San Francisco is a municipality located in the southern part of Leyte province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. It is situated on the eastern coast of the island of Leyte, facing the Pacific Ocean.
San Francisco is also home to several historic landmarks, such as the old Spanish church of San Francisco de Asis and the San Francisco Municipal Hall, both of which have been standing for over a century.
The people of San Francisco are primarily engaged in agriculture, with rice, corn, and coconut being the main crops. The town also has a thriving fishing industry, with fishermen bringing in a variety of fresh seafood daily.
San Francisco offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the southern part of Leyte province.
History
San Francisco Southern Leyte has an amazing history dating back to the Spanish colonial period when it was established as a small village called “Barrio Nagaja” in the late 1800s.
During World War II, the town was occupied by Japanese forces, and many of its residents were killed or forced to flee. After the war, San Francisco was rebuilt and became a thriving agricultural center, known for its production of coconuts, abaca, and other crops.
In 1960, San Francisco was officially recognized as a municipality, separate from the nearby town of San Juan. The new municipality was named after Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the town.
Over the years, San Francisco has continued to grow and develop, with improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Today, it is home to around 20,000 people, many of whom are engaged in agriculture and fishing.
Despite facing various challenges, including natural disasters and economic difficulties, the people of San Francisco have shown remarkable resilience and determination in building a better future for themselves and their families.
Native Delicacies
San Francisco is known for its local delicacies that are unique to the area. Here are some of the popular native delicacies in San Francisco Southern Leyte:
- Binakhaw – a local snack made from coconut strips and sugar, then cooked until crispy.
- Kiping – a colorful wafer-like snack made from rice flour, which is commonly used as a decoration during the town’s fiesta celebration.
- Budbud – a rice cake similar to Moron, but without chocolate. It is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
These are just some of the delicious native delicacies that you can find in San Francisco, Southern Leyte. If you ever get the chance to visit, be sure to try them out!
How to get there?
Here are the steps to get to San Francisco Southern Leyte:
By Air: The nearest airport to San Francisco is the Maasin Airport, which is about 30 minutes away. You can take a flight from Manila to Tacloban City, which is the capital city of the province of Leyte. From Tacloban City, you can take a van or bus to Maasin City, which is about 2-3 hours away. Then, take a jeepney or tricycle to San Francisco.
By Land: You can take a bus or van from Manila to Maasin City. The trip may take around 24-30 hours, depending on the traffic and the bus company you choose. From Maasin City, take a jeepney or tricycle to San Francisco.
By Sea: You can also take a ferry from Cebu City to Hilongos, which is about 2-3 hours away. From Hilongos, take a bus or van to Maasin City, then take a jeepney or tricycle to San Francisco.
Note!
The availability and schedule of transportation may vary depending on the season and current travel restrictions. It’s best to check with the local tourism office or transportation companies for updated information.
