Eastern Visayas’ Historic Gem
Economic Strengths
- Tourism (historical sites, beaches, waterfalls)
- Agriculture (coconut, rice, sugarcane)
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Manufacturing (food processing, furniture)
Demographic Advantages
- Young population (33.42% aged 14 and below)
- Growing workforce (60.96% aged 15-64)
- Median age: 23
Key Attractions
- Tacloban City (capital, commercial center)
- San Juanico Bridge (longest bridge in Philippines)
- Cuatro Islas (beaches, snorkeling)
- Leyte Gulf (historical site, WWII)
Opportunities
- Eco-tourism development
- Infrastructure upgrades (roads, ports)
- Agricultural modernization
- IT-BPO industry growth
Challenges
- Disaster resilience (typhoon-prone)
- Poverty reduction
- Infrastructure limitations
- Environmental conservation
Why Invest in Leyte?
Leyte offers:
- Strategic location
- Rich history and culture
- Natural attractions
- Skilled workforce
- Government support
Investors seeking sustainable growth and returns will find Leyte an attractive destination.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abuyog | municipality | 61,216 | 59,571 | 0.58% | 688.25 | 89 | 63 |
| Alangalang | municipality | 57,185 | 55,235 | 0.73% | 150.54 | 380 | 54 |
| Albuera | municipality | 47,151 | 46,332 | 0.37% | 303.35 | 155 | 16 |
| Babatngon | municipality | 28,823 | 27,797 | 0.77% | 115.18 | 250 | 25 |
| Barugo | municipality | 34,497 | 32,745 | 1.10% | 84.62 | 408 | 37 |
| Bato | municipality | 38,505 | 38,356 | 0.08% | 72.45 | 531 | 32 |
| Baybay | city (CC) | 111,848 | 109,432 | 0.46% | 459.34 | 243 | 92 |
| Burauen | municipality | 52,511 | 52,732 | -0.09% | 265.33 | 198 | 77 |
| Calubian | municipality | 31,646 | 31,228 | 0.28% | 100.95 | 313 | 53 |
| Capoocan | municipality | 33,721 | 33,617 | 0.07% | 185.40 | 182 | 21 |
| Carigara | municipality | 54,656 | 51,345 | 1.32% | 117.86 | 464 | 49 |
| Dagami | municipality | 36,178 | 35,147 | 0.61% | 161.65 | 224 | 65 |
| Dulag | municipality | 48,992 | 47,300 | 0.74% | 110.70 | 443 | 45 |
| Hilongos | municipality | 64,514 | 63,431 | 0.36% | 192.92 | 334 | 51 |
| Hindang | municipality | 20,849 | 20,924 | -0.08% | 57.66 | 362 | 20 |
| Inopacan | municipality | 21,389 | 20,550 | 0.85% | 109.11 | 196 | 20 |
| Isabel | municipality | 46,781 | 46,915 | -0.06% | 64.01 | 731 | 24 |
| Jaro | municipality | 43,758 | 43,199 | 0.27% | 207.19 | 211 | 46 |
| Javier | municipality | 26,658 | 25,379 | 1.04% | 152.70 | 175 | 28 |
| Julita | municipality | 15,598 | 15,114 | 0.67% | 53.30 | 293 | 26 |
| Kananga | municipality | 59,696 | 56,575 | 1.14% | 144.20 | 414 | 23 |
| La Paz | municipality | 19,174 | 19,998 | -0.88% | 72.70 | 264 | 35 |
| Leyte | municipality | 40,397 | 40,639 | -0.13% | 181.26 | 223 | 30 |
| MacArthur | municipality | 21,578 | 21,211 | 0.36% | 57.57 | 375 | 31 |
| Mahaplag | municipality | 27,865 | 27,823 | 0.03% | 104.79 | 266 | 28 |
| Matag-ob | municipality | 17,522 | 18,373 | -0.99% | 104.40 | 168 | 21 |
| Matalom | municipality | 32,586 | 33,121 | -0.34% | 132.00 | 247 | 30 |
| Mayorga | municipality | 18,071 | 17,161 | 1.09% | 42.17 | 429 | 16 |
| Merida | municipality | 31,574 | 29,863 | 1.18% | 95.21 | 332 | 22 |
| Ormoc | city (ICC) | 230,998 | 215,031 | 1.52% | 613.60 | 376 | 110 |
| Palo | municipality | 76,213 | 70,052 | 1.79% | 221.27 | 344 | 33 |
| Palompon | municipality | 58,313 | 58,108 | 0.07% | 126.07 | 463 | 50 |
| Pastrana | municipality | 19,359 | 18,002 | 1.54% | 86.35 | 224 | 29 |
| San Isidro | municipality | 30,722 | 31,641 | -0.62% | 122.50 | 251 | 19 |
| San Miguel | municipality | 19,753 | 19,420 | 0.36% | 145.11 | 136 | 21 |
| Santa Fe | municipality | 22,102 | 20,439 | 1.66% | 53.97 | 410 | 20 |
| Tabango | municipality | 33,868 | 34,195 | -0.20% | 96.62 | 351 | 13 |
| Tabontabon | municipality | 11,902 | 11,204 | 1.28% | 24.18 | 492 | 16 |
| Tanauan | municipality | 57,455 | 55,021 | 0.92% | 78.41 | 733 | 54 |
| Tolosa | municipality | 20,708 | 20,978 | -0.27% | 22.54 | 919 | 15 |
| Tunga | municipality | 7,656 | 7,584 | 0.20% | 7.70 | 994 | 8 |
| Villaba | municipality | 42,859 | 41,891 | 0.48% | 150.31 | 285 | 35 |
| Leyte Total | 1,776,847 | 1,724,679 | 0.63% | 6,335.44 | 280 | 1,503 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,222,716,686.36 | – |
| 2010 | 1,289,639,346.59 | 5.47% |
| 2011 | 1,356,582,817.57 | 5.19% |
| 2012 | 1,326,530,324.53 | -2.22% |
| 2013 | – | – |
| 2014 | 1,793,424,239.07 | – |
| 2015 | 2,074,108,449.86 | 15.65% |
| 2016 | 2,327,165,586.80 | 12.20% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Leyte’s tourism industry offers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Red Beach, savor the rich flavors of Leyteño cuisine, and immerse themselves in vibrant festivals and the province’s dynamic arts scene.
The province’s heritage sites, unspoiled nature, and warm hospitality offer a diverse range of attractions, making Leyte a destination that caters to all interests.
