Burauen (IPA: [bu'ɾaʊen]), officially the Municipality of Burauen (; ), is a First Income Class municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of people.

Etymology

The name “Burauen” evolved from the word “haru” which means “spring”. This is because Burauen is the fountainhead of several rivers: the big Daguitan and Marabong rivers, the Guinarona and Hibuga rivers that pass through several neighboring towns, as well as several smaller ones. The legend behind the name speaks of a drought when several tributaries of these rivers dried up, forcing people to flock to a cluster of large springs in the town. The place was duly called “Buraburon” which, according to Justice Norberto Lopez Romualdez Sr., is the “multiplicative construction of the word “haru” (spring), which indicates “abundance”. Over the years, the name “Buraburon” (“having many springs”) evolved into “Burawon” and finally into “Burauen”.

Elected Officials

{|class=wikitable

|+ 2025-2028 Burauen, Leyte Officials

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!Position !!Name !!colspan=2|Party

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| Mayor

| Fe S. Renomeron

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| Vice Mayor

| Warren V. Hermano

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| rowspan=8| Councilors

| Bryan R. Cinco

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| George Bensen S. Tan

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| Leo S. Apostol

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| Juanito E. Renomeron

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| Cheeryl Y. Ducentes

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| Hermenia C. Camasin

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| Sean T. Cordero

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| Andres Rey L. Cagara

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! colspan=4| Ex Officio Municipal Council Members

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| ABC President

| TBD

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| SK Federation President

| TBD

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History

Early History and Foundation

Burauen is one of the oldest inland settlements in the island of Leyte, Philippines. Historical accounts indicate that Jesuit missionaries formally established the settlement in 1595 during the Spanish colonial period as part of the Christianization efforts in central Leyte.

The municipality derived its name from the local term burabod or buraburon, meaning “spring” or “water source,” referring to the abundance of natural springs in the area.

Archaeological discoveries in the municipality, including burial jars, stone tools, and Chinese ceramics, suggest that the area had established settlements and trade activities prior to Spanish colonization.

Spanish Colonial Era

Between 1609 and 1616, Burauen emerged as one of the largest and most populous settlements in Leyte and Samar during the Spanish era. Due to its fertile plains and strategic inland location, the town developed into an important agricultural and missionary center in Eastern Visayas.

The municipality became known for rice cultivation, coconut production, root crops, and abaca (Manila hemp), which later became one of the town’s major economic drivers.

By the early 20th century, Burauen had become one of the wealthiest municipalities in the Visayas due to its flourishing abaca industry.

Philippine–American War

thumb|A captured photo of the [[Pulahan movement Leader, Faustino Ablen (Center) sitting between a standing member of Philippine Constabulary and an African-American soldier]]

During the Philippine–American War, revolutionary forces led by General Ambrosio Mojica operated extensively within Burauen and neighboring municipalities. On 4 July 1900, American forces burned large portions of the town during military operations against Filipino resistance fighters.

The destruction of the municipality contributed to the rise of the Pulahan movement in Leyte, an anti-American resistance movement active in the early 1900s.

In the early 1900s, Burauen became one of the leading economic centers in Eastern Visayas due to the rapid expansion of the abaca trade. Several notable developments occurred during this period such as the establishment of irrigation systems in 1912, installation of one of the earliest electric systems in Leyte and Samar in 1916, opening of one of the first cinematographic houses in the region, and modernization of municipal infrastructure and public markets.

Historical accounts also state that the municipality’s revenue at one point exceeded the provincial income of Surigao because of the booming hemp industry.

World War II

During World War II, Japanese Imperial forces occupied Burauen.

The outbreak of World War II stunted the economic growth of Burauen. The Japanese Military encamped the eastern part of the poblacion there were many encounters between the Japanese forces and the guerillas who were firmly established in their mountain strongholds. In August 1944, the Japanese established a "comfort station" in the town, where the invaders enslaved local girls, teens, and young adults into becoming sex slaves called "comfort women", who were routinely gang-raped and murdered by Japanese soldiers. During the Allied Forces liberation of Leyte on October 20, 1944, Burauen was among the most heavily devastated towns in Leyte, thousands of civilians were killed and a number of properties were destroyed.

Post-war period to present

Following the devastation of the Second World War, Burauen entered a long period of rehabilitation and modernization that reshaped the municipality into one of the important inland economic and educational centers of Leyte. The town had suffered extensive destruction during the liberation of Leyte in 1944, with heavy casualties and widespread damage to homes, public infrastructure, and agricultural lands.

