Calapan is the capital city of the Oriental Mindoro Province, located on the northeast side by the Calapan Bay. It is the only city in the province and is the center of commerce, higher education, trade activities and religious activities.
First founded by Spanish Agustinian Recollect, Fr. Diego de la Madre de Dios in 1679, Calapan started as a parish church with built settlements around it later on becoming a small town. These settlements were built near the seashore along Calapan River. The development of the town of Calapan was thus similar to the pattern of town development during the Spanish colonial era where the establishment of residences, town hall and plaza were built around the church under the watchful eyes of the Spanish priests. With the gradual development of Calapan, eventually became the seat of administrative power and the capital of the whole province of Mindoro during the last stages of the Spanish period.
The derivation of the name of Calapan cannot be traced with certainty. Some opined that it came from the word “Kalap” which means to gather logs. Thus “Kalapan” was supposed to be a place where logs were gathered. In the old records, however, there was never a mention of Calapan as a place where logs were produced or exported. Furthermore, huge forest trees where logs were produced certainly did not grow near the town, which was swampy. Another theory holds that Calapan was originally pronounced as “Kalapang” which, according to an old Tagalog dictionary, was a synonym for “sanga” or branch. It could then refer to the settlement of Kalapang as a branch of its mother town of Baco, an adjoining town. The name was later hispanized as Calapan.
The year 1998 was a landmark event for Calapan when it was converted from a municipality into a component city by virtue of Republic Act No. 8475. The law was authored in Congress by Rep. Renato V. Leviste, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 2, 1998. On March 21, 1998, the people of Calapan ratified the creation of the City of Calapan in a plebiscite marking the same day as the city’s foundation day. Incumbent Mayor Arnan C. Panaligan became the last Municipal Mayor and the First City Mayor of the City of Calapan.
Since its creation as a city, Calapan has witnessed significant strides in commerce and industry, infrastructure and social services. New commercial establishments were opened providing employment and income opportunities for the residents. An expanded program on social services delivery, particularly in health care and education, were undertaken. An upgrade of the city’s physical structures includes the construction of new roads and drainage facilities and a new City Government Center.
In the One Town-One Product (OTOP) of the National Government, Calapan is touted as the "Golden Grains City of the South" possessing picturesque natural attractions, culture-rich historical sites, eco and agri-tourism sites, beach and farm resorts, fully developed hotels, inns and pension houses. Enhancement of already breath-taking sceneries through the tasteful addition of classic resort facilities, quality and high standards of accommodation facilities and services create an environment conducive to the development of tourism as OTOP of the city. Long beach front in Calapan Bay, the vast potentials of the city as a major agricultural producer, its tropical rainforest and other environmental conservation area lead to a more vibrant and diversified agri-eco tourism investment and development. Through OTOP, the local administration is determined to put Calapan in the map as one of the country's premiere tourist destination.
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS
Sto. Nino Cathedral
Constructed in 1959, visitors will be amazed with its grandiose alatar, magnificent pipe organ and stained glasses that depict the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, Beatitudes, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and Apostle’s Creed.
Majestic City Hall
The two-storey City Hall inspired Greek Corinthian Order of Architecture is probably the most impressive neo-classic architecture in the whole country. Aside from the different local government offices, the edifice also houses the City Museum and the Taxpayer’s Center. The City Hall is a favorite destination for study tours, excursions, local gatherings and occasions.
Calapan Plaza
A place where families and friends can hang around and have a picnic. It has a map of Oriental Mindoro smack in the middle of a small pond and a monument of Jose Rizal, a rare depiction, one where he is seated, writing one of his novels.
City Museum
The museum is a repository of Calapan’s history in photographs and memorabilia. It serves as a memorial marker as a perennial remembrance to the founders and great men of Calapan. It is an interesting showcase of the customs and way of life of Calapenos.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Kalap Festival
Calapan City Foundation Day, March 21
The festival commemorates the founding anniversary of the City of Calapan highlighted by street dancing and colorful float parade depicting the history of Calapan and the origin of its name from which the festival derived its name.
A merry mixture of socio-civic, cultural, historical and sports activities are part of the run of events.
Sto. Nino de Calapan Festival
City Fiesta, January 1
Calapan City celebrates its Fiesta on New Year’s Day. Fiesta activities begin during the first week of December with a series of religious activities. The celebration extends towards the Christmas season laced with nightly cultural presentation, yuletide activities topped by the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and fireworks, as well as agro-industrial and tourism fairs.
Mardi Gras
Fiesta, Foundation Day, Summer, Halloween
The ultimate street party that takes place along the entire stretch of J. P. Rizal Street. The hypnotic lights and upbeat music, together with various fun-filled activities, will bring together a bevy of party-goers to party the night away.
Friday Nyt sa Bagong Calapan
City Plaza, 7 PM to 12 AM
Sit back and relax by watching free movies. Groove through the night with the various bands filling the evening with rhythm and beats. With the good music, food and drinks, paint the town red, Calapan style. Cheers!
Source: http://cityofcalapan.gov.ph/
