Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

Provinces, Municipalities and Cities in Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

People of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• As of the 2020 Census, Eastern Visayas had a population of 4,547,150.
• In 2015, the region recorded a population of 4,440,150, showing modest growth over five years.
• Eastern Visayas is home to several indigenous groups, including the Waray and Inabaknon people. The Inabaknon community resides primarily in Capul Island, Northern Samar, and speaks a unique language unrelated to Waray or Cebuano.
• The major dialects spoken are Waray-Waray (dominant in Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar), Cebuano (spoken in Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran), and Inabaknon in Capul. While these dialects shape local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• Eastern Visayas is located in the eastern section of the Visayas island group. Its geographic coordinates center around 11.24°N latitude and 125.05°E longitude.
• The region encompasses the islands of Leyte, Samar, and Biliran, with a total land area of 23,251.10 square kilometers. Leyte features high mountain ranges, while Samar is characterized by rugged hills and valleys. The climate is tropical monsoon, with heavy rainfall from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The regional center is Tacloban City, located in Barangay Sagkahan, Leyte. It houses the regional offices of national government agencies and serves as the administrative and economic hub of the region.
• Most people reach Eastern Visayas via air and sea. The Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban offers flights to Manila, Cebu, and other key cities. Major seaports include the Port of Tacloban, Port of Ormoc, and Port of Maasin. Bus routes connect the provinces internally and to neighboring regions via the Maharlika Highway.

Tourist Attractions of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• San Juanico Bridge: The longest bridge in the Philippines, connecting Leyte and Samar across the San Juanico Strait.
• Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park: Located in Basey, Samar, this park features caves, limestone formations, and lush forests.
• Kalanggaman Island: A pristine sandbar island off the coast of Palompon, Leyte, popular for snorkeling and beach camping.
• Biri Rock Formations: Stunning geological formations in Northern Samar, shaped by centuries of wave action.
• Balangiga Bells Memorial: A historical site in Eastern Samar commemorating the Balangiga Encounter during the Philippine-American War.
• Festivals:
  • Sangyaw Festival (Tacloban City, June): A religious and cultural parade honoring the Santo Niño.
  • Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival (Tacloban City, June): Celebrates the tattooed warriors of Leyte with street dancing and cultural exhibitions.
  • Padul-ong Festival (Borongan City, Eastern Samar, September): Reenacts the legend of the Lady of Borongan.

Economy of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• In 2024, Eastern Visayas posted a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of ₱555.62 billion, up from ₱523.22 billion in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of 6.2%.
• The region ranked 5th among the fastest-growing regional economies in the Philippines in 2024.
• Major contributors to the economy include:
  • Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing: Coconut, rice, sugarcane, and aquaculture.
  • Industry: Mining, manufacturing, and construction.
  • Services: Tourism, education, health, and retail trade.
• Eastern Samar led the region with a 10.2% growth rate, followed by Tacloban City (8.2%) and Southern Leyte (7.1%).

Educational Institutions of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU): A state university in Tacloban offering engineering, education, and technology programs.
  • Visayas State University (VSU): Located in Baybay, Leyte, known for agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary medicine.
  • University of Eastern Philippines (UEP): Based in Catarman, Northern Samar, offering liberal arts, law, and business programs.
  • Southern Leyte State University (SLSU): Offers engineering, teacher education, and marine sciences.
  • Biliran Province State University (BiPSU): Located in Naval, Biliran, with programs in agriculture, IT, and business.
  • Eastern Samar State University (ESSU): Main campus in Borongan City, with satellite campuses across the province.

History of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• Region VIII was officially established in 1972 through Presidential Decree No. 1, as part of President Ferdinand Marcos’ Integrated Reorganization Plan. It was created to streamline governance and decentralize administrative functions.
• The region encompasses the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. Its geographic and cultural identity is shaped by its location along the Pacific coast and its historical role in Philippine independence and resistance.
• Eastern Visayas is the site of the first Christian mass in Southeast Asia, held in Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte, in 1521. It also played a pivotal role in World War II, particularly in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, one of the largest naval battles in history, and the return of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines.
• Today, Region VIII is known for its resilience, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Despite challenges such as typhoons and economic disparities, the region continues to grow through infrastructure development, education, and tourism.

Elected Officials of Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

• As of the 2025 elections, the region is led by:
  • Biliran: Governor Gerard Roger Espina (Lakas), Vice Governor Brigido Caneja III
  • Eastern Samar: Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone (Independent), Vice Governor Karen Gonzales
  • Leyte: Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla (Lakas), Vice Governor Carlo Loreto
  • Northern Samar: Governor Edwin Ongchuan (PFP), Vice Governor Gary Lavin
  • Samar: Governor Sharee Ann Tan (PFP), Vice Governor Stephen James Tan
  • Southern Leyte: Governor Damian Mercado (NUP), Vice Governor Christopherson Yap
• For full election results and updates, visit: Eastern Visayas Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines