Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Municipality in Ilocos Sur, Philippines}} |
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[[Image:Ph_locator_ilocos sur_santa maria.png|right|Map of Ilocos Sur showing the location of Santa Maria]] |
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{{Multiple issues| |
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'''Santa Maria''' is a 4th class [[Philippine municipality|municipality]] in the [[Philippine province|province]] of [[Ilocos Sur province|Ilocos Sur]], [[Philippines]]. According to the [[2000]] census, it has a population of 26,396 people in 5,414 households. |
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{{More citations needed|date=December 2013}} |
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{{Tone|date=September 2024}} |
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}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
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<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions --> |
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| name = {{PH wikidata|name}} |
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| image_skyline = Bell tower next to Santa Maria Church, Ilocos Sur, Luzon, Philippines.jpg |
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| image_caption = Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church |
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| image_flag = Flag_of_Santa_Maria,_Ilocos_Sur.png |
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| flag_size = 120x80px |
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| image_seal = Santa Maria Ilocos Sur.png |
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| seal_size = 100x80px |
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| image_map = {{PH wikidata|image_map}} |
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| map_caption = {{PH wikidata|map_caption}} |
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| image_map1 = {{hidden begin|title=OpenStreetMap|ta1=center}}{{Infobox mapframe|frame-width=250}}{{hidden end}} |
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| pushpin_map = Philippines |
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| pushpin_label_position = left |
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| pushpin_map_caption = Location within the {{PH wikidata|country}} |
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| coordinates = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}} |
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| settlement_type = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}} |
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| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] |
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| subdivision_name = [[Philippines]] |
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| subdivision_type1 = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]] |
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| subdivision_name1 = {{PH wikidata|region}} |
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| subdivision_type2 = [[Provinces of the Philippines|Province]] |
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| subdivision_name2 = {{PH wikidata|province}} |
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| official_name = {{PH wikidata|official_name}} |
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| etymology = <!--origin of name--> |
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| named_for = <!--name of place or person --> |
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| native_name = |
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| other_name = |
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| nickname = |
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| motto = |
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| anthem = |
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| subdivision_type3 = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines#District representation|District]] |
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| subdivision_name3 = {{PH legislative district}} |
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| established_title = [[Date of establishment|Founded]] |
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| established_date = April 25, 1765 |
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| parts_type = [[Barangay]]s |
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| parts_style = para |
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| p1 = {{PH barangay count | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} (see [[#Barangays|Barangays]]) |
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| leader_title = {{PH wikidata|leader_title}} |
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| leader_name = Brigido C. Camarillo Jr. |
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| leader_title1 = [[Vice Mayor]] |
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| leader_name1 = Michael S. Florendo |
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| leader_title2 = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines#Current composition|Representative]] <!--congressman or congresswoman --> |
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| leader_name2 = Kristine Singson-Meehan |
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| leader_title3 = [[Sangguniang Bayan|Municipal Council]] |
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| leader_name3 = {{PH Town Council |
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| 1 = <div style="border-style:solid none;border-width:thin;border-color:Gainsboro;background-color:#e6e6e6;text-align:center;width:95%;font-variant:small-caps;"></div> |
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| 2=Rema Pazvia D. Cabatu |
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| 3=Kristine G. Ifurung |
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| 4=Romeo A. Tan |
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| 5=Arlon S. Serdenia |
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| 6=Meltodio Mario D. de Vera |
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| 7=Severino T. Dagdag |
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| 8=Daisy T. Avila |
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| 9=Federico D. Calibuso |
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}} |
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| leader_title4 = [[Elections in the Philippines#Qualification|Electorate]] |
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| leader_name4 = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters ([[Philippine general election, {{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}|{{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}]]) |
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| government_type = {{PH wikidata|government_type}} |
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| government_footnotes = {{thinsp}}<ref>{{DILG detail}}</ref> |
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| elevation_m = {{PH wikidata|elevation_m}} |
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| elevation_max_m = 289 |
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| elevation_min_m = 0 |
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| elevation_max_rank = |
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| elevation_min_rank = |
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| elevation_footnotes = |
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| elevation_max_footnotes= |
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| elevation_min_footnotes= |
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| area_rank = |
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| area_footnotes = {{PH area}} |
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| area_total_km2 = {{PH wikidata|area}} |
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| population_footnotes = {{PH census|current}} |
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| population_total = {{PH wikidata|population_total}} |
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| population_as_of = {{PH wikidata|population_as_of}} |
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| population_density_km2 = auto |
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| population_blank1_title= [[Household]]s |
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| population_blank1 = {{PH wikidata|household}} |
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| population_blank2_title= |
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| population_blank2 = |
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| population_demonym = Santa Marian’s |
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| population_rank = |
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| population_note = |
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| timezone = [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]] |
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| utc_offset = +8 |
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| postal_code_type = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP code]] |
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| postal_code = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}} |
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| postal2_code_type = {{PSGCstyle}} |
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| postal2_code = {{PSGC detail}} |
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| area_code_type = {{areacodestyle}} |
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| area_code = {{PH wikidata|area_code}} |
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| website = {{PH wikidata|website}} |
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| demographics_type1 = [[Economy of the Philippines|Economy]] |
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| demographics1_title1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class_title}} |
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| demographics1_info1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class}} |
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| demographics1_title2 = [[Measuring poverty|Poverty incidence]] |
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| demographics1_info2 = {{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence}}% ({{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_point_in_time}}){{PH wikidata|poverty_incidence_footnotes}} |
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| demographics1_title3 = [[Revenue]] |
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| demographics1_info3 = {{PH wikidata|revenue}} {{PH wikidata|revenue_point_in_time}} |
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| demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank |
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| demographics1_info4 = |
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| demographics1_title5 = [[Asset]]s |
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| demographics1_info5 = {{PH wikidata|assets}} {{PH wikidata|assets_point_in_time}} |
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| demographics1_title6 = Assets rank |
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| demographics1_info6 = |
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| demographics1_title7 = [[Internal Revenue Allotment|IRA]] |
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| demographics1_info7 = |
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| demographics1_title8 = IRA rank |
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| demographics1_info8 = |
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| demographics1_title9 = [[Expenditure]] |
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| demographics1_info9 = {{PH wikidata|expenditure}} {{PH wikidata|expenditure_point_in_time}} |
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| demographics1_title10 = [[Liability (financial accounting)|Liabilities]] |
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| demographics1_info10 = {{PH wikidata|liabilities}} {{PH wikidata|liabilities_point_in_time}} |
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| demographics_type2 = Service provider |
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| demographics2_title1 = Electricity |
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| demographics2_info1 = {{PH electricity distribution | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }} |
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| demographics2_title2 = Water |
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| demographics2_info2 = |
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| demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications |
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| demographics2_info3 = |
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| demographics2_title4 = Cable TV |
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| demographics2_info4 = |
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| demographics2_title5 = |
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| demographics2_info5 = |
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| demographics2_title6 = |
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| demographics2_info6 = |
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| demographics2_title7 = |
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| demographics2_info7 = |
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| demographics2_title8 = |
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| demographics2_info8 = |
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| demographics2_title9 = |
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| demographics2_info9 = |
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| demographics2_title10 = |
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| demographics2_info10 = |
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| blank_name_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_title}} |
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| blank_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|climate_type}} |
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| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Languages of the Philippines|Native languages]] |
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| blank1_info_sec1 = {{PH wikidata|language}} |
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| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Crime index]] |
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| blank2_info_sec1 = |
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| blank3_name_sec1 = |
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| blank3_info_sec1 = |
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| blank4_name_sec1 = |
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| blank4_info_sec1 = |
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| blank5_name_sec1 = |
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| blank5_info_sec1 = |
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| blank6_name_sec1 = |
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| blank6_info_sec1 = |
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| blank7_name_sec1 = |
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| blank7_info_sec1 = |
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| blank1_name_sec2 = Major religions |
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| blank1_info_sec2 = Roman Catholic |
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| blank2_name_sec2 = Feast date |
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| blank2_info_sec2 = August 15 |
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| blank3_name_sec2 = Catholic diocese |
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| blank3_info_sec2 = Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia |
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| blank4_name_sec2 = Patron saint |
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| blank4_info_sec2 = Nuestra Señora de Asuncion |
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| blank5_name_sec2 = |
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| blank5_info_sec2 = |
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| blank6_name_sec2 = |
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| blank6_info_sec2 = |
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| blank7_name_sec2 = |
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| blank7_info_sec2 = |
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| short_description = |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
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'''Santa Maria''', officially the '''Municipality of Santa Maria''' ({{langx|ilo|Ili ti Santa Maria}}; {{langx|fil|Bayan ng Santa Maria}}), is a [[municipality of the Philippines|municipality]] in the [[Philippine Province|province]] of [[Ilocos Sur]], [[Philippines]]. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,006 people.{{PH census|current}} |
