Loreto Surigao del norte Philippines

Facts about Loreto

Bank:
              Rural Bank of Loreto, Inc.
              Address: 8415 Loreto, Surigao del Norte
             Tel. Nos: (086) 826-3388; 826-0123 (F)
             Date Established: 07/12/75

Dinagat Island

Philippines

Maps

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.

Kayasa Islets

Gibusong Island

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.

The Warm Smiles

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.

Transportation:
     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.

Sinugba

Lechon

Dinuguan

Farming

Fish Coral (Bungsod)

Fishing Boat (Surit)

Loreto Elem. School

Loreto Nat'l School

Loreto Academy

Roman Catholic Church

Home

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.