Municipal creation and territory
- The Municipality of Sta. Maria is created in the Province of Davao.
- Sta. Maria consists of the following barrios and sitios: Basiawan, Kidalan, Pongpong, Cogon, Kimatay, Pugad Buaya, Kadaatan, Sta. Maria, Culibao, Camasi, Kibulan, Kulungan, Longag Bato, Gandang, Sulok, Ogpao, Mamacao, Dool, Kisulad, Cabalantian, Tagbilaran, Boca, Dita, Malalag Tubig, Lagaylay, Tambo, and Magapisa, all within the territory originally of the municipality of Malalag, Province of Davao.
- The municipality of Malalag retains its present territory minus the portions included in the territory of Sta. Maria.
- Sta. Maria begins political existence based on required appointments, qualifications, and financial certification (see “When Sta. Maria begins to exist”).
Boundary rules with Malalag
- The boundary separating Sta. Maria from Malalag begins at a point where Malalag Bay cuts deepest inland, and includes all areas within the barrio of Bato.
- The boundary then follows the ridge of Baculing Mountain range, crossing the Malalag–Malita provincial road in the vicinity of Km. 342/000, and continues to the highest point above barrio Cadaatan.
- The boundary then runs by a straight line toward the peak of Mt. Tangali and beyond until it intersects the Malalag–Malita Boundary line.
- The technical boundary description is based on a technical description prepared and submitted by the Office of the Highway District Engineer of Davao using the map of Malalag with scale 1:62,500 on file in that office.
Subdivision approval and legislative basis
- The creation of the municipality is supported by approval of House Bill No. 89 by the House of Representatives.
- Executive Order No. 104 proceeds under the authority of Section 68 of the Revised Administrative Code.
When Sta. Maria begins to exist
- Sta. Maria begins to exist upon the appointment and qualification of the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and a majority of the councilors.
- Sta. Maria also begins to exist upon certification by the Secretary of Finance that the municipality is financially capable of providing all statutory obligations and ordinary essential services of a regular municipality.
- The Secretary of Finance’s certification also requires that the mother municipality of Malalag, after segregation of the Sta. Maria territory, can:
- maintain its municipal government creditably;
- meet all its statutory and contractual obligations; and
- provide essential municipal services.
Effectivity and date of execution
- Executive Order No. 104 is executed in the City of Manila on September 28, 1964.
- The order is signed by Diosdado Macapagal, President of the Philippines.
- The order is carried out “By the President” with signature by Juan S. Cancio, Acting Assistant Executive Secretary.