Bontoc, Southern Leyte facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bontoc
Municipality
Municipality of Bontoc
Bontoc in 2022
Flag Seal
Map of Southern Leyte with Bontoc highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Bontoc Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Eastern Visayas
Province	Southern Leyte
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	June 15, 1950
Barangays	40 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
Area
• Total	102.10 km2 (39.42 sq mi)
Elevation	47 m (154 ft)
Highest elevation	390 m (1,280 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	29,799
• Density	291.861/km2 (755.92/sq mi)
• Households	7,283
Economy
• Income class	4th municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	27.33 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 109.2 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 265 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 94.68 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 81.72 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	6604
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)53
Native languages	Boholano dialect Cebuano Tagalog

Bontoc is a municipality in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. It is officially known as the Municipality of Bontoc. As of 2020, about 29,799 people live there.

Bontoc is home to a campus of the Southern Leyte State University. This university offers courses in farming and industry.

The town celebrates its annual fiesta on January 15. This festival honors the Holy Child Jesus. It is called the Ulang Festival. People dance in colorful costumes to show their respect for the Holy Child Jesus. Some people believe that touching the icon of the Holy Child Jesus can perform miracles and heal illnesses.

What's in a Name? The Story of Bontoc

The name "Bontoc" comes from an old creek. This creek was called Bontoc creek. It was located near the old Roman Catholic Cemetery. An old town called Daan Lungsod used to be there during early Spanish times.

Bontoc's Past: A Journey Through Time

Before the Spanish arrived, Bontoc was a wild area. Only a few native people lived there. Wild animals roamed freely. When the Spanish came, they found different tribes. These tribes lived in villages near the Salog river. The Spanish brought these tribes together. They formed a group of villages. This group later became the barrio of Bontoc.

One famous chief from ancient times was Mariano Barcelon. People called him "Tahug". He was known as the bravest chief. His name scared the Moro pirates. These pirates were common in Philippine waters in the 16th century.

During Spanish rule and early American rule, Bontoc was led by "Cabezas de barangay". These were native leaders. Bontoc was part of the old town of Libagon. Libagon governed the people in civil and religious matters. Leaders called "capitanes" or gobernadorcillos ruled for many years.

The local leaders were also called "capitan" by their people. The church had a lot of power back then. Anyone who upset the church was punished. Some well-known capitanes were Hilario Barcelon and Gerardo Faelnar. Gerardo Faelnar was known as Capitan Dadoy. He led until the Americans arrived.

After the Americans came, Bontoc became a barrio of Sogod.

During the Japanese occupation, Bontoc was a center for resistance. The main headquarters was in Sitio Mamingaw. Colonel Ruperto K. Kangleon led the resistance. In one event, a truck of Japanese soldiers was defeated. This happened at Sitio Trece. A small monument there remembers this event.

On June 15, 1950, Bontoc officially became a municipality. This happened because of Republic Act No. 522.

Where is Bontoc? Its Geography

Bontoc is located on a long, fertile plain. This area is known as the best farming region. It is in the entire Sogod Bay District. The Salog and Divisoria Rivers flow through it. Because of its rich soil, much rice is grown here. Bontoc also produces abaca, copra, and tobacco.

Bontoc's Barangays: Local Communities

Bontoc is divided into 40 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has its own smaller sections. These are called puroks and sometimes sitios.

Bontoc's Weather: What to Expect

Bontoc's People: Population Facts

Bontoc's Economy: How People Make a Living

Bontoc is classified as a 4th class municipality. This ranking shows its income level.

An old house in Barangay Paku.