Legazpi City is known for different monikers — the “City of Fun and Adventure”, the “Gateway City of Bicol”, the “Queen City of Southern Luzon”, and the “Gateway of Southern Luzon”. Many, however, are confused — should thee city be spelled with an “s” or a “z”? Should it be spelled as “Legaspi City” or “Legazpi City”?

The Official Spelling: “Legazpi City”

The correct and official spelling is “Legazpi City.” This spelling is affirmed by several authoritative sources:

Government Usage:

• The official website of Legazpi City consistently uses “Legazpi City” in its branding and communication materials. This website serves as a primary source of information for both residents and visitors, reinforcing the correct spelling.
• Various departments of the Philippine government, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Statistics Office (NSO), use “Legazpi City” in their official documents and communications. This consistent usage across government entities further validates the correct spelling.

Historical Context:

• Legazpi City is named after Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in the 16th century. The city honors his legacy by adopting his surname, which is correctly spelled as “Legazpi.” This historical connection is a fundamental reason for the city’s spelling.

Local Legislation:

• Local ordinances and resolutions passed by the City Council of Legazpi use “Legazpi City.” These legal documents are crucial as they govern the city’s administrative functions and provide an official record of the city’s name.

Academic and Historical References:

• Educational publications and historical texts consistently refer to the city as “Legazpi City.” These references are important as they contribute to the preservation of the city’s historical and cultural identity.

Legal Basis:

• The city’s charter, Republic Act No. 2234, clearly stipulates that the name is spelled with a “z” and not an “s”.

History of Legazpi City

Legazpi City’s former name is “Sawangan”, a land of the natives engaged in fishing and farming. In 1565 AD, however, the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi landed on the shores of Albay. followed by the influx of Franciscan missionaries.

In 1587, the Franciscan missionaries built a church in Sawangan as a visita (chapel or subordinate church) of the Cagsawa Church. A house of worship made of wood was erected by Fr. Francisco de Sta. Ana, OFM and dedicated to St. Gregory the Great. Known as Misión de San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan, it became a parish in 1616.

Sawangan prospered amidst volcanic earthquakes, devastating typhoons, and other disasters. Its natural features were suitable for harbor, and it hosted ships plying the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade route. However, the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Mayon on February 1, 1814 reshaped the contours of Albay. The calamity caused grievous loss of lives and buried many towns. Fr. Pedro Licup, OFM led the people to evacuate to the safe terrain of Macalaya (present-day Taysan). As they were unaccustomed to living in the uplands, a number of the evacuees moved to Taytay (present-day Bagumbayan) and others returned to Sawangan to establish Binanuahan (a name that means “Old Place”). This violated an official colonial policy that restricted the organization of new townships issued on October 1, 1829.

Over time, Taytay flourished and Binanuahan became its visita. The two were combined to become Albay Nuevo, but folks of Binanuahan objected to the annexation. On July 17, 1856, Governor General Ramon Montero issued a decree that created the visita of Pueblo Viejo by combining Binanuahan, Lamba, Rawis, and Bigaa. Three months later, on October 22, Montero issued another decree and renamed Sawangan into Legazpi in honor of Spanish colonizer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

By virtue of the Becerra Law of 1892, Legazpi became a city for the first time in its history. Its territory included the towns of Albay Nuevo and Daraga that was collectively called Ayutamiento de Albay. During the Philippine Revolution, the Spanish colonial officials were evacuated on September 22, 1898. In the vacuum of political leadership, a junta was created ruled by Anacieto Solano and later by General Vicente Lukban.

During the American occupation, Filipino resistance was defeated by the American occupying forces in the battle of San Rafael Bridge on January 23, 1900.

In the ensuing reorganization of geopolitical divisions of provinces in the entire archipelago, Legazpi was re-instituted as towns along with Albay and Daraga in the succeeding years but were fused in 1908 to become Municipio de Albay. In 1922, Daraga however seceded.

After World War II, Republic Act No. 306 was passed on June 18, 1948. The law declared Legazpi as a city that also annexed Daraga as a district.

Opposition to the law was such that Republic Act No. 993 came into effect on June 8, 1954. The new law repealed RA 306 and reverted the status of Legazpi and Daraga back into towns.

The Legazpi City Charter

On June 12, 1959, Republic Act No. 2234 was enacted, officially creating the City of Legazpi. This law converted Legazpi from a municipality into a city, granting it the status and autonomy to govern itself independently. This became known as the Charter of the City of Legazpi.

The charter was later amended by Republic Act No. 5525 on June 21, 1969. The amendments basically adjusted specific provisions or administrative details related to the city’s governance. and created the positions for a City Legal Officer, Executive Assistant, Secretary to the Mayor, and City Information Editor. The amendment likewise transferred legal advisory functions from the City Fiscal to the City Legal Officer.

The Historical Significance of Miguel López de Legazpi

Miguel López de Legazpi, the namesake of Legazpi City, played a pivotal role in Philippine history. Born in 1502 in Zumarraga, Spain, Legazpi was a significant figure in the Spanish colonial period. In 1565, he established the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines in Cebu and later moved to Manila, which became the capital of the Spanish East Indies.

Legazpi’s contributions to the Philippines are commemorated in the city that bears his name. By preserving the correct spelling, Legazpi City not only honors the historical figure but also maintains the accuracy and integrity of its heritage.

Embracing Legazpi City’s Identity

Legazpi City is more than just a name; it is a symbol of its rich history and cultural heritage. The city is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the iconic Mayon Volcano, whose perfect cone shape attracts tourists from around the world. Legazpi City is also a hub of economic activity and development in the Bicol Region, contributing to its growth and progress.

By using the correct spelling, “Legazpi City,” residents and officials ensure that the city’s identity is preserved and respected. It reflects a deep connection to its historical roots and a commitment to maintaining the legacy of its namesake.

• Current Events