Butuan City, Philippines

Butuan City Description

Butuan City, the regional center of CARAGA Region, became a chartered city in 1950. The “Timber City of the South”, Butuan City was already conducting trade relations with Vietnam and Java far back in the 10th century. Numerous archaeological items also indicate noteworthy trade relations with neighboring countries such as China, Cambodia, Thailand, and even Persia.

Different sources explain different ways in how Butuan City got its name. Some say it originated from a local sour fruit “batuan”. Another is that it came from “Datu Buntuan”, the name of a former ruler of the place. A third one theorizes it was from “butwaan” which means “a trade center”. A fourth is from “buotan” meaning sensible, because of a major ruler who was generous with his subjects.

Until now, it is still debated if Magellan held the first mass in the Philippines in Limasawa, Leyte or in Masao, Butuan City.

Butuan City was crippled by a major fire during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The city was starting to stand on its feet again when another fire razed it. Its booming timber industry has aided the city’s development.

Butuan City Attraction

Butuan City is the only place in the Philippines where balangays (ancient boats) were found. Two of these three boats are currently housed in the Balanghay Shrine Museum. The other balanghay is in the National Museom of the Philippines.

Butuan River is considered the deepest, longest, and widest passable river in Mindanao. Designation of Butuan forest lands into production and protection forest ensures longevity of the Butuan River watershed. A project of the tourism department aims to launch a river cruise making use of balanghay replicas.

Butuan City Regional Museum houses significant artifacts attesting to the rich history of Butuan City. It is divided into the Archaeological Hall and Ethnological Hall.

Butuan City Location

Butuan City, in Agusan del Norte province, is the regional center of CARAGA Region in Mindanao.

Bancasi airport in Butuan City is about 6.5 kilometers from the city proper. From Manila, Butuan City is 1 hour and 45 minutes away by plane and 36 hours by sea. From Cebu, plane ride takes about 55 minutes and sea transport takes about 12 hours.