The town of Palo playted an important role in Philippine history. It is most well known as the site of General Douglas MacArthur's famous return to the Philippines in 1944, which started the Philippines' liberation from Japan. Palo also holds an important role in Catholicism in Leyte. Palo Cathedral is located in this town as well as the archbishop's residence and several seminaries. The town of Palo is divided into 33 barangays.