Santa Maria, Bulacan
Municipality of Santa Maria
Bayan ng Santa Maria | |
|---|---|
Municipality | |
 Parish Church of La Inmaculada Concepcion | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Nickname: Egg Basket of the Philippines | |
 Map of Bulacan showing the location of Santa Maria | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Central Luzon |
| Province | Bulacan |
| Barangays | 24 |
| Congressional District | 4th |
| Founded | 1792 |
| Government | |
| • Representative, 4th Congressional District | Reylina G. Nicolas (Lakas-CMD) |
| • Governor | Joselito R. Mendoza (Kampi) |
| • Mayor | Bartolome R. Ramos (Lakas-CMD) |
| • Vice Mayor | Russel Guballa Pleyto (Kampi) |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 90.92 km2 (35.10 sq mi) |
| Population (2007 census) | |
| • Municipality | 205,258 |
| • Density | 2,258/km2 (5,850/sq mi) |
| • Metro | Manila |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| Zip Code | 3022 |
| Area code | 44 |
| Languages | Tagalog and English |
| Website | http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/stamaria |
Santa Maria is a 1st class urban municipality[1] in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. The municipality of Sta. Maria lies 32 kilometers northeast of Manila and is located at the eastern portion of Bulacan. It's now conurbated with Metro Manilla. 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 kilometers away from Malolos City, the provincial capital, and 38 kilometers from City of San Fernando, Pampanga, the regional center of Central Luzon.
According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 205,258 inhabitants(144,282 people in 29,886 households in census 2000).
Built up area
With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the municipality is now included in the Metro Manila built up area which reaches San Ildefonso in its Northernmost part.
Geography
Land Area
Sta. Maria has a land area of about 9,092.5 hectares or 90.925 square kilometers. The town is generally plain although hilly at the northern portion. It has a lone body of water - the Santa Maria River.
Land Use
Basically agricultural, about 29.02 km² or 30.54% of the town's land area is devoted to crop production. Approximately 26.66 km² of riceland in Santa Maria are rain-fed and 2.36 km² are irrigated. An area of 32.74 km² 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 town folks.
Climate
The prevailing climatic conditions in the municipality is categorized into two (2) types: dry and wet season.
The annual mean temperature in the area is 27.7 °C. The warmest month is May with a mean temperature of 29.9 °C while the coldest is January at 25.2 °C.
The mean annual relative humidity in the area is 77% which is not high. The mean monthly relative humidity is lowest in March at 64% and highest in September at 84%.
History
Sta. Maria was part of Meycauayan until 1792 when it became a separate pueblo. Sta. Maria was then known as Sta. Maria de Pandi. In 1793, the seat of the civil affairs was established in the Poblacion. Andres dela Cruz was appointed "gobernadorcillo" (little governor). There were 82 gobernadorcillos or capitanes who served the Spanish colonial administration from 1793 to 1899 with Pascual Mateo as the last.
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 were 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.
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 - raising project which earned for the town the distinction of being The Egg Basket of the Philippines. He was also the "Father of Sta. 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.
The post-liberation period saw Conrado Ignacio as the first elected Mayor of Sta. 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 Ramos, 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).
In 1988 election, Eriberto Ramos was elected Mayor and served until June 30, 1992. On July 1, 1992, he was succeeded by Reylina G. Nicolas. Under the Nicolas administration, Santa Maria rose from a third-class municipality to a first class municipality. In 2001 elections, Nicolas ran for Congresswoman 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.
In 2004 elections, Vice Mayor 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.
