Makiling, Calamba
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Calamba, officially the City of Calamba (), is a component city in the
province A province is an administrative division within a country or sovereign state, state. The term derives from the ancient Roman , which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire, Roman Empire's territorial possessions ou ...
of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 539,671 people making it the largest city in the province. Calamba is the regional center of the Calabarzon region. It is situated south of
Manila Manila, officially the City of Manila, is the Capital of the Philippines, capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines after Quezon City, with a population of 1,846,513 people in 2020. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on ...
and west of Santa Cruz. The city is known as the "Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines" because of its numerous hot spring resorts, which are mostly located in Barangays Pansol, Bucal, Bagong Kalsada, and Lingga. According to the 2020 census, Calamba has a population of 539,671 people, making it the most populous local government unit in Laguna. It is the fifth-densest city in the province with more than 2,600 people per square kilometer after San Pedro,
Biñan Biñan (), officially the City of Biñan (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 407,437, making it the third largest in population in the province of Laguna, after ...
,
Cabuyao Cabuyao (), officially the City of Cabuyao (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 355,330 people. It used to be known as the "richest municipality in the Philipp ...
, 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 first among cities in the Calabarzon region. Calamba is known to be Calabarzon's richest city because of its numerous industries. Calamba is the hometown of the ''de facto'' Philippine national hero,
José Rizal José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a na ...
.


Etymology

The name of the city is derived from Tagalog '' kalamba'', meaning a wide-mouthed earthen water jar (also called ''balanga'' or ''banga'', cf.
Balanga, Bataan Balanga (pronounced ), officially the City of Balanga (; ), is a component city and capital of the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 104,173 people. Balanga was included the UNESCO Global N ...
). The origin of the name is reflected in the Calamba Jar landmark in city
plaza A town square (or public square, urban square, city square or simply square), also called a plaza or piazza, is an open public space commonly found in the heart of a traditional town or city, and which is used for community gatherings. Rela ...
, as well as the city's seal which depicts a water jar superimposed with a profile of
José Rizal José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a na ...
.


History


Early 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 (present-day
Cabuyao Cabuyao (), officially the City of Cabuyao (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 355,330 people. It used to be known as the "richest municipality in the Philipp ...
). In 1639 Calamba was the site of a rebellion of Chinese farmers, who had been forcibly resettled there by Governor Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera. This rebellion spread north of the Pasig River and eventually culminated in the deaths of over 20,000 Chinese in the whole region surrounding Manila. 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 it into portions and sold the haciendas to the natives during the American regime.


World War II

During the Japanese occupation in
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
, Calamba was the location of a
massacre A massacre is an event of killing people who are not engaged in hostilities or are defenseless. It is generally used to describe a targeted killing of civilians Glossary of French words and expressions in English#En masse, en masse by an armed ...
committed by the
Imperial Japanese Army The Imperial Japanese Army (IJA; , ''Dai-Nippon Teikoku Rikugun'', "Army of the Greater Japanese Empire") was the principal ground force of the Empire of Japan from 1871 to 1945. It played a central role in Japan’s rapid modernization during th ...
, in which at least 2,000 civilians were killed. 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 José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a na ...
. 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 Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal-Arroyo (; born April 5, 1947), often referred to as PGMA or GMA, is a Filipino academic and politician who served as the 14th president of the Philippines from Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 2001 to 2010 ...
on March 5, 2001, at the Malacañan Palace. The
Commission on Elections An election commission is a body charged with overseeing the implementation of electioneering process of any country. The formal names of election commissions vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and may be styled an electoral commission, a c ...
(COMELEC) then set the
plebiscite A referendum, plebiscite, or ballot measure is a direct vote by the electorate (rather than their representatives) on a proposal, law, or political issue. A referendum may be either binding (resulting in the adoption of a new policy) or adv ...
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 The Senate of the Philippines () is the upper house of Congress of the Philippines, Congress, the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, with the House of Representatives of the Philippines, House of Representatives as the lower house. The ...
through its president and the
House of Representatives House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entities. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often ...
through 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 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 in 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 Quezon City (, ; ), also known as the City of Quezon and Q.C. (read and pronounced in Filipino language, Filipino as Kyusi), is the richest and List of cities in the Philippines, most populous city in the Philippines. According to the 2020 c ...
. 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 The Senate of the Philippines () is the upper house of Congress of the Philippines, Congress, the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, with the House of Representatives of the Philippines, House of Representatives as the lower house. The ...
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.


Designation as regional center

Calamba was declared the regional center of the Calabarzon region by then President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal-Arroyo (; born April 5, 1947), often referred to as PGMA or GMA, is a Filipino academic and politician who served as the 14th president of the Philippines from Presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 2001 to 2010 ...
by virtue of Executive Order No. 246, dated October 28, 2003.


