Esperanza is a municipality in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Philippines.

History

"Esperanza" is a Spanish word meaning "hope", in the local dialect, it means Pag - asa or Pag – laum. It is believed that the first baby born in the first settled area in the wildness of Dulawan was a baby girl whom the early settlers called Esperanza with the anticipation that with the birth of child, the name alone could inspire the coming in of peace, unity and prosperity to the settlers.

In 1952, a group of Christian settlers established a settlement in Villamor within the then municipal district of Dulawan now presently known as barangay Villamor of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat province.

In 1953, motivated by the primary concern for the education of their children, the settlers petitioned the school authorities for a school at Barrio Villamor. And on the opening of that school year, the Villamor Primary School was opened. In the same year, Purok leader Silverio Africa of Purok Esperanza, initiated and requested a government survey for the proposed bario site of Esperanza with the expressed approval of Datu Into Saliao. The survey was officially known and identified as TS – 310.

When Cotabato – General Santos City National Highway was constructed. Esperanza became an independent barrio of Dulawan , Cotabato with Silverio Africa as the first “ Barrio Lieutenant” or “ Delgado”.

In 1956, Datu Into Saliao, a prominent Datu of the place has distributed lands to the people either by lease, share system and even donation to those close to him. By this philantrophic benevolence, people from all walks of life flocked to his barrio. Residential houses mushroomed around and that was the beginning of the programs of Esperanza.

The progress of Esperanza and other neighboring barrios made good. Business has improved and upon written petitioned of the residents, the municipality of Ampatuan was finally created by virtue of Republic Act No. 2509 which was enacted and approved into law without executive approval on June 21, 1959. Esperanza was created by virtue of President Ferdinand E. Marcos. The place progress rapidly because of its location and philanthropic act of prominent leader of the place named Datu Into Saliao who welcomed the immigrants to the area.

Recent History

In 1995, Esperanza suffered losses in agricultural crops, implements, farm animals and houses other properties when Lake Mahugan overflowed due to heavy rains. Despite this tragedy, Esperanza was able recover from the devastating onslaught of floodwaters.

At present, there are have been significant achievements and landmarks, which could tangibly prove that Esperanza is indeed in the center of development. A more spacious and beautiful Municipal Hall, a municipal gymnasium, massive projects in terms of infrastructure and broader spread of social services are but its major achievements in the past few years. Esperanza owes this development to its development oriented and pro-active officials, officers and government workers.

Mayors

• 1971 - Esperidion Limson
• 1978 - Mariano Carumba
• 1982 - Romulo L. Latog, Sr.
• 1986 - Roberto E. Examen
• 1987 - Jose A. Dequito
• 1988 - Romulo L. Latog, Sr.
• 1995 - Fernando L. Ploteña
• 2001 - Romulo L. Latog, Jr.