Santa Ilocos Sur Philippines

Historical of Santa

Santa, formerly called Sta. Catalina de Alexandria, Virgen y Martir, is one of the thirty four (34) municipalities of the Province of Ilocos Sur. It is the second oldest town of the province, founded after its Patron Saint Sta. Catalina de Alexandria, Virgen y Martir. It was also known as encomienda of Narandan, which served as the hospital of the Spaniards.

Creation of Santa Municipality

According to Augustinian maps of 1831 and 1834, Santa was founded in 1576. The Augustinian established missionary centers in the towns of Vigan in 1575 and Santa in 1576. On the founding of Bantay in 1591 as a pueblo, Santa was made its “visita” until 1713 when it became an independent vicariate. The prestige of the town was boasted in 1802 when the provisional diocesan was established and was housed in the rectory of Santa until 1834.

Historical Roles and Events

The “Malong Revolt” disturbed the quiet life of the town in 1660-1661 when Andres Malong of Binalatongan rose in arms to protest the abuses in the collection of tribute and in the conscription of men for “palo y servicios”. Malong proclaimed himself “King of Pangasinan” and tried to extend his kingdom by sending his Count Pedro Gumapos in Ilocos.

Gumapos pursued the treating Spaniards who camped in Agoo. The Spaniards and the loyalists made their last stand in Pideg, Santa, Ilocos Sur. Pedro de la Peña, depending the Pideg Pass awed by the great number of the rebels who camped in Narvacan, went to the rebels and offered them free passage across Pideg Pass.

On December 14, 1762, Diego Silang led the “caillianes” (common tao) in the most obstinate insurrection against Spaniards in the 18th century. He crystallized the discontent of the “caillianes” caused by the tribute and forced labor. He proclaimed “Free Ilocos” and made Vigan, capital.

When the Spaniards failed to stop Diego Silang, in combat, Miguel Vicos aided by Pedro Becbec murdered Diego Silang, but his death did not end the revolt. Gabriela, the wife of Diego Silang, with the help of her uncle, Nicolas Cariño won over the Spaniards and their loyalist soldiers in the battle of Banaoang, Santa on August 24,1763.

Disasters and calamities occurred in Santa. A destructive flood called “Layos Bungsot” of 1852 eroded the first poblacion founded in 1576 and caused the town center to be transferred to a new site, which is about four (4) kilometers south of the first site.