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What is a Character City?
News & Events | by City of Calaca
In a fast-paced and dynamic world, it becomes inevitable that people tend to pivot on pursuits that can aid them economically. This pursuit is not necessarily despicable because without the required hustle, the quality of one’s life wouldn’t be feasible.
The pursuit of a quality life should not be limited to economic advancement—but should also be encompassing improvements in education, health, and social benefits within the City of Calaca. In congruence to achieving a financially and socially rewarding community, it is vital that the character development among Calacazens is strengthened, as well. Issues like juvenile delinquency, violence, drug abuse, unemployment, poverty, unstable family structures, and community indifference are often rooted in a lack of moral integrity and values. With this, the Character City Program stands as a vital and timely initiative dedicated to addressing issues rooted in weak moral values. This program encourages government and community leaders, and civic and religious organizations to work together in establishing a community that stands on strong moral fiber.
A City of Character, or Character City, is a city that embodies the principles of qualities advocated by the City Government of Calaca through said program. By promoting these values, the City aims to build a supportive and flourishing community for all its residents.
The launch of the Character City Program became official on September 3, 2023 alongside the celebration of the 1stCityhood Anniversary of Calaca. The roll-out of activities started on January 2024 for the 12 Character Traits.
THE 12 CHARACTER TRAITS IN THE CITY OF CALACA
| MONTH CELEBRATED | CHARACTER TRAIT | BRIEF DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| January | Faithfulness / Katapatan | Faithfulness is the quality of being firm in adherence to the truth. It also means adhering to duty; of true fidelity, loyalty, and truthfulness to allegiance. Honoring contracts, vows, and displaying unwavering consistency and truthfulness are the hallmark of this character trait. |
| February | Creativity / Pagkamalikhain | Creativity is the ability to come up with new and unique ideas while being open to different ways of thinking, of being resourceful. It often involves finding innovative solutions and addressing problems in novel ways. |
| March | Empathy / Pagmamalasakit | Empathy involves the ability to understand, relate to, and share the feelings of others. It is often association with compassion. Empathy is being able to care for others and communicating an incredibly healing message that they are not alone. This is a vital trait among leaders. |
| April | Courage / Kapatapangan | Courage is the mental and emotional fortitude that enables individuals to confront fear, or challenging situations, often involving risk or danger, and to take action guided by strength and determination in pursuit of personal growth. |
| May | Patriotism / Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Bayan | Patriotism is the sense of belonging to and dedication to a nation or a country. It is believing in and upholding the ideas around which our homeland was built. Patriotism connotes love for the country and everyone in it - our dear Filipino brothers and sisters. |
| June | Integrity / Integridad | Integrity is the quality of being honest or having strong moral principles. It is a quality that reflects a person’s commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with challenges or temptations. Integrity is when you think, say, and do are all in alignment. |
| July | Resilience / Katatagan | Resilience is the capacity to adapt and recover where adversity and uncertainty are unavoidable. It is the ability to bounce back from challenges and become stronger than ever. |
| August | Hospitality / Kagandahang Loob | Hospitality, particularly Filipino hospitality, is a cultural practice that treats visitors with utmost respect and generosity. It is a gesture that we accept anyone, and we hold them with high regards. |
| September | Discipline / Disiplina | Discipline involves the ability to regulate one’s impulses, emotions, and behaviors in alignment with a predetermined set of principles, values, or goals. It requires commitment, dedication, and the willingness to adhere to routines, or rules even in the face of temptations or distractions. |
| October | Respect / Paggalang | Respect is a positive regard, admiration, and consideration for oneself, others, community, culture, and the environment. Respect involves recognizing one’s own worth, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-care and self-compassion. |
| November | Responsibility / Pananagutan | Responsibility is the capacity to complete given duties and obligations satisfactorily. It is recognizing the impact of one’s decision on the people around them. Responsibility is also being reliable and dependable, and living up to the expectations of others. |
| December | Gratefulness / Mapagpasalamat | Gratefulness or gratitude is the acknowledgement of the good things in our lives, things that may seem small or big. It involves a genuine recognition of the gifts and favors that enrich one’s life. Gratitude can also be associated with being content in all aspects of our lives. |
The Character City Program, through Ordinance No. 24-093, is an institutionalized program in the City of Calaca. As Calaca City grows into a more progressive and modern community, it is important for Calacazens to keep steadfast their virtues. It is the goal of the program to give importance in living principled lives based on the character traits promoted in the city,
wherein the guiding principle of doing things the right way rings true in all the City Government’s programs and initiatives.
In Calaca, “NASA TAMA ANG GAWA”.
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