REGION 8

Eastern Visayas designated as Region VIII is one of the 18 regions of the

Philippines. It is composed of three main islands, Samar, Leyte and Biliran. The region has six
provinces, one independent city and one highly urbanized city namely, Biliran, Leyte, Northern
Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Ormoc and Tacloban. The highly urbanized city
of Tacloban is the Eastern Visayas Regional Center (EVRC). These provinces and cities occupy
the easternmost islands of the Visayas group of islands. It is one of only two regions having no
land border with another region, MIMAROPA being the other. As of 2010, it has a population of
4,101,322 people.

HISTORY

The six provinces of Eastern Visayas are some of the poorest provinces in the country.
The economy is deeply agricultural their farming practices in some parts of the region date back
to the early 1800’s. Agricultural development has been slow and highly selective to few pockets
of more enterprising (And well-off) farmers because of the typically rugged interior of the two
main islands, agriculture has been limited to mostly the coastal areas and small inland valleys.
Heavy industries has been confined to a small industrial zone on the northwest of Leyte Island
much of the hinterlands, especially in Samar, is now heavily forested having had a chance to
recuperate from the devastating logging operations in the 1970’s and 1980’s. It was a Samar
and Leyte which the renowned Portugeses explorer Ferdinand Magellan first saw and landed on
after his long voyage across the Pacific in 1521. The first Christians is Southeast Asia were the
people of Limasawa where the first mass was held. Five centuries later, General Douglas
MacArthur led the Allies to victory in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Leyte became the secure foothold
of the Allies in conquering back the archipelago, and eventually the rest of Asia, from the
Japanaese.

LOCATION IN MAP

Eastern Visayas is lies in the eastern part of the country’s Visayan belt. The region is
bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the north by the Bicol Peninsula, on the
northwest by the Samar Sea, on the west by Camotes Sea, and on the south by the Surigao
Strait and Bohol Sea.

Eastern Visayas provinces and their capitals are:

 PROVINCES CAPITALS
Biliran Naval

Leyte Tacloban City

Southern Leyte Maasin City

Samar Catbalogan City

Northern Samar Catarman

Eastern Samar Borongan

There are 7 cities that helps the economy of the region grow stronger; these are:
1. Borongan City
2. Baybay City
3. Ormoc City
4. Tacloban City
5. Calbayog City
6. Catbalogan City
7. Maasin City

PROVINCES OF EASTERN VISAYAS

A. Biliran (The Province of Magnificent Islands)

Biliran is an island province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region
(Region VIII) between Leyte Island and Samar Island. Biliran is one of the country's
smallest and newest provinces. Formerly a sub-province of Leyte, it became an independent
province in 1992. Its capital is the municipality of Naval on the western coast of the island.

HISTORY
 During the Second World War, the Japanese Imperial Forces landed at Barrio
Pinamopo-an in the Municipality of Capoocan, Leyte. A few days later the islands of Leyte
and Biliran were occupied by the enemy. When the American and Filipino troops
surrendered in 1942, many civilians and members of the armed forces in Leyte fled to the
hills in order to engage in guerrilla warfare. Biliran Island was under the control of the 1st
Battalion commanded by Captain Antonio Cinco. The island is originally known as Panamao
where it was then under the jurisdiction of Leyte. On April 8, 1959, Republic Act 2141
created the Province of Biliran. The law was later amended by Republic Act No. 5977,
enacted on June 21, 1969, and by Republic Act No. 6415, approved on October 4, 1971, it
became a regular province.

BILIRAN TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. Caucab Rice Terraces - are just one of the many smaller versions of the more
popular Banaue Rice Terraces found in Biliran. This man-made attraction is situated in
Brgy. Caucab, Almeria. Maybe it’s not comparable to the majestic rice terraces of Ifugao,
but Caucab is still worth seeing because of its wide and gently sloping landscape.

2. Tinago Falls - located in the municipality of Caibiran, the name “Tinago” is a Visayan
term for “hidden” which fits the place. It is simply a hidden paradise worth discovering.
The hypnotic waterfall blends perfectly with nature as its cold waters cascade beautifully
in breathtaking scenery.

