Calbayog
| Calbayog | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Component City | |||
| City of Calbayog | |||
|
Aerial view of Calbayog | |||
| |||
| Nickname(s): City of Waterfalls | |||
 Map of Samar showing the location of Calbayog City | |||
.svg.png)  Calbayog Location within the Philippines | |||
| Coordinates: 12°04′N 124°36′E / 12.07°N 124.6°ECoordinates: 12°04′N 124°36′E / 12.07°N 124.6°E | |||
| Country |
 Philippines | ||
| Region | Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) | ||
| Province | Samar | ||
| District | 1st District of Samar | ||
| Cityhood | October 16, 1948 | ||
| Barangays | 157 | ||
| Government[1] | |||
| • Mayor | Ronaldo P. Aquino | ||
| • Vice-Mayor | Diego P. Rivera | ||
| • Congressman | Mel Senen S. Sarmiento | ||
| • City Council |
Councilors
| ||
| Area[2] | |||
| • Total | 880.74 km2 (340.06 sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 42.85 km2 (16.54 sq mi) | ||
| Population (2010)[3] | |||
| • Total | 172,778 | ||
| • Density | 200/km2 (510/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym(s) | Calbayognon | ||
| Time zone | PHT (UTC+8) | ||
| ZIP Code | 6710 | ||
| Area code(s) | +63 55 | ||
| Income class | 1st class city[2] | ||
| Website |
calbayog | ||
Calbayog, officially the City of Calbayog (Waray: Syudad san Calbayog; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Calbayog; Filipino: Lungsod ng Calbayog) and often referred to as Calbayog City, is a city in the province of Samar, Philippines. It lies along the coastal region of the province stretching about 60 miles (97 km) from the northern tip of the island and 180 miles (290 km) from southern boundaries.
It is the third largest city in terms of land and water areas in the Philippines. The first crowned city of Samar and the nineteenth city of the Philippines. According to the 2010 census, Calbayog has a population of 172,778[3] in 37,395 households, making it the third most populated city in Eastern Visayas region and the most populated city on Samar island, the city alone makes up for 23.5% of the population of the province of Samar. Calbayog is one of the commercial trade centers in Eastern Visayas. Calbayog is subdivided into three major districts: Calbayog, Tinambacan and Oquendo.
Geography
The city has a total area of 90,300 hectares (223,000 acres) which is 0.301% of the archipelago's total land area, 4.21% of the regional land area, 6.724% of the island of Samar and 16.10% of the Samar province area.
Forty percent of the city's land area are plain and hilly terrains with elevation ranging from 5 to 20 metres (16 to 66 ft) above sea level. The rest are rugged mountain ranges with elevations from 300 to 700 metres (980 to 2,300 ft) above sea level. Flooding is minimized because of many rivers, brooks, streams and natural water conveyors that flow towards the sea.
Climate
Calbayog experiences a variety of wind types: Amihan (northeastwind), Timog (southwind), Habagat (southwestwind), Canaway (northwest wind), Cabunghan (east wind), Dumagsa (southeast wind) and Salatan (west wind).
Calbayog has well distributed rainfall throughout the year, except during the summer months of February through May, when most parts of the city are dry. The highest rainfall intensity recorded is 267 millimetres (10.5 in) per hour. Heavy downpour is seldom experienced in the locality, therefore making Calbayog potentially appropriate for protective agricultural investment.
Administrative subdivisions
The barangays are grouped in three district.
Calbayog District
The district is located in the southern and eastern boundaries of the city and is the main political and commercial district of the city. The district is bounded to the north by the Oquendo and Tinambacan districts, to the south by the municipality of Santa Margarita and to the east by Matuguinao. The district comprises 84 barangays and has a population of 96,368 (2010 census) with a land area of about 446.6 square kilometres (172.4 sq mi).
|
|
|
|
Tinambacan District
The Tinambacan district is located along the northern boundaries of the city, it is bounded to the north by the municipality of San Isidro, to the south by the Calbayog district and to the east by the Oquendo district. The district comprises 27 barangays and has a population of 42,301 (2010 census) with a land area of 182.9 square kilometres (70.6 sq mi).
