Abuyog Leyte

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Abuyog is a first class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It is the largest coastal town on the eastern coast of the island of Leyte facing Leyte Gulf out in the Pacific Ocean. It is bounded on the north by the town of MacArthur, on the nothwest by the town of Javier, on the south by the town of Silago, Southern Leyte and on the west by the town of Mahaplag. It is bordered on one end by a large river and inland by long mountain ranges covered with dense forests. Abuyog is 61.62 kilometers to Tacloban City along the Maharlika Highway. Abuyog is politically subdivided into 63 barangays. It is situated at 10*44'07 North Latitude and 125*01'17 East Longitude. The altitude is 5 meters.

TOPOGRAPHY

The town of Abuyog has a mix topographic reliefs. The mountainous area is located in the southern portion of the town and along the boundary of Mahaplag and a little portion at the western part of the town. At the seacoast are flat lowlands where densely populated barangays are located. The town has many rivers and creeks which is potentially a good source of water for the farmers and a drainage system especially the Cadac-an River which has an outlet to the sea and in the north is the Bito River.

WEATHER

Abuyog is best from January to May when the weather turns cool and dry. It is coolest from December to February and hottest from March to May. Temperatures can rise higher than 100 F (37.8 C) in the summer. The rainy season begins in July, bringing torrential downpours that can sometimes inhibit movement. Abuyog is within the typhoon belt that is why it is always visited by typhoons.

RESOURCES

Abuyog has abundant raw materials for industrial development. Agricultural products such as rice, coconut, abaca, root crops, water lilies, wood and rattan are available in the locality. Material resources such as forest products, minerals and others are abundant in the area. Human resources are also available to promote industrial development.

DEMOGRAPHY

According to the 2000 census it has a population of 53,837 people in 10,620 households.

RELIGION

The people of Abuyog Leyte is basically Roman Catholic in religion which is 64% of the total population. The rest is other Protestant or Christian sects like Iglesia ni Kristo, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah Witnesses and other religious groups, which are unidentified.

DIALECTS

Majority Waray or Samar- Leyte is the language spoken by the people which is 68% of the total population followed by Cebuano which is 38%. The rest is Tag- alog, Muslim, Hilonggo and others which is 2%.

TRANSPORTATION

Big provincial buses from Abuyog to Cubao(Quezon City, Metro Manila), Pasay City(Metro Manila) and vice versa while shuttle vans and buses from Abuyog to Tacloban City, Baybay, Hilongos, MacArthur, Javier and vice versa. You can ride a pump boats or ferry boats in going to the seaside barangays of Abuyog and pedicab(also called trisikad), tricycle, habal-habal(motorcycle) and mini vans along Abuyog major streets and barangays.

TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITY

GlobeLines Incorporated (Cellular Phones)

Smart Communications Inc. (Cellular Phones)

Bayantel (Landline and Public Calling Office)

Smart Bro (Internet Service Provider)

HOW TO GET THERE

Take an airplane from Manila to Cebu City. In Cebu you can take a ship overnight to Ormoc, Baybay or Hilongos and then aircon shuttle vans or ordinary fare buses are available for a scenic ride to Abuyog Leyte. You can take also a provincial bus from Manila(Cubao or Pasay) direct to Abuyog Leyte or a ship from Manila to Tacloban City and then ride a bus to Abuyog Leyte. Of all the routes, the fastest way is to take an airplane from Manila to Tacloban City and then take a bus in going to Abuyog Leyte but vans are faster, taking just 35 minutes only.

PLACES OF INTEREST

1.  Malaguicay Falls- There are a lots of water falls in Abuyog Leyte, one in Brgy. Katipunan, Brgy. Balinsasayao and Brgy. Nebga but the most famous of them all is located in Brgy. Malaguicay. When you visit Abuyog Leyte, this is a must see tourist attraction. The Malaguicay Falls are around 7 meters tall, and has 10 layers, the swimming area is about 3 meters deep and the area is surrounded by coconut trees. The people of the barrio called the water falls "Linao"(clear water) in local dialect because the water that flows is really clear. The water is so cool and perfect for soothing our body. Try going near and swim towards the water falls and feel the water drop to your body. It's like your having a good massage all over your body. In going there, you will ride a motorized boat from Tab-ok port, either you rent the whole boat or ride in a passenger boat going to Brgy. Malaguicay but the latter will cost you less. Brgy. Malaguicay is a seaside barangay south of the town's proper and 20 minutes ride by a motorized boat. On the way, you will pass first the Higasaan River and then going out to the sea. A 20 minute scenic nature walk to the water falls from Brgy. Malaguicay port will await you. You can rent a cottage for your shelter along the water falls side. Aside from Malaguicay Falls, don't forget also to visit the other water falls mention above.

