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Bunawan, officially the Municipality of Bunawan (Cebuano: Lungsod sa Bunawan; Tagalog: Bayan ng Bunawan), is a municipality in the province of Agusan del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 47,512 people.[5]

Key Information

Bunawan was created on June 21, 1959, through Republic Act No. 2517.[6] The world's largest crocodile, Lolong, was captured in the town in September 2011.[7]

Geography

[edit]

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 512.16 square kilometres (197.75 sq mi) [8] constituting 5.13% of the 9,989.52-square-kilometre- (3,856.98 sq mi) total area of Agusan del Sur.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Bunawan, Agusan del Sur
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27
(81) 		27
(81) 		27
(81) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		29
(84) 		30
(86) 		30
(86) 		29
(84) 		28
(82) 		28
(82) 		29
(83)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 22
(72) 		21
(70) 		22
(72) 		22
(72) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		23
(73) 		22
(72) 		22
(72) 		22
(72)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 64
(2.5) 		48
(1.9) 		40
(1.6) 		28
(1.1) 		41
(1.6) 		48
(1.9) 		38
(1.5) 		34
(1.3) 		33
(1.3) 		46
(1.8) 		52
(2.0) 		53
(2.1) 		525
(20.6)
Average rainy days 13.9 12.5 12.2 12.2 16.5 17.6 17.5 17.4 16.6 19.0 16.6 14.6 186.6
Source: Meteoblue[9]

Barangays

[edit]

Bunawan is politically subdivided into 10 barangays.[10] Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2024[11] 2010[12]
160302001 Bunawan Brook 10.4% 5,283 5,063 ▴ 0.31%
160302002 Consuelo 18.7% 9,528 5,863 ▴ 3.58%
160302008 Imelda 3.3% 1,672 1,179 ▴ 2.56%
160302003 Libertad 12.9% 6,583 6,018 ▴ 0.65%
160302004 Mambalili 5.9% 3,008 2,355 ▴ 1.79%
160302009 Nueva Era 2.7% 1,375 1,139 ▴ 1.37%
160302005 Poblacion 10.5% 5,379 4,683 ▴ 1.01%
160302006 San Andres 6.5% 3,336 3,043 ▴ 0.67%
160302007 San Marcos 2.4% 1,212 896 ▴ 2.21%
160302010 San Teodoro 15.2% 7,775 7,243 ▴ 0.51%
Total 50,999 37,482 ▴ 2.25%

Demographics

[edit]
Population census of Bunawan
YearPop.±% p.a.
1918 2,648—    
1939 4,743+2.81%
1948 6,384+3.36%
1960 11,423+4.97%
1970 8,646−2.74%
1975 9,603+2.13%
1980 12,719+5.78%
1990 21,105+5.20%
1995 24,615+2.92%
2000 26,704+1.76%
2007 35,757+4.11%
2010 37,482+1.73%
2015 45,151+3.61%
2020 47,512+1.08%
2024 50,999+1.71%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[13][14][12][15][16]

In the 2020 census, Bunawan had a population of 47,512.[17] The population density was 93 inhabitants per square kilometre (240/sq mi).

Economy

[edit]

Poverty incidence of Bunawan

10
20
30
40
50
60
70
2000
57.85
2003
61.63
2006
60.80
2009
54.22
2012
39.10
2015
38.05
2018
30.33
2021
32.35

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]

Education

[edit]

Primary and Elementary

[edit]
Central elementary schools
Name Barangay
East Bunawan Central Elementary School San Teodoro
West Bunawan Central Elementary School Poblacion

High Schools

[edit]

There are three high schools in the municipality.

School Barangay
Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology San Teodoro
Bunawan National High School San Teodoro
Libertad National High School Libertad

University

[edit]

Bunawan has 1 university, the Agusan del Sur State University.

Crocodile Lolong

[edit]
Main article: Lolong
crocodile Lolong

In early September 2011, local residents and veteran crocodile hunters caught a 6.17-metre-long (20.2 ft) saltwater crocodile weighing 1,075 kilograms (2,370 lb) in a local creek. The municipality planned to make the giant beast the centerpiece of an ecotourism park for species found in the marshlands.[7]

On November 9, 2011, the National Geographic Team confirmed that Lolong was the world's biggest crocodile.[26] The crocodile was transferred at the Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center in Barangay Consuelo.