|
|
|
Oquendo District
The Oquendo District is located along the northeastern boundaries of the city, it is bounded to the north by Lope De Vega, to the south by the Calbayog district, to the east by Silvino Lobos and to the west by the Tinambacan district. The district comprises 46 barangays and has a population of 34,109 (2010 census) with a land area of 251.2 square kilometres (97.0 sq mi).
|
|
|
History
Calbayog's early history has been associated with the introduction and spread of Catholicism in the country. Calbayog started as one of the small settlements in the Island of Samar, an area assigned to the Jesuit missionaries. Jesuit chroniclers, as early as the 17th century, notably Fr. Ignacio Alcina, wrote many accounts about it and its people. Jesuit records and reports referred to the settlement initially as Ibatan and Jibatang (Hibatang). In the annual report of 1739 the name Calbayog appeared for the first time. Fr. de Huerta, a 19th-century Franciscan writer, noted in his work Estado Geografico that in earlier times, Calbayog was called Tiayban for having been founded near a river of the same name. Then it was transferred due to a flood to the shore of the Hibatang River, whose name it took. Then again the settlers transferred to the place that they permanently occupied and took the name Calbayog.
Hibatang had already been a small settlement at the beginning of the 17th century. It slowly occupied a prominent place among the several small settlements. It became a visita (a large barrio with a chapel, similar to a chapelry in Britain) of Capul under the jurisdiction of the Parish priest of that town. The church of Calbayog were built from a scree formation near Malajog, shortest distance is now the Malabungto bridge. After the expulsion of the Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines in the 18th century, the administration of the parishes in Samar was handled over to the Franciscan friars.
Calbayog as a town and parish during the Spanish period was composed of several villages, the most populated of which are called visitas. Calbayog grew from visita size and became a pueblo (town). It was created a separate parish in 1785. Separated from the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the parish priest of Capul, it was later given its own minister, becoming a religious center. Its parish priests cared for the spiritual needs of the people living in what are now Calbayog City, the municipalities of Sta. Margarita, Sto. Niño and Almagro. By the late 19th century a number of visitas became the poblaciones when new towns were created from Calbayog. They were Caybago (later called Oquendo), Sta. Margarita, Weyler (later called Tinambacan) and Sto. Niño.
During the American Era, Calbayog rose to political as well as religious prominence. Prominent political and religious figures in Samar and Leyte emerged from it, particularly those who studied in the Colegio-Seminario de San Vicente de Paul (now Christ the King College and St. Vincent de Paul Seminary) which was established in 1905 and La Milagrosa Academy which was established in 1911. Both schools were run by religious Catholic citizens of Calbayog City.
On April 10, 1910, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calbayog was created by virtue of the Papal Bull of Pope Pius X, comprising the islands of Samar and Leyte. Calbayog became the episcopal see of the diocese. In 1942, the Japanese occupation forces entered in Calbayog city, in 1945, the liberated in Calbayog city by the Philippine Commonwealth troops and recognized guerrillas against the Japanese forces in World War II. It was only much later that the other dioceses in the region were created.
Republic Act No. 328, otherwise known as the City charter of Calbayog was signed into law on July 15, 1948 by then President Elpedio Quirino who became president after president Manuel A. Roxas died in April 15, 1948 due to cardiac arrest. The first set of city officials, incumbent municipal officials of the place, were sworn in on October 16, 1948 much later than the signing of the law that created Calbayog City (Republic Act 328) as the municipal officials waited. Legally, therefore, Calbayog was founded as a city on July 15, 1948 as it was on this date that its charter was signed into law. The city comprises the territorial jurisdiction of the former Municipalities of Calbayog, Oquendo and Tinambacan.
