Loreto, Province of Dinagat Island

HISTORY   On the northern water of the Surigao del Norte mainland lies Dinagat Island dubbed by Gen. Douglas MacArthur as one of the "three sentinel-islands guarding the Central Philippines from the enemies in the Pacific." Together with Dinagat as the first class established municipality in this island were four other towns, among which was Loreto, originally called "Mabua" because of the ever-foaming river that runs right into the heart of the community. Boholano settlers first established Loreto as early as 1847. In 1881, its name metamorphosed into its present name, Loreto, in honor of the wife of the governor at that time. Created as a municipality in 1898, Loreto was reduced to a barrio in 1902 after the American soldiers razed it to the ground. However, it regained its township in 1919 through the untiring efforts of its civic-spirited leaders. The municipality were populated by Boholanos who were the original settlers; Leyteños, Cebuanos, Samareños and other immigrants followed suit. Copra had been most important export and lumbering an important industry. Loreto is situated along a coastal plain, and fish abound in its waters. In the lowlands grow the tikug grasses utilized then and now by the womenfolk as materials in making mats which are in great demand because of the fine workmanship and durability. The local weavers have learned the embroidery designs of the well-known Basey mat-makers. On the rocky mountains from as far as Omasdang near the Desolation point, to the southern hills of Sinaongag, now Navarro, are found such rich minerals as chromite, manganese, copper, coal and the like. Other sources of income then were the hard wood exported to different places in the country and the well-known species of orchids, the so- called "aristocrats of the woodland" such as the mariposa or butterfly orchids, the tiger, dendrubium anespum, dendrobium superbum, which were abundantly found in the forests of the municipality. - ODON C. GALIDO Source: 1970 Souvenir Program of Philippine Public Schools Inter-scholastic Athletic Association Meet (PPSIAA)   BARANGAYS   CARMEN ESPERANZA FERDINAND HELENE LIBERTY MAGSAYSAY PANAMAON SAN JUAN SANTA CRUZ SANTIAGO   EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS   SEPTEMBER 04 - Araw ng LORETO ARAW NG LORETO This event will be participated in by different municipalities in Dinagat Island i.e. Tubajon, Libjo. There will be "sinulog" (street dancing) competition and sports. FIESTA CELEBRATION MAY 15 - Loreto MAY 10 - Barangay Panamaon MAY - Barangay Esperanza JUNE 13 - Sitio Cambinliw JULY 29 - Barangay Santiago MAY 03 - Barangay Sta. Cruz JULY 16 - Barangay Carmen JUNE 24 - Barangay San Juan OCTOBER 19 - Barangay Ferdinand MAY 25 - Barangay Liberty MAY 22 - Barangay Helene MAY 18 - Barangay Magsaysay JUNE 08 - Busay HISTORICAL CELEBRATION JUNE 12 - Philippine Independence Day JULY 04 - Filipino- American Friendship Da OCTOBER 17 - U.S. Navy Landing in Campintac RELIGIOUS CELEBRATION JANUARY 01 - New Year's Day MARCH-APRIL - Lenten Season & Easter Sunday MAY - Flores de Mayo OCTOBER - Block Rosary NOVEMBER 1-2 - All Soul's Day & All Saint's Day DECEMBER 25 - Christmas Dau   NOTABLE PLACES   LINAW|Esperanza Spring Resort Enjoy the fresh, clear and crisp water of Linaw. Feeding wild fishes is worth the sight as they rush to catch the most. Trying to catch some of them using the net was never successful. Linaw is a perfect place to relax. It makes you feel closer to nature; listening to the gusting sound of water rushing from the forest and the soft whistle of wind. The beautiful landscape highlighting the orchids and various colorful flowers makes the place more soothing. POLO Island Polo Island lies directly opposite the Loreto town proper. It is very much known for its nice beach around the island. Collecting beautiful shells and corals makes your stay there worth while. Around the island is a number of fish corals, we call it "bungsod" in our dialect. This is the most effective and safe way of catching fish. Getting fresh fish and having it grilled right there is not a bad idea at all. Also, the residents of Loreto love to eat raw fish salad called "kinilaw". It doesn't take long to prepare it; raw fish, vinegar, pinch of salt, crushed ginger and diced onion makes the meal of the day, without forgetting the rice or cooked banana along side. Polo Island offers a unique opportunity for a boat ride around. The sea around is generally calm and safe. You will enjoy the beautiful sight of the island as well as the underwater sight. Snorkelling is very much recommended. However, you have to have your own snorkelling gear as it is not at all available in the whole town of Loreto.. The vast plantation of coconuts trees in the island provides the luxury of having fresh and sweet "buko" (a young coconut). It is well known for its delicious juice and the soft & sweet membrane. It really doesn't cost much but if you are a bit lucky, you can have it for free. BLACK BEACH Black Beach 2 lies on the northern most part of Loreto facing the Pacific Ocean. This place is most remembered as the camp site of the First American Ranger Division under the command of Maj. Henry Mucci and Capt. Garett on October 17,1944. A yearly celebration is being held every 17th of October to mark its anniversary. Black beach is about 20 minutes drive from the town of Loreto. This beach hosts a mini-musuem displaying a number of artifacts from the World War II. Likewise, it exhibits some significant pictures. Just outside the museum stands a monument to mark the historical day. Next to the musuem is a multi-purpose covered hall used for functions. In this beach also lies a 2-storey guest house named "Bahay Turista". It is fully-furnished and it has also a power generating set to make your stay comfortable. Spacious cottages are also available for rent. Adjacent is a huge space which can be used as playground or camping ground. Strolling around the beach collecting nice shells is so much fun. CAMBILIW RIVER Cambinliw is a home to the vast rice fields, farms and a big river. This river plays a vital role to