An Informational Overview


Introduction

The Caraga Administrative Region, officially designated as Region XIII, is one of the regions of the Philippines located in the northeastern part of Mindanao. Known for its rich natural resources, diverse culture, and significant contributions to the mining and agricultural sectors, Caraga is an important region in the country’s socioeconomic landscape.

Region XIII: Caraga Administration Region is designated as PSGC # 16 due to the NCR being designated as PSGC # 13, this region is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.


Geographical Location and Provinces

Caraga is strategically located in northeastern Mindanao and is bordered by the Philippine Sea to the east, Northern Mindanao (Region X) to the west, and the Davao Region (Region XI) to the south.

The region comprises five provinces:

  1. Agusan del Norte
  2. Agusan del Sur
  3. Surigao del Norte
  4. Surigao del Sur
  5. Dinagat Islands

The regional center is Butuan City, a highly urbanized city in Agusan del Norte.


Historical Background

The name “Caraga” is believed to have originated from the native word “Kalag”, meaning “spirit” or “soul,” reflective of the early inhabitants known as Kalagans or Caragans. These people were noted for their bravery and strong warrior traditions.

Caraga was officially formed as an administrative region on February 23, 1995, through Republic Act No. 7901. Prior to this, the provinces were part of Region X (Northern Mindanao).


Demographics

As of the latest census, Caraga has a population of over 2.9 million people. The region is home to a mixture of ethnic groups including the Manobo, Mamanwa, Higaonon, and Visayan settlers. Cebuano is the most widely spoken language, along with Surigaonon, Kamayo, and other local dialects.


Economy and Industry

Caraga is known for its abundance of natural resources, which makes it one of the country’s major contributors in:

  • Mining – rich in gold, nickel, chromite, and other minerals.
  • Forestry – large forest reserves and logging operations.
  • Agriculture – producing rice, corn, coconut, banana, and root crops.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture – due to its long coastline and inland waters.

Butuan City also serves as a commercial and trading hub for the region.


Tourism and Natural Attractions

Caraga boasts scenic landscapes, unspoiled beaches, caves, waterfalls, and protected areas. Major attractions include:

  • Siargao Island – internationally known as a surfing destination.
  • Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur – often referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the Philippines.”
  • Enchanted River in Hinatuan – famous for its deep blue waters and mystical beauty.
  • Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande – featuring lagoons, limestone islets, and caves.

The region is increasingly becoming popular for eco-tourism and adventure tourism.


Infrastructure and Development

Caraga is continuously improving in terms of infrastructure, with developments in transportation (airports, seaports, and roads), communication, and energy. It is also a focus area for development projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities, especially in remote and indigenous communities.


Culture and Festivals

The region is culturally rich, with numerous festivals and traditions showcasing its indigenous and colonial heritage. Notable festivals include:

  • Kahimunan Festival in Butuan City – a celebration of thanksgiving and indigenous culture.
  • Bonok-Bonok Festival in Surigao City – a ritual dance honoring tribal heritage and patron saints.
  • Naliyagan Festival in Agusan del Sur – celebrating culture, history, and progress.

Conclusion

Caraga Administrative Region is a dynamic and resource-rich area with vast potential in various sectors including tourism, agriculture, and mining. With its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and ongoing development, Caraga is a region of strategic importance and vibrant promise in the Philippines.

PSGC # BasePSGC #Region #Region Name:Province or HUC:Capitol:Income
Class:
Pop.
(2020):
Area
(sq. km.):
Area
(sq. mi.):
Ind.
Cities:
Comp.
Cities:
Municipalities:Barangays:# Island
Brys:
1616020000013Caraga Administration Region Agusan del NorteCabadbaran City3rd387,5032,730.241,054.1501101660
1616030000013Caraga Administration Region Agusan del SurProsperidad1st739,3679,989.523,856.9801133140
1616850000013Caraga Administration Region Dinagat IslandsSan Jose4th128,1171,036.34400.13007100100
1616670000013Caraga Administration Region Surigao del NorteSurigao City2nd534,6361,972.93761.750120335158
1616680000013Caraga Administration Region Surigao del SurTandag City1st642,2554,932.701,904.5302173092
1616020200013Caraga Administration Region Butuan CityN/A1st372,910816.62315.300N/AN/A860
       Pop.
(2020):
Area
(sq. km.):
Area
(sq. mi.):
Ind.
Cities:
Comp.
Cities:
Municipalities:Barangays:# Island
Brys:
       Totals:2,804,78821,478.358,292.84 5671,310260
Overview of regional information about Region XIII: Caraga Administration Region

