Cityhood April 21, 2001 Local time Monday 4:51 PM | Incorporated August 28, 1742 Area 149.5 km² | |
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Weather 30°C, Wind E at 13 km/h, 55% Humidity Points of interest Rizal Shrine, Republic Wakepark, Bethel Resort Private P, Jose Rizal Shrine, Rizal Monument | ||
Calamba (PSGC: 043405000), officially known as the City of Calamba (Filipino: Lungsod ng Calamba) and often referred to as Calamba City, is a component city of Laguna, Philippines. It is the regional center of the Calabarzon region. It is situated 54 kilometres (34 mi) south of Manila, the city is known as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its numerous hot spring resorts, which are mostly located in Barangay Pansol, Bucal and Bagong Kalsada.
Contents
- Map of Calamba Laguna Philippines
- Etymology
- History
- Cityhood
- Events leading to Cityhood
- Calabarzon Regional Government Center
- Geography
- Barangays
- City government
- Government officials
- List of mayors of Calamba
- Official Seal of Calamba City
- Demographics
- Economy
- Banking
- Industries and manufacturing
- Information technology
- Commerce and trade
- Tourism and places of interest
- Transportation
- Road Systems
- Health care
- Utilities and communication
- Education
- Notable people
- Sister cities
- References
Map of Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
According to the 2015 census, the city has a population of 454,486 people, making it the most populous local government unit in Laguna. It is the 5th densest city in the province with more than 2,600 people per square kilometer after San Pedro, Biñan, Cabuyao and Santa Rosa. Based on the overall rankings of the 2014 Cities and Municipalities Index, the city ranked 18th in the overall competitiveness (cities ranking) and 1st among cities in the Calabarzon region.
The City of Calamba is the hometown of the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal.
Etymology
The name of the city comes from a legend that during the early time of the Spanish period in the country, two "guardias civil" or soldiers were lost and passing through what is now Calamba. The soldiers met a young lady who came from a river carrying a jar of water and a clay stove. The soldiers unwittingly in Spanish language and in authoritative tone, to conceal the fact that they were lost, asked the local maiden the name of the place they were in. The lady, who speaks only her native language, naturally thought she was being interrogated about what she was carrying and nervously uttered "kalan-banga", meaning "clay stove" (kalan) and "water jar" (banga). Because the Spaniards could not pronounce it properly, the town has been called Calamba supposedly since then. This legend is immortalized with a large concrete water jar erected in the city plaza with the names of the city's barangays written on its surface. It is now known as Calambanga and is considered the "World's Biggest Claypot". This same jar is also found in the city's seal. The plaza was proposed by Dr. Agapito Alzona, then the town councilor to utilize the waste area where the old town market relocated from. The resolution was approved by the then town mayor Roman Lazaro and added additional P5,000 for the fence to the original P15,000 construction cost. It was completed in 1939.
History
The oldest part of Calamba is believed to be Barangay Sucol where its first settlers remained. With the arrival of Spaniards, the whole area was converted into a hacienda, then a part of Tabuco (now known as Cabuyao City). Calamba became an independent pueblo on August 28, 1742, and formed into the town of Calamba in 1770. In 1813, Calamba was placed in the hands of "encargados" by the Dominican Brothers, who divided into portions and sold the haciendas to the natives during the American regime.
During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the city was the theater of a massacre during which the Imperial Japanese Army killed at least 2,000 civilians. The St. John the Baptist Church, established in 1859, was burned by the Japanese during World War II. It was reconstructed by Fr. Eliseo Dimaculangan. It was the christening site of José Rizal. The original baptismal font has been preserved and refurbished.
Cityhood
After a process of more than seven years, Calamba became the second component city of the Laguna by virtue of Republic Act No. 9024, "An Act Converting the Municipality of Calamba, Province of Laguna into a Component City to be known as the City of Calamba." R.A. 9024 was signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 5, 2001, at the Malacañan Palace. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) then set the plebiscite for Calamba's cityhood on April 21, 2001 where 15,056 residents participated. 3,413 or 22.67% voted "No" while the remaining 77.33% voted "Yes" to Calamba's conversion into a component city.
