Santa Maria, Bulacan

Santa Maria
ᜐᜈ᜔ᜆ ᜋᜇᜒᜌ
Santa Maria de Pandi
Municipality
Municipality of Santa Maria
(From top, left to right): Población skyline, Paso Bridge, Immaculate Conception Church, Philippine Arena, Municipal Hall at night

Seal
Nickname(s): The Heartland of Luzon
Motto: Santa Maria sa pag-unlad, Kasama Ka!
(English: Santa Maria Progresses With You!)
Anthem: Bayan Kong Mahal
(English: My Beloved Town)

Map of Bulacan showing the location of Santa Maria
Santa Maria

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 14°49′N 120°57′E / 14.817°N 120.950°E / 14.817; 120.950Coordinates: 14°49′N 120°57′E / 14.817°N 120.950°E / 14.817; 120.950
Country  Philippines
Region Central Luzon (Region III)
Province Bulacan
District Fourth District
Administrative Center Barangay Población
Settled 13th century CE
(part of the Kingdom of Tondo)
Founded
• Barrio circa 1647 (1647)
• Hacienda July 4, 1699 (1699-07-04)
• Pueblo November 26, 1793 (1793-11-26)
Founded by Fray Francisco Javier OFM
Barangays 24
Government[1]
 • Type Mayor-council
 • Mayor Bartolome R. Ramos (LP)
Area[2]
 • Total 90.92 km2 (35.10 sq mi)
Elevation 5 – 101 m (16 – 331 ft)
Population (2010)[3]
 • Total 218,351
 • Estimate (2016) 279,790
 • Rank 5th of 1,489 municipalities
 • Density 2,401.44/km2 (6,219.7/sq mi)
 • Poverty rate 4.1%
 • HDI (2006) Increase 0.763 • high
Demonym(s) Santa Maríans
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 3022
Dialing code +63 (0)44
Economy First Class (since July 1, 1996)
• Income Increase PHP 529.27 million (2015)
• Expenses Increase PHP 336.16 million (2014)
• Assets Increase PHP 642.17 million (2014)
Electricity Manila Electric Company
• Consumption 185.48 million kWh (2003)
Website santamariabulacan.gov.ph

Santa María (/ˌsæntə məˈriːə/; Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈsɐnta mɐˈɾija]), [note 1] officially known as the Municipality of Santa Maria (Tagalog: ᜊᜌᜈ᜔ ᜈᜅ᜔ ᜐᜈ᜔ᜆ ᜋᜇᜒᜌ Bayan ng Santa Maria) (ISO: PH-BUL; PSGC: 031423000[4]) is a first class highly urban municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. It is the most populous municipality in Central Luzon and the 5th most populous in the Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 218,351 inhabitants in 48,946 households,[3] or 7.5% of the total population of Bulacan.

During the 1960s, Santa Maria was a little-known rustic area north of Metro Manila, with a rural economy that were still largely dependent on basic agriculture and family-owned enterprises for livelihood. The influence of commercialization and industrialization slowly took shape with the entry of local and foreign investors who were instrumental in the rapid economic and social transformation of the municipality.

Today, Santa Maria enjoys the status of being the trade, business, religious, cultural, medical, institutional, transportation, industrial, and financial center of eastern Bulacan. It is considered as one of the four major growth centers in the province namely Malolos City on the west, Baliwag on the north, and Meycauayan City on the south. In 2015, it is also awarded by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines as the most competitive municipality in the country. As of September 2015, it has 30 banks with a total deposits amounting to PHP 16.47 billion ($350 million).[5]

With a total operating income of PHP 530 million ($11.4 million),[6] Santa Maria is the second wealthiest municipality in Central Luzon just behind neighboring Marilao and surpassing many other component cities in the country. It is also one of the 20 municipalities, informally called the "League of 20", that have met the requirements for cityhood set by the Constitution and Local Government Code of the Republic of the Philippines and as agreed upon by the League of Cities of the Philippines.

Santa Maria is not only proud of its physical asset, political stability, and progressive economy, but also proud of having a son in the person of Jose Corazon de Jesus, the incomparable poet, the one and only "Huseng Batute", who started composing his verse as a child and nationally recognized later, next to Francisco Balagtas in order of time, as the "King of Poets". Another is Francisco Santiago, the composer who left among as his legacies, the immortal "Nasaan Ka Irog" and other famous songs. Santa Maria also produced three Bulacan governors: Jose J. Serapio, Trinidad B. Icasiano, Fortunato F. Halili; and two representatives of the fourth district: Rogaciano M. Mercado and Reylina G. Nicolas.

