Sogod, Southern Leyte facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sogod
Municipality
Municipality of Sogod
Skyline from the shore
Flag Seal
Map of Southern Leyte with Sogod highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Sogod 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	September 6, 1571 (as a District the Leyte encomienda); 1603 (as a Catholic mission station)
Established	May 18, 1700 (as a barangay)
Incorporated	June 10, 1853 (as a municipality)
Barangays	45 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
Area
• Total	192.70 km2 (74.40 sq mi)
Elevation	115 m (377 ft)
Highest elevation	908 m (2,979 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	47,552
• Density	246.767/km2 (639.124/sq mi)
• Households	10,959
Demonym(s)	Sogodnon
Economy
• Income class	1st municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	24.68 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 284.1 million (2022)
• Assets	₱ 823.2 million (2022)
• Expenditure	₱ 214.4 million (2022)
• Liabilities	₱ 381.9 million (2022)
Service provider
• Electricity	Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	6606
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

Sogod is a busy municipality in the province of Southern Leyte, Philippines. It's a "1st income class municipality," which means it's one of the richer and more developed towns. In 2020, about 47,552 people lived there.

The name Sogod comes from the Cebuano word meaning "to start." It was first set up as a Catholic mission in 1601 and became a proper town on June 10, 1853.

Sogod is located along the main highway that runs through the Philippines. It's about 126 kilometers (78 miles) south of Tacloban City, which is the main city in the Eastern Visayas region. The town has rugged mountains to the north and many rivers in its southern lowlands. Sogod is known as a center for trade and business in its part of Leyte. It's also home to Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) and Saint Thomas Aquinas College (STAC).

History of Sogod

Learning about Sogod's past can be a bit tricky because many old records are from Spanish missionaries. These records show how the Catholic Church greatly influenced the town's culture, politics, and daily life.

Early Beginnings

Old stories say that Sogod was first located near the mouth of the Subangdaku River. It was part of a larger area called Seilani. Around 1544, a Spanish explorer named Ruy López de Villalobos heard about a big town called Sugut where Chinese ships came to trade gold and slaves.

On September 6, 1571, Leyte became an encomienda (a land grant given by the Spanish). Sogod was already part of this system by 1582, though it was sometimes called Tugud or Tugut.

Jesuit Missionaries Arrive

The first Christian missionaries in Leyte were the Augustinians in 1580. But because there weren't enough of them, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) took over in 1595. They started setting up mission stations in northern Leyte.

Around the early 1600s, the Jesuits moved south. Padre Fabrizio Sersali, an Italian Jesuit, planned to set up missions in Sogod and other areas. In November 1602, he found the town of Panaon empty, as people thought missionaries were cannibals.

Later, Padre Sersali met Bancao, a local leader, in Sogod. Bancao's grandchildren were very sick. After the priest prayed for them, they got better. Because of this, Bancao's family was baptized. In 1603, a simple chapel was built near the shore. This event was the start of Christianity in Sogod.

How Sogod Got Its Name

During the 15th and 18th centuries, Muslim raiders from Mindanao often attacked Leyte's shores. To protect themselves, a watchtower was built in Sogod.

The town's name, Sogod, is believed to have come from this time. Bancao, a skilled fisherman, was known for his amazing net-casting. When he would cast his net perfectly, people would shout "Sogod, sogod!" which means "to begin!" This phrase became the town's name.

Another idea is that Sogod comes from sú.gut, meaning "to comply" or "to consent." This fits with Sogod being a trading town where people agreed on prices.

Attacks from Raiders

In August 1603, a fleet of 70 boats attacked towns in Leyte, but a storm saved Sogod and Cabalian.

Around 1622, a local spiritual leader named Tamblot started a rebellion in Bohol, which spread to Leyte. Bancao, who had welcomed the Spanish earlier, joined this rebellion. He returned to his old beliefs and tried to stop the Jesuits from converting people. However, Spanish forces quickly stopped the rebellion, and Bancao was defeated.

