.

Region XIII or the Caraga

Administrative Region is the
newest region in the Philippines
created under Republic Act No.
7901 on February 25, 1995.
PROVINCES:
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur
Dinagat Islands

Butuan City is the regional center.

The word Caraga originated from
the Visayan word Kalagan:

Kalag meaning soul or people

An meaning land

The Kalagans was later called

Caragans by the Spaniards.
The Kalagans have a long history
of being brave and fearless. Thus,
the region was called by early
chroniclers as the Land of the
Brave and Fierce People.
Caraga was called "region de
gente animosa", that is "region of
spirited men"
Another fictional etymology of the
name "Caraga" flows from a local
legend as coming from the word
"Cagang", a numerous small crabs
matting the beach of Caraga,
which is also known as "katang" to
the native Caraguenos.
Early inhabitants of Caraga:
Mainland Asians
Malayans
Arabs
Chinese
Japanese
Spanish
Americans
There are 2,095,367 inhabitants
in CARAGA as of 2000.
GEOGRAPHY
Butuan Bay and Surigao Strait surrounds it on
the north, and the Philippine Sea on the east.
On the South are the Davao provinces and
Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon on the west. Its
proximity to other growth areas such as the
Cagayan - Iligan corridor and the Davao Gulf
Economic Zone is an advantage.
Forestland in the region accounts
for an estimated 71% of its total land
area. The rest are devoted to
agriculture and other purposes.
Forest cover is decreasing due to
encroachment/poaching.
It has excellent tourism potentials
because of its unspoiled and
beautiful beaches, abundant and
fresh seafood, ancient and
historical landmarks, hot and cold
springs, evergreen forests and
balmy weather.
While in the region, tourists can
choose from a variety of activities,
these includes surfing in Siargao, the
reputed surfing capital of the
Philippines, island-hopping,
mountain-biking, trekking, scuba
diving and caving.
The region in general has no
definite dry season. Rainfall occurs
throughout the year with heavy
rains from November to January.
Storms might occur on the northern
and eastern portions facing the
Pacific Ocean. The rest of the
region are relatively typhoon-free.
The region is noted for its wood
based economy, its extensive water
resources and its rich mineral
deposits such as iron, gold, silver,
nickel, chromite, manganese and
copper. Its leading crops are palay,
banana and coconut.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN
YOU VISIT CARAGA
Tourist Destinations
Magellan Marker : this
edifice located at
the mouth of Agusan
river in present day
Magallanes, is the site of
the first catholic mass in
Mindanao on April 8,1521.
Magallanes, in the olden
days was called Baug,
formerly the site of Butuan.
Centennial Bitaug Tree: More than 500 years old this
was declared a centennial tree by the Phil.
Centennial Commission on June 3, 1998. Location:
Brgy. Caloc-an, Magallanes.
Cabadbaran Ancestral
Houses: Cabadbarans
Ancestral houses are
predominantly old Spanish
architecture. The most
prominent of them is the
Atega Ancestral Home,
the biggest and most
beautifully preserved in
Caraga. It is the abode of
Cabadbarans
revolutionary hero Don
Andres Atega.
Our Lady of Assumption Church: After the devastating
typhoon in 1876, Fr. Urios instigated Jabonganons to look for
a higher ground for a permanent church. Fr. Chambo, SJ,
started construction in 1878. Fr. Llobera, SJ, blessed it during
the feast of Corpus Cristi, June 17, 1897.Today, it is the oldest
Spanish church in the whole Caraga.
