The city of Caloocan, or Lungsod ng Kalookan, is a first-class urban city located at the northern part of Metro Manila, the Philippine National Capital Region found in the island of Luzon. The city’s total area of 53.33 km² is divided into southern and northern parts. The southern division is bordered by Malabon and Valenzuela Cities to the north, the municipality of Navotas to the west, Quezon City to the east, and the city of Manila to the south. The northern division is the northern-most domain of Metro Manila. It is bounded by Valenzuela City to the west, Quezon City to the south, and by San Jose del Monte City in the province of Bulacan to the north.
The most common modes of transportation are buses, which traverse the Caloocan stretch of EDSA, and jeepneys, which can ferry passengers into the city’s interior. The Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT1) services the city and has its station located at Monumento. It passes over the Rizal Avenue extension of Caloocan into the cities of Manila and Pasay.
Caloocan played a central role in the revolutionary past of the Philippines. The city is historically known as the cradle of the Katipunan, the secret Philippine revolutionary organization founded by Filipino rebels in 1892 to oust the Spanish colonial rule. It was at the yard of Melchora Aquino’s son, Juan A. Ramos, in the Caloocan district of Balintawak that the pivotal incident of tearing of sedula (residence certificates) took place. This signaled the Katipuneros declaration of war and the start of the armed uprising. Historians dubbed this event as the “Cry of Pugad Lawin”. It was also in this district that the first armed conflict between Spanish troops and the Katipuneros took place.
These events are commemorated by the city’s most important landmark, the Bonifacio Monument, which stands at the end of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). The memorial was erected in1933 and was dedicated to the Philippine revolutionary leader, Andres Bonifacio. The sculptures were crafted by National Artist Guillermo Tolentino.
The uprising of the Filipinos against Spain ended when the latter surrendered to the Americans on August 1898. The residents of Caloocan were also among the many Filipinos who resisted the American occupation. This Endeavor resulted in the destruction of the town. During the Second World War, Caloocan once again suffered oppression when the Japanese conquered Manila.
Caloocan showed its resilience through those turbulent years and grew economically stable until it was declared a city in 1962. It was then a part of the new-formed Rizal province. In 1975, Caloocan was pulled out of the province and became a constituent city of Metro Manila.
Residential Places in Caloocan
Caloocan has numerous subdivisions and villages where most of the middle and upper class families choose to live. These gated communities usually feature a walled perimeter and guarded gates to provide limited access. Most of these provide the usual amenities of lighted streets, trimmed lanes, and street sweepers. A Homeowner’s Association is typically established to address the upkeep of these amenities, as well as to create amity and cooperation among the residents.
Some of the subdivisions and villages found in Caloocan are Almar Subdivision, Amparo Subdivision, Arces Subdivision, Brixton Subdivision, Capitol Parkland Subdivision, Carlisle Mansions, Cefel’s Park Subdivision, Central Park Subdivision, Franville Subdivision, Hillcrest Village, Kassel Villas, Kaunlaran Village, Kingstown Subdivision, Miramonte Heights, Mountain Heights Subdivision, Northcrest Village, Nova Romania Subdivision, Parkland Subdivision, Parkview Heights, Queensville Subdivision, San Diego Subdivision, Urduja Village, Villa Maria Subdivision, Villa Teresa Subdivision, and Vista Verde North Executive.
Hospitals and Universities of Caloocan
Caloocan has several private and government hospitals that are capable of addressing any medical needs. One of the city’s largest and reputable hospitals is the Manila Central University-FDT Hospital, which stands along EDSA corner Samson Road. It is a modern 209- bed private tertiary hospital that offers general medical services, as well as specialties in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, pediatrics, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, hemodialysis, physical medicine & rehabilitation, and emergency medicine. Among its specialized units and centers are the Acute Stroke Unit, Oncology Clinic, Pain and Hospice Center, Hearing Center (Audiometry and Tympanometry), Pediatric Playroom Therapy, and Maternal High Risk Unit.
The city’s hospitals are listed below:
Caloocan Hospitals
Hospital Address Telephone
Baesa Advent Polytechnic 238 Deparo Street, Baesa 330-2108
Bagbaguin Family Hospital 849 Gen. Luis Street, Bagbaguin 983-5363
Clinica Terencio & Hospital JP Rizal Street, Maypajo -
Col. Salvador T. Villa Memorial Hospital 109 Caimito Road 361-2413
Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital Administration Site 962-8209 or 962-9887
Hernandez General Hospital 1372 Rizal Avenue Extension 364-5588
John Paul Hospital 26 M. Ponce Street, Tirad Pass 361-8959
Lady of Lourdes Hospital 5 Gen. Trias Street, Caybiga 983-5581/984-1413/Fax:
Martinez Memorial Hospital 198 Mabini Street 288-8861
Nodado General Hospital Area A, Camarin 936-0970
Ospital ng Caloocan 450 Mabini Street 288-7077
Our Lady of Grace Hospital 8th Avenue corner F. Roxas, Grace Park 361-1124
Ronn-Carmel Hospital and Fertility Control Center 115 Ponce Street, Tirad Pass 363-2789/363-2775
San Lorenzo General Hospital 24 Barangay 170 Zone 15, Deparo 936-2683/939-6042/Fax:
Educational Facilities
The city’s tertiary educational system provides instruction and training in various fields. The educational institutions in Caloocan that provides degrees in various fields of study are the University of the East-Caloocan, Manila Central University, Martinez Memorial College, World City Colleges, ABE International Business College and Economics, Manila Montessori College, Metropolytechnic College, La Consolacion College, Saint Claire College of Caloocan, Holy Rosary College, Saint Dominic Savio College, Immaculada Concepcion College, Child Jesus College, and the state-owned Caloocan City University.
