Calamba marks 25th cityhood anniversary by honoring former leaders, top taxpayers

 Calamba marks 25th cityhood anniversary by honoring former leaders, top taxpayers

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The city government of Calamba, Laguna, marked its milestone 25th cityhood anniversary with a commemorative program honoring former leaders who once served the town and the top taxpayers, recognizing their contributions to its transition into a thriving city on Monday, April 20.

City Mayor Roseller Rizal emphasized the importance of giving credit and recognition to those who helped build the town’s foundation, even before its conversion into a city, noting that their contributions continue to support its growth and benefit its people today.

“As part of the celebration of Calamba’s 25th cityhood anniversary, when it was still a municipality, it is important to recognize the achievements and contributions of former officials and city mayors who helped lay its foundation, as we continue our initiatives to promote inclusive governance,” Rizal said in an interview.

Themed, “Rooted in Heritage, Rising in Progress,” the local government reflected on its journey from being a municipality to a component city, highlighting key milestones along the way. 

The program recognized the mayors, vice mayors, and key officials and employees of Calamba who have served from 1901 to the present.

During the program, the local government also honored the city’s top taxpayers for their significant economic contributions, presenting awards that underscore their commitment and vital role in sustaining the local economy, which in turn supports infrastructure development and vital public services.

In return, Mayor Rizal assured taxpayers that the local government remains committed to delivering improved public services for the benefit of the community, prioritizing inclusive, efficient, and reliable governance to better serve the needs of the people.

“Their regular and consistent payment of taxes is a great help to the city, especially during these challenging times. Despite the difficulties, they continue to move forward, and the local government is implementing various initiatives to sustain the trust of the business sector. These include offering tax incentives and streamlining processes through the eBOSS system,” the local chief executive added.

Meanwhile, in his message, Vice Mayor Angelito Lazaro Jr. emphasized the importance of the collective efforts between the government, the business sector, and the wider community in ensuring that the benefits of progress are experienced by all.

“Today’s celebration reminds us that progress and development is rooted in collaboration, between the government and the community, between us the public servants and the private partners, our taxpayers and among the families who continue to believe in a brighter future for our city and as we move forward, let us remain committed to building on this strong foundation,” Lazaro said.

Ratified through a plebiscite on April 21, 2001, by virtue of Republic Act 9024, Calamba’s cityhood charter transformed it from a municipality into a component city in Laguna. Since then, Calamba has continued to flourish as a progressive, developing city while preserving its rich cultural heritage. 

Calamba City has likewise remained a key economic player in the country as a premier industrial hub, home to vibrant economic zones, and as the regional center of the Calabarzon region. (COP/PIA-CALABARZON)