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==Barangays== |
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==History== |
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Santa Maria is politically subdivided into 33 [[barangay]]s. |
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The community of Santa Maria must have been already an organized settlement before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. When Captain [[Juan de Salcedo]] conquered the Ilocos in 1572, they found out that the people were already engaged in a brisk trade and commerce with the [[Japan]]ese and the [[China|Chinese]]. The people's main industries were fishing and farming and to some extent weaving of cotton cloth and pottery. The people were noted for their religiosity. They worshiped the [[anitos]], spirits and local Gods. Although the conquest of the Ilocos Region was a slow and painful process for the inhabitants resisted, they were later conquered through the use of the sword and hand in hand with the Cross. It was the religious nature of the people that the friars greatly exploited to convert the [[Ilocanos]] to the new faith — [[Christianity]]. |
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In 1572, Juan De Salcedo established an ''[[encomienda]]'' in Vigan as more places fell under the control of the Spaniards, more parishes or ''visitas'' (sub-parishes) were set up in place that could be easily serviced by the ecclesiastical and military officials. When [[Narvacan, Ilocos Sur|Narvacan]] was created as a definitory by the Augustinians on April 25, 1576, its ''visitas'' were Santa Maria, San Esteban and Santiago. It is recorded that Narvacan was an ''encomienda'' of Don Nicolas de Figeroa in 1589; and left vacant in 1610. During this time, or a period later, Fr. Diego de Soria who later became bishop expanded the mission or religious control to the hinterlands - extending as far as [[Pangasinan]] and to the [[Cagayan Valley]]. |
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In the beginning, Santa Maria experienced hardships due to wars and other events. In 1638, the Chinese burned the town and ten years later in 1660–1661, during the [[Philippine revolts against Spain#Malong Revolt (1660–1661)|Andres Malong Revolt]], the [[Zambal]]s ransacked and looted at the same time killed some of the inhabitants of the town. Much of the church properties were carried away by the rebels. In 1762, the forces of [[Diego Silang]], the leader of the Ilocos Revolt of 1762–1763 during the British Occupation, controlled the town of Santa Maria until Silang was assassinated in [[Bantay]] by his close friend, a [[mestizo]] named Miguel Vicos, in 1763. |
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===Establishment as an independent parish=== |
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There are conflicting dates regarding the establishment of this town as an independent parish or mission. The Catholic Directory of the Philippines as well as sources available at the Filipiniana Division of the National Library and National Archives show that the first [[Augustinians|Augustinian]] mission was established in Santa Maria in 1760. According to Reyes, Santa Maria was erected canonically in 1768; 1765 by Galende and Font; and 1769 by Buzeta, Bravo and Medina. It is likely that the town reverted to a ''visita'' of Narvacan for a period of time because of lacking a priest. In 1769, it was made again as an independent ministry under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Assumption in whose honor the name of the town was changed from Purok to Santa Maria. (The [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] placed the year as 1769,<ref>Sherwin_magayanes (2009-08-07). [https://www.panoramio.com/photo/25352338 "Simbahan ng Santa Maria, UNESCO World Heritage Site "]. Panoramio. Retrieved on 2014-02-07.</ref> however, the people must have decided to have the foundation of Santa Maria as a separate in 1767 by basing their contention of the records that are still extent in Santa Maria. So that in 1967, the Santa Maria populace celebrated the 200th Anniversary of her Christianization.) |
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From then on, Santa Maria progressed. During the second half of the eighteenth century, vigorous and active missions or "expeditions" were launched by the missionaries toward the hinterlands from Santa Maria. The [[Pilar, Abra|Pilar]] district in [[Abra (province)|Abra]] was a place where commercial dealings with the natives took place. Occasionally, the people of Pilar went down to the town of Santa Maria to market and in most ''visitas'', they were instructed into the faith, baptized or received the Holy Sacraments. (The Pilar district was a part of Ilocos Sur until the latter part of 1846, when it became part of Abra. It became a politico-military district later.) By 1800, the ''visitas'' of Santa Maria were San Esteban and Santiago. Fr. Bernardo Lago made it a religious center and converted thousands of its inhabitants to Christianity. |
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The following Augustinian missionaries are certain to have stayed in Santa Maria: Fr. Jose Laboza – 1769; Fr. Diego Sayar – 1773; Fr. Agustin Gomez- 1779; Fr. Manuel Silva- 1783–1785; (and who died there), Fr. Manuel Aparico – 1887; Fr. Exequiel Ortiz Lanzagorta – 1791 and who was secretary of the bishop of Nueva Segovia; and Fr. Alejandro Peyrona in 1786. |
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Santa Maria's progress can be discerned from the growth of her population. In 1793, it had 834 inhabitants and ranked fifteenth as one of the most densely populated towns in the Ilocos. By 1803, it had 7,893 people. |
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In 1813, a priest by the name Fr. Juan Cardaño built the irrigation system by digging a canal to divert the river to water the rice fields. During the construction of the irrigation system, the inhabitants felt embittered by the enforced labor. In 1817, the town of Santa Maria was fenced under the direction of Fr. Cardaño who finished the work through use of forced labor on the inhabitants. Then men were later sent to cut lumber for the shipbuilding industry. |
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Because of the rapid progress of the Ilocos, the region was divided into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces, pursuant to the Real Cedula as of February 2, 1818. The population of Santa Maria decreased in 1820 due to the cholera epidemic. Except for periods when cholera or other natural calamities affected Santa Maria, its progress took an upward trend. As a result of its progress, Nueva Coveta, now [[Burgos, Ilocos Sur|Burgos]], was separated from Santa Maria and established in 1831. |
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In 1850, Buzeta and Bravo describes the town of Santa Maria as follows: |
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<blockquote>In 1850, the town had some 1,983 houses constructed like most Philippine houses, some made of wood, most of bamboo and [[cogon grass]]. The more notable edifices were the tribunal, tile roofed and made of stone, on whose ground floor is the prison. This building is located in the plaza near the market place, where vegetables, eggs, meat and fish are sold. Sometimes itinerant mestizos sold merchandise there. |
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In front of the tribunal stood three private houses, also tile-roofed and made of stones, as well as two others, of the same material about to be finished. The town has a primary school maintained by the coffers of the town. Moreover, there are private schools for boys and girls. |
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The Church and tower are made of stone, and the [[sacristy]], of stone and bricks. Near the house, atop a hill, is the convent of the parish house, which is equally imposing building. Down below, and 200 meters away, is the cemetery with its well-ventilated chapel, but which was destroyed by earthquake not long ago. |
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In Santa Maria, mail is received from the North (from Narvacan) every Tuesday morning and those from Manila, through Santiago every Thursday noon. The town consists of the barrios of Patac (Pacak), in the south, and those of San Gelacio, San Gregorio, and San Francisco which are close to the church (bajo de campana); farther away Tanggapan, Silas, Minorio, Bitalag, Gusing, Subsubosob, Dingtan, and Cabaritan, separated by wide fields but each of these barrios have only a few huts where the natives stay during harvest time. |
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The town has two ports: one in the west capable of handling big ships, the other in the north, which only handle smaller boats because of its narrow entrance but it can be widened to accommodate bigger ships as it did sometime in the past, when two full-rigged boats were constructed there. |
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The land is quite fertile, most of which is irrigated; thanks to the zeal of Fr. Juan Cardaño, present (1850) parish priest who, with the help of the colonial government was able to realize any improvements of the town, including the construction of the irrigation system, after six years of work. In 1804, when Cardaño took over the parish, the harvest were always in the danger of being lost due to the lack of irrigation, thus only 994 tributes (were paid); now 1850, 2,595 do so. |
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Their most important products are rice, wheat, cane and corn. Corn is abundant that it is exported to [[Santa, Ilocos Sur|Santa]], [[Bantay, Ilocos Sur|Bantay]], [[Santa Catalina, Ilocos Sur|Santa Catalina]], [[San Vicente, Ilocos Sur|San Vicente]] and many others. Oranges, [[Santol (fruit)|santol]] and many kinds of bananas, pineapple, cacao are also grown in abundance. |
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In the mountains nearby, are different kinds of wood, like [[Narra tree|narra]], [[Molave tree|molave]], [[Banaba plant|banaba]], panurapin, bulala and others. Also found there, are chickens, deer and various varieties of birds. There is a gold mine in Pinsal, which is still to be exploited. |
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The inhabitants engaged in agriculture, lumbering and the women in weaving cotton cloth; some of which are sold in other places.</blockquote> |
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By this time in 1850, Santa Maria had a population of 11,900, up from 10,908 in 1845. By 1865, it was 12,059 and by 1880, 15,152 souls. There was a drought in 1878 followed by devastation of the fields by locusts and insects; and famine set in. |
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In 1881, embittered at the Spanish authorities due to the harsh treatment given them, the people stoned the tribunal and almost rose in arms against the Spaniards. During the great renovation of the convent in 1895, many of the inhabitants migrated to [[Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija]] to escape the forced labor and established a new community. Furthermore, the epidemics of cholera in 1881, 1883, and 1889 reduced greatly her population to 11,426 by 1892. |
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===From the Philippine revolution and thereafter=== |
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During the [[Philippine revolution]], Julian Directo became its first elected president in September 1898. The members of the [[Philippine Independent Church]] (PIC) took over the churches in Ilocos. It was an offshoot from the abuses of the friars and the effect of the revolution. The outbreak of the revolution further attributed to the decline of Santa Maria's inhabitants to 10,030 by 1901. |
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Since the [[Treaty of Paris (1898)|transfer]] of the Philippine [[sovereignty]] to the Americans in December 1898, many of the foreigners who traveled to the north and saw the Church of Santa Maria were much impressed and called the church as a Cathedral. [[Henry Savage Landor]], an English painter, writer and explorer who visited the Philippines in 1900, says: |
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<blockquote>At Santa Maria a most picturesque church is to be found, reached on an imposing flight of steps. An enormous convent stands beside the church, upon a terrace some 80 feet above the plaza. There are a number of brick buildings, schoolhouses and office, which must have been very handsome but are tumbling down, the streets being in the absolute possession of sheeps, goats and hogs. A great expanse of level land was now well-cultivated into paddy fields and across it is a road fifteen feet wide, well-metalled and with a sandy surface. Barrios and homes were scattered all around the plain.</blockquote> |
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When civil government was restored in Ilocos Sur under the American rule in 1901, Sinfroso Tamayo became its first president. According to some records, [[William Cameron Forbes]], a member of the [[Taft Commission]] visited Santa Maria in 1901. A report in 1902 describes Santa Maria as town along the coast of Ilocos Sur, Luzon, (with) several cart roads that led to the interior; a city that built and by way of historical note, adds that on December 3, 1900, 2,150 insurgents surrendered here, (and) took oath of allegiance to the United States. |
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The Church of Santa Maria and other churches held by the PIC priests were returned to the administration of the Roman Catholic Church by the enactment of the Philippine Commission Act No. 1376 on July 24, 1905.<ref>U.S. War Department (1905-06-30). [https://books.google.com/books?id=NlZapzfpcx4C&pg=PA146&dq=1376+church "Annual Reports of the War Department, Vol. XIV - Acts of the Philippines Commission"], pp. 146–151. Government Printing Office, Washington.</ref> (In spite of this major decision, the members of the Philippine Independent Church still hold their own in the Ilocos Region today.) |
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In 1902, another epidemic of cholera occurred followed by typhoid in 1909. Floods and typhoons added to the sufferings of the people in 1911 and 1913. These calamities greatly reduced the population and hindered the progress of Santa Maria. Many of the people after this period migrated to the central plains of Luzon, Mindanao and to as far as Hawaii and California in the United States of America. |
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The conditions in Santa Maria greatly changed fifty years later. The American Occupation had some beneficial effects as then roads, schools and better ways of farming were introduced in Santa Maria. A new generation became prominent who became new leaders in the present town of Santa Maria. In 1932, President [[Manuel Quezon]] visited Santa Maria on the occasion of his tour of Northern Luzon before the [[Philippine Commonwealth|Commonwealth]]. After [[World War II in the Philippines|World War II]], new buildings were built and churches were erected by the different religious as well as commercial and tourist spots developed. |
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==Geography== |
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Situated at the western coastline of the island of [[Luzon]], Santa Maria is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. It lies in the central part of the province of Ilocos Sur. Santa Maria is {{convert|369|km}} from [[Metro Manila]] and {{convert|38|km}} from [[Vigan City]], the provincial capital. It is bordered by the municipality of [[Narvacan]] to the north, [[Pilar, Abra]] to the east and [[San Esteban, Ilocos Sur|San Esteban]] and [[Burgos, Ilocos Sur]] to the south |
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===Barangays=== |
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Santa Maria is politically subdivided into 33 [[barangay]]s.{{PSGC detail|area}} Each barangay consists of [[purok]]s and some have [[sitios]]. |
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{{Div col|colwidth=20em}} |
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* Ag-agrao |
* Ag-agrao |
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* Ampuagan |
* Ampuagan |
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* Baballasioan |
* Baballasioan |
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* Baliw Daya |
* Baliw Daya (San Gelacio) |
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* Baliw Laud |
* Baliw Laud (Simbuok) |
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* Bia-o |
* Bia-o |
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* Butir |
* Butir |
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| Line 19: | Line 250: | ||
* Danuman West |
* Danuman West |
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* Dunglayan |
* Dunglayan |
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</td><td valign=top> |
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* Gusing |
* Gusing |
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* Langaoan |
* Langaoan |
