Caraga
On February 23, 1995, the Caraga region was created through the issue of Republic Act No. 7901 during the administration of President Fidel Ramos. The provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte (of the former Northern Mindanao region) and Surigao del Sur (of the former Southern Mindanao region) were annexed as part of the newly-created region.
Caraga, Davao Oriental
The etymology of the word "Caraga" is said to have originated from the native word ""Kalag"" which means "spirit of soul". Hence, the whole "Provincia de Caraga" of 1622 was called ""region de gente animosa"", that is "region of spirited men". This being "spirited men and women" is grounded on its cultural, religious and political background. With culture, Caragans were spirited in view of their closeness to nature and attitude towards the creation. With religiosity, Caragans were spirited as to their belief on the spirits of nature (like the trees "balete tree", the rivers and mountains, sun and moon); in fact, they have "anito worship" and "ancestor worship" led by the dancing priestess ("balyan") and the singing priestess ("catalunan"). With primitive politics, Caragans were spirited as they invited a "bagani system" of governance. A ""bagani"" is like a "warrior" kinglet or datu" who ruled by banditry and by occupation.