s patron saint, San Nicolas de Tolentino. The festival is characterized by elaborate street dancing, which depicts the indigenous Mamanwa and Manobo rituals for a bountiful harvest and good health. The name Maradjao Karajao is a local phrase meaning “very good” or “very well,” reflecting the positive spirit of the celebration.
• Siargao International Surfing Cup (General Luna): While not a traditional cultural festival, this annual event (usually held in September or October) draws international competitors and spectators, serving as a massive global celebration of wave riding and coastal culture.

History: From Caraga to Province

The history of Surigao del Norte is tied to the ancient Kingdom of Butuan and the vast historical territory known as Caraga, which was named after the indigenous group called the “Calagans” (meaning “people of the spirited courage”). European contact began in 1538 when the Portuguese-born explorer Francisco de Castro landed and began the Christianization of the inhabitants.

During the Spanish colonial era, the entire region, encompassing the present-day Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan, and Dinagat Islands, was governed as the large Distrito de Surigao. Over time, the difficulty of administering such a large, resource-rich territory led to administrative partitioning. Surigao del Norte was formally created as an independent province on June 19, 1960, by virtue of Republic Act No. 2786. The creation of the province, with Surigao City as its capital, allowed for dedicated focus on the northern and island communities, spurring economic growth through mining and, eventually, world-class tourism.

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