“Faith, work, and progress.” That’s the motto of the municipality named Vila João Ramalho. Vila João Ramalho in São Paulo is named after the Portuguese explorer João Ramalho. He lived among the Tupiniquim natives in Brazil.
The origin of Vila João Ramalho dates back to the mid-1920s. Colonel Benedito Soares Marcondes bought lands in this region. Osvaldo Sampaio and Clóvis Dias Valente also participated. They built the first houses for the new residents. These settlers made their homes near the São Mateus stream. They also constructed roads. These roads connected the new village to neighboring cities.
Vila João Ramalho became a district of Quatá on April 5 1935. It wasn’t until March 19 1959 that it was emancipated as a municipality. The political and administrative emancipation began in 1948. The first plebiscite showed more votes against than in favor. A second plebiscite took place in 1959. This time it was successful.
State Law number 5.285 created the municipality of Vila João Ramalho. The law passed on February 18 1959. However, its installation only occurred on March 19 1961. This delay was due to an appeal by the municipality of Quatá. The final judgment came on January 12 1961.
The municipality celebrates its emancipation on March 19 each year. This date marks Antonio Boim’s inauguration as the first mayor. He ran unopposed. José Rodrigues was his running mate. Felisberto Marcelo was the opponent.
The first Municipal Legislature included several council members. Manoel Mathias served as president. Other members included Antonio Olivio and Geraldino de Moraes. João Jorge da Silva and Álvaro Alves de Mattos also served. Baptista Modolo, Luiz Beraldo de Almeida and Antonio de Lima were members too. José Munhoz completed the council.
Vila João Ramalho covers 416.035 square kilometers. The 2010 census recorded a population of 4,138. The area is located at 22°15’01” south latitude. It lies at 50°46’04” west longitude. The altitude is 551 meters. In 2000, the Human Development Index was 0.776 considered high.
In 1998, the TELESP company was privatized. It was sold to Telefónica. In 2012, the company adopted the brand Vivo for its fixed telephone operations. Vila João Ramalho continues to honor its history. The name and motto reflect its journey. It stands as a testament to faith, work and progress.