Cabadbaran Museum: This is a mini-museum located at the
ground floor of Teofisto Guingona Sr. Hall. It is a repository to
the towns old documents, as well as artifacts from
Cabadbarans 4 archeological sites
MT. MAGDIWATA (San Francisco). This mystical mountain
stands 633 meters high, perfect for a fun climb to regular
mountaineers. It is San Franciscos sole-source of potable
water supply and is a recipient of the DENRs reforestation
program dubbed as Billion Tree Act.
AGUSAN MARSH. The
largest marshland in the
Philippines holding up to
15% of the countrys
freshwater. This mystical
wetland is the home of
indigenous Manobo
people who live in
clusters of wood and
bamboo houses built on
rafts of floating logs.
Home of Lolong.
BINABA FALLS. A 10-
minute motorboat ride
from the mini-wharf of
the Gibong Recreation
Center where the crystal
clear water displays the
nakedness of natures
uninhibited wealth.
LAKE HIMBANG. The lake is
an alternative destination
of Agusan Marsh. The thrill
of riding a motorized small
boat or a wooden-boat
(made of a log) while
admiring the tranquility
and view of the lake plus a
relaxing meal at the
floating cottage are some
of its attractions, which
you would never want to
miss.
Cagwait Beach may be unheard ofbut not for long. This
horseshoe-shaped island is fringed with trees and glimmering
waters. Swim, get tanned, and camp in this serene enclave.
If you fancy island hopping, then Britania Group of Islands is
what you have been missing. Get acquainted with the 24
islets rising above the seafloor.
CULTURE
Most of its inhabitants speak the
Cebuano dialect and reside in the
rural areas. Other dialects spoken:
Surigaonon
Kamayo
Boholanon
Manobo
Butuanon
Hiligaynon
Majority of the
inhabitants of the
region are of Visayan
lineage. The ethnic
residents include the
Manobo, the
Mamanwa and other
tribes.
The Mamanwa marriage is
monogamous and is an extended
patriarchal family in authority.
Like the Manobos and Mandayas,
the Mamanwas believe in spirit of the
forest (Diwata/Anitos).
Their dead were either laid on a
platform built beside a tree , or
wrapped in a mat and bamboo slats
and hung up a tree. After the funeral,
the relatives of the deceased
abandon their dwellings and
clearings.
 A widowed husband usually lies
beside his deceased wife while
relatives and friends sit around them.
The most
dominant religion
in the region is
Roman Catholic.
Tuwaang Attends a Wedding
recorded and translated by E.
Arsenio Manuel
E. Arsenio Manuel
was a writer, instructor,
dean of Philippine
Anthropology, and the
"Father of Philippine
Folklore."
 E. Arsenio Manuel
His more-than-half-a-century work in
anthropology includes research and
documentation of the Manuvu community
in Mindanao and the discovery and publication of
three ethnoepics from three ethnic groups:
the Manuvu, the Matigsalug, and the Ilianon. He
also studied Bagobo folklore and made a survey
of Philippine folk epics. His work greatly enriched
Philippine anthropology, history, literature, and
linguistics.
 Background of the story
The Tuwaang is a epic of the Manobo that
serves as a pastime during funerals,
marriages, rituals of thanksgiving for the
bountiful harvest, or a successful hunt .
 Background of the story
Each song of the epic of Tuwaang is introduced
by a singer using a poem called by the Manobos
Tabbayanon that has 2 parts: the Tabbayanon
brings interest and often professes feelings and
dreams of the singer, and the Bantangon that
indicates the beginning of the songs. There are
more than 50 songs of Tuwaang but until now,
only 2 songs are published.
 SETTING:
Monawon