Built up area

With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the municipality is now included in Manila's conurbation which reaches San Ildefonso in its northernmost part.

Etymology

Santa Maria got its name from its ever guiding patron saint, La Purisima Concepcion, known as Virgin Mary.

History

Prehistory (before 1521)

Before the Spaniards came to the Philippines, Santa Maria was just a vast wilderness, inhabited by wild animals and covered by thick and lush rainforests. Aetas and Dumagats are also known to inhabit the place a long time ago.

Spanish Era (1521–1898)

Santa Maria's existence can be traced as early as the year 1647 when it is still a barrio (village) of Bocaue. The barrio was believed to be established on the same period when the Dominicans founded the vast Hacienda de Lolomboy that extends up to the Angat river on the north, Bocaue river on the west, Marilao river on the south and the Polo river on the east.

Santa Maria was founded as an independent town by the Franciscan Fray Francisco Dominguez Javier on November 26, 1793. He began constructing the church and was completed in the early 1800s by Fray Tomas Marti, it marked as the foundation and start of spiritual crusade. Natives were converted into Christianity and more people began to inhibit the place. Civil affairs started to take shape and the appointment of the first captain, Andres dela Cruz, paved way for the permanent establishment of Poblacion, which was the seat of Spanish colonial government. People in those days were just renting their pieces of land. They paid their rents to the friars who were stationed in what is now known as Santa Clara, a barangay where at present the people can see the ruins of a big convento where the friars lived. People from other places, which are known as Balagtas, Pandi, Santa Maria, and San Jose del Monte paid their rents in this convento. Santa Maria was then called "Santa Maria de Pandi". The people acquired their lands after paying certain sum to the friars and the land became "Lupang Tagalog"

There where 82 capitanes who served the Spanish colonial administration from 1793 to 1899; 12 Presidentes from 1899 to 1937; 4 Alcaldes from 1938 to 1947 and 11 Mayors under various terms and succession from 1947 to present.

American Era and Japanese Occupation (1898–1946)

Under the Americans, the title "captain" was changed to "presidente". The first to hold the position was Maximo Evidente who served from 1899–1900. Of the 12 others who succeeded him, the most popular were Agustin Morales (1928–1934) and Fortunato F. Halili (1934–1937). Morales was responsible for the construction of the first main water system in the town. Halili, who never drew his salary as executive, later on became Governor of Bulacan. It was on his term as a provincial Governor when the Capitol building at Malolos was heavily damage due to the aftermath of World War II. He decided to take over and resurge Casa Real de Malolos as a temporary Gubernatorial Office while the Capitol building was damaged. It was his effort to rebuild and to reconstruct the Capitol building into its original structure.

During the Japanese Occupation, Dr. Teofilo Santiago, dubbed as Dr. Kamoteng Kahoy for his widespread campaign among the town's citizenry to plant cassava, became mayor of Santa Maria. Santiago was also responsible for the launching of the poultry - a raising project which earned for the town the distinction of being "The Egg Basket of the Philippines". He was also the "Father of Santa Maria Dairy Plant". After the Liberation, Capitan Ireneo Hermogenes was appointed Municipal Mayor from March 20, 1945 to October 1945. He was succeeded by Marciano Bautista.

Liberation period (1946–present)

The post-liberation period saw Conrado Ignacio as the first elected Mayor of Santa Maria (1947–1955). He was succeeded by prominent personalities in Santa Maria local politics such as Ricardo G. Nicolas Sr. (1956–1959/1964–1967), Eriberto Ramos, Sr. (1960–1963), Paulino M. Luciano Sr. (1968–1971), Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr.(1972–1978) and Paulino Luciano, Jr. (1979–1986).

After the People Power Revolution in February 1986, President Corazon Aquino appointed Dr. Alfredo Perez, who was then the vice-mayor of the town, as Officer-in-Charge of the municipality until May, 1986, when he was replaced by Ricardo Nicolas, Jr. In December 1986, however, Nicolas was appointed OIC Vice Governor of Bulacan and was succeeded by Benjamin G. Geronimo (1987–1988) and Atty. Ramon H. Clemente (1988).

During the 1988 elections, Eriberto Ramos was elected Mayor and served until June 30, 1992. On July 1, 1992, he was succeeded by Reylina G. Nicolas. Her three terms of leadership gave the municipality various awards and citations. In July 1, 1993, the municipality rose from third class to second-class municipality and July 1, 1996, the income level of the municipality rose again from second-class municipality to first-class municipality. In the 2001 elections, Nicolas ran for Representative of the 4th Congressional District of Bulacan and won a landslide victory with more than 80,000 votes over her closest rival. Nicolas was succeeded by Bartolome R. Ramos.