Benedicto Nijaga
Twelve days after the execution of Dr. Jose Rizal, thirteen Filipinos were shot to death by musketry in Bagumbayan (now Rizal Park). These thirteen men were dubbed in Philippine history as the "Trece Martires de Bagumbayan" ("Thirteen Martyrs of Bagumbayan"). The Spanish government accused them of treason, sedition and rebellion, and ultimately led to their execution. One of the thirteen was Benedicto Nijaga y Pelenio, a native of Calbayog, born circa 1864 to a farming family that lived in Sitio Caballero (now Brgy. Rizal I). "Biktoy", as Nijaga was known, had to work from the age of 10 in a convent as a Knight of the Altar (sacristan) to help support his family.
In 1878, Calbayog was hit by a cholera epidemic, killing almost one half of the total population. Fr. Sebastian Cordova was forced to leave to save himself from the disease, bringing Biktoy with him as his sacristan. In Manila, Biktoy was a working student, serving the convent without sacrificing his studies. One year after his graduation, Fr. Cordova recommended Biktoy work for the Spanish Army. He was trained and accepted as a corporal. After a year, he was promoted and commissioned to become the second lieutenant in the infantry battalion of the Spanish Army. His first deployment and jurisdiction as an officer was in the whole Visayan Region.
After the exile of Rizal in Dapitan, the Katipunan was born in Binondo, Manila. Andres Bonifacio and his men moved heaven and earth to fight against the Spanish government then led by Gob. Heneral Polavieja. The katipunan expanded its membership from Luzon down to the Visayas Region, thereby increasing the number of Katipuneros in a span of one year. Sensing the secret plan of the Katipunan to overthrow the government, the Spanish authorities raided a Binondo printing press where subversive documents were found and confiscated. One of the documents seized was the list of members of the Katipunan. The name Benedicto Nijaga was one in the list, being the collector of revolutionary funds in the area. Upon learning of the arrests, Governor Polavieja ordered the arrest of all suspected members of the Katipunan. Nijaga was arrested together with twelve other katipuneros while campaigning for revolutionary funds. Shortly after they were jailed and reportedly tortured, a trial ensued, reminiscent of that of Rizal and other Filipino nationalists. The 13 men were convicted and sentenced to death. On January 11, 1897, the thirteen were taken to Bagumbayan field under heavy guard. Just before sunrise, the men were executed.
Nijaga is a local hero in Calbayog. The largest park in the city is named after him. In consonance with the centennial celebration of Philippine independence, the City Arts and Culture Office staged a musical, Alferez Biktoy. A monument of Jose P. Rizal y Mercado y Navarro can be located here.
Recent Events
There has been a number of high profile suspicious deaths take place in the Philippines. In January 2008 Roberto Navidad, a Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge was shot dead in Calbayog City, Samar. The crime took place outside a drugstore at the corner of Gomez Street and Nijaga Boulevard. At the time police suggested "his work as a judge, political altercations and a personal grudge" were all possible motives.[4] Navidad was the 15th judge to be ambushed in the Philippines since July 20, 1999 (the 14th under the Arroyo government).
City seal of Calbayog
- Rope : Stands for the abaca industry in the city.
- Cross and Bishop's Cane : Represents the Diocese of Calbayog.
- Shells and Fishes : Stands for the shell and fishing industry in the city.
- Coconut Tree and Rice Fields : Symbolizes the major products of Calbayog.
Police and Military
Region VIII or the 8th Infantry Division
Population
Demographics
| Population census of Calbayog | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1990 | 115,390 | — |
| 1995 | 129,216 | +2.14% |
| 2000 | 147,187 | +2.83% |
| 2007 | 163,657 | +1.47% |
| 2010 | 172,778 | +1.99% |
| Source: National Statistics Office[3][5] | ||
According to the 2010 census, Calbayog has a population of 172,778, making up 23.5% of the entire population of Samar Province.[3]
Languages
About 80% of the population speaks the Waray-Waray language, 15% Cebuano, 2% Tagalog, 1% Masbatenyo and 2% other languages. English and Tagalog are widely used in the business and educational sectors.
Religion
Calbayognons are predominantly Roman Catholic, and the city is thee see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calbayog since 1910, when it was split from the diocese of Cebu (now an archdiocese).
It also has a notable Muslim presence and small Christian minority groups are also present in the city.
