San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

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

People of San Jose City

• As of the 2020 Census, San Jose City had a population of 150,917 residents.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 139,738, reflecting a steady growth rate of approximately 1.5% annually.
• Historically, the area was inhabited by the Negritos (Baluga), who lived in the forests and riverbanks and relied on hunting and fishing. These indigenous communities were among the earliest settlers before the arrival of lowland migrants.
• The dominant language spoken today is Tagalog, though Ilocano and Kapampangan are also widely used due to migration patterns. As in all Philippine schools, English is the official medium of instruction, ensuring students are prepared for both national and global opportunities.

Location of San Jose City

• San Jose City is a landlocked component city in the northern part of Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon. It lies at the crossroads of the Maharlika Highway (Route 1), San Jose-Lupao Road (Route 56), and Rizal-San Jose Road (Route 111), making it a strategic gateway to the Cagayan Valley.
• Travel access:
  • Land: The city is accessible by bus from Metro Manila via Cabanatuan City. Travel time is approximately 4–5 hours. Major bus lines include Victory Liner, Baliwag Transit, and Cisco Bus.
  • Air: The nearest airport is Clark International Airport, about 3–4 hours away by land.
  • Sea: Being landlocked, San Jose has no direct access to seaports. The closest major port is in Manila, approximately 5–6 hours away by bus or car.

Tourist Attractions of San Jose City

• St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral: A historic Roman Catholic cathedral and spiritual center of the city.
• Diamond Park: A scenic park ideal for picnics, jogging, and family outings, featuring a hundred-step trail and panoramic views.
• Tayabo Nature Park: A forested area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and eco-tourism facilities.
• Old PNR Station: A heritage site that once connected San Jose to Manila via the Philippine National Railway.
• Festivals:
  • Pagibang Damara Festival: Celebrated every April, this festival honors the end of the harvest season with street dancing, cultural shows, and agricultural exhibits. “Pagibang Damara” means “tearing down the hut,” a tradition after harvest.
  • Christmas Capital of Nueva Ecija: San Jose is known for its elaborate Christmas displays and citywide decorations during the holiday season.

Economy of San Jose City

• San Jose City is a major contributor to Nueva Ecija’s agricultural output, particularly in rice, onion, and garlic production. It is often referred to as the “Onion Capital of the Philippines.”
• The city also supports agribusiness, retail, and logistics sectors, with growing investments in warehousing and food processing.
• In 2024, Nueva Ecija posted a GDP of ₱331.96 billion, growing by 5.7% from the previous year. San Jose’s agricultural and commercial activities play a significant role in this growth.

Educational Institutions of San Jose City

• Young residents pursue higher education at several institutions:
  • San Jose City Colleges: A premier local institution offering programs in business, education, engineering, and health sciences.
  • STI College San Jose: Offers programs in computer science, tourism, education, and accounting information systems.
  • Colleges of the Republic: Provides degree programs in criminology, hospitality, and teacher education.
  • NEUST – San Jose Extension: An extension of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology offering technical and vocational courses.

History of San Jose City

• San Jose was originally a barrio called Kabaritan, derived from the Ilocano word “barit,” a type of rattan. It was part of the town of Lupao until it was established as a separate municipality on March 19, 1894.
• The city was named after its patron saint, St. Joseph, and became a component city through Republic Act No. 6051, signed on August 4, 1969. The city government was formally organized on August 10, 1969 by Proclamation No. 595.

Elected Officials of San Jose City

• As of the 2025 elections, San Jose City is led by:
  • Mayor: Josel F. Violago
  • Vice Mayor: Evangel Shalom S. Manugue
  • Representative (2nd District of Nueva Ecija): Joseph Gilbert F. Violago
• For a full list of councilors and barangay officials, visit the official Halalan 2025 results page: San Jose 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).