Baybay is a municipality located in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It is often called by the locals as the “City of Baybay” and it is preferred by the local government officials. It is the largest town in the province in terms of land area. Covering an area of 46,050 hectares, Baybay is composed of 92 barangays, 23 of which are in the poblacion. The remaining 69 are rural barangays. It is situated on the western coast of the province of Leyte.
It has a Type 4 climate, which is generally wet. Its topography is generally mountainous in the eastern portion as it slopes down west towards the shore line. Generally an agricultural city, the common means of livelihood are farming and fishing. Some are engaged in hunting and in forestal activities. The most common crops grown are rice, corn, abaca, root crops, fruits, and vegetables. Various cottage industries can also be found in Baybay such as bamboo and rattan craft, ceramics, dress-making, fiber craft, food preservation, mat weaving, metal craft, fine Philippine furniture manufacturing and other related activities.
Baybay is a major port on the central west coast of Leyte, Philippines, where ferries leave for Cebu and other islands. With the mountains in the background and the typical old Spanish church with the nice bell tower dominating the town, it makes a most attractive and beautiful picture seen at dawn from a ship just arriving in port.
Baybay has great potential as a tourist destination. It is not only rich in biodiversity and history it also houses the campus of the Visayas State University. Likewise, it has river systems fit for river cruising, numerous caves for spelunking, forests, beaches, and marine treasures. This richness coupled with the friendly Baybayanos will be an element for a successful tourism program. Considering the role of tourism in development, Baybay intends to harness its tourism potential. It is also famous of its delicious marinated chicken barbecue served at the Restaurants located at the Baywalk wherein one can enjoy the seabreeze while munching the juicy and filling barbecues. It also has the taste of a highly urbanized town through a food chain (Jollibee-Baybay) which is known among Filipinos all throughout the globe.
Experience nature’s tranquil beauty in Baybay! Baybay is an exceptionally beautiful and interesting place with its majestic mountains highly diverse forest and marine ecosystems, caves, rivers, waterfalls and beaches. It has river systems fit for cruising. As one of the towns first established by the Spaniards, Baybay boast of its ancestral houses and the 18th Century Immaculate Conception Church. Likewise, Brgy. Punta, now known as “Lungsod Daan” (Old Town), houses one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Brgy. Pomponan on the otherhand, is frequented by devotees for its miraculous St. Anthony de Padua. It also houses the campus of the Visayas State University – a renowned agricultural school that is at the forefront of the agricultural advancement and excellence. This richness in natural wonders, coupled with friendly Baybayanons makes Baybay an interesting destination.
According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 95,630 people in 19,517 households.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baybay