Events leading to Cityhood
As early as 1994, the town's Sangguniang Bayan approved Resolution No. 60, Series of 1994 requesting the Senate of the Philippines thru its president and the House of Representatives thru its speaker to co-sponsor a bill for Calamba's conversion into a city. It was only after two years that another resolution, Resolution No. 115 was passed requesting then Honorable Congressman Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr, to co-sponsor a bill for Calamba's cityhood and requesting the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for their comments and recommendations regarding the matter. Another two years passed before House Bill No. 986 and Senate bill Nos. 1630 and 1791 were filed in the House of Representatives by Congressman Chipeco and Senate of the Philippines by Senators Franklin M. Drilon and Sergio Osmeña III, respectively.
It was only in the year 2000 that the motion for Calamba's cityhood was fast tracked. Then Mayor Severino J. Lajara requested favorable endorsement of House Bill No. 986 from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on January 3, 2000. The Sangguniang Bayan also endorsed House Bill No. 986 and Senate Bill Nos. 1630 and 1791 and also requested favorable endorsement from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on the same month. A month passed and Mayor Lajara sent a follow-up letter to then Vice-Governor Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro on updates regarding the matter.
On March 8, the House Committee on Local Government approved House Bill No. 986 on 2nd reading at a hearing held at Hotel Rembrandt, Quezon City. The same House Committee conducted a public hearing on House Bill No. 986 at the Calamba Elementary School (Central II) gymnasium on March 23, approving the House Bill in principle. House Bill 986 was deliberated in April by the House of Representatives in plenary session and approved as House Bill No. 10661, which was then filed with the Senate of the Philippines in June.
The year 2001 came and brought about approval on 2nd reading of Senate Bill Nos. 1630 and 1791 and House Bill No. 10661 in a hearing held on February 5 at the Ambrocio Padilla Hall, Senate of the Philippines. Three days later, February 8, Senate Bill Nos. 1630 and 1791 and House Bill No. 10661 was deliberated in Plenary Session and was approved as Republic Act No. 9024.
Calabarzon Regional Government Center
Calamba City was declared the regional center of the Calabarzon region by former President Gloria Arroyo by virtue of Executive Order No. 246, dated October 28, 2003.
Geography
Calamba lies on the northern slopes of Mount Makiling, a dormant volcano. The southern terminus of the South Luzon Expressway is in Calamba and this geographic position makes the city a gateway to the southern provinces of Luzon. The highway at the end of the South Luzon Expressway leads east to the other towns of Laguna and south towards the provinces of Batangas and Quezon.
Calamba City is bordered by Cabuyao City to the north, Los Baños to the east, by the province of Batangas to the south, specifically the municipalities of Santo Tomas, Tanauan City and Talisay, and by the province of Cavite to the west, with Tagaytay City and Silang. Laguna de Bay the country's largest lake, forms the city's northwest border. The provincial capital, Santa Cruz, is located 45 kilometres (28 mi) by road to the east.
Calamba covers a total land area of 14,950 hectares (36,900 acres), making it is the 2nd largest city in Laguna province in terms of land area after San Pablo City.
Barangays
Calamba City is politically subdivided into 54 barangays, the smallest administrative unit in the city.
City government
Like other cities in the Philippines, Calamba City is governed by a city mayor and city vice-mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The city mayor is the executive head who leads the city's departments in the execution of city ordinances and in the delivery of public services. The city vice-mayor heads a legislative council that is composed of 12 members: 10 councilors and two ex-officio offices: one for the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President, representing the youth sector, and one for the Association of Barangay Chairmen President as the barangay sectoral representative. The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of ordinances and resolutions.