Later, in 1632, Padre Ventura Barcena was captured in Sogod and died. In 1634, a large group of raiders attacked many towns in Leyte, including Sogod. The chapel and houses were burned, but Padre Juan Francisco de Luzon and many locals escaped to the mountains.

The Golden Bell and Church Building

The old ruins of the Baluarte (watchtower) used to protect the village of then Sugut from raiders in the 1700s.

Around 1643, Sogod became part of a larger church district. By 1700, Sogod was officially recognized as a visita (a satellite village with a chapel). A concrete church was built in 1718. A watchtower was also built near Sogod Bay.

Local stories say the church and watchtower had a bell made of pure gold, called the Kampanang Bulaw. Before an attack in 1754, the bell was rung to warn villagers. It was then buried in the rice fields or thrown into quicksand and has never been found.

After the 1754 attack, Sogod and nearby villages became part of the municipality of Maasin. Priests from Cabalian and Maasin took turns looking after Sogod. In 1768, the Jesuits left the Philippines, and the Augustinians returned to Leyte.

Augustinian Influence

The Augustinians faced challenges, as many Leyteños preferred living in the countryside. They moved town centers and built new roads and stone churches. They also focused on education, building schools in Sogod and other towns between 1768 and 1804.

In 1771, 17 families from Bohol settled in Sogod's southeastern coast, founding the village of Libagon.

By 1778, only seven priests served 18 parishes in Leyte. Padre Tomas Sanchez and Padre Vicente Rodriguez were in charge of Sogod and nearby eastern towns. Padre Rodriguez rebuilt a mission house and church in Sogod.

In the mid-1800s, diocesan priests from Cebu took over the Cebuano-speaking areas of Leyte, including Sogod.

Sogod Becomes a Town

Leaders from Sogod, Maak, and Buntuk met on January 15, 1853, to ask for Sogod to become an independent town. They wanted the town center to be in Sogod because of its central location. Their request was approved on June 10, 1853. Don Juan Cavales became Sogod's first gobernadorcillo (like a town mayor).

In 1870, Don Gabriel Ydjao, a leader from Libagon, moved the town center to Libagon, renaming it Sogod Nuevo (New Sogod) and the original Sogod as Sogod Viejo (Old Sogod). The parish church also moved to Libagon. It stayed there until January 1924, when it was moved back to Sogod.

American Era and World War II

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Philippines experienced several wars, including the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War. In Leyte, General Ambrocio Mojica led guerrilla warfare against the Americans. Sogod, with Libagon as its center, was part of the fourth military zone.

After the wars, Don Benito Faelnar became the presidente municipal (municipal president) of Sogod in 1903 and moved the town center back to Sogod. In 1904, Don Ladislao Decenteceo moved it again to Consolacion, his home village. However, in 1912, the town center was permanently returned to Sogod.

On October 16, 1913, Libagon became its own municipality.

During World War II, the Japanese occupied the Philippines. Sogod was not heavily guarded by the Japanese, allowing local resistance forces to organize. However, there were political problems within the town's leadership. After the war, Francisco Villamor became the mayor.

Leaders of Sogod

Sogod has been led by many officials over the years. Here are some of the key leaders:

History of Barangays

The annual Sogod Founding Day Celebration Agro-Fair held every June 10, displays and sells some of the town’s agricultural produce.

