Earth Dam

Calamba is the center of trade and commerce in the northern part of the province of Misamis Occidental. It is a town that lives in harmony with nature while striving for progress through agriculture and industry.  It is also a town that likes to celebrate its unique and diverse culture.

Economy

There are micro-industries present in the municipality, strategically located in the Poblacion. These are solar driers, rice and corn mills, machines and welding shops, vulcanizing shops, furniture wood carving tailoring, hollow block making, repair shops and etc.   

Farming and being self-employed are the primary occupations of the residents and most of the households are engaged in livestock raising as an alternative livelihood in order to generate additional income for their families. There are many households that are engaged in poultry production followed by hog raising/fattening.

Festivals

• Sinulog – Calamba, like all other places, “has the passion for festivities and celebrations.” The town observes the “Sinulog Festival,” which is held every 3rd Sunday of January each year.  Sinulog is a religious festival honoring the Patron Saint, Sto. Nino.  It is spearheaded by the Roman Catholic Church and is celebrated not only by the townfolks  in the community but also people from the neighboring towns.  It is given life through street dancing by the different organizations of the Roman Catholic Church.  Participants clad in multicolored costumes dance to the beat of the drums praying and praising the Baby Jesus whose image is exalted and venerated.
• Menajak – In the rural communities, festivals and celebrations always take the center stage. This is equally true with the Menajak Festival of Calamba, Misamis Occidental.  Menajak Festival gathers huge crowds of people who want to witness the unique presentations emphasizing the cultural and social heritage of the indigenous people of Calamba. This is done every February 14th of each year as Calamba celebrates its Foundation Day Anniversary.  Menajak is a Subanen term for the word "love" and also for a simple reason; it is celebrated every Valentine’s Day.  It is imperative for the organizers of the festival to use the Subanen word because Calamba tries to preserve the cultural heritage of the indigenous people in the community. The local government unit recognizes the Subanens as the original inhabitants of the municipality and bridges the cultural indifferences that exist among its constituents.

Menajak is not only a mere celebration that entertains.  It gives accent to a free interpretation of the Subanen dance steps and rituals. Participants in Subanen costume synchronize their choreographed movements to the rhythm of the gongs and drums.

• Lenten Season – During Lenten season, solemn religious ceremonies are practiced by the two leading religious sectors; the Roman Catholic Church and the Philippine Independent Church, re-enacting the agonies and the sufferings of Christ.

Throughout the year, religious activities as well as other ceremonies are the usual practice during their respective annual fiesta celebration. Entertainments and competitions of various types are being conducted.

Tourism

• Earth Dam – The Earth Dam in Brgy. Siloy is only 10.5 kms away from the town center.  It is an exquisite and enchanting “man-made lake nestled between the mountains.”  It is a “mountaintop panorama that sets it apart from other adventure and historic places.” It offers superb recreation like boating and fishing and what makes it distinct from others is, it is best suited for personal and spiritual reflections. 
• Bulawis Community Swimming Pool – There is much to offer at Bulawis Community Swimming Pool located at Bunawan, Calamba, Misamis Occidental just 4.8 from the town proper. Bulawis is one of the Calamba’s best and popular attractions. It is a legend to everyone who visits the place.  A trademark of beauty that gives a whole new experience and “A haven of enjoyment and possibilities” as natural springs give life to the pool “along a river-gifted” with the splendor of nature. It is ideal for reunions, church groups, trainings, seminars, retreats, camps, parties of all kinds and banquets. A luxury in itself as one feels comfortable in the “cozy atmosphere of efficient service and warm smiles.”
• The Century-Old Tree – The Lumbayaw Tree – Barangay San Isidro is one of the 19 brgys of Calamba, Misamis Occidental and it takes 20 minutes to reach the 9 kilometer slightly uphill barangay.   The place has become popular because of the famous century-old Lumbayaw Tree which proudly stands in front of the barangay hall.  It looks strong and magnificent through the years.  Its branches and green leaves thrust out to give shade to passersby and thrill everybody who would like to listen about its legend.  It is the only “silent and living witness left today that can testify the happenings of the time” hundred years back.

Bulawis Community Swimming Pool

Lumbayaw Tree

Aside from being known as the center of trade and commerce in the northern part of the Province of Misamis Occidental, Calamba is said to be the “Spring Paradise” in the north.

• Springs and Waterfalls – Calamba has been gifted with cool and freezing spring and waterfalls which usually hosts pictorials for beauty contests and family reunions/ gatherings. The spring is only a hundred meters away from Bulawis  Swimming Pool. The waterfalls are only 7 kilometers away from the heart of the municipality and it is located at Barangay San Isidro. Its crystal clear water and glitters like bits of diamonds as it falls from above. It offers a bounty of enjoyment and excitement.

Calamba Falls

Leading to this waterfalls are either smooth or roughed roads. The adventurous travelers will really enjoy hiking the bushy roads going to the falls

For a visit/tour to the earth dam, century old tree,   falls and springs arrangement should be made with the barangay captains or barangay officials of the said place or tour guide from the office of the Municipal Mayor and  Municipal Vice Mayor. 

How to get there

Via Dipolog City

Take an airplane bound for Dipolog City, and from the airport take a motorcab to the city’s bus terminal.  Take a bus or a van bound for Calamba.  Alighting at the Calamba Integrated Terminal, take a motorcab to any of the destinations you want to visit and it will take you there. You can also take a ferry boat for a two night’s trip, arriving at Dipolog City Pier around 7:00 a.m.; from the pier take a motorcab to the city’s bus terminal.

Via Ozamis City

Take a ferry boat bound to Ozamis City for two nights trip. Arriving at the Ozamis City pier, take a bus bound for Dipolog City. Passing by Calamba, drop by at the Calamba Integrated Terminal, take a motorcab to any of the destinations you want to visit and it will take you there. You can also, take a motorcab from the Ozamis City Pier to Integrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal, and there you take a van bound for Dipolog City. There are also vans who will take you straight to the municipality of Calamba.

Getting Around

The most convenient means of transportation within the municipality are motorcab and habal-habal (motor single for hire). Habal-habal is the mode of transportation in going to the barangays. When moving around the town, from the town center, a motorcab is always available. The following are the minimum fare rates, to wit:

Accommodations

• Robert’s Eatery – located at Southwestern Poblacion just along the national highway. Bunawan, Calamba, Misamis Occidental
• Kassandra Pension House – Southwestern Poblacion, Calamba, Misamis Occidental.