During the 2004 elections, Jesus Mateo defeated the incumbent Ramos and became mayor of the municipality until 2007. One of Mateo's accomplishments as mayor of Santa Maria was the establishment of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Santa Maria extension campus in 2005.

During the 2007 elections, Bartolome R. Ramos defeated the incumbent Mateo and became mayor of the municipality again. Under his administration, Santa Maria became the richest municipality in Bulacan for the first time in its history in 2008 surpassing the high-income municipalities of Marilao, Norzagaray, and Baliuag.

Geography

Santa Maria River near Macaibán
A paddy field in barangay Bulac. Agriculture remains a major source of income in the municipality.

The municipality of Santa Maria lies 32 kilometres (20 mi) north-east of Manila and is located at the eastern portion of Bulacan. The town is bounded on the north by the municipalities of Angat and Pandi; portion of San Jose del Monte City on the south; Norzagaray and other portions of San Jose del Monte on the east; and the municipalities of Marilao and Bocaue on the western side. Santa Maria is 18 kilometres (11 mi) away from Malolos City, the provincial capital, and 38 kilometres (24 mi) from San Fernando, Pampanga, the regional centre of Central Luzon.

Santa Maria has a land area of about 9,092.5 hectares (22,468 acres). The town is generally plain although hilly at the northern portion. It has a lone body of water – the Santa Maria River.

The topography of Santa Maria is generally flat, however, it is becoming hilly towards the north. This area covers the barangays of Silangan, Mag-asawang Sapa, Pulong Buhangin and some parts of Balasing with landscape ranging from 8 to 18 percent slope. The rest of the barangays have a slope range from level to undulating

Land use

Basically agricultural, about 29.02 square kilometres (11.20 sq mi) or 30.54% of the town's land area is devoted to crop production. Approximately 26.66 square kilometres (10.29 sq mi) of riceland in Santa Maria are rain-fed and 2.36 square kilometres (0.91 sq mi) are irrigated. An area of 32.74 square kilometres (12.64 sq mi) are classified as non- productive agricultural area or open grasslands.

Mineral resources

The town has rich deposits of gravel and sand and volcanic tuff or adobe. Quarrying has been a good source of livelihood among the citizens.

Climate

Due to its location near Metro Manila, rainfall and climate in Santa Maria is almost similar to the country's capital Manila. The location of Santa Maria in the western side of the Philippines made Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) to classify its weather scheme as Type I. Wind coming from the Pacific Ocean is generally blocked by the Sierra Madre mountain range, a few kilometers east of the municipality.[7]

Its proximity to the equator tends to make its temperature to rise and fall into very small range: from as low as 19 °C (66 °F) to as high as 35 °C (95 °F). The Köppen climate system classifies Santa Maria climate as tropical monsoon (Am) due to its location and precipitation characteristics. This means that the municipality has two pronounced seasons: dry and wet seasons. The municipality's driest months are from November to April where it receives less than 60 millimetres (2.4 in) of rainfall. On the other hand, maximum rain period is from June to September where it receives not more than 600 millimetres (24 in) of rainfall. Hail and snow is not observed in the municipality.

Humidity levels are usually high in the morning especially during June to November which makes it feel warmer. Lowest humidity levels are recorded in the evening during wet season. Discomfort from heat and humidity is extreme during May and June, otherwise it is higher compared to other places in the country. Average sunlight is maximum at 254.25 hours during April and minimum at 113 hours during July, August and September.

Barangays

The 24 barangays of Santa Maria

Santa Maria is composed of 24 barangays, the smallest administrative unit in the municipality. A barangay is equivalent to American village and British ward, and is headed by the barangay captain (punong barangay) and his council (kagawad) duly elected by the residents.