Municipal Mayors
| Mayor | Term |
|---|---|
| Agustin Morales | |
| Pedro J. Mansilla | |
| Teofilo Santiago | |
| Ireneo Hermogenes | |
| Marciano Bautista | |
| Conrado H. Ignacio | |
| Ricardo G. Nicolas, Sr | |
| Eriberto Ramos | |
| Ricardo G. Nicolas, Sr. | |
| Paulino Luciano, Sr. | |
| Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr. | |
| Paulino A. Luciano, Jr. | |
| Dr. Alfredo M. Perez (OIC) | |
| Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr. (OIC) | |
| Benjamin G. Geronimo (OIC) | |
| Atty. Ramon H. Clemente (OIC) | |
| Eriberto Ramos | |
| Reylina G. Nicolas | |
| Bartolome R. Ramos | |
| Martina Lendle S.R Esguerra | |
| Bartolome R. Ramos |
Tourism
Historical Places
- La Purissima Concepcion Parish Church, built in 1613 by Rev. Gerocino Vasquez and destroyed during the Chinese uprising of 1639. It was rebuilt and completed in 1669. However, it succumbed to an earthquake in 1880. It was again rebuilt and completed in 1891.
- Huseng Batute Marker
- Francisco Santiago Marker
Resorts
Sta. Maria has numerous man-made resorts, to name a few: Long Meadows Resort, Dad's Vineyard Resort, and Pamar Wonderpool Resort in Mahabang Parang, Villa Carmen, Villa Antonia and Sitio Lucia Resorts in Pulong Buhangin, 4-K Garden Resort in Barangay Catmon, Lanesca in Barangay Bulac, Cool Water Resort in Barangay Lalakhan, Vig Jam Resort in Barangay Balasing, and Stone Bridge Resort in Barangay Tumana.
Pavilion
Within the heart of Sta. Maria arise a new pavilion that was built and completed February 2006. It's 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 dubbed from one of the three famous Spaniard friars "Gomburza" where the old street name came from. 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 Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Dining Places
The following are the major fast food chain/restaurant in Santa Maria:
| Fastfood/Restaurant | Branch/Location |
|---|---|
| Jollibee | |
| Greenwich Pizza | |
| McDonald's | |
| Chowking | |
| Max's Restaurant | |
| Tropical Hut Hamburger | |
| Dunkin' Donuts | |
| Mister Donut | |
| Nic's Restaurant | |
| Green Pond Restaurant | |
| Pista sa Nayon Restaurant | |
| Doc Jones Fudhaus | |
| Sarsa at Inihaw Restaurant | |
| Dad's Grill |
Sports and Recreation
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 barangay. 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 FFHNAS campus in Barangay Guyong. There are also two badminton courts in the town.[2] Grace of Shekinah School Gymnasium
Town Fiesta
Santa Maria is known for its month-long celebration of town fiesta. The town celebrates the feast of its patron saint, La Purissima Concepcion, every first Thursday of February except if it falls on February 2.On the other hand, Pulong Buhangin celebrates its fiesta, in honor of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, every second Sunday after Santa Maria fiesta.
Shopping
- Waltermart Sta. Maria (under construction)
- Santa Maria Public Market
- Pulong Buhangin Wet and Dry Market
- Tropical Hut Supermarket (Bagbaguin)
Economy
| Major Industries | |
|---|---|
|
Pyrotechnics, Food/Food Processing, Furniture, Garments, | |
| Major Products | |
| Garments, Chicharon, Noodles, Balut, Sweet Preserves, Bakeries, Processed Meat, Dairy Products | |
| Commercial Banks | |
| Rural Banks | |
| [Hiyas Banking Corporation][1] (Head Office - Market Site, Poblacion Branch) Santa Maria Rural Bank (Poblacion, Bagbaguin & Pulong Buhangin) Farmers Bank (Pulong Buhangin) | |
Sta Maria is predominantly agricultural. However, commercialization and industrialization is fast developing in the municipality. As of 2006, Santa Maria has an average annual income of P224,949,759.32 derived mostly from municipal licence fees, land tax, internal revenue allotment, roads and bridges fund. At present, there are more than 4,300+ registered commercial establishments, most of them are in Barangay Poblacion, Pulong Buhangin, and Bagbaguin. There are more than 30 banking and financial institutions in Sta. Maria. These includes commercial, savings and rural banks.