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| Line 29: | Line 259: | ||
* Lubong |
* Lubong |
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* Maynganay Norte |
* Maynganay Norte |
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* San Ignacio |
* Maynganay Sur (San Ignacio) |
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* Nagsayaoan |
* Nagsayaoan |
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</td><td valign=top> |
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* Nagtupacan |
* Nagtupacan |
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* Nalvo |
* Nalvo |
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* Pacang |
* Pacang |
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* Penned |
* Penned |
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* Poblacion Norte |
* [[Poblacion]] Norte (San Gregorio) |
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* Poblacion Sur |
* [[Poblacion]] Sur (San Francisco) |
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* Silag |
* Silag |
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* Sumagui |
* Sumagui |
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| Line 43: | Line 272: | ||
* Tangaoan |
* Tangaoan |
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* Tinaan |
* Tinaan |
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{{div col end}} |
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</td></tr></table> |
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===Climate=== |
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{{Weather box |
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| location = Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur |
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| width = auto |
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| metric first = Yes |
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| single line = Yes |
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| Jan high C = 30 |
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| Jan low C = 19 |
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| Feb high C = 31 |
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| Feb low C = 19 |
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| Mar high C = 33 |
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| Mar low C = 21 |
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| Apr high C = 34 |
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| Apr low C = 23 |
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| May high C = 33 |
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| May low C = 25 |
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| Jun high C = 31 |
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| Jun low C = 25 |
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| Jul high C = 30 |
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| Jul low C = 25 |
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| Aug high C = 30 |
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| Aug low C = 24 |
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| Sep high C = 30 |
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| Sep low C = 24 |
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| Oct high C = 31 |
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| Oct low C = 22 |
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| Nov high C = 31 |
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| Nov low C = 21 |
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| Dec high C = 30 |
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| Dec low C = 20 |
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| Jan precipitation mm = 10 |
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| Feb precipitation mm = 10 |
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| Mar precipitation mm = 14 |
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| Apr precipitation mm = 23 |
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| May precipitation mm = 80 |
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| Jun precipitation mm = 103 |
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| Jul precipitation mm = 121 |
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| Aug precipitation mm = 111 |
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| Sep precipitation mm = 119 |
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| Oct precipitation mm = 144 |
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| Nov precipitation mm = 39 |
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| Dec precipitation mm = 15 |
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| Jan rain days = 5.2 |
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| Feb rain days = 3.9 |
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| Mar rain days = 6.2 |
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| Apr rain days = 9.1 |
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| May rain days = 18.5 |
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| Jun rain days = 21.4 |
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| Jul rain days = 22.9 |
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| Aug rain days = 19.8 |
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| Sep rain days = 19.8 |
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| Oct rain days = 16.2 |
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| Nov rain days = 10.5 |
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| Dec rain days = 6.1 |
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| source 1 = Meteoblue <small>(modeled/calculated data, not measured locally)</small><ref name="met_norms"> |
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{{cite web |
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| url = https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/santa-maria_philippines_1688016 |
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| title = Santa Maria: Average Temperatures and Rainfall |
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| publisher = Meteoblue |
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| access-date = 14 May 2020 }}</ref> |
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| date = 14 May 2020 |
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}} |
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==Demographics== |
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---- |
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{{Philippine Census |
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| align= none |
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| cols = 3 |
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| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}} |
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| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}} |
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| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}} |
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| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}} |
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| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}} |
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| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}} |
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| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}} |
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| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}} |
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| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}} |
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| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}} |
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| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}} |
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| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}} |
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| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}} |
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| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}} |
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| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}} |
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| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}} |
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| 2025 = |
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| 2030 = |
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| 2035 = |
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| 2040 = |
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| footnote= Source: [[Philippine Statistics Authority]]{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}} |
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}} |
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In the 2020 census, Santa Maria had a population of 30,006.{{PH census|current}} The population density was {{convert|{{sigfig|30,006/63.31|2}}|PD/km2}}. |
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==Economy== |
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'''SANTA MARIA: THE FIRST 200 HUNDRED YEARS''' |
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{{PH poverty incidence}} |
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[[File:Sta Maria Ilocos Sur.jpg|thumb|right|Main highway through Santa Maria]] |
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Located in a fertile region with a cool tropical climate, the principal crops of Santa Maria are [[maize|corn]], cotton, [[indigo]], rice, [[sugarcane]] and tobacco. |
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Santa Maria's economy remained docile for almost four decades, subsisting only with fair performance in the aquaculture and agricultural ventures with no new developments in-place to create job opportunities in the commercial sector. Tourism industry's growth remains to be seen in the long-term. Industries relative interests to the town has to be developed and the corresponding infrastructure must be funded and implemented accordingly to create and sustain future development. |
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It has been aptly said that if we are to know the present better and thus, effectively plan for the future, it is inescapable that we must look back to the past. |
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Santa Maria is the Home of the First SM SaveMore Market in Ilocos Sur located in Barangay Maynganay Sur in front of the Santa Maria New Public Market. |
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The remote past for Santa Maria is the nebulous, uncharted era long before the intrepid Spanish conquistador and the equally spirited missionary came, one in search of lands and gold for the king, the other in search of souls for his King. Certainly, lands, gold and souls were to be found in the Ilocos, for even before Hispanic times, Ilocos was known to have been among the more populated regionn in the country, which traded gold with Chinese and Japanese merchants. |
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==Local events== |
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Ilocano, believed to have been of Malay origin, and the Isnegs and the Tinguians, who eventually populated the hinterlads of Ilocos, were the early inhabitants. These groups engaged in farming, fishing and to some extent, in weaving and pottery, and learned to control their environment - for even then the land lacked the fertility of Central Luzon, and the narrow strip, hemmed in by the China Sea to the west and the Cordillera mountain ranges to the east, was oftened times visited by typhoons and droughts and, thus, bountiful harvests were exceptions rather than the rule. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! Name of Event |
|||
! Date |
|||
|- |
|||
| Santa Maria Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament |
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| {{center|March to April}} |
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|- |
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| Santa Maria Town Fiesta - Balicutia Festival |
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| {{center|March / April}} |
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|- |
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| Feast Day of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion |
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| {{center|August 15}} |
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|- |
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| Santa Maria Children's Christmas Festival |
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| {{center|December 28}} |
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|} |
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==Tourist attractions== |
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The Ilocanos, then as now was also known for his religiousity, expressed in his worship of anitos, spirits and gods, the supreme god being Kabunian. Certain aspects of these early religious practice survive even today the term buniag (ie baptism), it is said comes from Buni or Kabunian, and, until more recent years, in Santa Maria some professed belief in spirits inhibiting fields and trees, in whose honor half-cooked rice, bettle nut and chicken meat were offered. |
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The town is home to the [[Our Lady of the Assumption Church (Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur)|Our Lady of the Assumption Church]] ''(Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion)'', a [[UNESCO World Heritage]] Site. The townspeople celebrate their [[patronal festival]] in honor of the [[Virgin Mary]] as [[Our Lady of the Assumption]] (more commonly known as ''Apo Baket'') every August 15 and lasting for several days. |
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===Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church=== |
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These belief in spirits greatly helped the Spanish conquistador and the missionary who both came to Ilocos and under whose joint efforts, the Ilocos was subsequently converted to Christianity and brought under Spanish rule. Juan De Salcedo, only twenty-two years old at the time and already a conqueror of the Tagalog, Zanbales and Central Luzon provinces, explored the Ilocos in order, he said, to define its boundaries and to discover a shorter passage from there to Mexico. Sailing from Manila on May 20, 1575 he entered the Abra River on June 13, 1572 and directed his fleet to Vigan. That same year after exploring the Ilocos, he established an encomieda in Vigan, thus formally subjecting the Ilocos to Spanish rule. |
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{{Main|Santa Maria Church}} |
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[[File:Santa Maria Church, Ilocos Sur.jpg|thumbnail|right|Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion or Santa Maria Church]] |
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The '''Church of Our Lady of the Assumption''' ''(Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion)'' (also known as the Santa Maria Church) in Santa Maria is a designated a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] in 1993 as part of the [[Baroque Churches of the Philippines]] collection of four Spanish-era churches. |
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===Pinsal Falls=== |
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The complete subjection of the whole Ilocos region was a long, painful process, however, as most Ilocanos did not readily accept the Spanish conquerors. In all instances the sword went hand in hand with the cross and as towns fell under Spain, parishes with resident missionaries were established. Due to inavailability of personnel - both military and religious visitas - actually places where chapels were built and service by resident priests from the parishes - were also established. These eventually became independent parishes as more priest became available. |
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[[File:Pinsal Falls.JPG|thumb|Pinsal Falls]] |
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Pinsal Falls, considered as the largest and grandest waterfalls in [[Ilocos Region]], are located in a narrow gorge in Barangay Baballasioan of Santa Maria. Pinsal is a group of plunge and cascades waterfalls falling from a 300-ft wide irregular shaped river ledge the highest of which is a drop of about {{convert|85|ft}}. Upriver are several smaller falls with their own natural pools. Behind the cascading water of the main falls is a hidden cave where one can swim from. Another tall waterfall is located at the southern ledge. |
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The grandeur and pristine beauty of these falls has long been attracting foreign and local tourists. Crystal clear water cascades down to two natural pools where visitors can frolic during hot summer. The surrounding hillsides are covered with verdant big trees making the place fairly cool. A trip to Pinsal Falls is not complete without climbing the carved steps to the top where more natural pools are found, the biggest of which is the 'footprint of [[Angalo]]'. According to the folklore, the ground indentation is the footprint the giant Angalo left behind while searching for his wife Aran. Another notable geographical feature is a phallic shaped rock, which the legend says belong to the male giant. Meters from this spot is the famous hot spring where one can boil an egg in 10 to 15 minutes. |
