Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

Tourism Destination Plan of the Municipality of

STO. TOMAS

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements of the Course
Tourism Planning and Development
in the BS Tourism Management Program
of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management
in the University of the Assumption, CSFP

Submitted By:
Balingit, Jessica Eve
Batac, Jeosamae
David, Diana Camille A.
Dungo, Lean Shane H.
Manahan, Patricia Q.
Pineda, Emmanuel Philip P.
Tayag, Maryen Janelle T.
BSTM 2A

Submitted To:
Mrs. Ana Danelle N. Santiago
Faculty-in-charge
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

A. HISTORY

Santo Tomas is a fourth class municipality in the province of Pampanga, Philippines.

In the 2015 census, the population of Santo Tomas, Pampanga, was 40,475 people. As the
youngest and smallest Pampanga town, Santo Tomas has a total land area of 1,467 hectares.
It is a mainly agricultural and fishing community; industry includes casket manufacture,
ceramics, and carpentry.

The town's name is derived from Baliwag ("tardy" in Spanish) a reference to local
habit of arriving late for Mass. Baliwag, whose original name was Santo Tomas, had its Patron,
Saint Thomas the Apostle. He is also called Doubting Thomas or Didymus (meaning "twin,"
as does "Thomas" in Aramaic) and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. The Patronal Feast
is celebrated yearly on the 21st of December from the town's original founding date of 1792.

On September 15, 1792, Santo Tomas was severed from its parent Minalin,
Pampanga. On May 4, 1899, the town was under the U.S. Force's administration. On January
2, 1905, it was ceded to San Fernando, Pampanga until 1905. On October 12, 1951, Executive
Order No. 476 (issued by Elpidio Quirino) created Santo Tomas and it’s fie barrios of San
Matias, San Vicente, San Bartolome, Santo, Rosario and Poblacion with the seat of government
at barrio San Vicente.

On January 11, 1952, the municipality of Santo, Tomas was re-inaugurated. The first
municipal hall was temporarily at the house of late Mayor Patricio Gomez, the first municipal
mayor.

In 1955, RA 1250, the San Matias seat was transferred to Poblacion. Presidential
Decree No. 1441 was issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on June 11, 1978, transferring
the seat of municipal government from Poblacion to Barangay San Vicente.
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

B. DESTINATION PROFILE

 GEOGRAPHY
The municipality of Santo Tomas, the smallest town in Pampanga, is at the heart of
the province. The capital city of San Fernando bounds it on the north-west the municipality
of San Simon on the north-east, the municipality of Minalin on the south-east and Bacolor on
the west.

 DISTRICT
Santo Tomas is in 4th district together with
Apalit, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, San Luis, and San Simon

 CLIMATE

 DEMOGRAPHICS

 Population census of Santo Tomas

Year Pop. ±% p.a. Year Pop. ±% p.a.

1903 4,271 — 1995 29,628 −2.17%

1960 12,097 +1.84% 2000 32,695 +2.13%

1970 18,907 +4.56% 2007 37,866 +2.05%

1975 21,320 +2.44% 2010 38,062 +0.19%

1980 24,951 +3.19% 2015 40,475 +1.18%

1990 33,309 +2.93%

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[3][5][6][7]

 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines
In the 2015 census,
the population of Santo Tomas, Pampanga, was 40,475 people, with a density of 1,900 inhabitants
per square kilometer or 4,900 inhabitants per square mile.

 POPULATION
According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 40,475 people.

 RELIGION
Most of the local residents living in Santo Tomas are 70% Roman Catholic and 30%
others

 LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Gloria “Ninang” Ronquillo

Rodolfo “Bong” Pineda

 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

CHAPTER II: GOALS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TOURISM DESTINATION PLAN

GOALS

Proper waste disposal.

Improper waste disposal may severely damage public health and environment. There must
be a proper segregation of trash to Biodegradable, Non-Biodegradable and Recycable. And For those
people who will not cooperate and contribute to the orderliness of the community he or she must
have a community service in the municipality.

