I am an Ormocanon since birth. I nurture, learned and mold from this city. Maybe some of you here never heard the place before; let me show you how beautifully my city is.
The City of Ormoc is a 1st class city in the province of Leyte, Philippines. The city's name is derived from ogmok, an old Visayan term for lowland or depressed plain. It is the first non-provincial city of the Philippines. Ormoc is the economic, cultural, commercial and transportation hub of Western Leyte.
Ormoc City is an independent component city, not subject to regulation from the Provincial Government of Leyte. However, the city is part of the congressional district IV of Leyte together with Albuera, Kananga, Merida, and Isabel towns.
The natives of my city are called Ormocanons, with most being Cebuano speakers together with the whole western part of Leyte Island. The people relate more to neighboring towns and Cebu than to eastern Leyte itself.
Ormoc City's economic base is a good mix of agriculture like sugar cane, rice and pineapple where are the bulk produce of the agricultural sector, aquaculture, industry, tourism, and commercial services. The city enjoys economic growth because it supplies the whole country of its power needs due to the abundant geothermal power resources in Tongonan and neighboring Kananga town. Ormoc is also the gateway to the Leyte Industrial Development Estate in the nearby town of Isabel, home of the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Plant, the largest fertilizer factory in Asia, and the Philippine Associated Smelter and Refining Company, the country's biggest copper processing plant, among other industries.
The natives of my city are called Ormocanons, with most being Cebuano speakers together with the whole western part of Leyte Island. The people relate more to neighboring towns and Cebu than to eastern Leyte itself.
Ormoc City's economic base is a good mix of agriculture like sugar cane, rice and pineapple where are the bulk produce of the agricultural sector, aquaculture, industry, tourism, and commercial services. The city enjoys economic growth because it supplies the whole country of its power needs due to the abundant geothermal power resources in Tongonan and neighboring Kananga town. Ormoc is also the gateway to the Leyte Industrial Development Estate in the nearby town of Isabel, home of the Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Plant, the largest fertilizer factory in Asia, and the Philippine Associated Smelter and Refining Company, the country's biggest copper processing plant, among other industries.
Ormoc City is a port city and is the largest city by land area in Leyte and second largest in Eastern Visayas after Calbayog City in Samar. Numerous rivers and streams traverse Ormoc. One of them is the Anilao River which borders the eastern flanks of Ormoc City Proper.
The river control structures along Anilao and Malbasag Rivers gave way to the rivers new facade. After the Ormoc Tragedy in 1991, this grants-in-aid project of the Japan Government was constructed in 2001 with almost P1.0 billion in budget and nearly P300 million from the Philippine government. The project aimed to provide sufficient protection against floods and ensure safety of Ormocanons living near the river and in the city proper. The walkway along the length of the structure was transformed into a riverwalk in 2006, with concrete slabs lining the pavement turning the walkway into a river park where people can stroll and enjoy the river view. Elegant lampposts were also installed for nighttime illumination creating a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
The river control structures along Anilao and Malbasag Rivers gave way to the rivers new facade. After the Ormoc Tragedy in 1991, this grants-in-aid project of the Japan Government was constructed in 2001 with almost P1.0 billion in budget and nearly P300 million from the Philippine government. The project aimed to provide sufficient protection against floods and ensure safety of Ormocanons living near the river and in the city proper. The walkway along the length of the structure was transformed into a riverwalk in 2006, with concrete slabs lining the pavement turning the walkway into a river park where people can stroll and enjoy the river view. Elegant lampposts were also installed for nighttime illumination creating a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.
Anilao River
Ormoc City celebrates annual fiesta in honor of the patron saints Saint Peter and Saint Paul on June 28 and 29. The church had recently undergone a major renovation in preparation of being converted into a cathedral. The church golden main altar and beautifully-painted interior add to its overall appeal that draws more churchgoers and devotees.
Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is the oldest church in the city was constructed way back in 1556 when the Jesuit missionaries first set foot in Ormoc. This marked the prelude to centuries of Christian evangelization in Ormoc. Ogmoc was originally attached to her mother town Palompon that attained parochial independence from Hilongos on Nov. 12, 1784. A month after Ormoc became a municipality on Feb. 26, 1834, the Ormoc Catholic Parish with Saints Peter and Paul as its patron was formally inaugurated.
Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is the oldest church in the city was constructed way back in 1556 when the Jesuit missionaries first set foot in Ormoc. This marked the prelude to centuries of Christian evangelization in Ormoc. Ogmoc was originally attached to her mother town Palompon that attained parochial independence from Hilongos on Nov. 12, 1784. A month after Ormoc became a municipality on Feb. 26, 1834, the Ormoc Catholic Parish with Saints Peter and Paul as its patron was formally inaugurated.
The commercial service sector in the city is on the upswing. Banks, restaurants, cafes, night spots, and sports centers dot the city. There are sizable shopping centers in Ormoc City, one them is the newly developed Gaisano Riverside Mall. There are also many giftshops, videoshops, cellshops, pawnshops, bookstores, and whole-sale stores around the city. TV, radio, internet, telecommunication companies and land and sea transport are available year-round. Ormoc Airport has direct flights to Manila.
Ormoc is the educational centre for western Leyte. It has a range of primary and secondary schools, both public and private. Tertiary education was originally offered by St. Peter's College of Ormoc, a Benedictine-run Catholic college and the oldest, followed by Western Leyte College, a private non-sectarian college. In the 1990s, the city saw the establishment of Sto. Niño College and the STI computer college. In the 2000s, tertiary institutions founded were AMA Computer Learning Center, Ormoc City School of Arts and Trades, San Lorenzo Ruiz College, SYNTACS Computer College, Ormoc City Institute of Technology (OCIT) and the Ormoc campus of the Eastern Visayas State University.
New Ormoc City Hall is a 3-storey city hall has a total floor area of 14, 783. 74 meter squared in a lot area of 11, 580 meter squared. The edifice has great structural features. It is called the green building for it is an environment friendly. It used energy-saving resources more efficiently. It has exterior metal cladding, inverter type conditioning units, modular office partition, workstation office furniture, mechanical type mobile filing system, compact fluorescent lamps and other state of the art facilities. The building is located at Y. Aunubing St. Government Center.
Infront of Gaisano Riverside Mall located at Brgy. Alegria.
Mall's parking lot.
Brodeth One Stop Shop located at Lilia Avenue, Brgy. Cogon.
Ormoc Centrum located at Aviles St.
Supercat. Daily trip from Cebu-Ormoc/Ormoc-Cebu.
New Ormoc City Hall is a 3-storey city hall has a total floor area of 14, 783. 74 meter squared in a lot area of 11, 580 meter squared. The edifice has great structural features. It is called the green building for it is an environment friendly. It used energy-saving resources more efficiently. It has exterior metal cladding, inverter type conditioning units, modular office partition, workstation office furniture, mechanical type mobile filing system, compact fluorescent lamps and other state of the art facilities. The building is located at Y. Aunubing St. Government Center.
Ormoc City streets.
Aviles Street
Real Street
Burgos corner Bonifacio Street
Tourism highlights include:
Lake Danao is a violin shaped mountain lake with a total area of approximately 139 hectares. Hemmed by the cloud-capped Mindiwin mountain range, the lake is 15 kilometers northeast of the city proper and half an hour drive along the national highway going to Tongonan. It is approximately 700 meters above sea level. Its murky green waters harmoniously blend with the verdant green forests of the surrounding hills.
The lake's placid water is ideal for boating or kayaking, and fishing. The surrounding forest, on the other hand, contains a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is perfect for trekking or camping. The recreational park set within its cool and invigorating climate make it among the leading adventure destination of the country.
The lake's placid water is ideal for boating or kayaking, and fishing. The surrounding forest, on the other hand, contains a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is perfect for trekking or camping. The recreational park set within its cool and invigorating climate make it among the leading adventure destination of the country.
Leyte Geothermal Power Field is a valley of geothermal power source that can supply electricity to the whole region. The first geothermal plant to operate in the Philippines. It is the country's largest geothermal powerhouse and the virtual linchpin in the national electric highway throughout the entire archipelago. The production field lies in a 2,244 hectares area within the 107,625 hectares reservation. Its five (5) power plants produce 708 megawatts geothermal capacity which is 37% of the estimated gross potential reserves of the country at 5,000 megawatts. It accounts 60% of the country's installed capacity of 1,911 megawatts. It provides electricity to southern parts of Luzon, to the Visayas and to the northern parts of Mindanao via sub-sea cables.
