“Mapisong”, a traditional local term meaning “a
place abounding in big stones” due to the rocky topography found
near its rivers. For a long period, it existed as a remote,
heavily forested barrio under the jurisdiction of Gapan. In 1851,
through a formal decree issued by the Spanish Governor-General,
the settlement was elevated into an independent town and renamed
Peñaranda in honor of José María Peñaranda, a
brilliant Spanish military engineer whose extensive infrastructure
and road-mapping projects helped establish the new municipality.
The town holds a prestigious place in national history for its
crucial revolutionary uprisings led by local figures like Colonel
Pablo Padilla and General Urbano Lacuna.
Peñaranda is strategically tucked in the southern section of
Nueva Ecija, nestled within the province’s fourth congressional
district right along the busy routes connecting Gapan and San
Leonardo. Based on official census data, the municipality records
a population of 33,043 residents. It serves as a prime cultural
and heritage destination in Central Luzon, internationally
renowned for keeping alive the Araquio Festival
every May—a grand, centuries-old traditional musical street drama
recognized by UNESCO and the NCCA that reenacts Queen Helena’s
search for the Holy Cross.
Local Officials
Mayor: Joselito “Joey” A. Ramos
Vice Mayor (SB Presiding Officer): Efer Aves
Councilors (Sangguniang Bayan Members):
- Amir Ramos
- Boyong Reyes
- Nerio Gonzales
- Sonny Corpuz
- Tito June Abesamis
