The Past
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| A screenshot of Loreto's aerial view from Google Earth |
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. He was assigned at the Camp as Detachment Commander of the American/Philippine Constabulary.
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| A screenshot from newspaper dot com clipped from Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 4, 1952 |
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 the Americans who were the mentors of the appointed local leaders.
Pre Spanish Colonization
Loreto is believed to be a trading hub before Spaniards colonized the area (or spread Christianity headed by Father Urios) through the rivers that connect Loreto to the Agusan River. The Manobo tribe living in the center of the town are considered the original inhabitants whose ancestors have traded goods with traders from Southeast Asian neighbors and nearby lands (such as China and Visayas). 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.
Loreto was rich in culture, history, and biodiversity. Many lives were sustained with its natural resources, but one of the economic activities (logging) that boosted its economy depleted many of nature’s gifts including the forests. The number of fishes in the Umajam river and marshland in Panlabuhan (a part of the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary ) exponentially decreased because of siltation.
Present
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| A screenshot from Google Map showing the old and new establishments in Loreto |
With the construction of farm-to-market roads, it is easier to connect with other local producers/manufacturers outside the municipality.
Tourist destinations in the locality are now accessible through national, provincial, and municipal roads.
Additional water tanks provided clean water to households in the barangays with no safe water access.
Commercial buildings are under construction due to the demand for commercial spaces. As of this writing, six new businesses are operating near the government center located beside the national road.
The Local Government Unit has opened its doors to vendors/entrepreneurs from different cities/municipalities. Buses from other regions can now pick up passengers.
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| A bus passing by on the boulevard |
Local businesses are mushrooming and thriving because of the support of the locals and the municipal leaders.
Loreto, Agusan del Sur is envisioned as a city in a jungle of trees.
The Local Government Unit of Loreto is gearing up by boosting the construction of infrastructures like the Land Transport Terminal and (New) Public Market and growing trees. Thanks to the dedication of the Local Chief Executive and her teams.
More than 100 trees are growing in the government center and on the street side of the boulevard. Dates are also growing on the center aisle of Purok 8, Poblacion.
Future
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| Reaching borders through technology (AI) |
Loreto is now a smart city with green and resilient infrastructures. Its residents are in the middle class and are living happily and peacefully (without poverty).
Government services are effective and efficient. Business sectors (around the world) are enjoying their gains from their investments in the city.
Those are some of our futuristic views of Loreto, Agusan del Sur. They seem impossible today, but with continuous efforts and collaboration of the leaders, we can make it possible.