Butuan City, Philippines…

Butuan City was originally located in Pinamanculan by the banks of the Masao River, a kilometer away from barrio of Libertad. Finding the Place less ideal because of the Flood, the people moved to Baug, now the municipality of Magallanes, at the mouth of the Agusan River. They again transferred to Lapaca, now known as Linungsuan in Barrio Banza about five kilometers inland of Agusan River. Still troubled by floods, the people once more settled, this time in the present site of the city proper.

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 two Agusan provinces provided the people with easy means of transportation for trade and commerce encouraged 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 City sprawls across the Agusan River nine kilometers from its mount. Towards this, to the north and seaward, run fertile Ricelands. Halfway around the city to the southwest, roll the gently sloping hills over Mount Mayapay. To the east, the majestic Hilong-Hilong and Diwata mountain ranges protect the entire valley from fierce Pacific storms.

It is very difficult to pinpoint the exact time when the name Butuan first emerged. Certainly, the name Agusan came into being upon the creation of the province in 1914. Before this, the entire area had been known as BUTUAN, as can be born out by old historical records.

How to get there:

Butuan is accessible by plane or boat from Manila and Cebu. Land transportation to any point of Mindanao is available.

Air
The Bancasi Airport  is undergoing expansion to accomodate more airbuses. Daily flights from Butuan to Cebu and Manila are being served by Cebu Pacific,   and Philippine Airlines. The Bancasi airport is the 12th busiest airport in the country according to the Air Transportation Office statistics accommodating about  308,000 passengers for 2008 alone. It has various food outlets within the vicinity for pasalubong. During Christmas season, lechon from Butuan are common sight being transported to Manila, for its crispiness and taste.

Sea
Butuan is easily accessible by boat from Manila, Cebu , Bacolod and Bohol via the Nasipit port, 18 kms. from city proper. A trip from Manila takes 26 hours. Fares vary according to accommodations. Lumber products , bananas, and other agricultural products are transported to Manila and Cebu.

Land
Orange colored tricycles are common in Butuan. They go around and even outside the city proper. Jeepneys are used in the main city streets, with corresponding route numbers. Cars for rent are available upon request in most hotels and at the airport, but all are not metered, so remember to agree on the fee before boarding. Green colored taxis are also available in the city.  Buses  ply the routes from Butuan to other cities and provinces of Mindanao.

Contact Information:

OFFICE OF THE CITY MAYOR
City Hall Compound,
Doongan Road, Butuan City,
Agusan del Norte, 8600
Tel No. (085)342-3074
Fax No. (085)225-5737
Website: http://www.butuan.gov.ph/ITD