Economy
Calbayog serves as the commercial, industrial and fishing center of the province next to Catbalogan City, it is currently one of the tigers among the urban centers of Samar Island. Its income totaled approximately PHP 77 Million in 2014, making it the second highest-income city in Samar Island. Calbayog City is the principal outport (abaca and copra are shipped here) for the province's northern plains. It also serves as a main Coco Oil producer, as international vessels regularly dock at a port owned by Samar Coco at Barangay Malajog.
There are fouteen banks operating in the city, including RCBC, PNB, Greenbank, UCPB, CitySavings Bank, Rural Bank of Calbayog City, Landbank, OK Bank, MetroBank and Asia United Bank.
Agriculture
The land area of the city is generally divided into agriculture and forestry areas. Agricultural lands are subdivided into production, built-up area, protection land, mangrove, severe erosion area, and watershed forest reserve; while forest lands are further subdivided into open canopy, logged-over areas, built-up and protection areas.
Largely an agricultural city, 57,654.07 hectares (or 63.85%) is used for agriculture while 32,645.93 hectares (or 36.15%) are forest lands. Its major products are copra, abaca, rice, vegetables, corn, rootcrops, fruits, bamboo and nipa, with the overall total quantity (mt.) of 28,330.428.
Fishery and aquatic resources
Calbayog is an exporter of fish and other marine products. Fisheries contribute to the economic revenues of the city. Major species abound such as mackerels, sardines, squids, prawns, crabs, shells, oysters and others.
Fish processing such as smoking, salting and drying are small scale industries operating in the locality. Fresh catch are exported in huge volume on a daily basis throughout the country. Samar Sea, with a fishing ground of 1,198 square miles (3,100 km2), is a vast resource for agriculture and maritime fish farming activities.
Aquatic resources like waterfalls or a water rapids are develop in here too, this image is one of the many sources of Potable Drinking Water here in the City, this Dam is used for NAWASA and is currently being develop for a higher electric production by its water turbine electric generator. The more community use water for sanitation, hygienic purposes, watering plants, irrigation the higher is the electrical capacity.
Forest resources
The forest land of Calbayog has an area of 6,327.91 hectares. Happy Valley and Seven Hills are remote areas with barangays producing forest products like rattan, nito, cogon, bamboo and others. These are adequate supply of raw materials for export oriented products.
Local sources revealed that forest land have dramatically dwindled. The remotest forest areas have been depleted with the traditional slash-and-burn farming, poachers and illegal loggers invading the resource thereby endangering valuable species and wildlife. Some are even entirely wiped out. Intensified programs by concerned agencies are now in motion to save forest resources, including reforestation and tree planting.
Livestock and poultry
Production of livestock and poultry products is another industry that enjoys the major concern of the city through the Tri-District program, a centerpiece program of the present government. Breeding centers were opened to develop superior genetic stocks and upgrading of carabao and dispersal program were established to accelerate livestock production. Dressed chickens are now exported throughout the region especially in Masbate, with an average of 2,000 heads daily. The investment of Swift Foods Inc., which has been operating in the city for almost five years, and the operation of Solmar Dressing Plant supply poultry products which is now expanding its market in Central Visayas and Luzon.
Industrial
The waray-waray rice heavy machineries milling and packing processing center.
Businesses and Shopping Centers
Shopping Centers
Super Metro Calbayog
The Five Star shopping center
Robinson Place Calbayog (U/C)
Gaisano Grand Mall Calbayog (U/C)
CityMall Calbayog (Proposed)
Gemma Shopping Center
Novo Store
Centro Department Store
Electronics and Computers
Techno G Computer Sales
MChristian Store
Pawnshops and Lending
Palawan Pawnshop
MLhuillier Pawnshop
Cebuana Lhuillier
OCCCI Lending
Panjobjoban Lending
CARD Incorporated
Mineral Resources
Nature has made Calbayog replete with mineral deposits. Unprocessed or natural marble is found in coastal barangays. Manganese, which is chiefly used in the form of ferromanganese in steel making, is similarly available in the area. It was however purposely left untouched to supposedly preserve the natural balance of the area. Sand and gravel are also supplied to meet local construction needs, though barely enough as some areas are banned from extraction in order to protect existing structures.
