Cabanatuan City, Philippines
Region: Nueva Ecija
Geographic Coordinates: 15.490800, 120.968000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 327325
Language: Tagalog
Cabanatuan City is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. It is considered the largest city in the province with an estimated population of over 300, 000 people. The city has a rich historical background and played an important role in shaping the country’s history. One of Cabanatuan City’s most notable landmarks is the Camp Pangatian Memorial Shrine which serves as a tribute to Filipino soldiers who fought during World War II.
The camp was used as a prisoner-of-war camp by Japanese forces during that time and was also known for its infamous death march where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march from Bataan to Tarlac. Aside from its historical significance, Cabanatuan City offers several tourist attractions such as Minalungao National Park which features clear waters, Towering limestone cliffs, And lush greenery perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, Hiking, And camping. Another popular destination is Fort Ramon Magsaysay which serves as one of Southeast Asia’s largest military bases.
Visitors can explore different military artifacts or experience jungle survival training. The city also boasts several cultural festivals throughout the year such as Nueva Ecija Harvest Festival where locals showcase their agricultural products like rice grains and vegetables through colorful street dances and parades. Another festival worth visiting is Bagoong Festival where they celebrate their famous fermented fish paste called bagoong through food fairs, Cooking contests, And cultural performances.
Cabanatuan City is also home to several educational institutions such as Wesleyan University-Philippines offering diverse undergraduate programs including medicine while Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) provides technical courses related to agriculture engineering among others. In terms of cuisine, Cabanatuan City offers various local delicacies such as batutay – noodle soup made from pork bones – pancit cabagan – stir-fried noodle dish with egg, Meat, And vegetables. The city also boasts several restaurants that serve international cuisines like Korean, Japanese, And Chinese.
Overall, Cabanatuan City is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the rich history and culture of the Philippines. With its stunning natural attractions, Educational institutions, Cultural festivals and delicious cuisine – there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
- Freedom Park is a well-known public park situated in the center of Cabanatuan City.
- St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral is a stunning Roman Catholic church that serves as a landmark in the city.
- Plaza Lucero is another public park that highlights a statue of General Antonio Luna, who was a Filipino hero during the Philippine-American War.
- Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation is the biggest military base in the Philippines and also functions as a training ground for soldiers.
- Camp Pangatian Memorial Shrine is an important historical site where Filipino and American soldiers battled during World War II.
- Old Capitol Building used to be an old government building but now operates as a museum showcasing Nueva Ecija province’s history.
- Minalungao National Park, approximately 30 kilometers away from Cabanatuan City, is renowned for its limestone formations and picturesque river views, making it an excellent natural attraction to visit.
- Bantug Lake Ranch offers visitors ecotourism opportunities such as horseback riding, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities to enjoy.
- Gapan Church was built by Augustinians in 1595 and stands out as Nueva Ecija’s oldest church with significant cultural value worth exploring.
- Gabaldon Falls are approximately an hour away from Cabanatuan City but offer breathtaking views of nature that are worth experiencing for visitors seeking adventure.
- Agriculture (rice and corn production)
- Livestock farming
- Poultry farming
- Manufacturing (textiles, food processing, furniture)
- Retail trade
- Banking and finance services
- Healthcare services (hospitals and clinics)
- Education services (schools and universities)
- Tourism industry (historical landmarks and natural attractions)
- Transportation services (bus companies and jeepney operators)
- Cabanatuan City played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. In 1898, Filipino forces led by General Mariano Llanera defeated the Spanish troops stationed in Cabanatuan.
- During World War II, Cabanatuan City was the site of one of the most brutal episodes in Philippine history – the Bataan Death March. Thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march from Bataan to Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac, passing through Cabanatuan City along the way.
- Jose Abad Santos was a prominent lawyer and statesman who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during World War II. He was captured by Japanese forces and executed for refusing to collaborate with them.
- Gregorio del Pilar was a young general who fought bravely against American forces during the Philippine-American War. He is best known for his heroic stand at Tirad Pass, where he died fighting outnumbered enemy troops.
- NEUST is one of the most prestigious universities in Central Luzon and has produced many notable alumni in various fields such as politics, business, science, arts, and sports.
- During the People Power Revolution that toppled President Ferdinand Marcos’ regime in 1986, thousands of people from Cabanatuan City joined protests calling for democratic reforms.
- Gabriel Flash Elorde was a legendary boxer who won world titles at both featherweight and junior lightweight divisions during his career spanning from 1951-1971.
- Genoveva Matute is considered as one of Philippines’ greatest writers known for her works such as Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya and Ang Kwento ni Mabuti. She was born in Cabanatuan City in 1915 and passed away in 2009.
- Antonio Luna was a brilliant military strategist during the Philippine-American War. He was assassinated by his own men in Cabanatuan City on June 5, 1899.
- Gen. Paulino Santos was a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army from 1936 to 1938. He is also known for founding the town of General Santos City in Mindanao, which is named after him.