Sogod is made up of many smaller areas called barangays. Each has its own unique story:

• Benit: Named after baknet or benit, a wild raspberry. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Buac Daku and Buac Gamay: Buac comes from ilang-ilang, a tree with fragrant flowers. It's now split into two villages.
• Cabadbaran: Named after the badba-an shrub or tree. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Consolacion: This area was once part of Maac. Its name means "relief" or "joy" because the land's produce brought happiness to farmers. It became a barangay in 1883.
• Dagsa: Its name means "to swarm" or "to flock," as people gathered here. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Hibod-Hibod: Named after tubod, meaning "springs," which are found in the village. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Hindangan: Named after the hindang or anubing tree, which marked the settlement. It became a village in 1959.
• Hipantag: This inland barangay was established in 1965.
• Immaculada Concepcion (Concepcion I) and La Purissima Concepcion (Concepcion II): Named after their patroness, the Immaculate Conception. This large farming village was divided into two in 1959 to improve government services.
• Kahupian: The largest and northernmost barangay, known for abaca and copra. Its name comes from kalapi, a palm fruit that grew abundantly. It was created in 1971.
• Kanangkaan: Named after the nangka (jackfruit) trees that grew there. It was founded in 1952.
• Kauswagan: Its name means "progress" in Cebuano. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Libas: Named after the libas tree. It was founded by upland farmers in the 1930s.
• Lum-an: Known for its waterfalls, this village was once a sitio of Libas.
• Maac: One of Sogod's oldest barangays, founded in 1730. Its name might come from maag or maa, meaning "river current," due to the many rivers in the area.
• Mabicay: Named after a couple, Mabini and Ikay, who were known for farming root crops. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Magatas: Its name comes from gatason ("milkish"), referring to the whitish color of a nearby stream. It was established in 1942.
• Mahayahay, Maria Plana and Javier: Mahayahay means "to breathe easily" or "to feel refreshed," named after an elder who enjoyed the sea breeze. Maria Plana was created from Mahayahay in 1959. Javier, named after the Javier family and a respected teacher, was formed in 1972.
• Malinao: Its name means "clear," referring to a large, clear reservoir. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Milagroso: Its name means "miraculous," from a legend about water gushing from the soil where a plant was planted. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Olisihan: Named after the olisi trees that grew abundantly. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Pancho Villa: Originally called Pinamonoan, meaning "convergence" of rivers. It was renamed in honor of the Filipino boxer Pancho Villa in 1959.
• Pandan: Named after the pandan plants that grew in the area.
• Rizal: Named "Rizal" because the area was at the end of the town's main street. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Salvacion: Created in 1973 from Consolacion, named after Salvacion Oppus-Yñiguez, a former governor.
• San Francisco Mabuhay: Named after Francisco Garlet, who helped make it a barangay, and the shouts of "Mabuhay!" (long live!) during its declaration. It was formally organized in 1959.
• San Isidro: Originally Malupao, it was renamed after Saint Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of farmers.
• San Jose: Originally Sudlonon ("a place located in the interior"), it was renamed after Saint Joseph, its patron saint. It became a barangay in 1959.
• San Juan: Formerly Agta, named after a legendary creature. It was renamed after Saint John the Baptist, its patron saint. It became a barangay in 1959.
• San Miguel: Originally Batang, referring to fallen logs in the river. It was renamed after Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of Argao, Cebu, where many settlers came from.
• San Pedro: One of Sogod's oldest visitas, founded in 1857. Its name Hipgasan might come from hugasan ("a place where settlers washed their spears"). It was renamed after Saint Peter the Apostle in 1955.
• San Roque: Formerly Himaylag, named after a stream. It was renamed after Saint Roch, its patron saint, who is believed to have cured a village chief.
• San Vicente: Originally Anas ("landslides") due to frequent landslips. It was renamed after Saint Vincent Ferrer, its patron saint. It became a barangay in 1959.
• Santa Maria: Named after the Santa Maria fruit that grew there. It was created from Libas in 1959.
• Suba: Originally Tindahan ("mini-grocery"). Its name means "river," referring to the Subangdaku River that flows through it.
• Tampoong: Its name comes from tampo-tampo, meaning that everyone contributed ideas to name the village. It was formed after Santa Cruz was divided in 1950.
• Zone I: The main residential, educational, and commercial area. Formerly San Antonio, it was renamed Zone I in 1973.
• Zone II: Known as Kalanggaman ("a haven for birds"). It was created as a district in 1973.
• Zone III: This historic barangay was formerly Baluarte, named after a watchtower. It was renamed after Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in 1992. It's a commercial center.
• Zone IV: An inner residential and commercial area, created in 1973.
• Zone V: A large district with commercial establishments, created in 1973.

