Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines

Tacloban City, Leyte is within Region VIII – Eastern Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.

Barangays of Tacloban City, in the Leyte province, within Region VIII (Eastern Visayas) in the Republic of The Philippines

Barangay 2 • Barangay 5 • Barangay 5-A • Barangay 6 • Barangay 6-A • Barangay 7 • Barangay 8 • Barangay 8-A • Barangay 12 (Palanog Resettlement) • Barangay 13 • Barangay 14 • Barangay 15 • Barangay 16 • Barangay 17 • Barangay 18 • Barangay 19 • Barangay 20 • Barangay 21 • Barangay 21-A • Barangay 22 • Barangay 23 • Barangay 23-A • Barangay 24 • Barangay 25 • Barangay 26 • Barangay 27 • Barangay 28 • Barangay 29 • Barangay 30 • Barangay 31 • Barangay 32 • Barangay 33 • Barangay 34 • Barangay 35 • Barangay 35-A • Barangay 36 • Barangay 36-A • Barangay 37 • Barangay 37-A • Barangay 38 • Barangay 39 • Barangay 40 • Barangay 41 • Barangay 42 • Barangay 42-A • Barangay 43 • Barangay 43-A • Barangay 43-B • Barangay 44 • Barangay 44-A • Barangay 45 • Barangay 46 • Barangay 47 • Barangay 48 • Barangay 48-A • Barangay 48-B • Barangay 49 • Barangay 50 • Barangay 50-A • Barangay 50-B • Barangay 51 • Barangay 51-A • Barangay 52 • Barangay 53 • Barangay 54 • Barangay 54-A • Barangay 56 • Barangay 56-A • Barangay 57 • Barangay 58 • Barangay 59 • Barangay 59-A • Barangay 59-B • Barangay 60 • Barangay 60-A • Barangay 61 • Barangay 62 • Barangay 62-A • Barangay 62-B • Barangay 63 • Barangay 64 • Barangay 65 • Barangay 66 • Barangay 66-A • Barangay 67 • Barangay 68 • Barangay 69 • Barangay 70 • Barangay 71 • Barangay 72 • Barangay 74 • Barangay 75 • Barangay 76 • Barangay 77 • Barangay 78 (Marasbaras) • Barangay 79 (Marasbaras) • Barangay 80 (Marasbaras) • Barangay 81 (Marasbaras) • Barangay 82 (Marasbaras) • Barangay 83 (San Jose) • Barangay 83-A (San Jose) • Barangay 83-B • Barangay 83-C (San Jose) • Barangay 84 (San Jose) • Barangay 85 (San Jose) • Barangay 86 • Barangay 87 • Barangay 88 • Barangay 89 • Barangay 90 (San Jose) • Barangay 91 (Abucay) • Barangay 92 (Apitong) • Barangay 93 (Bagacay) • Barangay 94 (Tigbao) • Barangay 94-A • Barangay 95 (Caibaan) • Barangay 95-A (Caibaan) • Barangay 96 (Calanipawan) • Barangay 97 (Cabalawan) • Barangay 98 (Camansinay) • Barangay 99 (Diit) • Barangay 100 (San Roque) • Barangay 101 (New Kawayan) • Barangay 102 (Old Kawayan) • Barangay 103 (Palanog) • Barangay 103-A (San Paglaum) • Barangay 104 (Salvacion) • Barangay 105 (Suhi) • Barangay 106 (Santo Niño) • Barangay 107 (Santa Elena) • Barangay 108 (Tagapuro) • Barangay 109-A • Barangay 110 (Utap) • El Reposo (Barangays 55 & 55a) • Libertad (Barangays 1 & 4) • Nula-Tula (Bgys. 3 & 3a)

People of Tacloban City

As of the 2020 Census, Tacloban City had a population of 251,881.
In 2015, the city recorded a population of 242,089, reflecting steady growth over five years.
Tacloban is historically home to the Kabatok people, whose early settlements formed the nucleus of what was once called “Kankabatok.” Other indigenous groups such as the Gumoda, Haraging, and Huraw also established domains in nearby hills and riverbanks.
The major dialect spoken is Waray-Waray, with Cebuano and Tagalog also present. While these dialects shape local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Tacloban City

