Another Look at Butuan

A. Physical Characteristics and its Boundaries

Butuan is situated in the central part of the Province of Agusan del Norte with an approximate land area of 81,728 hectares. It lies flat along the banks of Agusan River following along course within the province of Davao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte. Specifically located at the northeastern part of Agusan Valley.

B. Brief History of Butuan City

"In the beginning there was no Philippines but there was BUTUAN."

Butuan City is believed to have originated from the sour fruit "Batuan". Others said, that it came from a certain "Datu Buntuan", a chieftain who was once ruled Butuan while the scholars believed, it came from the word "But-an", which literally means a person who has a sound and discerning position. Whichever theories appear credible and whatever it has been said about it, Butuan continues to live on.

Butuan, the prehistoric city by the river, is reportedly the site of the oldest settlement in the Philippines. Its history, culture, arts and people dates back to the 4th century as showcased in its museums.

According to the Chinese Soong Shi (History), the people of Butuan have already established trading relationswith the Kingdom of Champa which is now Southern part of Vietman in the 10th century and later made Butuan the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines in the 11th century. This is proven by evidence of the discovery of the nine (9) balangays - meaning (THE BUTUAN BOAT) and the discoveries of other archeological facts like death masks, chinese porcelain, weighing scale, gold and jewelries found in Ambangan, Libertad near the old EL RIO de BUTUAN and MASAO River.

Butuan is never said to be complete in its description without the significance of the Agusan River that provides the valley with rich soil from periodic floods and its serpentine routes. It also provided the people with the easy means of transportation for trade and commerce, making the logging industry booming and makes Butuan the "Timber City of the South".