Do you know that the Municipality of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Camarines Norte was once known as “Imelda” in honor of former First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos?

The municipality was originally established as the Municipality of Imelda in 1970. This creation was facilitated through Republic Act No. 6144, which constituted the barrios Daculangbolo, Laniton, Langga, Maisog, Dagotdotan, Mampurog, Matacong (formerly part of the Municipality of Daet), and San Isidro, San Antonio, San Ramon, Manlimonsito, Salvacion (formerly part of the Municipality of Basud).

The name “Imelda” was chosen to honor Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines and the wife of President Ferdinand Marcos. This was a common practice during the Marcos regime, reflecting the political climate of the era where many places and institutions were named after the Marcos family members as a form of political patronage.

On February 10, 1989, however, the municipality underwent a significant transformation. It was renamed to San Lorenzo Ruiz in honor of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint venerated in the Roman Catholic Church. San Lorenzo Ruiz was canonized on October 18, 1987, marking a monumental moment for the Filipino Catholic community. The change was enacted through Republic Act No. 6708.

The renaming symbolized a shift from political affiliations to religious and cultural reverence, and a way to also bury the dark chapter experienced by the people of Camarines Norte during the Martial Law Regime characterized by repression, human rights abuses, and the consolidation of power. San Lorenzo Ruiz, who is celebrated for his unwavering faith and martyrdom, represents a figure of national pride and spiritual inspiration for many Filipinos. His legacy continues to be a source of strength and faith for the community.

Today, San Lorenzo Ruiz stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of its people. The municipality, though small in population, is rich in culture and history. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the importance of honoring those who have made significant contributions to the spiritual and cultural fabric of the nation.

As the municipality continues to grow and develop, the legacy of San Lorenzo Ruiz remains at its heart, guiding its progress and inspiring its people. The change from Imelda to San Lorenzo Ruiz not only marks a shift in name but also signifies a deeper connection to the values and history that define the Filipino spirit.

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