Surigao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag.
Old folks still like to recount how some Visayan fishermen, forced by strong currents in what is now Surigao Strait, sought refuge in one of the huts somewhere in the province. The locals or Mamanwas thought the fisherman wanted to take the hut by force or “agaw”. This term was given the prefix “suri” and “suriagaw” was formed. In time it was shortened to Surigao.
Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
Still another recounts that, before the Spaniards came, the original inhabitants were the Mamanwas and the Manobos. The Visayans then came and settled on the island with the natives. One of the natives was Saliagao, who lived by the mouth of the river. From his name came”Surigao”.
But now, no matter how Surigao got its name, it is a fact that Surigao del Sur, being a marvel in terms of natural resources, is already an indispensable part of the Philippine map.