Geography

Calamba lies on the northern slopes of
Mount Makiling Mount Makiling (also spelled Maquiling) is an inactive stratovolcano located in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The mountain rises to an elevation of above mean sea level and is the highest feat ...
, 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 Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( ), is a first class province of the Philippines located in the southwestern part of Luzon in the Calabarzon region. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,908,494 people, making ...
and
Quezon Quezon, officially the Province of Quezon () and historically known as Tayabas, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon Regions of the Philippines, region on Luzon. Lucena, a highly urbanized ci ...
. The city is bordered by
Cabuyao Cabuyao (), officially the City of Cabuyao (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 355,330 people. It used to be known as the "richest municipality in the Philipp ...
to the north, by the province of
Cavite Cavite, officially the Province of Cavite (; Chavacano: ''Provincia de Cavite''), is a Provinces of the Philippines, province of the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region. On the southern shores of Manila Bay and southwest of Manila, i ...
to the west, specifically Silang and Tagaytay, Los Baños to the east, and by the province of
Batangas Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( ), is a first class province of the Philippines located in the southwestern part of Luzon in the Calabarzon region. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,908,494 people, making ...
to the south, specifically the cities of Tanauan and Santo Tomas. Laguna de Bay, the country's largest lake, forms the city's northeast border. The provincial capital, Santa Cruz, is located by road to the east. Calamba covers a total land area of , making it is the second-largest city in Laguna province in terms of land area after San Pablo.


Land uses


Barangays

Calamba is politically subdivided into 54 barangays, as indicated in the matrix below. Each barangay consists of
purok A ''purok'' () is an informal division within a barangay in the Philippines. While not officially considered a local government unit (LGU), a ''purok'' often serves as a unit for delivering services and administration within a barangay. ''Pur ...
s and some have
sitios A ''sitio'' (Spanish language, Spanish for "site") in the Philippines is a territorial enclave that forms part of a barangay. Typically rural, a ''sitios location is usually far from the center of the barangay itself and could be its own bar ...
.


Climate

Calamba has a
tropical monsoon climate An area of tropical monsoon climate (occasionally known as a sub-equatorial, tropical wet climate or a tropical monsoon and trade-wind littoral climate) is a tropical climate subtype that corresponds to the Köppen climate classification category ' ...
(type ''Am''), with a short dry season and a longer rainy season. The dry season lasts only from January to April, and the rest of the year is characterized by high levels of rainfall.


Demographics

The population of Calamba 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 2020 census, Calamba has a population of 539,671 inhabitants, making it the most populated city in Laguna province, followed by Santa Rosa,
Biñan Biñan (), officially the City of Biñan (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 407,437, making it the third largest in population in the province of Laguna, after ...
, San Pedro City,
Cabuyao Cabuyao (), officially the City of Cabuyao (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 355,330 people. It used to be known as the "richest municipality in the Philipp ...
, and San Pablo. Calamba is the 24th most populated city in the Philippines. Calamba is predominantly
Roman Catholic The Catholic Church (), also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptized Catholics worldwide as of 2025. It is among the world's oldest and largest international institut ...
(84.22%), followed by
Members Church of God International The Members Church of God International (), abbreviated as MCGI, is an international Christian religious organization with headquarters in the Philippines. It is popularly known in the Philippines as ''Ang Dating Daan'' (; abbreviated as AD ...
(MCGI or ADD)(4.5%),
Protestants Protestantism is a branch of Christianity that emphasizes Justification (theology), justification of sinners Sola fide, through faith alone, the teaching that Salvation in Christianity, salvation comes by unmerited Grace in Christianity, divin ...
(3.43%),
Iglesia ni Cristo The (INC; ; ) is an independent Nontrinitarianism, nontrinitarian Christianity, Christian Christian denomination, church founded in 1913 and registered by Felix Manalo, Félix Manalo in 1914 as a corporation sole, sole religious corporation ...
(3.14%), and
Islam Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...
(0.26%).


Economy

Calamba 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 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 Punta is an Afro-Indigenous dance and cultural music deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Garifuna of Honduras. It heavily incorporates West African/Central African drumming, the dance primarily of Angola and Congo origins. The musi ...
, Barandal, Batino and Prinza.


