56th founding anniversary of Caloocan City

CALOOCAN celebrates its 56th founding anniversary today, 16 February 2018, pursuant to Proclamation No. 9 series of 1962, designating such date for the formal organization of the city of Caloocan, issued by President Diosdado Macapagal through his Executive Secretary, Amelito R. Mutuc, pursuant to Republic Act No. 3278, approved on June 17, 1961, creating the city.

Caloocan is the fourth most populous among the 16 cities in Southern Luzon. It joins Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela cities to make up the Camanava area. The word Caloocan comes from the Tagalog root word, “lo-ok,” so Kaloocan means “Kalooblooban” or innermost. Caloocan City is bordered by Manila, Quezon City, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Marilao, Meycauayan, and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.

Caloocan was the center of activities of the Katipunan, the secret society that launched the Philippine Revolution in 1896. Secret meetings were held by Andres Bonifacio and his men in a house in the city and the first armed encounter between the Spaniards and the Katipunan took place in a nearby area. In 1899, the city witnessed heavy fighting in the Philippine-American War.

Caloocan today has 188 barangays which are divided into 16 zones. The biggest is Zone 15 in District 1 and the second is Zone 16 west of Zone 15. Barangay Bagong Silang is the most populous barangay in the entire Philippines, with 246,515 residents.

The local government of Caloocan has organized a month-long activity to celebrate its anniversary. It started with a motorcade led by Mayor Oca Malapitan, along with candidates for Miss Caloocan 2018, councilors, department heads, and various government workers. On February 14, a mass wedding was held at the Caloocan Sports Complex. A Motorcycle Festival was held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10th Ave. Grace Park.

A Thanksgiving Mass was held at the Caloocan City Hall on February 15 at 3 p.m. followed by inauguration of the CCC Park. On the same day, an Anniversary Concert and Chinese New Year celebration was held at the Bonifacio Monument Circle from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

An Outstanding Citizens Awards Night will be held this afternoon at 5 p.m. at Bulwagang Katipunan. There will be a Tibourine Race along C3 Road at 1 a.m. on February 18 and the Miss Caloocan Pre-Pageant Night at the Main City Hall Park at 5 a.m. on February 19. A Mega-Job Fair will be held on February 20 at the Main City Hall.

Finally, Miss Caloocan Coronation Night will conclude the month-long celebration. The Coronation Night will be held on February 23 at Caloocan Sports Complex, Bagumbong, at 6. p.m.