Pintuyan is a municipality located in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. It is situated on the southernmost tip of Leyte Island, facing the Mindanao Sea. The town is known for its rich marine biodiversity, with several dive sites that attract diving enthusiasts. The town is also a popular destination for whale shark watching, as the gentle giants frequently visit the waters of Pintuyan.
History
The history of Pintuyan dates back to the pre-colonial era when the area was inhabited by the native Sulod-Bayanon and Boholano people. These indigenous groups engaged in agriculture, fishing, and hunting, and had a complex social organization with a system of chieftainship.
In the 16th century, the Spanish colonizers arrived in the Philippines and established a presence in the region. Pintuyan became a part of the Spanish colonial administration, and the local population was converted to Christianity by the Augustinian missionaries. The town was officially founded in 1600, and its name is said to have been derived from the local term “pin-tuy-an”, which means “place of the tree with edible fruits”.
During the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in the late 19th century, Pintuyan played an important role as a center of resistance. Local revolutionary leaders such as Mariano Mercado and Agustin Sumagaysay led the people of Pintuyan in the fight for independence.
After the Philippines gained independence from the United States in 1946, Pintuyan became a part of the province of Leyte. In 1960, Southern Leyte was carved out of Leyte as a separate province, and Pintuyan became one of its municipalities.
Today, Pintuyan is known for its natural beauty, including its pristine beaches, marine sanctuaries, and forest reserves. It is also a center of eco-tourism, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore its natural wonders.
What are the Native Delicacies in tis town?
Like many other places in the Philippines, Pintuyan has its own unique set of native delicacies that are popular among locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the native delicacies in Pintuyan Southern Leyte:
- Kiping – Thin, colorful rice wafers that are often used as decoration for traditional Filipino desserts like bibingka and puto.
- Baye-baye – A sweet treat made with grated coconut with sugar that is often molded into small, bite-sized pieces and wrapped in banana leaves.
- Sinuglaw – A combination of grilled pork belly (sinugba) and kinilaw.
These are just some of the native delicacies you can find in Pintuyan, Southern Leyte. You will get to know some more when you visit this town.
How to get to Pintuyan Southern Leyte?
To get to Pintuyan in Southern Leyte, you can follow these steps:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Pintuyan is the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City, Leyte. From there, you can take a van or bus to Pintuyan, which takes around 5-6 hours.
- By Land: You can also take a bus or van from Cebu City or Manila to Sogod in Southern Leyte, then transfer to another bus or van going to Pintuyan, which takes around 5-6 hours.
- Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Cebu City to Hilongos, Leyte, and then take a van or bus to Sogod and Pintuyan.
- If you are driving, you can take the Southern Leyte Circumferential Road from Maasin City to Sogod and then follow the road signs to Pintuyan.
It’s best to check with your preferred mode of transportation for schedules and fares to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.
