The Past
A story told by a former visitor and now a resident.
Mode of Transportation
“ The memories of riding a pump boat every time we visit Loreto are still fresh. I can still remember the pain in my butt because of the long hours of boat ride to arrive at Loreto. There were no other means of transportation back then.
From Butuan City, we will ride a bus and stop at the Bunawan sidewalk. We will then ride a tricycle to reach the pump boat terminal. The ride was not easy because we brought many things like our big bags. It's not the end of the struggle because we waited for a few minutes or an hour to continue our journey. The boat needs to be loaded with people before it departs. There was no specific time interval. I was still five years old when I first experienced that struggle. The scenery during the ride was spectacular, but it could not relieve my butt pain. The ride would be great if the seats have foams. Sadly, the pump boat owners cannot afford such convenience.
A van started going in Loreto using the La Paz road when I was in grade (or high) school. Unfortunately, bridges (for vehicles), were not built yet, so the van had to ride layers of bamboo to pass through. It was a good experience for me, and I want to experience it again.
They started the concrete road construction from Trento to Loreto when I was in grade (or high) school.
Security and Safety
Loreto was home to rebels. It’s a dangerous place for outsiders.
I was not in Loreto when the rebels attacked Poblacion (specifically the former Police Station). The rebels brutally killed two police. National television featured the attack.
That gave a negative impression to those who have not been to Loreto.
Many have shed blood and tears to protect the people of Loreto and its environment.
Their sacrifices did not go to waste.
New Loreto
Today, the people of Loreto are enjoying the progress nobody thought would be possible.
The current leaders, especially the Municipal Mayor (Local Chief Executive), made Loreto a progressive Municipality despite the onslaught of coronavirus.
Farm to market roads was constructed, new buildings were built, and more will rise. A recreational center is under construction and more developments are coming.
The feedback of those who have been in Loreto before and visited once again is heartwarming. They were amazed at the changes that happened in 3 years. “The development is really fast.” according to one of the visitors who often come to Loreto.
The visitors from the National Capital Region did not expect much in Loreto until their eyes witnessed the (shining) new Loreto. They thought the place is like the usual rural areas where you cannot find huge buildings, nor good food and accommodation.
The once-feared Municipality is now looked up to by many.
With the collaborative efforts of the Municipal leaders, employees, workers, stakeholders, and the public and private sectors, Loreto will shine brighter.
This is just the beginning of the development. Hopefully, this will continue, and may the fuel of the light continue to multiply to light up the dim or dark paths to unfold a brighter future.
The Recreational Center
The video above is a tour of the phases I and II construction of the Municipal Recreation Center.
The workers work earlier than 8:00 A.M. and beyond 5 P.M.
In the video, they are busy preparing the Municipality's gift for the people. A surprise to make the kids and children at heart happy in the Christmas season.
May this initiative gives hope to the people and inspire them to shine and continue shining no matter how strong the obstacles are.