General Tinio

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General Tinio
Municipality
Welcome Arch
Seal
Map of Nueva Ecija with General Tinio highlighted
OpenStreetMap
General Tinio Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 15°21′N 121°03′E / 15.35°N 121.05°E / 15.35; 121.05
Country	Philippines
Region	Central Luzon
Province	Nueva Ecija
District	4th district
Founded	1921
Named for	Manuel Tinio
Barangays	13 (see Barangays)
Government  [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
• Mayor	Engr. Isidro T. Pajarillaga
• Vice Mayor	Melvin S. Pascual
• Representative	Emerson D. Pascual
• Municipal Council	Members June B. Abesamis Ma. Charmaine Dayupay Mario P. delos Santos Eric E. Serrano Luther A. Pajarillaga Marvin G. Pajarillaga Lazaro B. Gonzales Maximo S. de Guzman
• Electorate	39,556 voters (2022)
Area [2]
• Total	245.29 km2 (94.71 sq mi)
Elevation	56 m (184 ft)
Highest elevation	113 m (371 ft)
Lowest elevation	32 m (105 ft)
Population  (2020 census)[3]
• Total	55,925
• Density	230/km2 (590/sq mi)
• Households	13,137
Economy
• Income class	1st municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	12.61 % (2021)[4]
• Revenue	₱ 242.3 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 433.3 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 213.8 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 238 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Nueva Ecija 2 Area 2 Electric Cooperative (NEECO 2 A2)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	3104
PSGC	034910000
IDD : area code	+63 (0)44
Native languages	Southern Alta Tagalog Ilocano
Website	www.generaltinio.gov.ph

General Tinio, formerly known as Papaya, is a first-class^[5] municipality in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines with an area of 68,229.29 hectares, the second biggest in the province. Encompassing parts of the Sierra Madre mountain range and its rugged foothills. General Tinio lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains with an area of 68,229.29 hectares. It is bounded at the north by Sta. Rosa (25 kms), Laur and Gabaldon municipalities. In East by Quezon (formerly Tayabas), in South by Gapan (20 kms), Nueva Ecija and San Miguel, Bulacan and in West by Penaranda municipality (5.0 kms).

Due to its river boundaries, streams, thick vegetation, rolling hills and mountains, the town served as a tactical rallying point (Tagalog: ilíhan or taguan) for various resistance movements throughout history—starting with the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution, followed by Filipino insurgents during the American period, the Hukbalahap during the Japanese occupation, and later, communist rebels—making it a key refuge for patriots and insurgents across multiple eras of struggle. Renamed in 1957 to honor of General Manuel Tinio y Bundoc, the youngest general of the revolution, the town holds stories of heroism and resilience that remain largely untold and forgotten by many today. While its historical significance is quietly embedded in its landscapes and traditions, the present generation has yet to rediscover and appreciate its remarkable contributions to the country's fight for independence. General Tinio includes portions of the Sierra Madre mountain range and its rugged foothills while being bordered by the Peñaranda River at the south. It is traversed by several rivers and streams including Rio Chico River. The town’s hilly terrain and dense wild vegetation made it a natural strategic refuge for insurgents resisting colonization during the Spanish, American, Japanese occupations; and other rebel groups. These physical barriers allowed freedom fighters to rest and regroup, contributing to the absence of major battles within the town.

The town has since developed into a thriving agricultural hub known for its rich cultural festivals - like the Kalamay Festival - and natural attractions like Minalungao National Park. The town’s inspiring history, resilient leaders, and strong sense of community across its barangays continue to shape its legacy and drive its progress. The town is still locally referred to as Papaya but officially called the Municipality of General Tinio (Tagalog: Bayan ng Heneral Tinio, Ilocano: Ili ti Heneral Tinio). It posted an income of 260 M Php in 2020.^[6] According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 55,925 people.^[3]

To the northeast side is the Fort Magsaysay Army Reservation, wherein the national hero Ninoy Aquino and former Senator Jose Diokno were incarcerated during Martial Law in the 1970’s. On the north are the towns of Gabaldon and Laur, named after Laureana Quijano, the wife of General Manuel Tinio.

