1. Where are we now?
The Analysis Section
Information on the economy and population that characterizes the community or region. This section describes the community in terms of location, physical environment, history, people, jobs, economy, culture, subsistence, and any other information we feel is important for funding agencies and others to know, to better understand our community. The information in our economic plan is presented within a local/provincial and regional context.
About Loreto
Image by Google Map
Loreto is located at 8°11’N 125°51’E with a land area of 1,850.54 square kilometers (185,054 hectares) making it in the 7th place out of 1, 634 in the national ranking in 2007 based on www.atlas.com. It is also the largest municipality in Agusan del Sur.
Who are we as a community?
Loreto has a diverse culture influenced by the Spanish colonizers and the Americans. The Municipality is home to indigenous people and ethnic groups that have adopted today’s trends, specifically the newer generations.
What is unique about us?
Loreto was once a rebel and wildlife sanctuary. Monkeys, boars, crocodiles, turtles/tortoises, and cobras are some of the animals abundant in the area more than a decade ago. It has a healthy ecosystem and rich biodiversity until logging became its economic base. The Municipality has so-called Manobo warriors, also known as Magahats/Baganis. They protect the people in their communities and their environment. Loreto’s women association has manufactured jams made from indigenous fruits called libas ( hog plum) and katmon (elephant apple). This initiative has earned support from a German organization.
Why would someone want to live here?
Loreto, Agusan del Sur is becoming progressive despite the pandemic. Developments can be seen (mostly) in Poblacion, and some are in the barangays where government support is focused.
The Municipality is thriving because of the current leadership committed to making this place progressive.
In 2018, the Local Government Unit's (LGU) annual (regular) income rose to Php 313,236,946.86 from Php 291,216,370.43 in 2017 based on the FYs 2009-2018 (Preliminary) data from the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Department of Finance. An increase of 22,020,576.43 or 7.56%. The LGU has allocated a total of Php 384,890,000.001 for economic development like operationalization of Economic Enterprise, construction of the business center, acquisition of economic sites, the establishment of a food processing site, slaughterhouse, Microtel, and cottages for tourists. Based on the Municipality’s 2020-2022 Local Development Investment Program (LDIP), (a total of) Php 6,946,166,000.00 is allocated to infrastructure development supported by different national government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Agriculture.Where do we want to be?
The vision for Loreto is, “An agro-industrialized and eco-tourism destination in a peaceful, healthy and resilient community characterized by God-loving people enjoying a progressive economy and ecologically-balanced environment guided by responsive and proactive leaders.”
What do we need to do to accomplish our goals and solve our problems?
Extensive training and workshops to enhance the skills of the labor force are vital for competitiveness. The majority of the workforce is slowly replaced by the younger generation that is trainable and has great potential. With the cooperation of the constituents and collaboration with different organizations from different fields, especially those with expertise in agriculture, innovation, technology, and economic development, we can realize our vision.
How do we get there?
Communities need to respond to events on a local basis instead of depending on assistance from outside the community. It is the individuals and businesses that reside in a local area that are the primary stakeholders in the communities’ economic development, and ultimately they determine what strategies will or will not succeed in the area.
Below is the “Action Plan Diagram” based on the 5 Point Development Agenda of the current Municipal Mayor.
Have we made it?
The photos below are some of the current developments in the Municipality.
The Facebook page of the Municipality (SHINE Loreto BIBO Loreto) has more updates.
Municipal Development Update 1