Calamba, Laguna facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Calamba
Component city
City of Calamba
From top, left to right: Jose Rizal Shrine, Calamba Giant Clay Pot, Skyline, St. John the Baptist Parish Church, and Calamba City Hall.
Flag Seal
Nicknames:  The Premier City of Growth, Leisure and National Pride Hometown of Jose Rizal Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines
Motto(s):  Mabuhay ang Calamba! ("Long live Calamba!.")
Anthem: "Calamba Hymn"
Map of Laguna with Calamba highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Calamba Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Calabarzon
Province	Laguna
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	August 28, 1742
Cityhood	April 21, 2001
Barangays	54 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	149.50 km2 (57.72 sq mi)
Highest elevation	1,095 m (3,593 ft)
Lowest elevation	2 m (7 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	539,671
• Rank	20th
• Density	3,609.84/km2 (9,349.4/sq mi)
• Households	151,604
Demonym(s)	Calambeño (Male), Calambeña (Female), Calambenean
Economy
• Income class	1st city income class
• Poverty incidence	3.97 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 4,601 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 13,646 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 4,040 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 2,137 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
• Water	Calamba Water District
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	4027, 4028, 4029
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)49
Native languages	Tagalog
Patron saint	Saint John the Baptist
Website	www.calambacity.gov.ph

Calamba, officially known as the City of Calamba, is a busy city in the province of Laguna in the Philippines. It's called a "component city" because it's part of a province but has its own government. In 2020, over 539,000 people lived here, making it the biggest city in Laguna.

Calamba is the main center for the Calabarzon region. It is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Manila. The city is famous for its many hot spring resorts, which is why it's known as the "Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines." These resorts are mostly found in areas like Pansol and Bucal.

The city is also known as the hometown of José Rizal, who is considered the national hero of the Philippines. Calamba is a very important city for business and industry in the Calabarzon region.

What's in a Name? The Calamba Jar

The name "Calamba" comes from the Tagalog word kalamba. This word means a large earthen water jar. You might also hear these jars called balanga or banga.

You can see the story of the city's name in its famous landmark, the Calamba Jar. This huge pot is in the city's main plaza. The city's official seal also shows a water jar with a picture of José Rizal on it.

A Look Back: Calamba's History

Early Beginnings of Calamba

The oldest part of Calamba is believed to be Barangay Sucol. This is where the first people settled. When the Spanish arrived, the entire area became a large estate, or hacienda. It was first part of Tabuco, which is now Cabuyao.

In 1639, Chinese farmers living in Calamba started a rebellion. This happened because they were forced to move there. The rebellion spread and led to many deaths in the area around Manila. Calamba became its own town on August 28, 1742. In 1813, the Dominican Brothers managed Calamba. Later, during the American period, they sold parts of the haciendas to local people.

Calamba During World War II

During World War II, when Japan occupied the Philippines, a sad event happened in Calamba. The Imperial Japanese Army caused a massacre where at least 2,000 civilians were killed.

The St. John the Baptist Church, built in 1859, was also burned by the Japanese during the war. It was later rebuilt. This church is special because it's where José Rizal was baptized. The original baptismal font from that time has been kept and restored.

Becoming a City: Calamba's Journey to Cityhood

It took more than seven years for Calamba to become a city. Finally, on March 5, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a law that made Calamba a city. This law is called Republic Act No. 9024.

The people of Calamba then voted on April 21, 2001, to decide if they wanted to become a city. A large majority, about 77.33% of the voters, said "Yes." This officially made Calamba the second city in the province of Laguna.

How Calamba Became a City

The idea of Calamba becoming a city started way back in 1994. The local council asked the government to help make a law for this. Over the years, different leaders and senators worked to support the bill.

In 2000, things moved faster. The mayor at the time, Severino J. Lajara, pushed for the bill to be approved. Public hearings were held where people could share their thoughts. By February 2001, the bill was approved and became Republic Act No. 9024.

Calamba as a Regional Center

On October 28, 2003, Calamba was officially named the regional center of the Calabarzon region. This was done by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This means Calamba is an important hub for government and services in the region.

Where is Calamba? Geography and Location

Aerial view of Calamba

Calamba is located on the northern side of Mount Makiling, which is a volcano that is not active anymore. The South Luzon Expressway, a major highway, ends in Calamba. This makes the city a key entry point to the southern provinces of Luzon. From here, you can travel east to other towns in Laguna or south to Batangas and Quezon.