No Barangay Area (in km2) Population
(2010)		 Population
Density
1 Bagbaguin 7.6358 8,407 1,100.99
2 Balasing 6.3713 6,530 1,024.90
3 Buenavista 2.4647 2,103 853.24
4 Bulac 5.2009 7,691 1,478.78
5 Camangyanan 2.4761 4,277 1,727.31
6 Catmon 8.2860 11,671 1,408.52
7 Cay Pombo 4.1626 22,948 5,512.90
8 Caysio 3.1198 10,790 3,458.55
9 Guyong 3.6191 13,525 3,737.11
10 Lalakhan 0.3354 2,045 6,097.19
11 Mag-asawang Sapa 1.1327 7,303 6,447.42
12 Mahabang Parang 1.0466 3,411 3,259.12
13 Manggahan 1.6386 2,227 1,359.08
14 Parada 4.0669 7,263 1,785.88
15 Población (town proper) 2.8032 11,130 3,970.46
16 Pulong Buhangin 14.3817 33,643 2,339.29
17 San Gabriel 3.6787 7,606 2,067.57
18 San Jose Patag 2.5218 9,999 3,965.02
19 San Vicente 7.2537 13,466 1,856.43
20 Santa Clara 2.1470 9,193 4,281.78
21 Santa Cruz 2.2705 7,968 3,509.35
22 Silangan 0.9387 1,709 1,820.60
23 Tabing Bakod 1.2530 5,330 4,253.79
24 Tumana 2.1202 8,116 3,827.94
– TOTAL 90.92 218,351

2,401.44

Economy

Economy of Santa Maria, Bulacan
The Central Business District
Población is one of the biggest and most progressive
commercial centers in Bulacan.
Major Industries
Pyrotechnics, Food/Food Processing, Furniture, Garments,
Footwear, Metalcraft, Poultry and Hog Raising, Textile, Rattan
Major Products
Garments, Chicharon, Noodles, Balut, Sweet Preserves,
Bakeries, Processed Meat, Dairy Products
Financial Institutions
Total Banks: 30
Universal Banks
Government Banks
Thrift Banks
Other Banks
  • Agricom Rural Bank
  • Farmers Savings and Loan Bank (2)
  • GMA Bank
  • Kabalikat Rural Bank
  • Rural Bank of Pandi
  • Santa Maria Rural Bank (3)

Santa Maria is one of the municipalities in Bulacan with a high population growth rate due to in migration. Its rapid population growth contributes largely to the establishment of more commercial and trading activities as some people see this as an opportunity for business. In 2004, the registered business totalled to 4,042 with employment size of 6,168 individuals. The number just got better in 2005 as the registered businesses rose to 5,754 and the employment size to 18,968 individuals. Today there are more than 30 banking and financial institutions in Santa María. These includes commercial, savings and rural banks.

The public market at Poblacion and the private market in Pulong Buhangin are the major areas for the exchange of goods and services. Commercial spaces are being developed in barangays Bagbaguin, Cay Pombo, Pulong Buhangin, and Parada to provide the needs of more residents from various barangay.

In 2005, majority of the establishments were those engaged in retail trading. Retail trading employed more than 83 percent of the total employed in commercial establishments and occupied 69 percent of the area devoted to commerce and trade.

High population growth rate in Santa Maria triggers the expansion of commercial activities. The expansion is expected to answer the demand for product and services of the increasing populace. Commercial strips are being developed in strategic locations such as those where the concentration of population is located. Aside from Poblacion, commercial strips can be found in Barangay Bagbaguin where a major food chain, a major food market, three (3) restaurants, retail stores, and service establishments operate. Other barangays like Pulong Buhangin, Cay Pombo, Guyong, and Parada are also having a commercial strip. The increment in the number of registered businesses was attributed to the perceived effect of the campaign of the municipal government to register all businesses for efficient business tax collection.

Commercial and trade exchange areas in Santa Maria are considered as a Central Business District. In Poblacion, the Public Market serves the needs of the people in the municipality. With an area of 1.5 hectares, the public market is home to about 500 stalls offering various commercial products both wet and dry. Further, it is complemented by shops and offices as well as recreational and transportation facilities like jeepney and tricycle terminals scattered around the Poblacion. Such transportation facilities are essential to the transport of goods.

Pulong Buhangin is another minor central business district located in the northern portion of Santa Maria because of the private market and presence of numerous commercial establishments.

Bagbaguin is also an urban barangay where radial strips for commercial uses are situated because of its strategic location being adjacent to Poblacion. Major food shops like Max’s restaurant, supermarkets like Puregold, and commercial banks are operating in this barangay. Complementing these establishments is the municipality’s pride like Nic’s Ihaw-Ihaw and Green Pond Restaurant.

On March 3, 2003, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Presidential Proclamation No. 337 designating the Santa María Industrial Park as a Special Economic Zone (Ecozone).[8]

Agriculture

Crop Production
Rice, orchard products (such as mangoes,star apple or caymito, tamarind and other fruit bearing fruits), corn and vegetables are the major agricultural produce of the municipality.
Livestock and Poultry Raising
Among the livestock reared and tendered in the municipality are hogs and cattle while poultry farm housed chickens and ducks
Fisheries
Although a landlocked municipality, Santa Maria is able to produce fresh water fishes such as tilapia. Some fifty-eight (58) families from Pulong Buhangin, Santa Cruz, San Jose Patag, Caysio, Bulac, Catmon, Balasing, Camangyanan and San Gabriel are engaged in fisheries production[9]

Food processing

There are about 36 food processing establishments in Santa María. Of these are bakeries/bakeshops, ice-cream/ice-drop factories, native delicacy makers, 2 sweet preserve processors, sitsaron factories, noodle factories, and balot producers.