Villagers had witnessed the crocodile attack and kill a water buffalo, and they suspected it also killed a fisherman who went missing that summer. Experts from an area crocodile farm were called in to capture the wild animal, which destroyed four traps before a stronger one caught it. A hundred villagers were needed to drag the crocodile to a truck before a crane was used to put it in a truck. From there, it was taken to a special cage where it was expected to be held until the ecotourism park was built around it.[7]

The crocodile was declared dead a few hours after flipping over in a pond with a bloated stomach on February 10, 2013.[27] The crocodile, despite being responsible for many deadly attacks, was mourned by residents of the town, as it was the only notable tourist attraction in the area. Its remains are preserved to allow the municipality to keep its fame.

Several other crocodiles roam the marshy areas on the outskirts of town, and villagers have been told to avoid the marshes at night.[7]

Industry

[edit]

Co-O Gold Mine of Philsaga Mining Corporation is located in Barangay Consuelo.[28]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bunawan

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from Grokipedia
Bunawan is a first-class in the province of , region (Region XIII), in the , known for its rich , indigenous Manobo heritage, and the historic capture of , the largest crocodile ever held in captivity. Situated in a landlocked along the Agusan River basin, Bunawan covers an area of 512.16 square kilometers and lies at an of 29.1 meters above sea level, with coordinates approximately 8.1781° N, 125.9935° E. The municipality is composed of 10 barangays, including Consuelo and Bunawan Brook, and recorded a of 47,512 in the 2020 census, yielding a of 93 persons per square kilometer and an growth rate of 1.08% from 2015 to 2020. Originally inhabited by the Manobo indigenous people, who maintain traditional practices tied to the land and community plant resources, Bunawan's early history includes Spanish-era missions established nearby by Augustinian Recollects as early as 1614, though formal municipal status was granted on June 21, 1959, via Republic Act No. 2517. The local economy relies heavily on , , and natural resource extraction, with fertile soils supporting crops, with the contributing to the region's estimated 5.5 billion metric tons of metallic and non-metallic ore reserves, including gold deposits. Bunawan serves as a gateway to the , a Ramsar-protected spanning over 14,000 hectares that hosts diverse avian and reptilian species, including saltwater crocodiles, and plays a vital role in flood control and conservation along the 250-kilometer Agusan River. Bunawan's global notoriety stems from the 2011 capture of , a massive ( porosus) measuring 6.17 meters and weighing over 1,000 kilograms, suspected in local attacks and housed in an eco-tourism park until its death in 2013 from stress and infection; this event boosted and highlighted human-wildlife conflicts in the region. Today, the municipality continues to promote , with initiatives supporting Manobo communities in areas like enterprises and protection under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act.

History

Etymology and Early Settlement

The name "Bunawan" originates from the Manobo term bulawan, meaning "" in the local dialect, reflecting a historical involving early Spanish missionaries who inquired about the place from a local woman weaving or repairing jewelry. Mishearing her response as the name of the settlement, the visitors adopted "Bunawan" after confirmation from her husband, a derivation that underscores the cultural significance of in pre-colonial Manobo society. The Augustinian Recollects established a mission in Linao, in the vicinity of present-day Bunawan, as early as 1614. However, mission work was hampered by the constant threat of Moro raids, limiting sustained Spanish influence in the area during the colonial era. Prior to Spanish colonization, the area that would become Bunawan was settled by the Manobo indigenous people, a subgroup of the broader Manobo ethnic cluster native to , who established semi-nomadic communities along riverbanks for sustenance and mobility. These early inhabitants relied on fishing in nearby waterways and hunting in surrounding forests, practices integral to their animist and led by datus or baganis. Archaeological and oral histories indicate that Manobo groups, including the Agusan Manobo, had inhabited the region for centuries, forming kin-based villages that emphasized communal resource sharing. The Agusan River played a pivotal role in shaping Manobo migration and settlement patterns during the pre-colonial era, serving as a vital corridor for travel, trade, and cultural exchange across . Indigenous groups followed the river's valleys northward from origins in areas like and , drawn by its fertile floodplains suitable for swidden and abundant aquatic resources that supported communities. This fluvial lifeline not only facilitated seasonal movements but also fostered interconnected networks among Manobo subgroups, embedding the river in their myths and rituals as a source of life and spiritual power. These indigenous roots laid the groundwork for Bunawan's formal recognition as a in 1959.

