Location: Barangay Santa Rita is located in the central part of San Luis, Pampanga. It is a rural barangay with a mix of agricultural and residential areas, serving as one of the significant contributors to the municipality's agricultural economy.
Coordinates: 15.0207° N, 120.7428° E (Approximate)
Elevation: The barangay is situated at an elevation of around 8-12 meters (26-39 feet) above sea level. Its relatively low-lying land is ideal for agriculture but is also vulnerable to flooding, especially during the rainy season.
Land Area: 4.5 square kilometers, providing ample space for farming as well as residential development. This makes it one of the medium-sized barangays in San Luis, with a focus on agricultural land use.
Adjacent Barangays:
North: Barangay San Agustin (San Luis)
East: Barangay Sta. Cruz Pambilog (San Luis)
South: Barangay San Vicente (San Luis)
West: Barangay San Juan (San Luis)
Population: According to the 2020 Census, Barangay Santa Rita has a population of about 4,200 residents, accounting for approximately 5-6% of San Luis' total population.
Households: Based on the 2015 Census, the barangay has approximately 950 households, with an average household size of 4.4 members.
Age Distribution:
Largest age group: 10-14 years, which suggests a substantial number of children and a youthful population.
Smallest age group: 80 years and above, a typical demographic distribution for rural areas.
Historical Population Growth:
1990: 3,900
1995: 4,100
2000: 4,200
2007: 4,250
2010: 4,300
2015: 4,350
2020: 4,200 (slight decrease in population growth rate)
The population has shown gradual growth, with slight fluctuations over the years. This could be attributed to migration patterns, the rural nature of the area, and limited commercial expansion.
Land Use & Topography: The barangay is mainly agricultural, with rice farming and vegetable production being the key land uses. Residential areas are generally located along major roads and near community facilities. The flat topography is advantageous for agriculture but poses flood risks during the rainy season.
Facilities:
Barangay Hall: The main administrative center where the barangay officials conduct their day-to-day operations, handle local concerns, and offer essential services to residents.
Covered Court: A multi-purpose sports and gathering area for community events, sports activities, and social functions.
Health Center: The barangay's health center serves the basic health needs of its residents, providing services like medical consultations, vaccinations, and emergency first aid.
Schools:
Santa Rita Elementary School: The primary school catering to the elementary education needs of the barangay
Religious Institutions:
Santa Rita Chapel: A key religious site for Catholic residents, offering religious services, festivals, and community events.
Market: The barangay has small retail businesses and sari-sari stores that cater to the day-to-day needs of the community.
Agriculture: Rice farming is the dominant economic activity in Barangay Santa Rita. Farmers also engage in the cultivation of vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage, which are sold in local markets and nearby municipalities.
Livelihood Programs: The barangay implements various livelihood programs aimed at supporting local farmers, such as subsidized seeds, fertilizer distribution, and irrigation systems. These initiatives help enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the community.
Small Businesses: The barangay has small-scale businesses, including sari-sari stores, food stalls, and services (e.g., small repair shops), providing basic goods and services for the residents.