About Tacloban

Tacloban is the capital and seat of government of the Eastern Visayas (Region VIII),
Philippines. It is approximately 360 miles (580 km) southeast of Manila. It was the first city in Region
VIII to become a "Highly Urbanized City" and is the largest city in terms of population in Eastern
Visayas. It is also the regional center of the Eastern Visayas, being the main gateway by air to the
region. Tacloban was briefly the capital of the Philippines, from 20 October 1944 to 27 February
1945.

In an extensive survey conducted by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center and
released in July 2010, Tacloban City was ranked among the top ten most competitive cities in the
Philippines. Tacloban ranked fifth overall, and second in the emerging cities category.

On 8 November 2013, the city was largely destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan, having previously
suffered similar destruction and loss of life in 1897 and 1912.

History of Tacloban

Tacloban was first known as Kankabatok, an allusion to the first inhabitants – Kabatok. They
established their dwellings in the vicinity of the present day Santo Niño Church. Others who came
later were Gumoda, Haraging and Huraw who erected their own settlements in nearby sites. Huraw’s
domain is the hill where the city hall now sits. The combined settlements acquired the name
Kankabatok, meaning Kabatok’s property.

By the end of the 16th century, Kankabatok was under the political administration of Palo
and part of the parish of Basey, Samar. It was discovered in 1770, by the Augustinian Mission, who
were superseded by the Franciscans in 1813. During this period, Kankabatok was renamed to
Tacloban.

The change of the name came about in this manner: Kankabatok was a favorite haunt of
fishermen. They would use a bamboo contraption called "Taklub" to catch crabs, shrimps or fish.
When asked where they were going, the fishermen would answer, "(to) Tarakluban", which meant
the place where they used the device to catch these marine resources. Eventually, the name
Tarakluban or Tacloban took prominence.

It is not known when Tacloban became a municipality because records supporting this fact
were destroyed during a typhoon. It is commonly believed that Tacloban was officially proclaimed a
municipality in 1770. In 1768, Leyte and Samar were separated into two provinces, each constituting
a politico-military province. Due to its strategic location, Tacloban became a vital trading point
between the two provinces.

The capital of Leyte was transferred from one town to another with Tacloban as the last on
26 February 1830. The decision to make Tacloban the capital was based on the following reasons: 1)
ideal location of the port and 2) well-sheltered and adequate facilities. On 20 June 1952, Tacloban
was proclaimed a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No. 760.

The arrival of Colonel Murray in 1901 made him the first military governor of Leyte. His first
official act was the opening of Tacloban port to world commerce. Before World War II, Tacloban was
the commercial, education, social and cultural center of the Province of Leyte. Copra and abaca were
exported in large quantities. The leading institutions were: Leyte Normal School, Leyte High School,
Leyte Trade School, Holy Infant Academy and Tacloban Catholic Institute.
 In November 1912, a typhoon swept through the central Philippines and "practically
destroyed" Tacloban. In Tacloban and Capiz on the island of Panay, the death toll was 15,000, half the
population of those cities at the time.

On 25 May 1942, Japanese forces landed in Tacloban – signalling the beginning of their two-
year occupation of Leyte. They fortified the city and improved its airfield. Since San Pedro Bay was
ideal for larger vessels, the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces made Tacloban a port of call and entry.
This time was considered the darkest in the history of Tacloban and the country due to the
incidences of torture among civilians, including the elderly. In response, guerrilla groups operated in
Leyte – the most notable of which was the group of Ruperto Kangleon.

Leyte was the first to be liberated by the combined Filipino and American troops. General
Douglas MacArthur's assault troops landed in the Tacloban and Palo beaches (White Beach and Red
Beach, respectively) and in the neighboring town of Dulag (Blue Beach) on 20 October 1944. These
landings signaled the eventual victory of the Filipino and American forces and the fulfillment of
MacArthur’s famous promise: "I Shall Return."

