Licab remains a smaller, tightly-knit agricultural
municipality according to the Department of Finance’s recent reviews,
balancing its low-density population of 29,201 residents
with steady development.The name Licab was derived from the Ilocano phrase
“kaili-kalian, aglicab tayo”, which means
“townmates, let us scrape the grass.” The early settlers used
to clear the dense weeds and wild cogon grass to establish the
settlement. Long before its formal organization, the territory was a
remote wilderness known as Sitio Santa Maria, which
was a part of the vast municipality of Aliaga. Driven by the leadership
of Don Esguerra and migrating Ilocano families, it gained an independent
identity. On March 28, 1894, Licab was officially
established as an independent municipality under Spanish colonial decree.
Licab is strategically tucked in the central-western section of
Nueva Ecija. It serves as a peaceful agricultural hub
in Central Luzon, widely recognized as one of the major producers of
quality palay in the province. To celebrate its cultural heritage and
farming bounty, the town hosts the annual Kariton Festival
every March, a colorful thanksgiving celebration showcasing beautifully
decorated traditional wooden carts (kariton) drawn by carabaos,
honoring the tools that helped build the town’s early agricultural
success. While small local retail hubs are growing,
rice cultivation and livestock farming remain the
ultimate economic lifeblood and primary source of livelihood for its
locals.
Local Officials (2025–2028 Term)
Mayor:
Eufemia “Femy” Domingo
Vice Mayor (SB Presiding Officer):
Ferdinand “Ding” Santos
Councilors (Sangguniang Bayan Members):
- Christopher “Chris” Tinio
- Zaldy “Zal” Tinio
- Robert “Rob” Corpuz
- Orlando “Orly” Manuel
- Marissa “Mari” Ramos
- Reynaldo “Rey” Dumayan
- Teodoro “Teody” Gabriel
- Danilo “Danny” Wy