Health and Education
Education
Colleges and University
Christ the King College
Northwest Samar State University (formerly Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology)
ACLC Computer College
STI Education Center
Samar College of Science and Technology
Seminario de San Vicente y Paulo
High School and Elementary
Calbayog City National High School
La Milagrosa Academy
Calbayog Pilot Central School
Calbayog City Sped Center
Calbayog East Central School
Calbayog Christian Faith Academy
Health
St. Camillus Hospital
Calbayog City Hospital
OLPHI (Our Lady of Porzincula Hospital Incorporated)
Adventist Hospital
Water and Sanitation
The Dawu interior of Danaw, water reservoir, a dam were built for the Calbayog City Water District near Malajog. The dam were built for irrigation on nearby villages of Pilar and Dawu. The old dam or reservoir tht were built near Oquendo is somewhat hefty and expensive since it uses river water and being expensively financed for purifying the river water. The new reservoir were connected to the old pipelines of CCWD. Some Fire truck Hydrants were located inside the City.
Energy and Power
The Samar Electric Cooperative I
SAMELCO I is located on Cabayog, it has three sub-station powered by the Tongonan Geothermal Energy, transmissioned by The NGCP and TRANSCO to its main office in Carayman. Then distributed the 3600 volts step-downed power from Tongonan to its Two Substation. The sub-station can be located in Erenas, San Jorge, Samar and Lonoy, Oquendo, Calbayog Samar. Both has the capacity of 5 Megawatts or 5 thousand kilowatts while Area 1 in Capoocan, Calbayog City is 15 MWatts. The Lonoy sub-station is the second area to be served and called as Area 2 and in Erenas were Area 3.
Sites and Tourism
Calbayog Metropolitan Development Authority
Constructed in 2013, the Calbayog Land Transport Terminal and Calbayog Public Market is situated within the perimeter. Newly constructed industries and institutions are located here. This is for the preparation of becoming a Regional Center of the Island of Samar. From National to Provincial and then to the City reference Cadastral Monument with coordinates East 12.06663 / North 124.59449 going 2,958.52 meters to East 12.06230 / North 124.61164 center point of CMDA.
Points of interest
- Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Constructed in 1800s, it became the see (central church) of the new Diocese of Calbayog in 1910. Considered to be the biggest church in Samar, the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral was rebuilt and renovated through the years and evolved to a blending of many architectural eras. The structure reveals some are new and some are old. The old dome, the spire and the thick walls are what is left from the original Spanish-built old church. In general, the Spanish influence in the architecture is but revealing. Materials were from a scree formation or somewhat limestone or white rocks near Malajog.
- The Controversial Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene Landscape
This image was taken from an Antique Painted Frame located at the left side across the street of the Central Church (Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral), considering you are at the park. This controversy had been backed up by the Freemasonry Knights in line with the introduction of The Sixth Mystery of the Holy Rosary. The New Rosary Mystery is as follows:
Sixth mystery,The Mysteries of Light (or the Luminous Mysteries), were added to the Rosary. They focus on the public ministry of Jesus Christ.
They are:
The Baptism in the Jordan
"Here, as Christ descends into the waters, the innocent one who became 'sin' for our sake (cf. 2Cor 5:21),the heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declared her Mother to be beloved thy Son (cf. Mt 3:17 and parallels), while the Spirit descends on him to invest him with the mission which he is to carry out."
The Wedding at Cana
"The first of the signs, given at Cana (cf. Jn 2:1- 12), when Christ changes water into wine and open his heart to a disciple to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary Magdalene, the first among believers."
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
"The preaching by which Jesus Christ proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls to conversion (cf. Mk 1:15) and forgives the sins of all who draw near to him in humble trust (cf. Mk 2:3-13; Lk 7:47- 48):the inauguration of that ministry of mercy which he continues to exercise until the end of the world, particularly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation which he has entrusted to his Church (cf. Jn 20:22-23)."