Three days later, on 23 October, at a ceremony at the Capitol Building in Tacloban,

MacArthur accompanied by President Sergio Osmeña made Tacloban the temporary seat of the
Commonwealth Government and temporary capital of the Philippines until the complete liberation
of the country. The provincial government of Leyte and the municipal government of Tacloban were
re-established.

Paulo Jaro was the Liberation Mayor of Tacloban. The first mayor of this capital upon
inauguration of the Philippine Republic was Epifanio Aguirre. On 8 January 1960 MacArthur made his
"sentimental" journey to Leyte.

The city was proclaimed as a highly urbanized city by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on 4
October 2008 and ratified by the people on 18 December 2008.

On 8 November 2013 (PST), Tacloban was hit by the full force of Typhoon Haiyan (PAGASA
name: Yolanda), causing massive destruction across the city. Dead bodies were scattered on the
streets, trees were uprooted, and a 13 ft (4 m) storm surge largely destroyed Daniel Z. Romualdez
Airport, though it functioned soon after as a makeshift command and evacuation center. After taking
a helicopter flight over the city, US Marine Brigadier General Paul Kennedy was quoted as saying, "I
don't believe there is a single structure that is not destroyed or severely damaged in some way –
every single building, every single house." Widespread looting is reported to have taken place and
local government virtually collapsed, as many city officials were victims. President Noynoy Aquino
declared a state of emergency in Tacloban. As of 14 January 2014, the official death toll stood at
6,201 persons.

On 8 November 2013 (PST), Tacloban was hit by the full force of Typhoon Haiyan (PAGASA
name: Yolanda), causing massive destruction across the city. Dead bodies were scattered on the
streets, trees were uprooted, and a 13 ft (4 m) storm surge largely destroyed Daniel Z. Romualdez
Airport, though it functioned soon after as a makeshift command and evacuation center. After taking
a helicopter flight over the city, US Marine Brigadier General Paul Kennedy was quoted as saying, "I
don't believe there is a single structure that is not destroyed or severely damaged in some way –
every single building, every single house." Widespread looting is reported to have taken place and
local government virtually collapsed, as many city officials were victims. President Noynoy Aquino
declared a state of emergency in Tacloban. As of 14 January 2014, the official death toll stood at
6,201 persons.
 Tacloban was first known as Kankabatok, an allusion to the first inhabitants of the place –
Kabatok. They established their dwelling in the vicinity of the present day Sto. Niño church. Others
who came later were Gumoda, Haraging and Huraw who erected their own settlements in nearby
sites. Huraw’s domain is the hill where the city hall now sits. The combined settlements acquired the
name Kankabatok, meaning Kabatok’s property. By the end of the 16th century, Kankabatok was
under the political administration of Palo and part of the parish of Basey, Samar. It was discovered in
1770, by the Augustinian Mission, who were superseded by the Franciscans in 1813. During this
period, Kankabatok was renamed to Tacloban.

Location of Tacloban

Travel to Tacloban

Climate in Tacloban

Tacloban has a tropical rainforest climate, also known as an equatorial climate, usually (but
not always) found along the equator. Tropical rainforest climate is a type of tropical climate in which
there is no dry season – all months have mean precipitation values of at least 60 millimetres (2.4 in).
Tropical rainforest climates have no pronounced summer or winter; it is typically hot and wet
throughout the year and rainfall is both heavy and frequent. One day in an equatorial climate can be
very similar to the next, while the change in temperature between day and night may be larger than
the average change in temperature between "summer" and "winter."

Economic of Tacloban

Tacloban is the economic center of Eastern Visayas region, with an economy largely
focused on commerce, tourism, education, culture, and government in the region. Several regional
broadcasters are based in the city, including ABS-CBN.

Economically, Tacloban is one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. It has one of
the lowest poverty incidence rates in the country (at roughly 9%, while the national poverty
incidence stands at 30%), and is the richest local government unit in Eastern Visayas.

