Cabalian Volcano

Cabalian Volcano is an active volcano located in the province of Southern Leyte (Region VIII) in the Philippines

Physical Features

Cabalian is classified by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) as active with solfataric activity. Radiocarbon dating on a pyroclastic flow deposit from the volcano estimated that the last eruption was in 1820 +/- 30 years.

The cinder cone volcano has an elevation of 945 metres (3,100 ft) with a base diameter of 8.5 kilometres (5.3 mi). The predominant rock type is andesite. Beside solfataras, other thermal features present are hot springs located on the east and west flank of the volcano. Mainit Hot Spring in the municipality of Anahawan, Southern Leyte has a temperature of 63.4–63.9 °C (146.1–147.0 °F).

Cabalian Lake

Cabalian Lake is a 500 m (1,600 ft) wide lake that occupies the summit crater of the volcano. The surface elevation of the lake is at 733 metres (2,405 ft). This lake is often confused with Lake Danao, which is located near Ormoc City in Leyte province.

THE FIRST PROVINCIAL CAPITOL OF SOUTHERN LEYTE

THE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

The first Provincial Capitol was the Rosario Lecaros Building located in Tomas Oppus St., Abgao, Maasin. In 1961, it was moved to the Bureau of Animal Industry Building in another part of Barangay Abgao. As the province grew, it needed a larger space from which to conduct provincial business and so a lot located in Asuncion, Maasin was appropriated as the site from which would rise the new Capitol Building. The Provincial Capitol building in Asuncion, Maasin was inaugurated on July 1, 1972 and has continued to bear silent witness to the affairs of the province conducted under its roof. Repairs and renovations made it into its present size and form, an appropriate symbol of the province.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PROVINCE OF SOUTHERN LEYTE

Even before the fall of the Spaniards to the Americans on August 13, 1898, a Court of First Instance had already been established in Western Leyte.  There was the Office of the “Promoter Fiscal” equivalent to the Provincial Fiscal and the Office of “Administrador de Hacienda” equivalent to the Provincial Treasurer. With the change of sovereign power the positions were abolished except the Fiscal’s who remained hearing cases from Palompon to Hinunangan. Because of the difficulty of transportation and managing the affairs of government in Tacloban, the division of Leyte into two provinces was thought to be the only solution.  Prominent leaders of the West Coast rallied to the general movement of a Western Leyte.

In 1919, Representative Ciriaco K. Kangleon of Macrohon, representing the 2nd District from Inopacan to Cabalian from 1919-1922 presented the first bill for the division of Leyte but lost in the Senate by one vote.

In 1922, Assemblyman Tomas Oppus renewed the move by presenting House Bill No. 254 which became Act No. 3117 of the Philippine Legislature.  According to the said law, occidental province would embrace the towns of Villaba to Hinunangan, inclusive.  The law never became effective since the governor-general did not proclaim it. Then Act No. 3788 was passed redistricting Leyte province into five representative districts modifying the Division Law. Senator Ruperto Kangleon presented Senate Bill No. 2140 advocating the division of Leyte, but it was also shelved.

Then in 1957, Nicanor Espina Yñiguez, Jr., who defeated Representative Pajao in the congressional election, filed a bill in the house creating the Province of Southern Leyte. No longer the original Western Leyte of Occidental Leyte, but only the Third District of Leyte comprising the municipalities of Maasin to Hinunangan, as specified under Act 3788.

After various attempts to pass a law to divide the Leyte Island, House Bill No. 1318 proposed by Congressman Nicanor E. Yñiguez became Republic Act No.2227 and was signed into Law by President Carlos P. Garcia on May 22, 1959.  The new province was inaugurated on July 1, 1960.  Thus the Third District of Leyte became the province of Southern Leyte.  Those present and witnessed to the signing were Congressman Yñiguez, Mayor Alfredo K. Bantug of Maasin, Atty. Manuel Enage, Sr., Erlinda Capili and Atty. Floro Kangleon, among others.

