The History of the Oldest Catholic Church in Calamba Laguna
When visiting the province of Laguna, the city of Calamba, without a doubt, is a must-see
destination mainly because of its historic connotation. As we know, it is the hometown of our
national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. This is where the young Pepe spent his childhood, grew up and
played like any other normal kid. And speaking of historical significance and culture, a century
old church located few steps away from the old house of Jose Rizal is one of the places you
don't wanna miss - the St. John the Baptist Parish Church. The church has been declared as
a National Historic landmark for this is where Jose Rizal was baptized (June 22, 1861). As you
enter the church, you will even see his baptismal record, making the place more historical and
significant especially to us and to the future generations who only got (will get) to know our
national hero through books and words of mouth. Established in the year 1859, it is one of the
major churches in the city. The church was actually put to flames by the Japanese during the
World War II but thanks to the efforts of Fr. Eliseo Dimaculangan for it was rebuilt and
preserved good as new. Regular masses are held here every day so in case you are nearby, you
might want to attend the mass and relive the memories of our national hero.
David, J. (2011, August 28). St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Calamba Laguna. Retrieved May
7, 2021, from Enjayneer.com website: https://www.enjayneer.com/2011/08/st-john-baptist-
parish-church-calamba.html
The Church of St. John the Baptist was originally built in 1859. Its original altar (as well as
original baptismal records and canonical books) was burned on September 28, 1862, but was
immediately rebuilt by Fr. Leoncio Lopez. On February 12, 1945, during World War II, the
church was burned by the Japanese. After the war, it was rebuilt by Fr. Eliseo Dimaculangan.
Jose Rizal was baptized at its baptistery on June 22, 1861, by Fr. Rufino Collantes and his
godfather Fr. Pedro Casanas.
Benjie Layug. (2017, April 30). Church of St. John the Baptist (Calamba City, Laguna) – B.L.A.S.T.
– Live Life to the Fullest ……… Don’t Stay Put. Retrieved May 7, 2021, from Benjielayug.com
website: https://benjielayug.com/2017/04/church-of-st-john-the-baptist-calamba-city-
laguna.html
When you visit Rizal Shrine and the Banga in Calamba City, you’ll probably see the St. John the
Baptist Church. This is where our National Hero was baptized. Before the church was settled, it
was a rice field before. According to two old people that I talked with, the church was not fully
furnished before, it’s just a portion of the entire church at present. A Spanish priest named
Cavada, it was 1779 when it became an independent church from Parochial Church of Cabuyao.
It took 37 years before the St. John the Baptist Church became independent. The church was
originally created by Fransiscan priests in a place called Marinig at present near Laguna de Bay
but since flood always happen, it was transferred to the Poblacion of Cabuyao. The church
covers a lot of land which resulted to the making of a small church near the houses of the