The Transfiguration
"The mystery of light par excellence is the Transfiguration, traditionally believed to have taken place on Mount Tabor. The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to 'listen to him' (cf. Lk 9:35 and parallels) and to prepare to experience with him the agony of the Passion, so as to come with him to the joy of the Resurrection and a life transfigured by the Holy Spirit."
The Institution of the Eucharist
"Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies 'to the end' his love for humanity (Jn 13:1), for whose salvation he will offer himself in sacrifice."
- Nijaga Park
The largest park in the city, it is named after the local hero Benedicto Nijaga. It is located beside the Calbayog River which separates Downtown and Brgy Obrero which leads to the northern parts of the city. The park also has an artificial replica of Bangon-Bugtong Falls.
- Sacred Heart (Julio Cardinal Rosales) Plaza
Located across the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral and the City Hall. A conspicuous plaza with the image of the Sacred Heart where socio- civic and religious activities are held; its bright lights and relaxing ambiance attracts strollers. Ever since November 2013, the plaza has been renovated and gated to include a fountain, various amenities and a more relaxing atmosphere.
- Calbayog Zipline and the Malajog Ridge Nature Park
The Calbayog City Zip were from a mountain in Malajog Beach down to the nearby island, it is with a jacket like carrier attached to a roller with the steel cable and tourist being towed by a rope from above the highest elevation and then down to the island were you will take a boatride going back to the coastline of Malajog Beach. Malajog Ridge Nature Park were famous among Calbayognon since it is the source of the old church that were made from stones or rocks, the St. Peter and Paul Basilica of Calbayog.
Natural tourist attractions
As far as everyone else knew about the City, Calbayog is the city of Falls. falls and caves that have been knowned through its neighboring provinces and some other natural attractions that still awaits to be discovered. some of the said falls and caves are as follow;
- Guinogo-an Cave
Situated at the fringes of Barangay Longsob, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. Accessible in a 30-minute ride to Cabugawan plus 50-minute hike to Lungsod Cave. Its large entrance leads to a natural tunnel with an uneven ceiling, some portions touching one's head giving him an eerie trip through the dark, cool interior.
- Mapaso Hot Spring
Located in Barangay Rizal II, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. A 30-minute ride to Oquendo from Calbayog plus 15-minute hike to the spring. "Mapaso" literally means hot. Fresh crustaceans (pokot) abound. They are naturally pinkish resembling scalded shrimps due to the high temperature.
- Mawacat Slide
Accessible in a 35-minute ride from Oquendo District, Calbayog City proper to Barangay Mawacat plus 25-minute walk along the foot trail lined with tall shady trees. It is a natural spoon-like formation which inclines more or less by about 45 degrees and stretches 50 meters long. Water flows along this giant cistern and from the top one can slide through the mossy lane to the cool inviting pool below.
- Bangon-Bugtong Falls
Located in Brgy. San Joaquin of Calbayog City, an hour-and-15-minute ride to Barangay Tinaplacan plus 45-minute walk to the vicinity of the falls. Among the family of waterfalls of Calbayog City, Bangon, Bugtong Falls is one of the most majestic and spectacular spots that is worth visiting. As one ascends the stream, he will be amazed to see a circular pond about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving. The cascading water seems to come from streams flowing endlessly, resulting from the pressure of its disgorge, which becomes even bigger in volume and noticeable as the time of the day passes. Bugtong Falls is not only a tourist spot but also a potential source of power for Calbayog City and its neighboring localities.
- Tabokno Falls
Located in Barangay Cagbayang, Oquendo District, an hour drive from Calbayog City and 40-minute walk from the villages. A beautiful and scenic waterfall. This wonderful creation of nature is a favorite picnic site of local residents and their source of potable water.
- Danao Cave
Located in Danao, some 14 km toward the western coast of Calbayog City. Made up of seven chambers inhabited by various species of snakes and bats, as evidenced by a good deposit of guano. The cave serves as an initiating place for those who want to acquire a talisman.
