Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija is within Region III – Central Luzon, in the Republic of the Philippines.

About Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

Cabanatuan City: The Tricycle Capital and Economic Hub of Nueva Ecija

Cabanatuan City, the premier urban center of Nueva Ecija, stands proudly as a First Class Component City and the undisputed commercial and educational heart of the province. Strategically located in the central plains of Luzon, Cabanatuan is often called the “Gateway to the North” and has earned the colorful moniker, the “Tricycle Capital of the Philippines,” boasting one of the largest fleets of motorized tricycles in the world. It is a bustling metropolis that serves as the regional nexus for trade, finance, education, and transportation for the entire province and surrounding areas in Central Luzon. Its transformation from an agricultural center to a powerhouse of commerce highlights its pivotal role in the region’s development.

Location and Accessibility (Transportation)

Cabanatuan is centrally situated in the vast agricultural plain of Nueva Ecija, which is often referred to as the Rice Granary of the Philippines. It is bordered by the municipalities of Santa Rosa, Talavera, General Mamerto Natividad, and Palayan City (the provincial capital). Due to its crucial location along the main artery leading to Northern Luzon, the city is exceptionally accessible.

Most people travel to Cabanatuan City via land transportation. The city is a major terminus and transit point for provincial buses coming from Metro Manila (via the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX, and Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway or SCTEX, and Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway or TPLEX) and other regions in Northern and Central Luzon. Major bus terminals are centrally located, making it easy to connect to various towns within Nueva Ecija and neighboring provinces. Within the city itself, the iconic motorized tricycles are the primary mode of intra-city transport, reinforcing its reputation as the “Tricycle Capital.”

Population and Demographics (2020 Census)

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Cabanatuan City is home to 320,388 residents. This makes it the most populous city in the province of Nueva Ecija. The city’s significant population figure underscores its status as a major urban center that attracts migration from nearby rural areas seeking employment, education, and commerce. The population is characterized by a high degree of diversity, mainly composed of Tagalog and Kapampangan speakers, reflecting the confluence of cultures from Central Luzon. The sustained growth highlights its economic viability and its role as a regional service provider.

Proximity to Nearest Hubs (Air and Sea)

Cabanatuan City, being landlocked, relies on major hubs outside Nueva Ecija for air and sea travel. The nearest practical international gateway is the Clark International Airport (CRK) in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. The distance from the Cabanatuan City Government Headquarters (City Hall) to Clark International Airport is approximately 80 to 90 kilometers.

Travel time to CRK by bus or private vehicle typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken (usually via SCTEX or the national highway). This relatively short distance firmly establishes CRK as Cabanatuan’s primary air link.

Regarding sea travel, the nearest major commercial port is the Port of Manila (specifically the Manila International Container Terminal or MICT). The distance to Manila is significantly farther, approximately 130 to 150 kilometers. Bus travel time to Manila is generally 3 to 4 hours, making it a routine but lengthier trip for commercial and cargo connections.

Main Contributing Industries and Economic Profile

While Nueva Ecija is the Rice Granary of the Philippines, Cabanatuan City’s economy is predominantly driven by the Service and Commerce sectors. It operates as the financial, commercial, and educational powerhouse of the region, eclipsing surrounding agricultural activities. Key economic contributors include:

• Retail and Commercial Trade: The city is home to numerous large shopping malls, major department stores, and wet and dry markets that serve the consumer needs of the entire province.
• Education: Cabanatuan hosts numerous universities and colleges, making it the educational capital of the province and a destination for students across Central and Northern Luzon.
• Banking and Finance: It is the regional center for banking, with branches of major national banks, insurance, and financial services.
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): The BPO industry, particularly call centers, has been expanding rapidly, providing significant employment opportunities.

Economic Ranking and Classification

Cabanatuan City’s official classification is a First Class Component City. This classification is based on its average annual income, signifying a very high capacity for revenue generation and local economic activity. Although specific Municipal or City Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data are not typically published at the city level by government agencies like the PSA, Cabanatuan consistently ranks as one of the top revenue-generating cities in Central Luzon (Region III), often trailing only highly urbanized centers like Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga. Its robust commercial activity and large tax base make it the undisputed economic leader of Nueva Ecija.

Current Elected Leaders (2022-2025 Term)

The city’s governance is currently led by the following officials (based on the 2022 elections):

City Mayor: Hon. Myca Elizabeth R. Vergara
City Vice Mayor: Hon. Julius Cesar E. Vergara
Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) Members:
Hon. Nerito L. Santos Jr.
Hon. Philip A. Piccio
Hon. Angelito A. De Jesus
Hon. Joy C. Manahan
Hon. Christian A. Soriano
Hon. Jay J. Deguzman
Hon. Rico B. Hilario
Hon. Anthony R. Umali
Hon. Roselle G. Matias
Hon. Ma. Fe D. De Castro

Prominent Tourist Attractions

Cabanatuan City holds significant historical and cultural value, offering several key sites for visitors:

• Camp Pangatian Shrine (Cabanatuan American Memorial): This historically significant site served as a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during WWII and was the location of the famous “Great Raid” in 1945, which rescued over 500 Allied prisoners. It now stands as a memorial and national shrine.
• Cabanatuan City Cathedral: Also known as the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish Cathedral, it is a key religious landmark in the city and the seat of the Diocese of Cabanatuan.
• Freedom Park: Located at the city center, this is a large, public park and plaza that serves as a popular recreational area and a venue for civic events.
• Malls and Commercial Centers: The city is famous for its large commercial complexes, including SM City Cabanatuan and Robinsons Place Cabanatuan, which provide modern shopping and entertainment facilities.

Yearly Festivals: The Huling Hirit and Founding Anniversary

Cabanatuan City celebrates two major annual events that reflect its history and vibrant cultural life:

• Cabanatuan City Founding Anniversary: Celebrated on February 3rd, this marks the formal establishment of the city. The celebration involves various civic-military parades, cultural programs, and local government events that showcase the city’s progress and history.
• Feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentine: The primary religious festival, celebrated every September 10th in honor of the city’s patron saint. This involves traditional novena masses, processions, and the celebration of the local community’s faith.

A notable event is the annual Huling Hirit (Last Hurrah) celebration, which typically precedes the main anniversary, featuring local talents, music, and street parties, making Cabanatuan a lively cultural destination throughout the year.

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