The town is part of the great Sierra Madre Mountains to the East where the indigenous people of Agta or Dumagat live; and where patriots and rebels hid; further to the east and over the mountains is the beach town and the next tuna capital of the Philippines,^[7] Dinggalan.

To the West are the historic towns of Sta. Rosa (25 kms), Peñaranda (5.0 kms) and the old city of Gapan where you will find the first minor basilica in Nueva Ecija, the National Shrine of La Virgen Divina Pastora, also known as the Three Kings Parish, or simply known as Gapan Church. To the south are the Peñaranda River that leads to the Minalungao National Park and; the town of Doña Remedios Trinidad, named after the former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

The area now known as General Tinio has a long history of human settlement, predating the arrival of foreign colonizers. The indigenous Dumagat people of the Sierra Madre, are known to have connections to the first wave of human settlers in the country. Over time, a settlement inhabited and formed a community which is now living in the tribal area of Barangay Palale.

The rugged terrain, interspersed with rivers and streams, provided a rich environment with abundant resources and natural defenses, allowing the Dumagat to preserve their unique culture and practices over generations.

Possible evidence of early human activity in the area, including the discovery of unique stone tools from the Lower Paleolithic age, may indicate that this land has an even earlier history of human presence with a high ingenuity and adaptation of their time. These tools suggest that early settlers were skilled and resourceful, utilizing advanced techniques uncommon in other parts of the Asia.

From these pre-colonial times up to the arrival of Magellan in Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar in 1521, settlers from the Tagalog (Taga-ilog) regions slowly moved in but mostly stayed along the rivers, establishing small communities that evolved into sitios and barrios. These early settlements eventually grew into three foundational towns: Rio Chico, Papaya, and Pias, which later formed the town of Papaya.

Papaya's earliest reference comes from the 1850 Diccionario Geográfico - Estadistico - Historico De Las Islas Filipinas published in Madrid by Fr. Manuel Buzeta and Felipe Bravo, which mentions Papaya as a visita de Gapan. ^[9] General Tinio was originally Papaya, a sitio of Barrio Mapisong, part of the larger jurisdiction of Gapan^[10]. Founded in 1595, Gapan was among the earliest Spanish towns in Nueva Ecija and included several surrounding communities under its administration. Papaya’s mention as a visita(chapel) in the 1850 Diccionario Geográfico, Estadístico, Histórico de las Islas Filipinas highlights its early integration into the Spanish ecclesiastical network. This inclusion under the Gapan church’s oversight indicates the community’s significance as an emerging local center during Spanish rule, where the establishment of chapels often marked areas of concentrated settlement and cultural activity.

This confirms the second reference which is the church bell inscription marking "Barrio de Papaya 1874,"^[11]located in the town center. reflecting its long-standing status as part of Gapan’s ecclesiastical territory. This further underscores the deep connection between Papaya and the Catholic Church, a relationship that significantly influenced its development.

A third reference is found in the biography of Katipunero and Comandante Mamerto Padolina, who was born on 1845, in Papaya.^[12]

According to the account of Cenon Monasterial, retired Division Superintendent of Schools on The History and Cultural Life of Papaya, Nueva Ecija,^[13] the most plausible origin of the name Papaya was during the Spanish colonial period, the area was largely a wilderness, occasionally patrolled by Spanish soldiers from their base in San Isidro (about 1852). Amidst this vast landscape, a Papaya tree became a guiding landmark—a waypoint among the patrolling soldiers. This tree stood where the old Sto. Cristo Catholic Church was located (and currently the Sto. Niño Diocesan School) and ultimately gave the place its original name: Papaya.

As a side note, Gapan Church is one of the oldest in the Philippines, and is now declared a minor basilica. The founding of the Gapan Church by the Order of St. Augustine, just 24 years after the Battle of Bangkusay and 74 years after Spain's arrival in Cebu in 1521,^[14] highlights the pivotal role that religious orders played in shaping not only the socio-political landscape but also settlement patterns and cultural evolution in the region.

