For many years, the People of this former Barrio of Palo were receiving the Sacraments and other church services out of the availability and convenience of the Palo Priests. Any presence of the priest in the barrio was an opportunity for the people to fulfill their spiritual needs. It was on May 6, 1948 when barrio Sta. Fe was then recognized as a town independent from Palo. Santa Fe is considered as the Rice
Granary of the 1st District of Leyte. It is predominantly an agricultural town with approximately 6,034.6 hectares classified as agricultural land planted with different agricultural crops. Agriculture being the main industry, and rice being the primary product in Santa Fe, it is just fitting that the town's festival also centers on Palay harvest. The Pamilipig Festival is where the townsfolk demonstrate the art of making pinipig (pilipig), from harvesting to removing the grains from the stalk. The pinipig is pounded on native vessel called "lusong" by a big pestle, which is the "bayo", and eventually becomes rice flakes. The festival relives the almost forgotten tradition in Leyteโs, rather, the Philippines' rural setting. Performers also dance just like the old times when there were no rice mills before, hence people would need to dance on the rice to separate them from their husks. Amidst the colorful celebration of Pamilipig Festival, and the relaxing beauty of the vast paddy fields, the rice palayans are more than what meets the eye. It is a symbol of the hard work of the noblest professions in the world โ the people of the farming industry. Their lifeโs craft is what brings food on our tables, and makes up the backbone of the economy. The hours are long, the work is strenuous, and the tasks are dirty, but they have the huge responsibility of providing safe, high-quality food for a hungry nation, and these efforts must never go unnoticed. Indeed, it's true that at least once in your life you need a doctor, lawyer, policeman, or preacher but every day โ three times a day โ you need a farmer. The next time you pass by Santa Fe, Leyte, I hope you not only get to enjoy the idyllic view of the rice fields and the relaxing sight to behold, but also appreciate that the golden and verdant fields are witnesses to the toils and sacrifices of our farmers.
