Santo Tomas, Batangas

Santo Tomas, officially the City of Santo Tomas (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Santo Tomas), is a 1st class component city in the province of Batangas, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 179,844 people.[4]

Santo Tomas
Component city
City of Santo Tomas
Clockwise from top: First Philippine Industrial Park, NDN Grand Hotel, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santo Tomas, Santo Tomas Town Hall
Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): 
Gateway to Batangas
Motto(s): 
Masaganang Bukas, Santo Tomas
English: Abundant Tomorrow, Santo Tomas
Anthem: Tangi sa Batangan
English: Rise up to Batangan
Map of Batangas with Santo Tomas highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Santo Tomas
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°05′N 121°11′E
Country Philippines
RegionCalabarzon (Region IV-A)
ProvinceBatangas
District3rd District
Founded7 March 1666
Cityhood7 September 2019[1]
Named forSaint Thomas Aquinas
Barangays30 (see Barangays)
Government
 [2]
 • TypeSangguniang Panlungsod
 • MayorEdna Sanchez
 • Vice MayorArmenius O. Silva
 • CongressmanMa. Theresa V. Collantes
 • Electorate98,583 voters (2019)
Area
 [3]
 • Total95.41 km2 (36.84 sq mi)
Population
 (2015 census)[4]
 • Total179,844
 • Density1,900/km2 (4,900/sq mi)
 • Households
42,118
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence4.03% (2015)[5]
 • Revenue (₱)539,745,100.48 (2016)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
4234
PSGC
041028000
IDD : area code +63 (0)43
Climate typetropical monsoon climate
Native languagesTagalog
Websitestotomasbatangas.gov.ph

With the continuous expansion of Metro Manila, the city is now part of Manila's conurbation which reaches Lipa in its southernmost part. It borders the cities of Calamba to the north, Los Baños to the north-east, Alaminos to the east, Tanauan and Malvar to the west, and Lipa to the south.

Santo Tomas is the hometown of Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War hero Miguel Malvar, the last Filipino General to surrender to the Americans. On September 7, 2019, the Republic Act 11086, or the City Charter of Santo Tomas, was ratified on a plebiscite by the electorate of Santo Tomas.

The patron of Santo Tomas is Saint Thomas Aquinas, patron of Catholic schools, whose feast day is celebrated every March 7.

History

The then-municipality of Santo Tomas was founded in 1666, with Captain Manuel Melo as its first head. Originally, it was composed of a large Poblacion. When the Spanish friars arrived, their first and foremost objective was to construct a church near the river to satisfy their propensity for water. Thus, the present site of the Roman Catholic Church was chosen, near the San Juan River. As years went by, more houses were built around the church. This became the center of the Poblacion.

Other groups of houses were scattered all over the area. They were given such odd names as "Kabaong", because the stones along the road were coffin shaped; "Putol" because the trail was cut by a creek that crossed over it, "Aptayin", because "apta" of fine shrimps were found in the brook, "Biga", because biga trees abounded there, and "Camballao", because twin rivers divided the place. These different unit groups comprised the barrios of the town.

The natives were by nature God-fearing, peaceful and obedient. The conquerors did not much have difficulty in enforcing decrees and orders. One such irrevocable decree was to change the original names of the barrios to the names of Saints in the Catholic Calendar and to place each them under its patrotonio, the former "Pook" and "Aptayin" were joined together and called San Bartolome, "Kabaong" was changed to San Vicente, "Biga" to Santa Anastacia, and "Camballao" to San Isidro Sur and Isidro Norte. The whole town was given the name of Santo Tomas de Aquino, a high Prince of the Dominican Order to where most of the first friars belonged. As time went by, more barrios were added to the list each with an assumed name of a saint.

