CALAMBA CITY MARKS 284TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY WITH GRAND CELEBRATION AT JOSE RIZAL COLISEUM

*Date: August 27, 2026

*CALAMBA, Laguna* — The City Government of Calamba, led by *Mayor Roseller "Ross" Rizal* and *Vice Mayor Angelito "Totie" Lazaro Jr.*, successfully held the *284th Founding Anniversary Celebration* today, August 28, 2026, at the *Jose Rizal Coliseum*.

With the theme *"284 Taon ng Kagitingan, Pagkakaisa at Pag-unlad"*, the event gathered city officials, barangay leaders, government employees, students, and thousands of Calambeños to commemorate the city’s rich history and look forward to its continued progres*A CELEBRATION OF HISTORY AND COMMUNITY*

The program formally opened with a *Flag Raising Ceremony and Thanksgiving Mass*, followed by the *Grand Parade of Barangays* inside the Jose Rizal Coliseum. Each barangay showcased floats and performances depicting Calamba’s journey from its founding in 1742 to its present status as an industrial, educational, and tourism hub.

In his keynote address, *Mayor Roseller Rizal* emphasized the significance of the milestone:

"Ngayong 284 taon na ang Calamba, ipinagdiriwang natin hindi lamang ang ating nakaraan kundi pati ang ating pagkakaisa at determinasyon. Mula sa isang maliit na bayan, tayo ngayon ay isang progresibong lungsod — Lungsod ni Rizal, Lungsod ng Bayani, at Lungsod ng Pag-asa. Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ito sa atin upang mas pagbutihin pa ang serbisyo para sa bawat Calambeño."

*Vice Mayor Totie Lazaro Jr.* also delivered a message of unity and public service:

"Ang anibersaryong ito ay paalala na ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nakakamit sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang mga programa sa kalusugan, edukasyon, at kabuhayan para sa ating mga kababayan."

*KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CELEBRATION*

  *Awarding Ceremony* - Recognition of Outstanding Calambeños, Teachers, Health Workers, and Government Employees.

*ABOUT CALAMBA CITY*

Calamba was officially founded as a municipality on *August 28, 1742* after separating from Tabuco, now Cabuyao City. It became a component city on *May 5, 2001*. Known as the "Hero City" and "Industrial Hub of the South," Calamba continues to uphold the ideals of Dr. Jose Rizal through its programs in education, innovation, and good governance.

The 284th Founding Anniversary activities were spearheaded by the *City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office* in coordination with all city departments.