HISTORY

During the early Spanish era, what is now called Biliran Island was known as Isla de
Panamao. The present name, believed to be adopted sometime between the late
17th century and the early 18th century, was, according to many publications,
derived from a native grass called borobiliran which once grew abundantly on the
island's plains. A contending theory states that the name came from the word bilir,
which was defined in an old Visayan dictionary to be the corner or edge of a boat,
vase or anything protruding, like veins, or the furrow made by the plow. The
dictionary also gives biliran as an alternate spelling for bilir. This theory is supported
by the fact that Biliran was site of the first large-scale shipyard, built in the 17th
century. Galleons were built to support the Galleon trade between Manila and
Acapulco in Mexico.

The first town, named Biliran, was founded in 1712 after petitioning for a municipality and
parish status. During this time, the island was a part of Cebu Province. Biliran, together with the
islands of Samar and Leyte, were constituted into a separate province in 1735. Later when Samar
and Leyte were split into two provinces in 1768, Biliran became part of Leyte Province as its
sub-province. The first parish priest was assigned in 1765, but its parish status was apparently
withdrawn because of Padre Gaspars apostasy. The parish was re-established on February 22,
1782.[5]

FESTIVALS
Hudyaka
One of the highlights of Biliran Provincehood Anniversary on every 11th of May, the festival is a
celebration of the Biliranons endeavors as one people with hudyaka or merriment. It
showcases the various festivals of its component municipalities.
The parade showcases the cultural street dance moves, acts and routines which is such an
extravagant competition between the representatives from different towns and schools in the
province of Biliran Island. The participants together with the judges and spectators witness the
major street parades and at night will be proclaimed winners.
The street parade kicked in at exactly 1:00pm. It was my first time watching the Hudyaka
Festival so I made it very clear that I will take part of this event. Together with my group , we
shone like a stars and danced as if it was the end of the world.

DELICACIES

HOTELS
This 23-room hotel in Barangay Atipolo, about two kilometers north of Naval poblacion,
presently offers the best accommodation in town for visitors and transient guests.
It has a view oaf the open sea as well as a state-of-the-art swimming pool. Its buri-roofed seaside
cottage could serve as seminar and workshop venue for about 50 people. The hotel also has its
own food catering service.