The History of Ormoc City

Ormoc, officially the City of Ormoc, is a 1st class independent component city in the Eastern
Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 230,998
inhabitants, making it the second most-populous city in the province of Leyte after the provincial capital
of Tacloban. It is believed that Ormoc was first called as “Ogmok” by the natives of the town before. The
place was used during the Spanish occupation and the migration of the neighboring towns to settle in
the more fertile plains of Ogmok. Much of the settler in the town were the Malayans. These people had
a constant trading with the Chinese, Javans and Indonesians. Their living, however, was always
threatened by the attack of the Moro pirates. It is said that the people in Ogmok developed a warning
system communication through people manning watch towers to inform and warn the people of the
coming of these pirates. July 16, 1595, Jesuit missionaries arrived in Leyte. On May 1507, a mission in
Ormok was established by these missionaries. That year, the locals were converted to Christianity. Their
years of peace was shortly felt when in year 1634, a ruler of Sulu by the name of Raja Bungsu captured
300 natives form Ormoc after the invasion of the notorious pirates in the town. The towns of Sogod,
Kabalian, Inopacan and Baybay were also invaded and plundered. More locals of Ogmok still fought this
Raja and his men but because they were outnumbered, they were massacred up to the last man. In the
year 1950, Ormoc City transformed into modern infrastructures, wide concrete roads and bridges, well-
equipped government and hospital facilities, airport facilities, banks, commercial and trade
establishments, house projects, factories, industrial plants, thus, the start of progress for this city.

Early History. This place was used during the Spanish occupation and the migration of the
neighboring towns to settle in the more fertile plains of Ormoc. Much of the settler in the town were the
Malayans. These people had a constant trading with the Chinese, Javans and Indonesians. Puente de la
Riena. The "Bridge of the Queen" is considered as the last existing physical structure that symbolizes
Spanish colonization of the city. Veteran’s and Centennial Park. The Veteran’s Park was constructed in
early 1990s in honor of the Filipino soldiers who fought for the liberation of Leyte and the Philippines.
The Centennial Marker was erected in 1998 to commemorate the 100th year of Philippine
independence. Phil-Japan Peace Memorial. An impressive memorial marker put up by the Nagoya and
Gifu Prefectures as a token of friendship of Japanese and Filipinos in the aftermath of World War II. It is
situated in one of the city's picturesque hills overlooking Ormoc Bay, Carlota Hills in Brgy. Can-adieng.
Ruins of Cong. Dominador Tan Residence. The residence of Cong. Dominador Tan with well-manicured
lawn and a swimming pool was one of the most beautiful scenery in Ormoc at that time which was
completed a year before the World War II. Mass Grave. The graveyard of the victims of the 1991 flash
flood is where the biggest cross in the city can be found. An obelisk in the center is erected where
interpretations of the victims by the artists all over the country will be installed. A commemorative mass,
lighting of candles and laying of flowers are done on this site every November 5th each year in memory
of the victims who perished in the tragedy. Buyogan Festival – this is celebrated every August. Main
attractions include the colorful costumes worn by the residents of Buyogan, a small town in Ormoc. This
festival is named from buyog or bees, which is also the center of this event. Dance competitions are part
of this festivals wherein the participants used to imitate the movement of the bees. Sunduan ha
Carigana – this is celebrated every Holy Week, where the main event is during the Eastern Sunday. The
focus of this event is to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Recreational activities are
conducted. At least one member of family of the locals are invited to join the recreational activities
provided. Tourist are also much welcomed to join.

According to my research, Ormoc City is known as the "City of Beautiful People." Ormoc has
numerous tourist attractions. They have an environment that can reduce your stress. If you visit to
Ormoc City, you can escape reality. Ormoc is the province's other major town. Lake Danao, Leyte-
Ormoc's most appealing natural asset, is only a short distance away. The violin-shaped Lake Danao is a
popular destination for both locals and tourists, thanks to its abundance of natural beauties and
entertainment activities.

Reference:

https://philippinescities.com/ormoc-city-leyte/

https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Historical-Sites-in-Ormoc-City-Leyte

Ormoc – Wikipedia