One of the most prominent and reputable amongst these is the University of the East-Caloocan. This UE campus was established in 1954 and stands along Samson Road on a 4.86-hectare university grounds. The city government recognized its invaluable role in the area of education by honoring it in 2004 as “One of the Outstanding Institutions of Caloocan City”. The university is divided into the Colleges of Business Administration, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, and Fine Arts. Its courses in business and accountancy are the most distinguished among its roster of undergraduate degrees.
The Manila Central University and the Martinez Memorial College offers courses in medicine and health sciences. The former is known for its degrees in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and nursing, while the latter is recognized for its nursing and care giving courses.
Caloocan also has a list of colleges that primarily offers computer-related courses. These are the AMA Computer College, STI College, Datapro Computer College, Systems Plus Computer College, Informatics Computer Institute, Interface Computer College, Asian College of Science and Technology, and the Asian Institute of Computer Studies.
Commercial Places in Caloocan
The city’s primary retail center is the Ever Gotesco Grand Central, which stands along Rizal Avenue Extension, near the LRT1 Monumento station. It houses a department store, a supermarket, cinemas, entertainment halls, prominent fastfood chains, and almost 100 retail shops. The most prominent shops found there are Macy’s, Bench, and Penshoppe for men and women’s garments; Itti, Mendrez, and Rusty Lopez for shoes; Abenson and Western for home appliances; and Manson Drug Mercury Drug for drugstores. Well-established service shops in Ever Gotesco Grand Central include Ricky Reyes Hair Salon and Freshaire for beauty salons; Facial Centre and Let’s Face It for skin care centers; LBC and JRS Express for courier services; and Mr. Quickie for shoe repair.
Nightlife in Caloocan is not quite as grand and established as the ones found in the neighboring cities of Manila and Quezon. Many residents opt to visit the more prestigious nightspots in these cities because of its ease of access and proximity. Nevertheless, there are still some notable establishments that are found in the city. These include the international restaurant The Blue Spot on Bustamante Street, Barrio Fiesta that sits along EDSA in Palanan and serves seafood and Filipino dishes, Pansit ng Taga Malabon at the Ever Gotesco, Max’s Restaurant which has branches at the Ever Gotesco and along EDSA, Boy Ching Woo Chinese Restaurant at the corner of A. Mabini and J. Rodriguez Streets, Orient Pearl Seafoods & Restaurant and Lydia’s Lechon along Macario Asistio, Sr. (formerly 10th Avenue), American pizzerias Pizza Hut and Shakey’s at the Ever Gotesco, Yellow Cab Pizza at the corner of EDSA and Gen. Simon Street, and popular burger joints Wendy’s Hamburgers beside MCU and Tropical Hut Hamburger on Samson Road.
Service Establishments of Caloocan
The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) is the sole provider of the city’s electricity. Caloocan forms part of the company’s central franchise that consists of 22 cities and 89 municipalities, which includes the areas of Metro and Mega Manila. Applications for service and bill payments may be done by visiting the MERALCO extension office situated along Samson Road.
The Philippine long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is the major telecom company that services the city. The company provides fixed line services and Internet access through dial-up and DSL connection. The PLDT business office in Caloocan is located on MH Del Pilar Street in Grace Park. The company’s mobile arm, Smart Communications, offers wireless Internet connection via broadband.
Alternative telecom companies that service the city are the Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel) and Eastern Telecoms. Both companies offer fixed line services and Internet access through dial-up and DSL.
Smart Communications, together with Globe Telecom and Sun Cellular of Digitel Communications, forms the three major cellular network providers in the Philippines. All three companies have nation-wide coverage and offers subscription packages suited for any income bracket. Enlistment for postpaid subscriptions may be done by visiting any of their centers usually located in major shopping centers. On the other hand, prepaid subscriptions simply require a SIM card that can be bought at phonecard booths or at their centers.
The Caloocan Police Station is one of the stations that belong to the Philippine National Police Northern District. Under this station are several sub-stations and police community precincts. Listed below are their location and contact information:
Caloocan Police
station/Sub-Station/PCP* Location Telephone
Caloocan Samson Road, Sangandaan 362-2714 or 324-6528
Sub-Station 1 Malolos Avenue, Bagong Bo. 363-97-19
PCP 1 -Do- 363-9719
PCP 2 Sta Quiteria Street, Baesa 361-0041
PCP 3 Asistio corner Serrano Streets 366-4973
PCP 4 C3 Road, 8th Street, de Jesus 361-2629
Sub-Station 2 Del Mundo Street, 9th Avenue, West Grace Park 323-1806
PCP 5 3rd Avenue corner Rizal Avenue 364-7926
PCP 6 10TH Avenue, Grace Park 324-7364
PCP 7 C3 Road corner A. Mabini Street 324-2983
PCP 8 Gen San Miguel Street 324-6091
Sub-Station 3 Package 1, Bagong Silang 962-8207
PCP 9 Ph 10, Bagong Silang 962-8207
PCP 10 Ph 7, Bagong Silang thru radio
PCP 11 Ph 12, Bagong Silang Thru radio
PCP 12 Quirino Highway,, Makatipo 936-3996
Sub-Station 4 Camarin Road, in front of Hillcrest Subdivision 939-8430
PCP 13 Kiko, Camarin Thru radio
PCP 14 Congressional 939-7124
PCP 15 Gen Luis, Kaybiga 983-5212
PCP 16 North City Hall, Camarin 961-3700
Sub-Station 5 Makatipo, Quirino Highway 417-7829
PCP 17 Dela Costa Subdivision 417-7829
PCP 18 Pangarap Village 930-5481
*PCP-Police Community Precinct
Embassies in Caloocan
There are no foreign embassies or consulates that have their offices located in Caloocan. Much of these diplomatic missions have their offices located in Makati and Manila.
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