- Pan-as Falls
Located within the Calbayog Pan-as–Hayiban Protected Landscape in Brgy. Pilar, Oquendo District, an hour drive from the Calbayog City proper plus 1-hour walk onwards from the village. More than a beauty spot, this falls is the primary source of water for its residents. At places where the cataract is so high, the water falling into the pool below becomes a mere mist.
- Binaliw Isle
Located in Brgy. Maguino-o, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, it is separated from the mainland by the Silangan Channel. A potential deep diving spot, about 40 to 50 meters from the water surface and measuring less than a hectare in area. The islet is surrounded with aquifers equally and uniformly spread at the peripheral limits of the islet with white sand and pebbles. Beneath the deep waters are sea corals of multifarious varieties, rare white pebbles spread all over the floors, 20 types of shells, and ornamental types of aquamarine species – which can all be explored by the diver for as long as in his underwater gear.
- Tinago-an Cave
Located in Barangay Lungsod, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. "Tinago-an" means hiding place. Its natural dark tunnels offers excitement and thrill to adventurers.
- Malajog Beach
A 40-minute drive from Calbayog City. Grayish sand, blue waters, swaying palm trees, towering rocks, and three balconied cottages give this spot a South Sea island appeal. Magnificent view of sunset behind nearby islands. Made famous by the visits of VIPs, movie stars, and diplomats.
- Lologayan Falls
A 45-minute ride to Barangay San Joaquin, Tinambacan District from Calbayog City proper and a 25-minute hike onward to the falls. It is separated from the mainland by the Silangan Channel. A series of towering altars of rugged stones where between its depressions flow ribbon-like cool water that appears to cleanse the hair of a legendary lady. A source of potable water for local folks.
- Ton-ok Falls
A 45-minute drive from Calbayog City proper to Sigo plus 30-minute hike to Ton-ok falls. A scenic waterfall hidden in lush tropical vegetation. Nature has placed it out of easy reach to preserve its beauty. A source of hydroelectric power.
- Naga Beach
A ten-minute drive from Calbayog City proper. Cottages line along its grayish sandy shore. Its cool fresh water, scenic view of Samar Island attracts picnickers and beachcombers.
- Bagacay Beach
A 20-minute walk or 7-minute drive from Calbayog City proper. It is located along the Maharlika Highway. An uncrowded pearl white strip of coastline with coconut trees offering a scenic view of islands and towns.
- Bolongto Cave
Located at Calbayog City, near Malajog beach.
Culture
Sarakiki-Hadang Festival
Sarakiki is a local term apparently referring to premeditated or frenzied movements which means to allure, to draw with, to attract or exercise attraction, to entice or to win. By its pre-colonial denotation, it means to praise, extol or eulogize spirits of gods. The word does not only ascribe to the ritual or hadang as an activity to gratify the gods, but likewise hadang as the offering or the sacrifice.
Sarakiki as a ritual dance per se is a dance-offering of the Warays to their deity or deities which traces its roots to pre-colonial religious beliefs. Calbayognons held that spirits occupied a position of command over the power of nature which may inflict harm or do good in society. Rituals to please these spirits were held during feasts and other occasions like planting and harvest season, drought and in times of dreadful epidemics. The ceremony could last a couple of days. It involved the entire villagers who offered (manok) sacrifices to venerate the spirits. Traditionally, our forefathers make use of patani ug ugis nga manok (black feather and white feather chicken) as the offering in veneration of the spirits.
In the context of cultural development, the term Sarakiki is adapted to describe the significance of the movements used in the famous dance "kuratsa", a courtship dance eminent to all Calbayognons. Today "kuratsa" is the most popular dance form consummated in all celebrations most especially during wedding jovialities. Sarakiki is likewise place forth in songs particularly the SADA-SADA an event of merriment in the evening before a wedding ceremony, which redound to one of our most well-liked tradition, the so-called pamalaye or pamamanhikan. Another confirmation is the thumbs-up form of the Calbayognons while dancing which represents the tahud. During the 1st Grand National Streetdance Competition – Aliwan Fiesta on May 1–3, 2003, participated by 26 famous festivals in the country,the Sarakiki-Hadang Festival of Calbayog City won the 3rd prize. Sarakiki-Hadang Festival is celebrated in Calbayog City every year from September 1 to 8 under the auspices of the City Arts And Culture Office.