Immediate Post-war Rehabilitation (1945–1950s)

In the years immediately after the war, the people of Burauen focused on rebuilding agriculture, restoring public institutions, and reviving local commerce. Educational recovery became one of the municipality’s earliest priorities. In 1946, the Burauen High School was established, while the historic Gabaldon school buildings were rehabilitated.

The rehabilitation of public utilities followed shortly afterward. In 1948, the Burauen Water System began operations with technical assistance from the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), improving access to potable water for residents.

Private educational institutions also emerged during this period. The founding of the Burauen Catholic Institute and Rizal Colleges in 1950 strengthened secondary and tertiary education opportunities within the municipality.

However, recovery was repeatedly disrupted by natural disasters. In 1951, Burauen was struck by a powerful typhoon, followed by several additional storms that damaged farms, roads, and public buildings. Despite financial hardship, the municipal government repaired the municipal hall in 1952 using local funds, symbolizing the community’s determination to rebuilt.

Economic and Institutional Expansion (1960s–1970s)

The 1960s marked the beginning of renewed economic growth. On March 2, 1962, the Rural Bank of Burauen was established, becoming the first rural bank in both Leyte and Samar. The institution played an important role in supporting farmers, traders, and small entrepreneurs in the post-war rural economy.

Infrastructure development also accelerated during this era. Roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and public markets were expanded, improving agricultural productivity and trade connections between Burauen and neighboring municipalities.

Healthcare services improved significantly with the opening of the Burauen General Hospital on April 1, 1972. The facility expanded medical access for residents of central Leyte and nearby upland communities.

Local Governance and Modernization (1980s–2000s)

After the 1986 EDSA Revolution and the implementation of the Local Government Code of 1991, Burauen benefited from increased Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) funding from the national government. These funds enabled the municipality and its barangays to pursue major infrastructure and public service projects.

Throughout the 1990s, the local government invested heavily in farm-to-market roads, particularly in upland barangays where agriculture remained the primary source of livelihood. In 1998, the municipality acquired heavy equipment to support road opening and widening projects, helping farmers transport products more efficiently.

The municipality also undertook major improvements to its water infrastructure. In 2004, the Burauen Water Works System underwent rehabilitation and expansion to address increasing demand from both urban and rural communities.

In 2009, the municipal government completed the Burauen Commercial Complex, which included sections for dry goods, grains, fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, transport terminals, and market facilities. The project modernized commercial activity in the town center and reinforced Burauen’s role as a trading hub in inland Leyte.

Disaster Resilience and Contemporary Development (2010s–Present)

Burauen continued modernizing its infrastructure during the 2010s. In compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), the municipality established a sanitary landfill facility that began operations in April 2015.

The same year, the municipality inaugurated a new four-storey Executive and Legislative Building housing the offices of the mayor, treasury department, and Sangguniang Bayan.

Like many parts of Eastern Visayas, Burauen was heavily affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013. Recovery efforts involved support from the national government, non-government organizations, and international aid agencies. Rehabilitation focused on restoring infrastructure, housing, and community services.

The municipality also benefited from regional infrastructure connectivity projects. The development and rehabilitation of the Burauen–Albuera road network improved transport links between eastern and western Leyte, allowing faster movement of agricultural goods and easier market access for upland farmers.

In recent years, Burauen has increasingly positioned itself as an emerging educational, agricultural, and service center in central Leyte. Expansion in healthcare, public education, transportation infrastructure, and local governance projects has contributed to its continuing urban and economic rise.

Timeline

In 1595, Spanish Jesuit Friars discovered the settlement of Burauen. Its community was used as their base in the Christianisation on the central part of Leyte.

Between the years 1609 to 1616 Burauen was the most populous town of Leyte and Samar and it consistently registered the highest tax collection during the same period in the region.

In 1873, from being a missionary church under the diocese of Dagami, Burauen was carved out and declared as a separate town.

In 1912, municipal administrations of that time were able to put up irrigation system.

In 1916, the first electric system and cinematographic house in Leyte and Samar was established in Burauen.

In 1918, La Paz detached itself from Burauen to become an independent municipality.

In 1928, the Burauen Academy, the first secondary school in the municipality was founded.

In 1949, or just a few years after world war 2, President Elpidio Quirino issued an executive order no.278 separating Julita from burauen.

In 1950s, several prominent encargado or tenyente del barrio improved the system in Burauen.

Binatac, Reataza, Coral, Gaspay and Estrada are among the prominent encargado.

In 1962, the Rural Bank of Burauen was established. Making it the very first rural bank in both islands of Samar and Leyte.