Establishment and Post-Independence Development

Bunawan was formally established as a on June 21, 1959, through the approval of Republic Act No. 2517, which separated several barrios and sitios from the municipalities of and Talacogon in the then-province of Agusan. The new encompassed a land area of 512.16 square kilometers, comprising 12 barangays initially, with its at the site of the former Municipal District of Bunawan. The 1960 census recorded Bunawan's population at 11,423, reflecting a rooted in the indigenous Manobo heritage that shaped its early organizational structure. In the early , Bunawan focused on foundational infrastructure to support its agrarian economy, including the construction of basic roads connecting rural barangays to the and the expansion of primary schools. The Bunawan National Agricultural School, established to promote farming education, received upgrades during this period, laying the groundwork for agricultural training amid the municipality's rice and corn production. A pivotal change occurred on June 17, 1967, when Republic Act No. 4979 divided the province of Agusan into and , with Bunawan integrated into the latter as one of its original 13 municipalities. This transition involved administrative realignments, such as reallocating provincial services and establishing local offices, which initially strained resources in the newly formed province. During the and , Bunawan experienced steady —from 8,646 in 1970 to 21,105 by 1990—driven by and migration, though development was hampered by security challenges from (NPA) activities, including ambushes and disruptions to and farming operations. By the , improved infrastructure, such as extended road networks under national programs, and enhanced school facilities contributed to economic stabilization, with the population reaching 24,615 by 1995 despite ongoing insurgent threats.

Geography

Location and Topography

Bunawan is situated in the southeastern portion of province in the Region (Region XIII) of the , on the island of . Its geographic coordinates are approximately 8°11′N 125°59′E. The municipality spans a land area of 512.16 km², accounting for 5.13% of 's total provincial area. It is bordered by fellow municipalities within Agusan del Sur, including and Loreto to the west, to the north, and , Santa Josefa, and Veruela to the east and south. The terrain of Bunawan varies significantly, reflecting the broader physiographic characteristics of eastern . Low-lying flatlands dominate the western areas adjacent to the Agusan River, with elevations ranging from 17 m to 100 m above , providing fertile but flood-susceptible ground for settlement and agriculture. These give way to undulating rolling hills in the central zones, transitioning eastward into steeper mountainous uplands that reach a maximum of 805 m. The Agusan River and its associated marshland system profoundly influence Bunawan's landscape formation. The river, which forms part of the western boundary, deposits alluvial soils across the lowlands, creating expansive flood-prone plains that expand during heavy seasonal rains. In contrast, the eastern highlands feature forested slopes and ridges, supporting and watershed functions while contributing to the municipality's rugged eastern profile. The Agusan Marsh, a key within and around Bunawan, acts as a natural bounded by the 20 m contour, mitigating downstream flooding and sustaining the hydrological balance of the region.

Climate

Bunawan features a (Köppen Af), characterized by high year-round s, elevated , and abundant rainfall with little seasonal variation in . The average annual is approximately 28°C, with daily highs generally between 30°C and 32°C and lows from 24°C to 25°C across the months. Relative averages 84%, creating persistently muggy conditions that affect comfort and daily activities. Annual precipitation amounts to roughly 2,260 mm, concentrated more heavily during the from November to February, when monthly totals often surpass 200 mm due to the northeast monsoon, compared to the drier season from to , which still sees over 100 mm per month from the southwest monsoon. Typhoons occasionally intensify rainfall during the wet period, contributing to the overall pattern of 150-180 rainy days annually. typically records the highest precipitation at about 287 mm, while April is the driest at 122 mm. This climate supports lush vegetation and enables continuous agricultural practices but heightens flood risks, particularly during peak wet months, disrupting transportation, water supply, and livelihoods. Extreme events like Typhoon Pablo (international name ) in December 2012 devastated Bunawan, causing severe flooding along the Agusan River, destroying homes, , and farmland in areas such as Barangay San Marcos, and resulting in significant economic losses across . The municipality's lowland topography further amplifies these flood vulnerabilities during intense storms.

