Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines

Santo Tomas, Batangas is within Region 4-A CALABARZON, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Santo Tomas

• As of the 2020 Census, Santo Tomas City had a population of 218,500 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 124,740, reflecting rapid urban growth following its conversion into a component city.
• Santo Tomas was historically inhabited by Tagalog-speaking communities and upland settlers. While no distinct indigenous group dominates today, the city shares cultural ties with the broader Tagalog ethnolinguistic heritage of Southern Luzon.
• The major dialect spoken is Batangueño Tagalog, known for its distinct accent and expressions. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are equipped for both national and global engagement.

Location of Santo Tomas

• Santo Tomas is a landlocked component city in the province of Batangas, located in the CALABARZON Region (Region IV-A). It lies approximately 60 kilometers south of Metro Manila and is bordered by Tanauan City, Malvar, and the province of Laguna.
• Travel access:
  • Land: The city is accessible via the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway), Maharlika Highway, and the Santo Tomas–San Pablo Road. Buses and vans connect Santo Tomas to Metro Manila, Batangas City, and Laguna.
  • Sea: The nearest major port is the Batangas International Port, approximately 1.5 hours away by land.
  • Air: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is about 2 hours away by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Tourist Attractions of Santo Tomas

• Mount Makiling: A dormant volcano and ecological sanctuary offering hiking trails, waterfalls, and biodiversity exploration.
• Parish and National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio: A major pilgrimage site known for its healing masses and serene architecture.
• Santo Tomas Cathedral: Officially the Cathedral of Saint Thomas of Villanueva, this historic church reflects Spanish colonial heritage.
• Consuelo Park Pavilion: A civic venue within the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), used for events and community gatherings.
• Festivals:
  • Malvar Festival: Celebrated in honor of General Miguel Malvar, a native of Santo Tomas and the last Filipino general to surrender during the Philippine-American War.
  • Cityhood Anniversary: Observed every September 7, marking the ratification of Republic Act No. 11086 in 2018.

Economy of Santo Tomas

• Santo Tomas is a rising economic center in Batangas, driven by industrial parks, manufacturing, and logistics.
• In 2024, the city posted a total income of ₱935 million, with ₱159 million contributed by the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) and its locators—accounting for 17% of the city’s revenue and 60% of nearly 12,500 new jobs.
• Key industries include:
  • Manufacturing: FPIP hosts multinational firms in electronics, automotive, and food processing.
  • Logistics and warehousing: Strategic location near Metro Manila and Batangas Port supports supply chain operations.
  • Retail and services: Commercial centers and local businesses serve the growing population.
• Santo Tomas contributes to Batangas Province’s GDP of ₱645.78 billion in 2023, which grew by 4.9% from the previous year.

Educational Institutions of Santo Tomas

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Santo Tomas Campus: Offers programs in engineering, accountancy, psychology, and business technology. Included under the Free Tuition Law.
  • Greenville Academy of Sta. Clara: Provides secondary and tertiary education with a focus on science and technology.
  • ABA Technical School of Sto. Tomas: Offers vocational training in automotive, electronics, and hospitality services.
  • Sta. Faustina Academy: A faith-based institution offering basic and higher education near the Padre Pio Shrine.

History of Santo Tomas

• Santo Tomas was founded in 1666 with Captain Manuel Melo as its first head. The town was established near the San Juan River, where Spanish friars built the first church to serve the growing settlement.
• Named after Saint Thomas Aquinas by Dominican missionaries, the town became known for its religious devotion and strategic location at the foot of Mount Makiling. It is also the birthplace of General Miguel Malvar, a national hero and the last Filipino general to surrender to American forces.
• Efforts to convert Santo Tomas into a city began in the early 2000s, led by former Mayor and Governor Armando C. Sanchez. The cityhood campaign culminated in the passage of Republic Act No. 11086 in 2018, officially converting the municipality into a component city.
• The cityhood was ratified through a plebiscite on September 7, 2019. Today, Santo Tomas is recognized as Batangas’ fourth city and a gateway to CALABARZON’s industrial corridor, blending historical depth with modern development.

Elected Officials of Santo Tomas

• As of the 2025 elections, Santo Tomas City is led by:
  • Mayor: Arth Jhun A. Marasigan
  • Vice Mayor: Catherine J. Perez
  • Representative (3rd District of Batangas): King George Leandro Antonio V. Collantes
  • City Councilors: Refer to the official Halalan 2025 results for the complete list.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Santo Tomas Election Results.

Santo Tomas, Batangas, Philippines 2019-2022 Elected Officials

• Municipal Mayor: Sanchez, Edna P.
• Municipal Vice-Mayor: Silva, Armenius O.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Perez, Catherine J.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Malijan, Gerardo M.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Mabilangan, Danilo P.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Mañebo, Arlene F.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Arcillas, Renante V.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Navarro, Helengrace P.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Ramos, Cresenciano E.
• Sangguniang Bayan Member (Councilor): Almeda, Raymond Timothy V.

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