The first provincial leaders were:  Hon. Alfredo K. Bantug, Governor, Hon. Graciano A. Capili, Vice Governor; Hon. Isabelo Kaindoy, Senior Board Member, and Hon. Generoso M. Herrera, Board Member.

On July 1, 1960, Southern Leyte was inaugurated as a province with sixteen (16) municipalities, 349 barangays and 4 islands: Panaon Island, Limasawa Island, San Pablo Island and San Pedro Island.  It had a total population of 209,608 as of February 15, 1960 NSO Census of Population.  The municipalities included: Maasin, as the capital town and the seat of the provincial government, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Malitbog, Bontoc, Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, Pintuyan, San Francisco, St. Bernard, Cabalian (now San Juan), Anahawan, Hinundayan,  Hinunangan and Silago.

Three more municipalities were created subsequently, namely: San Ricardo from Pintuyan, Tomas Oppus from Malitbog and Limasawa from Padre Burgos. Since then, Southern Leyte is composed of 1 congressional district, 1 city, 18 municipalities and 500 barangays with a total population of 399,137 in 2010.

Southern Leyte Hymn

THE SOUTHERN LEYTE HYMN

Lyrics: Dr. Angel Beaunoni Espina
Composer: Dr. Jesus Bacala

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Maoy gasa sa langit
Ang lalawigang Southern Leyte
Duyan siya sa mga bayani
Paglaum sa mga kawani

Southern Leyte, Southern Leyte
Yuta namong minahal, hinaut unta
magmauswagun sa Ginoo
sa langit ikaw panggaun
sa imung pangulo mahalon ka
sa mga mulopyo ampingat ka
Southern Leyte, Southern Leyte
Yuta namong minahal

Tanang yuta’y bulahan
sa adunahang ani’g bunga
Mga kangitngit nya’y lamdagi
sa gugma’g halok hatagi

explore and learn more

Top 10 Tourist Spots in Southern Leyte

1. Napantao Marine Sanctuary

Napantao Marine Sanctuary is one of the best tourist spots in Southern Leyte if you love diving and interested in marine lifeforms. It features a natural large wall underwater that drops around 50 meters coated with beautiful and colorful diverse corals where schools of fish can be found. Turtles and white tip reef sharks can also be sighted. The best time to go diving at Napantao Marine Sanctuary is on dry season (March to May) since visibility underwater is good during sunny days.

Napantao Marine Sanctuary is located in Ilijan Point, San Francisco, Southern Leyte.

 

2. Tangkaan Beach

Tangkaan Beach is another beautiful tourist destination in Southern Leyte, perfect getaway for families and friends. The sand is white but it is not so fine since fragments of corals are mixed with the sand but the beautiful beach, relaxing environment, interesting rock formations, great view of the nearby islands and crystal clear waters are what makes it a favorite destination among the locals. Swimming and snorkeling are the best things to do here. On rare occasions, one can find dolphins, turtles and pelagic fishes when snorkeling. The best part is, going to the beach is very cheap with only Php. 5.00 for the entrance and cheap picnic tables. Make sure to bring your own food and utensils, no stores near the beach.

Tangkaan Beach is located in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte.

3. Limasawa Island

Limasawa Island is one of the famous tourist spots in Southern Leyte where the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines took place on Easter Sunday of March 31, 1521. Limasawa is the smallest municipality in the province of Southern Leyte, both population and land area. The island is just approximately 10 kilometers long from north to south and there are only 6,000+ people living here but it is a lively and friendly community. Places to visit here includes the National Shrine of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines, First Cross Monument, beaches, fish sanctuaries, dive sites and caves.