Income


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 the heart of Calabarzon due to the number of companies housed in its area, Calamba is one of the premiere industrial hubs outside of
Metro Manila Metropolitan Manila ( ), commonly shortened to Metro Manila and formally the National Capital Region (NCR; ), is the capital region and largest List of metropolitan areas in the Philippines, metropolitan area of the Philippines. Located ...
. Some of the industrial parks located in the city are: * Allegis IT Park (Barangay Milagrosa) *
Calamba Premiere International Park The Calamba Premiere International Park (CPIP) operated by the legal entity Calamba Premiere Realty Corporation as established in 1999, is one of the first industrial parks in the Philippines. It is a comprehensively-planned industrial estate ...
(Barangays Batino, Barandal and Prinza) * Canlubang Industrial Estate (Barangay Canlubang) * Carmelray Industrial Park 1 (Barangays Canlubang) * Carmelray Industrial Park 2 (Barangays Milagrosa & Punta) * Carmelray International Business Park (Barangay Canlubang) * Filinvest Technology Park (Barangays Punta, Burol, and Bubuyan) * Light Industry and Science Park of the Philippines II (Barangays Real and La Mesa) * NYK-TDG IT Park (Barangay Canlubang) * SMPIC Special Economic Zone (Barangay Paciano Rizal) * YTMI Realty Special Economic Zone (Barangay Makiling)


Information technology

Calamba is also considered one of the "Next Wave Cities" for outsourcing firms and call centers, among which is 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, and Liana's Discount Center Calamba. Notable shopping centers and travel agencies in Calamba also include Southern Sky Travel & Tours (Calamba Headquarters), Walter Mart Makiling, Puregold Halang, Puregold Calamba-Crossing, Puregold Calamba-Bayan, Checkpoint Mall, and among others. Food processing plants in Calamba like Zenith Foods Corporation (central commissary of
Jollibee Foods Corporation Jollibee Foods Corporation (abbreviated as JFC; doing business as, dba Jollibee Group) is a Philippine multinational corporation, multinational company headquartered in Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines. JFC is the owner of the fast food brand ...
), where its sauces and food products (i.e. burger, pies, fries, etc.) are first made before distributing to
Jollibee Jollibee is a Filipino chain of fast food restaurants owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) which serves as its flagship brand. Established in 1978 by Tony Tan Caktiong, it is the Philippines' top fast food restaurant and is among the ...
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 RC Cola (short for Royal Crown Cola) is a carbonated cola beverage owned in the United States by Keurig Dr Pepper and internationally by RC Global Beverages, Inc. History In 1901, the Cole-Hampton-Hatcher Grocery Store was established in Col ...
, 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 Electro-Mechanics Philippines, Continental Temic Electronics Philippines,
Toshiba is a Japanese multinational electronics company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. Its diversified products and services include power, industrial and social infrastructure systems, elevators and escalators, electronic components, semiconductors ...
Storage Device Philippines Inc.,
ST Microelectronics STMicroelectronics NV (commonly referred to as ST or STMicro) is a European multinational semiconductor contract manufacturing and design company. It is the largest of such companies in Europe. It was founded in 1987 from the merger of two st ...
(formerly Philips Electronics), Fuji Electric Philippines, NEC Tokin Electronics, NEC Toppan Circuit Solutions and Austriamicrosystems Phils. Automobile manufacturers that have plants located in Calamba are Asian Transmission Corporation and
Suzuki is a Japanese multinational mobility manufacturer headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka. It manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard motor, outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a va ...
Philippines Inc. Avon, the leading global beauty company has a manufacturing plant (Avon Products Manufacturing), is located at Calamba Premiere International Park.


Infrastructure


Transportation

Tricycle A tricycle, sometimes abbreviated to trike, is a Human-powered transport, human-powered (or gasoline or electric motor powered or assisted, or gravity powered) Three-wheeler, three-wheeled vehicle. Some tricycles, such as cycle rickshaws (for pa ...
s, buses,
jeepney A jeepney (), or simply a jeep (), is a type of Public transport, public utility vehicle (PUV) that serves as the most popular means of Transportation in the Philippines, public transportation in the Philippines. Known for its crowded seating ...
s, and
UV Express Utility Vehicle (UV) Express (formerly known as FX, Metered Taxi, and GT or Garage-to-Terminal Express) is a license to operate utility vehicles, particularly vans, as an alternative mode of public transport in the Philippines. The term also refe ...
are popular modes of transportation in Calamba. Calamba is served by the
Philippine National Railways The Philippine National Railways (PNR) (; ) is a government-owned and controlled corporation, state-owned railway company in the Philippines which operates one commuter rail service between Laguna (province), Laguna and Quezon, and local servic ...
(PNR) Metro Commuter Line. Stations include: * Calamba, at the city proper. This will serve as the terminal for the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and a stop for intercity trains headed for Bicol and Batangas. * Pansol – flag stop, served by trains between Manila and the
International Rice Research Institute The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an international agricultural research and training organization with its headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, in the Philippines, and offices in seventeen countries. IRRI is known for its w ...
(IRRI) in Los Baños.


