Taft is a municipality in the province of Eastern Samar in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Taft has a total population of 26,716.
In terms of its economic status, Taft is classified as a third-class municipality, which means that it has an annual income of at least PHP 35 million but less than PHP 45 million. The main economic activities in Taft include agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
In recent years, Taft has been working on improving its infrastructure and services to attract more tourists and investors. The local government has implemented various projects to enhance road networks, water supply systems, and public health facilities in the municipality.
Taft History
Certainly! Taft is a municipality located in the Eastern Samar province of the Philippines. The town has a rich history that dates back to the Spanish colonial period.
During the 16th century, the island of Samar was under the rule of the Rajahnate of Butuan, a powerful state located in what is now known as the Caraga region of the Philippines. However, in the 17th century, the Spanish arrived and gradually established their presence on the island.
In 1768, the Spanish established the town of Borongan, which served as the capital of Eastern Samar. The town of Taft was established as a barrio (small village) of Borongan in the early 20th century. It was named after William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, who served from 1909 to 1913.
During World War II, Taft and the rest of Eastern Samar played an important role in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The town was a key center of resistance, and it was the site of several battles between Filipino and American forces and the Japanese Imperial Army.
After the war, Taft continued to grow and develop. In 1948, it was officially recognized as a municipality separate from Borongan. Today, the town of Taft is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and vibrant culture.
What Are The Native Delicacies Taft?
Some of the traditional delicacies in Eastern Samar that you may find in the Taft area include:
Binagol – a sweet delicacy made from grated taro, coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes chocolate or peanut butter.
Moron – a sticky rice cake that is wrapped in banana leaves and filled with a mixture of chocolate and ground glutinous rice.
Puto Lanson – a steamed rice cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and lye water, and topped with grated coconut and sugar.
Kiping – a colorful leaf-shaped wafer made from rice flour and food coloring, usually used as a decoration for traditional Filipino desserts.
Suman – a sweet sticky rice cake that is wrapped in banana leaves and served with coconut jam or grated coconut.
Ways To Get There
To travel to Taft, Eastern Samar, you can follow these steps:
Fly to Tacloban City: The nearest airport to Taft is the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City. From Manila, there are daily flights to Tacloban City via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
Take a van or bus from Tacloban City to Taft: Once you arrive at Tacloban City, you can take a van or bus to Taft. The van or bus terminal is located at the Abucay Bus Terminal in Tacloban City. The trip will take approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Hire a private vehicle: If you prefer a more convenient and faster way to get to Taft, you can hire a private vehicle, such as a car or a van. You can arrange for a private vehicle through travel agencies or car rental services in Tacloban City.
Take a ferry: Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from Allen Port in Northern Samar to San Isidro Port in Eastern Samar, then travel by land to Taft. The ferry trip takes approximately 2 hours, and the land travel from San Isidro Port to Taft takes approximately 1 hour.