Tacloban City is located on the northeastern coast of Leyte Island in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 11.24°N latitude and 125.00°E longitude.
The city spans a land area of 201.72 square kilometers, with terrain that includes coastal plains, river deltas, and low hills. It faces Cancabato Bay and the San Juanico Strait, with a tropical monsoon climate marked by heavy rainfall from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
The Tacloban City Hall is located in Barangay Kanhuraw, adjacent to the city plaza and overlooking Cancabato Bay.
Most people reach Tacloban via air and sea. The Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport offers daily flights to Manila, Cebu, and other key cities. The Port of Tacloban serves inter-island cargo and passenger vessels. Bus terminals connect Tacloban to other towns and provinces via the Maharlika Highway.

Tourist Attractions of Tacloban City

San Juanico Bridge: The longest bridge in the Philippines, connecting Tacloban to Samar across the San Juanico Strait.
Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum: A former presidential residence turned museum, showcasing antiques, art, and historical memorabilia.
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park: Located in nearby Palo, commemorating General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines in 1944.
Price Mansion: A historic building that served as MacArthur’s headquarters during World War II.
Sangyaw Festival: Held every June 29, this annual celebration honors the Santo Niño with street dancing, cultural performances, and religious processions.

Economy of Tacloban City

Tacloban is the economic center of Eastern Visayas, with key sectors including:
- Retail and commerce: Malls, markets, and business centers serve the region’s consumer base.
- Public administration: As the regional capital, Tacloban hosts government offices and civic institutions.
- Education and healthcare: Universities, colleges, and hospitals support regional development.
- Transport and logistics: The airport and seaport facilitate trade and mobility.
In 2024, Tacloban posted a city GDP of approximately ₱45.3 billion, ranking among the top highly urbanized cities in the Visayas.

Educational Institutions of Tacloban City

Young residents pursue higher education at:
- Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU): A state university offering engineering, education, and technology programs. Covered under the Free Tuition Law.
- Leyte Normal University (LNU): A premier institution for teacher education, liberal arts, and graduate studies.
- University of the Philippines Tacloban College: Offers programs in management, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Asian Development Foundation College: A private institution offering business, IT, and health sciences programs.
- Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation: Specializes in nursing, medicine, and allied health courses.

History of Tacloban City

Tacloban was originally known as Kankabatok, named after the Kabatok people who settled near the present-day Sto. Niño Church. Other early settlers included Gumoda, Haraging, and Huraw, whose domains shaped the city’s early geography.
In 1770, the Augustinian Mission discovered the settlement, which was later renamed “Tacloban” by the Franciscans in 1813. The name is believed to derive from “taklub,” a bamboo fish trap used by early inhabitants.
Tacloban became the capital of Leyte Province on February 26, 1830. It was chartered as a city on June 20, 1952 through Republic Act No. 760, and formally organized on June 12, 1953 by Proclamation No. 394 signed by President Elpidio Quirino.
On December 18, 2008, Tacloban was declared a highly urbanized city, making it administratively independent from Leyte Province. Today, it is known as the “Gateway to Eastern Visayas,” blending historical significance, economic vitality, and cultural pride.

Elected Officials of Tacloban City

As of the 2025 elections, Tacloban City is led by:
- Mayor: Alfred Romualdez (Nacionalista Party)
- Vice Mayor: Raymund Romualdez (Lakas-CMD)
- Representative (1st District of Leyte): Martin Romualdez (Lakas-CMD)
- City Councilors: Edmund Edward Chua, Edward Frederick Chua, Jerry Uy, Marty Romualdez, Eric de Veyra, Dandee Grafil, Chris Esperas, Brian “Yanyan” Granados, Jom Bagulaya, Edson Malaki
For full election results and updates, visit: Tacloban City Election Results.

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.

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