From the year 1666, the head of the town had different titles. He was variously known as "Captain" from 1666 to 1782; "Alcalde" from 1783 to 1788; "Gobernadorcillo" from 1789 to 1821; "Presidente Local" from 1822 to 1899; "Presidente Municipal" from 1900 to 1930; and "Municipal Mayor" from 1931 to the present.[6]

Cityhood

In 2015, Nelson P. Collantes, the then representative of Batangas' 3rd District, proposed a House bill to convert Santo Tomas into a component city. After a few years, with a unanimous vote of 19–0, the Senate approved a Senate bill for the municipality's conversion into a city on March 19, 2018.[7] On October 5, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11086 or "An Act Converting the Municipality of Santo Tomas in the Province of Batangas into a Component City to be known as the City of Santo Tomas."[8] It is the first municipality to be converted into a city under the Duterte administration,[9] effectively ratified September 7, 2019.[1]

Geography
Mount Makiling seen from uptown Santo Tomas

Santo Tomas is located at 14°05′N 121°11′E. It is situated at the foot of Mount Makiling, and is 70 kilometers (43 mi) south of Manila.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the city has a land area of 95.41 square kilometers (36.84 sq mi) [3] constituting 3.06% of the 3,119.75-square-kilometer (1,204.54 sq mi) total area of Batangas.

Barangays

Santo Tomas is politically subdivided into 30 barangays.[10] Most of the barangays were named after saints.

PSGC Barangay Population ±% p.a.
2015[4] 2010[11]
041028001 Barangay I (Poblacion) 1.0% 1,846 1,766 ▴ 0.85%
041028002 Barangay II (Poblacion) 1.5% 2,777 2,291 ▴ 3.73%
041028003 Barangay III (Poblacion) 1.4% 2,543 1,933 ▴ 5.36%
041028004 Barangay IV (Poblacion) 2.0% 3,542 2,806 ▴ 4.53%
041028005 San Agustin 1.3% 2,400 2,374 ▴ 0.21%
041028006 San Antonio 6.5% 11,657 9,085 ▴ 4.86%
041028007 San Bartolome 4.0% 7,205 5,897 ▴ 3.89%
041028008 San Felix 3.1% 5,548 4,388 ▴ 4.57%
041028009 San Fernando 1.4% 2,507 2,174 ▴ 2.75%
041028010 San Francisco 1.5% 2,623 2,469 ▴ 1.16%
041028011 San Isidro Norte 1.3% 2,289 1,663 ▴ 6.27%
041028012 San Isidro Sur 1.5% 2,653 2,309 ▴ 2.68%
041028013 San Joaquin 2.5% 4,417 3,844 ▴ 2.68%
041028014 San Jose 1.5% 2,785 2,160 ▴ 4.96%
041028015 San Juan 1.8% 3,177 3,012 ▴ 1.02%
041028016 San Luis 1.6% 2,932 2,414 ▴ 3.77%
041028017 San Miguel 5.6% 10,087 6,550 ▴ 8.57%
041028018 San Pablo 3.4% 6,083 5,057 ▴ 3.58%
041028019 San Pedro 3.2% 5,741 5,202 ▴ 1.89%
041028020 San Rafael 6.5% 11,654 6,632 ▴ 11.33%
041028021 San Roque 5.4% 9,745 8,909 ▴ 1.72%
041028022 San Vicente 6.9% 12,360 8,606 ▴ 7.14%
041028023 Santa Ana 0.8% 1,432 1,358 ▴ 1.02%
041028024 Santa Anastacia 8.2% 14,666 7,555 ▴ 13.46%
041028025 Santa Clara 4.0% 7,231 5,046 ▴ 7.09%
041028026 Santa Cruz 1.4% 2,504 2,104 ▴ 3.37%
041028027 Santa Elena 1.3% 2,358 1,638 ▴ 7.18%
041028028 Santa Maria 15.5% 27,843 10,169 ▴ 21.14%
041028029 Santiago 3.3% 5,978 4,277 ▴ 6.58%
041028030 Santa Teresita 0.7% 1,261 1,052 ▴ 3.51%
Total 179,844 124,740 ▴ 7.21%

