Surigaonon people

ethnic group
group=Surigaonon


poptime=358,000 (2000 census)
popplace= Philippines:
Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental

langs=Surigaonon, Cebuano, Tagalog, English
rels=predominantly Roman Catholic, others
related=other Visayans, other Filippinos, Other Austronesians groups (especially Indonesians, (Dayak, Malays, Meratus Dayak and other non-Muslim Pribumi)

The Surigaonon people are part of the wider Visayan ethnolinguistic group, who constitute the largest Filipino ethnolinguistic group. Although traditionally grouped with the Cebuanos, the Surigaonons are a distinct identity.

Area

Surigaonons populate the eastern coastal plain of Mindanao, particularly the provinces of Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. They are also present in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and in Davao Oriental.

Demographics

Currently, the Surigaonons number about 358,000. Their ancestors were the Austronesian-speaking immigrants who came from South China during the Iron Age. The Surigaonons are Visayans. Their language closely resembles Cebuano, albeit with some local words and phrases. Hence, it is considered by most linguists to be a separate language, the Surigaonon language. They also speak Cebuano, Tagalog, and English as second languages.The vast majority of Surigaonons are Roman Catholics. Very few are Muslims.

Culture

The Surigaonons have a culture similar to the Cebuanos. Pre-Hispanic Surigaonons are very fond of ornamental designs and displays. Most Surigaonons are agriculturalists. Spanish annals described the Surigaonons as ‘good and obedient, but are not very hardworking’.

History