ECOLOGICAL PROFILE

 

CHAPTER I. HISTORY

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               Sta. Monica is one of the oldest towns in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte which lies along the rolling northern and western sea coast. It has a humble legendary name “SAPAO”, for a fisherman who threw his net to catch school of fish, which ever so full exclaimed “Sapao – Sapao” meaning the catch was so plenty as to overload the boat. Hence, the name Sapao was given to the place in memory of “Sapao – Sapao” by early settlers.

               Historically, Sapao is part of Sidargo (Siargao Island) that belongs to Surigao which is also part of the old territory that existed in Northern Mindanao called “CARAGA”, named after the people called “CALLAGANS” believed to be of Visayan origin. As early as 1683 a Spanish Settlement and development was established in Tandag by the Recollects Fathers who has residence at Tandag, Butuan, Bislig, Linao-a in the interior of Agusan and Siargao Island. The stone arch gate of the old church of Sapao is the strong permanent legacy of this early Spanish settlement in Siargao Island.

            Sta. Monica (Sapao) became a pueblo after the abolition of the encomienda system of government during the early part of the Spanish regime. Later the term was changed to Municipality. Kapitan del Pueblo was the title of the Chief Executive of the town. Servando Concha, Gerardo Arlan, Benito Concha and Genaro Platil were the first influential people who served as Kapitan del Pueblo during those periods.

            After the Spanish–American war, the American military governor issued an Executive Order to revert Municipality of Sapao to a barrio under the municipality of Numancia until September 30, 1953. During that time Sapao has given several Municipal Mayors to Numancia, Namely: Mayor Nicolas Vitanzos and Teodulfo Concha were elected Mayor of Numancia during pre – war period. Late Vice Mayor Ricardo Platil was appointed Mayor of Numancia of the Free Philippines to head the Municipal Government of the Resistance Movement during Japanese occupation.