Climate
Climate data for Santo Tomas City, Batangas
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 28
(82)		 29
(84)		 31
(88)		 32
(90)		 31
(88)		 29
(84)		 28
(82)		 28
(82)		 28
(82)		 28
(82)		 28
(82)		 28
(82)		 29
(84)
Average low °C (°F) 19
(66)		 19
(66)		 20
(68)		 21
(70)		 23
(73)		 24
(75)		 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 23
(73)		 22
(72)		 21
(70)		 20
(68)		 22
(71)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 11
(0.4)		 13
(0.5)		 14
(0.6)		 32
(1.3)		 101
(4.0)		 142
(5.6)		 208
(8.2)		 187
(7.4)		 175
(6.9)		 131
(5.2)		 68
(2.7)		 39
(1.5)		 1,121
(44.3)
Average rainy days 5.2 5.0 7.4 11.5 19.8 23.5 27.0 25.9 25.2 23.2 15.5 8.3 197.5
Source: Meteoblue [12]

Demographics
Population census of Santo Tomas
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 9,488—    
1918 13,125+2.19%
1939 16,544+1.11%
1948 17,022+0.32%
1960 22,716+2.43%
1970 31,935+3.46%
1975 37,452+3.25%
1980 43,010+2.81%
1990 58,209+3.07%
1995 65,759+2.31%
2000 80,393+4.40%
2007 113,105+4.82%
2010 124,740+3.63%
2015 179,844+7.21%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[4][11][13][14]

In the 2015 census, Santo Tomas had a population of 179,844.[4] The population density was 1,900 inhabitants per square kilometre (4,900/sq mi).

Economy
Public market

The First Philippine Industrial Park which is owned by the Lopez Group of Companies is located in the city.[15]

Most of the city is residential with a lot of farmland. But there are also some developed subdivisions along the city like the San Antonio Heights in Barangay San Antonio which was developed by Avida Land, a division of Ayala Land,[16] Portello subdivision which was developed by Camella Homes,[17] and Terrazza de Santo Tomas in Barangay San Roque which was developed by Ovialand. The city is well known for an entire strip of bulalo (bone marrow soup) restaurants and to a hospital named Saint Cabrini Medical Center which is located inside the city center.

Aside from various real estate development in the city, Santo Tomas also has a popular lifestyle and commercial complex in the locality . The AGOJO-Lifestyle Strip located in the Central Business District (CBD) along the Maharlika Highway houses various restaurants, coffee shops, salons, clothing boutiques, videoke bars, fitness gym, automotive services and Shell Fuel Station among others. Popular restaurants and coffee shops include both international brands and home grown establishments. These include McDonald's,Yellow Cab Pizza, Kuya J Restaurant, Savory Chinese Restaurant, Bon Chon, Tapa King, Macao Imperial Milk Tea, Serendipity Tea Bar,Gossip Milk Tea, SouthBox KTV, Tagami Japanese Restaurant, Retro Bags & Wings, Brand X Burger, MiniStop, Crave Cave, Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, Cafe Tribu, Starbucks, Taza Mia Coffee and Figaro Coffee. Beauty & Wellness shops like Davids Salon, Nailandia, Glow Spa, Hearty Nails, Beauty Loft, Derma Care Facial center, Brand Shack RTW and Less Consumo clothing. Also within the lifestyle strip are insurance and bank branches namely LandBank, China Bank, Standard Insurance and Alpha Insurance. Other dining options along the area includes Shakey's Pizza, Mang Inasal, Jollibee, KFC, Seafood Island, Chowking, Bo's Coffee, King Lok Restaurant, and Barrio Fiesta.

Liana's mall and Puregold are also present for grocery and shopping needs of the locals. Moreover, an upcoming SM Mall is in development near the city center.

Transportation
Pan-Philippine Highway along Santo Tomas

Roads

The Maharlika Highway connects the city with Calamba, the rest of Laguna, with the highway reaching as far as Bicol Region. The Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) starts at the city from the north side of the expressway, and connects the city with Lipa and Batangas City. A connection with South Luzon Expressway has been opened, further connecting the city with Metro Manila. The José P. Laurel Highway connects the city with Tanauan City, Lipa and Batangas City.

