Historical Background
Teresa was originally a barrio of Morong named “Oroquieta” but was later renamed Sta. Rosa in honor of the town’s patron. Later, it become a barrio of Antipoloinspite of the strong objections from most of the residents who rather preferred to be under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Morong. This unstable political situation led the residents to clamor for independence. The more politically active group in the area solicited the assistance of Spanish lawyer Don Mariano Rodriguez Candelaria in appealing to Spanish Governor General for independence sometime in 1877. In the process, Sta. Rosa was declared an independent town and was later renamed “Teresa” in honor of Dona Teresa candelaria, the mother of Don Mariano Rodriguez Candelaria.
In 1903 however, rebellion broke out, Teresa was again placed under the jurisdiction of Antipolo as a barrio. Thus, a move to regain independence was initiated by the townspeople through the help of Provincial Governor Eulogio Rodriguez, Sr.
In January 1, 1919, Teresa become an independent town comprising of only three (3) barrios namely May-iba, Pantay and San Roque. Three years after gaining independence, the town was able to provide itself with a municipal building referred to as the Presidencia. The first local elections was held on June 3, 1919 with Roberto de Jesus as the first Municipal Mayor.(Source: Comprehensive Development Plan of Teresa, 1984-2000)
Teresa is a closely knit community of peace loving, educated and law abiding citizens.
The municipality celebrates its town fiesta every first Sunday of March. The Turumba festival is observed on the 23rd day of August participated by St Rose of Lima devotees who through faith believe that if they danced to the Turumba in the procession , their wishes will be granted.
Teresa is endowed with rich mineral deposits. Mining and quarrying is a major economic activity. It is home to one of the biggest cement factory in the country, the Republic Cement Corporation. It hosts a number of large to medium scale hog and poultry farms which are considered to be among the major suppliers of meat and poultry products not only in the neighboring areas of the municipality but expands to major markets in Metro Manila. This established livestock and poultry industry provides significant agricultural activities to the locality.
Teresa is famous for its best solid waste management practice, the Integrated Solid Waste Management Recovery FacilityISWMMRF) located in SitioPantay, Brgy. Dalig.The MRF is a multi-awarded project of the municipal government that has been visited by domestic and foreign tourists, local officials, students, and other interest groups for education purposes and possible replication .
Being near Metro Manila and adjacent to Antipolo City which is the provincial administrative center, Teresa is expected to be at the receiving end of the influx of population. It manifest rapid urbanization trends as a result of the growth momentum of Metro Manila and Antipolo City and the presence of large manufacturing and agricultural industries in the municipality.