Topography & Location of Hilongos

Mainly Hilongos is considered as a flat land that is used for an extended cultivation of rice and corn. The existing rivers, render them utilize for the agriculture with a sophisticated irrigation system, unite at the border of the district (barangay), "Imelda Marcos (Pong-on)" and ??? and flow on the west side of Leyte in the Comotes Sea between the districts Matapay and Atabay, the actual center of the city. They spring up high in the mountains of Inopakan, Mahaplag and Sogod. In case of heavy rains many small creeks and streams of the mountains supply the significant flow. The river mouth also serves as a protection of high waves for various ships, which bring them there to safety at an approaching typhoon.

Many water sources from the districts (barangays) ???? are used by the local water supply company, the Hilongos Water District (HWD) for urban water supply.

In the north-eastern part there are some steep slopes of volcanic origin with dense rain forest, that provides a more natural habitat for rare species of flora and fauna. The cordillera from Baybay to Maasin and the mountain formation of Mahaplag separate Hilongos from the neighboring communities.

On the mountain chain from Baybay to Maasin one finds quite a few hills scattered with high mountains and plateaus inhabited by locals. In this mountainous region, there are many endangered species such known as from Bohol tarsier, a large number of small macaque aps, highland deer, bald eagles, rare insects and snails. The apex of this mountain range is about 2,000 meters above sea level.

Here there are still precious tropical woods that have been hit hardly by the mid-1980s. A strict ban of the Philippine government has ensured that this was prevented. Since that time, the once wild growing forest is planted heavily. The roots of the trees in the wooded areas so again keep the soil and prevent the abandonment of debris flows (mudslides) in the nearby communities.

Many reforestation projects ordered by the provincial government, international aid such as the GIC (German Agency for International Development Ltd.), scientifically supported actions, increased enforcement of the DENR (Department of Energy & Natural Resources) and the increased use of the city, the Local Government Unit (LGU) favor this reforestation.

Because of the almost impenetrable rain forest and the difficult accessibility of mountains, this border region serves since the Marcos era, the so-called "new folk army" called New People's Army (NPA), as undisturbed refuge.

That relatively small coastline with wide beaches in the western part of Hilongos, from the northern barangay Naval up to the Salog River is covered with some very fine dark brown to gray colored sand.

Just behind the estuary mouth up to the border of the neighboring community of Bato, extend a vast beach covered by sand, gravel and stones.