BUTUAN CITY – "Before the Philippines, there was Butuan." This is a saying popularly known to Butuanons which implies the existence of a kingdom rich in history and culture even before the arrival of Spanish expeditions specifically Ferdinand Magellan.

Headed by OIC-Center Director Jessie V. Beldia, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII staff visited the Butuan City National Museum on January 19, 2024 as a learning journey during the center’s FY 2024 Operation Planning Workshop.

The civilization of Butuan can be traced back to over a thousand years ago according to the relics of the past excavated from archaeological sites in various parts of the city. Butuan started from a group of islands and islets connected by river channels to a single landmass. Artifacts such as accessories, tools, earthen wares, and parts of the five balangay boats were discovered.

Traditional textiles and ornaments from the Lumad cultural communities in Mindanao were also exhibited in the museum.

Through this activity, ATI staff who were from Caraga and other regions were able to learn about Butuan City’s heritage and how the culture and ways of living today were influenced by its rich reflections of the past.

Indeed, all were encouraged to share and learn more of Butuan as what the saying says, “Don’t be a stranger in own’s native land.”