Geography

Burauen is located in the central part of Leyte Island, bounded to the north by Dagami and Tabontabon, on the east by Julita, south by La Paz and Macarthur, on the west by Albuera and Ormoc City and on the southwest by Baybay City.

Barangays

thumb|A map showing the exact political and territorial boundary of Burauen, Leyte and its Barangays

Burauen is politically subdivided into 77 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

  • Abuyogon
  • Anonang
  • Arado
  • Balao
  • Balatson
  • Balorinay
  • Bobon
  • Buenavista
  • Buri
  • Caanislagan
  • Cadahunan
  • Cagangon
  • Calao
  • Cali
  • Calsadahay
  • Candag-on
  • Cansiboy
  • Catagbacan
  • Dumalag
  • Damulu-an
  • Dina-ayan
  • Esperansa
  • Gamay
  • Gitablan
  • Hapunan
  • Hibonawan
  • Hugpa East
  • Hugpa West
  • Ilihan
  • Kagbana
  • Kalipayan
  • Kaparasanan
  • Laguiwan
  • Libas
  • Limburan
  • Logsongan
  • Maabab
  • Maghubas
  • Mahagnao
  • Malabca
  • Malaguinabot
  • Malaihao
  • Matin-ao
  • Moguing
  • Poblacion District I
  • Poblacion District II
  • Poblacion District III
  • Poblacion District IV
  • Poblacion District V
  • Poblacion District VI
  • Poblacion District VII
  • Poblacion District VIII
  • Poblacion District IX
  • Paghudlan
  • Paitan
  • Pangdan
  • Patag
  • Patong
  • Pawa
  • Roxas
  • Sambel
  • San Esteban
  • San Fernando
  • San Jose East
  • San Jose West
  • San Pablo
  • Tabuanon
  • Tagadtaran
  • Taghuyan
  • Takin
  • Tambis
  • Tambuko
  • Toloyao
  • Villa Aurora
  • Villa Corazon
  • Villa Patria
  • Villa Rosas

Climate

Burauen has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen climate classification: Af), characterized by consistently high temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The municipality experiences no pronounced dry season, although relatively drier conditions usually occur from February to May.

Under the climate classification system of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Burauen generally falls under Type II climate, which is characterized by the absence of a dry season and with maximum rainfall occurring from November to January. The municipality is frequently influenced by the northeast monsoon, intertropical convergence zone, and tropical cyclones affecting the Eastern Visayas region.

Temperatures in Burauen remain relatively uniform throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 26 °C (79 °F) to 28 °C (82 °F). The warmest months are typically from May to August, while slightly cooler conditions occur from December to February. Due to its inland location and proximity to mountainous terrain and forested areas in central Leyte, the municipality also experiences frequent cloud cover and high atmospheric moisture.

The wetter season in Burauen generally lasts from June to February, with November being among the wettest months of the year. Rainfall is brought primarily by monsoon systems and tropical weather disturbances traversing the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Demographics

The population of Burauen, Leyte, Philippines, was recorded at 54,635 in the 2024 Census of Population (2024 POPCEN) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This represented an increase of 2,124 persons from the 2020 census population of 52,511. The municipality accounted for approximately 3.0% of the total population of Leyte province.

Of the 52,359 household population in Burauen, Leyte, 26,930 (51.4%) were males while 25,429 (48.6%) were females. By age group, 17,593 (33.6%) were under 15 years of age (young dependents). On the other hand, persons aged 15 to 64 years (working-age or economically active population) totaled to 31,650 (60.4%) while those in age groups 65 years and over (old dependents) comprised the remaining 3,116 (6.0%). In 2015, persons aged 0 to 14 years, 15 to 64 years, and 65 years and over accounted for 34.3 percent, 60.2 percent, and 5.5 percent, respectively, of the household.

Cities and municipalities competitiveness index ranking

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) has consistently recognized Burauen as one of the stronger-performing municipalities in Eastern Visayas, particularly among first-class municipalities. The CMCI evaluates local government units based on five major pillars: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Infrastructure, Resiliency, and Innovation.

According to CMCI records and municipal performance summaries, Burauen emerged as the top-performing municipality in Leyte Province and among the leading first-class municipalities in Eastern Visayas several times since the rankings began in 2013. The municipality recorded four first-place provincial finishes . This made Burauen the only municipality in Leyte to achieve three consecutive CMCI top placements from 2017 to 2019, before reclaiming the top spot again in 2021.

In terms of regional competitiveness among first- and second-class municipalities in Eastern Visayas, Burauen has generally remained within the upper tier for much of the past decade. Its strongest national showing came in 2017, when it ranked 93rd nationally among first- and second-class municipalities in the Philippines.