Among the biggest food processors are Jess-Nor, Dunkin' Donuts, DELFI, Integrated Food Manufacturing Corporation and Sapporo Noodles Factory.

Agro-industrial sector

Industrial activities in Santa María are mostly agro-based. For the past two decades, there has been a great boom in its poultry and hog raising industries. Presently, there are around more than 150 poultry and piggery farms.

The boost in agri-business necessitated the establishment of feed mills and feed trading centres. Now, there are eight commercial feed mills and 15 feed trading centres operating in the town.

There are 20 rice mills in Santa María that accommodate the milling and storage needs of the farmers for their palay harvest. The rice brunts (darak production) of these mills complement the feed requirements of the livestock raisers.

Cottage industry

Others

Demographics

Historical Population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1797 2,534—    
1818 3,414+1.43%
1842 6,384+2.64%
1846 6,033−1.40%
1851 7,160+3.48%
1855 7,312+0.53%
1865 8,674+1.72%
1877 9,990+1.18%
1898 10,508+0.24%
1903 10,791+0.53%
1918 12,174+0.81%
1939 14,987+0.99%
1948 17,509+1.74%
1960 26,341+3.46%
1978 50,002+3.62%
1983 63,038+4.74%
1990 91,468+5.46%
1995 101,071+2.02%
2000 144,282+7.38%
2007 205,258+5.16%
2010 218,351+2.08%
2016 (est.) 279,970+4.23%
Source: National Statistics Office[3]

According to the 2010 Census, the population of Santa Maria grew by 74,069 from 144,282 in 2000 to 218,351 in 2010, making it the third biggest LGU in Bulacan in terms of population. The municipality has a population density of 2,401.44 persons per km² in 24 Barangays.

Religion

The majority of the population are Christians. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion with 91%[10] of the populace professed themselves as Roman Catholics. Other religious groups with strong presence in the municipality are the following: Members Church of God International, Iglesia ni Cristo, United Methodist Church, The Church of God, Jehovah's Witness, Jesus Is Lord Church and other evangelical or "born-again" groups, Pentecostal, Islam, and others.

Residential

There are about 45 subdivisions in the municipality of low, medium and high density category. The existing residential hub occupies 1,360 hectares (13.60 km²) of land distributed unevenly in its 12 barangays. These subdivisions used to occupy the stretch of the roads but now they are now developing the inner portions of their barangays. It is expected that within the next ten years, land use development in Santa Maria will represent the sub-urban mix which means that the government will provide development where the level of accessibility is very high. This will provide for the clustering of lower density land uses to help meet housing, employment and public services needs of the people.[10]

Local government

Like other municipalities in the Philippines, Santa Maria is governed by a mayor and vice mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head who leads the municipality's departments in the execution of municipal ordinances and in the delivery of public services. The vice mayor heads a legislative council that is composed of 10 members: 8 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. The council is in charge of creating the municipality's policies in the form of ordinances and resolutions.

Santa Maria is also part of the 4th District of Bulacan.

Government officials

Members of the Santa Maria Municipal Council (2013–2016)
Position Name Party
Mayor Bartolome R. Ramos NUP
Vice-Mayor Rico Jude P. Sto. Domingo NUP
Councilors Salvador G. Pleyto Jr. NUP
Nelson Carmelo V. Luciano NUP
Froilan C. Caguiat NUP
Renato DL. de Guzman Jr. NUP
Rodolfo D. Casas Nonpartisan
Roberto B. Perez NUP
Oscar D. Morales Liberal
Lailanie P. Aguilar Liberal
Ex Officio Municipal Council Members
ABC President Raymond A. Ramos (Bagbaguin) Nonpartisan

