Photo Credits: MIO of LGU Loreto
Pre-colonization
Loreto is believed to be a trading hub before Spaniards colonized the area through the rivers that connect Loreto to the Agusan River. The Manobo tribe living in the center of the town are considered to be the original inhabitants, whose ancestors were believed to have traded goods with traders from Southeast Asian neighbors and nearby lands (such as China and Visayas).
The Golden Tara
Based on some research, the famous Golden Tara found in 1917 at Esperanza, Agusan del Sur is believed to be from the upper river area of the province carried downstream due to some climate factors, is one of the proofs that there’s more to discover in this municipality.
Fish Rain Phenomenon
On January 13, 2012, Loreto experienced a phenomenon that made it featured on national television and became one of the trending topics on social media. They call it “fish rain”. Vast content (article/blog and video) was posted about that phenomenon and it is accessible online.
The Loss of a Leader
On October 19, 2015, the municipality captured the national and international media again because of the brutal death of the late mayor Hon. Dario Otaza and his son. His sacrifice was not wasted because Loreto is considered free from the “bondage of leftists’ oppression”.
Miss Earth 2019
On October 4, 2019, the municipality was in the spotlight once again because of Miss Earth International 2019. With the effort of the current municipal Mayor, Loreto became more known positively with the help of social media platforms such as Youtube and Facebook.
American Commonwealth
In 1907, Americans came and settled in the place now known as “Barangay Waloe”, named after an American Officer, Colonel Ole C. Waloe, who was assigned at the Camp as Detachment Commander of the American Constabulary.
The Americans built schools, formally educating the Manobo tribe.
As Loreto became a Municipal District, the form of government and system of administration were patterned to that of the Americans who were the mentors of the appointed local leaders.
