Magallanes - Agusan del Norte Destinations

Magallanes

It is believed by some writers that the First Catholic Mass in the island of Mindanao for that matter was celebrated in Magallanes.

Magallanes is a 4th class municipality in the province of Agusan del Norte. The town was named after Fernando Magallanes (Ferdinand Magellan), a Portuguese maritime explorer.


The town of Magallanes is known for the Magellan Shrine located at Poblacion near the Municipal Hall. Erected in 1872, the shrine was the site of the 'first' Catholic mass in Mindanao in April 8, 1521. It was believed that the Magellan's Cross in Cebu was also erected here by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his men before they sailed north. Evidence showed church ruins near the Agusan River.


Considered to be the country's oldest tree is the Bitaug Tree of Magallanes located in Barangay Caloc-an. Declared as Philippine Centennial Tree on June 1998, the tree has officially become a tourist destination after the Department of Tourism installed a tourist center nearby. Its trunk measures 290 centimeters in diameter and is claimed to be about 500 years old. This ancient tree used to be the favorite perch of thousands of fireflies at night making it a natural landmark for fishermen during night time.


Magallanes celebrates its annual fiesta every third Saturday of October in honor of its patroness, Nuestra Señora del Rosario (Our Lady of the Rosary). The festival includes a thanksgiving mass, parades and more. The “Lisagan Festival” held on Sunday after the fiesta includes street dancing similar to the Sinulog Festival and fluvial procession at the Agusan River and Baug River. The Agusan River is the widest navigable river in Mindanao.

 

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

Attractions at Magallanes

Lisagan Festival

Places at Magallanes

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