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When Narvacan became a parish on April 25, 1587, Santa Maria, together with San Esteban and Santiago, became its visita. The date of Santa Maria's canonical erection as an independent parish, however, has still to be definitely ascertained, as evidence available to us are not in full agreement. |
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Adjacent to Pinsal falls are stones stairs carved out of the mountain to reach the upper falls. It is also used by the residents of the adjacent town of [[Pilar, Abra]] province in hiking to or from the Municipality of Santa Maria. |
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Galende, following earlier statements made by the Augustinian historian Juan de Medina, puts the foundation of the town as 1765, the same year that the Augustinians also founded Caloocan. Other sources, like"The Mapa General de Las Almas que administran los PP. Agustinos Calzados en estas Islas Filipinas", for both 1832 and 1845, Fr. Salvador Font's "Memoria" to the Ministry of Overseas Affairs for 1892, and Buzeta y Bravo's "Diccionario Geografico-Estadistico-Historico de las Isla Filipinas" (published in Madrid in 1851), sources whichwe have consulted, list 1769 as the date of the foundation of the town. To compound the matter, the "Catholic Directory of the Philippines" place the date as 1760, and as if that were not enough, the town celebrated last year (1967) the bicentenial of the town, on the strenght of a "Libro de Bautismos" for 1767, still preserved in the Parish archives. |
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Pinsal Falls is located about {{convert|11|km}} on paved road from the municipal hall of Santa Maria via the Pinsal Falls Road, and can be reached in 20 minutes by any vehicular transportation . |
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Another source which we consulted is the manuscript by the late Macario, whose sense of history is quite amazing. Unfortunately, Brilliantes failed to cite his sources, which would have facilitated the checking of his data. We have, however, checked what he lists down as names of parish priests from 1762 downward - the implication is that the town first began to have a parish priest of its own at that time - using what is generally considered an authoritative sourse, i.e Fr. Agustin Maria de Castro's "Misioneros agustinos en el Extremo Oriente 1565-1780 (Osario Venerable), but we failed to find names of these priests. |
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On August 22, 2019, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11409 that declared the falls as a tourist destination, which will prioritize its development by the Department of Tourism.<ref>{{cite web |title=An Act Declaring Pinsal Falls in the Municipality of Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur a Tourist Destination, Providing for Its Development and Appropriating Funds Therefor |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2019/08aug/20190822-RA-11409-RRD.pdf |website=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines |publisher=Congress of the Philippines |access-date=11 September 2019 |date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> |
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The Brilliantes manuscript, thus, opens itself to suspicion as a historical document, and must therefore, be used with extreme caution. Nevertheless, we found it most interesting in that it lists the names of parish priests and capitanes, municipal presidents and mayors of the town, and highlights of the town's history from 1762 up to 1942. Part of the reconstruction of Santa Maria's history in this present narration is based on the Brilliantes manuscript, but we would like to make it of record that, until such definitive data are collected and collated into a continuous narrative, these data should be taken as tentative. |
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===Santa Maria Agricultural Tramline=== |
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In the light of conflicting evidence we, therefore, offer the following for what it may be worth. If one applies the principle that a ministry might have it's own minister before its recognition as independent parish and later reverts to the status of a visita, then Santa Maria has been an independent ministry since 1760. |
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Located in Barangay Baballasioan before Pinsal Falls. Similar to cable car the first in [[Ilocos Sur]] and the first in [[Ilocos Region]]. This facility is not functional, the machine used to rotate the steel rope up to the upper station was submerged by waters coming from the pinsal falls. The location of this facility is within the ground level of the river downstream from the Pinsal Falls. |
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===Santa Maria Twin Chapel and Ruins=== |
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Santa Maria was recognized officially as ministry in1765 after which, due to lack of priests, it again became a simple visita of Narvacan. In 1769, it again became an independent parish and since that time, has always had a minister. There might have been baptism in the town before that time, of course, but the earliest record of baptisms is dated 1767 and, therefore, it is not without reason that the town celebrated the 200th anniversary of its Christianization in 1967. |
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The compound of Santa Maria East Central School houses the Santa Maria Twin Chapels, the site of the First established parish of Santa Maria, wherein the northern chapel was dedicated to Senor Santo Kristo and the southern chapel was dedicated to Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion. But only the southern chapels stands nowadays, the northern chapel was damaged. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur is having the plan to restore / rebuilt the damaged chapel. |
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===Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery=== |
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Be that as it may, the town (situated on a plain near the coast, 124-3'30" longtitude to the east and 17-15'00" to the north, and bounded in the north by Narvacan, in the south by San Esteban, in the east by the Cordillera range, and in the west by the China Sea) rose to prominence due to its proximity to interior settlements. |
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it is located 200 meters east of the Santa Maria Church declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and lately National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in which this cemetery was included as part of the declaration "Santa Maria Church & Complex". The square shaped cemetery today undergoes in a restoration the whole cemetery site (the brick perimeter fence, the ruins of the chapel and other structures found inside the compound) to preserve its original beauty for the next generation. The restoration is expected to be finished this December 2019 and to be turned over to the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, and to the Local Government Unit of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. After the restoration is said that the site will be declared as another tourist site additional attraction to be visited when visiting the Santa Maria Church. |
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===Santa Maria Old Spanish Bridges=== |
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The Augustinian friar, Fr. Juan Cardeno, another varian of his name is Cordano, as it appears in certain sources,' who was Santa Maria's parish priests for fifty years, from October 27, 1805 to September 18, 1858, shortly before his death, dedicated a lifetime helping the townspeople in their spiritual and material needs. He negotiated the construction of a ditch which stretched a league to channel a river, thus assuring the harvest of rice for all the people. The rise of Santa Maria to prominence did not only affect the interior settlements but also the neighboring towns of San Esteban and Santiago which, though founded earlier, were later converted into a visita of Santa Maria in as late as 1800. |
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Built during the 19th century, one of the few remaining bridges built by the Spanish Colonial Authorities, the bridge in the town of Santa Maria is made entirely of bricks. Proof of its durability and strength, the bridge still withstands the weight of passing busses and trucks. This Old Spanish Bridge is located in between Poblacion Norte and Baliw Daya. |
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Another old Spanish Bridge can also be found on the road going to Barangay Cabaroan. It is not noticeable when you pass by the road unless you go down to the fields. This bridge is still utilize not only as a bridge but also for irrigation system. |
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===Santa Maria Beach=== |
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POPULATION. The rate of increase of population in Santa Maria was quite steady. In 1793, there were 834 inhabitants, making Santa Maria the No. 15 town in the whole Ilocos province. (Due to rapid increase of population, the province was divided into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur in 1818, pursuant to a real cedula dated February 2, 1818). By 1803, it increased to 7,893; but by 1831 it decreased to 7,349 as a result of the cholera or other epidemics broke out. |
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Beautiful beaches along Barangay Suso, Nalvo, Lingsat, and Bia-o have clear waters. These places are very alluring for picnic and swimming for tourists and vacationists. They are very accessible to all kinds of vehicles. A road connecting these into one super beach is being planned on ground. |
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===Santa Maria Diving Spot - Suso Reef=== |
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In 1845, there were 10,908 inhabitants; in 1850 11,900; in 1866 12,059; and in 1880, 15,152. But the population diminished to 11,426 in 1892; and to 10,030 in 1901, possibly as a result of the cholera epidemics of 1881, 1883, and 1889. Also, as a result of forced labor, some Santa Marians left the town and sought more congenial environments in central Luzon, notably Cuyapo. It is almost certain that Central Luzon barrios taday named "Casantamarian" can be trace their origins to this time, when their original inhabitants immigrated from Santa Maria. |
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One of the six dive spots being developed and promoted as an Eco-Tourism project by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur through the leadership of Gov. Ryan Singson. This project aims to help grow tourism in the province, provide alternative livelihood to the coastal communities and reduce fishing pressures on these beautiful marine resources. |
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===Mt. Caliag (Bantay Calbo) Mountain Hiking=== |
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Through the years, Santa Maria's population has grown, as statistics found elsewhere in this volume would show, and this despite the more recent immigration of Santa Marians to Hawaii, California and Mindanao. |
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Highest peak and on this spot you will see the 180 degree view of the town of Santa Maria located in Barangay Pacang through hiking. |
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===Lourdes Grotto and Gazebo=== |
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THE CHURCH AND CONVENT - The majestic church, convent and tower built atop a knoll, and with an air of a medieval cathedral-fortress about them, have definitely intrigued many, not the least of whom are present writers. |
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Located at the foot of the Santa Maria Church. It is the exact replica of the Lourdes Grotto of Lourdes, France. |
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===Penned Irrigation Dam=== |
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Like most Philippine churches, legend has been associated with the Santa Maria church. It is said that the original chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin was built at a site in the present day barrio ofBulbullala. The statue of the virgin enthroned in that small chapel, so the legend goes, periodically disappeared and was always subsequently found on a guava tree at the site of the present main altar of the church. |
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Water from the Pinsal Falls passes through this dam which of the locals uses it as an irrigation and swimming area. This is located in Barangay Penned. |
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===Santa Maria Lighthouse=== |
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Father Mariano Dacanay, the town's Ilokano parish priest from September 1, 1902 to May 27, 1922, has written another variant to this legend which, he assures us, has been obtained from reliable sources. The virgin's statue, Fr. Dacanay relates, was enthroned in another church (not the chapel at Bulbullala) which used to be situated in the present East Elementary School compound at the foot of the present East Elementary school compound at the foot of the present church. It was from here, Fr. Dacanay adds, that the image made its peregrinations to that guava tree on the knoll where the church now stands. |
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A lighthouse on a side of a hill in Barangay Nalvo near the Super Beach Road. This lighthouse is visible when passing on the National Highway in Barangay Suso. This lighthouse is inactive and needs for repairs by the Philippine Coast Guard. |
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===Santa Maria Super Beach Road=== |
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Legends about the virgin have indeed become part of Philippine religious lore, and, if these legends are to be believed, the Virgin herself made known her preference for her permanent home. Almost invatiably a tree is associated with this, and possibly among the most celebrated being that of the Nuestra Senora de Guia who made known her wish by lodging on a pandaan tree on the site where the Ermita church now stands. Viewed againts this backdrop, the Santa Maria legend about the Virgin is, thus, nothing extraordinary. |
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Newly constructed Road connecting Barangay Nalvo and Lingsat. |
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=== The Hill of Suso Beach === |
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Be that as it may, a chapel and a tower were built in 1810. The records failed to specify what chapel built at the present site of the church? Or was it actually the small church built on the present site of the East Elementary School? To us, it would seem that the first case was more likely, as no tower, nor even ruins of it, are found below the knoll. Thus, the legend, as recounted by Fr. Dacanay, makes more sense than the other one. |
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One day, Angalo and his wife Aran were at the what is today called Suso Beach in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. While on the beach, Angalo |
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piled up stones, shrubs, and sand to form a hill. When asked about his creation, he told his wife that he made the hill to resemble and honor her breasts. To this day. the hill on the southern side of Suso beach is said to be that hill.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph:81/CC01/NLP00VM052mcd/v1/date.htm |title=CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Ilocano Philippine Ethnography |last=Doe |first=John |publisher=IT Division, National Library of the Philippines |website=National Library of the Philippines |access-date=February 28, 2018 |archive-date=January 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129072621/http://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph:81/CC01/NLP00VM052mcd/v1/date.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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[[File:Balikucha1.jpg|200px|thumbnail|right|[[Balikucha]], [[Ilocos Sur]]]] |
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===Balicucha Festival=== |
