Dinagat Islands is a province of the Philippines located in the Caraga Region (Region XIII) of Mindanao. Covering roughly 817.47 km², it is composed of 7 municipalities and 100 barangays. The capital is San Jose. The province is known for its pristine natural attractions such as Lake Bababu, Su-Ajao Beach, enchanting caves, and rock formations. It is also rich in nickel and chromite deposits, contributing to its mining industry, alongside vibrant marine life and eco-tourism sites.

History

The Dinagat Islands trace their roots back to pre-colonial times when indigenous groups lived off fishing, farming, and trading. During the Spanish period, the islands were sparsely populated and considered remote, serving as a refuge and travel passage between Surigao and Leyte. For centuries, they were under the jurisdiction of Surigao del Norte, with development driven by fishing, agriculture, and later mining due to nickel and chromite deposits discovered in the 20th century. On December 2, 2006, Republic Act No. 9355 established Dinagat Islands as a separate province. Its provincial status was annulled by the Supreme Court in 2010 but reinstated in 2011, making it one of the newest provinces in the Philippines.