516

A. INTRODUCTION

TUBAY A PLACE FOR ADVENTURE

Tubay is a town known for its scenic places ideal for both the adventurous and nature-
loving individuals. From sunrise to sundown, it offers a variety of interests to the delight of any
tourist.

Tubay is one of the eleven municipalities of the province of Agusan del Norte with great
potential for eco-tourism development. It is a coastal town endowed with a good stretch of
pebbled and fine-sand beaches that surely fascinate tourists. It boasts of beautiful scuba diving
and snorkeling sites with pristine blue waters. Rock formations, hidden caves, and varieties of
marine life present a wonder to visitors as well. Its mountain ridges and hills are ideal for
mountaineers and hikers while its fertile valleys that complement the towns eco-zone, form
part of the natural treasures that Tubay owns.

As you go on with this module, you will learn more about the different features of Tubay.

The objectives of this modular lesson are to make the learners:

1. Describe Tubays historical development, geographical location, economic

sector, political background, different barangays and festivals;

2. Identify different tourist attractions and natural resources;

3. Give importance to the different tourist attractions; and

4. Show love and pride of their municipality.

B. THE PRE-HISTORY OF TUBAY

Tubays pre-history is seen in mist but bits and pieces of archeological evidences showed its
existence beyond recorded history. Archeologists of the National Museum recovered rough
stone tools (pebble-cobble tool types) in a gull along the eastern slope of Beto Hills. At the top
of this hill, subsurface ruins of earthenware potteries were found with no Chinese tradeware
broken pieces present indicating a site older than the proto-historic period. There were broken
pieces of clay wares and flaked tools recovered in Abucay and La Fraternidad Elementary
School. These initial archeological evidences pointed out that men had occupied Tubay since
the Stone Age. It was part of the habitation corridor of the Stone Age Men thousands of years
ago. (An excerpt from the historical research of Dr. Jocel J.Dagani, Local Historian.)

517
C. HISTORY OF TUBAY

C.1 Creation of the Municipality

Legend has it that the name Tubay came from the name of the leader of a settlement
of natives known as DatuTabay who fought bravely against the attacking bands of Muslims
wanting to occupy the tribe now known as Tubay.

However, the first mention of the locality in history was in the year 1744 Manila edition
of the map of Murillo Velarde citing Abucay (now part of present day Tubay) as an inlet in the
mouth of the outlet of the present Lake Mainit.

The mention of Tubay in history was in the seven pages of the complete statistical data
of the Provincia de Caraga compiled in 1750s, which at present is in the British Library in
London entitled Pueblo de Tubay. It was considered one of a very safe place in Caraga.
(Caraga Antigua, page 218)

Tubay was one of the pueblos of the province of Caraga in the 1750s. It was then
located in an area along the south bank of the southwestward flow of the Kalinawanriver as
revealed in the map below. (An excerpt from the historical research of Dr. Jocel J. Dagani, Local
Historian.)

Map of the Province of Caraga (1751)

By Francisco Alegre as reproduced from
Schreurs(Caraga Antigua)

518
 Lets Remember

When was the first mention of the locality in history? _____

_____________________________________________________________________________

In the year 1749, the Moros attacked Tubay turning the convent, the church and all
houses into ashes.

After the 1750s, the movement of the rivers crisscrossing the area must have closed the
Caasinan outlet somewhere in the vicinities of Karak-an. This forced the transfer of the old site
to the area of Dalahison where the old cemetery is located. But this site was not occupied for
long. Yearly inundations or flooding from the big river coupled with the constant Moroattacks in
1752 and 1754, as accounted by Fr. Peter Schreurs, necessitated that the Pueblo must be
transferred to a safer location. So in 1878, the pueblo was transferred to Daan Lungsod. (An
excerpt from the historical research of Dr. Jocel J. Dagani, Local Historian.)

Lets Remember

Where was the pueblo transferred in the year 1878?

_________________________________________________________________

In 1912, Tubay was reduced to a barrio status to give way to its equally thriving
neighbor, Cabadbaran. Although reduced to a barrio status, it remained the center of
commercial activities until the fabulous 1920s.

On October 20, 1947, Tubay regained its lost prestige of being a town through
Presidential Proclamation No. 44 of the late President Manuel A. Roxas who declared Tubay as
an independent municipality with the following barrios: Poblacion, Cabayawa, Victory, Santa
Ana, Tagmamarkay, La Fraternidad, Tinigbasan and Lawigan. Later, the following barangays of
Doa Rosario, Tagpangahoy, Binuangan, and Doa Telesfora were added. Then through
Presidential Decree No. 86, Barangay Poblacion was divided into two barangays, Poblacion I
and Poblacion II, thus having thirteen (13) barangays in the municipality.

Lets Check

Whose Presidential Proclamation made Tubay a town again on October 20, 1947?
_______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

519
 C.2 Location and Its Area

Tubay is located in the northern portion of the Province of Agusan del Norte with the
grid coordinates of 9 9 37 north latitude and 125 31 to 128 37 east longitude. It is
bounded on the north by the Municipalities of Jabonga and Santiago, on the south by the City
of Cabadbaran, on the west by Butuan Bay and on the east by Cabadbaran City and Santiago.
It is approximately 86 kilometers from Surigao City and 34 kilometers from Butuan City.

Tubay has a land area of 13,800 hectares, which covers 5.33% of the total provincial
area. The urban area covers 2.97 percent of the total land area while the rural areas cover the
dominant 97.03 percent. Specifically, Tagmamarkay (19.78%), Doa Telesfora (11.41%) and
Sta. Ana (10.5%) have the biggest land areas accounting for nearly fifty percent of the whole
land area.

