REGION VIII (EASTERN VISAYAS) > Leyte

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Leyte is among the countrys most historic provinces, proud of its rich and significant past. It was the site
not only of a major uprising against the Spaniards but also of the famous landing of US forces during World
War II, marking its place in history as the point of entry for the American forces of liberation.
This historical consciousness is reflected on Leytes provincial seal. The stars symbolize the 49 towns of the
province. The alphabet on the cross indicates its second phase of development, when Magellan passed
through the province en route to Cebu. And the upper portion commemorates the landing of General
Douglas MacArthur, through a perspective of the National Freedom Park.
Leyte is traversed by many low mountain ranges just like the Samar and Visayan islands. From the
northwestern section to the southeastern extremities extends a very rugged, almost impassable ridge. There
are also many extinct volcanoes, the most important of which is Mahagnao.
Its capital city, Tacloban, is the most important seaport on the eastern coast while Ormoc City is the primary
outlet on the western coast.
GEOGRAPHY
Comprising a total land area of 5,712.8 sq. km., Leyte is bounded on the north by Carigara Bay, on the east
by the San Juanico Strait and Leyte Gulf, on the west by the Visayan Sea and Ormoc Sea, and on the south
by Southern Leyte.
The terrain of the province is relatively flat to gently rolling and becoming mountainous and rough towards
the center where a mountain range begins.
spacer spacerPolitical Subdivision
The province is composed of 49 towns and two cities, namely, Tacloban, the capital city, and Ormoc.
CLIMATE
Heavy rains occur between November and February while March to April and August to September are the
driest months.
POPULATION
As of 1995 census, the provincial population is 1,511,251.
LANGUAGE / DIALECT
Waray-waray and Cebuano are the major dialects spoken.

REGION VIII (EASTERN VISAYAS) > Southern Leyte

BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Filipinos stake a large claim on hospitality, just sort of making it a national treasure, and the Leyteos from
the small province of Southern Leyte are no different. There is a warmth that begins with the lilt and caress
of welcoming voices. Most of the locals, you see, speak Cebuano, a dialect that seems naturally nurturing.
Even the land is naturally welcoming, as evidenced by the lights that beckon from homes that hug the coast
and the waving fronds of coconut palms.
Southern Leyte may be reached by land via the Pan Philippine Highway or, as most prefer, by sea. Either
way, one finds oneself in Maasin, the provincial capital. Maasin is hardly your idea of a bustling town; it has
maintained a pace that is welcome after the hurly-burly of city life. It is also blessedly situated between sea
and forest. The former provides virtually untouched beaches waiting to be discovered, and the latter, virgin
growth still unexplored.
GEOGRAPHY
Southern Leyte is bounded on the north by the province of Leyte, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the
west by the Camotes Sea, and on the south by Sogod Bay. Its total land area is 1,734.8 sq. kilometers.
The province is characterized by relatively flat lands along the coastal areas where population centers lay,
but rugged and mountainous towards the interior. It has numerous small rivers in addition to at least 11
major rivers.
spacer spacerPolitical Subdivision
The province consists of 19 towns. Capital is Maasin.
CLIMATE
Generally, the province has no dry season with rainfall more or less evenly distributed throughout the year.
It has a pronounced maximum rainfall occurring from July to December.
POPULATION
As of the 1995 census, the provincial population was 3,366,917.
LANGUAGE / DIALECT
Cebuano is the major dialect spoken.

Tourist Spots in Leyte - Philippines

The San Juanico Bridge
One of the world-class, interesting, and beautiful destinations in the southern region of the
Philippines, San Juanico Bridge takes a position in the top 5 tourist spots in Leyte Philippines.
Because of the attractiveness of the bridge, the provincial government annually allot budget
for the maintenance of San Juanico Bridge. Because of this, travelers and tourists who will
pass through the bridge can have a closer view on various marine species present in San
Juanico Strait. Additionally, people can always admire the sight of relaxing waters under the
alluring San Juanico Bridge.

The General Douglas MacArthur Landing Memoria

Another famous and first-rate tourist destination in Leyte that many travelers like to see is
General Douglas MacArthur Landing Memorial. Situated at Red Beach in Palo, the memorial
features statues depicting the historical and victorious return of the American Liberation Forces
led by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, which happened in 1944. People can easily see the
statues in the province for these figures have heights higher than 10 feet. Moreover, to
commemorate this event, locale people re-enact the landing of the Allied Forces at the beach.

The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

One of the most famous and well-maintained museums in Leyte, Santo Nino Shrine and
Heritage Museum plays home to important artifacts and relics that signify the culture,
heritage, and history of the province. Within the premises of this tourist spot, people can find
several structures and images that depict myths in Leyte, which include Malakas and
Maganda. Besides this, many travelers from the other parts of the country also go to the
museum to see some of the masterpieces of well-known Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo.

Our Lady of Assumption Church

Our Lady of Assumption Church is visited by thousands of devotees from the province every
year. Aside from the historical value of this institution, many people like to see the attractive
architecture and structure of the church building. With the high-quality materials that were
used in the construction of this early church and several images of saints and martyrs inside
the building, many tourists were captivated to this place.

Sun ok Fish Sanctuary

For those who have interest in visiting manmade attractions in the beautiful and historical
province of Leyte, they can always take a look at the different marine species in Sun ok Fish
Sanctuary. Inside this amusing and well-maintained fish haven, people can find soft and hard
coral reefs and various types of fishes. Another attraction in this sanctuary is its strategic
location. Because Sun ok Fish Sanctuary is situated near a rocky hill, after touring the fish
sanctuary, tourists can try exciting and enjoyable outdoor activities like rock climbing.

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