Agusan del Norte is the smallest province in the Caraga Region, classified as a second-class province. It is mountainous along its northeastern and western parts. In between are flat, rolling lands, particularly where the Agusan River cuts through as it empties into Butuan Bay. The highest peak, Mt. Hilong-hilong, at 2,012 meters above sea level, is located in the Diwata Mountain Ranges near the eastern boundary of Surigao del Sur. Indigenous peoples of the Mamanwa, Manobo, and Higaonon/Tala-andig tribes populate its many mountains.

Geography

Located in the northeastern part of Mindanao, it is bounded on the north by Butuan Bay and Surigao del Norte; east by Surigao del Sur; west by Misamis Oriental; and south and southwest by Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Norte occupies a total land area of 2, 503.9 sq. kilometers.

 

Political

Subdivision Agusan del Norte is composed of 11 municipalities. Capital is Cabadbaran, which also serves as the administrative center. The commercial center is Butuan City.

 

Population
Agusan del Norte had a population of 299,313 as of 2003, growing at an annual rate of 1.89%.

 

Language/Dialect
Pilipino, English, Spanish, Fukienese, Cebuano, Butuanon, Ilonggo, Manobo, Mamanwa, Higa-onon, Maranao.

 

Climate
The province is located outside of the typhoon belt and has no definite dry season. Rainfall is pronounced throughout the year, occurring heavily from November to January.

Industries
Primarily an agricultural province, Agusan del Norte is the region’s leading rice producer. Other major products are coconut, corn, mango, bananas, palm oil, vegetables, and prawns.

The province continues to be a major timber producer despite its extensive deforested areas. There are 23 lumber producers and plywood plants, most of them operating in Butuan City. Minor licensees concentrate on gathering rattan, considered the best in the country.

The emerging industry mix is on agri-business, where its two special economic zones will play a vital role in transforming the place from a timber-dependent industry to a balanced agri-forestry-tourism industry.

 

Source:

WOW Philippines