Geography of Sogod

Sogod covers about 192.70 square kilometers (74.40 square miles). It is located in the northern part of Southern Leyte province, facing Sogod Bay. It's about 72 kilometers (45 miles) east of Maasin City, the provincial capital.

Rice paddies in barangay Salvacion with the Abuyog-Liloan Cordillera in the background. Wide plains characterize much of the south-eastern terrain of the town.

The town is bordered by Mahaplag to the north, Silago, Hinunangan, and Saint Bernard to the east. To the southeast is Libagon. To the south is Sogod Bay, and to the southwest is Bontoc. To the west are Bato, Hindang, Hilongos, and Inopacan.

The mountains to the north separate Leyte and Southern Leyte. The eastern and western slopes act as barriers. The southern part of Sogod has many rivers and creeks.

Barangays of Sogod

Sogod is divided into 45 barangays. Each barangay has smaller areas called puroks and some have sitios.

Land Features

Sogod has flat to gently rolling plains in the south, with rivers flowing through the lowlands. The Subangdaku and San Francisco rivers are the main waterways. Their sources are in the Leyte Cordillera mountains, and they flow south into Sogod Bay.

Many springs are found in the town, like Magaupas Spring in Pandan and Banat-e Spring in San Pedro, which provide water for the residents.

The northern part of Sogod has rugged mountains with thick rainforests. These forests are home to rare animals like the Philippine Eagle and Tarsier. Five of Southern Leyte's 24 mountains are in Sogod.

Recently, two new types of frogs were found in the Nacolod Mountain Range, which is part of the Leyte Cordillera.

Three mountain ranges separate Sogod from other towns:

• The Baybay-Maasin Cordillera has rolling hills and plains with coconut and abaca plantations.
• The Abuyog-Liloan Cordillera is known for endangered animals. This area has faced deforestation, leading to river flooding and landslides.
• The Mahaplag Cordillera is similar to the Abuyog-Liloan range and is home to rare plants and animals.

Sogod is a coastal town, and the bay it faces is named after it. Sogod Bay is rich in fish and provides food and jobs for the local people.

Subangdaku River

The view of Subangdaku River, as seen from the Subangdaku I Bridge in barangay Suba.

The Subangdaku River is the largest river in Southern Leyte. It's a "braided river," meaning it has many channels that split and rejoin. This causes sediments to be deposited during typhoon season, making the river swell.

In 1951, Typhoon Amy caused severe flooding, sweeping away villages and animals. Logs and bodies were seen in Sogod Bay. For months, people avoided eating fish from the bay.

Today, strong floods are less common. Some farmlands were even recovered after parts of the river dried up due to quarrying (removing sand and gravel) and rechanneling (changing the river's path). The river naturally changes its course over time.

Quarrying in the river has been a big issue. While it's meant to help control the river, some believe it causes environmental problems. In 2001, Typhoon Nanang damaged a road, and some blamed the quarrying. Environmental groups have investigated these concerns.

The provincial government has called for a stop to quarrying operations due to violations. They want to redraw the areas for extraction. However, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) says the provincial government can only recommend, not directly suspend, operations.

Sogod Bay

An aerial view of Sogod Bay from Milagroso hill. Every Lenten season, Catholics flock at the summit of the hill for the reenactment of the passion and death of Christ. The trail, leading to the summit of the hill, which starts from the national high school in barangay San Roque, is complete with life-size statues depicting the stations of the cross.

Sogod is located at the head of Sogod Bay. This bay is home to many kinds of fish, providing food and jobs for the people of Sogod and nearby towns.

The Subangdaku River flows into Sogod Bay. Human activities like quarrying and improper waste disposal have affected the bay's environment.