Almost 250 years later, in 1848,^[15] the redrawing of territorial boundaries transferred sitio Papaya in the town of Gapan and its surrounding areas from Pampanga to Nueva Ecija, reshaping its political affiliation. In May 1851 [1], Mapisong was elevated to town status by a Royal Decree,^[16] becoming Peñaranda, and Papaya subsequently became one of its barrios. The establishment of churches and the evolution of political boundaries, coupled with the unique geographical features of the region—rivers, mountain ranges, and fertile plains—not only influenced the governance and administrative development of the area but also shaped the culture, practices, and beliefs of the people. The natural landscape played a significant role in the way the communities adapted, leading to the development of resilient agricultural practices and strong communal traditions.

Following the 1898 Treaty of Paris and the Battle of Manila Bay, the United States moved swiftly to solidify its control over the Philippines, aiming to capture President Emilio Aguinaldo and establish civil governance. This led to the formation of the Taft Commission or Second Philippine Commission (1900),^[17] which became the first legislative body of the Philippines. The subsequent enactment of several laws—such as Act 82^[18] (The Municipal Code, January 1901), Act 83^[19] (The Provincial Government Act, February 1901), and Act 136^[20] (An Act Providing for the Organization of Courts in the Philippine Islands, June 1901)—laid the foundation for the administrative structure that would shape the country during the American colonial period. By June 11, 1901, Nueva Ecija's provincial government had been brought under American control, with Epifanio De Los Santos appointed as its first governor.

Despite the establishment of the American colonial government, local resistance remained fierce. General Urbano Lacuna, a native of Peñaranda, led the fight against the Americans alongside other courageous locals, including Commandant Mamerto Padolina, and Tenientes Jose Bulacan, Pedro Gonzales, Juan Calma, Juanso Padolina, etc. These freedom fighters fought against the advancing American forces and their ruthless allies, the Macabebes, a group known for their allegiance to foreign invaders.

According to the History and the Cultural Life of Papaya^[21] from the National Historical Commission and the biography of Mamerto Padolina, the Macabebes were Filipinos who served as collaborators to both the Spanish and American colonizers. During the Spanish colonial period, they aided the Guardia Civil in persecuting insurgents and were notorious for their harsh methods, including torture and looting. The mountainous areas like Pias served as refuge for many residents, who hid there in fear of the Macabebes' brutal tactics.

During the American occupation, the Macabebes continued their allegiance to foreign powers and acted as a formidable force against Filipino resistance. Their terror extended to the people of Barrio Rio Chico and beyond, where they looted properties, violated women, and punished those who refused compliance. News of their atrocities caused women and children to flee into the wilderness, seeking safety from the Macabebes' relentless aggression. Despite the overwhelming odds, Filipino patriots continued their resistance, keeping alive the spirit of defiance against foreign rule.

This chapter in the history of General Tinio, formerly Papaya, exemplifies the resilience and bravery of its people in the face of foreign oppression. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit in defending their land remain an important part of the town's legacy.

On June 11, 1901, the civil government of Nueva Ecija was re-established. Starting in 1903, the province underwent reorganization process, municipalities were reduced and new ones were created.^[22] On March 10, 1917, by virtue of Act No. 2711,^[23] Barrio Papaya was listed among the 27 municipalities of Nueva Ecija. However, the true formation of the independent municipality occurred on October 14, 1920, when Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison issued Executive Order No. 30, officially separating Barrio Papaya, along with Barrio Rio Chico and Barrio Pias, from the town of Peñaranda. This separation became effective on January 1, 1921, marking the beginning of Papaya as an independent municipality.

Papaya achieved its status as an independent municipality in 1921 through the concerted efforts of key local figures. Among them was Judge Segundo Bernardo, who served as the municipal president of Peñaranda from 1913 to 1919^[24]. His leadership and advocacy were instrumental in the administrative processes leading to Papaya's establishment as a separate town. He later became a Juez de Policia or Justice of the Peace of Papaya from 1928-1934^[24].

