Bato (IPA: [bɐ'to]), officially the Municipality of Bato (Cebuano: Lungsod sa Bato; Waray: Bungto han Bato; Tagalog: Bayan ng Bato), is a municipality in the province of Leyte, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 39,275 people.
It borders with the municipality of Matalom in the south, Hilongos in the north, and Bontoc to the east. Bato, together with Hilongos, is also a center of commerce, trade and education in southwestern part of Leyte.
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Etymology
The place got its name from the expression adto sa bato, which refers to the church made of stone.
Geography
Barangays
Bato is politically subdivided into 32 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
Demographics
In the 2024 census, the population of Bato was 39,275 people, with a density of 540 inhabitants per square kilometre or 1,400 inhabitants per square mile.
Economy
Poverty incidence of Bato (%)
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
Transportation
Shipping companies operating in Bato
Medallion Transport: day & night trips to Cebu City and vice versa
Medallion Transport: day & night trips to Ubay, Bohol and vice versa
Southern Pacific Shipping: night trips to Cebu City and vice versa
& Local MBCAs or Motor Bancas (Cebuano: Pambot) which serves day trips to Ubay, Bohol and vice versa; also, to the Island-Barangay of Dawahon and vice versa.
Transit Bus Companies
Super 5
CUL Transport
Mega Bus
DLTB
Ultrabus
Philtranco
Education
Tertiary education
Bato Institute of Science and Technology, Inc.
Secondary education
(PUBLIC)
Bato School of Fisheries
Bato National High School
Dawahon National High School
Anahawan National High School
Buli National High School
(PRIVATE)
Bato Institute Of Science and Technology Inc. (High School Department)
Bato Academy
Elementary education
(PUBLIC)
EAST DISTRICT
Anahawan Central School (Barangay Anahawan)
Alejos Elementary School
Tagaytay Elementary School
Naga Elementary School
Mabini Elementary School
Bago Elementary School
Himama-a Elementary School
Liberty Elementary School
Katipunan Elementary School
Revilla Primary School
Cebuana Primary School
Plaridel Elementary School
Osmena Elementary School
Buli Elementary School
Talisayan Primary School
Imelda Elementary School
WEST DISTRICT
Bato Central School (Brgys. Tinago and Kalanggaman)
Dolho Elementary School
Dawahon Elementary School
Ponong Elementary School
Tabunok Elementary School
Tugas Elementary School