Calamba City is also part of the 2nd District of Laguna together with Cabuyao, Los Baños and Bay.
Government officials
The 2013 local elections in Calamba City, held on May 13, 2013, replaced some members of the city government, including the mayor, vice mayor and other members of the city council.
Elected officials for the 2013–2016 term are:
List of mayors of Calamba
The former mayors and political leaders of Calamba are:
Official Seal of Calamba City
The seal of the City of Calamba has evolved and has been modified throughout the years. From being a municipality to a component city, a new seal was necessary to symbolize the new thrust of Calamba. In a citywide seal-making contest, Reyjon de Guzman emerged as winner, for his work best symbolized the ideals, pride and achievements of the city. Each color, shape, number and object has its own meaning relative to what is Calamba in the past, present and future.
Demographics
The population of Calamba City is fast-growing with an intercensal growth rate of 5% from 1995 to 2000, repeated and more in subsequent decades (except for 2007 to 2010 census).
According to the 2015 census, Calamba has a population of 454,486 inhabitants, making it the most populated town in Laguna province, followed by Santa Rosa, Biñan City, San Pedro City, Cabuyao City, and San Pablo. Calamba City is the 24th most populated city in the Philippines.
Calamba is predominantly Roman Catholic (84.22%), followed by Members Church of God International (MCGI or ADD)(4.5%), Protestants (3.43%), Iglesia Ni Cristo (3.14%), and Islam (0.26%).
Economy
Calamba City is known today as the "Richest City in Calabarzon", (according to the 2014 Commission on Audit Annual Audit Report), as it registered a total income of ₱2,501,048,126.00. Calamba is also considered as one of the "Next Wave Cities" for outsourcing firms.
The major income sources comes from manufacturing and economic plants, tourism, agriculture and services. There are many manufacturing and economic plants located in upland barangays like Canlubang, Real, La Mesa, Milagrosa, Makiling, Punta, Barandal, Batino and Prinza.
Banking
As of December 31, 2013, there are 83 banking offices operating in the city that offers banking services to businesses and residents according to Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation. Calamba is the top city in Calabarzon with total deposits amounting to 29,632,884 in thousand pesos from 374,122 accounts.
Industries and manufacturing
The city is a haven for industries. Considered as the heart of Calabarzon due to the number of companies housed in its area, Calamba City is one of the premiere industrial hubs outside of Metro Manila. Some of the industrial parks located in the city are:
Food processing plants in Calamba like Zenith Foods Corp. (central commissary of Jollibee Foods Corporation), where its sauces and food products (i.e. burger, pies, fries, etc.) are first made before distributing to Jollibee outlets is currently the most advanced food processing plant in the Philippines and one of the best in Asia. Other food and beverage processing plants in Calamba are Rebisco, RC Cola, Monde-M.Y. San Corporation and Zest-O Corporation.
Some of the semiconductor companies are also located in Calamba. To name a few, they are Samsung Electronics Philippines, Continental Temic Electronics Philippines, Toshiba Storage Device Philippines Inc., ST Microelectronics (formerly Philips Electronics), Fuji Electric Philippines, NEC Tokin Electronics, NEC Toppan Circuit Solutions and Austriamicrosystems Phils.
Automobile manufacturer that have plants located in Calamba City are Asian Transmission Corporation and Suzuki Philippines Inc.
Avon, the leading global beauty company has a manufacturing plant (Avon Products Manufacturing) located at Calamba Premiere International Park.
Information technology
Calamba City is also considered as one of the "Next Wave Cities" for outsourcing firms and call centers, among them are Accenture and SPi Technologies.
Commerce and trade
Aside from the Crossing area in Barangay Uno, Barangays Real and Parian are also bustling with business structures, including SM City Calamba, Walter Mart Calamba and Liana's Discount Center Calamba.