Plastic ni Juan Project.

For every 20 pcs of plastic bottles collected in a household there will be a school supply given
by yhe municipality exhange for a reward. Note: There is no limit of plastic bottles in the said project.

Feeding program.
Malnutrition or undernutrition is caused by a lack of nutrients in your body, it’s either due to
a poor diet or problems absorbing nutrients from food. Every Monday the 2nd year Tourism Students
of University of the Assumption will have a feeding program at the school and at the end of the month
the Tourism Students will see if there’s an improvement for the children who participated.

SIGNIFICANCE

The significance of this plan is to make the municipality know how to improve their tourism
and how to have more tourists even though their municipality is not big just like other municipalities
in the province. This study will also benefit the local people of Sto. Tomas. Future researcher, this
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines
study will serve as a
springboard to another research agenda providing the idea and information, for those who conduct
study about tourism.

CHAPTER III: MARKET ANALYSIS

1. PAST AND PRESENT TRENDS
Past trends

 Tiangge – Tuesday and Saturday is tiangge day, open from 5:30am in the morning and
it closes 10:30am. It is located near at the Sto. Tomas church.
 Festivals – There are a lots of festival to be celebrated in this municipality. On the
other hand, some of the festivals are not being celebrated.
 Flores de Mayo – In the past Sto. Tomas has Flores de Mayo where it was held in the
Sto. Tomas church.

Present trends

 Milk Tea’s – One of the current trends in the municipality of Sto. Tomas, where in
there are 9 brands of milk tea that are currently competing.
 Street Foods – It is currently spreading around Sto. Tomas where in students are
there main target.
 Inihaw – Since Sto. Tomas is known for inihaw it is common for Thomasians to enjoy
and grilled a variety of foods.
 Resorts and venues – hidden resort are now common in the municipality of Sto.
Tomas where in one the best example is Mula de Victora Hidden farm resort.

2. TRAVELERS PROFILE
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines Most tourist
or travelers of Sto. Tomas Pampanga are usually senior citizen businessmen and
businesswomen where in the main purpose of traveling was to export or deliver a variety of
vases and coffins. Also some of travelers are students and religious organization who are
visiting the Sto. Tomas church and to witness the famous Sabuaga Festival.

3. TRAVELERS PERFORMANCE AND HABITS

Usually most of the travelers in Sto. Tomas Pampanga are joining and participating
the events happening in the municipality where in every one can join like parade, Zumba and
many more. Also people who like to learn and try pottery in the Sto. Tomas.

4. MARKET POSITION

A. PERCEPTUAL MAP IN MARKET POSITIONING

High Price

Low Service IHAW - IHAW Good Service

Low Price

DESTINATION IMAGES
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, PhilippinesSto. Tomas
Pampanga is perceived by tourist as municipality who is rich in pottery and coffins wherein a lot of
vase and coffins are usually made from this municipality. Also a quiet and highly urbanize
municipality where a lot of stores and restaurants and milk teas are currently spreading in the
municipality. Residents of Sto. Tomas are known for their long patience where in most of the
Thomasians are farmers.

CHAPTER IV: ASSESSMENT OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

A. VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

 The Sabuaga Festival in the town of Santo Tomas in Pampanga is an annual gathering of
townsfolk where petals and confetti literally rain on the parade.

 Mula De Victoria (Hidden Farm Resort)

 Villa Lyka Resort

 Lumanog Farmville

 Natural Landscape and Fishpond

B. CULTURE

The Sabuaga Festival in the town of Santo Tomas in Pampanga is an annual gathering of
townsfolk where petals and confetti literally rain on the parade.The term "sabuaga" is a
combination of Kapampangan words "sabuag" which means to scatter, and "sampaga" which
means flowers. The festival is done in celebration of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.The festival
also highlights the products of each barangay in Santo Tomas. Barangay Moras dela Paz
showcased its garments industry, while Barangay San Matias showcased its automotive
industry. Barangay Poblacion showcased its fishing industry, San Bartolome its poultry
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines
industry, Santo
Rosario Pau its rice farming industry, and Santo Niño Sapa its clay pottery. Barangay San
Vicente, known for its world-class casket-making industry, likewise showcased its popular
products. The Sabuaga festival was first launched in 2009. It is a celebration not only of the
residents' religiosity but also love for their town and tradition.

