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The city has abundant mineral reserves including gold, iron, manganese, cobalt, copper and among the world's largest nickel deposits in Nonoc Island. The surrounding waters and coastal areas provides sanctuary to numerous species of fish and aquatic life. Its warm weather and proximity to the Pacific Ocean offers various activities around its islands, beaches, caves, swamps and coconut- hemmed villages on stilts. The city's location makes it an ideal jumpoff point to tourists visiting popular adventure islands of Siargao, Dinagat and Bucas Grande. It is the center of politics, commerce, industry and education for the whole province as well as parts of the neighboring provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Bohol and Southern Leyte. =People= Surigao is home to one of the country's oldest and most colorful tribes, the Mamanwa. They are similar to the Negritoes of Luzon Island in features and stature. They are generally short, dark-skinned with a crop of short kinky hair. Although forced to settle in the hinterlands due to development, they continued to practice their customs and traditions. The faith about “Kahimunan”, one of their many tribal festivities, highlights music and graceful dancing. Revelers chant and play while accompanied by native musical instruments including the gimbar (drum), gong and bamboo percussion called “Kalatong” and “Katik”. Wild pigs, chicken and indigenous fruits including the rare "Kayape" are among the offerings. A “Baylan”( priest) presides the celebration as a tribute and invocation to their god “Magbabaya” and departed ancestors for good health and abundant harvest. Mamanwas are also known for their creative patterns, brass jewelries and indigenous crafts, displayed proudly on their costumes as they fill the streets at the height of the Bonok Bonok Maradjao Karadjao Festival every September 9, celebrated on the occasion of the feast of San Nicolas de Tolentino, Surigao City's patron saint. “Bonok-bonok” and its prehistoric origins was another ritual to thank their gods, presided by various village chieftains and their wives. Happiness and friendship are expressed through dancing, chanting and singing. They wave scarves of “Banay” as symbols of goodwill, wealth and blessings for all tribal villages. Today, Mamanwas remain in the highland hinterlands and occasionally descend to sell or barter handicrafts and fresh harvests. Their numbers are unknown as groups still move constantly in search of budding greens. Bands still subsist on foraging even as their hunting and gathering lifestyle has changed over the years. Majority of the residents in the city and lowland areas originate from various ethnic groups around the country including Boholanos, Tagalogs, Ilonggos, Warays, Cebuanos, and other Visayan groups. |