C.3 Topography

The municipality is made up of flat and rolling lands. The land rises on both the eastern
and western boundaries forming a valley fed by the waters of four rivers and tributaries. The
eastern mountains are part of the Diwata range that forms a natural boundary between Agusan
del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

A continuous chain of low lying hills on the western bay provides a natural barrier that
forces the waters of Lake Mainit to flow through its entire length of Tubay feeding its
agricultural lands as it flows down to Butuan Bay.

Dubbed as one of the cleanest rivers in the country, Kalinawan River is the only river
that serves as the channel or passage of the waters of Lake Mainit. It passes the Municipalities
of Jabonga and Santiago then flows through to Tubay via its three rivers Tubay Puyo,
Kinahiluan and Minuswang, and finally to Butuan Bay.

How Well Did You Understand?

A. Write a short paragraph describing the location and land area of Tubay.

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

B. Below is a map of Agusan del Norte. List down the towns you pass by from
Butuan City to Tubay.

1.
2.
3.

520
521
 C.4 Political Background

Tubay, the name being used to foster the bravery and heroism of Datu Tabay was
founded by a handful of brave and freedom-loving soldiers and men like: Capitan Florencio
Mondejar; Luis Mondejar, Gregorio Mondejar, Cerilo Colon, Eugenio Mission, Basilio Luison,
Gaudencio Luyahan, Corpus Cedula, Magno Mission and Crisanto Cepeda.

In 1893, the following officials were recorded in the pueblo of Tubay namely:

Gobernadorcillo Perfecto Mondejar

Council Members Gregorio C. Montaus
Eugenio Funcion
Alberto Luison
Magno Manon

Capitan Florencio Mondejar was succeeded by his son, Gregorio Mondejar as Capitan del
Pueblo, and then followed by Capitan Magno Mission and later by Eugenio Mission.

In later years, Alberto Luison was appointed Capitan del Pueblo of Tubay and was
succeeded by Felix Luison in 1898. By order of President Aguinaldo, Gen. Simon Gonzales and
Governor Estanislao Gonzales of Surigao appointed a set of officials for Tubay.

President Felix Mission

Vice President Juan Cea
Tresorero Juan Luison
Secretario Hepolito Mondejar
Hefe de Policia Froilan Luyahan
Juez de Paz Eustaqio Mission

In 1912, Tubay was reduced to a barrio status to give way to its equally thriving
neighbor, Cabadbaran. Although reduced to a barrio status, it remained the center of
commercial activities until the fabulous 1920s.

On October 20, 1947, Tubay regained its lost prestige. Presidential Proclamation No. 44
of the late President Manuel A. Roxas, declared Tubay as an independent municipality with the
following barrios: Cabayawa, Victory, Santa Ana, Tagmamarkay, La Fraternidad, Tinigbasan and
Lawigan. Through a separate bill sponsored by former Congressman Marcos M. Calo of Agusan,
Doa Rosario was later made a barrio along with other barrios comprising the jurisdiction of the
municipality of Tubay. The conversion of Doa Rosario to a barrio was a reward in recognition
of the civic activities demonstrated by the heirs of Don Francisco Soriano who unselfishly
donated a portion of their land for the use of school site when it was decided that a school be
established in Doa Rosario.

The first appointed Municipal Officials of Tubay, Agusan del Norte on October 20, 1947
were the following:

Mayor Hon. Arnulfo T. Luyahan

Vice Mayor Hon. Alberto B. Monteroso

522
 Councilors Hon. Agripino B. Mission
Hon. Zoilo B. Cepeda
Hon. Francisco L. Sabio
Hon. Fidel A.D. Garcia, Sr.
Hon. Eleuterio Decalit

While the first appointed municipal officials headed by the late Hon. Arnulfo T. Luyahan
were serving their respective term of office, Councilor Eleuterio Decalit died before he finished
his term. He was then replaced by Mr. Honorio Beltran through the recommendation of the
municipal council.

Then on August 16, 1951, Mayor Arnulfo T. Luyahan died before his term of office
expired. Vice Mayor Alberto B. Monteroso succeeded him through an appointment made by
then Governor Servano S. Jongko which was also approved by Malacaang.

After becoming a municipality on October 20, 1947, Tubay had its first taste of election
in 1951. The first elected municipal officials were:

Mayor Hon. David Q. Sandalo

Vice Mayor Hon. Anacleto M. Luison
Councilors Hon. Mariano M. Page
Hon. Alfredo P. Panis Sr.
Hon. Nemesio Morado
Hon. Francisco L. Sabio
Hon. Juan L. Endencia
Hon. Candelario B. Luyahan

In the 1955 local election, the following were elected:

Mayor Hon. Fidel A.D. Garcia, Sr.

Vice Mayor Hon. Jose M. Luyahan
Councilors Hon. Agripino B. Mission
Hon. Zoilo B. Cepeda
Hon. Anacleto M. Page
Hon. Francisco L. Sabio
Hon. Juan L. Endencia
Hon. Isofo L. Zoleta

Then in 1959, the third local election took place with the following set of officials:

Mayor Hon. Jose M. Luyahan

Vice Mayor Hon. Mariano M. Page
Councilors Hon. Zoilo B. Cepeda
Hon. Ramon U. Tiongco
Hon. Pedro M. Romulo
Hon. Francisco L. Sabio
Hon. Delfin S. Pizarro Sr.
Hon. Juan L. Endencia

523
 In 1961, during the administration of Mayor Jose M. Luyahan, Councilor Zoilo B. Cepeda,
passed away after a long period of sickness. Former Municipal Judge Atty. Jose C. Mission was
appointed as Municipal Councilor to replace him.