Climate of Sogod

Sogod has a climate where seasons aren't very distinct. The average monthly temperature is between 23.6°C and 25.4°C (74.5°F and 77.7°F). Rainfall ranges from 147 to 351 millimeters (5.8 to 13.8 inches) per month.

Most of Sogod has a Type II climate, meaning there's no dry season, and the heaviest rains are from November to January. A small western part of Sogod has a Type IV climate, with rainfall spread more evenly throughout the year.

Population and Culture

Population Trends

In the 2015 Philippine National Census, Sogod's population was over 45,000. Zone V is the most populated barangay, followed by Zone III and Maac. Lum-an has the fewest people.

Some barangays like Pandan, Rizal, San Jose, San Miguel, San Pedro, San Roque, and Tampoong are growing due to people moving in. However, mountain barangays like Benit, Lum-an, and Hindangan are seeing their populations decrease. This happens because people move to the town center or other cities for jobs and better services. This movement is called Rural Exodus.

Languages and Ethnicity

Most people in Sogod are of Boholano and Cebuano descent. The main language spoken is Cebuano, often with a Boholano accent because of the town's closeness to Bohol province. Waray-Waray and Surigaonon are also spoken. However, Tagalog is used when talking to people from other ethnic groups.

Many locals also understand English and Spanish.

Economy of Sogod

Gaisano Capital Sogod is the largest department store in the province.

Sogod's economy relies a lot on money from the national government. However, the town's own income from local taxes has been growing each year. Sogod is now considered a developed municipality.

In 2012, Sogod received ₱64,820,215.00 from the national government and earned ₱24,200,000.00 locally. This made it one of the fastest-growing economies in the province.

Gaisano Capital Group, a large shopping mall chain, opened its first branch in Southern Leyte in Sogod on June 10, 2011, during the town's 158th founding anniversary.

Banking Services

Local Industries

Manufacturing and Trade

The port of Sogod

Manufacturing in Sogod is mostly small-scale. This includes making charcoal from coconut shells, abaca products, ceramics, and furniture. They also produce hollow blocks, gravel, and sand. Major export products are copra (dried coconut meat), abaca fiber, and handicrafts made from abaca.

Minerals Southern Leyte has metallic mineral reserves, and Sogod has deposits of magnesite, gold, silver, and copper. However, Sogod's mountains are not fully explored, and the soil is not ideal for mining.

Metalwork Local metalwork includes blacksmithing to make tools like bolos and machetes. Metal shops also create steel window grills and other household items. They also repair vehicle bodies and make metal parts for pump boats used in the bay.

Media and Communication

Two local newspapers circulate in Sogod: the Southern Leyte Times (English) and the Southern Leyte Balita (Cebuano). These newspapers are based in Maasin and provide news about Southern Leyte and Leyte. National newspapers like the Philippine Daily Inquirer are also available.

Radio Stations

Sogod has two radio stations: Radyo ng Bayan Sogod (DYSL-FM 104.7), which is part of the Philippine Broadcasting Service, and Radyo Natin Sogod (DYSC 101.1 FM).

Cable Television

Maasin Cable TV provides 40 to 50 channels to homes in Sogod. Other cable operators like Dream Satellite TV and Cignal Digital TV also serve the town.

Government and Politics

Municipal Officials

The newly-constructed Sogod Municipal Hall replaced the old town hall built during the Marcos regime.

The local government of Sogod has elected officials for its executive and legislative branches. As of the 2019 elections, Imelda Uy-Tan is the municipal mayor, and Jose Ramil Golo is the vice mayor. The Tan family has been active in Sogod politics since 2004.

The Municipal Council members are:

• Rogelyn Paranas
• Ely Faelnar
• Jose Autida
• Nilo Casil
• Tommy Dejarme
• Ellyn Villa
• Rufo Caindoy-Olo
• Patrick Feliano

Political Divisions

Sogod Municipal Trial Court alongside the municipal jail.

