The first people are of rich Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, Japanese and Arab blood. Glints of European and American influences are also evident in the Surigaonon's appearance and culture. With a population of almost 450,000 the lines between stocks can not be accurately distinguished.

The Surigaonons are peace-loving and gentle. Its favorable climate makes them non-temperamental. They have the humor of the Visayan, the frugality of the Ilocano and other traits which were inherited from their forebears who ventured into this part of the archipelago. Some 95 percent speaks Surigaonon as a major dialect. Influences of the Cebuano and Boholano dialects with a Tausug accent can be traced. A few speak Waray and Tagalog. Majority are able to speak and understand English.

The People are predominantly Roman Catholic. The rest of population are Aglipayans, Protestant and other religions.