The fourth election came about in 1963, with the following elected local officials:

Mayor Hon. Pacifico D. Alburo

Vice Mayor Hon. Ramon U. Tiongko
Councilors Hon. Remegio L. Zoleta
Hon. Norberto B. Panis
Hon. Realino A. Beltran
Hon. Juan L. Endencia
Hon. Francisco L. Sabio
Hon. Florentino M. Montero

Then in 1967, the fifth election came up with the following elected local officials:

Mayor Hon. David Q. Sandalo

Vice Mayor Hon. Angel R. Marquez
Councilors Hon. Realino A. Beltran
Hon. Fernando C. Carlota
Hon. Avelino R. Paler
Hon. Margarita M. Mission
Hon. Narciso B. Munez
Hon. Remegio L. Zoleta

In November 1971, the following were elected as officials in the sixth election of the
Municipality of Tubay.

Mayor Hon. Pacifico D. Alburo

Vice Mayor Hon. Remegio L. Zoleta
Councilors Hon. Rosito M. Luyahan
Hon. Tertoliano A. Sabio
Hon. Analecto P. Page, Sr.
Hon. Felomino M. Nakila
Hon. Delfin S. Pizzaro Sr.
Hon. Realign A. Beltran

On September 21, 1971, then President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand E.
Marcos, declared Martial Law through Presidential Proclamation 1081 setting a political stand
throughout the nation. In these martial law days, the Baraga Oblation of Tubay was divided into
Oblation 1 and Oblation 2.

A local election took place on February 1980 and these paved the way to the Seventh
(7th) Election of municipal officials in Tubay. In this election, David Q. Sandalo came out the
winner but through technicalities of the law was unseated and replaced by his opponent
Pacifico D. Alburo.

524
 The Municipal Officials of March 3, 1980 April 6, 1986

Mayor Hon. David Q. Sandalo (1980 1982)

Mayor Hon. Pacifico D. Alburo (1982 1986)
Vice Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Maxima L. Tapayan
Hon. Armando A. Beltran
Hon. Canesio C. Montaus
Hon. Tomas B. Okut
Hon. Conrado L. Lapida, Sr.
Hon. Ernesto M. Romulo
Hon. Margarita M. Mission
Hon. Tomas M. Arman
Hon. Lily B. Pace (MFPKB 1982-1985)
Hon. Feliza R. Cepeda (MFPKB 1985-1988)

In the name of progress and with the purpose of augmenting the low income of the
municipality, the seat of governance was extended to Barangay Doa Rosario on February 21,
1985 believing that the economic status of the municipality of Tubay will be enhanced
considering that Doa Rosario is located along the national highway.

The emergence of the first EDSA revolution in 1986 caused the local officials to vacate their
posts. The People Power President, Corazon C. Aquino, designated new set of officers to take
charge of the operations of the Local Government Unit. The following local officials were
designated:

Mayor (OIC) Hon. Felipa P. Vertido

Vice Mayor (OIC) Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Sangguniang Bayan Members (OIC)
Hon. Nenilo P. Botoy
Hon. Fabian F. Lamparas
Hon. Oscar M. Romulo
Hon. Josefina M. Macarine
Hon. Melecio D. de Ocampo
Hon. Bartolome G. Paelmao
Hon. Zosimo B. Talictic
Hon. Rajamero L. Zoleta
Hon. Feliza R. Cepeda (MFPKB)

In 1986, a plebiscite was held for the purpose of creating Doa Telesfora the 13th
barangay of the municipality of Tubay.

As advocated in the EDSA revolution, democracy was the battle cry giving way to
another national and local election in January 28, 1988. The political activity in Tubay centered
to the coming 1988 election. All the designated officials appointed by President Corazon C.
Aquino wanted to run for office.

525
 As mandated by the Omnibus Election Code, all those who ran for office has resigned
from their respective positions. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
temporarily appointed Municipal Government Operations Officer (MGOO) Jose L. Luyahan as
designated Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Mayor until a new set of designated officials
will be appointed.

On December 1, 1987, two days after the MGOO was designated, another set of
designated officials were appointed to ensure continuous operation of the municipal
government, and they were the following:

Mayor (OIC) Hon. Rodolfo L. Sangtian

Vice Mayor (OIC) Hon. Vivien J. Dultra
Sangguniang Bayan Members (OIC):
Hon. Leonardo Page
Hon. Lito O. Belleza
Hon. Menelio Yacapin
Hon. Pedro R. Sinday
Hon. Rudy M. Lunasin
Hon. Danilo A. Omelgo
Hon. Lelita V. Fuertes

On January 28, 1988, the eighth election was held and the municipality of Tubay came
up with the following elected officials who assumed office on February 2, 1988.

Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.

Vice Mayor Hon. Arturo B. Maraon
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Chermilita M. Nakila
Hon. Oscar M. Romulo
Hon. Norma G. Mission
Hon. Anacleto P. Page, Jr.
Hon. Norberto F. Capon
Hon. Emma A. Carlota
Hon. Nenilo P. Botoy (resigned in 1990 and
replaced by Apolinario I. Balite upon
appointment of Governor Rama)
Hon. Canesio C. Montaus

The 1988 election brought about the confident tone that the political world really meant
business in rebuilding the nation.

And the municipal government of Tubay headed by its newly elected Mayor Fidel E.
Garcia, Jr. underwent re-planning activities for the municipality. From a basically agricultural
community to an agro-industrial one, with the aim of promoting the welfare of the people and
the environment, the mayor in his first term of office, introduced a radical local government
program known as the Triad consisting of environmental enhancement, livelihood
through cooperativism and collective effort and the efficient delivery of basic
services.

526
 Assistance on capability building and acquisition of management tools among Non
Government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs) of Tubay was extended.
Massive implementation of infrastructure project starting in 1988 vastly changed the physical
features of Tubay after forty (40) years since its township was regained in 1947.