Another pivotal figure was Comandante Mamerto Padolina, born in sitio Papaya; a dedicated Katipunero who played a significant role during the Philippine Revolution and the subsequent Philippine-American War. His commitment to the cause and influence in Peñaranda and the nearby areas were crucial in mobilizing support for Papaya's independence. The collaborative efforts of these leaders culminated in the creation of the municipality. ^[25]

Papaya became the administrative center of the newly formed town, largely due to its strategic location and historical significance as a meeting point for the locals and visitors. It has become known as Poblacion or Bayan. It developed into the hub of governance and commerce for the municipality.^[13]

Rio Chico, previously known as Ilog na Munti, played an equally important role in the formation of the town. The name Rio Chico, meaning "small river," was given by Spanish soldiers who were impressed by the small river that ran through the area, providing water and facilitating transportation. Rio Chico was known for its fertile lands along the riverbanks, which allowed the community to thrive. The pioneering families—the Riveras and the Gonzaleses—settled along the river and became the foundation of the community, contributing significantly to the early development of the town.

The original families in the area are the Rivera and Gonzales. The sitio of Baste (now known as Barangay Bago), located northeast of Rio Chico near the Sierra Madre Mountains, was an important agricultural site and served as an evacuation center during World War II. Baste was also a hiding place for the Hukbalahaps and guerrilla fighters during the Japanese occupation.

The old sitios are:

Pias, the third foundational barrio, was known for its rich natural resources, including bamboo and fish, which were abundant along the banks of the river that ran through the area. According to local legend, the barrio got its name when children mispronounced the word "bias," referring to bamboo tubes that served as hiding places for fish. The name stuck and has been used ever since. Pias also held significance due to its agricultural potential and its position as a gateway to the rugged terrain of the Sierra Madre, which later served as a refuge for guerilla fighters during times of conflict.

The old sitios are:

• Sapang-bato - it was famous for its mangoes and fish and was used as an evacuation center of the barrios and towns
• Samang-gogo - it used to be grazing lands for cows and carabaos; Gogo/Gugo (Entada phaseoloides) was found in this area and sold to neighboring towns.
• Kaputatan - became the hiding place of prominent people in Nueva Ecija like Ex-Governor Jose Robles and the Yusons of Gapan; Putat (Barringtonia asiatica or Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng) of Fish-Poison tree was found growing along the river; the sitio became a barrio in 1938
• Maipit - a place where there were many rocks and crevices where your fingers could be caught
• Bacug - a place named after the vine Bacug that was used for basket-weaving
• Sabia - this area became the headquarters of Anderson guerrillas during the Japanese occupation; this area is also famous for the local fish called Bia / Biya / Tabios / Dwarf Pygmy Goby (Paedocypris progenetica)
• Talbac - this area is known to be populated by Negritos / Aeta or Alta; the site where William J. Pomeroy and his wife were captured in April 1952; this place became also a stronghold of Luis Taruc, Jesus Lava, Jose de Leon alias Dimasalang, and Alfredo Saulo. It was said that this area was also a battleground between Macabebes and Insurrectos.

After the Barrio Papaya, with Barrio Rio Chico and Pias became a town with an elected municipal government in 1921, the Barrio of Papaya had become officially as Barrio Poblacion or "Bayan".

In December 31, 1972, during the martial Law period, P.D 86 Creating Citizen Assemblies^[26] revised the Barrio Charter (RA 3590). This was further amended by P.D. 86-A Strengthening and Defining the Role of Barangays (Citizens Assemblies)^[27] on January 5, 1973. Under the leadership of Mayor Nicanor Bulacan Aves, these laws were executed and, by 1978, led to the creation of 6 new barangays.

As the Poblacion was dissolved, these 6 new barangays were promulgated: Poblacion Central, Poblacion East, Poblacion West, San Pedro, Sampaguita, Pulong Matong. From three barrios, the town is now subdivided to twelve and are now called barangays.

In 1999, under the leadership of Mayor Virgilio Abes Bote, the Local Government of General Tinio filed a territorial dispute to reclaim Barangay Palale from Palayan City. On September 7, 2006, the Supreme Court First Division, in G.R. No. 169089, ruled in favor of General Tinio, officially transferring Barangay Palale back under its jurisdiction. The Barangay was previously one of the northern sitios of Barangay Nazareth before it was transferred to Palayan City in 1982.

