chartered city, northeastern Leyte, Philippines, on San Pedro Bay at the southern entrance to San Juanico Strait. It is the largest city and distributing centre in the eastern Visayas (Leyte and Samar). A port since 1874, Tacloban has a long deepwater wharf, a bulk petroleum depot, and an airport. Hemp, copra, and lumber are exported, and commercial fishing is important. The city is the seat of Divine Word University (1946) and the Leyte Institute of Technology (1966).

Tacloban was an important Allied logistical base during World War II. On Oct. 20, 1944, U.S. General Douglas MacArthur's forces landed at several points along Leyte Gulf, south of the city, which they captured on October 21. Tacloban served as temporary capital of the Philippines until Manila was regained. Red Beach, to the south at Palo, was one of the landing sites and is now a tourist attraction. Inc. city, 1952. Pop. (2000) 178,639.