The name "Ormoc" originated from "Ogmok", an old Visayan term for lowland or depressed plain. "Ogmok" also refers to a spring located between Brgy. Donghol and Mahayag.

The Malayan families were one of the early settlers in Ormoc, trading with the Chinese, Javans and Indonesians, and developing into a Spanish settlement by the 1500's.

Originally part of the town of Palompon, Ormoc was declared as a separate and distinct municipality on February 26, 1834. Ormoc City was declared as the first Non-Provincial Capital City of the Philippines on Sept. 4, 1947. The declaration was made by virtue of Republic Act No. 179. The city was then formally inaugurated as a chartered political subdivision in October 20, 1947.

A flashflood on November 5, 1991 brought death, destruction of crops and damage to properties. The severity of the damage was found to be due to massive deforestation/rapid forest denudation. In response, the government and the private sector embarked on a concerted effort directed towards full-scale reforestation of the denuded areas. In addition, Ormoc, through the assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has implemented the Flood Mitigation Project to address the flooding of the city center.

Ormoc has recently been chosen to host the Provincial Industrial Center. Pursuant to this, the Local Government of Ormoc has sought to optimize this opportunity to propel the growth of the local economy. The Local government intends to undertake the establishment of universities and colleges, the provision of critical infrastructure, utilities, facilities and other such projects to demonstrate the present administration commitment to the modernization and development of Ormoc.

The city is located in an enclave fronting the Ormoc Bay. This location serves to make the city an ideal and popular jump off point for Cebu, the rest of the Visayas and the northern portion of Mindanao. It is situated 109 kilometers from Tacloban City, the capital of Leyte and the eastern Visayas Region. Thus, it has a great advantage over the nearby municipalities in terms of commercial, transport and recreational facilities. It is a popular convergence point for businessmen, traders, civic groups and industrialist.

Ormoc City has a total land area of 464.3 square kilometers. In terms of land area it is the largest local government subdivision in the province of Leyte. Approximately one-half of Ormoc is mountainous and hilly. The largest mountain range is east of the city where the Tongonan Hot Springs and Lake Danao are located. This mountain range reaches a peak of 1,000 feet in several places.

For the year 2003, Ormoc City has a population of about 168,569 and probably will increase to 172,176 by 2004 considering a population growth rate of 2.14%. (See table 1.1). The city has a predominantly young population with about 28.24% in the 1–9 age bracket and 23.10% in the 10–19 age bracket which all in all represent a total of 51.34% of the city population. (See table 1.2).

There are 110 barangays in Ormoc City. Forty-one are classified as urban barangays, twenty-nine are located in the city proper and eighty-one are classified as rural barangays.

The urban population comprises 32% and the rural population comprises 68% of the total population. By the year 2003, the urban population will probably increase to 54,639 while the rural population will be 113,930. It has a population density of 355 persons per square kilometer and an average household size of 5.23.

One of the most indispensable tools in determining the stature of our economy for coming years is thru the assessment of the present condition of the populace when it comes to education. The kind of education which our children now can have will also determine the kind of education which our future generation will constitute for the coming years. It is a theoretical perception that good education is the key to success not only to the individual but to the whole community as well. Even parents would claim that it is considered to be the best gift they can ever leave to their children.

The total school age population for the school year 2002 reached to 46,211, which comprised 29,346 under the primary level, 11,589 under the secondary level and 5,276 under the tertiary level on both private and public institutions.

If metropolitan cities sparkle with fluorescent and mercury lights, Ormoc City glows quietly in nature`s splendor. You can be awed by the fields of vegetation, rolling into the distant mountains, that seem to touch the sky. Ormoc City is a nature`s city.

Ormoc is situated in the northwest part of the island of Leyte. The city is home to several interesting and beautiful tourist spots - the Tongonan Hot Springs, the Yamashita Line, Lake Kasudsuran, Mount Hanagdan, and its foremost tourist attraction - Lake Danao.

For travellers who wish to recharge both body and spirit, serene Lake Danao is the place to visit. At 2,600 ft. above sea level, the lake`s cool air and invigorating climate, can give you a very uplifting experience. The lake is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. It is surrounded by the last patch of virgin forests in Leyte.

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