Calamba, Laguna: Difference between revisions

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Calamba Lungsod ng Kalamba
Component City
City of Calamba
(From top to right) Mount Makiling, Rizal Shrine, Tallest José Rizal Statue in the world. (From top to right) Mount Makiling, Rizal Shrine, Tallest José Rizal Statue in the world.
Flag of Calamba Flag Official seal of Calamba Seal
Map of Laguna showing the location of Calamba City
Country	Philippines
Region	CALABARZON
Province	Laguna
District	2nd District of Laguna
Incorporated	August 28, 1742 (Town)
Incorporated	April 21, 2001 (City)
Barangays	54
Government
• Mayor	Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. (2010-2013; Liberal)
• Vice Mayor	Severino J. Lajara (2010-present; UNA)
Area [1]
• Total	149.50 km2 (57.72 sq mi)
Population  (2010)[2]
• Total	389,377
• Density	2,600/km2 (6,700/sq mi)
Demonym	Calambeño
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	4027 4028 - Canlubang 4029 - Camp Vicente Lim (Mayapa)
Dialing code	49
Income Class	1st Class
Classification	Component City
Website	www.calambacity.gov.ph

Calamba (NSCB: 043405000) is a component city located in Laguna, Philippines. It is the regional center of the CALABARZON region. Situated 54 kilometres (34 mi) south of Manila, the city is a popular tourist destination with its hot spring resorts, most of which are located in Barangay Pansol and Barangay Bucal. With the total count of resorts in Calamba at 661, the city has earned the nickname "Resort Capital of the Philippines".^{[citation needed]}

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 wooden 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).^[3] 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 considered the "World's Biggest Claypot".^[4] 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.

File:Calamba City Church.jpg

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). 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.^[3][5]

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.^[6] 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.

After a process of more than seven years, Calamba became the second component city of the Province of 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 Malacañang Palace. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) then set the plebiscite for Calamba’s cityhood on April 21, 2001, three weeks before the local elections.

A vast majority of Calambeños took part in the historic plebiscite. Of the total fifteen thousand fifty-six (15,056) Calambeños who voted, only three thousand four hundred thirteen (3,413) or 22.67% voted “No”. The remaining 77.33% voted “Yes” to Calamba’s conversion into a component city.

On October 28, 2003, effected on the Executive Order 398, Calamba City was designated as the regional center of Region IV-A CALABARZON.

Calamba City was declared the Regional Center of CALABARZON by Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Executive Order No. 246, dated October 28, 2003. The President also led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Regional Government Center in Barangay Mapagong, Calamba City, December 11, 2009.

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 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),^[1] making it is the 2nd largest city in Laguna province in terms of land area after San Pablo City.

Calamba City is politically subdivided into 57 barangays, though 2 are unofficial and 1 is actually part of the largest barangay in the city.

Barangay Canlubang is the biggest barangay in population and by land area in the city. It is composed of several sitios, some of the sitios that can be found are: Happy Valley, Asia I, Asia II, Buntog,Matang-Tubig,Balagbag-Araw,Bangyas, Mangumit, Ceris I, Manfil, Palao, MCDC, Kapayapaan, Locomotive etc. It is part of Canlubang, an area of western Laguna which spans also of Biñan City, Santa Rosa City, and Cabuyao where industrialization is taking its toll. It is the only barangay in Laguna that hosts a patron saint for itself, St. Joseph the Worker, while the neighboring barangays are under the jurisdiction of Mary Help of Christians parish located at Brgy. Mayapa. Canlubang is also the site of many industrial parks, notably the Carmelray Industrial Parks I and II. And also, being one of the biggest barangay in land area and in population, some people refer and some people think that Canlubang is a municipality and not a barangay.

Population census of Calamba City

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1995	218,951	—
2000	281,146	+5.51%
2007	360,281	+3.48%
2010	389,377	+2.87%

According to the 2010 census, Calamba has a population of 389,377 inhabitants, making it the most populated town in Laguna province, followed by San Pedro, Santa Rosa City, Biñan City, and San Pablo City.