Barangay Bulac (where the Sta. Maria Industrial Park is located) Catmon and Guyong are the industrial areas of Sta. Maria.
Food Processing Industry
There are about 100 food processing establishments in Sta. Maria. 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 Sta. Maria 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 150+ poultry and piggery farms.
The boost in agri-business necessitated the establishment of feed mills and feed trading centers. Now, there are eight commercial feed mills and 15 feed trading centers operating in the town.
There are 20 rice mills in Sta. Maria 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
- There are 11 furniture- making establishments in the town.
- Santa Maria is also noted for its firework industry which is globally competitive. Its pyrotechnics producers ranked 9th in the World Fireworks Competition held at Macau in 1997. As of 2004, there are 154 pyrotechnics manufacturers in the municipality.
- There are 5 textile and 102 garment factories operating in Santa Maria.
Transportation and Communication
Road Networks
Important road networks in Sta Maria are as follows:
- Bocaue-San Jose Road - connecting Sta. Maria to the city of San Jose del Monte and Bocaue;
- Sta. Maria By-Pass Road;
- Norzagaray-Sta. Maria Road- connecting Sta. Maria to the towns of Angat and Norzagaray;
- Santa Clara-Pandi Road- connecting Santa Maria to the towns of Pandi, Balagtas, Bustos and Baliuag;
- the Manila North Road (Mac Arthur Highway) ;
- Sta. Maria - Tungkong Mangga Road- a vital provincial road which links the City of San Jose del Monte to town of Santa Maria.
- the North Luzon Expressway (through Bocaue Exit).
Based on the 2004 road inventory done by Municipal Engineer's Office, Santa Maria has a total road length of 218.38 km., 24.98 of which are national roads, 26.54 km are provincial roads, 19.07 km are municipal roads, and 147.79 km are barangay roads. Most of the roads are concrete and are in fair condition.
Transportation
Buses
The following are the bus companies that ply through the primary roads of Santa Maria, Bulacan.
| Bus | Points of Origin/Terminal | Destination | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine Corinthian Liner | Garden, Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria | Ayala, Makati - Baclaran, Parañaque City via NLEX-EDSA | Air conditioned |
| Erwin Line | Angat- Norzagaray | Ayala, Makati - Baclaran, Parañaque City via NLEX-EDSA | Air conditioned with television |
| Nuestra Señora del Carmen | Garden, Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria | Ayala, Makati - Baclaran, Parañaque City via NLEX-EDSA | Air conditioned with television |
| Aguila Bus / Santa Monica Transportation | Angat town proper | Divisoria, Manila via NLEX- Rizal Avenue | Ordinary Bus |
| Mersan Bus/Bagong Silang Bus | Sapang Palay/ Guyong, Sta. Maria - Santa Cruz, Manila | Doroteo Jose Street,Santa Cruz, Manila via NLEX- A. Bonifacio Avenue | Mini-bus/ordinary |
NOTE: Buses and trucks are not allowed in the town proper.