Roads

The only expressway currently operational in Calamba is the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which passes through the city with four exits. SLEX is part of AH26 up to Calamba Exit. Main national highways include the Manila South Road, the
Pan-Philippine Highway The Pan-Philippine Highway, also known as the Maharlika Highway (; ), is a network of roads, expressways, bridges, and ferry services that connect the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao in the Philippines, serving as the country's p ...
(also known as Maharlika Highway, Daang Maharlika, or National Highway), which passes through the city and curves toward Santo Tomas in
Batangas Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( ), is a first class province of the Philippines located in the southwestern part of Luzon in the Calabarzon region. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 2,908,494 people, making ...
, and Calamba–Pagsanjan Road (also called "National Highway") links Calamba with Los Baños and Santa Cruz. Other arterial roads includes Chipeco Avenue and its Extension, which passes near the city hall, Tagaytay–Calamba Road, which picks up near Tagaytay Highlands, and Mayapa–Canlubang Cadre Road, a spur of Maharlika Highway serving Canlubang and Canlubang/Mayapa Exit (Exit 47). Proposed expressways include the Calamba–Los Baños Expressway, which spurs from SLEX, traverses along Laguna de Bay and ends on a national highway at
Bay A bay is a recessed, coastal body of water that directly connects to a larger main body of water, such as an ocean, a lake, or another bay. A large bay is usually called a ''gulf'', ''sea'', ''sound'', or ''bight''. A ''cove'' is a small, ci ...
, and
Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike is a proposed expressway in the coastal area of Laguna de Bay in the Philippines, from Taguig in Metro Manila to Calamba, Laguna, Calamba and Los Baños, Laguna, Los Baños in Laguna (province), Laguna. Th ...
, an expressway and dike that will run on the coast of Laguna de Bay. The projects will cost an estimated
The Philippine peso sign (₱) is the currency symbol used for the Philippine peso, the official currency of the Philippines. The symbol resembles a Latin script, Latin letter P with two horizontal strokes. It differs from the currency symbol u ...
5.9 billion ( $131.11 million) and
The Philippine peso sign (₱) is the currency symbol used for the Philippine peso, the official currency of the Philippines. The symbol resembles a Latin script, Latin letter P with two horizontal strokes. It differs from the currency symbol u ...
18.59 billion ( $413 million). File:Calamba,Lagunajf2637 04.JPG, Stop Light in Halang SLEX Calamba with NGCP transmission line (Laguna; 12-30-2021).jpg, South Luzon Expressway (view from northbound) approaching Calamba Exit File:Paciano Rizal at Night.jpg, Checkpoint, captured at Paseo De Calamba in Paciano Rizal


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 This is a partial list of notable hospitals in the Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists ...
, 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 four major telecom companies such as
PLDT PLDT, Inc., formerly known as the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (), is a Philippine telecommunications, internet and digital service company. PLDT is one of the Philippine's major telecommunications providers, along with Globe Te ...
(
Smart Communications Smart Communications Inc., commonly referred to as Smart, is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT Inc., a telecommunications and digital services provider based in the Philippines. As of November ...
),
Globe Telecom Globe Telecom, Inc., commonly shortened as Globe, is a major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines. The company operates one of the largest mobile, fixed-line and broadband networks in the Philippines. As of November 2023, ...
, Dito Telecommunity and Converge ICT Solutions Inc., commonly referred to as Converge. Aside from these, print and radio services are also present, with Calambalita DZLN-AM 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.


Government


Local government

Like other cities in the
Philippines The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an Archipelagic state, archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of List of islands of the Philippines, 7,641 islands, with a tot ...
, Calamba 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 14 members: 12 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 The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (League of Barangays in the Philippines) and the Asosasyon ng mga Kapitan ng Barangay (Association of Barangay Captains, ABC) are formal organizations of all the barangays in the Philippines. Presently, alm ...
President as the barangay sectoral representative. The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of ordinances and resolutions. By virtue of Republic Act no. 11078, Calamba has been separated from the 2nd District of Laguna to form its own, the Lone district of the City of Calamba.


