Baybay City, History of

In the past, Baybay was thought to be the only settlement on the western coast of Leyte
that the first Spanish explorers, including Magellan, knew about. Other notable places were
Abuyog in the east, and Limasawa and Cabalian in the south. In 1620, the Jesuit fathers
formally established Baybay as a town by building a church and a mission house connected to
the Carigara "residencia," which was the first and central station of the Society of Jesuits in
Leyte.
On September 8, 1835, Baybay became a parish dedicated to Our Lady on the
Immaculate Conception, and it gained independent parish status on February 27, 1836. When
the Augustinians took over from the Jesuits, they initiated the first school in Baybay and
constructed the initial road to Palompon, bringing Baybay closer to its neighboring towns. The
Augustinian fathers spent 75 years in the town, focusing on improving education and the
economic well-being of the local residents.

Ang Suba Nagbaybay sa Pangasugan: The Etymology of the name “Baybay”

Baybay got its name when native residents were busy with their daily activities,
gathering shells and fishing along the coastline near the mouth of the Pangasugan river. Their
routine was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a boat carrying Spanish conquistadores
who seemed to be searching for a larger settlement in the area. Unable to communicate due to
the language barrier, one of the Spanish explorers inquired about the name of the place from a
local resident. Unfortunately, the native didn't comprehend the Spanish language and assumed
the inquiry pertained to the nearby Sta. Cruz River. Responding in the local dialect, “Ang Suba
Kaynunuk nagbaybay sa Pangasugan” which is translated as “The river is meandering through
the village of Pangasugan''. However, the conquistador misunderstood, interpreting the
response as the name of the place being "Baybay." Thus, Baybay acquired its name through
this miscommunication between the Spanish explorer and the native resident, as the
conquistador mistook a description of the river's path for the name of the settlement.

The Establishment of Immaculate Conception Church: A Significant Event in Baybay,

City

Controlled by Spanish colonization, the idea of Reducción spread throughout the

Philippine communities.The Reducción sought to strengthen colonial authority over Philippine
indigenous communities by compelling influential individuals to move to poblaciones within
hearing distance of church bells. This orthogonal plan reflected histories in Baybay, and the
establishment of the Immaculate Conception church became a significant event that contributed
to the development of the city.
In 1567, European Augustinian Friars established the Baybay parish. During that same
year, they handed over the parish to the Franciscan friars, who dedicated themselves to
organizing the traditional barangay system and encouraging the locals to reside close to a
church. On January 8, 1831, under the leadership of Father Antonio Ma. del Rosario, the
residents selected a larger and more suitable location as a permanent settlement, which is the
current site of Baybay City. With the approval of Father Julian del Rosario, Baybay became a
parish on September 8, 1835, dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The town
was formally established as an independent parish on February 27, 1836. Meanwhile, the
biggest bell located in the grand bell tower of the church bears a Spanish inscription indicating,
"Purisima Concepcion. Fundida Por Saturnino Umcano En Binondo 25 Octb 1865," which can
be translated as, "Molten by Saturnino Umcano in Binondo on October 25, 1865."
Today, the Immaculate Conception Church is the oldest and the only main catholic
church in the city that is visited by devotees and tourists. The establishment of the church was
one of the significant events that contributed to the development of Baybay.

Baybay’s Vibrant Culture: The Binaybayon Festival

One of the intangible heritage or traditions in Baybay is the city's Festival, called the
Binaybayon Festival. Annually on December 27th, Baybay commemorates its city fiesta through
the vibrant celebration of the Binaybayon festival, honoring the Patroness Our Lady of
Immaculate Conception and acknowledging her blessings upon the community. This festival
serves as a testament to Baybay's rich history and highlights the primary livelihoods of its
people, centered around fishing and farming. Amidst the bustling preparations for the Christmas
season, the city transforms into a hub of festivity for an entire month, culminating in the grand
celebration on the feast day itself. Despite the intense afternoon heat, crowds flock to the
Baybay Grandstand eagerly anticipating the much-awaited Binaybayon Festival. The festivities
kick off with a spirited street dancing competition, infusing the city streets with energy as
participants showcase lively dances accompanied by vibrant music, breathing life into Baybay.

The Binaybayon Festival, influenced by the Filipino thanksgiving ritual known as

Curacha, pays homage to the city's patroness, celebrating the abundant blessings received
throughout the year. This dance serves as a reflection of the Baybayanons' simple and serene
way of life, emphasizing their livelihoods in farming, fishing, and weaving. It also incorporates
the introduction of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception by the Spanish colonizers to the locals.
Usually, a beautiful dancer from the group embodies the queen of Spain. Her role in the dance
may be compared to that of the Sinulog Queen. Throughout the performance, she elegantly
carries the image of the patroness, gracefully moving to the ethnic pop melodies of the official
Binaybayon Festival Music.

The Binaybayon Festival stands out amid the vibrant displays of Filipino dance festivals
through a distinctive moment that evokes a powerful sense of reverence. Amidst the colorful
costumes, lively movements, and props depicting nature, there's a profound and chilling
instance when the image of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is raised, symbolizing miracles
during challenging times like droughts, storms, or floods. Witnessing this scene, where dancers
kneel and offer praise to the Holy Mother, is a testament to the deep-rooted faith and reverence
for the divine within Baybayanons' culture. It's a striking reflection of their God-fearing nature,
highlighting a unique aspect of the festival that sets it apart. This portrayal isn't merely a
performance routine but mirrors real-life narratives passed down through generations. The
stories of how prayer aided ancestors in surviving the harsh impact of natural disasters echo
through these dances. Transforming these oral histories into beautiful choreography serves as a
brilliant means of preserving Filipino culture and identity. It's a poignant fusion of tradition, faith,
and resilience, honoring the past while celebrating the enduring spirit of the Baybayanons and
their connection to their heritage.