The writings of Valentin Martin in his "Ensayo de una Sintesis de los Trabajos realizados por las Corporaciones Religiosas Espaňolas de Filipinas" constitutes the first record of the establishment of a settlement in Calauag in the year 1584. However, the formal founding of the town was placed in the year 1581 with the union of the settlements in Apad and Calauag.

The name "Calauag", folklorically attributed to an autoctonous turtle prevalent in the region, comes from the Spanish: "Cala Aguas  (superficiales)" which can be perfectly translated into: Baylet (Cala) of Shallow Water (Aguas....sperficiales) - Source: Dr. F.Morató.

The first elected Captain of the town was Juan Sunog. In 1897 the town was placed the Revolutionary Government and Alipio Declaro became the Municipal President. In 1914 under Municipal President Marciano Roldan, the town was destroyed by fire for the first time in its history. In December 24, 1941, the town was occupied by the Japanese Imperial Army and in January 14, 1942, the town was again destroyed by fire. In April 19, 1945, the Americans liberated the town from Japanese occupation. Historically, Tomas B. Morató and son, Arturo, have served as Mayors of Calauag.

About Quezon province

Quezon province (Pop. 1,372,445 - 1990) is a long yet narrow province bordering on the Philippine Sea and containing in part the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains; located in E Central Luzon island (the Philippines), Its capital city is Lucena. The province is an excellent source of timber, coconut and copra; it has plywood mills and major wood-product manufactures, most notably Manila elemi (an oleoresin). Formerly called Tayabas, its name was changed by then Congressman Tomas B. Morató in 1946 to honor his dear friend President Manuel Quezon, who was born in Baler, Quezon.