The municipality’s competitiveness performance has often been associated with improvements in local governance, infrastructure expansion, public health investments, environmental programs, and institutional development. Burauen has also been recognized for maintaining competitiveness despite Eastern Visayas traditionally lagging behind more industrialized Philippine regions in national economic rankings.

Environment, sanitation, and natural resources

The municipality of Burauen is known for its mountainous landscape, geothermal features, freshwater lakes, forest ecosystems, and protected natural areas. Much of the municipality’s environmental resources are concentrated in the upland barangays surrounding the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, a protected area shared with the neighboring municipality of La Paz. The park contains volcanic lakes, hot springs, forests, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna, making it one of Eastern Visayas’ important ecological and ecotourism sites.

Natural resources

Burauen possesses significant natural resources including forest reserves, freshwater systems, geothermal features, and agricultural lands. The municipality is often associated with springs and upland watersheds that contribute to the water supply and ecological balance of central Leyte. The area surrounding Mahagnao contains volcanic terrain with natural hot springs, fumaroles, and lakes formed through volcanic activity.

The municipality’s most prominent protected area is the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, which covers portions of Burauen and La Paz. The protected landscape includes Lake Mahagnao and Lake Malagsum, both of which are recognized for their ecological and tourism value. The park also hosts dipterocarp forests and endemic wildlife species.

Studies conducted on Lake Mahagnao identified diverse aquatic organisms and primary producers within the lake ecosystem. Research has also documented the lake’s hydrological and hydrobiological characteristics, highlighting its importance as a freshwater ecosystem in Leyte.

The forests within Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park serve as watershed areas and biodiversity habitats. In 2022, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced reforestation efforts covering over 100 hectares of previously converted agricultural land within the protected area to restore indigenous tree cover and strengthen conservation measures.

In 2025, faunal assessments conducted by the DENR and partner institutions documented endemic Philippine bulbul species within the protected park, further emphasizing the municipality’s ecological significance and biodiversity conservation role in Eastern Visayas.

Geothermal Energy Potential

The municipality of Burauen possesses significant geothermal potential due to its location within the geothermal-rich central highlands of Leyte Island, part of the Philippine segment of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Much of this potential is associated with the nearby Tongonan geothermal system, one of the largest and most productive geothermal fields in the Philippines.

Exploration drilling in Burauen began during the expansion of the Philippine geothermal program in the 1970s and intensified in the early 2000s as new geothermal prospects were identified around Mt. Lobi and the Mahagnao volcanic area. The municipality’s volcanic geology, hydrothermal activity, and proximity to the Tongonan geothermal field made it a priority exploration zone.

One of the most significant drilling initiatives in Burauen was the Central Leyte Geothermal Project (CLGP). In 2003, PNOC-Energy Development Corporation announced the drilling of exploratory wells in Mt. Lobi within Burauen to evaluate additional geothermal reserves. The project aimed to expand Leyte’s geothermal generating capacity by identifying new commercially viable steam reservoirs. Romualdez' monument with a 1975 NHCP installed marker stands as the centerpiece with pavilion, concrete benches and a path walk.

Healthcare

thumb|Burauen Health & Wellness Center (under construction as of January 2025)

Burauen healthcare needs are served by both the private and government owned health institutions.

  • Burauen District Hospital (managed by the Provincial Government of Leyte)
  • Burauen Rural Heath Unit (managed by the LGU of Burauen)

thumb|Rural Heath Unit Building of Burauen

  • Barangay Health Centers (with presence in each barangays of Burauen)
  • Burauen Health and Wellness Hospital (Underconstruction as of August 2024 funded by LGU)

While there are also several Private health facilities that catering Burawanons and nearby towns scattered all over the Poblacion.

Education

Burauen's educational institutions is one of the largest when it comes to the size of enrollment and the teacher to student ratio. The town is served by both public and private educational institutions.

Tertiary

  • EVSU-Burauen Campus
  • Burauen Community College
  • TESDA Burauen (Vocational)

Secondary

  • Burauen Comprehensive National Highschool (BCNHS)
  • Burauen National Highschool (BNHS)
  • Hibunauan National Highschool
  • Buraburon National Highschool
  • Armasen National Highschool

Primary

  • Immaculate Conception Academy of Burauen Inc.
  • Morningside School
  • Leyte Samar Center for Change Foundation Inc.
  • Saint Claire Child Development Center Burauen Leyte Inc.
  • All of Burauen's 77 barangays have public primary schools. These schools are governed and shared by the town's three school districts, namely Burauen North, Burauen South, and Burauen East, under the supervision of DepEd Leyte Second Division.

References

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