Mayor Fidel E. Garcia, Jr. received numerous citations and awards including the honor of
being the only Mayor of Tubay to become recipient of the Most Outstanding Mayor of Agusan
del Norte for the year 1990-1991 by the prestigious Progressive Alliance of Citizens for
Democracy (PACD), Mindanao Chapter.

In the 1992 election, the people of Tubay rewarded Mayor Fidel E. Garcia, Jr., a re-
election by an unprecedented overwhelming majority of 3,500 votes from the 9,600 registered
voters of Tubay.

The ninth municipal election in May 1992 brought a new crop of political faces to the
fore headed by the still incumbent mayor and assumed their office noon of June 30, 1992 to
wit:

Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.

Vice Mayor Hon. Rodolfo L. Sangtian
Sangguniang Bayan Members
Hon. Felipa P. Vertido
Hon. Anacleto P. Page, Jr.
Hon. Norberto B. Panis
Hon. Jimmy L. Beray
Hon. Thelma B. Uy
Hon. Canesio C. Montaus
Hon. Apolinario I. Balite
Hon. Felimon A. Selades
Hon. Joy S. Ladrido, SK
Hon. Aliore P. Page, ABC (until June 30, 1994)
Hon. Jary P. Mondejar, ABC (July 1994-August31, 1997, Executive
Order No. 54, dated August
10, 1954)

Mayor Fidel E. Garcia, Jr. in his second term of office became President of the League of
Municipalities, Agusandel Norte Chapter, and elected as Assistant Business Manager of the
League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP). He became a member of the Regional
Development Council (RDC)-Region X, a member of the Regional Tourism Council and Chairman
of the Agusandel Norte Tourism Board.

Mayor Fidel E. Garcia, Jr. in his second term and with the full support of his
Sangguniang Bayan, worked double time to attain the goals set by his Triad Program of
Governance in building a solid foundation for development and sustainable growth.

In 1995, for the third time, Mayor Fidel E. Garcia, Jr. was again catapulted to the vortex
of the political arena when the people of Tubay gave him a fresh mandate to take the cudgels
of governance in the municipality.

527
 The tenth election in the municipality in May 1995 brought to the seat of governance the
following who assumed office noon of June 30, 1995.

Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.

Vice Mayor Hon. Rodolfo L. Sangtian
Sanggunian Bayan Members:
Hon. Lucy L. Ciudad
Hon. Apolinario I. Balite
Hon. Canesio C. Montaus
Hon. Norma G. Mission
Hon. Jimmy L. Beray
Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Hon. Anacleto P. Page, Jr.
Hon. Thelma B. Uy
Hon. Jary P. Mondejar (ABC)
Hon. Dennis O. Garcia (SK)

After three consecutive terms as the local chief executive of Tubay, Mayor Fidel E.
Garcia Jr. temporarily bid goodbye to his office giving way to a fresh set of local officials who
were voted to their respective seats in 1998 as follows :

Mayor Hon. Sadeka S. Garcia

Vice Mayor Hon. Anacleto P. Page, Jr.
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Teodulo F. Cepeda
Hon. Jimmy L. Beray
Hon. Ian Omar D. Balite
Hon. Vivien J. Dultra
Hon. Ferdinand G. Mission
Hon. Lucy L. Ciudad
Hon. Thelma B. Uy
Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Hon. Jary P. Mondejar
Hon. Dexie D. Apat (SK)

In the 2001 election, the reign of local governance in Tubay was again tasked to Mayor
Fidel E. Garcia Jr. with the following officials:

Vice Mayor Hon. Lejaben L. Lapida

Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Vivien J. Dultra
Hon. Lucy L. Ciudad
Hon. Ronald M. Hinayon
Hon. Ronnie R. Cambalon
Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Hon. Rossini P. Paraan
Hon. Apolinario I. Balite
Hon. Teodulo F. Cepeda
Hon. Rodrigo A. Calumba, ABC
Hon. Dexie D. Apat, SK

528
 In the succeeding local election, the following officials prevailed:

Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.

Vice Mayor Hon. Lejaben L. Lapida
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Teodulo F. Cepeda
Hon. Rossini P. Paraan
Hon. Vivien J. Dultra
Hon. Jary P. Mondejar
Hon. Canesio C. Montaus
Hon. Aliore P. Page
Hon. Ronnie R. Cambalon
Hon. Ronald M. Hinayon
Hon. Rodrigo A. Calumba, ABC President
Hon. Rosalina O. Guzo, SK Federation President

In April of 2006, Vice Mayor Lapida passed away. SB Member Teodulo F. Cepeda
became vice mayor by succession. The following officials govern the operation of the
municipality:

Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.

Vice Mayor Hon. Teodulo F. Cepeda
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Rossini P. Paraan
Hon. Ronnie R. Cambalon
Hon. Canesio C. Montaus
Hon. Benedicto G. Magpale
Hon. Rafael A. Ramo, Jr.
Hon. Maya Mizpah D. Giango
Hon. Jary P. Mondejar
Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Hon. Rodrigo A. Calumba, ABC President
Hon. Juvy D. Cuyos, SK Federation President

The following are the present Municipal Officials:

Mayor Hon. Sadeka G. Tomaneng

Vice Mayor Hon. Fidel E. Garcia, Jr.
Sangguniang Bayan Members:
Hon. Jary P. Mondejar
Hon.Rodrigo A. Calumba
Hon. Delfin A. Garcia
Hon. Vivien E. Dultra
Hon. Anselmo B. Paraan, Jr.
Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Hon. Benedicto G. Magpale
Hon. Melchor S. Beltran
Hon. Benedicto G. Magpale
Hon. Rafael A. Ramo, Jr.

