From Municipality to City: The Story Behind Calbayog's Charter Day
Long before it had a charter, Calbayog was a river settlement.
The city government traces its beginnings to what is now Barangay Anislag, along the banks of the Oquendo River, about ten kilometers north of today's city proper. Over the centuries, the communities along Samar's northwestern coast lived closely with the forests, the rivers and the Samar Sea. Calbayog grew into one of the most important centers of religion, commerce, education and governance in the province of Samar. For most of that history, it was a municipality.
That changed in 1948.
The Charter of 1948
Six years earlier, in 1942, the Japanese Army had occupied Calbayog. On July 15, 1948, President Elpidio Quirino signed Republic Act No. 328, "An Act Creating the City of Calbayog." The law joined three municipalities, Calbayog, Oquendo and Tinambacan, into one city.
October 16, 1948
On October 16, 1948, the first set of city officials was sworn in, and Calbayog was formally inaugurated as the nineteenth city of the Philippines. That date is the one the city has celebrated as Charter Day ever since.
The three former municipalities remain part of the city's map today as its three major districts: Calbayog, Oquendo and Tinambacan.
A Calbayognon Behind the Cityhood
A Calbayognon stands at the center of this story. Jose D. Avelino was born in Calbayog and began his political career as a municipal councilor of the town. He later served as senator for the Ninth Senatorial District of Leyte and Samar and became Senate President. At the opening of this year's celebration, Mayor Raymund "Monmon" C. Uy recognized Avelino's role in Calbayog's journey from municipality to city.
The charter itself was later updated. In 1961, Republic Act No. 3879 revised it and strengthened the city's legal and administrative framework as Calbayog expanded beyond its historical town center.
Charter Day Today
Today, Charter Day is celebrated with a month of activities. This year's calendar began on September 28 with the opening of Tourism Week, and it includes sports competitions, trainings, community service, cooperative events and a street party. On the night of September 29, fireworks lit up the sky over the Julio Cardinal Rosales Plaza as the city opened its 78th Charter Day Celebration. The Charter Day Parade is scheduled for October 16 in the city proper.
A Celebration for the People
At the opening, the city's two highest officials shared the same message. Mayor Uy said the Charter Day activities are not for city officials, but for the people of Calbayog. Vice Mayor Rex M. Daguman said the celebration is for the Calbayognon, and expressed hope that residents will stay united, care for one another, and work together for the city's continued progress.
See the full schedule of the 78th Charter Day Celebration.