Sogod is divided into 45 barangays. Ten of these make up the poblacion (town proper): Rizal, San Jose, San Pedro, San Roque, Tampoong, Zone I, Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V.

Kahupian is the largest barangay by land area. Other large villages like San Francisco Mabuhay, Hipantag, and Kauswagan are mostly reached by habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) on feeder roads.

Most of the smaller barangays are in the densely populated poblacion area.

Barangays of Sogod

These are the subdistricts that make up the municipality of Sogod:

PSGC	Barangay	Population			±% p.a.
				2010
086417001	Benit	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	70	328	▾	−9.63%
086417002	Buac Daku	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	127	101	▴	1.51%
086417003	Buac Gamay	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	769	742	▴	0.23%
086417004	Cabadbaran	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	196	179	▴	0.60%
086417006	Consolacion	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,246	1,161	▴	0.46%
086417007	Dagsa	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	483	483		0.00%
086417008	Hibodhibod	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	432	368	▴	1.06%
086417009	Hindangan	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	123	125	▾	−0.11%
086417010	Hipantag	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	313	298	▴	0.32%
086417005	Inmaculada Concepcion (Concepcion I)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,246	1,179	▴	0.36%
086417011	Javier	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	762	721	▴	0.36%
086417012	Kahupian	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,456	1,363	▴	0.43%
086417013	Kanangkaan	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	351	309	▴	0.84%
071247013	Kauswagan	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	365	321	▴	0.85%
071247014	La Purisima Concepcion (Concepcion II)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,153	1,075	▴	0.46%
071247015	Libas	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,876	1,865	▴	0.04%
071247016	Lum-an	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	143	127	▴	0.78%
071247017	Maac	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,811	1,788	▴	0.08%
071247018	Mabicay	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	822	719	▴	0.88%
071247019	Magatas	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,285	1,139	▴	0.79%
071247020	Mahayahay	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	977	914	▴	0.44%
071247021	Malinao	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	503	497	▴	0.08%
071247022	Maria Plana	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	236	234	▴	0.06%
071247023	Milagroso	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	700	657	▴	0.42%
071247024	Olisihan	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	540	440	▴	1.35%
071247025	Pancho Villa	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,065	1,030	▴	0.22%
071247026	Pandan	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,412	1,182	▴	1.17%
071247027	Rizal (Poblacion)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	2,028	1,531	▴	1.86%
071247028	Salvacion	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	781	710	▴	0.63%
071247029	San Francisco Mabuhay	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	467	437	▴	0.44%
071247030	San Isidro (Malupao)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,098	1,030	▴	0.42%
071247031	San Jose (Poblacion)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,483	1,326	▴	0.74%
071247032	San Juan (Agta)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	720	668	▴	0.49%
071247033	San Miguel (Batang)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,586	1,269	▴	1.47%
071247034	San Pedro (Poblacion; Hipgasan)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,867	1,707	▴	0.59%
071247034	San Roque (Poblacion; Maylag)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,717	1,528	▴	0.77%
071247034	San Vicente	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	204	189	▴	0.50%
071247034	Santa Maria	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	217	209	▴	0.25%
071247034	Suba	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,216	1,031	▴	1.09%
071247034	Tampoong (Poblacion)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,989	1,622	▴	1.35%
071247034	Zone I (Poblacion; San Antonio)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	1,567	1,531	▴	0.15%
071247034	Zone II (Poblacion; Kalanggaman)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	857	821	▴	0.28%
071247034	Zone III (Poblacion; San Lorenzo Ruiz)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	2,359	2,138	▴	0.65%
071247034	Zone IV (Poblacion)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	470	462	▴	0.11%
071247034	Zone V (Poblacion)	Expression error: Missing operand for /.%	3,902	3,536	▴	0.65%
	Total			41,411		Expression error: Unexpected < operator.%

Religion in Sogod

Religions in Sogod Roman Catholicism    93% Protestantism    6.6% Islam    0.4% The Most Reverend Precioso D. Cantillas, SDB, DD (left), bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maasin, and Monsignor Nestor Astillo, PC (right), parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church of Sogod, presided the Pontifical Mass for the annual town fiesta last December 15, 2013. The Holy Child Parish Church in barangay Consolacion.