List of mayors

Mayor of Santa Maria, Bulacan
Alkalde ng Bayan ng Santa Maria (Tagalog)
Incumbent
Bartolome R. Ramos
since June 30, 2007
Style (Mr.) Mayor, Honorable Mayor
Residence Santa Maria Municipal Hall, Poblacion, Santa Maria, Bulacan
Appointer Elected via popular vote
Term length 3 years (maximum of three consecutive terms)
Inaugural holder Andres dela Cruz
Formation 1793
No. Presidente Municipal Took office Left office
1 Maximo Evidente 1899 1900
2 Teodoro Geronimo 1900 1901
3 Maximo de Jesus 1901 1903
4 Pedro Gallardo 1903 1906
5 Juan Mendoza 1906 1910
6 Marciano de Leon 1910 1912
7 Bonifacio Morales 1912 1916
8 Antonio Rodriguez 1916 1919
9 Mariano Santiago 1919 1922
10 Cipriano de Guzman 1922 1928
11 Agustin Morales 1928 1934
12 Fortunato F. Halili 1934 1937
No. Alcalde Took office Left office
1 Pedro J. Mansilla 1938 1940
2 Dr. Teofilo S. Santiago 1941 1945
3 Ireneo Hermogenes 1945 1945
4 Marciano Bautista 1946 1947
No. Municipal Mayors Took office Left office
1 Conrado H. Ignacio 1947 1955
2 Ricardo G. Nicolas, Sr. 1956 1959
3 Eriberto R. Ramos 1960 1963
4 Ricardo G. Nicolas, Sr. 1964 1967
5 Paulino Luciano, Sr. 1968 1971
6 Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr. 1972 1978
7 Paulino A. Luciano, Jr. 1978 1986
8 Dr. Alfredo M. Perez (OIC) 1986 1986
9 Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr. (OIC) 1986 1986
10 Benjamin G. Geronimo (OIC) 1987 1988
11 Atty. Ramon H. Clemente (OIC) 1988 1988
12 Eriberto R. Ramos 1988 1992
13 Reylina G. Nicolas 1992 2001
14 Bartolome R. Ramos 2001 2004
15 Jesus R. Mateo 2004 2007
16 Bartolome R. Ramos 2007
incumbent

Tourism

La Purisima Concepcion Parish Church

Santa Maria is home to ten resorts located in barangays Pulong Buhangin, Balasing, Catmon, Bulac, Mahabang Parang, Tumana and Lalakhan. These resorts have become the main destinations of the residents from Metro Manila and Santa Maria’s nearby towns for their leisure and summer experience. Facilities like swimming pools, convention/seminar rooms, hotel, cottages, and spacious parking spaces that could accommodate fifty buses at a time equipped these resorts. Some resorts accommodate local and foreign tourist for live-in accommodations.

In 2005, over 138,000 tourists visited the resorts in Santa Maria. Sitio Lucia Resort situated in Pulong Buhangin attracted 36 percent of the total volume of resort visitors. 4K Garden Resort of Barangay Catmon came next with 29 percent share. The Summer Resort in Barangay Mahabang Parang settled at the bottom with 2 percent contribution.

Historical places

Festivals

The Museo ng Parokya (Museum of the Parish) located behind the church.
Wave pool at 4K Resort in Barangay Catmon

The town fiesta of Santa Maria in honor of its Patroness, the Purisima Concepcion is a month-long celebration in February which clearly shows the Marian devotion of the town. The movable feast is held on the Thursday after February 2 which tradition refers to as La Candelaria. It is preceded by the traditional novena of Masses before the feast and High Masses and processions on the Sundays of the month.

For the visperas, over a dozen brass bands enters the town towards the Poblacion from Bagbaguin in the morning. A la torre or homage of the bands to the Virgin at twelve noon and a parade of all the bands on the streets of the Poblacion in the afternoon. In the evening, the church patio is filled with people for the Serenata. On the day of the Fiesta itself, the Misa Pontifical or concelebrated Mass is the highlight of the Masses which begins at dawn and is followed by the procession of the Purisima in the morning and in the evening. The High Masses and Processions are repeated during the succeeding Sundays.

Throughout the month several other events are held such as musical variety shows led by popular personalities, outdoor sports exhibitions of nationally acclaimed players, concerts by well known bands and cultural shows .

Most notable during the month of February is the availability of the famous "Tuge", a ready to eat root crop sold by vendors that signify the ambiance of the festivity together with the cool breeze which last right after the celebration of the town fiesta.

The joyous celebration of February takes on a somber mood as the liturgical calendar moves on to Cuaresma or Lent. In Santa Maria, the solemn commemoration begins not on Palm Sunday but a week before that. The Church of La Purisima Concepcion holds the annual Solemne Septenario or seven day devotion in honor of La Virgen Esperanza. It ends on Viernes de Dolores or the Friday before Palm Sunday. The highlight of the feast is the Misa Pontifical followed by the besamanos or kissing of the Virgin's hand in the morning and the Procession of the Virgen Macarena under palio in the evening which is known as Via Matris. During this procession, the Virgin makes seven stops to specific houses and high up on a balcony, a tenor and a soprano sing the dialogue of Christ and the Virgin. They are assisted by a choir and a brass band.

