Eastern Samar is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII) of the Visayas. The province covers roughly 4,339.6 square kilometers and is composed of 22 municipalities, 1 component city, and a total of 597 barangays. The capital of the province is Borongan City. The name 'Eastern Samar' was derived from its geographical location, as it occupies the eastern portion of Samar Island facing the Philippine Sea.

History

Eastern Samar has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times when Waray-speaking communities thrived along its coasts and rivers through fishing, farming, and trade. In 1521, the province became historically significant as Ferdinand Magellan's expedition made landfall on Homonhon Island, marking the first recorded contact between Filipinos and Europeans. During the Spanish period, Eastern Samar formed part of the larger Samar province, with missionaries establishing towns such as Borongan and Guiuan while also building churches and watchtowers to defend against Moro raids. Under American rule, infrastructure and schools were introduced, but during World War II, Eastern Samar again played a vital role as Guiuan served as a major base for American forces after the liberation from Japanese occupation. The province was officially created on November 10, 1965, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4221, which divided Samar into three provinces—Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar—with Borongan as its capital. In 2007, Borongan gained cityhood, solidifying its position as the center of governance and development in the province. Today, Eastern Samar is remembered not only for its historical milestones but also for its cultural heritage and natural beauty.