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From the Past
According to FRAY SAN FRANCISCO de SAN ANTONIO, Surigao was formerly called as BANAHAO. San Antonio, in his "Chronicas" written in 1738, described Banahao as located at the northern head of Mindanao within which there is a good port for ships called "Bilan-Bilan". Bilan-Bilan actually today is where ships dock for industrial and business goods. It is also where the lighthouse otherwise known as PAROLA is located.
Banahao was part of the old district of Caraga. Tandag (presently the capital of Surigao del sur) was its capital. Surigao was the biggest province in the whole of Mindanao during the Spanish era with territories including parts of Davao oriental, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte up to Gingoog river and Misamis Oriental.
Surigao officially became the permanent residence of the Recollects on February 1, 1752 when all the canonical books were moved from Siargao to Surigao.
It was through Surigao strait that the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan, the navigator sailed into the Philippine Archipelago during the epic voyage of discovery and eventual circumnavigation of the world on 1521. In these waters also occured the greatest naval battle in history, "The Battle of Surigao Strait" was fought in World War II, from October 25-26 1944 between the Americans and the Japanese soldiers. This is celebrated with historical reenactments once a year at MAHARLIKA port in Lipata, Surigao.
Although there are many legends and beliefs on how Surigao was named, Surigao was named SURIGAO by the ancestors and became a chartered city on August 31, 1970.
Thanks to Fernando Almeda, Jr. for the additional reference.
Ekit
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