The airport also makes the city a key regional transportation hub.

In the mid-90s, Tacloban City worked out the acquisition of 237 hectares (590 acres) for
its Economic Zone, which was finally realized and approved by the Philippine Economic Zone
Authority, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1210 on 23 April 1998. The Eastern Visayas Agri-
Industrial Growth Center (EVRGC) was then officially registered as an Eco-Zone with the City
Government of Tacloban as the developer/operator.

Culture of Tacloban

The city celebrates Tacloban Day annually on 30 June.Sangyaw is an archaic Waray word which
means to herald the news. The Sangyaw Festival was created by the former First Lady Imelda Marcos
in the 1980s. The Festival has been revived in 2008 by her nephew and current city Mayor Alfred
Romualdez. The Sangyaw Festival invites contingents of different performing groups of various
festivals in the country to compete in this side of the region. Cash prizes and trophies are at stake as
the Sangyaw Festival grooms itself to be a big festival to watch out in the succeeding years. Sto. Niño
de Leyte Fiesta (30 June; Tacloban City) The weeklong celebrations peaks on 30 June, the Grand
fiesta of Tacloban celebrated with the traditional turn-over ceremonies of the "Teniente" made by
the immediate past Hermano Mayor to the incoming Hermano Mayor. This is accompanied by the
ritual of giving the medallion containing the names of all Hermanos Pasados and the Standartes.
Fireworks and grand parades mark the occasion. Every house in the city prepares a feast and opens
its doors to guests and well wishers.

Religions of Tacloban

Tacloban City is 94.52% Roman Catholic, 0.12% Muslim, 0.83% Iglesia ni Kristo, 0.94%
Evangelical, 0.49% Seventh Day Adventist and 3.10% other.

Population/Language/Area

According to the 2010 census, tacloban City has a population of 221, 174. These people
speaks Waray, officially named as Lineyte-Samarnon. The place is culturally and linguistically diverse.
Most of its residences are Iberian and some has Spanish-Filipino blood. Foreigners such as Spanish
and Chinese mestizos also make up these population.

Total land area is 201.72 km2 (77.88 sq mi).

Products and Services

Tacloban is the economic center of Eastern Visayas region, with an economy largely
focused on commerce, tourism, education, culture, and government in the region. Several regoinal
broadcasters are based in the city, including ABS-CBN.

Business Opportunity

Tacloban City is the largest urban center in Eastern Visayas. As such, the city is perfect for investment
opportunities to mass housing projects, food establishments, fish canning and processing, furniture
making, financial services and technology-related businesses.

Tourist Spots

1. San Juanico Park Golf and Country Club – this is an 18-hole course located at 10 kilometers
north of Tacloban.
2. Balyu-an Amphitheater – this amphitheater is located along the shores of Cancabato Bay.
Various musical, cultural, social and religious performances and gatherings are usually held
here.
3. Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum – is a showcase of Filipino ingenuity. Displayed are
collections of art objects, priceless furnitures, fine procelain and ivory sculptures from within
the country and abroad.
4. Calvary Hill – placed in this hill is the larger-than-life statues of Jesus Christ and other
personages, in tableaux, depicting the Christ’s sacrifice and sufferings. From the hill, a view
of the whole city can be seen.
5. San Juanico Bridge – this is an S-shaped span of bridge connecting the islands of Leyte and
Samar. This bridge expands up to 2.16 kilometers.

Festivals and Celebrations

1. Sangyaw Festival – is a religious and socio-cultural event in the Philippines. It was revived in
2008 by the city government of Tacloban, Philippines. Sangyaw means “to herald news” in
Waray language. Various festival-participants from different parts of the country participate
in this tribal procession.
2. Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival – The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is a merry-making event
lasting a whole month, highlights of which include the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals,
the 17th Pintados Festival Ritual Dance Presentation and the “Pagrayhak” Grand Parade.