By Namayan at English Wikipedia, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46994544

Philippine Standard Geographical Code # 160200000

Agusan del Norte is a coastal province composed of:

Component City (1):Municipalities:Barangay:
Cabadbaran City (Capitol)10252
PSGC #Town #Creation Date:Municipality:Type:Coastal/Inland:Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):IDD: Area Code:Zip Code:Barangays:Income Class:District:
16020100011/31/1937BuenavistaMunicipalityCoastal68,89261,614475.61183.6363 (0) 858601251st ClassII
16020200021/31/1901Butuan CityIndependent CityCoastal372,910337,063816.62315.3063 (0) 858600861st Class
16020300031894Cabadbaran City (Capitol)Component CityCoastal80,35473,639214.4482.8063 (0) 858605316th ClassII
16020400047/1/1949CarmenMunicipalityCoastal23,17220,839311.02120.0963 (0) 85860384th ClassII
1602050005 JabongaMunicipalityCoastal24,85523,184293.00113.1363 (0) 858607153rd ClassII
16020600068/29/1963KitcharaoMunicipalityCoastal21,27818,659171.9266.3863 (0) 858609114th ClassII
1602070007 Las NievesMunicipalityInland30,24028,414582.69224.9863 (0) 858610202nd ClassI
16020800086/21/1969MagallanesMunicipalityCoastal22,29321,00744.3117.1163 (0) 85860484th ClassII
16020900098/21/1909NasipitMunicipalityCoastal44,82241,957144.4055.7563 (0) 858602193rd ClassII
160212000129/12/1982Remedios T. Romualdez ( Mina–Ano)MunicipalityCoastal17,15516,05879.1530.5663 (0) 85861185th ClassII
160210000101/31/1937SantiagoMunicipalityInland28,65724,200275.61106.4163 (0) 85860884th ClassII
160211000116/22/1947TubayMunicipalityCoastal25,78524,932138.0953.3263 (0) 858606134th ClassII
Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):Barangays:
 Totals:760,413691,566.003,546.861,369.46252
Overview of provincial information about the province of Agusan del Norte.

Philippine Standard Geographical Code # 160300000

Agusan del Sur is a coastal province composed of:

Component City (1):Municipalities:Barangay:
Bayugan City13314
PSGC #Town
#
Creation
Date:
Municipality:Type:Landlocked:Pop.
(2015):
Pop.
(2015):
Area
(sq. km.):
Area
(sq. mi.):
IDD:
Area Code:
Zip
Code:
Barangays:Income
Class:
District:
16030100018/20/1961Bayugan CityComponent CityLandlocked109,499103,202688.77265.9463 (0) 858502435th ClassI
16030200021/26/1959BunawanMunicipalityLandlocked47,51245,151512.16197.7563 (0) 858506101st ClassII
16030300031921EsperanzaMunicipalityLandlocked59,35354,8011,355.48523.3563 (0) 858513471st ClassI
1603040004 La PazMunicipalityLandlocked30,96928,2171,481.12571.8663 (0) 858508151st ClassII
16030500053/30/1965LoretoMunicipalityLandlocked43,88042,5011,462.74564.7763 (0) 858507171st ClassII
16030600061/1/1970Prosperidad (Capitol)MunicipalityLandlocked88,32182,631505.15195.0463 (0) 858500321st ClassI
16030700076/21/1969RosarioMunicipalityLandlocked49,61046,683385.05148.6763 (0) 858504112nd ClassII
16030800086/21/1959San FranciscoMunicipalityLandlocked80,76074,542392.53151.5663 (0) 858501271st ClassII
16030900096/15/1968San LuisMunicipalityLandlocked35,19632,109950.50366.9963 (0) 858511251st ClassI
16031000010 Santa JosefaMunicipalityLandlocked26,43226,729341.80131.9763 (0) 858512113rd ClassII
160314000142/1/1980SibagatMunicipalityLandlocked33,95730,442567.82219.2463 (0) 858503241st ClassI
16031100011 TalacogonMunicipalityLandlocked39,67838,374405.25156.4763 (0) 858510162nd ClassI
160312000126/15/1968TrentoMunicipalityLandlocked54,49251,565555.70214.5663 (0) 858505161st ClassII
160313000133/31/1965VeruelaMunicipalityLandlocked39,70843,706385.45148.8263 (0) 858509202nd ClassII
Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):Barangays:
 Totals:739,367700,6539,989.523,856.99314
Overview of provincial information about the province of Agusan del Norte.

