Jaro-ay Gayud!
Today, let me take you to the beautiful town of Jaro, Leyte.
Jaro is a 3rd class municipality and is among the forty one (41) municipalities of Leyte with coordinates of 124 46’30” north latitude and 11 11’30” east longitude. It has an area of 20,719 hectares forming to almost a square in shape. It is bounded on the north by the Municipalities of Tunga and Carigara; on the south by Municipalities of Pastrana; on the west by Ormoc City and on the east by the Municipality of Alang-alang.
Jaro is an interior town and is a convergent point to the Municipalities of Dagami, Carigara, Alang-alang, Tunga Barugo and Pastrana. It is located along the Daang Maharlika and is between two growth centers – Tacloban City which is a regional and Ormoc which is a major growth center. It is 37 kilometers from Tacloban City and 71 kilometers form Ormoc City.
In the latter part of the of the 18th century, the sitio of the Municipality of Jaro was a vast unexplored wilderness. During the era, pirates used to come to Leyte to capture Visayans to be sold as slaves. The Moros had superior arms that the Visayans could do no other alternatives but to flee to the mountains.
Incidentally, there were two Visayans who rose into fame because of the gallantry in the field of battle. These two were noted for their talisman. Whenever they were informed of Moro attack, they used to lead the encounter. These two valiant men, Bonsilao from Ormoc and Sinirangan from Dagami, because so famous that even the Moros used to withdraw their forces whenever they heard of the presence of these people.
HISTORY BACKGROUND
Bonsilao and Sinirangan later built their resting place on a hill, called Sagca – the hill where the Catholic church of Jaro now stands. The Visayans then seeking protection, flock to this resting place of Bonsilao and Sinirangan and built their huts around the hill. The barrio of Salug was then born. It was called Salug, as it was located near the bank of Cabayungan River[ Salug – a visayan term for river]. Salug became a new barrio of the Municipality of Barugo. The fertile soil surrounding the barrio favored gradual growth of the barrio and later on, it became a “Visita”. Visita for the parish priest of Barugo visits the barrio to hold holy masses and to baptize the inhabitants.
Subsequently, the inhabitants of barrio Salug found a running well at the foot of the hill, the water of which was believed to be medicinal. There was a tree whose roots were leading to the middle of the well. These roots were locally called “Haro” and was used for medicinal purposes.
This famous well became a stepping stone for the expansion of the barrio Salug. People flocking to this medicinal well. Whenever people were asked on where they were going, they would used to say they were going to “Haro”. Thus, began the name of “Haro” for the barrio of Salug.
When the barrio of Salug became a municipality in 1810, it was named Haro and later on the Spaniards change the spelling, making the letter into and became Jaro.
Jaro is the hometown of my father. When I was small I often visit this place because my grandparents live there and also before we had a small grocery in the market place. Jaro is a beautiful agricultural town located in the central part of the province. I’m always fascinted with the church on top of the hill that overlooks the town of Jaro and the market place near the wide river.
The main transport in Jaro are pedicabs and tricycles. Every Sunday morning the market place is so busy because its “TABO” time! Jaro is a landlocked municipality therefor the town needs to import marine products from the coastal towns to serve marine taste to its constituents. Jaro has a new multi-million market located near the national road. Before the market area was located near the Binahaan River due to its hazardous location the town officials decided to transfer their market place to a more solid place. There are plans to transform the old Market place into a beautiful boulevard which I hope would push through because it will be a scenic and an icon of Jaro.
Jaro being a spanish town during the Spanish regime you can see old and heritage houses in the town proper.
“an old and delapidated school – built during the American Regime”‘
The Jaro Municipal Hall houses the LGU of Jaro. Its also a heritage town hall built during the Spanish time that has been renovated through the years.
Near the town hall is the newly built monument in honor of Dr. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. I was amazed when I saw this structure during the town fiesta. It has fountains and a well designed structure. I hope this is just the beginning of the development happening in my town.
In terms of infrastructure, Jaro is not lagging behind. Jaro has a Multi-Purpose Cultural Center that can handle concerts, reunions, and other activities. They also have a library for students.
Jaro’s favorite game is “Cock-fighting”. Not to brag but trust me my family owns a hundred fighting cocks. I’m not a fan of those chickens though.
Jaro is an agricultural town. Its one of the top rice producing towns in Leyte. Upon entering Jaro you’ll see farm lands on both sides of the road. Its also a beautiful site.
Jaro is beautiful town. If ever you have plans to visit this town please don’t hesistate to see its natural beauty. I know you will be satisfied by its incredible beauty.
Jaro-ay Gayud!
Planet Mars 