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In 2023 [[Easter Sunday]], April 9, the heritage town led by Mayor Brigido C. Camarillo Jr. celebrated the week-long [[w:en: Balikucha|Balicucha]] Festival. 11 Balicucha and other agri-fishery products-inspired floats paraded in front of the World Heritage Site [[Santa Maria Church (Ilocos Sur)|Santa Maria Church]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lazaro |first1=Freddie |title=Balicucha Festival in Ilocos Sur unwraps on Easter Sunday|url= https://mb.com.ph/2023/4/9/easter-sunday-marks-opening-of-balikutsa-festival-of-historic-santa-maria-town|accessdate=April 17, 2024 |publisher=[[Manila Bulletin]] |date=Apr 9, 2023}}</ref> The March 31 to April 4, 2024 Balicucha Festival carried the theme of "One Santa Maria: The Road to Progress." The largest 15 inches balicucha and the smallest contender - a mere [[centimeter]] joined the contest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hernando |first1= Ivy|title=Sta. Maria residents showcase local cuisine through the Balicucha Festival|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/community/101288/sta-maria-residents-showcase-local-cuisine-through-the-balicucha-festival/story/ |accessdate=April 17, 2024 |publisher= [[GMA Integrated News]] |date=April 7, 2024}}</ref> |
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==Government== |
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Records also show that the bells for the tower arrived in 1811. In 1822 the convent and church were razed to the ground (again, one is tempted to ask: Whichconvent and which church?). It seems likely that what is meant here were the convent and the church below the knoll. |
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===Local government=== |
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{{main|Sangguniang Bayan}} |
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Santa Maria, belonging to the [[Legislative districts of Ilocos Sur|second congressional district]] of the province of [[Ilocos Sur]], is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years. |
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===Elected officials=== |
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Nevertheless, the zealous Fr. Bernardino Lago later made Santa Maria a center of his missionary activities for the interior settlements. This may, indeed, explain the (reconstructed?) huge church and convent, and the presence of many side altars in church.. Thus, there seems reason to believe that newly arrived missionaries learned Ilokano psychology and perfected their knowledge of the Ilokano language in Santa Maria before they were sent to neighboring mission posts. Or again, it appears possible that the convent provided a retreat housefor weary Augustinian missionaries from their intense apostolic labors, and for sickly or aging friars. |
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<!--NOTE: Update needed by June 30, 2022 after oath-taking of the declared winners in the May 9, 2022 local elections.--> |
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{| class="wikitable" style="line-height:1.20em; font-size:100%;" |
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|+ Members of the Municipal Council<br/>(2019–2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 National and Local Elections |url=https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/2019NLE/ElectionResults/2019NLE_LIst_of_Elected_CityMun_Candidates.pdf |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Commission on Elections}}</ref> |
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|- |
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! Position |
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! Name |
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|- |
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| Congressman |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Kristine Singson-Meehan |
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|- |
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| Mayor |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Brigido C. Camarillo Jr. |
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|- |
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|Vice-Mayor |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Michael S. Florendo |
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|- |
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|rowspan=8| Councilors |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Rema Pazvia D. Cabatu |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Kristine G. Ifurung |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Romeo A. Tan |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Arlon S. Serdenia |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Meltodio Mario D. de Vera |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Severino T. Dagdag |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Daisy T. Avila |
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|- |
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| style="text-align:center;" | Federico D. Calibuso |
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|- |
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|} |
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==Education== |
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Fr. Lago converted thousands which necessitated the establishment of the town of Nueva Coveta, the present town of Burgos, in 1831. |
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===Tertiary levels=== |
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In 1863, the church was remodelled, and the sides of the knoll surrounding it, the convent and the tower, reinforced with huge stone boulders kept in place by mortar, a task which must have taken a heavy toll, as it lasted up to 1871. Thus, people began to react againts forced labor, and took no pain to hide it. |
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*[[Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College]] |
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*[[University of Northern Philippines]] - Branch of the University of Northern Philippines at Barangay Nalvo that houses the Marine Research and Development Center. |
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*St. Mary's College of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Inc. - Private Institution at Santa Maria that offers education courses. |
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===Secondary schools=== |
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Obviously, the Santa Marians had not completely forgotten the Diego Silang rebellion in 1762 during the British occupation, and which must have convinced them that the Spaniards were not invincible after all. They also must not have easily forgotten the Sarrat rebellion in 1815, nor the more recent Cavite revolt headed by Camerino in 1869. For while it is true that communication was primitively slow (mails, however, were sent from, and received in Santa Maria in as early as the 1850s), it is equally true that they received news from the outside world somehow or the other. |
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Santa Maria has four (4) secondary schools: 1 private and 3 public secondary schools: |
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*ISPSC - Laboratory High School |
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*St. Mary's College - High School Department |
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*Santa Maria National High School |
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*Ag-agrao National High School |
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===Public elementary schools=== |
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LIFE IN SANTA MARIA. Yet, Santa Maria had also known periods of serenity and more stable times, so well described by Manuel Buzeta and Felipe Bravo, from whom we lean heavily for the folowing description of the town. |
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Santa Maria District has 20 elementary schools: 1 private and 19 public elementary schools: |
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{{columns-list|colwidth=30em| |
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*St. Mary's College - Elementary Department |
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*Santa Maria East Central School |
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*Santa Maria West Centra School |
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*Ag-agrao Elementary School |
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*Ampuagan - Langaoan - Lesseb Elementary School |
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*Baballasioan - Penned Elementary School |
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*Bia-o - Lingsat Elementary School |
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*Butir Elementary School |
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*Cabaroan Elementary School |
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*Danuman Elementary School |
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*Dunglayan Elementary School |
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*Gusing Elementary School |
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*Laslasong Elementary School |
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*Maynganay Elementary School |
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*Nagsayaoan Elementary School |
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*Nalvo Elementary School |
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*Silag - Pacang Elementary School |
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*Suso Elementary School |
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*Tangaoan Elementary School |
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*Tinaan Elementary School |
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}} |
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==Healthcare== |
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In 1850, the town had some 1,983 houses, constructed like most Philippine house, some made of wood, most made of bamboo and cogoon grass. The more notable edifices were the tribunal, the-roofed and made of stone, on whose ground floor is the prison. This building is located in the plaza near the market place, where vegetables, eggs, meat and fish are sold. Sometimes itinerant mestizos sold merchandise there. |
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*Judge Celestino Guerrero Memorial Hospital - Poblacion Sur |
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In front of the tribunal stood three private houses, also tile-roofed and made of stone, as well as two others, of the same material, about to be finished. The town has a primary school maintained by the coffers of the town. Moreover, there are private schools for boys and girls. |
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*Reyes Hospital - Poblacion Sur |
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*Santo Niño Hospital - Baliw Laud |
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*Santa Maria Rural Health Unit - - Poblacion Sur |
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*Ilocos Sur District Hospital - Santa Maria (Soon to Rise) |
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==Notable personalities== |
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The church and the tower are made of stone, and the sacristy, of stone and bricks. Near the church, atop a knoll is the convent or the parish house, which is an equally imposing building. Down below, about 200 steps away, is the cemetery with its well ventilated chapel, but which was destroyed by an earthquake not long ago. |
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*[[William Dar]] - Former Director General of [[ICRISAT]] located in India and Secretary of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippine Republic. |
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* [[Captivating Katkat]], Drag Performer, Winner of [[Drag Race Philippines (season 2)|Drag Race Philippines (Season 2)]] |
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==References== |
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In Santa Maria, mail is received from the north (from Narvacan) every Tuesday morning, and those from Manila, through Santiago, every Thursday noon. The town consist of the barrios of Patac (Pacak?), in the south, and those of San Gelacio, San Ignacio, and San Francisco, which are all close enough to the church ("bajo la campana"); farther away are Tanggaoan, Silag, Minoric, Bitalag, Gusing, Subsubosob, Dingtan and Cabaritan, separated by wide fields, but each of these barrios have only a few huts where the natives stay during harvest time. |
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{{Reflist}} |
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The town has two ports, one in the west, capable of handling big ships, the other in the north, which can handle only small boats because of its narrow entrance, but can be widened to accomodate bigger ships as it did sometime in the past, whentwo full-rigged boats were constructed there. |
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The land is quite fertile, most of which is irrigated, thanks to the zeal of Fr. Juan Cordano, present (1850) parish priest, who, with the help of the colonial government was able to realize many improvements of the town, including the construction of an irrigation system, after six years of work. In 1804 when Cordano took over the parish, the harvests were always in the danger of being lost due to the lack of irrigation, thus, only 994 paid tribute; now (1850) 2,586 do so. |
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The most important products are rice, wheat, cotton, indigo, sugar cane and corn. Corn is so abundant that it is exported to Santa, Bantay, Santa Catalina, San Vicente and many others. Oranges, Santol, many kinds of bananas, pineapple and cacao are also grown in abundance. |
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In the mountains nearby are different kinds of wood, like narra, molave, banana, panurapin, bulala, and others. Also found there are wild chickens, deer, and various varieties of birds. There is a gold mine in Pinsal, which is still to be exploited. |
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The inhabitants engage in agriculture and lumbering, and the women in weaving cotton cloth, some of which are sold to other places. |
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OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. thus, the people were seemingly satisfied, which followed its course in its slow, slackened pace. But resentment against the rulers began to pile up, although no rumblings were yet heard. Indeed, there is no evidence to show that Santa Marians resented either the construction of the irrigation system in 1813, or the fencing of the town in 1817, both during Fr. Cordano's time. |
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It is quite possible that forced labor was also used in town projects during Cordanos time, for this was the standard practice not only Santa maria but also in every town in the archipelago. Forced labor, one is told, depleted manpower in many places, especially in areas where the male population were made to cut timber in forests, or were made to work in shipyards, far from their own homes, and, thus, causing untold misery to their families. |
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There is no evidence to show that men from Santa Maria were dislocated to work in shipyards (although, as Buzeta and Bravo's narration would show, an attempt was made to build full-rigged boats there). Yet forced labor, which no individual then as now would relish, became the order of the day. By 1881, according to records, the Santa Marians became restless, who obviously resented working on these projects. Such resentment against the Spanish ruler was expressed by Santa Marians who stoned the tribunal and, as the anonymouus chronicler states, "they almost rose up in arms against the Spaniards." |
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Somehow or the other, no turbulent uprising resulted, and, if the natives harbored ill-feelings, they managed to camouflage it even as they began construction of the municipal hall in 1883, obediently continuing its construction up to 1885, and even as they changed the roof of the church into galvanized iron. |
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Indeed, Santa Maria had known peace and prosperity, as early indicated, although there were also times when it had known what suffering was. While it had known plenty as in 1826 and in 1875 when the harvest was extremely good, or in 1917, when maguey commanded a good price, or even in our own days, when tobacco meant more substantial homes and better education for children (the PVTA Experimental Station was established in 1960, when Dr. Godofredo S. Reyes was Governor), Santa Maria also suffered hunger as in 1878 when the rain failed to come and fields cracked up and practically no grains were harvested, or yet in 1896 when grasshoppers and other insects swooped down upon fields ready to harvest, or still in 1911 and 1913 when typhoons unleashed their fury turning what otherwise were productive fields into devastated areas which meant only hunger and privation and sufferings. |
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Measles and small pox took a heavy toll in 1908 and 1909, respectively, and in 1819 typhoid fever claimed victims. In 1820, 1843, and 1902 cholera stalked the town, leaving each family mourning their dead, and depleting the town's population. |
