Hindang

In the 2020 census, the population of Hindang, Leyte, was 20,849 people,[3] with a density of 420 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,100 inhabitants per square mile.

The official name of the municipality has always been Hindang since the town's establishment in 1860. Legend has it that the name was derived from a very large tree named "Indang" which used to stand in the northern part of the town. It was told that the tree was "enchanted" because there were stones of fairies or beautiful damsels with long flowing hair basking under it on moonlit nights. There was also a ghostly tale about a man who committed suicide by hanging himself from one of its branches. When his body was discovered, the place became haunted by a voice in agony, a long silence then mournful weeping followed by a remorseful sigh.[20]

The founders of the town were Rev. Fr. Bales, the parish priest at that time, Mission Alejandro, a prominent citizen, and the capitanes Damos Bañez, Irong Ballener, and Beo Abddies.

Like other coastal towns, Hindang suffered very much from Moro depredations. However, despite the heavy lootings, the town managed to recover each time and was able to rebuild what the pirates carried off or destroyed.

The townsfolk of Hindang are essentially musical-minded and even during the Spanish times, they used to hold frequent band concerts. Dramas portraying the rivalry between the Moros and the Christians for supremacy were often depicted. "Pastores" and "Tombolas" were held especially during the Christmas season. Horse races were held during Sundays and these were sources of entertainment for the Spanish residents who were not averse to making bets on their favorites.

More public schools were established during the American regime. The government offices that used to be held by Americans were slowly being opened to deserving Filipinos. At the outbreak of the First World War, many Hindang residents volunteered for service. They were sent to Manila for training before finally being shipped to the fronts.

In 1911, a long drought and one of the most destructive typhoons to hit the province caused near famine to the impoverished population. Some of the leaders during this period who helped put Hindang back on the road to recovery were Don Miguel Abamo, Don Leon Fernandez, Marciano Rodriguez, and Estanislao Picson. Capitan Nemesio Delalamon was the last of the presidentes during this period.

Numerous townsfolk of Hindang suffered physical torture during the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1944. Two guerrilla factions were fighting for supremacy. Only the timely mediation of Colonel Kangleon prevented the guerrilla groups from destroying each other. Unified by the Colonel, the group helped destroy the hold of the Japanese on the town. The long sufferings from the Japanese occupation finally came to an end when the Americans came to liberate the country in October 1944.

On July 4, 1946, the granting of independence to the Philippines led to the initiation of government projects like irrigation systems, schoolhouses, and a public market.[20]

• Saint Michael College of Hindang Leyte (1948)

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Hindang.

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System