BUTUAN CITY — The City Government of Butuan paid tribute to the late Congressman Marcos M. Calo, the acknowledged Father of Butuan City, through a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Zamora Cemetery this morning as part of the 76th Adlaw Hong Butuan celebration. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Congressman Calo's monumental role in the city's history as the principal author of Republic Act No. 523, the Charter of Butuan City, which paved the way for Butuan's conversion into a chartered city in 1950. This annual ritual connects the present generation to the visionary leader who shaped the city's destiny.
A Legacy That Shaped a City
The ceremony was led by city officials, alongside the family of the late Congressman, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, and representatives from various government agencies. The event began with a wreath placed by his son, former Councilor Salvador V. Calo, as a personal and profound tribute to his father's enduring legacy. Reflecting on his father's impact, he remarked that the progress the city has enjoyed since becoming a chartered city is a legacy he will cherish for the rest of his life. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from national agencies, barangay officials, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other partner organizations, highlighting the widespread respect for Calo's contributions.
Remembering the Father of Butuan Cityhood
Congressman Marcos M. Calo's vision was instrumental in transforming Butuan from a municipality into a city. Inspired by the region's thriving timber industry, which earned Butuan the moniker "Timber City of the South," Calo filed the bill that would lead to the city's creation. The city's progress over the past 76 years stands as a testament to his foresight and dedication to public service. The wreath laying ceremony is not merely a symbolic gesture but a reaffirmation of the city's commitment to continue his dream of a progressive Butuan.