529
 C.5 Different Barangays, their Fiestas and Patron Saints

Name of Barangay Date of Fiesta Patron Saints

Poblacion 1 and 2 July 26 Santa Ana/San Joaquin
Binuangan September 6 Saint Felomina
Cabayawa May 3 Santa Cruz
Doa Rosario October 2 Santo Rosario
Doa Telesfora January 10 Jesus Nazareno
La Fraternidad 60 days after Easter Sunday Holy Trinity
Lawigan August 31 San Ramon
Sta. Ana August 16 San Roque
Tagmamarkay August 30 San Roque
Tagpangahoy May 13 San Isidro
Tinigbasan May 15 San Isidro
Victory September 29 San Miguel

How Well Did You Know?

A. Write the name of Mayors to correspond the years given on the space provided below:

______________ 1.) 1951-1955

______________ 2.) 1955-1959
______________ 3.) 1959-1963
______________ 4.) 1998-2001
______________ 5.) 2001-2007

B. Match Column A with Column B. Write the letter of the correct answer.

A B
____1. Victory a. January 10
____2.Cabayawa b. October 2
____3. Doa Rosario c. August 31
____4. Lawigan d. May 3
____5. Doa Telesfora e. September 29

530
C.6 Heraldic Meaning of the Official Seal

Coconut Tree symbolizes the major product of the locality.

Boat and the Fisherman symbolizes the major occupation of the locality.

Banana is the new agricultural product secondary to coconut.

Pick Mattock symbolizes the mini-mining industry in the area.

Building symbolizes the agro-based factories existing in the municipality.

MUNICIPALSYMBOLS

Kalachuci Municipal flower

Jackfruit Municipal fruit
Gimelina Municipal tree
Kingfisher Municipal bird
Sakayanon Municipal song
SkyBlue Municipal color

531
Municipal Hymn

Tubay Hymn

Composer: Herberto Autor Cuasito

I
Tubay tipik sa yutang tabunon
Dungganon daw bulak nangalimyon
Ang katawhan mo dili samukan
Garbo ka sa imong kaliwatan.

II
Ampingi dagat ug kakahuyan
Tikara ang mga kapatagan
Makapanginabuhi ka sa kadagaya
Kay panalanginan man ni Bathala.

III
Tubay padayon ang kakugi
Katawhan mo andam mosilbi
Salmot sa nasudnong kalambuan
Tubay mabuhay singgit sa kalipay.

IV
Ang kabukiran ug kaumahan
Kadagatan ug mga kasapaan
Usa sa among kapanginabuhian
Kini ang gasa sa kahitas-an.

V
Tubay lungsod nga malinawon
Ang kaugmaon atong pagalantawon
Kauswagan ato gayong mahuptan
Kung magkahugpong kitang tanan.

VI
Tubay mabuhay singgit sa kalipay (2X)

Repeat III, I, V & VI.

532
 Municipal Song

SAKAYANON

Krotsay, ang sakayanon nagtawag sa hangin

Krotsay ko lantap sa dagat, kalaay maghari

Kala-ay gayud, kabug-at sa ga-od ug kainit nga daw

mamahit

Midag-om, midag-om na, dapit sa atong habagatan

Pagbantay-bantay mga kauban, ang timbangan dili

gayud pagbiya-an

Ayaw baya kalimot nga, gikalisangan kining hangina,

Mogisi sa layag, moguba sa atong sakayan

Timbang kamo, hinubig kamo, dagan ngadto, balik

ngari..

Way labing pait ingon sa kinabuhing sakayanon

Init ug ulan gi-antus namo sa walay pupasilong

Ania-a pay katugnaw ug kagutom pa gayud intawon

Gi-antus ang tanan kay gimbut-an sa kapalaran.

533
D. ADVENTURE/ECO-TOURISM ATTRACTIONS

TOURIST ATTRACTION MAP

Municipality of Tubay

534
 D.1 Mount Mina-asug

One of the many attractions

that Tubay can offer is Mount Mina-
asug. Located between Barangay La
Fraternidad and Barangay
Binuangan, Mount Mina-asug soars at
about 534 meters above sea level
and quite a fine pick for leisure
mountain-climbing, hiking or
trekking.

More than any other

mountain, Mount Mina-asug is itself a
beauty of nature. Springs, birds,
flowers and trees abound in its
vicinity and the over-looking view of
Butuan Bay is simply a delight to the
senses.

(Above. A long shot view of Mount Mina-asug taken along Butuan Bay. Below, neophyte
trekkers flashed sunny smiles showing how fun mountain-climbing in Mount Mina-asug can be.)

535
 D.2 Lawigan Point Diving Site

Lawigan Point is one of Tubays underwater wonders. Dubbed as a first-rate diving site
in the province of Agusan del Norte, Lawigan Point is situated at Barangay Lawigan, Tubay,
Agusan del Norte.

This diving site is generally a rock formation characterized by crevices, overhangs, alleys
and caves and presents an enchanting marine life. Being relatively deep (130 ft.), it is
recommended for advanced and experienced scuba divers.

(Photo insert. The jump-off point of the Lawigan Point Diving site)

Check up!

What are the different characteristics of the Lawigan point rock formation diving site?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

536
 D.3 Dolphin Watching

Schools of dolphins can be seen in the off

shores of Tubay! Three (3) kilometers from the
shores, these playful marine mammals can be
seen gracefully galloping like horses in the water
especially during summer.

Generally called porpoises, dolphins are

small whales, ranging in length from about 1.2
meters to 3.6 meters (about 4 to 12 feet).

