Getting to Know Bato, Leyte and the Famous Bato Baywalk

Location: Province of Leyte

Neighboring Towns: Hilongos and Matalom

Region: VII, Eastern Visayas

Population: 35,610 (2010 census)

No. of Barangays (villages): 32

Land Area: 27.97 square miles

Zip Code: 6525

One score and four years ago, (if I may borrow a few lines or quote from the great Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech, The Gettysburg Address), the local economy of Bato was once primarily based around marine and agriculture.

However, it has always been one of the bustling and lively municipalities in the Province of Leyte. Why? Well, because of the town's geographical location and mode of transport. Bato is the nearest route from Tacloban towards Southern Leyte (capital city: Maasin).

Significantly, the municipality has the most productive shipping, bus, and trucking industry in the 5th district of Leyte. It’s also worth highlighting that Bato is considered the gateway to the southern portion of the province.

For over the years, Bato, Leyte has remained to be the center of trade and commerce in the 5th district of Leyte.

And recently, the town launched the certified seaside promenade tourist attraction, Bato Baywalk, along with the discovery and promotion of a few natural wonders like the majestic and enchanting two-tiered Gunhuban Falls.

Today, Bato is becoming the most productive municipality in all of Leyte, with the development growth even higher and stronger compared to cities.

How It All Came to Be

Bato Baywalk started its construction last September 3, 2012. It was intentionally built to serve as a breakwater, which is to be funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Rep. Jose Carlos L. Cari. However, looking at its tourist spot potential, the mayor converted the area into a baywalk. According to him, Bato Baywalk was built through donations from his relatives and friends here and abroad, envisioned to boost the town’s tourism and trade.

Favorite Strolling Grounds

The baywalk serves as one of the favorite strolling areas of the locals. Residents from the neighboring towns will go here just to enjoy a leisurely walk overlooking the bay together with their friends and family too. They're able to take a breath of fresh air and feel refresh afterwards. Kids love running around and playing with others. After strolling, you can sit in the colorful benches and concrete cottages, then enjoy a magnificent and panoramic view of the bay plus its cool and uplifting atmosphere. You can also have your “groufie” with your friends and immediately upload it through their free wireless internet access.

Enjoying "Tugs Tugs" (Party! Party! People! Hahaha!) for your Nightlife

On weekend nights, the Batohanons enjoy free disco sponsored by the municipal government. So if you want to chill out, make friends or dance till you drop, you can add Bato Baywalk to your list for your night life escapade. If you also want to enjoy music, there are also gigs during weekdays.

For Young at Heart and Kiddos

What makes Bato Baywalk even more special is its newly built Children’s playground. There are seesaws, swings, monkey bars, and a whole lot more, which kids or even adults can truly enjoy. And mind you, it’s for free. Yes! No need to worry about entrance fee or what.

Feeling Hungry? Need Not Worry

There are lots of stalls to choose from. If you want to have your snacks, you can enjoy buy one take one burger for as low as 45 pesos. If you are feeling hot and you want to eat something cold, there are fruit shakes and special halo-halo for only 40 pesos. If you’re drop dead hungry, well, you can have delicious barbeque and puso (steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves) to satisfy you.

For The Religious

If you want to meditate and pray, you can also have it here with images of Sr. Sto. Niño, the town’s patron saint, and a life-sized statue of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal.

Truly you can do a lot of things here. Whether you are a party chick, food lover or an adventurer, you can surely enjoy what Bato Bay Walk or Bato Baywalk has to offer.

Adto nata sa Bato Baywalk! (Let’s go to Bato Baywalk now!)

The Municipality of Bato was recognized as the:

• ''2014 Most Progressive Municipality in Eastern Visayas''
• "2014 Emergency Free Municipality in Visayas"