C. MANPOWER

 Santo Tomas The Apostle Parish Church

 San Matias Parish Church

D. INFRASTUCTURE AND SUPERSTUCTURE

 SUPERSTRUCTURES

- 7/11

- Robinson’s Easy Mart

- Western Union

- Town Hall of Santo Tomas

- Chuzon

- Jollibee

- Puregold

 INFRASTRUCTURES

- Electricity (pelco III)

- Water Works

- Telecommunication Facilities

E. TRANSPORTATION

Public transport in mainly done by means of jeepney and tricycles.

- By Jeepney, from SM Pampanga to Santo Tomas, the travelers will find the terminal of San
Matias terminal at the jeep terminal of the mall with the fare of 15 pesos for adults and 13
pesos for students and seniors. The traveling time is approximately 15-20 minutes.
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

F. SUPPORT SERVICES

 Funeral (St.peter)

 Pharmacy (Mercury Drug)

 Fire Station (Sto.tomas Pampanga BFP)

 Police Station (Sto.tomas Police)

 Dental Clinic (Doc. Manalese)

G. VISITORS ACCOMODATION

The travelers will not see any hotels and motels in the municipality but they can go to
different resorts that offer accommodation where tourist can stay such as:

 Mula De Victoria (Hidden Farm Resort)

- Located Osmena street, Santo Nino, Santo Tomas, Pampanga

 Villa Lyka Resort

- Located at San Matias, Santo Tomas, Pampanga

 Lumanog Farmville

- Located at Purok 2, San Bartolome, Santo Tomas, Pampanga

 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

CHAPTER 5: MARKETING

The Purpose of having a Tourism Destination Plan in a municipality is to create plans of action
for a foreseeable future and implement them. Furthermore, the tourism sector goals and objectives
can be achieved more effectively and efficiently if carefully planned and integrated into the country's
overall development plan and program.

In addition, careful planning at all levels and good management are necessary to optimize the
benefits of tourism and preventing or at least modifying any problems that may occur.

Planning can help to minimize potential negative impacts, maximize economic returns to the
area, and thus encourage a more positive response from the local community towards tourism in the
longer run.

Moreover, in the communities, where not much tourism has developed yet, planning can
provide the necessary guidelines for its development. On the other hand, for the areas where tourism
is already well established, planning is often needed to rejuvenate the sector and maintain its future
capability. (World Tourism Organization, 1994).

Tourism planning could help to achieve long-term sustainable development of the area,
ensuring that the natural, cultural, and other resources of tourism are conserved for the future use.
Moreover, it could bring benefits to the society and provide level of tourist satisfaction essential for
tourism success in the community and country as a whole. Tourism development plan for Sto. Tomas,
Pampanga should provide a framework through which the area's tourism policy will be acted upon,
ensuring the development reflects local values, and is an overall benefit to the tourism industry. As
such the tourism plan should analyze the present situation as well as provide recommendations for
improvement in the area, based on sustainable development.
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

A. THE TARGET MARKET OF THE PLAN

Planning for tourism is a step-by-step process which should be continuous, comprehensive,

integrated, and environmental, focusing on achieving sustainable development and community
involvement. Tourism planning should be directed towards four main goals: sustainable use of
resources, enhanced visitor satisfaction, integration of local community and area and improved
economy and business success.

• Locals in the Community (Family etc.)

• The Visitors from another municipality

• Tourists from different side of the world

• The government itself

• Persons who aims to build a business/Business Purposes

B. MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES

The marketing objectives of promotional efforts are aimed at attracting new tourists from the
said place and from the other places, raising awareness to the community and expanding knowledge
about the different attractions and what industry their community was famous for.

