Loreto is the northernmost municipality of Dinagat Islands, at the island's tip facing Leyte[2][1]. Settled in the mid-1800s, it is where American forces first landed in October 1944 to begin the Liberation of the Philippines, and it is home to Mount Redondo, the province's highest peak[2][6].
At a glance
| Province | Dinagat Islands, Caraga (Region XIII)[8] |
|---|---|
| Land area | 155.82 km² — 19.06% of the province[1] |
| Barangays | 10[1] |
| Population | 9,690 (2020 Census); 9,309 (2015); 2,193 (1903)[1] |
| Town status | 1898; restored 14 May 1919[2] |
| Neighbours | Tubajon, Libjo, Basilisa and San Jose; across the water, Hinundayan and Anahawan (Southern Leyte)[1] |
Location
The town centre lies at about 10.3592° N, 125.5793° E, just 3 m above sea level[1]. Inland rise Mount Redondo and Capitugohan Falls[2].
History
From Mabua to Loreto
The settlement was first called Mabua, after its ever-foaming river. Settlers from Bohol, Leyte and Samar arrived from 1847, and in 1881 the place was renamed Loreto, after the daughter of the provincial governor[2].
Town, barrio and town again
Loreto became a municipality in 1898, but was reduced to a barrio in 1902 after it was abandoned and burned during the resistance against American rule. Its town status was restored on 14 May 1919 through the efforts of civic leaders including Constantino B. Gupana, Tomas A. Caduan and Arcadio P. Galido[2].
Where the Liberation began
According to the municipality, Black Beach No. 2 in Sitio Campintac marks the first American landing for the Liberation, on 17 October 1944, by the U.S. Army's 6th Ranger Battalion[2]. The Rangers' own history records that the companies assigned to Dinagat went ashore on 18 October after a typhoon delayed the operation, and that they raised the first American flag of the return to the Philippines[5]. Later that month, on 30 October 1944, a battle was fought at Sinaungag — today's Tubajon[2].
New towns from Loreto
Two of today's municipalities were partly formed from Loreto: Albor (now Libjo) in 1960, which took the barrios of Libjo, Quezon, Bolodbolod and San Jose[3], and Tubajon, created by Republic Act No. 5643 of 21 June 1969 from seven of Loreto's barrios[4]. (The municipality's history gives 1971 as the year Tubajon separated[2].) In 2006 Loreto became part of the new Province of Dinagat Islands[8].
People and livelihood
Loreto had 2,193 people in the 1903 census and 9,690 in 2020[1]. Most residents speak Cebuano or Boholano (about 75%), and about a quarter speak Waray-Waray — a reminder of the settlers from Bohol and Leyte–Samar[2]. The land holds chromite, manganese and copper, and mining remains important; tikog grass for fine mats grows in the lowlands[2]. The 10 barangays are Carmen, Esperanza, Ferdinand, Helene, Liberty, Magsaysay, Panamaon, San Juan, Santa Cruz and Santiago[1].
Places to visit
- Mount Redondo Natural Bonsai Forest — about 100 hectares of stunted, shrub-like trees at the province's highest elevation[6]; Mount Redondo rises to about 1,020 m[7].
- Campintac Black Beach No. 2 — a stretch of pebbly sand, and the historic landing site of 1944[6][2].
- Sangay Beach (Barangay Carmen) — nearly 2 km of fine white sand with rock formations and a clear river[6].
- Linao Spring Resort (Barangay Esperanza) — clear spring water among tall trees[6].
- Pulo Islet — near the municipal hall and port, rich in marine life[6].
Ask us about a custom trip to Loreto, and see How to Get Here.
The other municipalities: Basilisa · Cagdianao · Dinagat · Libjo · San Jose · Tubajon · About Dinagat Islands
References
- PhilAtlas. Loreto, Dinagat Islands Profile (based on Philippine Statistics Authority data). Source
- Municipality of Loreto, Dinagat Islands. History. Source
- Office of the President. Executive Order No. 381 — Creating the Municipality of Albor in the Province of Surigao (29 February 1960). LawPhil Project. Source
- Republic of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 5643 — An Act Creating the Municipality of Tubajon in the Province of Surigao del Norte (approved 21 June 1969). LawPhil Project. Source
- World War II Rangers. 6th Ranger Battalion — History. Source
- Provincial Government of Dinagat Islands. Loreto — Attractions. Source
- Foundation for the Philippine Environment. Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte — Conservation Site Profile. Source
- Republic of the Philippines. Republic Act No. 9355 — An Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands (approved 2 October 2006). LawPhil Project. Source
Compiled by Island Getaway Travel and Tours from the sources above. Figures are those published by each source; if you notice something that has changed, please let us know.