Public Utility Jeepneys
| Terminal | Destination | Minimum Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Manila:Monumento, Caloocan City Santa Maria:Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Monumento - Santa Maria via NLEXTemplate:Mn | PHP 38.50 (fixed) |
| Metro Manila:Monumento, Caloocan City Santa Maria:Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Monumento - Santa Maria via Mac Arthur Highway.Template:Mn Metro Manila North: Malabon - Fatima, Valenzuela City - Karuhatan, Valenzuela - Malinta, Valenzuela Bulacan South: Meycauayan, SM City Marilao - Tabing Ilog, Marilao - Lolomboy, Bocaue - Joners, Bocaue; - Bocaue Toll Exit - Bagbaguin, Santa Maria and vice-versa. |
PHP 8.50 (first four kilometers) |
| Malolos;Bulacan State University Mac Arthur Highway gate Santa Maria:Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Malolos City - Tabang, Guiguinto - Santa Maria and vice-versa (via NLEX) | PHP 24.00 (fixed) |
| Plaridel/ Pulilan: near Pulilan Public Market Santa Maria:Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Pulilan-Plaridel - Santa Rita Exit, Guigunto - Santa Maria and vice versa (via NLEX) | PHP 24.00 (fixed) |
| Baliuag: Cagayan Valley Road Santa Maria: Santa Maria Public Market |
Baliuag - Bustos- Pandi- Manggahan, Santa Maria - Santa Cruz, Santa Maria - Santa Clara, Santa Maria - Santa Maria town proper and vice versa | PHP 7.00 (first four kilometers); Pandi - Santa Maria (PHP 10.00); Bustos-Santa Maria (PHP 25.00); Baliuag-Santa Maria (PHP 26.00) |
| Sampol, Sapang Palay, City of San Jose del Monte: Sampol Market, CSJM Santa Maria:Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Sapang Palay, CSJM - Dulong Bayan, CSJM - Bulac, Santa Maria - Catmon, Santa Maria - San Jose Patag, Santa Maria - Santa Maria town proper and vice versa. | PHP 8.50 (first four kilometers) |
| Muzon, San Jose del Monte City Santa Maria: Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Muzon, CSJM; - San Jose del Monte City Proper - San Vicente, Santa Maria - Santa Maria town proper and vice versa. | PHP 8.50 (first four kilometers) |
| Norzagaray, Bulacan Santa Maria: Nicolas Park, Poblacion |
Norzagaray - Partida, Norzagaray - Pulong Yantok, Angat, Pulong Buhangin,Santa Maria - Caypombo, Santa Maria - Guyong, Santa Maria - Dulong Bayan, Santa Maria - Santa Maria town proper and vice versa. |
Template:MnbJeepneys plying the North Luzon Expressway route are available until 12 midnight.
Template:Mnb available for 24 hours.
Others
Utility vans plying the San Fernando, Pampanga- Santa Maria, Bulacan (via NLEX) route are also available.
Tricycles are available for twenty-four hours.
Communications
Communication facilities in Sta. Maria are provided by the government telegraph (BUTEL) and postal system and by the Radio City Telephone Company (RACITELCOM), Digitel telephone Company, and the three major cellular companies (Smart Communications,Globe Telecom,and Sun Cellular).
Basic Services
| Number of Schools | |
|---|---|
 Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santa Maria extension campus | |
| Literacy Rate | 97% |
| Pre-Elementary [2003]: | Public: 25 Private: 17 |
| Elementary [2003]: | Public: 31 Private: 17 |
| Secondary [2003]: | Public: 4 Private: 15 |
| Tertiary [2007]: | Public: 2 Private: 3 |
Health
Sta Maria has one government-run hospital (Cong. 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; and Mateo's Diagnostc Clinic & Gen. Hospital).
Animal Health
Sta. Maria also has Veterinary clinics. One located at Don Juan Santiago Subdivision, Dulong Bayan ( jna Animal Clinic )and one at Kaypumbo ( Animal Pet Corner Center ).
These clinics handles small animals as well as livestock. 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 etc.
Education
The following are institutions of higher learning found in Sta. Maria, Bulacan:
| College/University | Location |
|---|---|
| Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santa Maria Extension |
Pulong Buhangin |
| Fortunato F. Halili National Agricultural School | Guyong |
| STI College - Santa Maria | Poblacion |
| Immaculate Conception International College of Arts and Technology- Santa Maria | Poblacion |
| Asian College of Science and Technology - Santa Maria | Poblacion |
| St. Joseph College of Bulacan | San Jose Patag |
The following are the private schools in Santa Maria, Bulacan:
| College/University | Location |
|---|---|
| Grace of Shekinah School | Jose P. Rizal St., Poblacion |
| Mater Dei Academy | |
| St.Paul School-Santa Maria | Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan |
| Sacred Heart Academy | Dr. T. Santiago St., Poblacion |
| Early Christian School | |
| Gloria Marizz Academy | #54-A P. Mansilla St. Poblacion |
| Child Jesus Montessori |
Likewise, there are four government high schools in the municipality:
- Pulong Buhangin National High School
- Parada High School
- Fortunato F. Halili National Agricultural School (High School Department)
- Santa Maria Agro-Industrial High School
Other Services
Water supply is provided by LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration) through the Sta. Maria Water District.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) serves the energy needs of Sta. Maria. All twenty-four (24) barangays of the municipality are electrified.