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But if at times, dirges punctuated the deadly silence of the town, at others, martial music and excited voices rent the air to welcome distinguished personages. who came to pay it a visit. Governor General Claveria visited the town in 1846, possibly the first Spanish governor general to visit it. Governor General Primo de Rivera also paid it a visit in 1879, and later - on November 12, 1898 - revisited it to mobilize local volunteers to fight the Katipuneros who had earlier arrived, and had gone into hiding, in town on august 15 of the same year. Records, however, are quite difficult for us to check these data, it might be well to take them as tentative. |
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Nevertheless, the town saw the fortunes and misfortunes of war, and witnessed the change of regimes, and politics take on a different color. It saw, for instance, the election of Julia Directo as first local president in September, 1898, during the first Philippine republic under Aguinaldo, at it also did the election of Sinforoso Tamayo as first municipal president under the Americans in 1901. |
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It also saw the visit of Governor General William Cameron Forbes who came to town in 1910 (later, during the commonwealth regime, Quezon would also drop by for a visit during a tour of the north). |
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Indeed, there was more freedom of movement during the American regime: not long after the last canon was fired, survey teams were sent to various parts of the country. A report published in 1902, but which includes observations made earlier has this to say of Santa Maria: "a pueblo on coast highway in Ilocos Sur, Luzon; several cart roads lead to interior; a beautiful city, well built and , by way, of a historical footnote, adds that on "December 3, 1900. 2,150 Katipunan insurectos (sic) surrendered here , took oath of allegiance to US." |
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Other early foreign travelers who had occasion to visit the town were favorably impressed by the church, which they called a "cathedral". |
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A world traveller, Britisher A. Henry Savage Landor, visited Santa Maria in the course of his oriental tour, and has left us a rather typical picture of the town in the early 1900s. Says Langor: "... at Santa Maria a most picturesque church is to be found, reached by an imposing flight of steps. An enormous convent stands by the side of the church, upon a terrace some 80 feet above the plaza. There were a number of brick buildings, school-houses, and offices, which must have been very handsome, but are now tumbling down, the streets being in absolute possession of sheep, goats, and hogs. A great expanse of level land... was now well-cultivated into paddy-fields, and across it is a beautiful road fifteen feet wide, well metalled and with a sandy surface. Barrios and houses were scattered all around the plain.. |
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A LOOK AT THE FUTURE - The town will long remember the election in 1957 and 1959 of a fovorite son, Dr. Godofredo S. Reyes, who became the first, and so far the only congressman and provincial governor of Ilocos Sur, from the town, although another son, Atty. Samuel F. Reyes had also been elected congressman, and later governor of Isabela, a fact which brought pride to Santa Marians. They, too, will remember the election of DRA. DedicacionM. Agatep-Reyes, as the first and so far the only, vice governor from the town in 1967. |
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All this warms the hearts of Santa Marians as they also remember others who have their imprint in their community's history, and of which they are justifiably proud. Such names come to mind as Arsenio F. Sebastian, who belonged to the very first batch of Philippine government pensionados sent for studies in the United States in 1903, and of his wife the former Isabel Florendo, who belonged to the second batch and was one of the very first three women pensionados ever sent to the states and of Dr. Manuel Foronda, the first medical graduate from the town who was also sent as pensionado tot he States in 1905. Again, one remembers with pride Colonel Salvador F. Reyes, one of the country's earlliest graduates from West Point, and Mrs. Helen Domingo Santos, one of the country's few women university presidents. |
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And the list can go on and on, for, as a tree is known by the fruit it bears, Santa Maria can, indeed, be proud of the other sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves and, therefore, have brought honor to their town: doctors like the Reyeses, the Florendos, the Julians, the Directos, the Domingos, and the Rillorazas; lawyers like the Reyeses and Brillianteses, Florendos, and Camarillos, Domines, and Andrions; Journalists like the de Duzmans and the Nolascos; creative writers like the Reyeses and the Forondas and the Guerzons; diplomats like the Guerzons; educators and teachers like the antonios, Moraleses, the Florendos, the Tamayos, and the Agateps; scientists, engineers and statisticians like the Baldonados, the Mendozas, and the Reyeses; religious leaders like the Castros, the Moraleses, the Forondas and the Guerzons; military leaders like the Reyeses; men of business like the Pacquings and the Guererros; and men of politics like the late Mayor Joaquin Escobar and the present mayor, Dr. Ponciano S. Reyes. |
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Space limitations can only make this list far from complete, but it will continue to grow as the years go by, even as the era beginning the next one hundred years has unfolded. |
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for a town is not the church, nor the plaza, nor the municipal building, nor even the plains and the land that sustains its very life; neither is it the industries nor great buildings of steel or concrete. A town is a living, growing organism, and only its sons and daughters can make it grow even to greater heights. |
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The Santa Marian, at whatever time and in whatever place, knows that he has a tradition on which he can always look back with pride; he knows that he has honor and dignity to uphold; he is aware that has a mission to fulfill and that, he realizes, can only mean not only personal advance but even more important a social awareness to help his fellowman. |
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That realization can, indeed, make his celebration of the bicentennial of his own town even more relevant, even as he now directs his eyes to the next hundred years. |
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==Educational Institutions== |
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*Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College - formerly known as Ilocos Sur Agricultural College, it broke the norm that only one state college or university should exist per province. It is one of two State Colleges and Universities in the province (the other being the [[University of Northern Philippines]]). |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category}} |
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{{NIE Poster|Santa María}} |
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*[http://www.santamariailocossur.gov.ph// Municipality of Santa Maria Homepage] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119102052/http://santamariailocossur.gov.ph/ |date=2022-01-19 }} |
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*[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677// UNESCO Website] |
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*[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/677/video// Baroque Churches of the Philippines] |
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*[http://www.wowphilippines.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41:nuestra-senora-dela-asuncion-in-santa-maria-ilocos-sur&catid=4:historical&Itemid=7// Department of Tourism] |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070319105456/http://www.pasyalan.net/ilocos_sur/ Pasyalang Ilocos Sur] |
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*[http://nap.psa.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413163013/http://nap.psa.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp |date=2012-04-13 }} |
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*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131004104825/http://census.gov.ph/ Philippine Census Information] |
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*[http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23&frmIdDcfCode=7&fLguType=CM&frmIdRegion=2&frmIdProvince=19&frmIdLgu=250 Local Governance Performance Management System] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509055547/http://www.blgs.gov.ph/lgpmsv2/cmshome/index.php?pageID=23&frmIdDcfCode=7&fLguType=CM&frmIdRegion=2&frmIdProvince=19&frmIdLgu=250 |date=2012-05-09 }} |
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{{Geographic location |
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*[http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code] |
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| Centre = Santa Maria |
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*[http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information] |
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| North = [[Narvacan]] |
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| East = [[Pilar, Abra]] |
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| South = [[San Esteban, Ilocos Sur|San Esteban]] / [[Burgos, Ilocos Sur|Burgos]] |
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| West = ''[[South China Sea]]'' |
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}} |
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{{Ilocos Sur}} |
{{Ilocos Sur}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{coord|17|21|31|N|120|29|53|E|display=title|region:PH_type:city(26396)_source:dewiki}} |
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[[Category:Municipalities of Ilocos Sur]] |
[[Category:Municipalities of Ilocos Sur]] |
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[[de:Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur)]] |
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[[ilo:Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur]] |
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[[nl:Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur)]] |
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[[tl:Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur]] |
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[[war:Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur]] |
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Latest revision as of 00:14, 8 December 2024
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|
Santa Maria | |
|---|---|
| Municipality of Santa Maria | |
 Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Map of Ilocos Sur with Santa Maria highlighted | |
OpenStreetMap  | |
.svg)  Santa Maria Location within the Philippines | |
| Coordinates: 17°22′19″N 120°28′53″E / 17.3719°N 120.4814°E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Ilocos Region |
| Province | Ilocos Sur |
| District | 2nd district |
| Founded | April 25, 1765 |
| Barangays | 33 (see Barangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Bayan |
| • mayor of Santa Maria[*] | Brigido C. Camarillo Jr. |
| • Vice Mayor | Michael S. Florendo |
| • Representative | Kristine Singson-Meehan |
| • Municipal Council | Members |
| • Electorate | 20,786 voters (2022) |
| Area | |
• Total | 63.31 km2 (24.44 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 20 m (70 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 289 m (948 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2020 census)[3] | |
• Total | 30,006 |
| • Density | 470/km2 (1,200/sq mi) |
| • Households | 7,453 |
| Demonym | Santa Marian’s |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 3rd municipal income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 15.91 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 428.4 million (2020), 133.3 million (2012), 135 million (2013), 111.6 million (2014), 107 million (2015), 320.5 million (2016), 193.9 million (2017), 656.6 million (2018), 131 million (2019), 849.6 million (2021), 571.4 million (2022) |
| • Assets | ₱ 1,893 million (2020), 358.1 million (2012), 342.4 million (2013), 295.9 million (2014), 414 million (2015), 868.7 million (2016), 915.7 million (2017), 1,488 million (2018), 1,547 million (2019), 3,044 million (2021), 3,268 million (2022) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 111.4 million (2020), 73.95 million (2012), 68.27 million (2013), 72.88 million (2014), 81.37 million (2015), 98.76 million (2016), 82.85 million (2017), 91.56 million (2018), 100.7 million (2019), 127.2 million (2021), 256.2 million (2022) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 212.9 million (2020), 141.9 million (2012), 122.9 million (2013), 69.25 million (2014), 185.3 million (2015), 198.4 million (2016), 122.7 million (2017), 129.9 million (2018), 159.7 million (2019), 645.4 million (2021), 554.9 million (2022) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| ZIP code | 2705 |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)77 |
| Native languages | Ilocano Tagalog |
| Major religions | Roman Catholic |
| Feast date | August 15 |
| Catholic diocese | Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia |
| Patron saint | Nuestra Señora de Asuncion |
| Website | www |
Santa Maria, officially the Municipality of Santa Maria (Ilocano: Ili ti Santa Maria; Filipino: Bayan ng Santa Maria), is a municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,006 people.[3]
History
[edit]The community of Santa Maria must have been already an organized settlement before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. When Captain Juan de Salcedo conquered the Ilocos in 1572, they found out that the people were already engaged in a brisk trade and commerce with the Japanese and the Chinese. The people's main industries were fishing and farming and to some extent weaving of cotton cloth and pottery. The people were noted for their religiosity. They worshiped the anitos, spirits and local Gods. Although the conquest of the Ilocos Region was a slow and painful process for the inhabitants resisted, they were later conquered through the use of the sword and hand in hand with the Cross. It was the religious nature of the people that the friars greatly exploited to convert the Ilocanos to the new faith — Christianity.
In 1572, Juan De Salcedo established an encomienda in Vigan as more places fell under the control of the Spaniards, more parishes or visitas (sub-parishes) were set up in place that could be easily serviced by the ecclesiastical and military officials. When Narvacan was created as a definitory by the Augustinians on April 25, 1576, its visitas were Santa Maria, San Esteban and Santiago. It is recorded that Narvacan was an encomienda of Don Nicolas de Figeroa in 1589; and left vacant in 1610. During this time, or a period later, Fr. Diego de Soria who later became bishop expanded the mission or religious control to the hinterlands - extending as far as Pangasinan and to the Cagayan Valley.
In the beginning, Santa Maria experienced hardships due to wars and other events. In 1638, the Chinese burned the town and ten years later in 1660–1661, during the Andres Malong Revolt, the Zambals ransacked and looted at the same time killed some of the inhabitants of the town. Much of the church properties were carried away by the rebels. In 1762, the forces of Diego Silang, the leader of the Ilocos Revolt of 1762–1763 during the British Occupation, controlled the town of Santa Maria until Silang was assassinated in Bantay by his close friend, a mestizo named Miguel Vicos, in 1763.
Establishment as an independent parish
[edit]There are conflicting dates regarding the establishment of this town as an independent parish or mission. The Catholic Directory of the Philippines as well as sources available at the Filipiniana Division of the National Library and National Archives show that the first Augustinian mission was established in Santa Maria in 1760. According to Reyes, Santa Maria was erected canonically in 1768; 1765 by Galende and Font; and 1769 by Buzeta, Bravo and Medina. It is likely that the town reverted to a visita of Narvacan for a period of time because of lacking a priest. In 1769, it was made again as an independent ministry under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Assumption in whose honor the name of the town was changed from Purok to Santa Maria. (The National Historical Commission of the Philippines placed the year as 1769,[5] however, the people must have decided to have the foundation of Santa Maria as a separate in 1767 by basing their contention of the records that are still extent in Santa Maria. So that in 1967, the Santa Maria populace celebrated the 200th Anniversary of her Christianization.)
