San Jose City, Philippines

San Jose, the 59th City of the Philippines and the youngest among the three cities of Nueva Ecija, is situated in a strategic location.

Located 160 kilometers north of Manila, 131 kilometers southeast of Dagupan City, 193 kilometers east of Banaue, Ifugao, and 435 kilometers southeast of Appari, Cagayan, it enjoys proximity to major urban centers and natural landmarks.

The city is distinguished by its geographic surroundings: the Caraballo Mountains to the north and the Sierra Madre Mountains to the east. Originally a part of Puncan, founded in 1701 by the Augustinians, San Jose later became a barrio of Lupao known as Barrio "Kabaritan." This name derived from the abundance of "barit," a plant from the rattan family.

San Jose achieved full municipal status on March 19, 1894, with its interim government led by a Captain Municipal. It was named after Saint Joseph, the city's patron saint. During the Spanish Regime, it operated as a Municipal District of Lupao under Teniente Absoluto Don Olegario Fajardo. After its elevation to town status, Canuto Ramos served as the first Captain Municipal from 1894 to 1898, notable for initiating the construction of the Talavera River Irrigation System.

The city faced adversity during World War II, suffering heavy casualties from Japanese bombings on December 23, 1941. An emergency government was established, which was short-lived due to the arrival of Japanese Imperial Forces on January 26, 1942.

Today, San Jose City is comprised of 38 barangays, both urban and rural. Its strategic location as the Gateway to Cagayan Valley has propelled its growth, making it a progressive city known for its implementation of the Clean and Green Program. San Jose has earned recognition, including the Presidential Award as "The Cleanest and Greenest City of Region III" and the title of "Tourism Capital of Region III," declared by the Department of Tourism on December 13, 1995.

The City Tourism Office

Mission

The City Tourism Office in the frontline of initiating,implementing and sustaining programs that ensure the protection,preservation and development of the City's local culture and natural resources to be shared and promoted as a source of rest,recreation and inspiration for the local populace and other people from within and outside the country.

Vision

A City proud of it's natural beauty, rich in culture and heritage as well as agro-industrial achievements, frequented by local and foreign visitors that contribute to the economic well-being and socio-cultural unification of San Josenians .