HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The year 1915 marked the birth of San Isidro, then a Sitio of Barrio Himatagon in the Municipality of Cabalian (now San Juan, Southern Leyte). It is roughly bounded by the Lawigan and Hitongao Rivers, with a topography primarily dedicated to agricultural products such as rice, corn, coconut, nipa, and bananas.
The early residents included the families of Awing Ortiz, Benito Pino, Pablo Inso, Aniano Santos, Luis and Pastora Medilo, Segundo and Leoncia Mosquito, and Chinese migrants Lini Ching, Luya Lim, and Tomas Limug, among many others. In 1930, Awing Ortiz served as the first Tenyente del Barrio (Barrio Lieutenant). The name San Isidro was established because most residents were farmers, and the first chapel dedicated to San Isidro was built.
In 1937, Osteg Paloma succeeded as the next Tenyente del Barrio, followed by Bayong Mambatak in 1940. During World War II, Tenyente Mambatak assisted in treating people involved in encounters against the Japanese in Pong-oy, as some of the wounded sought refuge in Barrio San Isidro.
In 1953, Marcial Mosquito became the Tenyente del Barrio. Under his leadership in 1957, the new barangay site was established the same location where the basketball court, multi-purpose building, Day Care building, Health Center, and barangay stage stand today. During this period, the title Tenyente del Barrio was changed to Barangay Captain. Captain Marcial Mosquito was responsible for constructing the barangay road leading to the Poblacion (Himatagon).
In 1972, the name Sitio Maria Socorro was created for the area formerly known as Libo-o. In 1980, Captain Mosquito’s service ended tragically when he was struck by a motorcycle during Barangay Brigade activities; he passed away on August 8, 1980. Mr. Carlos Dalan then served as the OIC.
In 1994, Generoso A. Rebayla, Sr. was elected Barangay Captain. During his term, the barangay road in Sitio Ma. Socorro was constructed, extending to the PNP station camp located beside the Lawigan River. Several landowners donated portions of their land for this road, including Engr. Graciano Capili and the Rentuza, Cinco, Caday, and Diaz families. Work also began on the crossroad leading to the river control project in front of the Saint Bernard public market. The concreting of the Sitio Ma. Socorro road commenced with national funding secured through the efforts of Mayor Maria Y. Lim.
In the 2002 elections, Benita M. Lambino was elected Barangay Captain. Together with her council, she completed the Barangay Hall project planned by the previous captain, established an additional barangay site in Sitio Ma. Socorro, and worked to provide a water supply for the residents of Ma. Socorro with the help of Mayor Maria Y. Lim. Re-elected in 2007, Captain Lambino continued her progress, implementing street lighting from Ma. Socorro to San Isidro proper, drainage canals, and further road concreting. A long-held dream of the people of Sitio Ma. Socorro was realized: a bridge connecting them to the Poblacion Public Market. The Barangay Council passed a resolution requesting this from Gov. Damian Mercado and Cong. Roger Mercado, and construction of the bridge proceeded under Captain Lambino’s leadership.
Currently, several challenges remain for the people of Maria Socorro, including issues regarding “squatters” or residents living on land they do not own. Barangay officials are seeking ways to properly settle these residents. They are also planning additional dikes to protect homes located near the shoreline from waves.
Barangay San Isidro is unique in that it has two Day Care Centers and two chapels one in Sitio Ma. Socorro and one in the barangay proper. The council, led by the Barangay Captain, continues to plan projects to further develop the community.
Population: 1,953 (Source): Philippine Statics Authority 2020 Census of Population