Caloocan City celebrates 42nd anniversary

It’s a holiday today in Caloocan as the local government and its residents celebrate the 42nd anniversary of its cityhood.

Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo said that some of the highlights of the celebration include the inauguration of his four pet projects, namely the President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial Medical Center, the Caloocan City Judicial Complex, the City Council’s Legislative Building and the Commercial Complex and Hall Park in front of the City Hall.

Other major activities include Kumpilang Bayan at the San Roque Cathedral sponsored by City Tourism Council chairperson Gigi Malonzo, distribution of certificates of recognition to landless residents in Caloocan City North and the coronation of the Mutya ng Caloocan at 7 p.m.

Malonzo said that Caloocan is a "twin city" as it was divided into two geographical zones — Caloocan City North and Caloocan City South.

Once part of the province of Rizal, Caloocan was divided into two districts when parts of it were annexed to Quezon City in 1939 through Commonwealth Act 502.

Barangays Balingasa, Kaingin, Kangkong, Malamig, Matalahib, Masambong, San Isidro, San Jose, Santol and Tatalon became part of Quezon City.

In 1949, pursuant to Republic Act 392, which redefined the boundaries of Caloocan and Quezon City, Caloocan also lost Barangays Baesa, Bagbag, Bahay Toro, Banlat, Novaliches, Pasong Tamo, San Bartolome and Talipapa to Quezon City.

Caloocan boasts of a historic past. Poet laureate Cecilio Apostol and Gregoria de Jesus, wife of Andres Bonifacio, founder of Katipunan, once lived in this city. The revolution for independence against the Spanish rule also started in Balintawak, a former barrio of Caloocan.

It became a city on Feb. 16, 1962 through the proclamation of the late President Diosdado Macapagal.