Porpoises or dolphins are wild animals. In their natural state they are as free-living and
untamed as deer and wolves. Yet, unlike most wild creatures, they will voluntarily associate
with people. Every seafarer or sailor knows how porpoises or dolphins accompany boats and
ships. They are not seeking for food but apparently they join up for company and sport.

Watching school of dolphins can be a real exciting sight to behold. Dolphin watching
can be arranged with any boat-owners thriving along the coastal areas of Tubay.

Lets Remember

1. How many kilometers offshore of Tubay, we can witness the school of

dolphins? ___________________

D.4 The Binuangan Cave

Want to encounter bats? If so, then visit the

serene barangay of Binuangan and see whats in
store for you in a cave.

Aside from the stalactites and stalagmites

formations which are found in most caves, the
Binuangan Cave is also home to hundreds of fruit
bats who comfortably made it their regular
breeding quarters and habitually greet in-
comers almost skin-to-skin as they fly.

Droplets of fresh water pouring

down from the uppermost portion of the
ceiling help exude coolness inside the cave.
And since it is naturally positioned just
along the shore, one can enjoy swimming
right away after a trip inside.

537
 Binuangan Cave can be reached by a twenty-minute motorboat ride from La Fraternidad
or Poblacion. Locals are willing guides to visiting tourists.

How well did you comprehend?

a) Where will you go if you want to encounter with bats and see stalactites and
stalagmites?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

b) How will you manage yourself to arrive in the area?

_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

D.5 Lucbon Gamay

The white sands of Lucbon

Gamay may not be comparable to those
of Boracays but for those who love to
spend their time on the beach during
weekends and summer, this tranquil
beachfront is a treat Tubay is quite
proud to offer.

Set in a lush tropical seafront,

Lucbon Gamay is a little cove littered
with coconut trees and springs ideal for
those who want to escape everyday life
and just want to relax. Its clear
seawaters are ideal for swimming and
are home to a variety of sea corals,
fishes, starfish, seashells, seaweeds
snorkeling fan will surely admire.

While this tropical place is a joy to a beach fan, Lucbon Gamay offers more. Its nearby
hills are a fine bonus one must consider exploring as it overlooks the entire beach cove and
present a panoramic view of Butuan Bay during sunset.

Should one decide to stay overnight for another day of fun, a tent can be always
pitched. Making bonfire to while away the night and storytelling with family and friends can be
a pleasure a guest may do in this cozy little seaside haven.

Lucbon Gamay is located between Barangay Tagpangahoy and Barangay Tinigbasan. It

is a thirty-minute motorboat ride from Tubay Poblacion and forty five minutes from Barangay
Tolosa, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

538
 Lets Remember

1. What sea creatures can be seen in Lucbon Gamay?

a._________________

b._________________

c._________________

d._________________

2. How long can Lucbon Gamay be reached through a motor boat ride?

From Tubay Poblacion to Lucbon Gamay __________.

From Tolosa Cabadbaran to Lucbon Gamay __________.

D.6 Tagbabayong Falls

Splashing in cool, freshwater from a

falls or simply watching its falling water is an
enjoyable experience that Tagbabayong Falls
may tender. This 20-foot, three-tiered
waterfall is surrounded by trees and wild
flowers and bordered by big mossy rocks. Its
rustling sounds can entice a visitor to take a
plunge into its waters and feel its refreshing
and relaxing effects.

Tagbabayong Falls is a forty-minute

hike from the center of Barangay
Tagmamarkay, Tubay, Agusan del Norte.
Making it more pleasant are the streams and
farms that surround it. Surely, Tagbabayong
Falls is one fun stop you would not dare to
miss!

How well did you recall?

1. Describe Tagbabayong Falls? _____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

2. What make it an enjoyable experience? _____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

539
 D.7 Tubay Mountain Beach Resort

Between the lush forested mountains of

Tubay, Agusan del Norte and the clear waters of
Butuan Bay is Tubay Mountain Beach Resort, the
only resort of its kind in this province which
provides the peace and serenity of being one
with the simplicity and beauty of nature.

The resorts greatest natural

resources is the abundance of fresh water
which continuously flows throughout the
year from six springs located around the
resort, the same fresh water flowing into the
480 square-meter, fully-tiled, guitar-shaped
swimming pool.

Tubay Mountain Beach Resort is

located in Barangay La Fraternidad, Tubay,
Agusan del Norte. It is 39 kilometers or an
hour drive from Butuan City. It is eight (8) kilometers from the Maharlika Highway junction of
Tubay and accessible by motorized vehicles via the newly-opened access road, a motorboat or
simply hiking.

Check-up:

1. How many springs supply the water in the swimming pool?

_______________________________________________________________________

2. How many square meters is the swimming pool of Tubay Mountain Beach Resort?
_______________________________________________________________________

D.8 Hi Hill Forest Camp

Mini-camping, family outing and trekking stop!

These are but few of the things that Hi Hill Forest
Camp offers.

Set up at the peak of a hill in Sitio Beto,

Barangay 2 Poblacion, Tubay, Agusan del Norte, Hi
Hill Forest Camp is a newly established venue that
offers a scenic view of Tubay and its neighboring
areas that include, Mt. Mas-ai and Mt. Hilong-hilong in
the east; the majestic peak of Mt. Mina-asug in the

540
north; on the westside is the bluish waters of Butuan Bay and in the south is the soundless
Kalinawan River.

From the footstool of Doa Rosario

Bridge, it takes a 15-minute hike for novice
trekkers passing along the Kalinawan
riverbanks to reach the camp.

A place to calm the senses and great

sights, Hi Hill Forest Camp should be a place
one ought to go!

(Top photo. Guests of the camp taking a view of the distant sight of Butuan Bay. Bottom
photo. The majestic Mt. Mas-ai as seen from Hi Hill Forest Camp.)

