Matalom (IPA: [mɐ'talom]), officially the Municipality of Matalom (Cebuano: Lungsod sa Matalom; Waray: Bungto han Matalom; Tagalog: Bayan ng Matalom), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 32,586 people.

Etymology

It was said that the Spaniards once saw the flaming red of the flame trees that dotted the shores of Matalom Beach and the scenic Canigao Island and asked the natives the local dialect for "hermosa" or beautiful. The natives answered "Matahum" or "Matalom." This was the origin of the town's name.

History

Before Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines, a sea-faring people lived along the banks of the Matalom River and also on the islet of Canigao (formerly Comigao).

In the middle of the 19th century, the townspeople of Matalom constructed their own parish church, convent, school, and public buildings through their own efforts. These were all accomplished with the leadership of Spanish Friar Leonardo Celes Diaz and Capitan Calixto Pil believed to be the founder and first president of the town.

Leadership in the town's administration may be divided into three regimes: Spanish, American and Postwar (Philippine Independence). The first president of Matalom during the Spanish regime was Capitan Calixto Pil. Succession to the chair of president was patterned after the original dynasty set up by the natives, by Pal and Pil families. Thus, after Kapitan "Itong" (Cpt. Calixto Pil) his son followed. Next in line was Kapitan "Osting" (Cpt. Agustin Pil) then Kapitan "Kulas" (Cpt. Nicolas Pal), then Kapitan "Bentoy" (Cpt. Ruberto Pal), the last president before the transition period from Spanish to American regimes. The council members were then called, "Guinhaupan," acknowledged leader in settlements, now barrios or sitios.

The transition from the American regime to the time the Philippines obtained its independence saw Jeremias Pal re-elected alcalde in 1937 until the outbreak of World War II. The dark days of the Japanese occupation had Antonio Olo as the "puppet mayor". The restoration of the civil government after the war saw the appointment of Primitivo Gopo as the municipal mayor of Matalom.

Geography

Barangays

Matalom is politically subdivided into 30 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Population census of Matalom

Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1903 7,165 —     1918 10,176 +2.37% 1939 17,129 +2.51% 1948 17,266 +0.09% 1960 18,010 +0.35%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1970 22,047 +2.04% 1975 24,861 +2.44% 1980 26,182 +1.04% 1990 28,291 +0.78% 1995 28,232 −0.04%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2000 30,216 +1.47% 2007 31,055 +0.38% 2010 31,097 +0.05% 2015 33,121 +1.21% 2020 32,586 −0.32%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

In the 2020 census, the population of Matalom was 32,586 people, with a density of 250 inhabitants per square kilometre or 650 inhabitants per square mile.

Economy

Poverty incidence of Matalom

10 20 30 40 50 2006 33.00 2009 34.66 2012 41.25 2015 35.55 2018 26.51 2021 28.92 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

Tourism

Matalom has become famous for Canigao Island.