Notable Personalities
- Francisco Santiago - Ama ng Kundiman
- Fortunato Halili - Governor of Bulacan
- Rogaciano Mercado - a veteran legislator who served under five presidents of the Philippines (from Magsaysay to Aquino. Minister of Public Works under President Corazon C. Aquino until November 1986.
- José Corazón de Jesús, Huseng Batute - Filipino poet
- Christine Mendoza - import car model
- Aaron Junatas - child actor (ABS-CBN)
- Jolina Marie B. Reyes - A child actress, also known as Krystal Reyes
- Angel Locsin - Actress, commercial model
Barangays
Santa Maria is subdivided into 24 barangays:
| Barangay | Area ( in square kilometer ) |
|---|---|
| Bagbaguin | |
| Balasing | |
| Buenavista | |
| Bulac | |
| Camangyanan | |
| Catmon | |
| Caypombo | |
| Caysio | |
| Guyong | |
| Lalakhan | |
| Mag-asawang Sapa | |
| Mahabang Parang | |
| Manggahan | |
| Parada | |
| Poblacion (Santa Maria town proper) -The Ghetto- Likod Simbahan | |
| Pulong Buhangin | |
| San Gabriel | |
| San Jose Patag | |
| San Vicente | |
| Santa Clara | |
| Santa Cruz | |
| Silangan | |
| Tabing Bakod (Santo Tomas) | |
| Tumana |
Population
As of August 1, 2007, Eight (8) barangays surpass the 10,000 mark.
Santa Maria has a population growth rate of 5.16% per annum.
| Bagbaguin | |
| Balasing | |
| Buenavista | |
| Bulac | |
| Camangyanan | |
| Catmon | |
| Caypombo | |
| Caysio | |
| Guyong | |
| Lalakhan | |
| Mag-asawang Sapa | |
| Mahabang Parang | |
| Manggahan | |
| Parada | |
| Poblacion (Santa Maria town proper) -The Ghetto- Likod Simbahan | |
| Pulong Buhangin | |
| San Gabriel | |
| San Jose Patag | |
| San Vicente | |
| Santa Clara | |
| Santa Cruz | |
| Silangan | |
| Tabing Bakod (Santo Tomas) | |
| Tumana |
Barangay Income
Income of every barangay in the town of Sta. Maria (as of April 2008)
| Barangay | |
|---|---|
| Bagbaguin | |
| Balasing | |
| Buenavista | |
| Bulac | |
| Camangyanan | |
| Catmon | |
| Caypombo | |
| Caysio | |
| Guyong | |
| Lalakhan | |
| Mag-asawang Sapa | |
| Mahabang Parang | |
| Manggahan | |
| Parada | |
| Poblacion (Santa Maria town proper) -The Ghetto- Likod Simbahan | |
| Pulong Buhangin | |
| San Gabriel | |
| San Jose Patag | |
| San Vicente | |
| Santa Clara | |
| Santa Cruz | |
| Silangan | |
| Tabing Bakod (Santo Tomas) | |
| Tumana |
References
External links
- Santa Maria, My Kind of Town
- Official Website of the Municipality of Santa Maria, Bulacan
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- 2000 Philippine Census Information
- www.abs-cbnnews, Ex-Bulacan mayor held for estafa
- Wikipedia Brgy. Sta. Clara, Sta. Maria, Bulacan
- Santa Maria, Bulacan - WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia
 Province of Bulacan | |
|---|---|
| Municipalities | |
| Component cities | |