Calamba is predominantly Roman Catholic (89.72%), followed by Protestants (3.43%), Iglesia Ni Cristo (3.14%), and Islam (0.26%).^[3]

File:City of Calamba, skyline, Nov. 2012.png

Calamba is an important industrial center in the CALABARZON region as shown by the large number of industrial parks and business estates that are located in the city.

As per the local government income classification of the Department of Finance in 2001, Calamba is classified as a "First Class City". In 2010, the city registered a total revenue of ₱261,671,267.96. Its proximity to Metro Manila has continuously spurred the growth of the real estate industry and marketing industries. As of 2007, Calamba City already qualified to become a Highly-urbanized city. Calamba City is also recognized by the PCCI as the "Most Business Friendly LGU" and also obtained the City Level 2. The city also ranked no. 1 in Laguna and no. 10 Nationwide on the Component City Category, given by the DILG.

For the year 2008 about 1,289 new investors have applied for permits from the city government, about 19.8% higher than 2007, while the total number of business operators has reached to 5,154, excluding peddlers. Aside from the Crossing area in Barangay Uno, Barangays Real and Parian are also bustling with business structures, including SM City Calamba, Waltermart and Lianas Supermarket. Manufacturers on the other hand are concentrated in the 9 industrial estates. These include, Allegis IT Park (Brgy. Tulo); Calamba Premiere International Park (Brgy. Batino, Barandal and Prinza); Carmelray Industrial Park I (Canlubang); Carmelray Industrial Park II (Brgy. Punta & Tulo); Carmelray International Business Park (Canlubang); Filinvest Technology Park (Brgy. Punta, Burol & Bubuyan); Light Industry and Science Park II (Brgy. Real & La Mesa); Light Industry and Science Park (Brgy.Real & La Mesa); and YTMI Realty Special Economic Zone (Brgy. Makiling).

Calamba City is also hailed as "The Richest City in Southern Luzon", surpassing the cities of Santa Rosa, Antipolo, Batangas and Dasmariñas based on the 2011 COA Annual Budget Report.

File:Front Facade View of SM Calamba.jpg

SM City Calamba
A 3-floor shopping mall operated by SM Prime Holdings. Opened on October 15, 2010. It is the third SM Supermall franchise in the province of Laguna. It is the biggest shopping mall in the city.

Liana's Discount Center Calamba
A 4-floor shopping mall located at Brgy. Parian. This is the second largest mall in the city. This is also one of the oldest malls in Calamba.

Walter Mart Calamba
A 2-floor shopping mall operated by Benison Group of Companies. Located at Brgy. Real. It is known for its proximity to SM City Calamba.

Walter Mart Makiling
Also referred as Walter Mart Calamba II. It is a 2-floor shopping center operated by Benison Group of Companies. Located at Brgy. Makiling. This is the second branch of Walter Mart in Calamba City after the success of its first branch in Brgy. Real.

SM Savemore Halang
A stand-alone supermarket on Barangay Halang. Operated and managed by the SM Prime Holdings.

SM Savemore Parian
A stand-alone supermarket located on Barangay Parian. Operated and managed by the SM Prime Holdings. This is the second branch of SM Savemore in the city after Savemore Halang.

Puregold Calamba
A hypermart operated by Puregold Price Club, Inc. Established on December 21, 2010. Located at National Highway, Brgy. Halang. Puregold Calamba is former location of the Sioland Supermarket.

Puregold Jr. Parian
A hypermart operated by Puregold Price Club, Inc. Established on December 18, 2011. Located at Blk 1 Lot 5, Brgy. Mayapa.

Puregold Calamba Crossing
A hypermart operated by Puregold Price Club, Inc. Established on December 18, 2012. Located at Calamba Trade Center, Rizal Street, Brgy. 1.

