Tourism is a major economic activity that has developed significantly over the years in our country. It’s also the movement of a person from one place to another to visit and mesmerize the beauty of different places and to have fun to local tourist destinations and accommodations as well as food gastronomies. Such activities surely generate profits and employment and even broaden the gains of tourism to all sectors both private and government entities.
Our town’s vision is to make Santa Maria as an eco-friendly community wherein activities on tourism are assured to coincide with the LGU’s environmental programs, thereby seeking to promote native products most importantly our One Town One Product (OTOP) as well as culture and arts not only to foreign visitors but also among the local residents.
Our famous Historical and Cultural heritage which our town are proud of are the following:
Monument of Dr. Jose Rizal
It was erected in 1926 under the administration of DON ELEODORO CARDENAS as the Municipal President of Sta. Maria. This was built to commemorate the heroic act of the Filipino nationalist, Dr. Jose P. Rizal our National Hero.
De Pila Bell
You can take a glance of our very own antique church Bell at Our Lady of the Pillar Parish church located in Poblacion East, Santa Maria, Pangasinan.
This bell was marked as “Bario de Pila 1873” and considered as the existing memorabilia left in the history of Catholicism of this town. This is in grateful memory to the unnamed missionary from Asingan, Pangasinan who gave this town a name “SANTA MARIA “corroborating the great devotion of the people to Mary.
Monument of Andres Bonifacio
Andres Bonifacio’s Monument was erected in 1926 under the administration of Don Eleodoro Cardenas as the Municipal President of Santa Maria.
Andres Bonifacio, as the founder of Katipunan fought for the country’s Independence from political and social ruthless colonial rule of Spain.
Gabaldon Building
The Gabaldon building has a historical significance, especially to the older generations of Santa Maria. It is one of the heritage schoolhouses built between 1907 and 1946, following the standard plans designed by Architect William E. Parsons. This was constructed on March 19, 1920. The edifice has etched its place in the history of Santa Maria, having served as hospital, town hall or evacuation center during the war and calamities. Rundown by time, this building has been neglected and abandoned. However, last year because of its historical and cultural value, it was deemed worthy of restoration. Now it has retained its original functional design which was certified safe and stable. It is being used as a classroom by the Santa Maria East Integrated School because the rooms are big and wide with lauan floors and enormous capiz windows. Thus, making it perfect for our tropical climate. By restoring this building school houses, its historical significance is being preserved.
OUR LADY OF THE PILLAR SHRINE
The 17-feet tall of the Virgin Mary stood regally at the border of Barangay San Patricio, Santa Maria, Pangasinan which attracts the attention of passersby and motorists. The statue is made of fiberglass and was constructed through the combined efforts of private donors. Most locals believe that their Patron Saint can grant their petitions whether it be healing from sickness or restoration of relationship. Some devotees believers even share stories of past miracles done by Our Lady of Pillar Shrine. A man-made well is also situated beside the shrine where visitors throw coins in it after making a wish. Whether you believe your wish to be granted or not, the shrine remains a majestic sight for everybody’s beliefs and values.