September 3 is a day of celebration in the City of Calaca as it marks the first Cityhood Anniversary, which is a significant event in its history. This celebration commemorates the signing of RA 11544, also known as the Charter of the City of Calaca, by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on May 26, 2021. The charter was later ratified by 29,424 Calacazens (or 88.61% of the 56% voter turnout), a year ago today.

Mayor Sofronio “Nas” C. Ona, Jr.’s visionary leadership will showcase the transformative one-year journey of this first Western Batangas city.

The upcoming 1st-anniversary program of Calaca City promises to add more significance and thrill to the festivities. As part of the celebration, the new City Seal, Anthem, and Slogan will be unveiled. The event will also be graced by Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, who played a crucial role in Calaca’s cityhood bid as the Chairman of the Senate’s Committee for Local Government. The occasion is a momentous one and demonstrates solidarity with the people of Calaca.

The inauguration of the Calaca City Global College is a noteworthy addition to the celebration as it is a flagship program of the administration and a long-held dream. It signifies a significant milestone for the city and is an eagerly awaited event that marks the beginning of numerous possibilities for young Calacazens. The city government has put in immense effort to improve its services and equip its citizens to become more competent and competitive, and the establishment of this college is a tangible manifestation of that desire.

The city government will also be launching the Character City Program in partnership with DepEd Calaca and various socio-civic groups. This program is aimed at strengthening character development and formation among the people of Calaca. It focuses on 12 key qualities or traits that every Calacazen should possess, including faithfulness, creativity, empathy, courage, patriotism, integrity, resiliency, hospitality, discipline, respect, responsibility, and gratefulness. Booths representing each of these traits will be available for the public to visit.

The anniversary celebration will culminate in a concert featuring I Belong to the Zoo, local talents, and special guests to treat Calacazens.

The first anniversary of Calaca’s cityhood is more than just a celebration, it’s a testament to the dedication of Calacazens to achieving a common goal of building a more progressive, peaceful, and resilient community. As the city enters a new chapter and adopts the tagline “NASA PUSO AT GAWA ANG BUKAS,” the local government remains committed to empowering its people and improving their quality of life. Through responsive, transparent, and inclusive governance, the future of Calaca looks bright and promising.