Santa Maria West

Sta. Maria was formerly the biggest barrio of San Nicolas extending from the eastern boundary of the poblacion up to the Caraballo mountains. Its area was so wide that its sitios included Cabitnongan, Calaocan, Cacabugaoan, Malico, Talingkapor, Mocudan, Cabaruan and Sta. Maria Centro. The place was settled by migrants from the Ilocos provinces, La Union, Western Pangasinan And Benguet. The Catholic and religious settlers adopted the Blessed Virgin Mary as their-patron saint whom they offered prayers and intercession to God for their guidance, protection and welfare. Later, the place was named Sta. Maria, in honor and total devotion to their patron saint.

The devolution and creation of Barangays by the PACD in the 60’s to intensify progress and growth in the countrysides led to the separation and creation of different barangays from the sitos of Barrio Sta. Maria, Cabitnongan, Calaocan and Malico. Mocudan, Talingkapor and some places in the foothills of the Caraballo mountain, became Brgy. Sta. Maria east. Cabaruan and Sta. Maria West Centro, likewise became Brgy. Sta. Maria West. Presently Brgy. Sta Maria West is composed of three sitios, namely: Cabaruan, Centro and Nagtupakan.

Brgy. Sta. Maria west is bounded on the east by Brgy. Sta. Maria East; on the west Brgy. Calocan; on the by Ambayoan River; and on the south by Brgy. Cacabugaoan. Tanggal Cadaanan and Tanggal Cabaruan are the main irrigation system that support and enhance farming productivity. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood, livestock raising and overseas employment are the other sources of income. A mineral water plant in Sitio Nagtupakan and owned by Forzans Enterprises bottled spring water from the paraspas hills for domestic use and for export.

Sta. Maria West is predominantly a religious community with the Iglesia Ni Cristo as the dominant sect followed by the Roman Catholic and the Protestant. a Church of the Iglesia Ni Cristo was built and standing majestically in Sitio Cabaruan, while a church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines could be found in the sitio Centro. A well  paved and asphalted national road bisects the barangay making transport of commodities and travel of people to and from the town proper  so convenient.

Some local leaders of the barangay became prominent leaders of the town like late Ex-Vice Mayor Sanchez and former councilor Don Antonio Serquiña. Prominent families of the barangay are the Espiritu, Sanchez, Ortiz, Luzano, Serquiña and Yabes among others.

Boundaries :

          North :Brgy. Salingcob                                             South  :Brgy, Cacabugaoan

          East    :Brgy. Sta. Maria East                                      West   :Brgy. Calaocan

Distance from Poblacion (kms.) :     3 km

Road Type :     Gravel, Asphalt,  Concrete

Seasons :

          Dry – December to April                                            

Wet – May to November                                           

Average Annual Rainfall (mm.)                                   147.21 mm

Average Monthly Temperature (Celsius)                       29.15°C

Status of Land classification (has.):     

Major River  :         Ambayoan, Cabalisian River

Soil Type      :         Umingan Sandy Loam

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