CULTURAL SUMMARY

Butuan’s culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and historical influences. The city's festivals, such as the Kahimunan Festival, celebrate local heritage with vibrant parades, music, and dance. The local cuisine, featuring dishes like Binaki and Palagsing, reflects the region's rich culinary traditions. Butuan is also known for its historical significance as an ancient trading port, which highlights the city's commitment to preserving its cultural identity while embracing modernity. This diverse cultural landscape makes Butuan a dynamic and welcoming community.

TOPOGRAPHY

The area includes notable natural features such as Mount Mayapay, the Agusan River, and the Agusan Marsh. These provide scenic views and opportunities for various outdoor activities.

CLIMATE

Butuan has a tropical rainforest climate with no dry season. Average temperatures range from 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C) throughout the year. The city experiences significant rainfall all year round, with the heaviest rains from November to January, and no likelihood of snow.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are Cebuano and Tagalog, with English widely used in business and education.

RELIGIONS

The three largest religious denominations are Roman Catholicism, Iglesia ni Cristo, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: Butuan is a major hub for agricultural products, especially rice and corn. Companies like San Miguel Corporation excel in this field.

Mining: The region is known for its rich mineral resources, particularly gold and nickel, with companies such as Philsaga Mining Corporation playing a significant role.

Forestry: The logging industry is significant due to the vast forest resources in the region.

LOCAL EVENTS

Major events include the Kahimunan Festival, the Balangay Festival, and the Adlaw Hong Butuan.

TOURISM

Popular sites include the Balangay Shrine Museum, the Butuan National Museum, and the Magellan's Anchorage.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, fishing, and visiting parks like Delta Discovery Park and Butuan Eco Park.

MISSION HISTORY

A few Filipinos joined the Church in the 1940s and 1950s, but missionary work did not begin in earnest until 1961. After that point, it accelerated quickly. By the end of the decade, the Church had a presence on eight major islands. In 1973 the first stake in the Philippines was organized. Latter-day Saints’ faithful service led not only to the construction of the country’s first temple, dedicated in 1984, but also to the opening of a local missionary training center as well as to efforts to translate Church materials into multiple Philippine languages. In the 1990s Church membership grew to over a quarter of a million members.

Filipino Saints have worked to build their lives and congregations on the “rock of our Redeemer,” a firm foundation against the troubles of the world (Helaman 5:12). Working closely with each other and in concert with Church members from around the world, Latter-day Saints have provided shelter to their fellow Filipinos during natural disasters and given aid in their wake, have developed additional skills to provide for their families and improve their communities, and have tried to live as examples of Christlike righteousness and love. The Philippines has the fourth-largest population of Latter-day Saints of any country in the world: members worship in over 100 stakes and in two temples while they await the completion of five more.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission.  Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!