Tacloban

Lore & Background

The area was first known as Kankabatok, named after the first inhabitants, Kabatok. The name Tacloban derives from the word taklub, a bamboo tray used to catch crabs or shrimp. Fishermen would say they were going to 'tarakluban,' meaning the place where they used the device, and the name eventually became Tacloban. Three days later, MacArthur made Tacloban the temporary seat of the Commonwealth Government and temporary capital of the Philippines. The city was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, 2013, which caused massive destruction and a storm surge that largely destroyed the airport.

Reader's Guide

Tacloban holds historical significance as the temporary capital of the Philippines during the final months of World War II, symbolizing the country's liberation from Japanese occupation. Its role as the regional center of Eastern Visayas and the most populous city in the region underscores its economic and administrative importance. The city's devastation by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 drew global attention to the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather, and the subsequent papal visit highlighted the resilience of its people. The city's ranking as fifth among the country's most competitive cities in a 2010 survey reflects its economic potential despite these challenges.

Did You Know?

• The city's name comes from the word taklub, a bamboo tray used to catch crabs or shrimp.
• Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, 2013, caused a 13-foot storm surge that largely destroyed the airport.