From then on, Santa Maria progressed. During the second half of the eighteenth century, vigorous and active missions or "expeditions" were launched by the missionaries toward the hinterlands from Santa Maria. The Pilar district in Abra was a place where commercial dealings with the natives took place. Occasionally, the people of Pilar went down to the town of Santa Maria to market and in most visitas, they were instructed into the faith, baptized or received the Holy Sacraments. (The Pilar district was a part of Ilocos Sur until the latter part of 1846, when it became part of Abra. It became a politico-military district later.) By 1800, the visitas of Santa Maria were San Esteban and Santiago. Fr. Bernardo Lago made it a religious center and converted thousands of its inhabitants to Christianity.
The following Augustinian missionaries are certain to have stayed in Santa Maria: Fr. Jose Laboza – 1769; Fr. Diego Sayar – 1773; Fr. Agustin Gomez- 1779; Fr. Manuel Silva- 1783–1785; (and who died there), Fr. Manuel Aparico – 1887; Fr. Exequiel Ortiz Lanzagorta – 1791 and who was secretary of the bishop of Nueva Segovia; and Fr. Alejandro Peyrona in 1786.
Santa Maria's progress can be discerned from the growth of her population. In 1793, it had 834 inhabitants and ranked fifteenth as one of the most densely populated towns in the Ilocos. By 1803, it had 7,893 people.
In 1813, a priest by the name Fr. Juan Cardaño built the irrigation system by digging a canal to divert the river to water the rice fields. During the construction of the irrigation system, the inhabitants felt embittered by the enforced labor. In 1817, the town of Santa Maria was fenced under the direction of Fr. Cardaño who finished the work through use of forced labor on the inhabitants. Then men were later sent to cut lumber for the shipbuilding industry.
Because of the rapid progress of the Ilocos, the region was divided into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces, pursuant to the Real Cedula as of February 2, 1818. The population of Santa Maria decreased in 1820 due to the cholera epidemic. Except for periods when cholera or other natural calamities affected Santa Maria, its progress took an upward trend. As a result of its progress, Nueva Coveta, now Burgos, was separated from Santa Maria and established in 1831.
In 1850, Buzeta and Bravo describes the town of Santa Maria as follows:
In 1850, the town had some 1,983 houses constructed like most Philippine houses, some made of wood, most of bamboo and cogon grass. The more notable edifices were the tribunal, tile roofed and made of stone, on whose ground floor is the prison. This building is located in the plaza near the market place, where vegetables, eggs, meat and fish are sold. Sometimes itinerant mestizos sold merchandise there.
In front of the tribunal stood three private houses, also tile-roofed and made of stones, as well as two others, of the same material about to be finished. The town has a primary school maintained by the coffers of the town. Moreover, there are private schools for boys and girls.
The Church and tower are made of stone, and the sacristy, of stone and bricks. Near the house, atop a hill, is the convent of the parish house, which is equally imposing building. Down below, and 200 meters away, is the cemetery with its well-ventilated chapel, but which was destroyed by earthquake not long ago.
In Santa Maria, mail is received from the North (from Narvacan) every Tuesday morning and those from Manila, through Santiago every Thursday noon. The town consists of the barrios of Patac (Pacak), in the south, and those of San Gelacio, San Gregorio, and San Francisco which are close to the church (bajo de campana); farther away Tanggapan, Silas, Minorio, Bitalag, Gusing, Subsubosob, Dingtan, and Cabaritan, separated by wide fields but each of these barrios have only a few huts where the natives stay during harvest time.
The town has two ports: one in the west capable of handling big ships, the other in the north, which only handle smaller boats because of its narrow entrance but it can be widened to accommodate bigger ships as it did sometime in the past, when two full-rigged boats were constructed there.
The land is quite fertile, most of which is irrigated; thanks to the zeal of Fr. Juan Cardaño, present (1850) parish priest who, with the help of the colonial government was able to realize any improvements of the town, including the construction of the irrigation system, after six years of work. In 1804, when Cardaño took over the parish, the harvest were always in the danger of being lost due to the lack of irrigation, thus only 994 tributes (were paid); now 1850, 2,595 do so.
Their most important products are rice, wheat, cane and corn. Corn is abundant that it is exported to Santa, Bantay, Santa Catalina, San Vicente and many others. Oranges, santol and many kinds of bananas, pineapple, cacao are also grown in abundance.
In the mountains nearby, are different kinds of wood, like narra, molave, banaba, panurapin, bulala and others. Also found there, are chickens, deer and various varieties of birds. There is a gold mine in Pinsal, which is still to be exploited.
The inhabitants engaged in agriculture, lumbering and the women in weaving cotton cloth; some of which are sold in other places.
By this time in 1850, Santa Maria had a population of 11,900, up from 10,908 in 1845. By 1865, it was 12,059 and by 1880, 15,152 souls. There was a drought in 1878 followed by devastation of the fields by locusts and insects; and famine set in.
In 1881, embittered at the Spanish authorities due to the harsh treatment given them, the people stoned the tribunal and almost rose in arms against the Spaniards. During the great renovation of the convent in 1895, many of the inhabitants migrated to Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija to escape the forced labor and established a new community. Furthermore, the epidemics of cholera in 1881, 1883, and 1889 reduced greatly her population to 11,426 by 1892.
From the Philippine revolution and thereafter
[edit]During the Philippine revolution, Julian Directo became its first elected president in September 1898. The members of the Philippine Independent Church (PIC) took over the churches in Ilocos. It was an offshoot from the abuses of the friars and the effect of the revolution. The outbreak of the revolution further attributed to the decline of Santa Maria's inhabitants to 10,030 by 1901.
Since the transfer of the Philippine sovereignty to the Americans in December 1898, many of the foreigners who traveled to the north and saw the Church of Santa Maria were much impressed and called the church as a Cathedral. Henry Savage Landor, an English painter, writer and explorer who visited the Philippines in 1900, says:
At Santa Maria a most picturesque church is to be found, reached on an imposing flight of steps. An enormous convent stands beside the church, upon a terrace some 80 feet above the plaza. There are a number of brick buildings, schoolhouses and office, which must have been very handsome but are tumbling down, the streets being in the absolute possession of sheeps, goats and hogs. A great expanse of level land was now well-cultivated into paddy fields and across it is a road fifteen feet wide, well-metalled and with a sandy surface. Barrios and homes were scattered all around the plain.
When civil government was restored in Ilocos Sur under the American rule in 1901, Sinfroso Tamayo became its first president. According to some records, William Cameron Forbes, a member of the Taft Commission visited Santa Maria in 1901. A report in 1902 describes Santa Maria as town along the coast of Ilocos Sur, Luzon, (with) several cart roads that led to the interior; a city that built and by way of historical note, adds that on December 3, 1900, 2,150 insurgents surrendered here, (and) took oath of allegiance to the United States.
The Church of Santa Maria and other churches held by the PIC priests were returned to the administration of the Roman Catholic Church by the enactment of the Philippine Commission Act No. 1376 on July 24, 1905.[6] (In spite of this major decision, the members of the Philippine Independent Church still hold their own in the Ilocos Region today.)
In 1902, another epidemic of cholera occurred followed by typhoid in 1909. Floods and typhoons added to the sufferings of the people in 1911 and 1913. These calamities greatly reduced the population and hindered the progress of Santa Maria. Many of the people after this period migrated to the central plains of Luzon, Mindanao and to as far as Hawaii and California in the United States of America.
The conditions in Santa Maria greatly changed fifty years later. The American Occupation had some beneficial effects as then roads, schools and better ways of farming were introduced in Santa Maria. A new generation became prominent who became new leaders in the present town of Santa Maria. In 1932, President Manuel Quezon visited Santa Maria on the occasion of his tour of Northern Luzon before the Commonwealth. After World War II, new buildings were built and churches were erected by the different religious as well as commercial and tourist spots developed.
Geography
[edit]Situated at the western coastline of the island of Luzon, Santa Maria is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. It lies in the central part of the province of Ilocos Sur. Santa Maria is 369 kilometres (229 mi) from Metro Manila and 38 kilometres (24 mi) from Vigan City, the provincial capital. It is bordered by the municipality of Narvacan to the north, Pilar, Abra to the east and San Esteban and Burgos, Ilocos Sur to the south
Barangays
[edit]Santa Maria is politically subdivided into 33 barangays. [7] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.
- Ag-agrao
- Ampuagan
- Baballasioan
- Baliw Daya (San Gelacio)
- Baliw Laud (Simbuok)
- Bia-o
- Butir
- Cabaroan
- Danuman East
- Danuman West
- Dunglayan
- Gusing
- Langaoan
- Laslasong Norte
- Laslasong Sur
- Laslasong West
- Lesseb
- Lingsat
- Lubong
- Maynganay Norte
- Maynganay Sur (San Ignacio)
- Nagsayaoan
- Nagtupacan
- Nalvo
- Pacang
- Penned
- Poblacion Norte (San Gregorio)
- Poblacion Sur (San Francisco)
- Silag
- Sumagui
- Suso
- Tangaoan
- Tinaan
Climate
[edit]| Climate data for Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 30 (86) |
31 (88) |
33 (91) |
34 (93) |
33 (91) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
30 (86) |
31 (88) |
31 (88) |
30 (86) |
31 (88) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 19 (66) |
19 (66) |
21 (70) |
23 (73) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
25 (77) |
24 (75) |
24 (75) |
22 (72) |
21 (70) |
20 (68) |
22 (72) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 10 (0.4) |
10 (0.4) |
14 (0.6) |
23 (0.9) |
80 (3.1) |
103 (4.1) |
121 (4.8) |
111 (4.4) |
119 (4.7) |
144 (5.7) |
39 (1.5) |
15 (0.6) |
789 (31.2) |
| Average rainy days | 5.2 | 3.9 | 6.2 | 9.1 | 18.5 | 21.4 | 22.9 | 19.8 | 19.8 | 16.2 | 10.5 | 6.1 | 159.6 |
| Source: Meteoblue (modeled/calculated data, not measured locally)[8] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
[edit]
|
|
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| Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[9][10][11][12] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In the 2020 census, Santa Maria had a population of 30,006.[3] The population density was 470 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,200/sq mi).
Economy
[edit]Poverty incidence of Santa Maria
5
10
15
20
2006
17.20 2009
16.91 2012
18.54 2015
11.33 2018
4.73 2021
15.91 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] |
Located in a fertile region with a cool tropical climate, the principal crops of Santa Maria are corn, cotton, indigo, rice, sugarcane and tobacco.
Santa Maria's economy remained docile for almost four decades, subsisting only with fair performance in the aquaculture and agricultural ventures with no new developments in-place to create job opportunities in the commercial sector. Tourism industry's growth remains to be seen in the long-term. Industries relative interests to the town has to be developed and the corresponding infrastructure must be funded and implemented accordingly to create and sustain future development.
Santa Maria is the Home of the First SM SaveMore Market in Ilocos Sur located in Barangay Maynganay Sur in front of the Santa Maria New Public Market.