2.  Abuyog Town Hall Plaza and Abuyog Lighthouse- The plaza is located just across the street of the Town Hall of Abuyog Leyte in Brgy. Loyonsawang. Every afternoon you can see a lot of townfolks, just sitting on the benches of the plaza. The place is so beautiful and good for nature relaxing or just seeing people passing by. On the other hand the Abuyog lighthouse is located beside the Town Hall of Abuyog Leyte which is facing to the sea. The lighthouse serve as a beacon for the ships and for the fishermen so that they will not get lost at sea especially during night time. There's a legend that says that the patron saint, St. Francis Xavier was seen here waving his crucifix during a night of fierce typhoon here in Abuyog Leyte in order to spare the town from the wrath of that strong typhoon.

3.  Sto Niño Park- Located between the barrio boundary of Brgy. Bito and Brgy. Guintagbucan. During weekdays usually in the afternoon you can see a lot of students just hanging on there. In the center of the park has a big statue of Sto Niño and that's why the park's name came from. Along the side of the park there are a lot people selling barbecue, bananacue, ice cream and others that is so nice to eat so that you will not get hungry while your sitting and talking to your friends or love ones.

4.  Danghol Hill- A hill located between Brgy. San Isidro and the town boundary of Javier Leyte. Good for nature tripping. Legend says that the hill is the center of the earth and during the Great Flood on the Holy Bible's Old Testament, Noah's ark(big boat) also landed in here. Whenever you go uphill you're so lucky if you can see the woods that was being used on Noah's big boat. According also to legend, this is also the home of a fairy called "Opayda" wherein you can hear her singing during fair weather and her beautiful voice served as a guide for the fishermen bound for home.

5. Layog River- A river located in Brgy. Balinsasayao. Perfect also for nature tripping and swimming escapade. The place is scenic in nature.

6.  St. Francis Xavier Parish Park- It is just beside the beautiful St. Francis Xavier Parish Catholic Church of Abuyog Leyte. The park theme and the one that is being portrayed in here is the reenactment of the legendary history that says St. Francis Xavier drinks a water here in Abuyog Leyte during his missionary visits to South East Asia. So that is why at the center of the park, there are statues of the saint and the town people, getting water in a well.

7. Abuyog Leyte Big Caves- Found in Brgy. Nebga, Brgy. Tib-o and Brgy. Balocawehay. Good for nature tripping and a great adventure for those who are cave enthusiast.

8. Cagbolo Hot Spring- Found in Brgy. Cagbolo and with an area of 0.5 hectare. It's good also for nature tripping and can be reached through pump boats, motorcycles or rather hiking. The hot spring is often visited by hikers and scouters.

These is just of must be visited places while in Abuyog Leyte. There are more good tourist spot in Abuyog Leyte. You can check also our Photo Gallery page for some nice pics about the town and when you're already in Abuyog Leyte you will realize that some nice places in Abuyog Leyte will only by you to discover.

THE BUYOGAN FESTIVAL

The  Buyogan Festival is an annual festival held on the 29th of August in Abuyog Leyte, Philippines. The festival features a street parade with participants dress like a "buyog" (bee) costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums and trumpets. The festival depict the origin of the town's name in a well-choreographed dance which focus on the appearance and movement of a bee. It is consider one of the best festival of the Philippines and always a participant in Pintados Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City and the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.

ACCOMMODATIONS

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FACTS FOR THE FOREIGN VISITORS

Nearest Cities: Tacloban City (61.62 Km), Ormoc City (186.62 Km via Palo Leyte)

Nearest Airport: Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport- Tacloban City

Time Zone: UTC/GMT +8 hours

Dialing Code: 63

Area Code: 53

Zip Code: 6510

Electricity: 220V, 60 Hz

Weights & Measures: Metric

Currency: Philippine Peso

Commonly used Waray words: Maupay nga adlaw- Good day, Mercado- Market, Hain- Where,
                                                 Balay- House, Makadto na ako- I will go now, Kaon- Eat, Paniudto- Lunch,
                                                 Turog- Sleep, Makapoy- I'm very tired