Matalom, Leyte

Matalom
Municipality

Map of Leyte with Matalom highlighted
Matalom

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 10°17′N 124°48′E / 10.283°N 124.800°ECoordinates: 10°17′N 124°48′E / 10.283°N 124.800°E
Country Philippines
Region Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)
Province Leyte
Congr. district 5th district of Leyte
Barangays 30
Government[1]
 • Mayor Eric S. Pajulio
Area[2]
 • Total 132.00 km2 (50.97 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 31,097
 • Density 240/km2 (610/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 6526
Dialing code 53

Matalom is a third class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It borders with Bato in the north. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 31,097 people.[3]

Etymology

It was said that the Spaniards once saw the flaming red of the fire trees that dotted the shores of Matalom Beach and the scenic Canigao Island and asked the natives the local dialect for "hermosa" or beautiful. The natives answered "Matahum" or "Matalom." This was the origin of the town's name.

Barangays

Matalom is politically subdivided into 30 barangays.[2]

  • Agbanga
  • Altavista
  • Cahagnaan
  • Calumpang
  • Caningag
  • Caridad Norte
  • Caridad Sur
  • Elevado
  • Esperanza
  • Hitoog
  • Itum
  • Lowan
  • Monte Alegre
  • Punong
  • San Isidro (Pob.)
  • San Pedro (Pob.)
  • San Roque (Pob.)
  • Santo Niño (Pob.)
  • Sta. Fe (Tab-Ang)
  • San Juan
  • San Salvador
  • San Vicente
  • Santa Paz
  • Tag-os
  • Templanza
  • Tigbao
  • Waterloo
  • Zaragoza
  • Bagong Lipunan
  • Taglibas Imelda

History

Before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines, a sea-faring people lived along the banks of the Matalom River and also on the islet of Canigao (formerly Comigao).

In the middle of the 18th century, the townspeople of Matalom constructed their own parish church, convent, school, and public buildings through their own efforts. These were all accomplished with the leadership of Spanish Friar Leonardo Celes Diaz and Capitan Calixto Pil believed to be the founder and first president of the town.

Leadership in the town's administration may be divided into three regimes: Spanish, American and Postwar (Philippine Independence). The first president of Matalom during the Spanish regime was Capitan Calixto Pil. Succession to the chair of president was patterned after the original dynasty set up by the natives, by Pal and Pil families. Thus, after Kapitan "Itong" (Cpt. Calixto Pil) his son followed. Next in line was Kapitan "Osting" (Cpt. Agustin Pil) then Kapitan "Kulas" (Cpt. Nicolas Pal), then Kapitan "Bentoy" (Cpt. Ruberto Pal), the last president before the transition period from Spanish to American regimes. The council members were then called, "Guinhaupan," acknowledged leader in settlements, now barrios or sitios.

The transition from the American regime to the time the Philippines obtained its independence saw Jeremias Pal re-elected alcalde in 1937 until the outbreak of World War II. The dark days of the Japanese occupation had Antonio Olo as the "puppet mayor". The restoration of the civil government after the war saw the appointment of Primitivo Gopo as the municipal mayor of Matalom.

Demographics

Population census of Matalom
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 28,291—    
1995 28,232−0.04%
2000 30,216+1.47%
2007 31,055+0.38%
2010 31,097+0.05%
Source: National Statistics Office[3]
Canigao Island's blue waters

Tourism

Matalom has become famous for Canigao Island.

References

  1. ↑ "Municipalities". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Province: Leyte". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010". 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 2 July 2013.

External links

 Bato Bontoc, Southern Leyte
Camotes Sea Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte
   Matalom  
Maasin, Southern Leyte