Local events
[edit]| Name of Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Santa Maria Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament | March to April
|
| Santa Maria Town Fiesta - Balicutia Festival | March / April
|
| Feast Day of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion | August 15
|
| Santa Maria Children's Christmas Festival | December 28
|
Tourist attractions
[edit]The town is home to the Our Lady of the Assumption Church (Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The townspeople celebrate their patronal festival in honor of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Assumption (more commonly known as Apo Baket) every August 15 and lasting for several days.
Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion Church
[edit]
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion) (also known as the Santa Maria Church) in Santa Maria is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 as part of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines collection of four Spanish-era churches.
Pinsal Falls
[edit]
Pinsal Falls, considered as the largest and grandest waterfalls in Ilocos Region, are located in a narrow gorge in Barangay Baballasioan of Santa Maria. Pinsal is a group of plunge and cascades waterfalls falling from a 300-ft wide irregular shaped river ledge the highest of which is a drop of about 85 feet (26 m). Upriver are several smaller falls with their own natural pools. Behind the cascading water of the main falls is a hidden cave where one can swim from. Another tall waterfall is located at the southern ledge.
The grandeur and pristine beauty of these falls has long been attracting foreign and local tourists. Crystal clear water cascades down to two natural pools where visitors can frolic during hot summer. The surrounding hillsides are covered with verdant big trees making the place fairly cool. A trip to Pinsal Falls is not complete without climbing the carved steps to the top where more natural pools are found, the biggest of which is the 'footprint of Angalo'. According to the folklore, the ground indentation is the footprint the giant Angalo left behind while searching for his wife Aran. Another notable geographical feature is a phallic shaped rock, which the legend says belong to the male giant. Meters from this spot is the famous hot spring where one can boil an egg in 10 to 15 minutes.
Adjacent to Pinsal falls are stones stairs carved out of the mountain to reach the upper falls. It is also used by the residents of the adjacent town of Pilar, Abra province in hiking to or from the Municipality of Santa Maria.
Pinsal Falls is located about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) on paved road from the municipal hall of Santa Maria via the Pinsal Falls Road, and can be reached in 20 minutes by any vehicular transportation .
On August 22, 2019, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11409 that declared the falls as a tourist destination, which will prioritize its development by the Department of Tourism.[21]
Santa Maria Agricultural Tramline
[edit]Located in Barangay Baballasioan before Pinsal Falls. Similar to cable car the first in Ilocos Sur and the first in Ilocos Region. This facility is not functional, the machine used to rotate the steel rope up to the upper station was submerged by waters coming from the pinsal falls. The location of this facility is within the ground level of the river downstream from the Pinsal Falls.
Santa Maria Twin Chapel and Ruins
[edit]The compound of Santa Maria East Central School houses the Santa Maria Twin Chapels, the site of the First established parish of Santa Maria, wherein the northern chapel was dedicated to Senor Santo Kristo and the southern chapel was dedicated to Nuestra Senora dela Asuncion. But only the southern chapels stands nowadays, the northern chapel was damaged. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur is having the plan to restore / rebuilt the damaged chapel.
Santa Maria Spanish Era Cemetery
[edit]it is located 200 meters east of the Santa Maria Church declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and lately National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines in which this cemetery was included as part of the declaration "Santa Maria Church & Complex". The square shaped cemetery today undergoes in a restoration the whole cemetery site (the brick perimeter fence, the ruins of the chapel and other structures found inside the compound) to preserve its original beauty for the next generation. The restoration is expected to be finished this December 2019 and to be turned over to the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia, Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, and to the Local Government Unit of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. After the restoration is said that the site will be declared as another tourist site additional attraction to be visited when visiting the Santa Maria Church.
Santa Maria Old Spanish Bridges
[edit]Built during the 19th century, one of the few remaining bridges built by the Spanish Colonial Authorities, the bridge in the town of Santa Maria is made entirely of bricks. Proof of its durability and strength, the bridge still withstands the weight of passing busses and trucks. This Old Spanish Bridge is located in between Poblacion Norte and Baliw Daya. Another old Spanish Bridge can also be found on the road going to Barangay Cabaroan. It is not noticeable when you pass by the road unless you go down to the fields. This bridge is still utilize not only as a bridge but also for irrigation system.
Santa Maria Beach
[edit]Beautiful beaches along Barangay Suso, Nalvo, Lingsat, and Bia-o have clear waters. These places are very alluring for picnic and swimming for tourists and vacationists. They are very accessible to all kinds of vehicles. A road connecting these into one super beach is being planned on ground.
Santa Maria Diving Spot - Suso Reef
[edit]One of the six dive spots being developed and promoted as an Eco-Tourism project by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur through the leadership of Gov. Ryan Singson. This project aims to help grow tourism in the province, provide alternative livelihood to the coastal communities and reduce fishing pressures on these beautiful marine resources.
Mt. Caliag (Bantay Calbo) Mountain Hiking
[edit]Highest peak and on this spot you will see the 180 degree view of the town of Santa Maria located in Barangay Pacang through hiking.
Lourdes Grotto and Gazebo
[edit]Located at the foot of the Santa Maria Church. It is the exact replica of the Lourdes Grotto of Lourdes, France.
Penned Irrigation Dam
[edit]Water from the Pinsal Falls passes through this dam which of the locals uses it as an irrigation and swimming area. This is located in Barangay Penned.
Santa Maria Lighthouse
[edit]A lighthouse on a side of a hill in Barangay Nalvo near the Super Beach Road. This lighthouse is visible when passing on the National Highway in Barangay Suso. This lighthouse is inactive and needs for repairs by the Philippine Coast Guard.
Santa Maria Super Beach Road
[edit]Newly constructed Road connecting Barangay Nalvo and Lingsat.
The Hill of Suso Beach
[edit]One day, Angalo and his wife Aran were at the what is today called Suso Beach in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. While on the beach, Angalo piled up stones, shrubs, and sand to form a hill. When asked about his creation, he told his wife that he made the hill to resemble and honor her breasts. To this day. the hill on the southern side of Suso beach is said to be that hill.[22]
Balicucha Festival
[edit]In 2023 Easter Sunday, April 9, the heritage town led by Mayor Brigido C. Camarillo Jr. celebrated the week-long Balicucha Festival. 11 Balicucha and other agri-fishery products-inspired floats paraded in front of the World Heritage Site Santa Maria Church.[23] The March 31 to April 4, 2024 Balicucha Festival carried the theme of "One Santa Maria: The Road to Progress." The largest 15 inches balicucha and the smallest contender - a mere centimeter joined the contest.[24]
Government
[edit]Local government
[edit]Santa Maria, belonging to the second congressional district of the province of Ilocos Sur, is governed by a mayor designated as its local chief executive and by a municipal council as its legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. The mayor, vice mayor, and the councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three years.
Elected officials
[edit]| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Congressman | Kristine Singson-Meehan |
| Mayor | Brigido C. Camarillo Jr. |
| Vice-Mayor | Michael S. Florendo |
| Councilors | Rema Pazvia D. Cabatu |
| Kristine G. Ifurung | |
| Romeo A. Tan | |
| Arlon S. Serdenia | |
| Meltodio Mario D. de Vera | |
| Severino T. Dagdag | |
| Daisy T. Avila | |
| Federico D. Calibuso |
Education
[edit]Tertiary levels
[edit]- Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
- University of Northern Philippines - Branch of the University of Northern Philippines at Barangay Nalvo that houses the Marine Research and Development Center.
- St. Mary's College of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Inc. - Private Institution at Santa Maria that offers education courses.
Secondary schools
[edit]Santa Maria has four (4) secondary schools: 1 private and 3 public secondary schools:
- ISPSC - Laboratory High School
- St. Mary's College - High School Department
- Santa Maria National High School
- Ag-agrao National High School
Public elementary schools
[edit]Santa Maria District has 20 elementary schools: 1 private and 19 public elementary schools:
- St. Mary's College - Elementary Department
- Santa Maria East Central School
- Santa Maria West Centra School
- Ag-agrao Elementary School
- Ampuagan - Langaoan - Lesseb Elementary School
- Baballasioan - Penned Elementary School
- Bia-o - Lingsat Elementary School
- Butir Elementary School
- Cabaroan Elementary School
- Danuman Elementary School
- Dunglayan Elementary School
- Gusing Elementary School
- Laslasong Elementary School
- Maynganay Elementary School
- Nagsayaoan Elementary School
- Nalvo Elementary School
- Silag - Pacang Elementary School
- Suso Elementary School
- Tangaoan Elementary School
- Tinaan Elementary School
Healthcare
[edit]- Judge Celestino Guerrero Memorial Hospital - Poblacion Sur
- Reyes Hospital - Poblacion Sur
- Santo Niño Hospital - Baliw Laud
- Santa Maria Rural Health Unit - - Poblacion Sur
- Ilocos Sur District Hospital - Santa Maria (Soon to Rise)
Notable personalities
[edit]- William Dar - Former Director General of ICRISAT located in India and Secretary of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippine Republic.
- Captivating Katkat, Drag Performer, Winner of Drag Race Philippines (Season 2)
References
[edit]- ^ Municipality of Santa Maria | (DILG)
- ^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
- ^ a b c Census of Population (2020). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Sherwin_magayanes (2009-08-07). "Simbahan ng Santa Maria, UNESCO World Heritage Site ". Panoramio. Retrieved on 2014-02-07.
- ^ U.S. War Department (1905-06-30). "Annual Reports of the War Department, Vol. XIV - Acts of the Philippines Commission", pp. 146–151. Government Printing Office, Washington.
- ^ "Province: Ilocos Sur". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
- ^ "Santa Maria: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
- ^ Census of Population (2015). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
- ^ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region I (Ilocos Region)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
- ^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region I (Ilocos Region)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. National Statistics Office.
- ^ "Province of Ilocos Sur". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 29 November 2005.
- ^ "2003 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 23 March 2009.
- ^ "City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates; 2006 and 2009" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 3 August 2012.
- ^ "2012 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Municipal and City Level Small Area Poverty Estimates; 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. 10 July 2019.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2018 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 15 December 2021. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
- ^ "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "An Act Declaring Pinsal Falls in the Municipality of Santa Maria, Province of Ilocos Sur a Tourist Destination, Providing for Its Development and Appropriating Funds Therefor" (PDF). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Congress of the Philippines. August 29, 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2019.
- ^ Doe, John. "CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Ilocano Philippine Ethnography". National Library of the Philippines. IT Division, National Library of the Philippines. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
- ^ Lazaro, Freddie (Apr 9, 2023). "Balicucha Festival in Ilocos Sur unwraps on Easter Sunday". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
- ^ Hernando, Ivy (April 7, 2024). "Sta. Maria residents showcase local cuisine through the Balicucha Festival". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
- ^ "2019 National and Local Elections" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
External links
[edit]
- Municipality of Santa Maria Homepage Archived 2022-01-19 at the Wayback Machine
- UNESCO Website
- Baroque Churches of the Philippines
- Department of Tourism
- Pasyalang Ilocos Sur
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code Archived 2012-04-13 at the Wayback Machine
- Philippine Census Information
- Local Governance Performance Management System Archived 2012-05-09 at the Wayback Machine
Places adjacent to Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur | ||||||||||||||||
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