D.9 Camp Telesfora

The Doa Telesfora L. Ong Oh Program and

Training Center (formerly Camp Telesfora Ong Oh)
situated in Barangay Doa Telesfora, Tubay,
Agusan del Norte is a five-hectare campsite. This
lush area was donated by the late Doa Telesfora
Ong Oh, a generous lady who was an active Girl
Scout herself, to the Girl Scouts Agusan Council on
March 22, 1978. Since then, the campsite has
played host to a number of local and national
camping and scouting rendezvous.

The Girl Scouts Agusan Council was the first

council to host the national encampment of the Girl
Scouts of the Philippines. The five-hectare area was
not enough for the national event and so, in April
1982, the council officers led by Council President
Florencia A. Jimenez and Council Executive Maria
Teresa V. Pizarro accompanied the national officers led
by National Executive Director Flor B. Malicay to see
Doa Telesfora Ong Oh to request for an additional
camping area to accommodate the growing number
of campers. As expected, the lady philanthropist
gave an additional five hectares, thus making a total
of ten-hectare campsite today.

541
Into The Woods of Camp Telesfora

The wooded and green surroundings of the campsite offer campers and visitors relief
from tension, stress and pressure. With its springs, waterfalls, evergreen mountains, towering
trees, wild flowers, chirping birds, natural cool breeze and all of natures bounty, a day or two
of relaxation at the camp is guaranteed to make everyone feeling refreshed and recharged.

With a minimal camping fee, the site is suitable for family, company, youth camping,
church retreats, physical fitness training and scouting.

Campers are encouraged to bring tents, sleeping equipments, rugged clothes, rubber
shoes, slippers, insect repellant, mini-medical kit, safe drinking water and easy-to-cook foods.

CHECK UP

1. What natural resources are abundant to this 10-hectare camp? Encircle them.

gold waterfalls cobalt wild flowers

river evergreen mountain towering trees

2. Are you ready to be camping out? Prepare your things with you. List down what you
have to bring for the camping.
_________________________ _______________________
_________________________ _______________________

3. When did the Agusan Council Girl Scouts acquire the lot?

4. Who was the lady philanthropist who donated the lot? ______

D.10 Agro-Tourism

Tubay Agricultural Processing Center (TAPCEN)

Through Presidential Proclamation No. 1262, Tubay Agricultural Processing Center

(TAPCEN) was created and certain lands of the private domain situated in Barangay Doa
Rosario were designated as a Special Economic Zone pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916.

TAPCEN was conceived through the efforts of the local government unit of Agusan del
Norte, the municipality of Tubay and JC Agri-Development Incorporated. It was intended to
augment and complement the agro-production activities in the area particularly the Lake Mainit
Influenced areas.

TAPCEN is a special economic zone that will primarily cater to agro-based and light
industries. It has a total land area of 231.45 hectares, 70% of which is generally designated for

542
various developments and 30% for open spaces. Of the aggregate area, some 149.45 hectares
of 65% will be allocated for industrial uses, 67.48 hectares or 29% for utilities and
infrastructure and about 14.4 hectares or 6% for green buffers.

The Agro-Industrial Zone is seen as a catalyst for growth with significant economic and
social contribution not only to Tubay but also to the province of Agusan del Norte.

Lets Try This:

1. Give the meaning of TAPCEN.

_____________________________________________

2. What is the significance of TAPCEN in Tubay?

_____________________________________________

D.11Tubay Nickel Mining Project SRMI

While Tubay proffers a number of exciting

escapades, it also boasts of mineral wealth. Presently,
minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and other precious
metals have been identified in the mountains shared by
the coastal barangays as well as the upland barangays of
Tagmamarkay and Sta. Ana. The good quantity and
quality of these minerals and precious metals have
encouraged the advent of mining firms and the ensuing
mining operations in these areas.

In March of 2006, the first mining firm, SR

Metals Inc., a Filipino-owned corporation, launched
the Tubay Nickel Mining operations in La Fraternidad
after securing the essential permits and legal
requirements from concerned government agencies.
Hundreds of the labor force from Tubay and those
from its neighboring towns are employed.

(Photo above showing a section of the SRMI

mining area and a diagram illustrating the
flow of the companys mining activities.)

543
 While the company furthers its operations, it has
taken programs to protect the environment against
degradation. Reforestation and tree planting
program has already been primed so that after the
extraction of mineral ores, disturbed and damaged
greenery will be restored and revived. Studies on
water sources, its quality and the likes have by now
been undertaken so that practical actions will be
made to ensure its safety. These rehabilitation
programs are similarly asked from other mining
companies intending to operate in Tubay.

(A section of the nursery/seedling

depot of SRMI Forest Rehabilitation
Program.)

The Tubay Nickel Mining Project of SR Metals

Inc. is located in three barangays: La Fraternidad,
Binuangan and Sta. Ana. Barangay La Fraternidad
and Binuangan are located along the western coast
facing Butuan Bay while Sta. Ana is on the eastern
side. The mining site is two kilometers from La
Fraternidad and is accessible by motorcycles and
four-wheeled vehicles. Other prospect mining
areas to be operated are situated in Barangays
Binuangan, Tagpangahoy, Tinigbasan, Lawigan, Doa
Telesfora, Tagmamarkay and Sta. Ana.

(Above.A young tree variety is ready for replanting.

Below. A man-made Tilapia pond in the mining area.)

The mining operations in the municipality

boosted the revenues of the local government
allowing it to provide more services to the people
more pronouncedly in the health, education,
housing, infrastructure and institutional sectors.

544
 How Well Did You Understand?

A. Where was the first mining operation of SRMI Tubay Nickel Project launched?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

B. Clarisse observed the mining process in the area assigned by her Science teacher.
She was asked to report to their class the sequence of activities. Help her by writing
numbers 1,2,3,4, and 5 as she arranges the mining process from the initial to final
stage in the lines provided below.

