Motiong

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Motiong is a small municipality in Samar, Eastern Visayas, Philippines. It covers 174.40 square kilometers and has about 16,000 residents living in 30 barangays. The town is governed by Mayor Renato T. Cabael and Vice Mayor Imelda U. Bacay.

The name Motiong comes from the word Mutya, meaning pearl. A fisherman found a gleaming pearl in an oyster, and locals called the area Mutya, which later became Motiong. In 1948, Motiong became an independent town through Republic Act No. 290, separating from Wright. The first mayor was Mariano Sapetin and the first vice mayor was Antonio Uy. A bridge near Motiong was used in World War II to ambush Japanese forces.

People primarily speak Waray and Tagalog. Electricity is provided by SAMELCO 2. Motiong has a modest economy with a poverty rate around 30% as of recent counts.