- Camp Pangatian Memorial Shrine is a memorial and museum that pays tribute to the brave Filipino soldiers who fought against the Japanese during World War II.
- Nueva Ecija Freedom Park is a park that honors heroes of Nueva Ecija, such as General Antonio Luna and Marcelo H. Del Pilar.
- St. Nicholas of Tolentine Cathedral is a beautiful church built in 1824, showcasing Spanish colonial architecture.
- Museo de Leon Gallery is an art gallery featuring works by local artists and historical artifacts from Cabanatuan City and nearby areas.
- Good Harvest Agricultural Research Center showcases modern farming techniques and sustainable agriculture practices.
- Minalungao National Park, located just outside Cabanatuan City, features stunning limestone formations, crystal-clear river waters, and lush greenery perfect for hiking and camping enthusiasts.
- Fort Ramon Magsaysay Military Reservation Museum is dedicated to the history of Fort Ramon Magsaysay Military Reservation – one of Southeast Asia’s largest military bases during its time.
- Gabaldon Falls is a hidden gem in Gabaldon town near Cabanatuan City known for its scenic beauty with cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery – perfect for nature lovers to enjoy their day out there!
- Cabanatuan City Jammers is a basketball team founded in 2010 that has participated in multiple local and national tournaments, including the National Basketball League (NBL) and Liga Pilipinas.
- The Nueva Ecija Rice Makers represent the province of Nueva Ecija, including Cabanatuan City, as a professional basketball team that currently competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
- Cabanatuan Bulls is another basketball team from Cabanatuan City that has participated in various local tournaments.
- FC Galleon is a football club based in Cabanatuan City competing in the United Football League (UFL). They were founded in 2012 and have become one of Central Luzon’s top football teams.
- The Nueva Ecija Phoenix Volley Masters are a men’s volleyball team representing Nueva Ecija province, including Cabanatuan City, participating regularly at various local and national competitions such as Philippine Super Liga (PSL).
- Nueva Ecija Day is celebrated every September 2, commemorating the founding of the province.
- The Taong Putik Festival is held every June 24 and involves locals covering themselves in mud and leaves to honor Saint John the Baptist.
- The Gabaldon Falls Festival takes place every January and showcases the beauty of Gabaldon Falls through activities such as trekking and swimming.
- On April 9, the Dambana ng Kagitingan Festival commemorates Filipino soldiers’ bravery during World War II.
- Every December, Cabanatuan City’s famous bagoong (fermented fish paste) is showcased through food stalls and cooking competitions at the Bagoong Festival.
- The Pista ng San Isidro Labrador takes place on May 15-16 to honor the patron saint of farmers with a parade and agricultural fair.
- Celebrated every November, Sinukwan Festival highlights Central Luzon’s rich cultural heritage through dance performances and street parades.
- Held on December 30-31, Kawayan Festival celebrates bamboo as a symbol of resilience and sustainability through art exhibits and cultural shows.
- Batutay Longganisa is a local sausage that’s made with garlic and vinegar, often served with fried rice and egg.
- Armando’s Pizza is a popular pizza chain known for their thin crust and unique toppings.
- Kapitan Pepe’s Chicken Inasal is a restaurant that specializes in grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi, and spices.
- LJC Restaurant is an upscale restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine with a modern twist.
- Pares Mami House is famous for their beef pares (braised beef) paired with mami noodles.
- Kainan sa Dalampasigan offers fresh seafood dishes such as grilled squid, shrimp sinigang, and fish kinilaw.
- Mang Inasal is a fast-food chain that serves grilled chicken inasal along with other Filipino favorites like pork barbecue skewers and halo-halo dessert.
- Sisig Hooray! specializes in different variations of sisig (a popular Filipino dish made from pig’s head).
- Robinsons Place Nueva Ecija Food Court is home to various food stalls offering different cuisines including Japanese, Korean, Chinese & Filipino dishes.
- Little Cafe by the Hill is a cozy cafe that serves comfort food like pasta dishes & sandwiches along with coffee & tea beverages.
- Freedom Park is a public park situated in the heart of Cabanatuan City. It boasts a playground, an open field for sports and events, and a walking path.
- Plaza Lucero is a historic public park that doubles as a venue for cultural events and activities.
- Cabanatuan City Hall Grounds is an open space located in front of the City Hall where people can engage in various recreational activities such as jogging or playing sports.
- Camp Pangatian Eco-Park is a nature reserve that provides hiking trails, camping sites, picnic areas, and other outdoor activities.
- Lakewood Golf Course & Country Club is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts with its 18-hole golf course surrounded by lush greenery.
- NE Pacific Mall has several entertainment options like cinemas and game arcades to keep you entertained while shopping or hanging out with friends.
- Nueva Ecija Convention Center offers indoor facilities which include basketball courts, badminton courts among others to cater to different interests of visitors who come here for recreational purposes.
