on september 18, 1960, through "republic act 2786" dated june 19, 1960, the province of surigao was divided into the present day provinces of "surigao del norte" and "surigao del sur". agusan province was later dissolved and divided into the present day provinces of agusan del norte (retains present day butuan as capital) and agusan del sur in 1967 by "republic act no. 4979". the town of surigao became a city on august 30, 1970 pursuant to "ra 6134".