Paseo Uno de Calamba
A 2-floor leisure and dining center located at Brgy. Paciano.

New Parian Business Center
A 2-floor commercial and dining center located at Brgy. Parian.

Carmel Mall Canlubang
A two storey mall at Canlubang. It's major anchors are Puregold Jr, Rustans and Tropical Hut.

Puregold Extra Kapayapaan Canlubang
A stand-alone supermarket lying near the wet market of the sitio.

iMALL Canlubang
A one-storey leisure place. It is known for its proximity on Don Bosco College - Canlubang. It's major anchors are Robinsons Supermarket and Watsons.

File:The Plaza Calamba.jpg

• Rizal Shrine: The historical Rizal's Shrine, located at Calamba City Proper. Beside the St. John the Baptist Church, it is where José Rizal, the Philippines' national hero, lived before he was executed in Rizal Park.

• Calamba Rizal Park/The Plaza: This public park in Barangay Real commemorates Jose Rizal. Erected on a 7 hectares (17 acres) land at Calamba City Hall Complex, the monument is 22 feet (6.7 m) tall, with the number symbolizing the 22 languages and dialects used by Rizal. It sits on top of a 15-step podium, symbolizing one decade since Rizal was born. It is the tallest Jose Rizal Monument in the World.^[7] The monument was inaugurated by President Benigno Aquino III in preparation for the National Hero's sesquicentennial birth anniversary on June 19.

• Banga/Pot of Calamba: Banga is a large pot that symbolizes the name of Calamba City. The name of Calamba City derived from the two words, "kalan" and "banga". The barangays in Calamba was inscripted around the pot. This pot is also known as Calambanga.

• St. John the Baptist Church: Established in 1859, it 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.

• Republ1c Wakepark: The Newest and Most Innovative Wakepark in the World. It is now a landmark for those who wants to experience wakeboarding within the vicinity of Metro Manila. Located in Nuvali Laguna.

• Rizal Day/Rizal’s Birth Anniversary (June 19): Calamba City is the center of this event in the country. Various activities, including a cultural fair are held to observe the birthday of Calamba's foremost son, José Rizal. Parades, floral offerings and contests for the best floats depicting the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal are presented to celebrate the national hero's birthday. Float parades and other activities on this day were happening in Rizal Street.

• Cityhood Anniversary/Kalanbanga Festival (April 21): The City Foundation Day of Calamba is commemorated with a caracol (street dancing) contest and a week-long presentation showcasing local talents.

• Town Foundation of Calamba (August 28): The occasion honors the foundation of Calamba as a town that was formerly a part of the Municipality of Cabuyao.

• Feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24): Calamba's patron saint is honored with religious celebrations held in Barangays 1 to 7, the known poblacion area of the City.

• Rizal’s Death Anniversary (December 30): As a tribute to the sacrifice and valor of National Hero, a floral wreath offering and a lecture on the heroism and greatness of Dr. Jose Rizal are held on this day.

• Independence Day (June 12): Calamba holds a local celebration to commemoration the patriotism and bravery of Filipino heroes.

The 2010 local elections in Calamba City, held on May 10, 2010, replaced some members of the city government.^[8]

• Mayor: Joaquin Chipeco Jr. (Liberal)
• Vice Mayor: Severino Lajara (UNA)
• Association of Barangay Chairmen President: Saturnino Lajara
• Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President: Emmanuel Nido
• City councilors:
  • Ruth Mariano-Hernandez (Nacionalista)
  • Lian Pecho Aldabe (Lakas Kampi CMD)
  • Edgardo Catindig (Liberal)
  • Moises Mayor (Lakas Kampi CMD)
  • Luis Vergel Baroro (Liberal)
  • Christian Nino Lajara (Lakas Kampi)
  • Peewee Perez (Lakas Kampi CMD)
  • Jose Morel Manaig (Liberal)
  • Juan Lazaro (Nacionalista)
  • Santiago Atienza (Nacionalista)

File:Ph seal laguna calamba.png

Calamba City has a golden edge etched at the upper half with the words Lungsod ng Calamba depicting Calamba City as a Philippine component city. Laguna at the bottom part means that Calamba City is still part of Laguna province. The year 1742 mentions the year when Calamba was founded and seceded from the town of Cabuyao, while 2001 was identified as the year of Calamba's cityhood.