Elected officials

The 2022 local elections in Calamba, held on May 9, 2022, replaced some members of the city government, primarily on the members of the city council. The mayor and vice mayor are term limited. Elected officials for the 2022–2025 term are:


List of former chief executives

Jose Rizal wrote a manuscript called ''Jefes del pueblo de Calamba (ang nangagsipagpuno sa bayan ng Calamba: sapol ng maging bayan, hangan sa panahon, 28 de Agosto, 1742 – hasta 1891)'' that is now kept in the National Library of the Philippines. It lists the names of local chief executives of Calamba since its founding as a town independent from Cabuyao.http://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph/RI01/NLPJRMN00350/datejpg1.htm/ Their names were: The following are the individuals that served as local chief executive of Calamba since the American occupation of the Philippines up to the present-day:


City seal

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. * Shield shape – The shield shape in the center, with a slight circular bottom, flat top and curved edges at the top corners project solidity and congruence. * Banga shaped twined with Dr. Jose Rizal's image – The historical ambience is depicted in this twin image. The abstract represents the influence of Dr. Jose Rizal and the Banga in the history of the City of Calamba. * Numbers – the engraved "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. * Objects – the mountain in the background and the water current at the bottom part relate to land and water resources of the city pertain to the vast natural resources of
Mount Makiling Mount Makiling (also spelled Maquiling) is an inactive stratovolcano located in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The mountain rises to an elevation of above mean sea level and is the highest feat ...
and the aquatic benefits of Laguna de Bay. The water beneath Mt. Makiling shows that Calamba touches a body of water notably Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country, and that's why Calamba is also known as the "City by the Lake". The silhouette image of rice field on the left and the industrial buildings on the right symbolizing Calamba'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. * Colors – Except for silver grey and metallic gold, all others are similar with the national seal. However, additional meanings are attached to each. * Metallic gold – This represents the radiating image of Dr. Jose Rizal and Banga that reflects in the minds and deeds of Calambeños. * Red – This symbolizes the burning patriotism of residents as exemplified by Rizal. * Blue – As land and water represent wealth and prosperity, the color blue signifies productivity and tranquility of the constituents. * Silver grey – This represents the transformation of development from an agricultural pueblo in the 1700s to an agro-industrial town in the 1900s and finally to an industrial city. * White – This projects purity, transparency, efficiency and prudence pertaining to governance. * Calamba has a golden edge etched at the upper half with the words Lungsod ng Calamba depicting Calamba as a Philippine component city. Laguna at the bottom part means that Calamba is still part of Laguna province.


Tourism

File:CalambaCityjf2751 08.JPG, Calamba City Hall File:401Calamba, Laguna Town Proper Landmarks 09.jpg, Calamba Claypot File:The wake park at Nuvali in Laguna.jpg, Republic Wakepark Canlubang File:Rizal Shrine Outdoor (Calamba, Laguna).jpg, Rizal Shrine File:Calamba City Plaza, Laguna, March 2023.jpg, Calamba City Plaza File:Calamba Veteran's Monument, March 2023.jpg, Calamba Veteran's Monument Calamba is the location of
José Rizal José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a na ...
's birthplace, Rizal Shrine, found in the ''poblacion'' (city proper), and St. John the Baptist Parish Church, the location of Rizal's baptism. A park built to commemorate José Rizal,
Rizal Park Rizal Park (), also known as Luneta Park or simply Luneta, is a historic urban park located in Ermita, Manila. It is considered one of the largest urban parks in the Philippines, covering an area of . The site on where the park is situated was ...
(or the Plaza) hosts a tall statue of Rizal, with the number symbolizing the 22 languages and dialects used by Rizal. The statue sits on top of a 15-step podium, symbolizing one decade since Rizal was born. The monument was once cited as the tallest Jose Rizal Monument in the world, until a monument of Rizal was built in Santa Cruz, Laguna, for the Palarong Pambansa 2014. The monument was inaugurated by President Benigno Aquino III in preparation for the Jose Rizal's sesquicentennial birth anniversary on June 19, 2011. Other tourist attractions include the
Calamba Claypot The Calamba Claypot, also known as the Calamba Jar and the Banga, is a landmark in Calamba, Laguna, Philippines, considered the largest claypot in the world. It is located at the City Plaza near Calamba Church and Rizal Shrine. Built in 1937, ...
(''Banga'' or ''Calambanga''), a large pot that is the namesake of the city, Republic Wakepark, a water sports park in the Nuvali mixed-use residential development in Canlubang, and
Calamba Island Calamba Island, (popularly known as Wonder Island Resort) and also known as Wonder Island Calamba, is an island resort, being part of Calamba in Laguna, situated in the middle of Laguna de Bay. Calamba Island is one of the tourists resorts of ...
, an islet off Laguna de Bay. Being near to
Mount Makiling Mount Makiling (also spelled Maquiling) is an inactive stratovolcano located in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The mountain rises to an elevation of above mean sea level and is the highest feat ...
, Calamba also hosts hot spring resorts, concentrated at barangays Pansol, Bucal and Bagong Kalsada near the boundary with Los Baños.