4. Panaon Island

Panaon Island is a small island connected to the mainland of Southern Leyte via Wa-wa Bridge. The island is famous as one of the best diving and snorkeling destination in the province which is a part of Mindanao Deep or Philippine Trench where one can find beautiful variety of corals and marine lifeforms. The island is commonly visited by dolphins and also known for its whale sharks that spends several months off the coasts of Panaon Island upon their migration route every year. Whale sharks can commonly be sighted every single day, boat guides can even position the boat near the sites where whale sharks can be found so interested one’s can swim with them. There is also a fish sanctuary nearby where manta rays, pods of dolphins, seahorses and turtles can be found.

5. San Pedro and San Pablo Islands

Named after the patron saints Southern Leyte, San Pedro and San Pablo Islands are the two most beautiful island in the province. The islands became famous tourist spots in Southern Leyte for its beautiful pebble/coral beaches, clean and clear waters and relaxing environment. San Pedro Island, also called as Pong Dako of which in local dialect means “big“, is bigger than San Pablo Island, also called as Pong Gamay which means small. The white coral beaches here are ideal for swimming, surfing, skiing, diving and water sport activities.

San Pedro and San Pablo Islands are both located in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte.

6. Sun-ok Fish Sanctuary

Sun-ok Fish Sanctuary is one of the well-maintained and interesting fish haven in Southern Leyte. One of the best diving destinations in the province where variety of coral formations can be found from soft to hard corals along the cracks and crevices where schools of different kinds of fish can be found. Whale sharks can also be sighted especially during the months of November until May. Fishing and collection of shells are strictly prohibited. Since the fish sanctuary is just near a rocky hill, visitors tend to do rock climbing before leaving the place.

Sun-ok Fish Sanctuary is located in Pintuyan, Southern Leyte.

7. Kuting Reef

Kuting Reef is one of the most favorite weekend getaway for families and friends in Southern Leyte. It is a 3-hectare property covered with bermuda grass and coconut trees where one can find around 30 rooms (deluxe cabana, premier cabana, casita and casa), a secret cove with pebble beach, an infinity pool facing the sea and other amenities. The best things to do here are swimming in the beach or pool and kayaking. Most visitors commend the friendly and helpful staffs. This is not just a destination for fun and bonding but also a great venue for weddings, birthdays and special occasions.

Kuting Reef is located in Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

8. Padre Burgos Castle Resort

Padre Burgos Castle Resort is one of the most exciting and excellent resort in Southern Leyte situated above a private beach. It is a stunning resort with luxurious accommodations, outstanding food and awesome amenities. Assured relaxation and comfort with their beautiful guest rooms, indoor and outdoor restaurants, swimming pool and private beach. It is also an accredited PADI Dive Resort which means they are ready to show you great scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Dolphin watching, island hopping, sailing and kayaking are the best things to do here. On the months of November through May, they can offer whale shark watching tour.

Padre Burgos Castle Resort is located in Tangkaan, Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte.

9. Cambaro Caves

Southern Leyte is probably known having beautiful islands, fish sanctuaries and beaches but there is an ideal destination in the province for spelunking activities. Barangay Cambaro is said to be the Cave Capital of Southen Leyte for there are around 100 caves waiting to be explored called the Cambaro Caves. In these caves, one can find jaw-dropping rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, cave corals and cold cave pools. A local guide will be assigned upon your visit and make sure to wear proper footwear so you can pass some challenging terrains.

Cambaro Caves are located in Barangay Cambaro, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.

10. Zip Southern Leyte

Zip Southern Leyte is one of the ideal tourist spots in province for trill and adventure seekers. It is a very steep dual zipline where one have an opportunity to “fly” above the tallest bridge in the Philippines, Agas-Agas Bridge. The average ride duration is around 30 seconds with an average speed of 100 KPH depending on your weight. After the ride, a motorcycle will bring you back to the station. Zip Southern Leyte is one of the major attraction in Agas-Agas Adventure Park, other things to do are downhill skateboarding, rappelling, bungee jumping and more.

Zip Southern Leyte is located in Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

 

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