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Santa Maria Ilocos Sur Philippines
History of Santa Maria
The Municipality of Santa Maria was called a “Purok” in early history.
Others called it “Bukang” although “Purok” could be more likely the name given
to the place since this means village in Iluko while “Bukang” does not refer to
anything in this dialect.
There are conflicting dates regarding the establishment of this town as an
independent parish. Sources available at the Rare Books and Manuscript Section.
Filipiniana Division of the National Library and national Archives shows that
the first Agustinian mission was established in Santa Maria in 1760 which was at
that time a “Visita” of Parish since 1587. Others reveal 1765 and 1769 as the
town’s foundation dates although it celebrated the 200th year of its
christianization in 1767 on the strength of a “Libro de Bautismos” for 1766
still preserved in its parish archives. Santa Maria however, was
officially recognized as a ministry in 1765, but later it became once more a
visita of Narvacan for lack of priest. It finally became an independent parish
in 1769 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 Municipality of Santa Maria lies in the central part of the province
of Ilocos Sur. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Narvacan,
on the east by Municipality of Pilar, Abra and the Cordillera ranges, on the
south by the Municipality of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur on the south-east by
the Municipality of Burgos and on the west by the South China Sea.
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The Santa Maria Church is a great attraction to both the traveler and the faithful in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. It is not only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination of that area but also a unique structure with a diversified architectural design and built of heavy stones and mortar.
Like many of its sister churches in the Ilocos Region, the Santa Maria Church is of lesser proportion, flamboyant in scale and less stunning in the façade and expresses a tightness of space. It shows also a simplified and primitive form of architectural design.
Pinsal Falls
Located at Barangay Babal-lasioan, where the legendary foot prints of Angalo was left when he was in search of his wife, Aran. There is a stone stairs out of the mountain between the falls which is frequently used by the resident of Pilar, Abra in coming to and from the Municipality of Santa Maria.
The majestics grandeur and pristine beauty of this falls has long been attracting foreign tourists and local excursions who love nature in its best as a picnic destination.
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