_____ Loading into dump trucks and hauling to barges.

_____ Mining by backhoe and dump trucks
_____ Hauling to designated stockyards/drying pads
_____ Transport and unload to waiting chartered ships of buyers
_____ Stripping by backhoe, bulldozers and dump trucks

E. FESTIVALS

E.1 Tamban Festival

Tamban Festival is an event made one of

a kind in this part of the province by its theme.
Unlike other festivals and celebrations whose
themes are concentrated on dances and sounds,
Tamban Festival focuses on capturing a good
sense of appreciation on the abundance of
Tamban or Salmonella in the local waters and to
showcase the different palatable dishes as well as
preserved items that can be derived from it. Slated on
the 27th of July, the festival was first held in 2004 and
has proudly produced delectable dishes and preserves
such as fresh tamban rolls, tamban in olive oil, dried
tamban and among others.

Tamban Festival has been participated in by the

thirteen barangays of the municipality and organized by
the Local Government Unit of Tubay in cooperation with
various local organizations. The event organizers plan
to encourage the participation of private organizations
in the next staging to make it more well-known such
that additional and probably lucrative products could
be generated from it.

Making the festival likely a fine venue for

cooking and fun is the fluvial parade of the town
patrons, Saints Anne and Joachim, whose feast
coincided with the holding of this fair.

545
 E.2 Gakit Festival

Until the early 1960s, the mode of transportation of the upland barangays of Tubay
including the municipalities of Santiago and Jabonga had been through the Kalinawan River via
conduction. Conduction is a transportation method using bamboo raft by which farm produce
from the upland areas were delivered to the then business port of Tubay as the highway linking
these towns to Cabadbaran or Butuan was then under construction.

Gakit Festival captures the essence of this erstwhile means of transportation that Tubay
proudly exalts as a historical piece. Launched in 1998, the initial running of the Gakit festival
was a commemoration of both the significance of conduction (transportation means used in the
Kalinawan River) and that of the 51st anniversary of the proclamation of Tubay as a
municipality. Dances, pageantry, music and all of fun activities dominated the air as the
celebration brought locals and visitors to the paved river banks of Tubay to watch the
approaching bamboo rafts carrying agricultural products ranging from livestock to fruits and
vegetables to fresh water catches. Initially joined in by the barangays of Tubay, Gakit Festival
offered a fresh, new look at what had been a tedious but significant journey along the
Kalinawan River.

Aside from the good looks that the present day bamboo rafts showed during the three-
year running of the Gakit Festival, handsome cash prizes were considerably given to entries that
best promote and epitomizes the essence of a Gakit.

Although the festival ceased to exist since 2001, the present administration considers
the re-staging of the festival in the coming celebration of the Adlaw sa Tubay every October 20.

F. LOCAL PRODUCTS

F.1 Ermas Beauty Products

Locally manufactured beauty products aiming to make users young-looking with finer
skin are being offered by Ermas Beauty Product. A local soap manufacturer based in La
Fraternidad, Tubay, Agusan del Norte

Among the beauty products that the manufacturer produces, the various soaps made
with ingredients like papaya, carrot, cucumber, herbal and oatmeal are the most sought-after.
Other variants include tomato soap, avocado soap and alpine soap.

These products are available locally in several market outlets in Butuan City, Iligan City,
Cagayan de Oro City, Surigao City, General Santos, Cebu City and Manila and are also shipped
in other countries like Saudi Arabia, Belgium, England, Germany and Thailand albeit in smaller
quantities due to high shipping cost.

546
 How Well Did You Comprehend?
1. Where can we buy their products?
2. List down the different soap variants made by Ermas Beauty Products?

F.2 Pristine Virgin Coconut Oil Food Supplement

Pristine Virgin Coconut Oil is produced from newly harvested fully natural coconut by the
cold process using refrigeration. Its smells like freshly grated coconut.

Virgin coconut oil is 50 percent lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid which is found in
mothers milk. When ingested into the human body, lauric acid becomes monolaurin, an anti-
viral and anti-bacterial agent that destroys lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes,
cytomegaloxirus, and influenza.

Virgin Coconut Oil does not contain the trans

fatty acids that produce insulin resistance and cause
diabetes, cancer and other diseases. Nor does it
contain oxidized cholesterol that causes heart disease
or trigger strokes. Instead, it speeds up metabolism
because it is quickly converted into energy, allowing
people to burn calories and lose weight.

547
 Virgin coconut oil maybe taken as a food supplement or used for cooking and baking as
a healthy alternative to butter, margarine or ordinary cooking oil. It is also ideal for massage as
it does not clog the pores and protects the skin against infection.

CHECK UP

1. What is lauric acid in Pristine Virgin Coconut Oil?

_______________________________________________________________________

2. How many percent of lauric acid does Pristine Virgin Coconut Oil contain?
_______________________________________________________________________

3. What possible diseases can be prevented through the use of Pristine Virgin Coconut Oil?
_______________________________________________________________________

REFERENCES/BIBLIOGRAPHY

G. REFERENCES

1. Comprehensive Land Use Plan Tubay, Agusandel Norte

Prepared by MDC, MPDS
December 2002

2. Programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment of Tubay Agricultural Processing

Center:
Special Economic Zone
Volume I and III
Executive Summary
November 2002

3. Proposed Tubay Nature Tourism Estate

4. SR Metals Incorporated Hand-out

5. http://www.FP.com

6. Tubay Municipal Handbook

7. Tubay Pre-Historic Brochure by Dr. JocelDagani

548
H. APPENDICES

549
550
551