3. Mainit Hot Spring - Also located in the municipality of Caibiran, the hot spring is
known for its healing powers where tourist can take a relaxing dip in the natural pool
and relieve muscle pains. Mainit Hot Spring’s warm water is also good in alleviating
rheumatism, skin allergies and arthritis.

4. Sambawan Island of Maripipi - This island-paradise is dubbed as the “Undiscovered

Paradise” of Biliran because of having two islets connected by boulders. During high
tide, it transforms into three islets. The island is also rich in marine diversity making it a
good dive site. The mountainous coastline provides tourist a jaw-dropping view of the
island.

BILIRAN FAMOUS FESTIVALS

1. Ibid Festival - Celebrated in Caibiran during its town fiesta every 25th of July, the
festival illustrates the playful stance of lizards locally known as “Ibid” which abounds by
the river near its earliest settlement, from which the town gets its name. Caibiran means
a place where there are many “Ibid”.
 2. Ginalutan - Celebrated in Maripipi in time with its annual fiesta on every 29th of
September honoring St. Michael, the festival portrays the hard but rewarding “galut”
activity, or making pots out of clay, from which the town is famous for. Etymologically
speaking, Ginalutan comes from Waray term “galot” which means clay soil. giving the
viewers an impression of Maripipian’s hardwork and dedication considering the fact that
it was the main source of income of the early inhabitants

B. Leyte (Mahaba Island: An Underwater Paradi)

Politically, the island is divided into two provinces: (Northern) Leyte and Southern Leyte.
Territorially, Southern Leyte includes the island of Panaon to its south. To the north of Leyte is
the island province of Biliran, a former sub-province of Leyte. It’s capital is Tacloban City. Leyte
today is notable for the geothermal electric power plants near Ormoc.

HISTORY
In 1521, Magellan sailed from the island of Homonhon, Samar to the island of
Limasawa, Leyte, where the first recorded blood compact was held between Rajah Kolambu and
Magellan on March 29 of the same year. However, Leyte is most famous for its role in the
reconquest of the Philippines in World War II. On 20 October 1944, General Douglas MacArthur
waded ashore on Leyte, saying, "I have returned", but the Japanese did not give up so easily,
as the ensuing Battle of Leyte proved. The convergence of naval forces resulted in the four-day
Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history.

LEYTE TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. San Juanico Bridge – the longest bridge in the Philippines, with a length of 2.16
kilometers –connects two provinces, which are Samar and Leyte. The region is known
for its famous landmark, the San Juanico Bridge which dubbed as the "Most Beautifully
Designed and Longest Bridge in the Philippines

2. Leyte Landing Memorial - Also known as MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park,
it is an important historical landmark in the Philippines, for it is where the landing of
General Douglas MacArthur took place, in Leyte Gulf.

3. Our Lady of the Assumption Shrine - the privately owned Our Lady of the
Assumption Shrine in Maasin City is one of the most well-known religious sites on the
island. It can only be reached by climbing over 300 steps, but once you arrive, the tall
sculpture and the chapel’s colorful architecture will make you say that it’s worth it.
According to believers, if you recite the Stations of the Cross while climbing the stairs,
your prayers will be answered.
 4. Calanggaman Island: Shaped like an ant, The island is famous for its clear blue
water, soft white sand, lush scenery, and sandbars that stretch on both sides. You can
bring your own tents if you want to stay overnight. Camping rates are around 15 USD.
Apart from swimming and sunbathing, Kalanggaman is also the best place for
snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.

LEYTE FAMOUS FESTIVALS

1. Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival - celebrated every last week of the month of June. In
general, dance-drama presentations are major highlights of this festival, which feature
people who cover their bodies with colorful paints.

2. Lubi Lubi Festival - this festival is held in Calubian, a municipality in Leyte, every
August 15. Both locals and tourists look forward to this event because its cultural
presentations provide enjoyment and entertainment. The main highlight of this festival
is the dance presentations prepared by the locals wherein they emphasize how and why
coconut trees are very much valued by the people of Calubian.