Most people in Sogod (about 93%) belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Other Christian groups like the Seventh-day Adventist Church, United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), and Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) make up the rest. The Immaculate Conception Parish in Rizal is one of the largest churches in the province.

Catholic Parishes in Sogod

The Roman Catholic Church has a long history in Sogod, brought by Jesuit missionaries in the early 1600s. Sogod became an independent parish in 1869. Since 1967, the church in Sogod has been divided into two parishes:

• Holy Child Parish, in barangay Consolacion
• Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, in barangay Rizal

Sogod is also the center of the Vicariate of the Immaculate Conception, which includes six parishes.

Holy Child Parish

The Holy Child Parish in Consolacion has about 12,261 residents, with over 10,658 Catholics. This parish was established in 1967. It has many active religious groups.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Parish

The newly-renovated facade of the Immaculate Conception Parish Church. The Immaculate Conception Shrine, which stood beside the parish rectory, was recently demolished to make way for a multi-purpose covered court. The statue of the revered patroness of the town, the Immaculate Conception, is displayed in the church sanctuary during the town fiesta, which falls every December 14 and 15.

As of 2016, the Immaculate Conception Parish has about 31,148 residents, with over 27,449 Catholics. This parish is the "mother-parish" for other church districts, including those in Bontoc and Libagon.

The church building was first in Zone III, then moved to Zone I, and finally to its current location in Rizal.

Education in Sogod

Statistics on Education
Literacy Rate	98%
Pre-Elementary :	Public: 28 Private: 6
Elementary :	Public: 28 Private: 7
Secondary :	Public: 3 Private: 1
Tertiary :	Public: 1 Private: 2

Sogod's schools are divided into two districts: Sogod (Sogod Central School) for the west and Consolacion (Consolacion Elementary School) for the east.

Formerly known as the Southern Leyte State College of Science and Technology [SLCST], the Southern Leyte State University [SLSU] was converted through the passage of Republic Act No. 9261 on March 7, 2004. The institution is the only state university in the province of Southern Leyte, located at barangay San Roque.

There are four high schools in town: three public National High Schools and one high school run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maasin. Students from northern barangays often travel to the poblacion for high school.

For higher education, Sogod has four colleges.

Elementary Schools

Secondary Schools

Colleges and Universities

Healthcare in Sogod

The Sogod District Hospital is the oldest health care institution in the municipality. The construction of the hospital was envisioned through the provisions stated by the Republic Act No. 2693 dated June 18, 1960.

The Sogod Rural Health Unit (RHU) plans and carries out healthcare programs. It runs several Rural Health Centers (RHC), Barangay Health Stations (BHS), and the Sogod District Hospital (SDH), which has 50 beds. Private doctors also operate three hospitals in Sogod.

Hospitals

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Provincial buses, PUV's and jeepneys picks up and drops off passengers at the Sogod Bus Terminal in barangay Zone III

Jeepneys, habal-habals (motorcycle taxis), and potpots (auto rickshaws) are common ways to get around Sogod. Jeepneys are used for short trips and are a key part of the town's public transport. Here are some jeepney routes:

• Sogod – Bato/Hilongos
• Sogod – Maasin City
• Sogod – Malitbog/Padre Burgos
• Sogod – Tomas Oppus/TONC (Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus)
• Sogod – Paku
• Sogod – Libagon
• Sogod – Himay-angan/Liloan
• Sogod – Saint Bernard/Hinunangan

Habal-habals are motorcycles that can carry many people. They are used to reach inland and distant areas of the municipality. Some of their destinations include:

• Mahaplag town proper
• Polahongon
• Kahupian/Kabernal/Lubong Sapa/Hagna
• San Vicente/San Juan
• Magatas/Benit
• Buac Gamay
• Dagsa
• Matalwa
• Milagroso
• Libas/Kauswagan/Pangi
• Taa/Guinsangaan
• Hilaan/Pamigsian/Beniton
• Paku/Buenavista
• Catmon
• Dao/Mauylab

Blue Potpots thrive at Osmeña street in barangay Zone II.

