Calbayog City (Waray: Syudad san Calbayog, Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Calbayog, Tagalog: Lungsod ng Calbayog) is a first class 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. Calbayog comprises 157 barangays, 25 of which are urban and 132 are rural. According to the 2010 census, Calbayog has a population of 172,778 (37,395 households) making it the third most populated city in Eastern Visayas and the most populated city in 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. And is the center of commerce in Samar. Its airport and a seaport make it an ideal gateway to Samar. Calbayog is subdivided into three major districts: Calbayog, Tinambacan, and Oquendo.
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) of Capul under the jurisdiction of the Parish priest of that town. 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 the religious.
On April 10, 1910, the Diocese of Calbayog was created by virtue of the Papal Bull of Pope Pius X. The diocese comprised the Islands of Samar and Leyte. Calbayog became the seat of the diocese. In 1942, the occupied by the Japanese 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 Charter of the City of Calbayog was signed into law on July 15, 1948 by then President Manuel A. Roxas. 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 this date 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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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,[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
José Dira Avelino (August 5, 1890 — July 21, 1986). The first President of the Senate of the First Republic of the Philippines under the presidency of Manuel Roxas. He was President Pro-tempore to President Manuel Quezon prior to the establishment of the Commonwealth. Avelino was born in Calbayog to Ildefonsa Dira and Baltazar Avelino. Calbayog became a City in 1948 at Avelino's instance, when as President of the Senate he pulled together three contiguous municipalities (Oquendo, Calbayog and Tinambacan) and made it into the 19th city of the Philippines, October 16, 1948.
He is known as the Father of the Philippine Workmen’s Compensation Law; one of the most famous bills which he passed during his term which focused on creating a contingency insurance fund for workers as a way to protect the workers from the various economic problems that plagued the post-war economy. He founded the first labor union in Eastern Visayas, Gremio Obrero de Stevedores; he is a founding member of the Liberal Party; he was instrumental in the passage of the Social Security System and pushed for the establishment of public high schools in every province in the Philippines. He served concurrently as Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Public Works and Transportation under President Manuel Quezon. As Secretary of Labor Avelino accomplished something unprecedented in the Philippines and perhaps the world - he unified the labor unions by organizing them into two Commissions: The National Commission of Labor (NCL) and the National Commission of Peasants (NCP)- and he was designated Chairman over these two Commissions. To quote from the Manila Bulletin: "The new Secretary of Labor José Avelino became not merely the head of the Department of Labor in the government but the head of labor organization, the head of labor in fact". The final office held by Avelino before retiring was serving as Ambassador Plenipotentiary under President Elpidio Quirino. Avelino was educated in the prestigious Ateneo de Manila where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and the Pontifical University of Santo Tomas where he graduated with his Bachelor of Laws.
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 95, 407 (2010 census) with a land area of about 446.6 km2.
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, 625 (2010 census) with a land area of 182.9km2.
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, 746 (2010 census) with a land area of 251.2 km2.
The city has a total land area of 90,300 hectares which is .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 meters above sea level. The rest are rugged mountain ranges with elevations from 300 to 700 meters above sea level located beyond 21 km. Northeast of the city proper. Flooding is minimized because of many rivers, brooks, streams and natural water conveyors that flow towards the sea.
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 mm/hr. Heavy downpour is seldom experienced in the locality, therefore making Calbayog potentially appropriate for protective agricultural investment.
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral
- Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Constructed in the 1800's, it is the central church of the Diocese of Calbayog. Considered to be the biggest church in Samar, the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral being rebuilt and renovated through the years has 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 and materials used is but revealing.
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.
Around the city’s main square is the Handumanan Museo de Calbayog. The building was a former jail and now renovated with a 2-storey 19th-century Filipino building look, now houses a museum that tells much of the city’s history. The museum is also a regular host of art exhibits in this part of the country. The building is where the Calbayog City Tourism & Information Office is located as well.
