Tacloban City Travel Guide, Philippines

Tacloban City, Philippines – Overview

Tacloban is a port city situated 360 miles away from Manila. It is situated on the Cancabato Bay and divides the islands of Samar and Leyte. It has been classified as an urbanized city. Tacloban is a capital city of Leyte province. Previously the city of Tacloban was known as Kankabatok and Kabatok are thought to be the first inhabitants of this area.

Other people who came later in this area include Haraging, Huraw and Gumoda etc. The combined settlement of these people was known as Kankabatok.

By the 16th century, Tacloban was controlled by Palo. Later in the 18th century, Palo was named Tacloban. Since the beginning, the city of Tacloban is regarded as a great fishing port in the Philippines. In 1770, Tacloban gained the status of Municipality. Tacloban has also served as a great trading point between Samar and Leyte.

In the 18th century, Tacloban became the capital of the Leyte province due to the facts that it was an ideal location of port, cultural and economical center. In 1942, Tacloban was occupied by the Japanese forces. They established a military base in this city. The city was also fortified in the same time. Taclaban served as a port of call and entry for the Japanese Imperial Naval Forces.

The city of Tacloban has been regarded as a center of education, tourism and economic. It is regarded as a first class city in the Philippines. Tacloban has a population of 230,000 people. The city is dominated by the Waray speaking people. Tacloban is governed by a mayor.

Tacloban is divided into the 138 villages and each village is governed by a separate administrator. Some of these villages include Barangay 94 (Tigbao), Barangay 1 (Libertad), Barangay 85 (San Jose), Barangay 100 (San Roque), Barangay 107 (Santa Elena) and Barangay 110 (Utap) etc.

Tacloban is home to some of the most popular educational institutes. These institutes include Eastern Visayas State University, Leyte Progressive High School, University of the Philippines in the Visayas - College of Tacloban and National Maritime Polytechnic etc.

Tacloban is served by all major transportation options including plane, railway and buses. Visitors from all over the world come here to explore the beauty, culture and history of this city. There are many great sights and attractions of touristic interest. Some of these sites are Tacloban City Convention Center, Tacloban Supermarket, Palo Cathedral, Crucified Christ, Madonna of Japan, San Pedro Bay and Sto Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum etc.