Malitbog is a municipality located along the coast of Southern Leyte Province. It covers an area of 77.82 square kilometers, or 30.05 square miles, which makes up 4.32% of Southern Leyte’s total land area.
As of the 2020 Census, the population of Malitbog was 23,256, accounting for 5.41% of Southern Leyte’s total population or 0.51% of the Eastern Visayas region’s overall population. With these numbers, the population density of Malitbog is calculated to be 299 people per square kilometer or 774 people per square mile.
The History of Malitbog Southern Leyte
Malitbog is a municipality in the province of Southern Leyte, located in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. The town is named after the malitbog plant, a type of shrub that was abundant in the area during its early days. Here is a brief history of Malitbog:
Malitbog was formerly a part of the municipality of Sogod, but it became a separate town on January 2, 1914, through the efforts of its first mayor, Mamerto Demetillo. The town was established under the American colonial government, which was then in control of the Philippines.
During World War II, Malitbog was occupied by the Japanese forces and became a stronghold for their troops. The town was heavily damaged during the war, and many of its residents were killed or displaced.
In the years following the war, Malitbog underwent a period of reconstruction and development. The town’s economy grew, and new infrastructure was built to support its growing population.
Today, Malitbog is known for its scenic views, including the Malitbog Geothermal Power Plant and the nearby mountain ranges. The town is also home to a number of cultural festivals, such as the annual Sunduan Festival, which celebrates the town’s patron saint, St. Francis Xavier.
Some Native Delicacies You Can Get From Malitbog
Malitbog, Southern Leyte, is known for its unique and delicious native delicacies. Here are some examples:
- Binagol: It is a dessert made from grated taro mixed with coconut milk, brown sugar, and peanuts. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a hot clay oven.
- Budbod Kabog: It is a rice cake made from pounded millet or kabog, mixed with coconut milk, and wrapped in banana leaves. It is usually eaten as a snack or as a breakfast food.
- Pintos: It is a sweet and sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It is usually wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
- Hinaguan: It is a soup made from coconut milk, freshwater shrimp, vegetables, and spices. It is a popular dish during special occasions such as weddings and fiestas.
- Kinalas: It is a noodle dish made from thick rice noodles, pork, beef, and vegetables. It is served in a flavorful broth and is often topped with crispy fried pork skin.
These are just a few examples of the native delicacies available in Malitbog, Southern Leyte. If you have the chance to visit the area, be sure to try these delicious dishes and discover more of their unique flavors.
How can you visit Malitbog Southern Leyte?
Malitbog is a municipality located in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. To visit Malitbog, you can take the following steps:
- Book a flight to either Tacloban or Ormoc airports. These are the nearest airports to Malitbog.
- From the airport, you can take a bus or van going to the Southern Leyte region. You can choose from various bus lines, like Duptours or Ceres Bus. You can also take a van from the airport to Maasin City, which is the capital of Southern Leyte.
- From Maasin City, you can take a jeepney or a bus going to Malitbog. The travel time is about 30–45 minutes.
- You can also hire a private vehicle or a motorcycle to take you to Malitbog.
It is recommended that you plan your trip ahead of time and research the transportation options available to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
