The province of Southern Leyte lies on the south section of the main island. Surrounded by Leyte on the north, Leyte Gulf on the east, Camotes Sea on the west, and Surigao Strait on the south. The islands of Panaon and Limasawa are under its jurisdiction. The birthplace of Christianity in Asia and the site of the first mass on March 31, 1521 was held in the town of Limasawa. On March 22, 1959, by the Republic Act No. 2227, the island of Leyte was divided into Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces. Southern Leyte • Related Websites • Provincial Newspapers • Banks • Zip Codes • Area Codes • Hotels/Resorts • Restaurants People from Southern Leyte are "Boholano" breed. They speak both language of Cebuano and Boholano. Most of the villagers are farmers and fisher folks and are recognized to be hardworking, religious and moderate people. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Coconut, abaca, rice, sugarcane and banana are the major crops. Hog fattening is the main focus in its livestock production while poultry business pervades with broiler production. The Spanish era church is a prominent keystone that brings glory to the Leyteños. The church is decorated with a magnificent altar and beautiful images of saints. A revelation of the continuing religiosity of its people. Southern Leyte is blessed with beautiful sites. The town of Limasawa is a diver's paradise, along with Padre Burgos, San Francisco and Pintuyan. For trekkers and climbers, Patag Daku in Libagon poses as a major challenge. Other tourist attractions include caves of Cagnitoan and Guinsohotan, beaches of San Pedro and San Pablo and the springs of Anahawan. Access to the province can be by boat or bus. Ferryboats and fast passenger jetboats go to/from Maasin to/from Cebu, Mindanao and Negros. Buses and jeepneys are available anytime if you want to explore around the town. FACTS Region: 8 Capital: Maasin Land Area: 1734.8 sq. km. Number of Towns: 19 1. Anahawan    2. Bontoc 3. Hinundayan 4. Hinunangan 5. Libagon 6. Liloan 7. Limasawa 8. Maasin 9. Macrohon 10. Malitbog 11. Padre Burgos 12. Pintuyan 13. Saint Bernard 14. San Francisco 15. San Juan  16. San Ricardo   17. Silago 18. Sogod 19. Tomas Oppus CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS SHRINES Maasin Cathedral Located in Maasin. Images and "santos" dates back to the Spanish era are still found in its altar and ceilings. MAJOR ATTRACTIONS Limasawa Island - Located at the southern tip of Southern Leyte, town of Limasawa, 45-minute motor launch-ride from Padre Burgos, to the island. Site of the celebration of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines when Ferdinand Magellan came in 1521, historical and cultural viewing of the Magellan Shrine / Marker. Bitu-on Beach - Located at Brgy. San Roque, Liloan. White sandy beach, shells of various kinds and colors, excellent site for picnicking, swimming and fishing. Esfa Beach Resort - Located in Maasin. A good swimming area, fishing and shell hunts. Kuting Beach Resort - Located in Macrohon. Wide stretches of sandy beach, favorite site for swimming and picnicking. Magsuhot Park - Located at Sogod. Only 3 kms. from Phil-Japan Friendship Highway. This national park has a forested area of 500 hectares. It has 4 waterfalls falling into a common basin. Wawa Strait - Located in Macrohon. The often-invisible strait is a sight to behold from this town. One could simply get a relaxing feeling by going to this point. Tangkaan Point - Located in Padre Burgos. There is a concrete stairways to a watchtower overlooking the deep blue sea and historic Limasawa Island. There are natural shades and picnic tables. Maamo Beach - Located in Liloan and part of Mindanao Deep (second deepest body of water in the World). Excellent site for picnicking, swimming and fishing because of its white sandy beach. Cuatro Islas - Located in the towns of Inopacan and Hindang. Equipped with Nipa huts for picnics and overnight hangouts. Pump boat from the town proper will take 30 min. to reach the islas’ rich fishing grounds. There are four lovely isles namely: Daguio, Apit, Mahaba and Himokilan bordered by white sandy shore. Site Map | Advertise | About Us | Terms of Use | Disclaimer Copyright 2003 GLOBALPINOY.COM All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.