Barangays

Bunawan is administratively subdivided into 10 barangays, each serving as the basic political unit with responsibilities for local governance and community services. These barangays were established following the municipality's creation on , 1959, via Republic Act No. 2517, with boundaries remaining largely unchanged after the 1967 provincial division that separated from Agusan province. The barangays vary in size and economic focus, with urbanized areas centered around administration and rural ones emphasizing , while one stands out for activities. The following table lists the barangays along with their populations from the 2020 Census:
BarangayPopulation (2020)
Bunawan Brook5,952
Consuelo10,387
Imelda1,575
Libertad6,856
Mambalili3,349
Nueva Era1,773
Poblacion4,983
San Andres4,406
San Marcos1,147
San Teodoro7,084
Consuelo is the most populous barangay, accounting for approximately 21.9% of Bunawan's total residents, and serves as a key site for operations, including those by Philsaga Mining Corporation, which has shaped its socio-economic landscape through resource extraction and related employment. functions as the municipal center, housing government offices, commercial establishments, and essential services that support the broader community. The remaining barangays, such as Libertad, San Teodoro, and Bunawan Brook, are predominantly rural and rely on agriculture, including rice and corn cultivation, as their primary economic activities, reflecting the municipality's agrarian character.

Demographics

Bunawan's population has shown steady growth over the past century, reflecting broader patterns of settlement and economic development in . According to historical records, the area recorded 2,648 residents in 1918, increasing to 4,743 by 1939, before reaching 11,423 in the 1960 census shortly after the municipality's establishment in 1959. This post-founding surge marked an early period of rapid expansion driven by initial administrative organization and land settlement. Subsequent censuses highlight continued acceleration, particularly during periods of rural-to-urban transition. By 1990, the population had grown to 21,105, reflecting increased in-migration amid agricultural and resource-based opportunities; this rose to 26,704 in 2000, 37,482 in 2010, 45,151 in 2015, and 47,512 in 2020. The 2020 figure represented a of about 93 inhabitants per square kilometer across Bunawan's 512.16 square kilometers of area, with an growth rate of 1.08% from 2015 to 2020. As of November 2025, the latest full census data is from 2020; results from the 2025 Census of Population and Housing are pending release.
Census YearPopulation
19182,648
19394,743
196011,423
199021,105
200026,704
201037,482
201545,151
202047,512
Key drivers include migration from nearby indigenous communities seeking better access to services and in-migration attracted by economic opportunities in the local sector, which has drawn workers to areas rich in and other minerals. The Manobo ethnic majority has also contributed to sustained family sizes, supporting natural population increase.

Ethnic Composition and Languages

Bunawan's population of 47,512 as of the 2020 census reflects a diverse ethnic makeup dominated by the Manobo indigenous group, which constitutes the majority of residents. This majority presence stems from the Manobo's historical ties to the region's marshlands and forests, where they maintain ancestral domains spanning much of the municipality. Complementing this are Cebuano-speaking , who form a significant portion of the , primarily descendants of migrants from and nearby islands who settled during mid-20th-century expansions. Smaller minorities include Tagalogs and other Visayan groups such as Hiligaynons, often concentrated in urbanizing barangays and involved in trade or administration. Linguistically, Cebuano serves as the primary , spoken widely in daily interactions, commerce, and community events. Manobo dialects, including variants like Agusan Manobo and Binihu spoken in barangays such as Mambalili, are prevalent among indigenous households, preserving oral traditions and rituals. Hiligaynon follows as a secondary among Visayan minorities, while English and Filipino (Tagalog-based) are standard in formal education, government proceedings, and inter-ethnic communication. This multilingual environment facilitates practical exchanges in rural settings, where code-switching between Cebuano and Manobo dialects is common. Since Bunawan's establishment in , cultural integration has blended Manobo traditions with settler influences, evident in daily practices like communal harvesting rituals and spirit-possession ceremonies that incorporate Visayan elements. In rural barangays, inter-ethnic relations remain cooperative, with Manobo and Cebuano families sharing agricultural resources and participating in joint environmental conservation efforts within ancestral domains. These dynamics promote social harmony, though challenges like land disputes occasionally arise, underscoring the ongoing negotiation of cultural identities.