Apparently, the devotion was brought by the Franciscans who evangelized the town where the principal celebrations before the War was celebrated at the Lourdes Church which was then in Intramuros. Lost during the War, it was revived by the Hermandad y Cofradia de la Sagrada Pasion y de Maria Santisima de la Esperanza, a confraternity organized in 1999 to spearhead the revival and promotion of the Lenten traditions of Santa Maria from the Jubilee Year 2000 onwards. Incidentally, the Hermandad de la Sagrada Pasion has been an affiliate of the Hermandad de la Macarena in Seville, Spain since 2008 making it the twenty first confraternity to be recognized, the second outside of Spain and the first in Asia.

The procession of Holy Wednesday and Good Friday features close to forty pasos de misterios or carrozas and draws a huge crowd as spectators and participants as heirlooms images and newly commissioned ones are brought out. What sets it apart from other Semana Santa processions in the province is not so much the number of carrozas, but the solemnity and decorum on how it is done. The Hermandad de la Sagrada Pasion is the first in the province to have initiated the narration of the passion in dramatized form as the pasos are brought out to the streets. This is a rite that was eventually copied by the rest of the towns in Bulacan.

Pavilion

Within the heart of Santa Maria is a new pavilion that was built and completed on February 2006. It is now the central pillar of all happy family celebrations that catered to all its citizen and neighboring town folks. Its famous name "Casa Burgos" was derived from one of the three famous Spaniard friars collectively known as "Gomburza", which was also the origin of an old street's name in Santa Maria, namely Padre Burgos Street (now C. Ignacio Street). Visitors and guests are awed by its lush and beautiful garden setting that became the focal point of most garden weddings and the likes. A place to visit when you are in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

Another pavilion was later built at barangay Bagbaguin, it is much larger than Casa Burgos and can cater to a larger number of people. It has an ample parking space, and has a smaller pavilion for smaller groups. The place was called Grace Harbour.

Sports and recreation

The Philippine Arena is the world's largest indoor arena.

The Philippine Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena at Ciudad de Victoria, a 75-hectare tourism enterprise zone located in the town and Bocaue, Bulacan. With a capacity of up to 55,000, it became the largest domed indoor arena in the world upon its completion. It was the centerpiece of the Iglesia Ni Cristo's (INC) centennial, which was celebrated on July 27, 2014.

Sports and recreation activities in the locality are usually basketball, softball, bowling, badminton, tennis and chess. The most common sports and recreational facilities in the town are basketball courts located in school compounds and in other part of 24 barangays. These courts also serve as multi-purpose pavements. A tennis court and a gymnasium named after the late Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr. was constructed at the FFHNAS campus in Barangay Guyong. There are also two badminton courts in the town.

Shopping

Santa Maria has one public wet and dry market, the Pamilihang Bayan ng Santa Maria, in Poblacion and several private wet and dry markets (one each in Cay Pombo and in Pulong Buhangin).

Waltermart Santa Maria, the first shopping mall in the municipality, formally opened on February 25, 2009. The mall is located in Barangay Santa Clara. The mall has a supermarket (Waltermart Supermarket), Kiosks (Jr. Memoxpress), department store (mi Department Store), school and office supplies store Expressions, bookstore (National Bookstore), drugstore (Mercury Drug), 3 state-of-the-art cinemas, hardware (Handyman), and several restaurants (Jollibee, KFC, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Greenwich, etc.)

Aside from Waltermart, Santa Maria has several supermarkets and convenience stores in Barangays Poblacion and Bagbaguin: Puregold Santa Maria which opened last December 18, 2010 and SM Savemore. There are three (3) branches of Mercury Drug, four (4) 7-Eleven, two (2) Ministop and mini marts like Reby's Store, C. P. Pineda Supermarket, Hipolito Supermarket, Antonio's Mini Mart, etc.

Transportation and communication

Bridges

As of 2004, Santa Maria has a network of ten (10) bridges passing rivers and other waterways of the town. All are made of reinforced concrete design girders which are in good condition and passable.

Communications

Communication facilities in Santa Maria are provided by government telegraph (BUTEL), postal system, the Philippine Long Distance and Telephone Company (PLDT), Radio City Telephone Company (RACITELCOM), Digitel telephone Company, the three major cellular companies (Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, Sun Cellular) and two MVNO: (Talk N' Text and Touch Mobile).