3. Sanggutan Festival - Sanggutan Festival is one of the famous Leyte festivals and
events that both tourists and locals also love. It is held in Barugo, a municipality of
Leyte, and is celebrated every May 18. While the Lubi Lubi Festival gives importance to
coconut trees, the Sanggutan Festival gives importance on the old coconut wine
processing that was used in Barugo. Commemoration is shown by the locals through
interpretative dances.

C. Southern Leyte (The Centuries-Old Charmer)

Southern Leyte is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its
capital is the city of Maasin. Southern Leyte was a sub-province of Leyte until it was made into
an independent province. Southern Leyte forms an important part of the inter-island
transportation system of the country, with ferries transporting people and goods between Liloan
and Surigao Del Norte in Mindanao. The province is well known for its quality abaca products
and is the country's major producer of abaca fiber.

Southern Leyte is the second least populated province in Eastern Visayas

Region but consists of beautiful tourist spots. It is bestowed with beautiful islands, white sand
beaches and marine sanctuaries.

HISTORY
 Southern Leyte includes Limasawa, an island to the south where the first Roman
Catholic Mass was held on March 31, 1521 an Easter Sunday and considered to be the
birthplace of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines. Southern Leyte's geological features created
several issues in the province after the flooding of the Subangdaku River and the 2006 mudslide
in Guinsaugon. Organizations warned the province it was susceptible to natural occurrences like
landslides and floods.

SOUTHERN LEYTE TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. Napantao Marine Sanctuary - is one of the best tourist spots in Southern Leyte if
you love diving and interested in marine lifeforms. It features a natural large wall
underwater that drops around 50 meters coated with beautiful and colorful diverse
corals where schools of fish can be found. Turtles and white tip reef sharks can also be
sighted. The best time to go diving at Napantao Marine Sanctuary is on dry season
(March to May) since visibility underwater is good during sunny days.

2. Masawa Island - is one of the famous tourist spots in Southern Leyte where the first
Catholic Mass in the Philippines took place on Easter Sunday of March 31, 1521.
Limasawa is the smallest municipality in the province of Southern Leyte, both population
and land area. Places to visit here includes the National Shrine of the First Catholic Mass
in the Philippines, First Cross Monument, beaches, fish sanctuaries, dive sites and caves.

3. Sun-ok Fish Sanctuary is one of the well-maintained and interesting different kinds of
fish haven in Southern Leyte. Whale sharks can also be sighted especially during the
months of November until May. Fishing and collection of shells are strictly prohibited.
Since the fish sanctuary is just near a rocky hill, visitors tend to do rock climbing before
leaving the place.

4. Zip Southern Leyte - is one of the ideal tourist spots in province for trill and adventure
seekers. It is a very steep dual zipline where one have an opportunity to “fly” above the
tallest bridge in the Philippines, Agas-Agas Bridge. The average ride duration is around
30 seconds with an average speed of 100 KPH depending on your weight. After the ride,
a motorcycle will bring you back to the station. Zip Southern Leyte is one of the major
attraction in Agas-Agas Adventure Park, other things to do are downhill skateboarding,
rappelling, bungee jumping and more.

SOUTHERN LEYTE FAMOUS FESTIVALS

 1. Pabulhon Festival (Maasin City) – A grand display of Maasin City’s agricultural
abundance. The main attraction of the Pabulhon Festival which opens on city’s
charter day (August 10) and usually last after the celebration on August 15. The
festival also showcases Cook contests, boat race, pig catching and many more local
games.

2. Tangka-Tangka Festival (Tangka-an, Padre Burgos) – Celebrated together

with the fiesta of Barangay Tangka-an every 26th to 28th of August, It culminates a
beach jam party at the very popular Tangka-an beach. Tangka means “attempt”.
The beach has the best view of Limasawa Island. It includes fun games, outdoor
activities (rapelling and ascending).

3. Manha-on Festival (Macrohon) – It depicts how the Municipality of Macrohon

(Manha-on) got its name. It is every 2nd day of September coinciding with the town
fiesta. A cultural presentation in form of dances and cheers accompanied by drums
and beats from improvised bamboo percussion instrument.

