Merida, Leyte

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Merida is a municipality in Leyte province, in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. It sits on the east coast of Leyte, east of Ormoc City, facing the Camotes Sea and the Camotes Islands. The town covers about 95 square kilometers and features both coastal and hilly areas, with the highest point around 1,200 meters above sea level.

As of 2024, Merida has about 32,373 residents, who are called Meridanons.

The economy is mainly farming and fishing. Merida is classified as a 5th class municipality. About 30% of residents were living in poverty in 2021. Electricity is provided by LEYECO 5.

Merida is divided into 22 barangays. The local government is led by Mayor Rolando M. Villasencio and Vice Mayor Rodrigo M. Wenceslao, with Representative Richard I. Gomez.

History and heritage: The area was once part of Ormoc and was known as Siapun, near a river. It became an independent parish in 1918 and a municipality in 1867, named after the Spanish city of Mérida. The community has a long farming tradition, with San Isidro Labrador as its patron saint. Isabel, which used to be part of Merida, became a separate municipality in 1947.

Education: Merida has five high schools, including Libas National High School and Merida Vocational School. In 2018, three annexes became independent high schools: Calunangan National High School, Puertobello National High School, and Minesite National High School. Merida Vocational School offers various vocational programs, with the main campus located near the Municipal Hall.