History

Calbayog City is a first-class city in the province of Samar, Philippines. It is located on the northern coast of Samar Island, about 180 kilometers east of Tacloban City, the capital of the neighboring province of Leyte. The city has a rich history dating back to the pre-colonial era, when it was inhabited by the indigenous Samareños.

Before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, Calbayog was already a thriving trading center. It had established trade relations with neighboring islands and even with the Chinese merchants. The Spanish colonizers arrived in the area in the late 16th century and established a settlement in what is now Barangay Oquendo.

During the Spanish colonial period, Calbayog became an important center of agriculture and commerce. The city’s port was a busy hub for trading goods such as rice, copra, and tobacco. Calbayog also became a center for the Catholic faith, with the construction of several churches and religious institutions.

In 1901, Calbayog was officially recognized as a municipality. During World War II, the city was occupied by Japanese forces, and many of its residents were killed or forced to flee. After the war, Calbayog experienced a period of growth and development, with the establishment of new industries and the construction of modern infrastructure.

On June 19, 1965, Calbayog was granted cityhood by virtue of Republic Act No. 4221. Today, Calbayog is a thriving city with a population of more than 180,000 people. It is known for its scenic beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture.

Native Delicacies of Calbayog

Calbayog, located in the province of Samar in the Philippines, is known for its rich culinary heritage. Here are some delicacies that you might want to try when you visit Calbayog:

1. Balintawak – A type of pancit or noodle dish made from thin rice noodles, chicken or pork, vegetables, and spices. It is a popular dish during special occasions and celebrations.
2. Tinapay ng Calbayog – A type of bread made from flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. It is soft and fluffy and has a slightly sweet taste.
3. Suman – A type of rice cake made from glutinous rice and coconut milk. It is wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled or steamed until it becomes soft and sticky.
4. Pili nuts – A type of nut that is grown in the Bicol region and is often used in Calbayog’s delicacies. It is a rich source of nutrients and is used in desserts and pastries.

These are just a few of the many delicacies that you can try when you visit Calbayog, Samar.

Ways to Get There

Calbayog City is located in the province of Samar, in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. Here are some ways to travel to Calbayog:

1. By plane: The quickest way to get to Calbayog is by plane. There are regular flights from Manila to Calbayog Airport, which is located in Barangay Owak, about 10 kilometers away from the city center. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific both offer flights to Calbayog.
2. By bus: If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus from Manila or other major cities in the Philippines to Calbayog. Major bus companies such as Philtranco and DLTB have daily trips to Calbayog, with travel time taking around 18-20 hours.
3. By ferry: If you’re coming from nearby islands, you can take a ferry to Calbayog. Montenegro Lines and Starlite Ferries offer trips from Cebu, while Super Shuttle Ferry and Lite Ferries offer trips from Catbalogan, Samar.

Once you arrive in Calbayog, you can take a tricycle, jeepney, or taxi to get around the city. You can also rent a car or hire a private van if you want to explore the nearby attractions.