Bulacan, the "Cradle of Noble Heroes"' one of the provinces in Region III that is really making its way to be number ONE in all positive aspects specially in economic scene. It has all the potentials to be one - its natural resources where fertile lands and waters abound, where its productive human resources are diligent and not afraid to toil for labor, and its physical and geographical characteristics, which make it conductive for industrialization while maintaining its agricultural zones.
As part of Central Luzon, it considerably contributes to the country's rice granary. It is the gateway to Manila for several cities and provinces in the north. Bolstered by the presence of many cooperatives, strong partnership between the government sector and the non-governmental. Serving as the backbone of its economy are the 24 towns strategically located, serving the purpose for which they are noted.
Taking a trip 22 kilometers north of Manila brings you to expensive, verdant and golden fields-fresh and calm. Located at the eastern part of the province, is a milieu of serene town that is on its way to progress...Sta. Maria. It is about two hours drive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) taking the Manila North Expressway at the out skirts north of Metro Manila.
The name Sta. Maria could be traced by the influence of the Spaniards who left the Filipino the greatest legacy, that of Christianity. Sta. Maria was named after Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus and the Patron of the town.
It used to be part of Meycauayan, a progressive municipality that was established in 1578. As it grew into a big community, Sta. Maria became an independent "pueblo" in 1792 thru the recommendation of the friars. The founding years of the "pueblo" marked the start of the spiritual crusade in the place. The natives were converted into Christianity.
In 1793, the seat of the civil affairs was established in the Poblacion. Andres dela Cruz was appointed "captain". Seventy-eight "capitanes" took turns in serving the Spanish colonial administration up to 1899 with Pascual Mateo as the last.
With the advent of the American regime, the tittle "captain" was changed to "presidente". The first to hold the position was Maximo Evidente who served from 1899-1900. Of the 12 others who succeeded him, the most popular were Agustin Morales (1928-1934) and Fortunato F. Halili (1934-1937). Morales responsible for the construction of the first main water system in the town. Halili, who never drew his salary as executive. later on was elected Bulacan Governor.
From 1938 to 1940, Pedro Mansilla served as "alcalde" or Mayor of Sta. Maria. Dr. Teofilo Santiago dubbed as "Dr. Kamoteng Kahoy" for his widespread campaing among the town's citicenry to plant cassava, succeeded Mansilla (1941-1945). He was also responsible for the launching of the poultry - raising project which earned for the town distinction of being "The Egg Basket of the Philippines". He was the "Father of Sta. Maria Dairy Plant". Under the Commonwealth Government, Captain Pedro Hermogenes was appointed Minicipality Mayor from March 20, 1945 to October 1945. Then, in January 1945 to 1947, when Philippines became a Republic, Mariano Bautista was elected Mayor.
The post-liberation period saw Conrado Ignacio as the first elected Mayor of Sta. Maria (1947-1955). He was succeeded by prominent personalities in the political arena in the person of Ricardo G. Nicolas Sr. (1956-1959), Eriberto Ramos Sr. (1960-1963), Ricardo G. Nicolas Sr. (1964-1967), Paulino M. Luciano Sr. (1968-1971) and Ricardo D. Nicolas Jr. (1972-1978). In 1979, was appointed Municipal Mayor until Janjuary 31, 1986. In February 1986, Dr. Alfredo Peres, who was then the vice-mayor of the town was appointed as Municipal Mayor until May 1986. In June, to December 1986, Ricardo D. Nicolas Jr. was appointed Municipal Mayor and is referred to as the most prominent among Ignacio's successors. He was appointed OIC-Vice Governor of Bulacan in January 1987 and was elected Vice-Governor of Bulacan in May 1987. He was responsible for launching projects and programs of provincial significance and for organizing various civics, religious and business association. From June 1987 to March 1988, Benjamin G. Geronimo succeeded Ricardo D. Nicolas Jr. as prominent Municipal Mayor amd from April to May 1988, Atty Ramon H. Clemente succeeded Benjamin Geronimo as appointed Municipal Mayor when he vacated the position as a result of his candidacy for the mayoralty post in the 1988 election.
Mayor Bartolome R. Ramos succeeded ex-mayor Reylina G. Nicolas, now turned conresswoman of the Fourth District of Bulacan in the recent May 14,2001 elections. Although it is his first term as minicipal mayor, he started showing political will as what he promised in the development of the minicipality.
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