Region: Region VIIICapital: Tacloban CityPopulation: 1.95 MillionLanguages: Cebuano,

Waray-Waray, Filipino,

English

LEYTE

The Battle of Leyte Gulf took place in the seas surrounding this island from 23 October to 26 October 1944. It was the largest naval battle in modern history, when at least 212 Allied ships with the Filipino pilots clashed with the remnants of the Imperial Japanese Navy, some 60 ships, including the super battleships Yamato and Musashi. A successful Allied invasion of the island was the crucial element to the eventual Filipino and American victory in the Philippines.

THE BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF

Leyte is the hometown of former first lady, Imelda Marcos, widow of former Dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

She is also an influential political figure herself, having held office in various political positions from 1976 to 1998.

She is best known as the “Steel Butterfly” and for owning more than 3,000 pairs of shoes.

SAN JUANICO BRIDGE

Also known as the Marcos Bridge, it is said to have been presented as a Gift and “Testimonial of Love” by President Ferdinand Marcos to first lady Imelda Marcos

The longest bridge in the Philippines spanning a body of water with a length of 2.16 kilometers (1.34 miles)

The $21.9 million-dollar (¥2.19 billion) bridge began in 1969 and was completed in 1973

The Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines was contracted to construct the actual bridge, and together with Japanese engineers, conducted studies and designed the actual project