CARAGA – The Faith before the Town

Caraga, the oldest town in Davao Oriental, is the least known town. Yet in the long span of time, the town together with the native people here, the Mandayas, had been credible witnesses of history, its changes and development and with all its ups and downs.

Likewise, the San Salvador Parish is also the least known parish in the Davao region yet its faith, the Catholic faith which was planted by the Spanish missionaries, the Augustinians and the Jesuits, has been a long time witness of the passing of time. It has witnessed the bitter beginning and the sweet harvest of all the struggles and effort of the Caragueños as they continue to hold on to their faith and with God as their stronghold.

As of this moment, the El Salvador del Mundo Parish Church is the oldest church structure (not the first parish built because the title of being the first Church structure built in Mindanao belongs to Zamboanga and the first parish, too) in Mindanao as its original structure is still preserved and unchanged. Made out of lumber, stones and corals, the church was built in the Year 1877 and was finished in the year 1884. From then on, this church served as the center of Christian faith and of evangelization. Today, the Caragueños still enjoy that prominence of Catholic faith and it is hoped that the future generation will continue to preserve this faith that they share with their forefathers.

P.S. The name Caraga is first used to refer to Caraga which is a town. But today when you use the term “Caraga”, people will immediately think of Surigao, Tandag, Agusan provinces, provinces called as Caraga Region. I wonder how come that Caraga is now used to refer to these provinces. And perhaps, we, Caragueños have our duty to possibly create an awareness about this? (Fr. Alfe Alimbon)