Loreto, officially the Municipality of Loreto (; Surigaonon: Lungsod nan Loreto; ; ), is a municipality in the province of Dinagat Islands, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 9,940 people.
History The town became a part of the province of Dinagat Islands on October 2, 2006, when the province was created from Surigao del Norte by Republic Act No. 9355. However, in February 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that the law was unconstitutional, as the necessary requirements for provincial land area and population were not met. The town reverted to Surigao del Norte. On October 24, 2012, however, the Supreme Court reversed its ruling from the previous year, and upheld the constitutionality of RA 9355 and the creation of Dinagat Islands as a province.
In 1956, the sitio of Roxas was converted into a barrio.
Geography
Barangays Loreto is politically subdivided into 10 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios. Carmen (Poblacion) Esperanza Ferdinand Helen (on Gibusong Island) Liberty (on Gibusong Island) Magsaysay (on Gibusong Island) Panamaon San Juan (Poblacion) Santa Cruz (Poblacion) Santiago (Poblacion)
Climate
Demographics
Economy
The town is endowed with rich mineral resources like aluminous laterite ore, chromite, gold, niceliferous laterite, sand and gravel, guano, rock phosphate, limestone, and siliceous sand. It is also considered as an excellent fishing ground.
References
External links Loreto Profile at the DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index [ Philippine Standard Geographic Code]