(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Thursday, 17 July 2025) As of 3:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression “CRISING” was located at 530 km east of Juban, Sorsogon (13.0°N, 128.9°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. It is moving west-northwest at 15 km/h. Tropical Depression Crising is currently affecting Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, while the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continues to affect the rest of Mindanao. Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will experience cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to TD Crising. Flash floods or landslides are possible during moderate to at times heavy rainfall. Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the rest of Caraga will have cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms caused by the Southwest Monsoon. The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms, also due to the Southwest Monsoon. Winds will be moderate from the southwest to west, with moderate seas (wave height: 1.2 to 2.5 meters).


Thursday, 29 May 2025

Butuan showcases river cruise in Agusan River

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) –  As part of the Balangay Festival 2025, the city government of Butuan through the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department (CTCAD) conducted a Balangay River Cruise on May 5-10.

Some 119 individuals joined the river cruise, sailing the waters of the Agusan River as the third longest river in the country, draining most of the areas in Caraga region, including Butuan City, and some parts of Davao. 

The boat passengers enjoyed the scenic early morning views around the vast river, while learning the rich culture and history of Butuan City.

The cruise started at the River Park passing the barangays of Pagatpatan, Bading, and Banza to Butuan estuary where the water from Agusan River meets the salt water of Butuan Bay.

The cruise highlighted the  use of “Sapyaw,”  an ancient way of fishing using bamboo materials.

The passengers also witnessed the cooking demonstration of “Palagsing,” a Butuanon delicacy made from “unaw” or starch from Lumbia tree.

During the cruise they visited the different cultural and historical places in Butuan City such as the Banza Church Ruins, a testament of the city’s rich culture and heritage.

“We were informed that we would be sailing from Butuan River Park to Pagatpatan, near the mouth of Agusan River, and that in our return, we should make a stop at the Banza Church Ruins for a cooking demo of traditional delicacies. I  didn’t expect how enriching the experience was,” said Liby Pueblos, one of the passengers of the Balangay river cruise, as she shared in awe the unique tourism activity prepared by the city government for the Butuanons and tourists.

She also added that the activity wasn’t just a simple tour, saying, “This wasn’t just a sightseeing trip, but a quiet journey into the soul of Butuan.” 

According to Mary Jane L.  Tutaan of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, “This is only a pilot episode and they are hopeful that the Balangay River Cruise will improve and eventually become a regular tourism activity  to boost the city’s tourism industry. (MFC, with a report from CTCAD)

 

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