Culture


Festivals

The Buhayani Festival, the official festival of the City of Calamba was the brainchild of Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco during his first year as Mayor in 2013. Mayor Timmy wanted the city to have a festival that will best characterize its culture, progress and tourism potential. He wanted to capitalize on the city's historical heritage as the birthplace of unofficial Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Thus, the Buhayani Festival was born. The term "Buhayani" was coined by joining two Filipino words, ''"buhay"'' meaning life or the state of being alive and lively and ''"bayani"'' or hero. The festival's tagline "Buhay ng Bayani, Buháy na Bayani" literally translates to "Life of the Hero"pertaining to the life of our famous kababayan, Dr. Jose Rizal and "Living Hero"which refers to the common man who has the capacity and potential to become everyday heroes in their own small ways. "We want everyone who revere our kababayan, Dr. Jose Rizal to come to Calamba and join us in honouring him on his birthday and in celebrating the modern Rizal in us. We want to make our National Hero modern and relevant in today's challenging times and we want to celebrate the spirit of heroism that lives in each Filipino, not just in us Calambeños," Mayor Chipeco was quoted saying. Different activities were lined up for this year's Buhayani Festival: Kuwentong Bayani for selected Grade 5 students, Talinong Rizal Quiz Bee, Buhayani Football Cup, Independence Day Job Fair, SayawIndak Street Dancing Competition, Marching Band Competition, Baile de Gala, Hawig Rizal (Rizal Look-a-Like), Buhayani Eye Care Mission, and a whole lot more. Highlighting this year's celebration is the Morning Program wherein Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa is the Guest of Honor and Speaker. A special wreath-laying ceremony shall also commence at the Museo ni Rizal sa Calamba after a simultaneous floral offering at five different Rizal monuments around the city. "Jose Rizal is not just the pride of Calamba, he is the pride of the entire country as he was the Greatest Malay to have lived. His works, teachings and ideals have inspired and will continue to inspire us as we strive to live up to his ideals of nationalism and love of country. In the Buhayani Festival, we celebrate an ideal and an advocacy that through this festival, we can rekindle the fire of patriotism and heroism in the hearts of every Filipino. Come to Calamba – retrace history's footsteps, rediscover the richness and uniqueness of our heritage, fire up our Filipino pride and be inspired to share and spread what you have experienced and be part of the force that will bring about a renewed love of country in every Filipino," Mayor Chipeco challenged.


Education

Calamba has a literacy rate of 98.9%. , 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 The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a nonprofit organization that regulates College athletics in the United States, student athletics among about 1,100 schools in the United States, and Simon Fraser University, 1 in Canada. ...
affiliate schools that set up branches in the city, namely as the
Colegio de San Juan de Letran The Colegio de San Juan de Letran (), also referred to by its acronym CSJL, is a private Catholic coeducational basic and higher education institution owned and run by the friars of the Order of Preachers in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. I ...
( Calamba Campus),
Lyceum of the Philippines University Lyceum of the Philippines University (), also referred to by its acronym LPU, is a private, non-sectarian, coeducational higher education institution located at Intramuros in the City of Manila, Philippines. It was founded in 1952 by José P ...
( Laguna Campus), San Sebastian College – Recoletos (Canlubang Campus) and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ( Calamba Campus). Some private schools that are also located in Calamba are
City College of Calamba City College of Calamba (CCC) is a public college in Calamba, Laguna Calamba, officially the City of Calamba (), is a Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, component city in the Provinces of the Philippines, province of Laguna (pro ...
, Don Bosco College, Canlubang, Calamba Institute, Laguna College of Business and Arts, Saint Benilde International School, Asian Computer College, Inc., Asian Institute of Computer Studies, Inc. Active Community Contributor Calamba Churchitute, Inc., NU Laguna & INSPIRE Sports Academy,
Philippine Women's University Philippine Women's University (PWU) is a coeducational tertiary education school which has its main campus in Manila, Philippines. An all girls school, institution exclusive for girls from its inception until the 1970s, the PWU now admits both ...
, Saint John Colleges, Maranatha Christian Academy. In Nuvali Calamba, there are two other schools located which are the
Miriam College Miriam College () is a non-stock, non-profit Filipino Catholic educational institution for girls and young women in Quezon City, Philippines. It offers academic programs from pre-elementary to post-graduate and adult education levels that d ...
and
Xavier School Xavier School ( zh, s=光啓学校, t=光啓學校, p=Guāngqǐ Xúexìao, poj=Kong-khé Ha̍k-hāu; also referred to by its acronym XS) is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school run by the Catholic Order of the Society of Jesus. It ...
. In the near future, Everest Academy, a renowned Catholic and international school will also open its second campus in Nuvali. The City College of Calamba is the only public college in the city.