- Samar Archeological Museum and Research Center
Located in Christ the King College, opened on April 11, 1970, it is the first museum in Samar Island. A collection of archeological artifacts including burial jars and covers, log coffin, jarlets, cups, howls, saucers and dishes dating back to the 14th Century; coins, heirlooms, old household items, religious items such as saints, altar, chalices, and monstrance.
Bangon-Bugtong Falls, one of the many
waterfalls of Calbayog.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in Brgy. Pilar, Oquendo District, an hour drive from 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.
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.
Located in Barangay Lungsod, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. “Tinago-an” means hiding place. Its natural dark tunnels offers excitement and thrill to adventurers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located at Calbayog City, near Malajog beach.
Calbayog, being crowned as "The City of Waterfalls" by the Department of Tourism has much to offer, and to cater those visiting Calbayog, hotels have been established, here are the most prominent:
- Ciriaco Hotel & Resort: Is the largest and highest rated hotel in Samar Island, it is located at Barangay Bagacay, Maharlika Highway, the hotel offers an incredible view of the Samar Sea. It is known for hosting international events like the recently concluded Samar International Music Festival which was held at the hotels convention center, the hotel is rated as a 3-star hotel. It is the only de luxe hotel in Eastern Visayas.
- Marju Krisel Resort: The Hotel is located at Barangay San Policarpo, Maharlika Highway, it offers the best of services and includes two swimming pools that cater both the locals of Calbayog and those staying in the hotel.
- S&R Bed and Breakfast: The only Bed and Breakfast in Calbayog City, ensuring that each guests receive personalized service. It is conveniently located a few minutes away from Calbayog Airport and ideally located less than 10 minutes from the city proper. It's a serene place where guests can unwind and enjoy a laid back ambiance. Each room has its own private veranda. Website: http://srbedbreakfast.blogspot.com
- Almira Garden Hotel: Situated at the heart of Calbayog lies this tumbling 5-story hotel, you can see the entire city and you have a fantastic view of the Calbayog River
- F & A Suites: Also found at the heart of Calbayog's commercial district, the hotel offers the finest quality of service in the cheapest ways.
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. Hadang…a ritual dance. 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.[citation needed]
Celebrated from October 10 to October 16, this celebration marks the founding anniversary of Calbayog as a city.
Calbayog serves as the commercial, industrial and fishing center of the province, it is currently the tiger among the urban centers of Samar Island. It's income numbered to approximately 69 Million in 2010 making it the city with the most income 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, Calbayog City. There are nine banks operating in the city, they are: RCBC, PNB, Greenbank, UCPB, CitySavings Bank, Rural Bank of Calbayog City, Landbank, OK Bank and MetroBank.
- 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.
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.
Calbayog is 114 nautical miles from Cebu. Calbayog City Port 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. Another port is also situated at Brgy. Manguinoo, Tinambacan District. Such could accommodate bigger cargo ships and inter-island vessels as well and considered to be an alternative seaport in the locality. Coakaliong 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
Airphil Express, Zest Airways and Cebu Pacific operates daily flights from Calbayog-Manila and Manila-Calbayog. ETA Air also offers Calbayog-Cebu and Calbayog-Tacloban flights. The Calbayog Airport is the secondary choice for those from Eastern Visayas who want to travel by air to Manila.
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%) belongs to agriculture while 32,645.93 hectares (or 36.15%) are forest lands. Its major products are copra, abaca, rice, vegetables, corn, rootcrops, fruits, bamboo, & nipa. With the overall total quantity (mt.) of 28,330.428.
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 sea farming activities.[citation needed]
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 program by concerned agencies are now in motion to save forest resource, including reforestation and tree planting.
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.[citation needed]
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.
Calbayog City is politically subdivided into three Districts (Calbayog, Oquendo and Tinambacan) of 157 barangays.
![Samaritan (Proud Pinoy) @ NWSSU GOT TALENT [Grand Finals 2nd place] Calbayog City](http://web.archive.org./web/20130716215346im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/MmtbIDeQj8I/default.jpg "Samaritan (Proud Pinoy) @ NWSSU GOT TALENT [Grand Finals 2nd place] Calbayog City")
Calbayog 
