Tacloban City

About 360 miles southeast of the Philippine capital, Manila, is the City of Tacloban. This port city is the capital of Leyte Province in the Eastern Visayas Region. The city was once known as Kankabatok, which was derived from its early inhabitants known as the Kabatok. The name was changed in the early 18th century to Tacloban during the Spanish regime.

The word Tacloban comes from 'taklub' or 'taraklub' in the local vernacular. The name 'Tacloban' means to cover something. In this case, since the place was once a fishing town, people used to catch crabs, fish, and shrimps using a contraption to cover the said marine animals. When the local fishermen were asked where they were going, they simply refer to the place where they catch fish thus would reply 'tarakluban'. The term then turned out as the name of the place over time.

Tacloban was made the capital of the province on February 26, 1830. The town came fell to the Japanese forces on May 25, 1942 during World War II. This occupation by the Japanese lasted only about three years. American and Filipino liberation forces landed in Leyte Province in 1944 thus commencing the province's liberation.

Among the provinces in the Philippines, Leyte was the first one to be liberated from Japanese rule. Tacloban was made a chartered city on June 12, 1952 when the Philippines gained its independence. A key historical figure that was involved in the liberation was General Douglas MacArthur.

Where To Go:

The CAP Building – During the 1900s, the Americans built several luxury residences in the Tacloban City, and the CAP building, formerly the Price Mansion, is one of its finest exponents. The mansion, situated in Justice Romualdez Street, also served a vital function during World War II, as it became the headquarters of the Allies headed by General Macarthur.

The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral - The Cathedral was created in 1596 for the use of the friars of St. Augustine. During World War II, the place served two purposes; the first was as a medical facility for wounded soldiers, and later on as a shelter for civilians during the Allied siege in 1944. The structure also offers views of the Stations of the Cross, an altar, and the gardens.

The Redona Residence - The two story house, composed almost entirely of wood, was where President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. stayed during the war for liberation in 1944. It was the presidential headquarters until the release of Manila was completely liberated.

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Hill 120 - Hill 120 is some 20 miles (34 km) away from Tacloban City. Today it is now known as Catmon Hill, and recognized as the place where the US flag was raised on October 20, 1944.

The Leyte Provincial Capitol - The Provincial Capitol has had a long and storied past. Following the arrival of the American and Allied Forces to the Philippines in 1944, the structure served as the seat of the government. One of the sights not to be missed is the antique murals, including a depiction of General Macarthur’s famous landing.

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The Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum - The Museum consists of 13 rooms, each housing different objects and relics, arranged according to certain themes. There are also several precious art paintings, ranging from religious images, depictions about Filipino mythology and classical pieces by Fernando Amorsolo.

How To Go There:

From Manila, you can opt to take a plane or a boat that will lead you straight to Tacloban through the Daniel Z. Romualdez or Tacloban City Airport or the Tacloban City Port.

Source: www.taclobanboard.com 

Teaser photo source: en.wikipedia.org