Butuan

Widely recognized as the earliest known place of settlement and sea trade in the Philippines, Butuan was already a commercial center of the country in early 10th century. The people from Butuan have already established trading relations with the kingdom of Champa which is now South Vietnam.

By the 11th century, Butuan was the center of trade and commerce in what will be know as the Philippines. The best evidence to prove this fact is the discovery of 9 balanghays and other archaeological finds in the vicinities of Butuan City, particularly in Ambangan, Libertad near the old El Rjo de Butuan and Masao River.

The city is located at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley in northern Mindanao, sprawling across the Agusan River. It is bounded to the north, west and south by Agusan del Norte, to the east by Agusan del Sur and to the northwest by Butuan Bay.

Land Area 758 sq km
Population 267,279 (2000 census)
Distance from Manila 491 miles south
Dialects Spoken Butuanon, Others Include Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Majority can speak and understand Tagalog and English

Background
Butuan, chartered city, southern Philippines, capital of Agusan del Norte Province, near the mouth of the Agusan River, on the northern coast of Mindanao. The city is a trade center for the Agusan river valley, where lumber, gold, abaca, and copra are produced.

Butuan is reputed to be the site at which the Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan proclaimed Spanish sovereignty over the Philippine Archipelago in 1521. Population (1999 estimate) 247,074.

A description of Butuan is not complete without infusing it with the significance of the Agusan River and its tributaries that provide the valley with rich soil from periodic floods. Its serpentine route through the city and the two Agusan provinces provide the people with easy means of transportation for trade and commerce and encourage settlement along its banks. The Agusan River greatly helped the booming of the "Logging Industry" which earned Butuan the name " Timber City of the South".
Butuan sprawls across the Agusan River nine kilometers from its mouth. Towards this, to the north and seaward, run fertile rice lands.

Halfway round the city to the southwest, roll the gently sloping hills over there Mount Mayapay looms. To the east, the majestic Hilong-hilong and Diwata mountain ranges protect the entire valley from fierce Pacific storms. Its very difficult to pinpoint the exact time when the name Butuan first emerged.

People and Culture
Butuan, the prehistoric city by the river, is reportedly the site of the oldest settlement in the Philippines, and where the first catholic mass is said to have taken place.

The Butuanons are warm and kind-hearted, just like its name, Butuan, from the word "But-an" meaning "good".

Area Profile
Butuan, the provincial capital, is located at the central part of Agusan del Norte province. It lies flat along the banks of Agusan River following along course within the province of Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and drains into Butuan Bay.

Butuan serves a strategic center of the Northern Mindanao region. The national highways from Misamis Oriental, Surigao and Davao traverse the city and meet at the junction of Barangay Ampayon, effectively linking the Northern Mindanao provinces together.

Commerce and Industry
Butuan, like the Caraga Provinces, is primarily an agricultural province. It is also one of the leading rice producer after Bukidnon. Butuan is also a major timber producer in the region.

There are 23 lumber producers and plywood plants in the city. Butuan's rattan is one of the best in the country. Other products include corn, vegetable, coconuts and bananas.

Amenities
Butuan has hotels with convention facilities which can accommodate 500 people and can provide audio-visual equipment upon request. Butuan caters to every filipino taste.

There are a lot of inexpensive restaurants that serve both local and international dishes. One can enjoy the most tasty dishes with the abundant supply of seafood, pao ( the native rootcrop), kayam, and onao from the sorroundings.

How to get There
By Air, Butuan is, 1 hour and 30 minutes away by plane from the national capital, Manila and 50 minutes from Cebu City. Philippine Airlines flies from Manila three times a week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday) for Cagayan de Oro and Cebu flies daily.

By Boat,Butuan is easily accessible by boat from Manila, Cebu and Bohol. Gothong Lines sails from Cebu to Butuan every Tuesday. By Land,Buses leave from capital cities of Mindanao to Butuan several times a day.

History
The name "Butuan" is believed to have originated from the sour fruit "Batuan". Other etymology sources say that it comes from a certain "Datu Buntuan", a chieftain who once ruled over Butuan.

As early as the 10th century, people from Butuan had already established trading relations with the Kingdom of Champa (now southern Vietnam).

By the 11th century, Butuan was the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines. The evidence to prove this fact is the discovery of 9 balangays (the Butuan Boat) and other archeological find in the vicinities of Butuan City, particularly in Ambangan, Libertad near the old El Rio de Butuan and Masao River.

Much controversy and debate have been generated with regard to the holding of the first mass. Whether it was held in Limasawa, Leyte or in Masao, Butuan City. It is sure, however, that Ferdinand Magellan did drop anchor by the mouth of Agusan River in 1521 and held mass to commemorate the event.

The first municipal election in Butuan took place on March 1902 in accordance with Public Law No. 82 which coincided with the American occupation of the place.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, Butuan was razed to the ground when the guerilla forces attacked the enemy garrison during the middle of 1943.

On October 20, 1948, still recovering from the war, the entire municipality was ruined by a fire.

The boom of the logging industry during the 1950s up the middle of 1970s has made Butuan the "Timber City of the South". The outcome of which was the influx of business and fortune seekers from other provinces.

The once lethargic town suddenly became a bustling locality. The flourishing logging industry inspired and prompted Congressman Marcos M. Calo to file a bill converting Butuan into a city. On August 2, 1950, Butuan became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 523 otherwise known as the City Charter of Butuan.

From being a chartered City, Butuan was reclassified into a highly urbanized city on February 7, 1985 pursuant to the provision of section 166 and 168 of Local Government code of 1997 and Memorandum circular 83-49 of the ministry of local Government.

The re-classification was based on its outcome and population as certified by the ministry of finance and national census and statistics office.(LGU)