the livelihood of the residents of Loreto. Mainly, it supports irrigation of the rice fields and the farms. This is also a popular site for fishing and crabbing. The river banks are densely populated with Mangrove trees, which have been very much a part of the locals' lives. These offer various usages to the people. But the most popular is, for so many years during Christmas season the Mangrove trees stand in most of the households, decorated as Christmas trees. The leaves will be taken-out and the twigs/branches will be wrapped with glittery and colorful materials. Sight-seeing along the river is possible through the foot bridges criss-crossing some parts of the river or by boat. Where the river meets the sea lies a small community. There are kiosks around where people can get daily necessities. To reach this place requires approximately 10 minutes drive from the town proper. MT. RIDONDO Experience the thrill & enjoy the breath-taking scenery of the mountain ranges as you drive in the zig-zag road to the top of the Redondo Mountain. The site offers a serene & spectacular view as you look down the mountains: top view of the town & its neighboring islets . The fantastic landscape around the site gives you a unique & unforgettable experience. The Krominco campsite gives you the opportunity to see the processing of Chromite and get yourself some souvenirs. SEAWALL & PLAZA The oval plaza & seawall lie within the elementary school campus. It is a wonderful place to spend the day especially in the afternoon. The plaza offers a place to go around, to sit on the thick green grass and enjoy the sight of flowers around. In one corner stands a so called "reading center" which was built and donated by the LNHS graduates batch 1989 (Erwin San Juan, the president). Adjacent to the plaza lies the seawall and directly opposite stands the light post. Just sitting on the seawall facing the sea gives a spectacular view of the horizon & the islands around. The fresh sea breeze gives a very relaxing & soothing feeling. The place offers a breath-taking sight during sunset..

LOCATION   Loreto lies on the northern most part of Dinagat Island. It embraces the tiny twin islets of Kayasa, the impressive island of Polo and the rich island of Gibusong. The town is comprised of ten small communities called "Barangay"- Panamaon, Esperanza, Santiago, Sta. Cruz, Carmen, San Juan, Ferdinand, Liberty, Helene and Magsaysay. The town proper hosts barangays Santiago, Sta. Cruz, Carmen and San Juan. In the northern part lies barangays Esperanza & Panamaon and in the western side lies barangay Ferdinand. In the north-western part lies the island of Gibusong which hosts three barangays: Liberty, Helene and Magsaysay. GIBUSONG KAJASA   PEOPLE   Loretonhons' ancestry came from different origins which explains why they speak different dialects. The residents of Panamaon and Gibusong Island speak Waray as their origin came from the island of Homonhon. The majority's ancestry is from Bohol and Leyte hence, they speak Boholano dialect. Boholano dialect is widely spoken in this town. However, Loretonhons understand and speak Filipino (the national language) and of course English as this is the medium of communication in school. Loretonhons are generally friendly, warm and hospitable. They have strong family ties, family reunions are often celebrated to strengthen family bonds.   FOOD   Food is so rich in this town. Rice, fresh seafoods, vegetables, fruits, root crops, sweets and bread are always available. Native food is very much loved by the Loretonhon, to mention: - tinuwang isda (fish soup) - vegetables (boiled camote tops, ginataang nangka, papaya pickle) - kinilaw (raw fish salad) - sinugba isda or karne (grilled fish or meat) - pinaksiw (stewed fish with vinegar & salt) - dinuguan (blood stew) - lechon baboy (roasted pig) - ginamos isda (salted fish) - daing (dried fish) - puto, lidgid, moron, salvaro, hihon, turon, banana cue, pawa etc.. (sweets made from cassava, rice, banana)   MEANS OF LIVING   The majority's means of living are farming & fishing. The presence of Krominco Mine (chromite mine) has given a number of residents the opportunity to work. Small enterpreneurs are also making it good. Some of the residents work for the government offices. But the majority of the young Loretonhons is working in big cities and overseas.   EDUCATION   Loreto has a high percentage of literacy rate, excellent educational record and a huge number of its young people are in colleges and universities. Amazingly Loreto has a large number of successful professionals. Loretonhons attach a big importance to education, as they believe this is the best way to a bright future. Loreto has three secondary schools: Liberty Barangay High School in Gibusong Island, the Loreto National High School and a private non-sectarian institution - the Loreto Academy both in the town proper. All barangays have primary schools and only the big barangays have complete intermediate classes.   RELIGION   Loreto has various religions: The Roman Catholic and the Philippine Independent, United Church of Christ in the Phils. (UCCP) followers are majority. The others are the Iglesia ni Kristo, the Seventh Day Adventist , the Body of Christ, the Grace Gospel, Things to Come and Born Again. Religious activities are regularly being celebrated such as Fiesta, Lenten Season & Easter, Christmas, All Souls & Saints Day.   TRANSPORTAION   There are various ways of going around Loreto. There is a reasonable number of public transports to service passengers both by land and by sea. Within the town proper & neighboring places people use sidecars, motor bikes, bicycle, tricycles, multi-cabs and jeepneys. To cross to the islands, row boats, motor boats and motor launch are widely used.   MEDICAL   Loreto has municipal hospital & a clinic. The Loreto Municipal Hospital is located 1 km from the town proper. The current residence physician is Dr. Domingo Abuyme Jr. However, the municipal clinic is in Brgy. Carmen town proper. There is also a private clinic in Brgy. Carmen owned by Dr. Constantino Gupana. Pharmacies are also available in the town proper.