Leyte Golf and Country Club. Overlooking the Ormoc bay with a backdrop of majestic mountains and rolling hills, lays the Leyte Golf and Country Club. The course is located 7 kilometers from the heart of Ormoc City. It is a premier golfing resort covering more than 80 hectares of semi-rolling terrain nestled on a plateau with palms, coconut, fruit-bearing trees and flowering shrubs. The course challenges your style of play, yet relaxes you as you traverse its lush green fairways.
Pineapple Plantation lies in 210 hectares in rolling terrain located north of the city Brgy. Hibunawon. Ormoc's Queen Pineapple is famous for its sweetness, a favourite pasalubong, and the unofficial icon of the city.
Veteran's and Centennial Park, located in the city, is a leisure and picnic ground for the young and old alike. It was constructed in early 1990s in honor of the Filipino soldiers who fought for the liberation of Leyte and the Philippines. The Centennial Marker was erected in 1998 to commemorate the 100th year of Philippine independence. One gets a good view of the bay, the port and the plaza from this point. It is a favorite rendezvous for the young and old alike for picnics and leisurely strolls on its verdant lawn. And from here, one can experience the refreshing breeze from the sea and witness the magnificent beauty of the sunset.
Ormoc City Superdome, situated within the city fronting the Ormoc Bay. This imposing structure has an area of 3,782 square meters with a 5,000-person capacity equipped with modern facilities. This modern structure is a magnificent venue for socio-cultural activities such as conventions, conferences, concerts, basketball and volleyball tournaments and other related activities.
Sabin Resort Hotel, situated along the southern coastal portion of Ormoc City, spread out in a flat two hectare terrain. It became a favorite relaxation place for most of the city folks. The resort has a quality of openness that gives one an encompassing view of a huge ectomorphic swimming pool and a panoramic mountainous range of merida where the sun sets everyday to change its monochromatic tints that turns the hotel grounds into a lush setting.
Being one of Ormoc's finest, if not the city's pride, Sabin Resort Hotel gives life and comfort to all who seek refuge and rest from the maddening crowd, making the hotel true to its mission.. a home away from home!
Hotel Don Felipe is situated near the city port.
Ormoc City is a consistent winner of the Cleanest and Greenest City program of the DILG from 1995 to the present. The Asian Institute of Management's study titled The Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2005 ranked the city first in 'infrastructure' and tenth in 'dynamism of local economy' among small cities of the Philippines. The city also garnered the 2005 Most Business-Friendly City award in the Visayas by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ormoc City Superdome, situated within the city fronting the Ormoc Bay. This imposing structure has an area of 3,782 square meters with a 5,000-person capacity equipped with modern facilities. This modern structure is a magnificent venue for socio-cultural activities such as conventions, conferences, concerts, basketball and volleyball tournaments and other related activities.
Sabin Resort Hotel, situated along the southern coastal portion of Ormoc City, spread out in a flat two hectare terrain. It became a favorite relaxation place for most of the city folks. The resort has a quality of openness that gives one an encompassing view of a huge ectomorphic swimming pool and a panoramic mountainous range of merida where the sun sets everyday to change its monochromatic tints that turns the hotel grounds into a lush setting.
Being one of Ormoc's finest, if not the city's pride, Sabin Resort Hotel gives life and comfort to all who seek refuge and rest from the maddening crowd, making the hotel true to its mission.. a home away from home!
Hotel Don Felipe is situated near the city port.
Ormoc City is a consistent winner of the Cleanest and Greenest City program of the DILG from 1995 to the present. The Asian Institute of Management's study titled The Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2005 ranked the city first in 'infrastructure' and tenth in 'dynamism of local economy' among small cities of the Philippines. The city also garnered the 2005 Most Business-Friendly City award in the Visayas by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Photo credit to Harvey Jun Misa, Miquicar Photostudio, Mell Aparis, Alan Noval, Jam Mae Kim Sagrado and Gerry Ruiz for the photos, Wikipedia and Ormoc Tourism for the source.
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