Adlaw san Calbayog
Guin sasalin-urog san bulan san oktobre dyes (10) kutob oktubre desisais (16), ini nga selibrasyon nag papamatood san anibersaryo san syudad san calbayog. Pinaagi sine durudilain nga mga aktibidadis an guin papasidungug san syudad pinaagi san mga opisyalis ngan iba pa nga mga pribadu nga sikto. Subay sine an parada nga guin ungayan san mga durudilain nga mga iskwelahan, pagkakamay ada san kadatuig nga guipiliay san kahusay nga may ada tema nga Indian. Kompetisyun san mga festivals san syudad.Guin papahinumdum ine san ngatanan para sa aton.
Karakol
This is a less popular but a more traditional celebration of the folks from Brgy. Matobato about merry dancing at the shores bearing the image of Nuestra Senora de Porta Vaga, more popularly known as "Soleda". This festival is specially pursued and initiated by the descendants of the early settlers in the community called "Tagalugan" referring to Tagalog speaking migrants from Cavite City during the Spanish era. The celebration is prominently highlighted by the presence of "kubol" or sea-shanties made up of bamboo and coconut palm leaves. The devotees dance their way from the local Chapel as they bring out the image and pass by the different "kubols" until reaching the main "kubol" where a simple ceremony is conducted. The date of celebration though is not very prominent because of the confusion of the actual festival day which falls either on January 27 during the local barangay fiesta or every last Sunday of October.
Calbayog Ko
"Calbayog Ko" is a famous folk song in the city composed by Jose Cinco Gomez. It serves as a symbol of the love of Calbayognons to their city and it serves as the "anthem" of the city.it is even sanged before the office in the city hall starts their duties
Transportation
- By land
Calbayog is roughly 256 nautical miles from Manila, and 56 nautical miles from the region's capital, Tacloban City. Buses ply Manila-Calbayog and Davao-Calbayog routes daily for approximately 18 hours. Buses daily take passengers to as far as Manila in Luzon and to General Santos in Mindanao. Provincial buses and jeepneys as well as vans take travelers to almost all the key towns in the Eastern Visayas regions. Tacloban City, which is 183 kilometers away, by regular transport vans and buses in about 3 hours. The common mode of transportation within the city limits are buses, jeepneys, motorized cabs and tricycles.
- By sea
Calbayog is 114 nautical miles from Cebu. Calbayog City Maguinoo Port, situated at Brgy. Manguinoo, Tinambacan District, is used by passenger boats plying the Calbayog-Cebu-Calbayog route and chartered cargo ships to transport copra and abaca hemp to other points of the country uses the Calbayog City Main Port. Bigger cargo ships and inter-island vessels as well and considered to be an alternative seaport in the locality is the Calbayog City Port Proper. Cokaliong Shipping Lines with a 3X a week schedule From Cebu to Calbayog MWF 7AM-5AM. Motorized boats also ply to Masbate Island and the neighboring island towns of Tagapul-an, Santo Niño and Almagro uses the Calbayog City Port. The SeaCAT of Grand Tours will be available soon, this is a three hulled passenger ship unlike the SuperCAT that has two hull and will ply from Calbayog to Cebu and going back to the city.
- By air
Currently, only PAL Express operates daily flights from Calbayog-Manila and Manila-Calbayog. The Calbayog Airport is the secondary choice for those from Eastern Visayas who want to travel by air to Manila. The terminal building is currently under renovation. The extension of the runway to 1900 meters will begin in 2013.
References
- ↑ "Cities". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- 1 2 "Province: Samar (Western Samar)". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- ↑ http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/visayas/view/20080116-112779/Calbayog-judge-murdered
- ↑ "Province of Western Samar". Municipality Population Data. LWUA Research Division. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Calbayog. |
 |
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Calbayog. |
- www.calbayog.gov.ph
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- Philippine Census Information
- GigaCatholic- the diocese
- Local Governance Performance Management System
-
Geographic data related to Calbayog at OpenStreetMap
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