Government

Local Governance

Bunawan's local government is structured as a municipal unit under the Philippine local government system, led by an elected who serves as the chief executive. As of 2025, the mayor is Sylvia B. Elorde, who assumed office for the term 2025–2028 following her re-election in the 2025 local polls. The mayor, Ednard Gil G. Elorde, presides over the and assumes the mayor's duties in their absence. The comprises 10 members: eight elected councilors responsible for legislative matters and two ex-officio members representing the Association of Barangay Captains and the Federation. Key administrative roles, such as the municipal administrator, support the executive in day-to-day operations, including implementation and coordination with national agencies. The powers and functions of Bunawan's municipal government are defined by the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), which decentralizes authority to local units for self-reliant governance. This includes enacting ordinances on local matters, approving the annual budget, and delivering essential public services like , , and social welfare. For instance, the municipal council oversees budgeting processes, with the 2022 revenue totaling ₱521.8 million, primarily from internal revenue allotments and local sources, enabling investments in and community programs. These functions emphasize fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to local needs, such as environmental conservation and disaster preparedness in the region's flood-prone areas. Electoral processes shape Bunawan's leadership, with national and elections held every three years. Significant contests occurred in 2013, when the focus was on post-recovery development after ; in 2019, emphasizing ; in 2022, under the National Unity Party banner; and in 2025, resulting in the re-election of the current administration. in these elections has averaged around 70%, reflecting active civic participation in a with an electorate of 23,003 as of 2025. Barangay-level administrations complement these efforts by implementing municipal policies at the level.

Administrative Divisions

Bunawan is administratively subdivided into 10 barangays, serving as the foundational units of local government and community administration within the municipality. These barangays are: Bunawan Brook, Consuelo, Imelda, Libertad, Mambalili, Nueva Era, Poblacion, San Andres, San Marcos, and San Teodoro. Each barangay operates under a standardized governance structure outlined in the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), featuring an elected punong barangay (barangay captain) as the executive head, a sangguniang barangay composed of seven elected members responsible for legislative matters, and a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) led by a chairperson to represent youth interests and initiatives. This hierarchy enables barangays to address grassroots needs while integrating with municipal oversight. Barangays in Bunawan fulfill critical roles in community management, including enforcing peace and order through by Barangay Tanods and partnerships with the , as per the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay program. They also lead disaster response efforts via Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees, which coordinate preparedness, mitigation, and recovery activities in line with national guidelines from the Department of the Interior and . Additionally, barangays implement local projects such as infrastructure maintenance, health services, and , often in collaboration with municipal authorities to align with broader development objectives.

Economy

Agriculture and Fishing

Agriculture in Bunawan centers on as the principal crop, alongside corn, bananas, and , which form the backbone of local farming livelihoods. The municipality's fertile alluvial soils along the Agusan River support extensive cultivation, with and corn identified as the dominant crops in the broader Agusan River Basin. Bunawan ranks among the key rice-producing areas in , contributing to the province's substantial output. In 2022, harvested 87,549 hectares of , yielding 295,053 metric tons, underscoring the scale of palay production in the region where Bunawan plays a pivotal role. Fishing complements as a vital economic activity, drawing on the rich aquatic resources of the Agusan River and the expansive within Bunawan. Local fishers primarily target mudfish (, known locally as haw-an), (Oreochromis niloticus), and various species (Clarias batrachus and ), which thrive in the marshlands and riverine environments. A comprehensive assessment conducted from 2014 to 2016 documented a total catch of 109 metric tons in the Agusan Marsh areas of Lapaz and Talacogon (adjacent to Bunawan), with mudfish accounting for 35% and for 27% of the total; annual catches declined from 45.4 metric tons in 2014 to 26.6 metric tons in 2016, highlighting resource pressures. Community-driven sustainable practices have gained traction since the , including efforts to regulate mesh sizes in nets, prohibit , and limit capture of immature to maintain levels and support long-term viability. Both sectors face significant challenges from recurrent flooding, which disrupts planting cycles and reduces yields; for example, early 2024 floods inundated at least 20,000 hectares of rice fields across , including Bunawan, leading to substantial losses. The wet season's heavy rainfall aids crop growth and fish breeding but exacerbates risks, damaging and habitats. To mitigate these issues, the Department of has implemented support programs since the early 2000s, such as the Mindanao Inclusive Development Project (MIADP) launched in 2021, which targets Bunawan through enhancements, high-quality seeds, and training for resilient farming and practices.

