Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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

People of Palayan City

• As of the 2020 Census, Palayan City had a population of 45,383 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 41,041, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 2.0% annually.
• Palayan is home to relocated Aeta communities who were displaced by the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption and resettled in Fort Magsaysay. These indigenous groups maintain distinct cultural practices, including traditional farming, music, and rituals.
• The dominant language spoken is Tagalog, though Aeta dialects are preserved in upland communities. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are equipped for national and global engagement.

Location of Palayan City

• Palayan City is a landlocked component city in the northeastern part of Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon. It serves as the provincial capital and is surrounded by the municipalities of Laur and Bongabon.
• Travel access:
  • Land: Palayan is accessible via bus and private vehicles from Cabanatuan City, which is about 30 minutes away. Major routes include the Maharlika Highway and Nueva Ecija-Aurora Road.
  • Air: The nearest airport is Clark International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours away by land.
  • Sea: Being landlocked, Palayan has no direct access to seaports. The closest major port is in Manila, about 3–4 hours away by bus or car.

Tourist Attractions of Palayan City

• Fort Magsaysay: The largest military reservation in the Philippines, offering historical tours and nature trails.
• Palayan City Business Park: A growing commercial hub with government offices and civic spaces.
• Freedom Park: A landscaped public park ideal for family outings and community events.
• Gabaldon Welcome Arch: A historic gateway marking the entrance to nearby towns.
• Festivals:
  • Palayan City Foundation Day: Celebrated every June 19, featuring parades, cultural shows, and civic activities.
  • Agri-Tourism Fair: Showcases local produce, crafts, and sustainable farming practices.

Economy of Palayan City

• Palayan’s economy is anchored in agriculture, government services, and eco-tourism. The city is part of Nueva Ecija’s broader agricultural belt, producing rice, onions, and calamansi.
• In 2024, Nueva Ecija posted a GDP of ₱331.96 billion, growing by 5.7% from the previous year. Palayan contributes through administrative functions, agri-based industries, and township development projects.
• The Palayan City Township project aims to attract young professionals and investors, with mixed-use developments and sustainable infrastructure.

Educational Institutions of Palayan City

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology – Atate Campus: Offers programs in engineering, agriculture, and education.
  • NEUST – Fort Magsaysay Campus: Focuses on military science, public administration, and technical courses.
  • Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College: A state-run institution offering affordable degree programs in business and social sciences.
  • TESDA Nueva Ecija Provincial Office: Provides vocational training and certification in trades and technology.

History of Palayan City

• Palayan was created on June 19, 1965 through Republic Act No. 4475, transforming a government stock farm into the new capital of Nueva Ecija.
• The city was one of the few in the Philippines planned from the ground up, alongside Quezon City and Trece Martires. Its name, “Palayan,” reflects the province’s identity as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines.”
• It was carved out from the municipalities of Laur and Bongabon and designed to host provincial government offices and civic centers.

Elected Officials of Palayan City

• As of the 2025 elections, Palayan City is led by:
  • Mayor: Viandrei Nicole Joson Cuevas
  • Vice Mayor: Romaric S. Capinpin
  • Representative (3rd District of Nueva Ecija): Julius Cesar V. Vergara
  • City Councilors: Alvin A. Magtalas, Julius M. Sta. Maria, Ken Anthony S. Malang, Pacifico Rico C. Fajardo, Julius E. De Leon, and others
• For official results and updates, visit the Halalan 2025 page: Palayan City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines

The move towards Federalism in the Philippines is simply a ploy to create political dynasties and establish a Bangsamoro State (an autonomous Islamic State).