Sta. Ana is considered one of the smallest towns of Pampanga, with total area of 4,269.12 hectares. It was
historically given the name Balen Pinpin, which meant “laid aside,” or “by the side.”1
It was originally part
of the vast tracts of forest land, mainly bamboo groves, ranging from Apalit and Betis, before the town lost
several barrios in 1810 to Arayat, Mexico and San Luis, thus it was humorously given the name or referred to
as “Pinpin.” 2
Early settlers of the land now called Santa Ana, as was true with most other settlements or barangays during
the pre-Spanish times then, were ruled by a Datu, also referred to as Cat or Apol. 3 When the Spaniards
came in the 1600s, they were subjugated and christianized, but due to cruelty and oppression, some turned
to Katipuneros, who secretly fought against the Spanish government.4
The Spanish missionaries were able to establish a parish in 1760 and then a church in 1836 to serve the
increasing population of Santa Ana. The Spanish authorities named the town after Sta. Ana, the patron
saint– Santa Ana, the patroness of unmarried women, housewives, women in labor or who want to be
pregnant, grandmothers, educators, and teachers. She is also the patroness of horseback riders, miners,
and cabinet-makers.
The old names of its 14 barrios, who were derived from a prominent landmark or chieftains, were then
renamed after the saints:
OLD NAME
CURRENT NAME
Canukil
San Joaquin
Tenajero
San Juan
Catmun
San Jose
Calumpang
San Pedro
Calinan
Santa Lucia
Balen Bayu
Santa Maria
Sepung Ilog
San Nicolas
Libutad
Santiago
Quenabuan
San Isidro
Pagbatuan
Santo Rosario
Patayum
San Bartolome
Sumpung
San Agustin
Tuclung
San Roque
Darabulbul
San Pablo
Social Development
Social development in Santa Ana, Pampanga focuses on improving residents’ quality of life through livelihood programs, health services, education, and disaster preparedness. Initiatives include skills training, medical missions, scholarships, and youth empowerment, ensuring inclusive growth and community resilience.