field” or “rice paddy” in Tagalog. It was intentionally given to
reflect the province’s national reputation as the “Rice Granary of
the Philippines”. Long before its formal organization, the
territory was a massive government stock farm utilized by the
Bureau of Animal Industry for livestock breeding. In 1952,
provincial leaders designated the area to house a centralized
capital seat. On June 19, 1965, the municipality was officially
established under Republic Act No. 4475. It holds a prestigious
place in national history as one of the few planned capital
cities in the Philippines.
Palayan City is strategically tucked in the central-eastern
section of Nueva Ecija, serving as the official provincial
capital. Based on the official 2024 Philippine Statistics
Authority census data, the component city records a population of
47,883 residents, making it the least populated city in the
Philippines. It serves as a prime administrative and eco-tourism
hub in Central Luzon, widely visited for major regional complexes
like the Nueva Ecija Provincial Capitol, the
Palayan City Business Hub, and portions of the
nearby Fort Magsaysay military reservation. To celebrate its
cultural heritage, the city hosts its annual Palayan City Fiesta
and founding celebrations.
Local Officials (2025–2028 Term)
City Mayor: Viandrei Nicole “Riki” Joson-Cuevas
City Vice Mayor (SP Presiding Officer): Romaric S. Capinpin
Sangguniang Panlungsod Members (City Councilors):
- Alvin A. Magtalas
- Anita R. Pineda, M.D.
- Reynaldo T. Fernandez (IP Representative)
- Edgardo T. Fajardo (ABC President)
- Ivy Claudette D. Mariano (SK Federation President)
