City Tourism Office

Department Officials » City Development » City Tourism Office

Republic Act No. 9593 or “The Tourism Act of 2009”, Section 2, states that Tourism is an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance which must be harnessed as an engine of socioeconomic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos. The OCTO oversees the planning, management, and implementation of Programs, Projects, and Activities as regards tourism development in the City of Calaca. The OCTO intends to further develop and promote the City’s tourism industry while safeguarding Calacazens’ cultural values and heritage; to spawn tourism activities that generate economic growth, local employment, and local talents.

Vision

The City of Calaca is a thriving city that is tourist-friendly and respectful of its culture and traditions.

Mission

To develop and promote the city’s tourism industry while safeguarding Calacazens’ cultural values and heritage; to spawn tourism activities that generate economic growth, local employment, and talents.

List of Services and Programs

Corrida de Cavalos en Ciudad de Calaca

Formerly named as Carrera de Paso, is an homage to decades-long tradition wherein St. Raphael the Archangel devotees and churchgoers come together.

Calacatchara Festival

Is what the City of Calaca is known for in terms of spectacle and merriment. In the previous years, it was held in October and in 2023, it was moved to May through an Ordinance. This is to give way also to the Araw ng Calaca which falls on the 10th of May every year.

Cityhood Anniversary

Is a celebration that highlights the economic and social strides that the city is able to accomplish since its being a component city took effect. This is a one-day program wherein schools and various sectors are enjoined to take part in the activity through their performances.

Feria Octubre de Rafael

Focuses on the Feast of the City’s Patron Saint, St. Raphael the Archangel. It attracts tourists from different parts of Luzon which increases the tourist arrivals in the City by a large margin. The Faith Tourism in Calaca, with all the pilgrims taking the time to travel, is strengthened.

Paskuhan

Is a Christmas on Display (COD) event that runs the whole of December and is a merriment like no other because it brings together families and friends to celebrate Christmas (for those who do) and holidays.

Character City

Was launched on September 3, 2023. The Program, in its entirety, adheres to the adage that character formation begins at home. For the City of Calaca to promote value formation in the locality, it must start with the city government officials, officers, staff, and personnel. As the program got launched and is being rolled out, it will reach different sectors and Calacazens as a whole.

Industrial Tourism

This program aims to educate and familiarize students, especially those taking up engineering courses, about the industries present here—their processes, best practices, and the like. This will promote awareness and sustainable practices in industries will be more present.

Assistance to submission of grants to Batangas PTCAO, NCCA, etc.
Coordination with the members of the Local Tourism Council and Culture and the Arts Council
Assistance to Tourist Establishments for trainings, seminars, etc.
Tourist Assistance Desk/Help
Tourism Data and Statistics

Ms. Ruth A. Perez

OIC, City Tourism Office

Biography

In 2012, she graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in Communication Arts, major in writing. Shortly after graduation, she was invited to document for the National Anti-Poverty Commission. From 2013-2015, she worked as a content writer and a documenter in private companies and handled projects in Naga. She is taking up MA in Literary and Cultural Studies at the Ateneo de Manila University. While in Ateneo, she became part of the double issue of the literary and cultural studies journal, Kritika Kultura, in 2019 as a copywriter and a proofreader. She joined the National Development Company under the Department of Trade and Industry from 2015-2021 as part of the Special Projects Group that evaluates, funds, and oversees national projects like agro-industrial, agritourism, and ecological zones, trading centers, etc.