Notable personalities

File:Jose Rizal full.jpg, Dr. Jose Rizal File:Dolores Ramirez NAST.jpg, National Scientist Dolores Ramirez File:Vicente Podico Lim (1888–1944) at West Point in 1914.png, Vicente Lim File:Jhoanna at Billboard K POWER 100 (2) (cropped).jpg, Jhoanna Robles File:Ronato Alcano.jpg, Ronato "Ronnie" Alcano *
José Rizal José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (, ; June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896) was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is popularly considered a na ...
– Philippine national hero, nationalist and reformist *
Paciano Rizal Paciano Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (March 9, 1851 – April 13, 1930) was a Filipino general and revolutionary, and the older brother of José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. Early life Paciano Rizal was born to Francis ...
– revolutionary general, and the older brother of José Rizal * Trinidad Rizal – feminist leader and co-founder of the Philippines' first feminist organization, the Asociacion Femenista Filipina. * Delfina Herbosa de Natividad – one of the three women, together with Marcela Agoncillo and her daughter Lorenza, who seamed together the
Flag of the Philippines The national flag of the Philippines () is a horizontal List of flags by design#Bicolour, bicolor flag with equal bands of royal blue and Crimson, crimson red, with a white, equilateral chevron at the Glossary of vexillology#Flag elements, hois ...
. Niece of José Rizal. * Vicente Lim
World War II World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
Brigadier General * Florencio Pesquesa – farm worker and labor leader during the
Martial law Martial law is the replacement of civilian government by military rule and the suspension of civilian legal processes for military powers. Martial law can continue for a specified amount of time, or indefinitely, and standard civil liberties ...
era that was abducted and disappeared. His name is inscribed in the
Bantayog ng mga Bayani The Bantayog ng mga Bayani (), sometimes simply referred to as the Bantayog, is a monument, museum, and historical research center in Quezon City, Philippines, which honors the martyrs and heroes of the struggle against the Martial law under F ...
* Leopoldo B. Uichanco – Second Filipino Dean of UP College of Agriculture, Father of Philippine Entomologyhttps://nast.ph/images/pdf%20files/Publications/NAST%20Transactions/NAST%202001%20Transactions%20Volume%2023/BSD%201%20Directions%20of%20Systematic%20Entomology%20in%20the%20Philippines,%20Acd%20Clare%20R.%20Baltazar%202001.pdf.// * Dolores Ramirez
National Scientist of the Philippines The Order of National Scientists of the Philippines ( Tagalog: ''Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Agham ng Pilipinas''), abbreviated as ONS, is the highest award accorded to Filipino scientists by the Philippine government. Members of the order ...
for Biochemical Genetics & Cytogeneticshttp://philsciletters.net/2014/PSL%202014-vol07-no01-p241-244%20Flores.pdf/ * Bienvenido O. Juliano –
National Scientist of the Philippines The Order of National Scientists of the Philippines ( Tagalog: ''Orden ng mga Pambansang Alagad ng Agham ng Pilipinas''), abbreviated as ONS, is the highest award accorded to Filipino scientists by the Philippine government. Members of the order ...
for Biochemistry * Jose Juliano – nuclear physicist and chemist *
José Yulo José Yulo Yulo Sr. (September 24, 1894 – October 27, 1976) was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines (May 7, 1942 – July 9, 1945) during the Japanese Occupation and was Speaker of the National Assembly of the Philippines ...
– 5th
Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives The speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines (), more popularly known as the House speaker, is the presiding officer and the highest-ranking official of the lower house of Congress of the Philippines, Congress, the House of R ...
, 6th Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of the Philippines The Supreme Court (; colloquially referred to as the ' (also used in formal writing), is the highest court in the Philippines. It was established by the Taft Commission on June 11, 1901, through the enactment of Act No. 136, which abolished th ...
, former senator, 13th and 35th Secretary of the Department of Justice * Ruth Mariano-Hernandez incumbent member of the
House of Representatives House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national entities. In many countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often ...
from Laguna's
2nd A second is the base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI). Second, Seconds, The Second, or (The) 2nd may also refer to: Mathematics * 2 (number), as an ordinal (also written as ''2nd'' or ''2d'') * Minute and second of arc, ...
district * Ramil L. Hernandez – 18th and incumbent
Governor of Laguna The governor of Laguna () is the highest political office in the province of Laguna (province), Laguna, Philippines. The governor holds office at the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Santa Cruz, Laguna and alternatively at the Laguna Provincial Capi ...
* Dominador E. Chipeco, Sr. – 12th
Governor of Laguna The governor of Laguna () is the highest political office in the province of Laguna (province), Laguna, Philippines. The governor holds office at the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Santa Cruz, Laguna and alternatively at the Laguna Provincial Capi ...
* Restituto L. Luna – 14th
Governor of Laguna The governor of Laguna () is the highest political office in the province of Laguna (province), Laguna, Philippines. The governor holds office at the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Santa Cruz, Laguna and alternatively at the Laguna Provincial Capi ...
* Teresita S. Lazaro – 16th
Governor of Laguna The governor of Laguna () is the highest political office in the province of Laguna (province), Laguna, Philippines. The governor holds office at the Laguna Provincial Capitol in Santa Cruz, Laguna and alternatively at the Laguna Provincial Capi ...
* Ronnie Alcano – professional
pool Pool may refer to: Bodies of water * Swimming pool, usually an artificial structure containing a large body of water intended for swimming * Reflecting pool, a shallow pool designed to reflect a structure and its surroundings * Tide pool, a roc ...
player * Maybelline MasudaBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner * John Vic De Guzman – volleyball player and actor *
Jerrold Tarog Jerrold Viacrucis Tarog (; born May 30, 1977) is a Filipinos, Filipino film director, screenwriter, producer, editor, and composer. He is best known for directing ''Heneral Luna'' (2015), ''Bliss (2017 film), Bliss'' (2017) and ''Goyo: The Boy ...
– film director and screenwriter * Palito – comedian and actor * Teody Belarmino – film actor * Aruray – actress and comedian * Menggie Cobarrubias – film and television actor * Therese Malvar – actress * Lester Avan Andrada – Film actor * Thea Tolentino – actress, Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break winner * Jeric Gonzales – actor, Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break winner * Sam Mangubat – singer, 2nd placer of
Tawag ng Tanghalan ''Tawag ng Tanghalan'' (, abbreviated TNT) is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Originally hosted by Jaime dela Rosa, Patsy and Lopito, it aired as a reality competition from 1954 to September 1972 and f ...
* Gigi De Lana – singer-songwriter, actress, dancer and commercial model,
Tawag ng Tanghalan ''Tawag ng Tanghalan'' (, abbreviated TNT) is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Originally hosted by Jaime dela Rosa, Patsy and Lopito, it aired as a reality competition from 1954 to September 1972 and f ...
Semi-finalist * Jhoanna Robles – member of
Pinoy pop Pinoy pop (also known as Philippine pop; an abbreviated form of "Pinoy popular music" or "Philippine popular music"; or P-Pop) refers to popular music in the Philippines originating from the Original Pilipino music, OPM genre. With its beginni ...
group Bini


