Guiuan
Guiuan ([ˈgiˌwan] ⓘ; Waray: Bungto han Guiuan, Filipino: Bayan ng Guiuan), officially the Municipality of Guiuan, is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. It constitutes the southeastern extremity of Samar Island and some adjacent islands, surrounded by Leyte Gulf and the Philippine Sea (which a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean), two major bodies of water that makes the town the surfing capital of the Visayas. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 53,361 people, making it the most populous municipality in Eastern Samar (followed by Dolores) and the second most populous administrative division in the entire province after the capital city Borongan.
Guiuan | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Guiuan | |
Near-sunset view of Leyte Gulf and Manicani Island from the Guiuan Integrated Transport Terminal | |
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Flag | |
| Nickname: Gateway to Modern Philippine History
Surfing Capital of the Visayas | |
| Motto(s): Sulong pa, Guiuan! (Waray-waray for "Advance, Guiuan!"); Guiuan, Bungto ta, Higugma-a ta. (Waray-waray for "Let us Love our Town, Guiuan.") | |
Map of Eastern Samar with Guiuan highlighted | |
Guiuan Location within the Philippines | |
| Coordinates: 11°02′N 125°44′E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Eastern Visayas |
| Province | Eastern Samar |
| District | Lone district |
| Barangays | 60 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Bayan |
| • Mayor | Annaliza G. Kwan |
| • Vice Mayor | Veronica C. Ramirez |
| • Representative | Maria Fe R. Abunda |
| • Councilors | List |
| • Electorate | 36,279 voters (2022) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 175.49 km2 (67.76 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 8.0 m (26.2 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 130 m (430 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2020 census) | |
| • Total | 53,361 |
| • Density | 300/km2 (790/sq mi) |
| • Households | 13,293 |
| Demonym | Guiuananon |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 2nd municipal income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 43.35 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 198.3 million (2020) |
| • Assets | ₱ 793.4 million (2020) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 169.4 million (2020) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 85.98 million (2020) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 6809 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)55 |
| Native languages | Waray Tagalog |
| Website | www |
Guiuan played a significant part in Philippine history. Historical accounts attested that Ferdinand Magellan's 16th century expedition first landed on the island of Homonhon, which lies within the municipality, after their Pacific crossing. The Immaculate Conception Parish Church in the Guiuan poblacion was established in the 18th century by Jesuits and is one of the oldest in the country.
During the Second World War, the islands of Suluan and Homonhon, both in Guiuan, became the American forces' first landing points, along with Dinagat Island, for the start of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. After the victory of Leyte Gulf operation, the entire town served as one of the naval bases for the Allies. In 1949, the Guiuan island of Tubabao hosted thousands of White Russian refugees fleeing from the wake of the Russian Revolution and Russian Civil War.
In November 2013, Guiuan was nearly levelled after Typhoon Haiyan, one of the deadliest and strongest tropical cyclones in the Philippines, made its first landfall in the town. Local and international aid helped Guiuan recover from the typhoon's catastrophic impact, and the town's economy has since flourished. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the town saw border restrictions and multiple lockdowns that affected the local economy and way of life.
As well as a rich historical background, Guiuan has many scenic spots. Being a coastal town on the Pacific side, the town has many white-sand beaches that are suitable for swimming and surfing. The Immaculate Conception Parish Church of Guiuan is currently in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the Baroque Churches of the Philippines (Extension).