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03-30-2009
OTOP Benchmarking in Thailand -
Why did this mission of twelve (12) representing local government units, industry chambers and the Department of Trade and Industry based in Caraga, OTOP stakeholders all visit Thailand last March 30 to April 3, 2009?
Thailand, with Japan, as pioneers of the OTOP concept, has served as model to the now moderately thriving OTOP Philippines Program. CARAGA, for me, sees that fresh insights from the masters would help sustain the gains achieved these past from years in the countryside specially at this time of global economic difficulties.
Welcome to Caraga!If you are someone who loves history, culture, nature, adventure, treasures and most of all – warm people; come to Caraga where you can have them all. In fact as early as when we were made a separate region in 1995, we have maintained our invitation for everyone to come and “strike gold” in our region. Striking gold in Caraga literally means gold from these deposits as well as other golden opportunities from the region’s riches. These “golden” riches also translate into “golden” investment opportunities especially in Caraga’s priority industries -.oil palm, banana, seaweeds, high value vegetables, wood, arts & crafts, abaca, mining, coconut, ICT, and tourism. All these potentials have been harnessed by Caraganons as they joined the One Town One Product [OTOP] program of the national government. This site particularly gives you a look at Caraga’s best produce of its 70 towns from five provinces. With each town’s OTOP – local government units, small and medium enterprises, other government agencies and the people in the communities get to rally together to showcase local talent, local materials, concerted efforts and their own brand of community pride and spirit.. 
Its long stretch of shoreline promises abundance in production of fisheries and aquatic products. With
its large tract of fertile lands, the region has a great capacity in producing varied commercial crops
as well as livestock and poultry. Major agricultural products of the region are palay, corn, coconut,
gold, banana, rubber, oil palm, calamansi, prawns, milkfish, crabs, seaweeds and mango.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Region XIII or the Caraga Administrative Region is the newest region created under Republic Act No.
7901 approved on February 23,1995. It consists of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur,
Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. Its cities are Surigao and Butuan.It has a land area of 18,847
sq. kms. Butuan Bay and Surigao Strait surrounds it on the north, and the Philippine Sea on the east.
On the South are the Davao provinces and Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon on the west.Its proximity to
other growth areas such as the Cagayan - Iligan corridor and the Davao Gulf Economic Zone is an
advantage.
Naliyagan Festival
Naliyagan Festival is celebrated annually, highlighting the commemoration of the founding anniversary
of Agusan del Sur every 17th of June. Also called the Bai Naliyagan, the week-long event showcases the
culture and products of the province.The event starts with a Manobo ritual where high priest of the
Manobos called the baylan summons the spiritis of the forest, giving them a safe day in celebrating the
occasion, same time driving away the evil spirits to avoid mishaps. A hog is butchered as its blood is
offered by the priests, praying to appease the evil spirits in exchange of the safety of the people.
Tobacco, eggs, fowls, gin, candles, fruits, and leaves chewed by natives, used as a concoction called
mama, are also offered.After the spiritual ceremonies, an event called the raising of the colors is
held. Each barangay has their own flag raised at its designated flag pole in the Naliyagan Plaza. Soon,
a giant balloon along with small balloons are released, representing dreams, hopes, and aspirations of
the people of Agusan.
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