AGUSAN PROVINCE, north of Davao, occupies the whole northern Valley of Agusan. The soil is of the greatest fertility, holding a constant moisture. The rainfall is very evenly distributed throughout the year, and there has been no drought or destructive typhoon recorded. Abaca and coconuts thrive well in this region. A splendid rice crop is produced without irrigation. Bananas, papayas, and other tropical fruits are grown in great abundance, the famous Mindanao papaya attaining its perfection in the region about Butuan.
The numerous lakes and the extensive area of swampy land are sources of incalculable wealth. Choicest fish abound in the lakes, while nipa from which tuba and alcohol are obtained, and mangroves for fuel and tanning purposes, grow wild in the fenlands.
Gold deposits exist in abundance. Most of these deposits are found in the mountains on the eastern side of the valley. The location of these mines is favorable, being near rivers. There are several gold mining claims at present under operation.
Butuan, the capital and most important town of the province, is near the mouth of the navigable Agusan River. This river port serves the same purpose for the settlements built along Agusan River and its tributaries, as the town of Cotabato to the well-scattered towns of the Cotabato Valley.
SURIGAO PROVINCE, north of Agusan, occupies the whole northeastern part of the Island of Mindanao. Abaca, copra, and corn are the most important agricultural products. There is much fine timber in the forests, the best obtainable equalling iron and concrete in durability. Gold is at present mined in some parts of the province.
THE SULU ARCHIPELAGO.—The Sulu Province includes all of the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, a region which is often visited by earthquakes, the Sulu Sea being the seismic center. The climate of this region is warm and moist, being near the equator.
Fishing is the most important industry. Jolo is the center for most of the pearling fleet. Sitanki, Omapui, Tumindao, Balimbing, Landubas, Laja, and Siasi are other important fishing centers. The sea turtle, fish of all kinds, and the trepang are caught. Beautiful trays and combs and other articles are made from the back of the sea turtle, and the fish and trepang are cured and exported.
The Sulu Archipelago, especially Jolo, the capital and principal port, trades with Zamboanga, Borneo, and Singapore. Chinese merchants traded with Sulu long before the arrival of Legaspi in the Philippines. When Manila and Cebu were yet small settlements, Jolo was already a city, the most important in the Philippines.
A view of Jolo, Sulu