D. Samar
Samar is an island in the Visayas, within central Philippines and the third largest island in
the country. Samar is one of the three provinces that comprise the Samar Island (the third
largest island in the country). It is bounded in the east by Eastern Samar; on the north by
Northern Samar; on the south by the Leyte Gulf and on the west by the Samar Sea. The capital
of the province is Calbayog City.

HISTORY

The former name given to Samar was called Zamal by the natives, it is one of the island
sighted of Ferdinand Magellan and his men on March 16, 1521. The Island which is now called
Samar, was described as being mountainous.

SAMAR TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park - the Natural Bidge Park was
established way back 1935. The main purpose of it was to protect exotic rock
formations, rainforest, and caves near the Sohoton River. The main reason
why it is built is still existing but the park has attracted more eyes until
it become one of the tourist spots in Samar. If you are ready to witness
 the majestically natural resources of the Eastern Visayas, you must
visit this place.

2. San Juanico Bridge - is the longest bridge in the country connecting Samar to
Leyte. It has an arch-shaped design and 1-34 miles length, making it unique
from other bridges in the Philippines. Enjoy the amazing sight while driving along
this bridge and make sure to get your best shot of the place.

3. Calbiga Caves - is one of the top tourist spots in Samar and is has the largest
cave system in the country. It extends to 2,968 hectares with huge columns and
formations. So far, 12 caves have been discovered and some are waiting to be
found.

4. Ulot River - this river has massive rapids which makes it possible for a
thrilling canoe adventure to happen. Although the river seems wild,
safety precautions are observed by giving life vests and helmets to
adventurers. If you are looking for an extreme experience, make sure to visit
this destination. The Ulot Torpedo Boat Extreme Ride has recently won 1st place
in the Best Practices on Community-Based Responsible Tourism (Community-
Based Tourism Enterprise) category of the Association of Tourism Officers in the
Philippines – Department of Tourism (ATOP-DOT) Pearl Awards.

SAMAR FAMOUS FESTIVALS

1. Karabaw Festival – A festival which pay tribute to the draft animal that
helps people till their farms and provides milk for Gandara’s local white
cheese delicacy called “Keseo”. In fact, it has already won 7 times in the
Samar Day Celebration observed every August 11 where all municipality in Samar
gather at the provincial capitol in Catbalogan City to perform and compete.

2. Alimango Festival - is a colorful and fascinating celebration in the town

of Lala in the province of Lanao del Norte. This year’s 17th Alimango
Festival is one of the highlights of the 69th Araw ng Lala (Charter Day)
which falls on March 22 of every year. Lala is the top producer of this species
of alimango (crab) in Lanao del Norte. Alongside its display and sale festival is the
Alimango Street Dance Contest: a package of native and indigenous costumes,
dances, and contest depicting and promoting local cultures and traditions,
alimango-inspired motifs of the ati-atihan dances during the parade, a fluvial
parade passing through the unspoiled mangroves, and the contest featuring the
largest and biggest alimango.
E. Northern Samar

Northern Samar is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region. Its
capital is Catarman and is located at the northern portion of the island of Samar. Bordering the
province to the south are the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar. To the northwest, across
the San Bernardino Strait is Sorsogon; to the east is the Philippine Sea and to the west is Samar
Sea. Northern Samar is one of the three provinces comprising Samar Island.

HISTORY

It was created on June 19, 1965 through the issuance of Republic Act 4221, “Providing
for the Division of Samar Island into Three Provinces: Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern
Samar”.

NORTHERN SAMAR TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. Biri Island Rock Island - this island town is blessed with unique natural beauty. Biri,
known for its awe-inspiring rock formations carved due to big waves of the San Bernardino
Strait that lap up the eastern portion of its shore.

2. Capul Lighthouse - the lighthouse was constructed by the US army corps and engineers.
This is situated at the northernmost point of the island and serves as the
guidepost for traveling vessels. It was the Japanese Imperial Navy’s grand
design and last desperate assault to destroy the American Landings at Leyte
Gulf.
3. Pink Beach in San Vicente Island - which basically came from the shattered remains
of red shells and hermit crabs. The water is blue that you would rather dive and swim for
the whole day.