• 
  Topographic map
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  Flood map is if the waters go high as 40m above sea level

Population census of General Tinio

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1939	7,517	—
1948	8,645	+1.57%
1960	14,925	+4.65%
1970	19,353	+2.63%
1975	21,088	+1.74%
1980	23,406	+2.11%
1990	29,491	+2.34%
1995	32,913	+2.08%
2000	35,352	+1.54%
2007	39,356	+1.49%
2010	42,634	+2.95%
2015	47,865	+2.23%
2020	55,925	+3.11%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[29][30][31][32]

Poverty incidence of General Tinio

5 10 15 20 2006 19.70 2009 15.69 2012 15.38 2015 14.92 2018 5.10 2021 12.61 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40]

The Arakyo Festival^[41] is a traditional cultural and religious presentation celebrated until the 1970s in General Tinio and continuing today in Barangay Pias. While its roots lie in the historical territory of Old Gapan, the festival is no longer celebrated in Gapan City itself. Its origins date back to the Spanish colonial period and were brought to the Philippines by the Order of St. Augustine who was part of the Counter-Reformation efforts and as part of Spain's efforts to spread Catholicism and establish dominance throughout the islands.

The Arakyo Festival draws its inspiration from the Founding of the True Cross by St. Helena,^[42] an event celebrated worldwide as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This feast commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena in Jerusalem around 326 AD and honors subsequent events such as its recovery from the Persians in 629 AD and the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Feast of the Holy Cross is celebrated annually on September 14 in both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, emphasizing its global significance. In Western Christianity, this celebration was historically also observed on May 3—commonly known as "Crouchmas" or "Roodmas"—specifically marking the finding of the True Cross.

The fiestas in Barangay Pias and Barangay Padolina are celebrated on January 2 in honor of Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus). This devotion to Santo Niño de Cebu traces its roots back to 1521, when Ferdinand Magellan gifted an image of the Holy Child to Rajah Humabon (baptized as Carlos) and his wife, Hara Humamay (baptized as Juana), during their baptism as the first Christian converts in Cebu. This moment marked the beginning of the Santo Niño devotion in the Philippines, a practice that has since become deeply embedded in Filipino culture.

The Santo Niño feast symbolizes the start of the year with blessings, hope, and communal renewal. This tradition, brought by the Augustinian missionaries,^[43] emphasizes the influence of the Santo Niño on the spiritual and cultural identity of the people of Nueva Ecija, linking the modern-day celebrations to the early efforts of Christian evangelization in the Philippines. Other nearby areas that also celebrate are the Barangay Sto. Niño, Peñaranda; Fiesta del Santo Niño de Cabanatuan in Cabanatuan, Sto. Niño de Puncan, Carranglan; Viva Sto. Niño Festival in Talavera, and The Feast of Santo Niño of San Mariano Chapel, Talavera.

Minalungao National Park is a 2,018-hectare natural park located in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija. Known for its towering limestone formations and the Sumacbao River that slices through the landscape.^{[citation needed]}

Cockfighting, or "sabong", is a longstanding tradition and popular pastime in General Tinio, particularly among the male population.^[44] The single General Tinio Cockpit Arena serves as the venue for these events, which are more than just gambling—they are significant cultural and social gatherings. The appeal of cockfighting is partly due to the chance to make informed bets based on the roosters’ breed and training, giving participants a sense of control over the outcome. This, along with the social camaraderie it fosters, helps maintain its enduring popularity in the community.

A statue at the Barangay San Pedro enshrines the history of brass bands in the town and it recognizes Maestro Pedro "Bigas" Manuel Bautista as the "Ama ng Musika" (Father of Music) of the town. It recognizes his influence on the youth of his time, teaching and elevating the standard of music in the area. Due to his dedication, General Tinio considered a Barangay to be named after him but he declined as he was still alive at that time. He recommended to name it after his namesake, St. Peter, the Apostle. Therefore the Barangay was named Barangay San Pedro. With his continued contribution in music, General Tinio became known as the town having the most number of active brass bands.^{[citation needed]} The resolution for the statue was initiated by the Barangay Council of San Pedro and endorsed by the Municipal Council of General Tinio in December 2002, with the statue being unveiled on November 22, 2003.

• 
  Town hall
• 
  Sports center
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  Old Santo Cristo Parish Church
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  New Holy Cross Parish Church
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  Public market
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  Cory Aquino memorial
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  Minalungao National Park
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  The Upper Tabuating Dam at Brgy. Nazareth

• List of renamed cities and municipalities in the Philippines

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information