Basic services

Health

Santa Maria has one government-run hospital (Congressman Rogaciano Mercado Memorial Hospital) and seven private hospitals (Garden Village Country Hospital; Santiago Pediatric Hospital; Ed & Tita Cruz Maternity and Surgical Hospital; Mendoza General Hospital; St. Mary's Hospital; Mateo's Diagnostc Clinic & Gen. Hospital; and AJIA Diagnostic Clinic).

Animal health

Santa Maria also have Veterinary Clinics to name a few: "JNA Animal Clinic" and Mendoza Veterinary Clinic in Poblacion, and the Animal Pet Corner Center in Cay Pombo.

These veterinary clinics handle farm animals and pets. Services range from simple to major surgeries (c. section, neutering etc.), microchip implantation "Pet-ichip", vaccinations, laboratory works (heartworm check, parvo/distemper test, blood biochem profile, urinalysis, CBC, x-ray etc.), confinements, emergency cases, grooming and etcetera.

Peace and order

Santa Maria is generally peaceful being served by 51 policemen and 15 firemen. The backlog of manpower requirement is complemented with 480 barangay tanods coming from 24 barangays. Crime incidence is low with 37 cases reported and 33 case were solve resulting to 89.19% crime solution efficiency.[10]

Other services

Water supply is provided by LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration) through the Santa Maria Water District.

The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) serves the energy needs of Santa Maria. All twenty-four (24) barangays of the municipality are electrified.

Education

Education in Santa Maria, Bulacan
Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Santa Maria extension campus
Literacy Rate 98.89%
Pre-Elementary [2013]: Public: 32
Private: 47
Elementary [2013]: Public: 32
Private: 47
Secondary [2013]: Public: 5
Private: 29
Tertiary [2007]: Public: 2
Private: 3

The following are institutions of higher learning found in Santa Maria, Bulacan:

School Location
Sta. Maria Ecumenical School Poblacion
JPI Technologies Training and Services, Inc. - Santa Maria Poblacion
St. Joseph College of Bulacan San Jose Patag
Immaculate Conception International Poblacion
Early Christian School Poblacion
St. Paul School of Santa Maria Poblacion
Smarties Academy of Sta. Maria, Bulacan Poblacion
Grace of Shekinah School Poblacion
Immaculate Conception Academy Poblacion
St. Vincent Learning Academy San Vicente
Holy Child Montessori Parada
Angel John Integrated Academy Lalakhan
Darwin International School Pulong Buhangin & Bagbaguin
Fortunato F. Halili National Agricultural School Guyong
Jesus Lord & Savior Christian Colleges Foundation, Inc. Guyong
Sacred Heart Academy of Santa Maria Bulacan Poblacion
Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Santa Maria Campus Pulong Buhangin
STI College - Santa Maria Campus Poblacion
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION I-COLLEGE (ICI) - Santa Maria Campus Poblacion
Asian College of Science and Technology - Santa Maria Poblacion
St. Thomas School of Cay Pombo Cay Pombo
Sta. Maria National High School Bagbaguin
Cebu Sacred Heart College of Bulacan Cay Pombo
Mystical Rose School of Bulacan, Inc. Cay Pombo
St. Dominic de Guzman School Cay Pombo
Channel of Dreams Learning School Cay Pombo
Pulong Buhangin National High School Pulong Buhangin
Golden Values Academy of Sta. Maria Pulong Buhangin

Notable people

Sister cities

These are Santa Maria's sister cities with strong relationship and partnership.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Occasionally it is pronounced as [ˈsɐnta mɐɾˈja]

References

  1. ↑ "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 11 September 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  2. ↑ "Province: BULACAN". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  4. ↑ NSCB - ActiveStats - PSGC Interactive - Municipality: SANTA MARIA
  5. ↑ http://www.pdic.gov.ph/files/BSDStats/DDD_PBS_ProvinceMunicipality.htm PHILIPPINE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
  6. ↑ http://www.blgf.gov.ph/downloads/lgudata/fiscaldata/FISCALDATA2013.xls BLGF 2013
  7. ↑ "http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.htm". Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. External link in |title= (help);
  8. ↑ http://www.santamariabulacan.gov.ph/business/default.asp
  9. ↑ http://www.santamariabulacan.gov.ph/business/agriculture.asp
  10. 1 2 3 Official Website of Santa Maria, Bulacan

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Santa Maria, Bulacan.
Wikisource has the text of the 1905 New International Encyclopedia article Santa María de Pandi.
 Pandi / Angat Norzagaray
Bocaue San Jose del Monte
   Santa María  
Marilao
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