Surigao del Norte, Province in northeastern Mindanao, Philippines
Surigao del Norte is a province in northeastern Mindanao, Philippines, covering part of the mainland and the islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande. Numerous smaller islets complete the territory, which spreads between the Pacific Ocean and the Surigao Strait.
The administrative unit was created in 1960 when the former larger province of Surigao was divided into two separate territories. Even before Spanish colonial times, Mamanwa communities lived here and later made contact with traders from the Malay region.
The name comes from an old Malay word referring to water currents, reflecting the location between several sea passages. Coastal communities still make their living from fishing and build their homes on stilts above the water.
Jeepneys and tricycles connect towns on the mainland and larger islands. Ferries cross regularly to Southern Leyte across the strait, though crossings depend on wave conditions.
Over three hundred barangays spread across twenty municipalities and one city, more than in many other Philippine provinces. Lake Mainit forms a natural western boundary and connects the region with the neighboring province.
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