The inner part of the seal shows a golden jar with the face of Dr. Jose Rizal, the city's prominent figure and the national hero. Beneath the jar is Mount Makiling, a dominant mountain near the city that can be seen anywhere in Calamba. At the left part of Makiling shows palm trees symbolizing nature, while at right shows buildings symbolizing Calamba City's rapid modernization, urbanization, and industrialization. With both signs located beside each other, it shows everyone that nature and progress can efficiently coexist in Calamba City. Lastly, the water beneath Mt. Makiling shows that Calamba City touches a body of water notably Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country, and that's why Calamba City is also known as the "City by the Lake".

The former mayors and political leaders of Calamba are:^[5]

• Mateo Elejorde (1901–1904)
• Isidoro Cailles (1904–1907)
• Ramon Santos (1907–1910)
• Rafael Pabalan (1910–1917)
• Roman D. Lazaro (1919–1922/1931-1934) (1937-1941/1945-1946)
• Felipe Belarmino (1922–1931)
• Eduardo A. Barretto (1934–1937)
• Enrique G. Shinyo (1942)
• Artemio M. Alepao (1943)
• Exequiel Geneciran (1944–1945)
• Severino Q. Arambulo (1946-1947/1956-1959) (1968–1971)
• Sisenando V. Rizal Sr. (1948-1951/1952-1954)
• Pantaleon Alihan (1954–1955)
• Taciano V. Rizal (1960-1963/1964-1967) (1972–1975)
• Eduardo T. Yu Jr. (1975–1980)
• Salvador E. Delmo (1980–1986)
• Apolonio A. Elazegui (1986–1987)
• Victoriano Chipeco (1987-1988)
• Jesus Miguel Yulo (1987–1994)
• Severino J. Lajara (1994–2004)
• Joaquin Chipeco Jr. (2004-present)

On 2010, Calamba City became a plastic-free city. By the City Ordinance 10-481 S.2010, this ordinance prohibits the use of plastic bags for dry goods and regulating its utilization for wet goods and prohibiting the use of styrofoam in the City of Calamba and prescribing penalties. Usage of straws is also regulated on some restaurants and fastfood chains.^[9] Calamba was declared as a "role city" by implementing this ordinance because of the full cooperation of business establishments and with the strict prohibition of the local government.

File:Calamba City footbridge.jpg

Tricycles, buses, jeepneys, and boats are popular modes of transportation in Calamba.

Calamba City, as the regional center of Region IV-A or CALABARZON has different roads that course through the city and can take anyone to different locations in the region. There are many roads and highways in Calamba City that still continue to be developed. Such examples are:

• South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) - Calamba City has five interchanges and three overpasses that cross or branch from the SLEX. Going southward from Metro Manila, the hierarchy of the said interchanges and overpasses are: Silangan Interchange or Exit 45 which takes you to Canlubang and Mapagong; Mapagong Overpass which crosses the area of SLEX close to the Calamba Tollway; Canlubang-Mayapa Interchange or Exit 47 that takes you to the National Highway in Parian and adjacent barangays Mayapa, Canlubang, and Paciano Rizal; Batino Overpass which crosses Batino; Batino Exit or Exit 49 wherein anyone can go to cities of Tagaytay and Tanauan and neighboring barangays Barandal, Batino, Prinza, Turbina, Lawa, Punta, and Bubuyan; Calamba Interchange or Exit 50 in which motorists can go to Batangas, Quezon province, Bicol region, Los Baños, Bay, San Pablo City, Santa Cruz, Pagsanjan, and Siniloan. The SLEX extension is already connected to STAR Tollway in Santo Tomas, Batangas.
• Maharlika Highway - accessible if entered Exit 50 or Batangas Exit of SLEX. It passes through barangays Turbina, Tulo, and Makiling in Laguna, and continues through Batangas and ends at Lipa City. Along Maharlika Highway are numerous factories, warehouses, and other industrial sites that can be found in Calamba City, Laguna, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
• Old National Highway - it starts from Alabang in Muntinlupa City and ends at Pagsanjan, Laguna. The construction of the SLEX loosened the traffic along the National Highway. Its jurisdiction in Calamba City starts at barangay Banlic and ends at barangay Bagong Kalsada. Recently, the National Highway underwent renovations and reconstructions to improve the driving quality. This section of Old National Highway is also part of the Maharlika Highway system ( AH26).
• Chipeco Avenue and Extension - it starts at Padre Burgos Avenue in Barangay III, Calamba City and ends along the railroad tracks at barangay Real. It courses through barangays III, Lecheria, Halang, and Real, thus it crosses the National Highway. Calamba City Hall and Department of Education Building are located adjacent to Chipeco Avenue Extension.
• Calamba-Sta. Cruz-Famy Road - the major road of the eastern part of the city, it starts at Crossing and ends in the town proper of Famy, Laguna. Recently there had been numerous projects on widening this mostly four-lane provincial road that connects the western and eastern parts of the province. It bypasses Calamba City, Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, and Famy.

• Calamba-Los Baños Expressway - a proposed expressway that will start at SLEX Extension (Calamba Exit) traverses along Laguna de Bay and ends up connecting a national road at Bay, Laguna. The construction of the four-lane 15.5-kilometre-long (9.6 mi) expressway will cost an estimated PHP5.9 billion or US$131.11 million.^[10] When constructed, it is expected to ease the traffic in the Calamba-Los Baños area, particularly along National Road.
• Laguna de Bay Flood Control Dike Expressway - also known as the C-6 Extension. A proposed expressway that will start from the coastal area of Laguna de Bay from Taguig City, the province of Rizal to Calamba City and Los Baños. The construction of the four-lane 43.6-kilometre-long (27.1 mi) expressway will cost an estimated PHP18.59 billion or US$413 million.^[10] When constructed, it is expected to ease traffic congestion along Muntinlupa City and Calamba City area. Also serve as flood control measure in Laguna de Bay coastal area.

There are 9 private and 1 government-run hospitals in Calamba.^{[citation needed]} 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 and Medical Cente, Holy Angel General Hospital, CH Garcia Medical and Diagnostic Center, Dr. Jose Rizal Memorial Hospital, and Jose Yulo Foundation Canlubang Industrial Hospital.

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.^[3]

Schools located in Calamba include the City College of Calamba, Calamba Bayside National High School (Lingga Rural NHS), Punta National High School, Laguna College of Business and Arts, Calamba Institute, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, and Lyceum of the Philippines University- Laguna.

Here is a list of public and private school in Calamba (as of 2007):

• José Rizal, national hero of the Philippines
• Paciano Rizal, Filipino general and revolutionary, and the older brother of José Rizal
• Vicente Lim, World War II general
• Ronnie Alcano, professional pool player
• Geronimo Aclan, a Filipino lieutenant-general during World War II.
• Herbert Chavez, also known as "Pinoy Superman". Recognized by the Guinness World Records as having the Largest Collection of Superman Memorabilia.

• Makati City, Philippines
• Litoměřice, Czech Republic
• Walnut, California, USA
• Wilhelmsfeld, Germany
• Guri, South Korea
• Geumcheon-gu, South Korea

• The Official Website of Calamba City
• Calamba City Business Directory Website
• Official Website of the Tourism Department of Calamba City
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• 1995 Philippine Census Information
• 2000 Philippine Census Information
• 2007 Philippine Census Information (1)
• 2007 Philippine Census Information (2)
• Local Governance Performance Management System