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History of Santa Rita

A journey through time, resilience, and rich cultural heritage

Santa Rita, with a total land area of 3,296 hectares, is a pear-shaped town in the heart of Pampanga. Bounded on the north by the mountainous terrain of Porac, on the east by Bacolor, and on the south by “Wawa” or Guagua, the second smallest town in the province is basically agricultural and accessible to commercial centers and market transit points via the Olongapo-Gapan-San Fernando Highway.

Santa Rita had its humble beginnings. Records show that sometime in 1697, the town started as a settlement at a place called Gasac, now Barangay San Isidro. During those times, politically and religiously, the town of Porac managed the affairs of the town.

1697 – 1724

The Beginning

The town started as a settlement at Gasac, now Barangay San Isidro, eventually expanding to embrace today’s Barangays San Vicente, San Matias, Santa Monica, San Agustin and San Juan. In 1724, Santa Rita was carved out of Porac, although not yet as a separate parish.

1771

Parish Independence

The year 1771 became a religious highlight when Santa Rita assumed parochial independence through the efforts of Rev. Fr. Eustaquio Polina. This marked a significant milestone in the town’s spiritual and administrative autonomy.

1839

Building the Church

Rev. Fr. Francisco Rayo, then the town’s parish priest, spearheaded the herculean task of building the present Santa Rita Parish Church located in what is now known as Barangay San Jose. “Polo” or forced labor, which was legal at that time, was used to expedite the construction.

1904 – 1907

Fight for Autonomy

An attempt to annex Santa Rita to Bacolor was made during the American occupation. However, through the intervention of Don Basilio Ocampo and Don Magno Gosioco, backed by the townfolks’ resounding protest, Santa Rita regained its autonomy.

1991

Mt. Pinatubo Eruption

After more than four hundred years of dormancy, Mt. Pinatubo erupted, making Pampanga and neighboring provinces virtual deserts of volcanic sand and ashes. Santa Rita’s Barangays San Juan, San Isidro and San Jose were half-buried. The Megadike was built to protect the town, and through unwavering faith, Santa Rita survived.

2004 – 2007

Cultural Recognition

ArtiSta.Rita, the town’s iconic cultural group, founded the Duman Festival and merited the 2004 Most Outstanding Kapampangan (MOKA) Special Citation for the Performing Arts and the 2007 Gawad Alab ng Haraya for Best Cultural Performance from NCCA.

2009

Cadena de Suman Festival

Under the leadership of Hon. Yolanda Pineda, the only female mayor Santa Rita ever had, the Cadena de Suman festival was born. The annual festival promotes the suman and the inspiring solidarity of the Riteñans.

2011

Municipal Building Reconstruction

The municipal building was reconstructed to full grandiosity, reminiscent of the elegance of the bygone era, while heralding the dawning of a robust economy and a deeper reverence to tradition and piety.

Santa Rita Today

Santa Rita, at present, proudly stands as a survivor; a town of resiliency, hard work and progress. Known as one of the best agriculturists and farmers in Pampanga, the Riteñans preserve the beautiful tradition of farming. The town’s fine delicacies like the turrones de casoy, sans rival and the duman remain unrivaled up to this time.

Santa Rita is humbled by the acquisition of the first class relic, a flesh “ex carne” of the patroness of the impossible, Santa Rita de Cascia. This holy remnant has attracted countless pilgrims, supplicating for the saint’s powerful intercessions.

Santa Rita, one of Pampanga’s most peaceful towns, the abode of those with deep and active religiosity; a haven of warm smiles, simplicity and unmistakable hospitality; a progressive town of limitless possibilities.

Santa Rita, kaluguran ning Diyos at Apung Dita; balen da reng mangasipag at matenakan; ing pagmaragul ning Pampanga!