|
|
|
Major Hubs 5 Major Destinations
Manila and Its Spokes
|
Cebu and its Spokes
Laoag / Baguio and its Spokes
|
Davao and its Spokes
Clark/Subic and its Spokes |
Others and its Spokes
Ormoc / Leyte, Leyte
THE PROVINCE AT A GLANCE
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
One of the oldest provinces in the country, Leyte is perhaps
the most economically developed of the six provinces of the
Eastern Visayas region. The province is a showcase of rich
history set in an unspoilt setting. Testaments to this rich
heritage, such as vestiges of the Spanish colonial era
(early 1500s to late 1800's) still dot the land.
Well-preserved homes and buildings dating back to this era
line centuries-old streets in most towns.
BRIEF HISTORY
Leyte has a colorful history. Leyte๑os, like the
Samare๑os when it comes to their province, like to point
out of that their forebear were among the first to welcome
the Spaniards but they were also among the first to resist
the invaders. Leyte was one of the provinces where the early
seeds of nationalism were planted.
In 1521, Magellan sailed from the island of Homonhon, Samar
to the island of Limasawa, Leyte, entered into a blood
compact with Rajah Kolambu. On Eastern Sunday, March 31, of
that year, was celebrated the First Mass in the Philippines.
Some historical researchers, however, are now disputing
this.
The next century witnessed a religious uprising lead by
Bancao, the Limasawa chief, and his high priest, Pagail. The
revolt began in Carigara and spread to neighboring towns
before it was quelled. 27 years after the 1622 uprising,
another revolt hit Leyte - an offshoot of the Sumoroy
rebellion then simmering in Samar. And in the center of the
disturbances, the village of Bacor, rebels burned the church
and its convent.
By 1768, Leyte, now separated from Samar, became a
politico-military province. The set up continued until the
end of Spanish rule, when Gen. Vicente Lukban took over
Leyte and Samar in the name of the Revolutionary Government.
It was WWII, however, which placed Leyte on the world map.
On October 20, 1944, Gen. Mac Arthur, at the head of the
largest US fleet of transport and warships, and accompanied
by Commonwealth President Sergio Osme๑a and Gen Carlos P.
Romulo, landed on Palo, Leyte to reclaim the Philippines
from the Japanese. On May 22, 1959, the province was divided
into Leyte and southern Leyte.
LANGUAGES/DIALECTS
"Waray" is generally spoken by the people of Leyte except
those who live in the western side who generally speak
Cebuano.
MAJOR INDUSTRIES
The plains and valleys are fertile, producing hemp, copra,
corn, rice, tobacco, bananas, papayas and pineapple. The
swamps teem with nipa and mangrove, and the mountains yield
rattan and timber. There are thousands of hectares of virgin
forests with wealth just waiting to be tapped
|
|
|
|