NORTHERN SAMAR FAMOUS FESTIVALS

1. Embajada Festival - celebrated every second week of January in Catarman and

Catubic, Northern Samar. The festival remembers the conflict between Christians and
Muslims that was brought about by the Spanish occupation. The celebration is
highlighted with a fluvial procession.

2. Manoglaya Festival - a cultural-tourism festival held in the town of San Antonio from
the 9th to the 12th of June annually, celebrating the fishing skills of townfolks.
 3. Bankaton Festival – celebrated during 20th day of August in Lavezares, Northern
Samar. It is an annual boat racing contest to celebrate the feast of Nueva Señora de
Salvacion, the town’s patroness.

F. Eastern Samar (The Land of Good Harbors)

Eastern Samar is a province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas region,
bordered to the north by Northern Samar and to the west by Samar. To the east lies the
Philippine Sea, part of the vast Pacific Ocean, while to the south lies the Leyte Gulf. Its capital is
the city of Borongan.

HISTORY

Eastern Samar was the first area of the Philippines sighted by Magellan on March 16,
1521. During the early days of Spanish rule, the Province of Samar, (of which Eastern Samar
was a part) was called “Ibabao”. It was under the political and ecclesiastical jurisdiction of
Cebu. Samar was made a separate province from Cebu in 1768. From its capital, Catbalogan,
the administration of the encomiendas in the eastern coast was controlled. Samar was divided
into three provinces, namely: Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Western Samar, by virtue of
Republic Act No. 4221. The Law was overwhelmingly ratified in a plebiscite on November 9,
1965.

EASTERN SAMAR TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. Church of Immaculate Conception - A 16th century church with its entire structure
still preserved including old relics of "santos," hand carved altars and doors. Located in
Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

2. Homonhon Island - Tiny island where Ferdinand Magellan and his men first set foot
on Philippine soil on March 16, 1521; viewing of the historic Magellan plaque/marker.
 3. Navy 3149 Base - it was a base of the American soldiers in World War II. It was the
base of the “Elona Gay” (B-52 Bomber) which droped the first atomic bomb on August
7, 1945 in Hiroshima, Japan. It is located in Ngolos.

4. Guiuan World War II Operating Base - has a three-kilometer runway that could
service even jet-propelled planes; constructed by WWII US Navy in 1944. During the
Liberation of the Philippines, it was the airstrip of war planes; now a good picnic area.

EASTERN SAMAR FAMOUS FESTIVALS

1. Padul-ong Festival - is the province’s way to pay homage to its Patroness, the
Blessed Virgin Mary that held every 7th day of September. The Padul-ong Festival
is a mythical presentation of how the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was mysteriously
transported to Borongan from Portugal in far-away Europe.

2. Homonhon Landing – celebrated every March 16, it is reenactment of the discovery of

the Philippines in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan.

CULTURE, TRADITION, PEOPLE AND FOOD OF EASTERN VISAYAS

 Tinikling, the Philippines’ national dance is folkdance that originated from the region. But
the most popular cultural dance among Warays is the Kuratsa, danced during feast
celebrations and special gatherings. The Leyte Kalipayan Dance Company, a local
cultural group, held highly successful performance around the world.
 The language division between the Waray-Waray speaking people in the northern part
and the Cebuano speaking people in the southern part.
 Their primarily an agricultural region with rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane and banana as
its major crops.
 Mining, farming, fishing and tourism contribute significantly to the economy.
 Tacloban is the hub of investment, trade and development in region. The language
division between the Waray-Waray speaking people in the northern part and the
Cebuano speaking people in the southern part.
 The Waray people are a subgroup of the Visayan people whose primary language is
the Waray-Waray language, an Austronesian language native to the islands
of Samar, Leyte and Biliran, which together comprise the Eastern Visayan region of
 the Philippines. The Warays are descendants of the Austronesian-speaking immigrants
who came to the Philippines during the Iron Age. In 1521, the Warays were the first
Filipinos to be sighted by Europeans under the leadership of Ferdinand Magellan. The
Warays were among the first Filipinos converted to Christianity.
 Famous foods of Eastern Visayas are Sasima from Eastern Samar, Suman Biliran and
Papaya Pickles from Biliran.