'''Sta. Monica**, officially the **Municipality of Sta. Monica''' (Surigaonon: Lungsod nan Santa Monica; ), is a 5th class municipality in the province of Surigao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 9,423 people. It is also known as Sapao. Sta. Monica is one of the two northernmost towns of Siargao Island. The other is the municipality of Burgos. Although many sources refer to it as "Santa Monica" it is officially named "Sta. Monica".

Etymology

Sta. Monica is named after its patron saint, Saint Monica, in shortened Spanish term. It was originally known as Sapao, a name given by the first Spaniards who reached the area. According to one version of the story, a fisherman, upon being asked by the Spaniards about the name of the place, replied "no sapao," meaning he missed catching the school of fish. Another version suggests that a fisherman responded "sapao," meaning his banca was full of fish.

History

Sta. Monica was originally known as a pueblo (town) named Sapao during the Spanish regime. Eventually, Sapao was reverted into a barrio, part of the municipality of Numancia (now Del Carmen). It regained its municipal status on October 1, 1953, by virtue of Executive Order No. 623. It then consisted of barrios Alegria, Baybay, Bailan, Bitaug, Burgos, Cabugsan, Libertad, Rizal, and Sapao. On June 17, 1967, the municipality of Sapao was renamed Santa Monica and five barrios, including Burgos, and three sitios were separated from it to form the new municipality of Burgos.

Geography

Barangays

Sta. Monica is politically subdivided into 11 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Economy