The city is next to Cabuyao to the north. To the west, it borders parts of Cavite, like Silang and Tagaytay. To the east is Los Baños, and to the south are cities in Batangas like Tanauan and Santo Tomas. Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, forms the city's northeast border. The capital of Laguna, Santa Cruz, is about 37 kilometers (23 miles) east.

Calamba covers a total area of about 149.50 square kilometers (57.72 sq mi). This makes it the second-largest city in Laguna province by land area.

Barangays: The Local Communities

Calamba is divided into 54 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has its own smaller sections called puroks, and some have sitios. These are the local communities where people live.

Climate: Weather in Calamba

Calamba has a tropical monsoon climate. This means it has a short dry season and a longer rainy season. The dry season is from January to April. For the rest of the year, there is a lot of rain.

People of Calamba: Demographics

The population of Calamba is growing quickly. From 1995 to 2000, it grew by 5%. This fast growth continued in later years.

In 2020, Calamba had 539,671 residents. This makes it the most populated city in Laguna province. It is also the 24th most populated city in the entire Philippines.

Most people in Calamba are Roman Catholic (84.22%). Other religions include Members Church of God International (4.5%), Protestants (3.43%), Iglesia ni Cristo (3.14%), and Islam (0.26%).

Economy: How Calamba Makes Money

Calamba is known as the "Richest City in Calabarzon." This is because it earns a lot of money. The city is also considered one of the "Next Wave Cities" for companies that handle business processes, like call centers.

The main ways Calamba earns money are from factories, tourism, farming, and services. Many factories and businesses are located in areas like Canlubang, Real, and Milagrosa.

Industries and Manufacturing

Calamba Premiere International Park

Calamba is a big center for industries. It's like the heart of the Calabarzon region because so many companies are located there. It is one of the top industrial areas outside of Metro Manila. Some of the industrial parks in the city include:

• Calamba Premiere International Park
• Canlubang Industrial Estate
• Carmelray Industrial Park 1 and 2
• Light Industry and Science Park of the Philippines II

Many food processing plants are in Calamba. For example, Zenith Foods Corporation, which makes sauces and food products for Jollibee Foods Corporation, is here. Other food companies like Rebisco, RC Cola, and Monde M.Y. San Corporation also have plants in the city.

Several semiconductor companies are also in Calamba. These include Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines and Toshiba Storage Device Philippines Inc. Car manufacturers like Asian Transmission Corporation and Suzuki Philippines Inc. also have plants here.

Avon, a well-known beauty company, has a manufacturing plant in Calamba Premiere International Park.

Shopping and Trade

Shopping malls

Checkpoint Mall in Paciano Rizal

iMall in Canlubang

SM City Calamba in Real

Besides the main "Crossing" area, Barangays Real and Parian are also busy with businesses. You can find shopping malls like SM City Calamba and Liana's Discount Center there. Other popular shopping places include Walter Mart Makiling and Checkpoint Mall.

Infrastructure: Getting Around and Services

Transportation: Moving in Calamba

Jeepneys at the Calamba Central Terminal

Calamba PNR Station

In Calamba, you can get around using Tricycles, buses, jeepneys, and UV Express vans.

The city also has train service through the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Metro Commuter Line. The main train station is Calamba, located in the city proper. This station will be a major stop for future train lines.

Roads for Travel

The main expressway in Calamba is the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). It has four exits within the city. SLEX is part of a larger highway system called AH26.

Other important roads include the Manila South Road and the Pan-Philippine Highway (also known as Maharlika Highway). The Calamba–Pagsanjan Road connects Calamba to Los Baños and Santa Cruz.

There are also plans for new expressways, like the Calamba–Los Baños Expressway and the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike. These projects will help improve travel and protect the area from floods.

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  Stop Light in Halang

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  South Luzon Expressway (view from northbound) approaching Calamba Exit

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  Checkpoint, captured at Paseo De Calamba in Paciano Rizal

Utilities and Communication

Calamba has good communication services. The Philippine Postal Corp. handles mail, with offices in different barangays. For phones and internet, there are four major companies: PLDT (Smart Communications), Globe Telecom, Dito Telecommunity, and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.. The city also has local radio stations.

Most of Calamba gets electricity from Meralco. There are two substations that help power the city. All 54 barangays have electricity.

The Calamba Water District provides water to many homes and businesses. Most of the city's water comes from a community water system.

