KASAYSAYAN NG HIBATANG

Calbayog began as early as 1600 in a settlement called Hibatang by the river

The present barangay Anislag was the forerunner of Calbayog settlement. The
barangay is located along the river bank of Oquendo river, about ten
kilometers north off the city proper. Historical remains of what was once a
village church can be noticed by travelers passing this barangay.

The place was often visited by flood during stormy days, so Anislag settlement
became unsafe. The hardy settlers left the place in “balotos” (bancas) and
hastily rigged bamboo raffs following the river towards the sea. At Cahumpan
(now barangay Cahumpan) they decided to stop just for a moment’s break.
Somehow, at the spur of the moment and by common consent, they settled
down at Cahumpan to start life anew.

More settlers came. Some crossed the river to Sabang (now barangay
Trinidad). After a certain period of time, the restless settlers moved again and
settled at Taboc (now barangay Obrero), a settlement which directly face the
open Samar sea. The place was once a vast swampland which extended from
the present Nijaga Park, where the monument of national hero Dr. Jose P.
Rizal and local hero Benedicto P. Nijaga now stand.

Taboc is the place where the name Calbayog began. Taboc, so legend says,
once abounded with “Bayog” trees. They were cut down and burned for fuel in
making “Cal” (lime) out of sea shells and corals. From these two things, the
Spaniards called the place “Calbayog”. The second version says that there
was once a man named “Bayog”. It so happened that there was no other path
leading to the sea except at Bayog’s place. Fishermen used to say “tikang
kami kan Bayog” (we came from Bayog) or “makadto kami kan Bayog” (we
shall go to Bayog).

One day a “guardia civil” asked for the name of the place. The fisherman
mistaking the query for another thing, answered “tikang kami kan Bayog” (we
came from Bayog), with the correct query and a wrong answer, the Spaniard
took the last words, “kan Bayog”, for the name of the settlement. A lot of
tongue-twisting and mispronunciation changed the original name of Calbayog.

Republic Act No. 328 made Calbayog a city on October 16, 1948. In 1961
R.A. 328 was repealed by R.A. 3879, an act which revised the City Charter.
 KULTURA NG CALBAYOG
On September 28, the people of Metro Manila, including some foreigners, got
a glimpse of what the city of Calbayog could offer once they come and visit the
city.  It was on this city hosted the recently-concluded Rayhak ha Sinirangan
Bisayas ha Intramuros, an event sponsored by the Department of Tourism
aimed to draw tourists to the region.

To set the whole event at the right tone, a Holy Mass was said with Msgr.
Albert Songo, chaplain of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, officiating it
with the Calbayog Concert Chorus on the background.

City Mayor Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, who is also the regional vice chair of the
Eastern Visayas Tourism Council, delivered the opening remarks.  And his
eloquent manner, he reminded everyone that there is so much the whole of
Eastern Visayas could offer to its visitors as he issued an appeal among
regional officials to unite and work as one in promoting the whole region as a
prime tourist attractions.

And to a raucous beat, the now recognized Sarakiki-Hadang Festival started

This was immediately followed by a song and dance presentation which ran
on the theme of the evolution of the local dances and songs.  The songs were
comprised of the composition of Jose Gomez, the eminent Calbayognon who
composed CALBAYOG, the anthem of Calbayog City, down to the number
one hit song of the region: SADTO. 

The story goes this way: two from Brgy. Calucnayan came to the Big City to
fulfill their dreams but only to suffer some hardships and setbacks in the Big
City. Suffice it to say, the tragic-comedy show, which was participated by the
grantees of the Calbayog Kahiaraan Scholarship Program, touch many of
those who watched the show.

The audience, many hardly understand the Leyte-Samarnon dialect lapped up

Needless to say, the hosting of the city was a success just like the festival
itself.  Spotted among those in the audience were Rep. Reynald S. Uy,
Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Vic Domingo; Tourism Usec.
Armand Areza; Leyte Gov. and Chairperson of the Regional Tourism Council
Remedios Matin Petilla;  Samar Gov. Mila Tan, among others. 
 Tradisyon ng Calbayog
 Sarakiki-Hadang Festival (September 1 to 8) – this is a festival shows the merriment in the
evening before  awedding ceremony, which redound to one of the most well-liked tradition,
the so called pamalaye or pamamanhikan.
 Karakol (either on January 27 or every last Sunday of October) – this is a less popular but a
more traditional celebration of the folks from Brgy. Matobato about merry dancing at the
shortes bearing the image of Nuestra Señora de Porta Vaga, more popularly known as
“Soleda”.
 Natatanging Lugar,at pagkain sa Calbayog

Mga Lugar :
 Saints Peter and paul Cathedral – this cathedral as constructed in 1800s and is now the
central church of the Diocese of Calbayog. This is also considered as the biggest church in
Samar. The structure reveals some of the old structures of the Spanish architecture. The old
dome, the spire and the thick walls are some of the old structures that can be found in the
church.
 Handumanan Museum – used formerly as a jail but was renovated with a 2-storey 19th
century Filipino building look. This museum houses much of the city’s history. This is also the
regular host of art exhibits in the city.
 Guinogo-an Cave – its large entrance leads to a natural tunnel with an uneven ceiling, some
portions touching one’s head giving him an eerie trip through the dark, cool interior.
 Mapaso Hot Spring – “Mapaso” means hot. This hot spring is abundant in crustaceans
(pokot). They are naturally pinkish resembling scaled shrimps due to the high temperature.
 Tabokno Falls – this is a beautiful scenic falls is a wonderful picnic site of local residents and
their source of potable water.
 Pan-as Falls – more than a beauty spot, this falls is the primary source of water for its
residents. At places where the cataract is so high, the water falling into the pool becomes a
mere mist.
 Ton-ok Falls – a scenic waterfalls hidden in lush tropical vegetation. Nature has places it out
of easy reach to preserve its beauty. This is also the source of hydroelectric power.

Mga pagkain :

Tinapa, mga Iba’t ibang klase ng kakanin (kagaya ng Suman latik,Sapin-

Pangingisda,at Pagtatanim