Central Luzon’s Agricultural Hub
Economic Strengths
- Agriculture (rice, corn, sugarcane)
- Aquaculture (fisheries)
- Tourism (historical sites, natural attractions)
- Manufacturing (food processing)
Demographic Advantages
- Young population (30.14% aged 14 and below)
- Growing workforce (64.54% aged 15-64)
- Median age: 26
Key Attractions
- Minalungao National Park
- Pantabangan Dam
- Palayan City (capital)
- Bongabon (historic town)
Opportunities
- Agricultural modernization
- Eco-tourism development
- Infrastructure upgrades (roads, bridges)
- Vocational training programs
Why Invest in Nueva Ecija?
Nueva Ecija offers a compelling investment proposition. As the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” it boasts agricultural productivity, rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With government support, a skilled workforce and opportunities in agriculture, tourism and manufacturing, the province invites businesses and investors seeking sustainable growth.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aliaga | municipality | 70,363 | 63,543 | 2.17% | 90.04 | 781 | 26 |
| Bongabon | municipality | 66,839 | 64,173 | 0.86% | 242.91 | 275 | 28 |
| Cabanatuan | city (CC) | 327,325 | 302,231 | 1.69% | 282.75 | 1,158 | 89 |
| Cabiao | municipality | 85,862 | 79,007 | 1.77% | 111.83 | 768 | 23 |
| Carranglan | municipality | 42,420 | 41,131 | 0.65% | 705.31 | 60 | 17 |
| Cuyapo | municipality | 68,066 | 65,039 | 0.96% | 215.73 | 316 | 51 |
| Gabaldon | municipality | 38,958 | 35,383 | 2.05% | 225.28 | 173 | 16 |
| Gapan | city (CC) | 122,968 | 110,303 | 2.31% | 164.44 | 748 | 23 |
| General Mamerto Natividad | municipality | 44,311 | 41,656 | 1.31% | 118.00 | 376 | 20 |
| General Tinio | municipality | 55,925 | 47,865 | 3.33% | 533.08 | 105 | 13 |
| Guimba | municipality | 127,653 | 118,655 | 1.55% | 245.29 | 520 | 64 |
| Jaen | municipality | 79,189 | 73,184 | 1.67% | 85.46 | 927 | 27 |
| Laur | municipality | 38,263 | 35,656 | 1.50% | 295.88 | 129 | 17 |
| Licab | municipality | 29,269 | 28,254 | 0.75% | 67.37 | 434 | 11 |
| Llanera | municipality | 42,281 | 39,701 | 1.33% | 114.44 | 369 | 22 |
| Lupao | municipality | 45,917 | 43,788 | 1.00% | 121.33 | 378 | 24 |
| Muñoz | city (CC) | 84,308 | 81,483 | 0.72% | 163.05 | 517 | 37 |
| Nampicuan | municipality | 14,471 | 14,954 | -0.69% | 52.60 | 275 | 21 |
| Palayan | city (CC), capital | 45,383 | 41,041 | 2.14% | 101.40 | 448 | 19 |
| Pantabangan | municipality | 31,763 | 29,925 | 1.26% | 392.56 | 81 | 14 |
| Peñaranda | municipality | 32,269 | 29,882 | 1.63% | 95.00 | 340 | 10 |
| Quezon | municipality | 41,845 | 40,592 | 0.64% | 68.53 | 611 | 16 |
| Rizal | municipality | 70,196 | 64,087 | 1.94% | 120.55 | 582 | 26 |
| San Antonio | municipality | 83,060 | 77,836 | 1.38% | 153.56 | 541 | 16 |
| San Isidro | municipality | 54,372 | 51,612 | 1.10% | 56.49 | 963 | 9 |
| San Jose | city (CC) | 150,917 | 139,738 | 1.63% | 185.99 | 811 | 38 |
| San Leonardo | municipality | 68,536 | 65,299 | 1.02% | 151.90 | 451 | 15 |
| Santa Rosa | municipality | 75,649 | 69,467 | 1.81% | 147.15 | 514 | 33 |
| Santo Domingo | municipality | 61,092 | 57,943 | 1.12% | 74.88 | 816 | 24 |
| Talavera | municipality | 132,338 | 124,829 | 1.24% | 140.92 | 939 | 53 |
| Talugtug | municipality | 25,236 | 23,817 | 1.23% | 93.95 | 269 | 28 |
| Zaragoza | municipality | 53,090 | 49,387 | 1.53% | 72.02 | 737 | 19 |
| Nueva Ecija Total | 2,310,134 | 2,151,461 | 1.51% | 5,689.69 | 406 | 849 | |
Economy:
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,363,465,958.91 | – |
| 2010 | 1,443,182,624.40 | 5.85% |
| 2011 | 1,543,032,975.90 | 6.92% |
| 2012 | 1,516,709,189.18 | -1.71% |
| 2013 | 1,668,345,707.31 | 10.00% |
| 2014 | 1,895,971,390.63 | 13.64% |
| 2015 | 2,182,098,001.03 | 15.09% |
| 2016 | 2,347,116,285.36 | 7.56% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Tourism in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, is characterized by its scenic rice terraces, culinary delights, historical and cultural sites, natural attractions like Minalungao National Park, festivals, agri-tourism, eco-tourism, and religious tourism. The province offers a diverse range of experiences, drawing visitors with its rich agricultural heritage, history, and natural beauty.
