HISTORY OF SANTO TOMAS, LA UNION

Santo Tomas was created in 1764 through a Spanish Royal Decree. Spanish authorities named the town of Santo Tomas in honor of their first patron saint, Santo Tomas de Aquinas. The town was formerly part of Mangaldan, Pangasinan before it became independent in 1764.

The first appointed gobernadorcillo was Don Lorenzo delos Reyes, a prominent native of the place. The Spanish authorities were, however, displeased of his administration, thus, it was merged with the municipality of Agoo. After almost 21 years of merging, the dynamic leadership of Don Domingo Carpio gave the town a new hope for independence. Carpio was also a native of this town and courageously initiated the secession movement of Santo Tomas from Agoo. His sincerity and dedication won the overwhelming support of his town mates that forced the authorities to surrender the town in 1785, regaining her independence.

Under the administration of Don Domingo Carpio, Santo Tomas marked its marvelous growth and existence as independent municipality. Don Carpio was appointed Gobernadorcillo because of his excellent performance.

In 1843, the title gobernadorcillo given to a head of a town by Spanish authorities was changed to “Capitan.” Don Antonio Bernal was appointed the first Capitan in 1899 when the Spanish Colonization came to an end. The last captain was Don Sixto Zandueta.

The American regime began to rule over the country in 1899. The local administration under American authorities asserted the designation of Municipal Presidentes in place of the Capitanes. Don Bruno Pacho was the first “Presidente Municupal” of Santo Tomas. He served until 1901. Several successors were appointed and the last was Don Eusebio Tabora.

When World War II broke out in 1941, the Japanese soldiers landed along the shores of Santo Tomas three days before Christmas. This temporarily relieved the town from the American rule.

The Japanese authorities started their operation by organizing the municipal government. Municipal mayors were appointed as heads of the town. Don Moises Villanueva, the first municipal mayor was appointed in 1942. Four municipal mayors served during the Japanese occupation. The last was Don Venancio Paculan whose term ended shortly on January 15, 1945 after the Americans landed along the Lingayen Gulf on January 14,1945 to start the liberation of Luzon.

When the commonwealth government was formed, President Sergio Osmeña reorganized its various units. Don Eusebio Tabora was re-appointed as the first post liberation municipal mayor of Santo Tomas.

Two mountains are identified in this town. Mount Carmen is found in Patac. Between Casilagan and Bail, Mount kimmallogong (hat-shape mountain) stands. There are two existing rivers in this town, the Cupang and Manaclew Rivers.

Valleys are conspicuous, too, Pongpong, Bail, Casilagan and Ambitacay are all situated between two hills. On the other hand, a plateau is located in barangay Patac where a Grotto of the Virgin Mary is built.

Santo Tomas has a long shorelines covering eleven barangays, Aside from these long shorelines, there is also a lake at the western part of Tococ and Balaoc called the Capeng-peng Lake. At the west of Poblacion, the Raois Lagoon is found. Both bodies of water are excellent fishing grounds for the residents of Santo Tomas and it is well known for its milkfish and oyster that are incomparable to other towns producing the same.

Fishing is the major occupation of people along the coastal barangays. There are fishermen who are full time fishers. There are those who also engage in farming. The fisher folks bring their catch to the market or sell them in neighboring municipalities. The town is also famous for its dried fish and smoked fish products. Barangay Damortis is the busiest dried fish selling area of the town. It is also the landing port of vessels engaged in fishing.

Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva – La Union’s Star of the Sea

Nuestra Señora del Mar Cautiva