Public transport

Jeepneys (Filipino:"dyip") connect the city with Calamba to the north, Tanauan to the south, and San Pablo to the east. Buses from Manila to Batangas City, Lucena, or Bicol serve the city. UV Express service also connects Santo Tomas with San Pablo, Santa Rosa, Lipa, and Dasmariñas. Tricycles provide transportation within the barangays.

Government
City hall
  • Mayor: Edna Padilla Sanchez
  • Vice Mayor: Armenius O. Silva
  • Councilors:
  • Catherine J. Perez
  • Gerardo M. Malijan
  • Danilo P. Mabilangan
  • Arlene F. Mañebo
  • Renante V. Arcillas
  • Helengrace P. Navarro
  • Cresenciano E. Ramos, Jr.
  • Raymond Timothy V. Almeda
  • ABC president: Severino M. Medalla
  • SK Federation President: Mico Renzo D. Bathan

Education

Universities
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santo Tomas is a constituent branch of the PUP System and the only institution of higher learning in Santo Tomas that serves the city and neighboring cities.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines has one campus in Santo Tomas.

High schools

The city has 4 public high schools.[18]

  • San Jose National High School
  • San Pedro National High School
  • Santa Clara National High School
  • Santa Anastacia-San Rafael National High School

Public schools

There are 28 public elementary schools within Santo Tomas.[19]

Santo Tomas North District

Santo Tomas South District

Private schools

There are 15 private schools within the Santo Tomas.[20][21]

  • Almond Academy Foundation Inc.
  • AMS Learning School
  • Blue Isle Integrated School
  • Clareville School
  • Elyon Academia Foundation, Inc.
  • Greenville Academy of Santa Clara
  • His Care Learning Center of Santa Maria
  • Hope Christian Academy of Santo Tomas
  • Kids for Jesus Academy Inc.
  • Maranatha Christian Academy of Santo Tomas
  • Maranatha Christian Academy of Blue Isle
  • Mother Barbara Micarelli School
  • Pedagogia Children's School (Santo Tomas)
  • San Bartolome Adventist Elementary School
  • Saint Thomas Academy
  • Saint Thomas Montessori Learning Center
  • The Golden Child Literacy Place

Mythology

In Philippine mythology, the homeland of the anggitays is believed to be somewhere in Santo Tomas, Batangas. The anggitays are creatures resembling centaurs but have a single horn on the forehead and are generally female.[22]

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References
  1. Cinco, Maricar (September 8, 2019). "Santo Tomas is Batangas' newest city". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  2. "City". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
  3. "Province: Batangas". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  4. Census of Population (2015). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  5. "PSA releases the 2015 Municipal and City Level Poverty Estimates". Quezon City, Philippines. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  6. "History | Santo Tomas Batangas". Stotomasbatangasph.wordpress.com. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
  7. Ganzon-Ozaeta, Tina (21 March 2018). "Senate approves cityhood of Santo Tomas town in Batangas". Rappler. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
  8. "Republic Act No. 11086" (PDF). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. October 22, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  9. Solmerin, Florante (June 26, 2018). "Santo Tomas, first Batangas city under Duterte administration". BusinessMirror. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
  10. "Municipal: Santo Tomas, Batangas". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  11. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  12. "Santo Tomas: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  13. Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region IV-A (Calabarzon)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
  14. "Province of Batangas". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  15. "Home | First Philippine Industrial Park". Fpip.com. Retrieved 2016-12-11.
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2008-09-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-10-19. Retrieved 2008-09-13.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. "Batangas Province Masterlist of Government Secondary Schools" (PDF). Depedcalabarzon.ph. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  19. "Batangas Province Masterlist of Government Elementary Schools" (PDF). Depedcalabarzon.ph. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-28. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  20. "Batangas Province Masterlist of Government Private Elementary Schools" (PDF). Depedcalabarzon.ph. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-28. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  21. "Batangas Province Masterlist of Secondary Schools" (PDF). Depedcalabarzon.ph. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-29. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  22. https://www.aswangproject.com/creatures-mythical-beings-philippine-folklore-mythology/
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