Calaca, Batangas – Calaca is officially the newest component city in Batangas after a plebiscite that ratified the conversion of the previously first-class municipality.
This makes Calaca the first component city in Batangas province’s first district and fifth next to the cities of Lipa, Batangas, Tanauan and Sto. Tomas.
Official Comelec results showed that 29,424 voted for yes while 3,781 voted for no.
More than 50 percent of Calaca’s voters population went out to cast their votes in the 37 designated polling centers on Saturday despite the threat of heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon enhanced by the presence of Typhoon Henry.
Witnessing the proclamation were Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, Commissioner Aimee Ferolino, Mayor Nas Ona, First District Rep. Eric Buhain, former Rep. Eileen Ermita-Buhain and other local officials.
People took to the streets to celebrate Calaca’s conversion into a city.
They clapped their hands and cheered as they watched as tey were captivated with the dazzling fireworks display in front of the municipal hall.
Calaca police officer-in-charge PLt. Col. Willy Salazar said in a press statement that the plebiscite was a success as the activity was done in a peaceful and orderly manner.
In May 26, 2021, then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11544 for the conversion of Calaca into a component city.
Calaca, which is located 116 kilometers from Manila, used to be a barrio and part of Balayan before it was officially converted into a town on May 10, 1835.
According to the 2020 census, Calaca has a population of 87,361 people with a land area of 114.58 square kilometers.