Potpots are auto rickshaws that can carry 9 to 12 passengers. In Sogod, they come in three colors:

• Blue potpots travel around the poblacion and nearby barangays like Santa Cruz, Mabicay, and San Pedro.
• White potpots cover the western areas of Sogod Bay, including Bontoc and Tomas Oppus.
• Red potpots serve the eastern part of the bay, from San Miguel to Libagon.

Sogod can be reached by land, air, and sea. It's a 3 to 6-hour boat ride from Cebu City (to ports in Bato and Hilongos) and a 3-day drive from Manila via the Pan-Philippine Highway.

You can also fly to Tacloban City’s Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport from Manila, then take a van or bus to Sogod. Buses from Baybay, Maasin, Ormoc, and Tacloban arrive daily at Sogod’s Doctor Gonzalo D. Yong Jr. Bus Terminal. Sogod is an important link between Visayas and Mindanao because it's close to the ports of Liloan and Benit, which have daily trips to Surigao City in Mindanao.

Utilities

Water and Electricity

The Sogod Water District (SWD) manages water services in the town proper, serving over 2,500 homes. Other barangays manage their own water services. Water comes from springs like Magaupas Spring in Pandan and Banat-e Spring in San Pedro, and the Buac-Malinao Reservoir.

Electricity in Sogod is provided by the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SoLeCo). SoLeCo started operating in Sogod on December 26, 1977.

Communications

Globe Telecoms, Smart Communications, and Sun Cellular provide phone, broadband, and wireless internet services in Sogod.

Tourism in Sogod

The pebble beaches in barangay San Jose.

The Gerona Farm in barangay Buac Gamay owned by the Gerona Family.

A stalagmite adorned the entrance of a cavern in Magsuhot Park in barangay Mahayahay.

The main tourist attraction in Sogod is the Agas-Agas Bridge, which is the tallest bridge of its kind in the country. Other places to visit include:

• Banat-e Spring in San Pedro
• CTL Farms in Concepcion
• Dagsa-Pasanon Falls in Dagsa
• Lanao Spring in San Juan
• The Calvary Trail in San Roque and Milagroso, which has life-size statues of the Stations of the Cross.
• The mighty Subangdaku River in Suba and San Miguel.
• The Buac-Malinao Reservoir in Malinao.
• La Caridad Farms in Buac Gamay.
• Labong Cave in Javier.
• The Magapso Fish and Marine Sanctuary in Maac.
• The Manubsuab Falls in Kanangkaan.
• Bagacay Beach in Consolacion.
• The Prima, Cabadoy and Palanca Pebble Beaches in San Jose.

There are also inns and hotels in the town proper.

Agas-Agas Bridge and Adventure Park

The Agas-Agas Bridge has a twin zip line called "Zipline Leyte." It's one of the longest zip lines in the Philippines, stretching diagonally above the bridge and the river below.

Cainting Cave and Falls

Cainting Cave and Falls were found in 2003 by visitors exploring the northern mountains. This cave and waterfall are still mostly untouched by people. The site is where three rivers meet, forming a natural pool. You might find leeches, called limatok, in the water.

You can reach this area by walking about five kilometers (3 miles) from the road in Pancho Villa to San Francisco Mabuhay. Pancho Villa is a 20-minute habal-habal ride from the bus terminal.

Magsuhot Park

The Magsuhot National Park is a 500-hectare (1,235-acre) forested area located three kilometers (1.8 miles) from Mahayahay. It features four waterfalls, each about 20 meters (65 feet) high, that flow into a shared basin. The park is in the barangay of Maria Plana.