Categories
Samar

Calbayog City Charter Day

Calbayog City Charter Day is observed in the city of Calbayog, Samar, Philippines every October 16. It celebrates the conversion of then municipality of Calbayog to a city pursuant to Republic Act No. 328 that was passed in 1948.

The date is a special nonworking holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 11184 signed by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on January 3, 2019.

The city also celebrates the Sarakiki Hadang Festival every September 8.

History of Calbayog City

During colonial period, Calbayog grew from a settlement by the Tiayban River. It was transferred to the banks of Hibatang River, and thereafter it was called Hibatang in ancient history. It was transferred yet again to the present location, and it took the name Calbayog.

Jesuit missionaries reached Calbayog in 1599. It was erected as a visita (chapel-at-ease) of their mission located in Capul. When the Jesuits were expelled in 1768, the Franciscans took over. It became an independent parish in 1785, taking on the name of its titular Nativity of Our Lady.

Afterwards, Samar and Leyte seceded from the Diocese of Cebu and were placed under the Diocese of Calbayog, which was established on April 10, 1910 by virtue of Papal Bull issued by Pope Pius X.

Calbayog became a city through Republic Act No. 328, otherwise known as “An Act Creating the City of Calbayog”, signed by Elpidio Quirino on July 15, 1948. The first city officials were inaugurated on October 16, 1948; this is the date that the city charter day celebration is based upon.

The new city comprised of the towns of Calbayog, Oquendo and Tinambacan.

The law was amended with the passage of Republic Act No. 3279 on June 17, 1961. Moreover, it was further amended with the signing of Republic Act No. 8335 on July 11, 1997.

How to reach Calbayog City, Samar

Calbayog City can be reached via Calbayog Airport.

References

  • History. City Government of Calbayog. Retrieved September 18, 2023
  • REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11184. Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library. Retrieved September 18, 2023
  • REPUBLIC ACT NO. 328. Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library. Retrieved September 18, 2023
  • REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3279. Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library. Retrieved September 18, 2023
  • REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8335. Supreme Court of the Philippines E-Library. Retrieved September 18, 2023
  • Katedral ng Calbayog. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. November 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2023

Calbayog City Charter Day Summary

NameCalbayog City Charter Day
CelebrationCharter Day, Cityhood
CountryPhilippines
DateOctober 16
Emailcalbayogtourism@gmail.com
Historical eventConversion of Calbayog from a town to a city
LocationCalbayog City
OrganizerCity Government of Calbayog
Websitecalbayog.gov.ph