Notable shopping centers in Calamba also include Walter Mart Makiling, SM Savemore Parian, Puregold Halang, Puregold Calamba Crossing, Checkpoint Mall, and iMall Canlubang among others.
Tourism and places of interest
Here are some of Calamba City's tourist destinations:
The newest and most innovative wakepark in the world. Located at Nuvali, Canlubang, Calamba City.
Is a tourist attraction located at barangay Canlubang and one of the falls here in Calamba City, it is situated at the western edge of the city.
Transportation
Tricycles, buses, jeepneys, and boats are popular modes of transportation in Calamba. There is also a PNR station in the city, namely as the Calamba railway station that will serve as a terminal for commuters going to Manila.
Road Systems
The only expressway on Calamba is the South Luzon Expressway(SLEX), which passes through the city with 3 exits. SLEX is part of the Pan-Philippine Highway up to Calamba Exit.
Main national highways includes the Maharlika Highway (Daang Maharlika) or National Highway, which passes through the city and curves toward Santo Tomas in Batangas, Calamba-Sta. Cruz Road (also called "National Highway") links Calamba with Los Baños and Santa Cruz.
Other arterial roads includes Chipeco Avenue and Extension, which passes near the city hall, Calamba-Tagaytay Road, a road leading to Tagaytay via the Tagaytay Highlands, and Mayapa-Canlubang Cadre Road, a spur of Maharlika Highway serving Canlubang and Canlubang/Mayapa Exit (Exit 47)
Proposed expressways includes Calamba-Los Baños Expressway, which spurs from SLEX Extension (Calamba Exit), traverses along Laguna de Bay and ends on a national highway at Bay, and Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike, an expressway and dike that will run on the coast of Laguna de Bay. The projects will cost an estimated ₱5.9 billion ($131.11 million) and ₱18.59 billion ($413 million).
Health care
There are 9 private and 1 government-run hospitals in Calamba. Some of the health centers in the city are the Calamba Medical Center, Calamba Doctors' Hospital, Pamana Golden Care Hospital, St. John the Baptist Hospital, San Jose Hospital and Trauma Center, St. Marks Hospital Medical Center, Holy Angel General Hospital, CH Garcia Medical and Diagnostic Center, Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital, and Jose Yulo Foundation Canlubang Industrial Hospital...
Utilities and communication
Communication concerns are managed by different agencies found in the city: postal affairs rests on the Philippine Postal Corp. with three operating offices located in Barangays. Canlubang, Mayapa and the main office located at the back of City Hall. Telecommunications as well as internet connections are under the three major telecom companies such as PLDT, Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular for Digitel. Aside from these, print and radio services are also present, with Calambalita and DZJV– a local radio station catering to the whole Calabarzon area.
A major part of the city is currently served by MERALCO, with two substations of the company located in Brgys Mayapa and Brgy 1 facilitate the flow of power throughout the entire city. All the 54 barangays are equipped with electricity, with only a few barangays such as part of Canlubang, Pansol, Bucal and Lecheria under NAPOCOR.
A big part of the City is served by the Calamba Water District, providing water to 23,655 households, 1,238 commercial establishments and 53 public buildings. Most of the city's water supply comes from the faucet community water system.
Education
Calamba has a literacy rate of 98.9%. As of 2007, there are 120 elementary schools, 51 of which are public and 69 private. There are 50 secondary schools, 16 public and 34 private. Post-secondary education include 17 universities and colleges, and 9 technical and vocational schools.
The city has four NCAA affiliate schools/branches, namely as the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Lyceum of the Philippines University, San Sebastian College – Recoletos and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
Some private schools that are also located in Calamba are City College of Calamba, Don Bosco College, Canlubang, Calamba Institute, Laguna College of Business and Arts, Saint Benilde International School, Asian Computer College, Inc., Active Community Contributor Calamba Churchitute, Inc. andPhilippine Women's University Saint John Colleges. In Nuvali Calamba, there are two other schools located which are the Miriam College and Xavier School.