Suluan
Native name: Isla han Sulu-an | |
|---|---|
Guiuan, Eastern Samar | |
| Barangay | Sulu-an |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Sulu-anon |
Suluan is an island
History
On March 16, 1521, after 98 days of crossing the Pacific Ocean, Magellan's voyage dropped anchor on the island of Homonhon ("Humunu" in Pigafetta's account). Although Samar ("Zamal") was their first land sighting from afar, Magellan's choice of anchoring on a much smaller island was meant as a security precaution as the island was then uninhabited. On March 18, they were spotted by fishermen from the nearby island of Suluan ("Zuluan").[1]
The islanders called their other leaders together and met with Magellan's crew. Magellan gave them gifts of small trade items. In return, the people of Suluan gave fish, a jar of "uraca" (
The name of the island is derived from the word sulu, the Waray-waray word for a coconut-oil "torch" which the locals would have used during fishing at night. Suluan, therefore, means torch-bearing people in reference to the local fishermen.
During World War II, Suluan was among the first Philippine islands liberated from the Japanese. On October 17, 1944, the 6th Ranger Battalion landed on Dinagat, Homonhon and Suluan, securing the entrance to Leyte Gulf for General Douglas MacArthur's forces. The main landings on Leyte followed three days later.
Super Typhoon
Eastern Samar tends to be battered by tropical storms during Pacific typhoon season. Most times, 90% of a storm landfall is likely to be Suluan Island. On November 8, 2013, Suluan Island was the first victim of the Typhoon Haiyan (Super Typhoon Yolanda) before navigating to Guiuan which had a tremendous impact not only on the island's economy but also to the people's lives. International organizations created an overwhelming drive to help rehabilitate the people and their livelihood.
References
- ^ OCLC 347382.
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