Sister cities


Local

*
Bacoor Bacoor (), officially the City of Bacoor (), is a Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, component city in the Provinces of the Philippines, province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 664,625 ...
, Cavite *
Biñan Biñan (), officially the City of Biñan (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 407,437, making it the third largest in population in the province of Laguna, after ...
, Laguna *
Cabanatuan Cabanatuan, officially the City of Cabanatuan (; ; kapampangan language, Kapampangan: ''Lakanbalen/Ciudad ning Cabanatuan''), is a Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, component city in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Acco ...
*
Cabuyao Cabuyao (), officially the City of Cabuyao (), is a component city in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 355,330 people. It used to be known as the "richest municipality in the Philipp ...
, Laguna *
Imus Imus (), officially the City of Imus (), is a Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, component city and ''de jure'' Capital city, capital of the Provinces of the Philippines, province of Cavite, Philippines. According to the 2020 cens ...
, Cavite *
Mabalacat Mabalacat, officially Mabalacat City (; ), is a component city in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 293,244 people. Mabalacat is in the urban core of Metro Clark, also known as Metro ...
, Pampanga * Mabitac, Laguna * Naga, Camarines Sur * Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental


International

* Geumcheon (Seoul), South Korea *
Guri Guri (; ) is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. It is located immediately to the east of Seoul, in the heart of the Capital Metropolitan Area. The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty are located in the city. The hill of Achasan is also ...
, South Korea * Jinjiang, China *
Litoměřice Litoměřice (; ) is a town in the Ústí nad Labem Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 23,000 inhabitants. The historic town centre is well preserved and is protected as an urban monument reservation. The town is the seat of the Roman C ...
, Czech Republic *
Walnut A walnut is the edible seed of any tree of the genus '' Juglans'' (family Juglandaceae), particularly the Persian or English walnut, '' Juglans regia''. They are accessory fruit because the outer covering of the fruit is technically an i ...
, United States * Wilhelmsfeld, Germany


See also

* Turbina, Calamba * Real, Calamba


References


External links

*
Calamba Business Directory Website
* Philippine Standard Geographic Codebr>Philippine Census InformationLocal Governance Performance Management SystemVisit Laguna – Tourist Spot in Laguna, things to do in Laguna
{{Authority control Cities in Laguna (province) Populated places established in 1742 1742 establishments in the Philippines Populated places on Laguna de Bay Component cities in the Philippines