POINT OF VIEW:
Third person
CHARACTERS
 Characters
Tuwaang the brave hero in the story and very famous to
every land for his might and bravery.
Dalaga of Monawon the bride
Young man of Sakadna the groom
THE GALLANTS
Young man of Liwanon came from the world outside Earth
Young man of Panayangan deity of trees and insects
Young man of rising sun
Young man of Mandalangin
Young man of Auman
Tuwaha god of the underworld
 GENRE:
Epic
Folktale

THEME:
Love and war
Jealousy
Gentleness of Filipino women
SUMMARY
Tuwaang received a message of invitation from
the wind saying that he should attend the long
waited wedding of the Dalaga ng Monawon.

Don't go, Tuwaang, his aunt warned him. I feel

that something wrong is going to happen to you
there.

Don't worry, tiyang. I can take care of myself! he

said firmly, determined to go.

You don't understand me, Tuwaang. his aunt

said.
I'm not afraid of anything, tiyang. Right now, all I
ever want is to have a glimpse of the beauty of the
Dalaga ng Monawon.

Tuwaang did not listen to his aunt. He insisted to go

and prepared to attend the grand wedding. He
wore the clothes the goddesses made for him. He
got the heart-shaped basket that could make the
lightning move. He took along with him his sharp
spear and shield and the long knife. He rode in the
lightning and he soon reached the beautiful
boundless plain of Kawkawangan. There, he found a
Gungutan, a bright colored bird that could talk. The
bird wanted to go with him to the grand wedding so
he took it along with him.
When they reached the town of Monawon, they were
politely let into the hall where the wedding would take
place.

The guests started coming one by one. First to come was

the young Binata ng Panayangan, then the charming
Binata ng Sumisikat na Araw. Last to come was the
groom, the Binata ng Sakadna who was with his one
hundred well trained men.
As soon as he arrived, the groom ordered all his
men to drive away the guests who should not be
there or those uninvited guests. Insulted, Tuwaang
told the groom that they, the guests were all
pulang dahon, which meant heroes.

In short time, the ceremony started with the guests

being offered several precious things that they
should top with what they had. Two were left for
the groom but the Binata ng Sakadna admitted
that he didn't have a gold flute and a gold guitar
to top what were left.
Tuwaang came to the quick rescue. With his mysterious
breath, he produced a gold flute, guitar and gong.

The beautiful bride came out of her room and started

offering a bowl containing nganga to every guest. Then
she sat beside Tuwaang that put the groom in a very
embarrassing situation. The groom felt insulted. He went
out the hall and challenged Tuwaang to a fight.
Show me that you deserved the honor my lady
bestowed upon you by sitting next to you! the Binata ng
Sakadna angrily challenged him. Fight me to death!

Tuwaang slowly stood to accept the challenge but the

beautiful bride held his hand.

Let me just comb your hair before you fight him, the
bride told Tuwaang in a soft whisper. And she lovingly
combed his hair.
Tuwaang glanced and stared at the bride. He saw love
and admiration for him in her eyes.

Take extra care when you face him, the bride warned
him. He does not fight squarely. Tuwaang took her hand
and brought it gently to his mouth and kissed it.

For you, my lady, I'll be careful! he said and came out of

the hall to face the groom.

The bride nodded and waved her hand to him.

Tuwaang and the Gungutan faced the Binata ng
Sakadna and his one hundred well trained men. He
fought fiercely with all his might and after a brief struggle,
he and the Gungutan had killed ninety four of the groom's
men.

With less effort, they subdued the remaining six men until
he and the Binata ng Sakadna were the only ones left
standing. The groom hurled a big stone at Tuwaang but
the stone turned into dust before it hit him.
Because of the intensity of the struggle, the earth shook
and every tree fell down.

The groom grabbed Tuwaang and threw him heavily on

the ground. He sank on the ground and reached Hades.

In Hades, Tuwaang saw Tuhawa, the god of Hades.

Tuhawa told him that the life of the groom was in the gold
flute.
Tuwaang emerged from the ground and killed the groom
by buying the gold flute. The bride ran to him happily. He
embraced her and kissed her on her cheeks and lips.

Will you go with me? Tuwaang asked the bride.

With all my heart, she answered.

Tuwaang then went home to Kuaman with the bride and

the Gungutan and they lived happily ever after.
CHARACTERS ROLE CHARACTERISTICS

Protagonist/ Brave
Tuwaang
hero Mighty

Dalaga of Thoughtful
The bride
Monawon Caring

Young man of Antagonist/ Brave

Sakadna the groom Proud
References
http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=AgusandelSur
&Page=1&pid=1166
http://kapitbisig.com/philippines/bilingual-tagalog-english-
version-of-epics-mga-epiko-tuwaang-epic-of-bagobo-bilingual-
tagalog-english-version.794
http://vimeo.com/28271674
http://docslide.us/documents/tuwaang-epic.html
http://www.philippine-islands.ph/en/caraga-philippines.html
http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/region-13-caraga/
http://www.slideshare.net/LeerThereux/caraga-region-46065924
 References
http://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/caraga/58-region-
caraga-profile/322-caraga-region-history-and-geography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga
http://www.agusandelnorte.gov.ph/index.php/tourist-
destinations/festivals-and-events
http://agsur.blogspot.com/2010/01/thirteen-years-ago-when-i-
first-step.html
https://prezi.com/kjspe-k9e_lo/tuwaang-attends-a-wedding/
http://www.adntourism.com/culture/
http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Tuwaang