[4] It is the fifth-densest city in the province with more than 2,600 people per square kilometer after San Pedro, Biñan, Cabuyao, and Santa Rosa.

[8][9] The name of the city is derived from Tagalog kalamba, meaning a wide-mouthed earthen water jar (also called balanga or banga).

In 1639 Calamba was the site of a rebellion of Chinese farmers, who had been forcibly resettled there by Governor Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera.

This rebellion spread north of the Pasig River and eventually culminated in the deaths of over 20,000 Chinese in the whole region surrounding Manila.

In 1813, Calamba was placed in the hands of "encargados" by the Dominican Brothers, who divided it into portions and sold the haciendas to the natives during the American regime.

[citation needed] After a process of more than seven years, Calamba became the second component city of the Laguna by virtue of Republic Act No.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) then set the plebiscite for Calamba's cityhood on April 21, 2001, where 15,056 residents participated.

60, Series of 1994 requesting the Senate of the Philippines through its president and the House of Representatives through its speaker to co-sponsor a bill for Calamba's conversion into a city.

A month passed and Mayor Lajara sent a follow-up letter to then Vice Governor Teresita "Ningning" Lazaro on updates regarding the matter.

986 at the Calamba Elementary School (Central II) gymnasium on March 23, approving the House Bill in principle.

Laguna de Bay, the country's largest lake, forms the city's northeast border.

The dry season lasts only from January to April, and the rest of the year is characterized by high levels of rainfall.

The population of Calamba is fast-growing with an intercensal growth rate of 5% from 1995 to 2000, repeated and more in subsequent decades (except for 2007 to 2010 census).

Calamba is predominantly Roman Catholic (84.22%), followed by Members Church of God International (MCGI or ADD)(4.5%), Protestants (3.43%), Iglesia ni Cristo (3.14%), and Islam (0.26%).

There are many manufacturing and economic plants located in upland barangays like Canlubang, Real, La Mesa, Milagrosa, Makiling, Punta, Barandal, Batino and Prinza.As of December 31, 2013, there are 83 banking offices operating in the city that offers banking services to businesses and residents according to Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Calamba is the top city in Calabarzon with total deposits amounting to 29,632,884 in thousand pesos from 374,122 accounts.

Considered the heart of Calabarzon due to the number of companies housed in its area, Calamba is one of the premiere industrial hubs outside of Metro Manila.

The city vice mayor heads a legislative council that is composed of 14 members: 12 councilors and two ex-officio offices: one for the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President, representing the youth sector, and one for the Association of Barangay Chairmen President as the barangay sectoral representative.

Elected officials for the 2022–2025 term are: Jose Rizal wrote a manuscript called Jefes del pueblo de Calamba (ang nangagsipagpuno sa bayan ng Calamba: sapol ng maging bayan, hangan sa panahon, 28 de Agosto, 1742 – hasta 1891) that is now kept in the National Library of the Philippines.

In a citywide seal-making contest, Reyjon de Guzman emerged as winner, for his work best symbolized the ideals, pride and achievements of the city.

Each color, shape, number and object has its own meaning relative to what is Calamba in the past, present and future.

The monument was inaugurated by President Benigno Aquino III in preparation for the Jose Rizal's sesquicentennial birth anniversary on June 19, 2011.

Other tourist attractions include the Calamba Claypot (Banga or Calambanga), a large pot that is the namesake of the city, Republic Wakepark, a water sports park in the Nuvali mixed-use residential development in Canlubang, and Calamba Island, an islet off Laguna de Bay.

Being near to Mount Makiling, Calamba also hosts hot spring resorts, concentrated at barangays Pansol, Bucal and Bagong Kalsada near the boundary with Los Baños.

He wanted to capitalize on the city's historical heritage as the birthplace of unofficial Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

The term "Buhayani" was coined by joining two Filipino words, "buhay" meaning life or the state of being alive and lively and "bayani" or hero.

Different activities were lined up for this year's Buhayani Festival: Kuwentong Bayani for selected Grade 5 students, Talinong Rizal Quiz Bee, Buhayani Football Cup, Independence Day Job Fair, SayawIndak Street Dancing Competition, Marching Band Competition, Baile de Gala, Hawig Rizal (Rizal Look-a-Like), Buhayani Eye Care Mission, and a whole lot more.

Highlighting this year's celebration is the Morning Program wherein Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa is the Guest of Honor and Speaker.

Come to Calamba – retrace history's footsteps, rediscover the richness and uniqueness of our heritage, fire up our Filipino pride and be inspired to share and spread what you have experienced and be part of the force that will bring about a renewed love of country in every Filipino," Mayor Chipeco challenged.

In the near future, Everest Academy, a renowned Catholic and international school will also open its second campus in Nuvali.