San Ricardo is a municipality located in the province of Southern Leyte in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. It is situated on the southernmost tip of Leyte Island, facing the Pacific Ocean.

San Ricardo is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. The municipality is a popular destination for tourists who want to go island hopping, snorkeling, and diving.

Aside from its natural wonders, San Ricardo is also a rich cultural hub. The town celebrates several festivals throughout the year. During this festival, locals showcase their cultural heritage through dance, music, and traditional costumes.

San Ricardo is also known for its agricultural industry. The town produces various crops, such as rice, corn, and coconut, which are the main sources of livelihood for the locals. In recent years, the town has also been promoting eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture as part of its efforts to preserve its natural resources while promoting economic growth.

The town of San Ricardo is a hidden gem in the Philippines that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainable development.

History

San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, became an official municipality on January 2, 1972, after the approval of Republic Act No. 6360, which was sponsored by then-Congressman Nicanor Y. This marked the beginning of the municipality’s history, and since then, it has undergone significant changes in terms of its socio-economic growth.

San Ricardo is strategically located at the tip of Panaon Island, making it the southernmost town of Region 8 (Eastern Visayas). It is bounded by the Municipalities of Liloan and San Francisco to the north and northwest, and by the Municipality of Pintuyan to the west and southwest. To the south and southeast lie the Mindanao Sea and Surigao Strait, and across the sea, at its nearest point, lies Surigao del Norte, approximately 142 nautical miles away. With a total land area of 47,5618 square kilometers, the municipality is home to fifteen barangays (15) and is considered a 5th class municipality.

The municipal government of San Ricardo has a total working force of 80 individuals, who are dedicated to carrying out its goals and objectives. These objectives are focused on the sustained economic growth of the municipality, with an emphasis on agricultural production, improved commerce and trade, and social equity.

Over the years, San Ricardo has undergone tremendous changes in terms of its infrastructure, and its local government has been working tirelessly to ensure that the municipality remains competitive and sustainable. Today, San Ricardo boasts of modern infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, bridges, and buildings, which have helped to drive economic growth and attract new businesses to the area.

Native Delicacies

The town of San Ricardo is known for its rich marine resources, which heavily influence its local cuisine. Here are some of the native delicacies you can find in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte:

• Kinalas – A noodle soup made with a rich beef broth, tender meat, and boiled egg. This dish is served with chicharon, spring onions, and a dash of vinegar.

• Kinilaw – A dish made of raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, citrus, and spices. The dish is usually served as an appetizer or pulutan (beer companion) during social gatherings.

• Pinais – A dish made of fish or shrimp wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with coconut milk and spices. This dish is typically served during special occasions or celebrations.

These are just a few of the many native delicacies you can find in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte. The town’s cuisine is a reflection of the rich marine resources that the area is known for, and the ingenuity and creativity of the locals in preparing delicious and unique dishes.

How to get there?

To get to San Ricardo, you can take a combination of land and sea transportation.

Here are the steps to get to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte:

Fly to Tacloban City: The nearest airport to San Ricardo is the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City. You can fly to Tacloban from Manila, Cebu, or other major cities in the Philippines;

Take a van or bus to Maasin City: From Tacloban, take a van or bus to Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte. The trip takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic;

Take a jeepney or bus to San Ricardo: From Maasin City, take a jeepney or bus to San Ricardo. The trip takes around 1 to 2 hours; and

Take a ferry from Lipata Port to San Ricardo: You can also take a ferry from Lipata Port in Surigao City to San Ricardo. The trip takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Always remember that transportation schedules and availability may vary, so it’s best to check ahead of time and plan your trip accordingly.