Tourism: Places to Visit in Calamba

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  Calamba City Hall

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  Calamba Claypot

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  Republic Wakepark Canlubang

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  Rizal Shrine

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  Calamba City Plaza

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  Calamba Veteran's Monument

Calamba is a great place to visit, especially if you're interested in history. It's the birthplace of José Rizal, the Philippine national hero. You can visit the Rizal Shrine in the city proper. Nearby is the St. John the Baptist Parish Church, where Rizal was baptized.

There's also Rizal Park (or the Plaza). It has a 22-foot tall statue of Rizal. The number 22 represents the 22 languages and dialects Rizal used. The statue stands on a 15-step platform, symbolizing 15 decades since Rizal was born. This monument was opened by President Benigno Aquino III in 2011.

Other fun places to see include the Calamba Claypot (also called Banga or Calambanga). This is a giant pot that gives the city its name. If you like water sports, you can visit Republic Wakepark in Canlubang. There's also Calamba Island, a small island in Laguna de Bay.

Because Calamba is close to Mount Makiling, it has many hot spring resorts. These are mainly in areas like Pansol, Bucal, and Bagong Kalsada.

Culture: Festivals in Calamba

Buhayani Festival

The Buhayani Festival is the official festival of Calamba City. It was started by Mayor Justin Marc SB. Chipeco in 2013. The mayor wanted a festival that would show off the city's culture, growth, and tourism. He also wanted to highlight that Calamba is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the national hero.

The name "Buhayani" combines two Filipino words: "buhay" (meaning life or lively) and "bayani" (meaning hero). The festival's motto is "Buhay ng Bayani, Buháy na Bayani". This means "Life of the Hero" (referring to Jose Rizal) and "Living Hero" (referring to everyday people who can be heroes in their own ways).

The festival includes many activities. There are storytelling sessions for students, quiz bees about Rizal, and sports events like a football cup. There are also street dancing competitions, marching band contests, and a "Rizal Look-a-Like" event. The festival aims to inspire patriotism and heroism in everyone.

Education: Schools in Calamba

City College of Calamba

Calamba has a high literacy rate of 98.9%. This means almost everyone can read and write. As of 2007, there were 120 elementary schools, with 51 being public and 69 private. There were also 50 secondary schools, with 16 public and 34 private.

For college, Calamba has 17 universities and colleges. It also has 9 technical and vocational schools. Several well-known schools have campuses in Calamba, such as:

• Colegio de San Juan de Letran (Calamba Campus)
• Lyceum of the Philippines University (Laguna Campus)
• San Sebastian College – Recoletos (Canlubang Campus)
• University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (Calamba Campus)

Other private schools include Don Bosco College, Canlubang and Laguna College of Business and Arts. In Nuvali Calamba, you can find Miriam College and Xavier School. The City College of Calamba is the only public college in the city.

Famous People from Calamba

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  Dr. Jose Rizal

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  Delfina Herbosa de Natividad

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  Gen. Vicente Lim

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  National Scientist Dolores Ramirez

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  Ronato "Ronnie" Alcano

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  Jhoanna Robles

Calamba is the hometown of many notable people:

• José Rizal – The national hero of the Philippines.
• Paciano Rizal – A revolutionary general and older brother of José Rizal.
• Trinidad Rizal – A leader who helped start the first women's organization in the Philippines.
• Delfina Herbosa de Natividad – One of the three women who sewed the first Flag of the Philippines. She was Jose Rizal's niece.
• Vicente Lim – A Brigadier General during World War II.
• Dolores Ramirez – A National Scientist of the Philippines known for her work in genetics.
• Ronnie Alcano – A professional pool player.
• Jhoanna Robles – A member of the Pinoy pop group Bini.

Sister Cities: Friends Around the World

Calamba has "sister city" relationships with other cities, both in the Philippines and in other countries. This means they share cultural and economic ties.

Local Sister Cities

• Bacoor, Cavite
• Biñan, Laguna
• Cabuyao, Laguna
• Imus, Cavite
• Naga, Camarines Sur

International Sister Cities

• Geumcheon (Seoul), South Korea
• Guri, South Korea
• Jinjiang, China
• Litoměřice, Czech Republic
• Walnut, United States
• Wilhelmsfeld, Germany

Images for kids

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  Aerial view of Calamba landing field, circa 1940s

See also

In Spanish: Calambá para niños