Mining and Industry

Bunawan's mining sector is primarily driven by at the Co-O Mine in Consuelo, operated by Philsaga Mining Corporation under a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement. Initially active from 1989 to 1991, the underground mine was reopened in 2000 and processes at a 2,500 metric tons per day facility, focusing on high-grade deposits; as of 2023, reserves are estimated at 1.81 million tonnes grading 5.47 grams per ton of . The operation employs around 500 workers, including direct staff and contractors, supporting local livelihoods through narrow-vein mining techniques in the Rosario-Bunawan district. In the first quarter of 2022, the Co-O Mine produced 706 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately ₱2.21 billion, contributing to the ' metallic mineral output amid broader economic recovery efforts. Environmental oversight falls under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which mandates compliance with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program, including assessments, monitoring, and progressive site rehabilitation. Recent initiatives, such as a 2024 DENR-Philsaga accord to restore 9 kilometers of Creek riverbanks at a cost of ₱624,000, underscore efforts to mitigate impacts on local ecosystems. Beyond , small-scale persists in the region, though enforcement against illegal activities remains active, as evidenced by a 2023 seizure of over 17,775 board feet of timber in Bunawan. Emerging eco-tourism ventures, including community-based initiatives around protected wetlands, provide supplementary income, while remittances from overseas workers bolster household economies. These sectors have helped drive economic diversification, with incidence at 32.35% in 2021 and municipal revenues rising from ₱122.5 million in 2010 to ₱521.8 million in 2022, reflecting mining's role in revenue growth; as of 2025, Bunawan has been reclassified as a first-class by the Department of Finance.

Education

Primary and Secondary Education

Bunawan’s primary and secondary education system falls under the oversight of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Agusan del Sur, which administers public schools across the municipality’s 10 barangays. The system comprises public elementary schools, including Bunawan Central Elementary School and East Bunawan Central Elementary School with Special Education Program, alongside public high schools such as Bunawan National High School and Libertad National High School. These institutions collectively serve students in foundational learning amid the municipality's rural and indigenous community demographics. Enrollment trends in Bunawan demonstrate positive growth, supported by national DepEd initiatives like the K-12 Program implemented since 2013, which extended to senior high school and improved access through targeted interventions in remote and upland barangays. This has contributed to a provincial basic literacy rate of 91.2% in as of 2024, with Bunawan benefiting from enhanced delivery and community outreach efforts to boost attendance among Manobo and other indigenous learners. Representative examples include modular learning adaptations during the transition, which helped maintain enrollment rates above 90% in core elementary grades by 2023. Despite these advances, the sector in Bunawan faces ongoing challenges, including shortages in upland areas where geographic isolation hampers and retention, with the national DepEd reporting a persistent gap of around 30,000 teachers nationwide as of 2025. Additionally, upgrades remain critical following from 2020 typhoons like Rolly (Goni), which affected schools across through flooding and wind destruction, necessitating repairs to classrooms and facilities in vulnerable barangays to ensure resilience against future disasters.

Higher Education

The Bunawan Campus of the State University (ADSSU), formerly the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), serves as the primary institution for higher education in the municipality. Converted to a state university by Republic Act No. 11586 in , the campus traces its origins to agricultural schooling established in 1908 but began offering baccalaureate degrees in the 1980s through its predecessor institutions, with full state college status granted in 1995 via Republic Act No. 7932. It provides undergraduate and graduate programs in , , , and related fields such as and biosystems engineering, catering to approximately 6,600 students across its main campus in Bunawan and satellite locations. Complementing university offerings, technical-vocational education in Bunawan is facilitated through TESDA-accredited centers under the Provincial Training Center - , which deliver short-term courses in farming skills like crop production and , as well as mining-related competencies such as basic . In 2023, these programs enrolled around 1,842 trainees province-wide, achieving graduation rates of approximately 70%, enabling participants to pursue livelihoods in local and extractive industries. Graduates from ADSSU and TESDA programs significantly bolster Bunawan's economy, with many alumni assuming key roles in provincial government offices, agricultural cooperatives, and mining firms, thereby supporting in farming and sectors. from local primary and secondary schools provides the foundational prerequisite for admission into these tertiary and vocational pathways.

