Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines

Borongan City, Eastern Samar is within Region VIII – Eastern Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Borongan City

• As of the 2020 Census, Borongan City had a population of 71,961.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 69,297, reflecting modest growth over five years.
• Borongan is historically home to the Ibabao people, the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of Eastern Samar. Their legacy lives on in oral traditions, place names, and cultural practices. The city also has deep ties to the Waray-Waray ethnolinguistic group.
• The major dialect spoken is Waray-Waray, with Cebuano also present in some barangays. While these dialects shape local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Borongan City

• Borongan City is located on the eastern coast of Samar Island in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 11.6094°N latitude and 125.4361°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 475.00 square kilometers, making it one of the largest component cities in the region. Its terrain includes coastal plains, river systems, and forested hills. The climate is tropical monsoon, with heavy rainfall from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The Borongan City Hall is located in Barangay Songco, adjacent to the city plaza and the provincial capitol of Eastern Samar.
• Most people reach Borongan via land transport from Tacloban City, which is approximately 4–5 hours away by bus or van. The nearest airport is Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban. The Port of Borongan accommodates cargo and fishing vessels, with inter-island connections to Cebu and other Visayan provinces.

Tourist Attractions of Borongan City

• Divinubo Island: A scenic island with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and a lighthouse offering panoramic views.
• Ando Island: Known for its surf-friendly waves and tranquil beach coves.
• Baybay Boulevard: A coastal promenade ideal for walking, biking, and sunset viewing.
• Borongan Cathedral (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary): A historic church and religious center located in the heart of the city.
• Padul-ong Festival: Held every September 8, this cultural celebration reenacts the legend of the Lady of Borongan and features fluvial parades, street dancing, and community rituals.

Economy of Borongan City

• Borongan’s economy is anchored in:
  • Public administration and services: As the provincial capital, Borongan hosts regional offices and civic institutions.
  • Retail and trade: Local markets, shops, and small businesses support daily commerce.
  • Agriculture and fisheries: Rice, coconut, and seafood are key products from surrounding barangays.
  • Tourism: Eco-tourism and cultural heritage sites contribute to seasonal income.
• While city-specific GDP data is limited, Borongan contributes significantly to Eastern Samar’s economy, which posted a GDP of ₱36.72 billion in 2023 and grew by 10.2% in 2024, the fastest in Region VIII.

Educational Institutions of Borongan City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Eastern Samar State University (ESSU): The main state university in Borongan, offering programs in education, agriculture, engineering, business, and IT. It is covered under the Free Tuition Law.
  • St. Mary’s College of Borongan: A Catholic institution offering programs in liberal arts, teacher education, and health sciences.
  • Our Lady of Mercy College: Offers programs in nursing, criminology, and midwifery.
  • Don Bosco TVET Center: Provides technical-vocational training for youth and adults in various trades.

History of Borongan City

• Borongan traces its origins to the early 1600s, when scattered hamlets along the Guiborongani and Lo-om Rivers formed a settlement. The name “Borongan” is believed to come from the Waray word “borong,” meaning fog, referencing the mist that often enveloped the area.
• Spanish Jesuit missionaries established religious missions in Borongan from 1604 to 1768, followed by the Franciscans until 1868. These missions laid the foundation for civic and religious institutions that shaped the town’s development.
• During the Philippine Revolution, Borongan was a site of uprisings led by the Pulahanes. After World War II, the town was reorganized into a municipality and later designated as the capital of Eastern Samar when the province was created in 1965.
• Borongan was converted into a component city through Republic Act No. 9394 on June 21, 2007. Although its cityhood was revoked in 2008 and 2010, the Supreme Court affirmed its status on February 15, 2011. Today, Borongan is known as the “City of the Golden Sunrise,” blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and civic pride.

Elected Officials of Borongan City

• As of the 2025 elections, Borongan City is led by:
  • Mayor: Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda (PFP)
  • Vice Mayor: Emmanuel T. Tiu Sonco (Lakas)
  • Representative (Lone District of Eastern Samar): Maria Fe R. Abunda (Lakas)
  • City Councilors: Ma. Rozene D. Daza, Anna Katrina L. Anacta-Sadac, Lyra Gel A. Limbauan, Kathlyn Jane B. Cainday, Melcho A. Arago, Glaiza B. Tiu, Victor L. Franco, Renato C. Bagacay, Napoileon A. Bebita, Aurora A. Anasarias
• For full election results and updates, visit: Borongan City Election Results.

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