The 2nd year Tourism Students of the University of the Assumption, planned a strategy that may
promote the culture of Sto. Tomas Municipality.

C. FORMS OF ADVERTISEMENT

The purpose of advertising is to sell a product to the public. That’s why, the 2nd year Tourism
Students of the University of the Assumption, created a flyer to promote the Municipality’s richness.

Below is a flyer that may inform tourists about the History of Sto. Tomas Municipality
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

D. DESTINATION MARKETING VIDEO

The 2nd year Tourism Students of the University of the Assumption, created a Video which
summarizes the entire Municipality of Sto. Tomas. First started with its History on how the name
Sto. Tomas came from, Second with its current Government Officials, Thirds with its Attractions;
Mula De Victoria, Farmville Lumanog, Sto. Tomas Church, Fourth with its delicacies; Inihaw
(Funnside, Ihaw-ihaw, Manukan) and Lastly with the Town’s famous industry; “Pagawaan Kabaung
and Pagawaan Pasu.”
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

CHAPTER VII. ENVIRONMENT

It is very important to keep it clean in order to live healthy and peaceful life. However, the
environmental pollution has become one of the biggest threats for Earth. It can affect our future one
day. People suffer from their own mistakes. They are considered to be the most intelligent creatures
on earth who are able to learn new things in the universe which can lead them to the technological
advancement. They develop technologies and science to make our life better but they do not fall to
thinking that it can ruin everything that surrounds them in the near future. The healthy environment
retains the equilibrium of nature as well as helps to grow, nurture and develop all living stuff on
earth.

Year 2018, the Municipality of Sto. Tomas launched a campaign on “Proper Solid Waste
Management.” Proper waste management is a science that deals with the prevention and tracking of
waste. They are very reliable for the conservation of the environment. A safe and appealing
workplace will lead to healthy people leaving the workplace. This is because; most of them are not
going to be influenced by any damaging illnesses that may result from waste. There are several
mechanics that both government and non-governmental organizations have come up with. The
recycling of solids is an example of such techniques. Therefore, they all recommended to dispose of
solid waste at a particular location. Also there are a number of ways to reduce waste. These are
products that are manufactured with less packaging. This decreases the quantity of waste to be
disposed of in the setting after the consumption of these products.

With pros comes the cons, firstly and main problem would be the lack of attention to the
infrastructure such as the roads. Fixing the road mean ease of transport weather public or private
vehicles which will eventually minimize the traffic that would contribute in boosting the sustainable
tourism. Next to the rough/unpaved roads, blocked drainage is another main problem that the
community is currently facing, inadequate planning can be the main cause of it plus the other human
behavior that contributes to it such us littering, which leads to flooding during rainy season.

Waste management can be managed as the collection, storage, treatment and disposal of
products deemed to be waste. Human lifestyles have put pressure on the environment and have
created imbalances in the eco-system by generating, consuming and wasting natural resources. By
teaching individuals, they will understand the impacts which one benefits through managing wastes.
The most sustainable way to manage waste is through recycling and composting.
 Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines

CHAPTER VIII: SOCIAL IMPACT

A. POSITIVE IMPACT

In the Municipality of Sto. Tomas Pampanga, local residents in the area who are
unemployed will have an opportunity to find a job to apply for due to the demand. Also locals
will gain healthcare benefits where free medical monitoring, checkup and medical mission.
Locals may gain knowledge, cultures and language from tourist or travelers and it
might result to unity. Lastly it may lessen the problem of poverty in the municipality where
in economic income will increase and the government may give benefits to the locals in order
for then to have an healthy and sustainable environment.

B. NEGATIVE IMPACT

Though Municipality of Sto. Tomas gain benefits on the other hand it may also have
its downside or the negative side, where in language barrier and culture shock are the
common problem will occur. Lastly, uniqueness and originality of culture may lead into
downfall where in locals might embrace the new culture they encounter from the travelers
or tourists.
Unisite Subdivision, Del Pilar, City of San Fernando, 2000 Pampanga, Philippines