Culture and Tourism

Festivals and Traditions

Bunawan's festivals serve as vital expressions of the town's indigenous Manobo heritage and communal spirit, blending historical commemorations with cultural performances and agricultural showcases. The primary event, the Araw ng Bunawan, is an annual celebration held from June 18 to 21, often coinciding with the Haw-an Festival to honor the municipality's founding and the abundance of local resources, particularly the mudfish (), known locally as haw-an. This mudfish-inspired festival highlights traditional activities rooted in the town's riverine environment and Manobo customs, including street dancing and contests that evoke and daily life. Key activities during the Araw ng Bunawan and Haw-an Festival include the “Sadsad tu Bunawan” theatrical dance contest, where participants perform routines depicting Manobo stories and traditions, alongside agri-booths exhibiting local produce, innovations in farming, and indigenous crafts. The event opens with an ecumenical service, oath-taking for local officials, and a dedicated , fostering unity among residents and visitors. Additional highlights feature the Mutya ng Bunawan 2025 pageant, cultural presentations, and community engagements that emphasize heritage preservation and agricultural pride. In 2025, the 66th iteration of Araw ng Bunawan and the 23rd Haw-an Festival saw broad participation from educational institutions like the , local stakeholders, and residents, reinforcing cultural continuity. Manobo traditions are deeply woven into these celebrations, with rituals such as kahimunan—gathering and thanksgiving ceremonies invoking ancestral spirits for bountiful harvests—and displays of traditional crafts like suyam on textiles. These practices, performed during expositions, honor the Manobo's animistic beliefs and artisanal skills, using natural materials to create intricate patterns symbolizing identity and connection to the land. and embroidery demonstrations often accompany the events, allowing artisans to share techniques passed down through generations. These festivals not only preserve Bunawan's cultural legacy but also briefly stimulate the local economy through increased and trade in handicrafts and produce.

Lolong the Crocodile and Wildlife Conservation

, a ( porosus) measuring 6.17 meters in length and weighing 1,075 kilograms, was captured on September 3, 2011, in Consuelo, Bunawan, after a three-week hunt prompted by reports of attacks on local residents, including the suspected deaths of two individuals. The effort involved collaboration between municipal authorities, community members, and experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), aimed at mitigating human- conflict while ensuring the animal's live capture. Named after a local who perished in a previous crocodile incident, the reptile was relocated to a secure enclosure at the newly established Bunawan Eco-Park and Research Center. In November 2011, officially recognized as the largest ever held in captivity, surpassing previous records and drawing international attention to the region's . Lolong resided at the eco-park until his death on February 10, 2013, attributed to and stress-related . Following a necropsy, his remains underwent processing in before being returned to Bunawan in April 2014, where the preserved body was displayed at the Bunawan Museum, integrated within the eco-park. This exhibit has since attracted thousands of tourists, transforming the once-remote town into an hub and generating significant revenue for the local economy through entrance fees and related services. The museum not only honors Lolong's record-breaking size but also serves as an educational venue, highlighting the ecological role of in ecosystems. The capture and captivity of Lolong catalyzed broader wildlife conservation efforts in Bunawan, emphasizing the need to balance human safety with species protection. In the aftermath, the eco-park evolved into a dedicated crocodile sanctuary, providing a controlled environment for monitoring and breeding programs while reducing poaching risks through community involvement. Complementing these local initiatives, the DENR launched enhanced biodiversity protection programs for the adjacent Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary starting in 2015, including stricter anti-poaching enforcement and habitat restoration to safeguard endangered species such as the saltwater crocodile amid threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting. These measures have contributed to increased awareness and sustainable management of the marsh's rich biodiversity. In November 2025, the sanctuary joined a global network of over 150 wetlands vital to more than 50 million migratory birds from 250 species, with ongoing stakeholder engagements for enhanced protection. Ensuring Lolong's legacy endures as a symbol of conservation progress.

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