Dinagat Islands is an island province composed of:

Municipalities:Barangay (of which are Island Barangays):
7100 (100)
PSGC #Town #Creation Date:Municipality:Type:Coastal/Inland:Island:Pop. (2020):Pop. (2015):Area (sq. km.):IDD:
Area Code:
Zip Code:Barangays:Island BryIncome Class:District:
16850100016/17/1967Basilisa (Rizal)MunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island + Islands36,91136,88092.6835.7863 (0) 86841327274th ClassLone District
168502000212/23/1959CagdianaoMunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island18,35016,808249.4896.3263 (0) 86841114143rd ClassLone District
16850300031830DinagatMunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island + Island10,62110,632139.9454.0363 (0) 86841212125th ClassLone District
16850400042/29/1960Libjo (Albor)MunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island + Island18,05117,760180.5769.7263 (0) 86841416165th ClassLone District
16850500051/1/1919LoretoMunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island + Island9,6909,309255.8798.7963 (0) 86841510104th ClassLone District
168506000611/15/1989San Jose (Capitol)MunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island26,37527,48727.8010.7363 (0) 86842712124th ClassLone District
16850700076/21/1969TubajonMunicipalityCoastalDinagat Island8,1198,27690.0034.7563 (0) 868426995th ClassLone District
Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):Barangays:Island Bry:
 Totals:128,117127,1521,036.34400.12100100
Overview of provincial information about the province of Agusan del Norte.

Philippine Standard Geographical Code # 166700000

Surigao del Norte is a coastal province composed of:

Component City (1):Municipalities:Barangay (of which are Island Barangays):
Surigao City (Capitol)20335 (163)
PSGC #Town #Creation Date:Municipality:Type:Coastal/
Inland:
Mainland/
Island:
Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):IDD: Area Code:Zip Code:Barangays:Island
Bry:
Income Class:District:
1667010001 AlegriaMunicipalityCoastalMainland16,18416,01165.2825.2063 (0) 8684251205th ClassII
1667020002 BacuagMunicipalityCoastalMainland14,88114,48695.8537.0163 (0) 868408905th ClassII
1667040003 BurgosMunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island4,1854,03419.277.4463 (0) 868424666th Class
16670600041955ClaverMunicipalityCoastalMainland + Island36,03332,773322.60124.5663 (0) 8684101411st ClassII
1667070005 DapaMunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island + Islands29,00623,78791.9035.4863 (0) 86841729294th Class
1667080006 Del CarmenMunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island + Island20,12718,392151.6858.5663 (0) 86841820205th Class
16671000078/1/1929General Luna (Cabuntog)MunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island + Islands22,85316,77141.3015.9563 (0) 86841919195th Class
16671100081850GigaquitMunicipalityCoastalMainland21,84920,864138.1153.3263 (0) 8684091304th ClassII
166714000912/27/1930MainitMunicipalityCoastalMainland28,01926,741107.7641.6163 (0) 8684172104th ClassII
16671500010 MalimonoMunicipalityCoastalMainland18,85218,05480.1330.9463 (0) 8684021405th ClassII
1667160001110/31/1953PilarMunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island10,3749,75277.1129.7763 (0) 86842015155th Class
166717000121850PlacerMunicipalityCoastalMainland + Islands29,61627,09461.2923.6663 (0) 8684052034th ClassII
16671800013 San BenitoMunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island + Island5,6635,40445.6317.6263 (0) 868423666th Class
166719000145/24/1957San Francisco (Anao-Aon)MunicipalityCoastalMainland15,34714,55256.7221.9063 (0) 8684011105th ClassII
16672000015 San IsidroMunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island8,5197,32542.0316.2363 (0) 86842112125th Class
16672100016 Santa Monica (Sapao)MunicipalityCoastalSiargo Island9,4238,80839.1915.1363 (0) 86842211115th Class
16672200017 SisonMunicipalityInlandMainland14,29013,15554.7021.1263 (0) 8684041205th ClassII
166723000182/22/1961SocorroMunicipalityCoastalBucas Grande Island25,94222,314114.4544.1963 (0) 86841614144th ClassI
166724000196/29/1655Surigao City (Capitol)Component CityCoastalMainland + Islands171,107154,137245.3094.7163 (0) 86840054213rd ClassII
166725000206/22/1947Tagana-anMunicipalityCoastalMainland + Islands17,32316,42877.2929.8463 (0) 8684031465th ClassII
166727000219/18/1957TubodMunicipalityInlandMainland15,04314,20645.3417.5163 (0) 868406905th ClassII
Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):Barangays:Island Bry:
 Totals:534,636485,0881,972.93761.75335163
Overview of provincial information about the province of Agusan del Norte.

