Sogod, Southern Leyte
The name of the municipality originated from the Cebuano word, "sogod", meaning ""to start."" Founded as a Catholic mission station by the Society of Jesus in 1601, Sogod became a regular municipality on June 10, 1853.
Sogod, Southern Leyte
The Order was also responsible for catechizing the Leyteños to the Christian faith through the building of schools. Upon the mandate of the provincial superior, "Padre" Joseph Victoria, parochial schools in the towns were established between 1768 and 1804. More friars arrived after the priest requested to the monarch of Spain for additional workers to supervised the parishes and schools in Leyte. These educational institutions flourished in the towns of Abuyog, Alangalang, Barugo, Baybay, Burauen, Dagami, Dulag, Hilongos, Jaro, Cabalian, Maasin, Ormoc, Palo, San Miguel, Sogod, Tacloban, and Tanauan. In Sogod, a number of secondary schools for boys and girls were built and instituted in the "visita"s of Sogod "poblacion", Buntuk, Hipgasan [now the present-day barangay of San Pedro] and Maak-Consolacion from 1774 to 1785. During this era, the education thrust continued with young girls enjoying privileges in education with boys. Official interest in education mounted as decrees were issued requiring children living within an hour’s walk from these educational institutions to go to school.