Tubay, Agusan del Norte, Philippines

Tubay is a fourth class municipality in the province of Agusan del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 20,426 people.

It was created from the barrios of Tubay, La Fraternidad, Tinigbasan, Cabayawa, Victory, Sta. Ana, and Tagmamarcay of the municipality of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte in 1947, by virtue of Republic Act No. 188.

History

The town of Tubay is named after its legendary founder Datu Tabay, and lays claim to being the second Spanish Settlement in Agusan and was known as a Pueblo as early as 1751. Formerly, the people settled in the wilderness of Ilihan, then transferred to sitio Malabog and later to Tubay-Tubay and Sabang near the mouth of the Jabonga River. However, the danger of constant inundation and Moro attacks convinced the succeeding leader of the place to move the pueblo to Daang Lungsod where the massive magkuno post of once spacious and strongly built church now stand. It was here where the settlement firmly took place.

Since 1898, Tubay was a prosperous town. But when the Americans visited Tubay and Cabadbaran, they were convinced that the latter was the better place for the seat of government. Therefore in 1903, Tubay was reduced to a barrio to give way to its equally thriving neighbor, Cabadbaran. Although reduced to a barrio status, it still remained the center of commercial activity due to the presence of Chinese merchants. Booming business in Tubay was still noticeable until the fabulous 20’s when the navigable Jabonga River was the chief artery of its copra and hemp traffic. However, when the road connecting Tubay-Santiago and Cabadbaran was finished, business in Tubay began to decline and trade through the Jabonga River disappeared.

On June 22, 1947, the Congress of the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 188 which created (or more properly, recreated) the town of Tubay.[4] By virtue of said law, President Manuel A. Roxas issued Presidential Proclamation No. 44 on October 20, 1947, thus making Tubay regain its township status.

Tourist Attractions

The presence of the Tubay Mountain Beach Resort, an AA DOT Accredited Resort, is now becoming a popular venue for seminars, conferences and conventions in Agusan del Norte.  The number of visitors and tourist also has increased from the previous years.

Its scenic coastal view, inviting blue waters and rock formation will serve as tourist attraction of the province.  The development and construction of tourism oriented structures as well as the promotion and organization of cultural and social activities will enhance the natural attraction of these spots thereby attracting both local and foreign tourists.

The beautiful scenery of Tubay coastal areas.

The inviting spring-fed swimming pool, scenic view of Butuan Bay and fresh mountain air provides a soothing calmness for those who desire escape from a noisy and hectic day.

Kalinawan River :Declared as Caraga’s cleanest inland body of water, this 29.1 kilometer of pristine and picturesque river  is Lake Mainit’s only outlet. It passes through the municipalities of Jabonga, Santiago, Tubay before it finally empties into Butuan bay. By history, it is one of the oldest trading and missionary routes in the Philippines. Its historical past (part of the Old Kingdom of Butuan even predates Philippine history. The river is fishing ground to the mamanwas since immemorial. The mamanwa tribe who inhabits around the lake and  this river is the oldest indigenous tribe of the Philippines.

With the rich resources to develop, the municipality will actively contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the people, in collaboration with the private sector and the community as well.