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The province of Eastern Samar lies on the eastern portion of Samar island. Surrounded by Northern Samar on the north, Philippine Sea on the east, Samar on the west and Leyte Gulf on the south. Due to its location, the province is within the typhoon belt and the coast is exposed to wilderness.
On March 16, 1521, Eastern Samar was the first province sighted by Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan. His crew named the island Zamal though they established settlement at the town of Homonhon on the south part of the province. The eastern and northern part of Samar was called Ibabao and the town of Borongan became the center of trade and military shaft of the Spaniards in the Pacific region.
Agriculture is the province's main source of industry. Coconut is their primary crops along with cacao, tobacco, rootcrops, rice and corn. People near the coast are also engaged in the fishing business. They also busied themselves with local handicrafts made from abaca, buri, pineapple fiber and coconut husks.
Eastern Samarenos are very religious and devoted to their religion. The Padul-ong Festival is celebrated in the town of Borongan in honor of their patron saint and the feast of Our Lady of Nativity. This is a major religious ordinance performed by the townspeople.
Numerous historical and natural attractions abound the island. In the fishing town of Guiuan, a 16th century Immaculate Concepcion church is maintained with its hand carved altars and doors and old “santos” (statues of saints). Sapao Beach has beautiful white sand and shells of different variations and colors. The Kantican Island is rich in marine life, a white coral beach with cultured pearl farm.
The province can be accessed by buses of Philtranco at Pasay City and travel through Tacloban City. There are 6 transport services that will take you anywhere in Eastern Samar. And by air, PAL and Cebu Pacific offer daily flights to Tacloban City.
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