Philippine Standard Geographical Code # 166800000

Surigao del Sur is a coastal province composed of:

Component City (1):Municipalities:Barangay (of which are Island Barangays):
Bislig City28309 (2)
Tandag City (Capitol)N/AN/A
PSGC #Town
#
Creation
Date:
Municipality:Type:Coastal/
Inland
Pop.
(2015):
Pop.
(2015):
Area
(sq. km.):
Area
(sq. mi.):
IDD:
Area Code:
Zip Code:Barangays:Island Bry:Income
Class:
District:
166801000110/24/1960BaroboMunicipalityCoastal53,14649,730242.5093.6363 (0) 8683092103rd ClassII
1668020002 BayabasMunicipalityCoastal8,9798,164117.8445.5063 (0) 868303705th Class
16680300031921Bislig CityComponent CityCoastal99,29094,535331.80128.1163 (0) 8683112403rd ClassII
16680400041782CagwaitMunicipalityCoastal21,74720,384214.1082.6663 (0) 8683041104th Class
16680500051782CantilanMunicipalityCoastal + Island34,06031,492240.1092.7063 (0) 8683171712nd Class
16680600061918CarmenMunicipalityCoastal11,72010,347160.0161.7863 (0) 868315805th Class
1668070007 CarrascalMunicipalityCoastal24,58622,479265.80102.6363 (0) 8683181404th Class
16680800083/19/1954Cortes (Kagyunod)MunicipalityCoastal + Island17,92415,912127.0849.0763 (0) 8683131214th Class
1668090009 HinatuanMunicipalityCoastal43,84139,842299.10115.4863 (0) 8683102402nd ClassII
1668100001012/10/1918LanuzaMunicipalityCoastal13,64212,001290.60112.2063 (0) 8683141304th Class
1668110001110/17/1919LiangaMunicipalityCoastal33,86929,493161.1262.2163 (0) 8683071304th Class
16681200012 LingigMunicipalityCoastal35,14231,485305.17117.8363 (0) 8683121802nd ClassII
166813000132/2/1953MadridMunicipalityCoastal16,65315,223141.2054.5263 (0) 8683161404th Class
16681400014 Marihatag (Oteiza)MunicipalityCoastal19,44118,518312.50120.6663 (0) 8683061203rd Class
16681500015 San AgustinMunicipalityCoastal22,85522,779277.28107.0663 (0) 8683051304th Class
16681600016 San MiguelMunicipalityInland41,80939,340558.00215.4563 (0) 8683011801st ClassII
16681700017 TagbinaMunicipalityInland41,05138,833343.49132.6263 (0) 8683082502nd Class
1668180001811/6/1918TagoMunicipalityCoastal39,83135,329253.2897.7963 (0) 8683022402nd Class
166819000191650Tandag City (Capitol)Component CityCoastal62,66956,364291.73112.6463 (0) 8683002105th Class
Pop.
(2020):
Pop.
(2015):
Area (sq. km.):Area (sq. mi.):Barangays:Island Bry:
 Totals:642,255592,2504,932.701,904.543092
Overview of provincial information about the province of Agusan del Norte.
Translate »
Scroll to Top