Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
Region III – Central Luzon
CORE GATEWAY COLLEGE, INC.
Maharlika Highway cor. Cardenas St., San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION OF STO. NIÑO 2ND
IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT FOR THE REQUIREMENTS IN READINGS IN
PHILIPPINE HISTORY
BIAG, MARK ARRON
DE GUZMAN, JOHN MARK S.
LEGASPI, ZOREN Q.
LIWAG, JUSTENE GOLDWIN M.
MALTO, KEVIN KHIEL B.
MENDIOLA, CYRUZ CHANDLER C.
NALUPA, SWEETY JEAN L.
PASCUAL, JESTER E.
SANTOS, JOHN JESUS J.
DANICA JOY ANDRES
GE 2 INSTRUCTOR
OCTOBER 2025
INTRODUCTION
Santo Niño 2nd is a barangay in the city of San Jose, in the province of Nueva
Ecija. Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 6,093. This represented
4.04% of the total population of San Jose. According to the 2015 Census, the age
group with the highest population in Santo Niño 2 nd is 10 to 14, with 661 individuals.
Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 35
individuals.
Combining age groups together, those aged 14 and below, consisting of the
young dependent population which include infants/babies, children, and young
adolescents/teenagers, make up an aggregate of 30.18% (1,887). Those aged 15 up to
64, the economically active population and actual or potential members of the work
force, constitute a total of 65.96% (4,124). Finally, old dependent population
consisting of the senior citizens, those aged 65 and over, total 3.85% (241) in all. The
population of Santo Niño 2nd grew from 1,790 in 1990 to 6,093 in 2020, an increase of
4,303 people over the course of 30 years. The latest census figures in 2020 denote a
negative annualized growth rate of 0.54%, or a decrease of 159 people, from the
previous population of 6,252 in 2015. (Philatlas, 2020)
HISTORY OF BARANGAY STO. NIÑO 2nd
In the olden days, Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd was a dense forest, mountainous,
and covered with cogon grass, where Filipino forces sought refuge against the
Japanese during the war. After the war, groups of migrants from Sto. Niño 2 nd,
Binalonan, Pangasinan, settled there. They cleaned the area and developed it
until it was named Sto. Niño 2nd, derived from their place of origin. The place
was skillfully led by the Cabeza del Barrio, Mr. Florentino Dela Cruz. After
the death of Cabeza del Barrio Mr. Florentino Dela Cruz, Nicolas Galande led
them as Tinyente del Barrio (Village Lieutenant). Due to his inherent ability
and character, the place became well-known to the people, most of whom
came from Ilocos, La Union, and Pangasinan, and they learned that it was a
good place to live. They permanently settled there, living peacefully and
quietly. When Tinyente del Barrio Santiago Alcantara governed the Barangay,
he spearheaded the construction of the Sto. Niño 2 nd church, with Sto. Niño as
its patron saint. The church is located in the center of the Barrio, and the
adjacent vacant lot served as a playground.
The next leader was Tinyente del Barrio Felipe Jose San Juan (1963-1968),
who led the residents in fully developing and making productive the former dense
forest and plain, turning it into agricultural farmland. When Mr. Julio G. Rufino took
office, he was already called Barangay Captain. He served from 1981 to 1987. He
continued the order and tranquility of the Barangay. During his term, the roads and
bridges were fixed. The total land area encompassed 800,000 square kilometers. Other
leaders who wholeheartedly served the Barangay were Tinyente del Barrio Solomon
Gutierrez [Appointed to Office, (1968-1969)], Barangay Captain Quirico Cabotaje,
Sr. (1969-1976), Barangay Captain Ricardo Bataan, Sr. (1976-1981), Barangay
Captain Cecilio San Juan [Appointed to Office, (1987-1989)], Barangay Captain
Federico Alicaycay (1989-2004), and Barangay Captain Pablo De Guzman
[Appointed to Office, (2004-2007)].
SOCIAL ASPECTS
The social life in Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd is lively, with many community
events. Fiestas and weddings are important occasions where people come together to
celebrate. During fiestas, young people perform traditional dances that show their
culture. Weddings are special too, as family members give gifts to the couple,
spreading joy and support.
CULTURAL ASPECTS
The Barangay has many interesting traditions and beliefs. Elders share
superstitions, like the idea that if a dog howls at night, it means a ghost is nearby, or
that if a rooster crows at night, a young woman might run away to get married. These
stories help shape the community's identity and bring people closer together.
ECONOMIC ASPECTS
Most people in Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd work in agriculture. They grow crops,
raise pigs and chickens, and fish. The availability of irrigation and electricity supports
their work. Local markets and small businesses also help meet the needs of the
community.
CLIMATE
The climate of the barangay is characterized by the wet and dry seasons. The
months of July to October are the rainy season, while the months of February to April
are the dry season.
GENERAL DATA
The total population of the Barangay is 6,165, with a total male population of
3,145 and a total female population of 3,020. The total number of households is
1,340, and the total number of families is 1,984. The MCRA (Married Couple
Reproductive Age) is 811, and the WRA (Women Reproductive Age) is 420.
Meanwhile, the number of families without a house is 644. The total number of deaths
from 2012 up to the present is 25.
LANGUAGE (DIALECT)
Tagalog is the most used language in Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd because of its
proximity to the poblacion (town proper). Ilocano is the second most used language,
and there are various other languages spoken due to the migrants who arrive in the
barangay.
RELIGION
The majority of the Barangay belongs to the Catholic faith, followed by
Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Born Again.
EDUCATION
The Barangay currently has two public schools: Sto. Niño 2 nd Elementary
School and Jr. Camp Primary School.
HEALTH SERVICES
Regarding Health Services, the Barangay has designated Health Workers to
look after the health and nutritional status of the residents. These include the
Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), Barangay Health Worker (BHW), midwife, nurse,
dentist, and doctor.
LIVELIHOOD
The sources of livelihood in the Barangay are farming, hog-raising, poultry-
raising, and fishing. Farmers get water for their crops from irrigation systems.
Electricity is managed by SAJELCO (San Jose City Electric Service Cooperative),
with power sourced from the Angat Hydroelectric Project and the Pantabangan
Hydroelectric Project. The sources of potable water in the barangay are shallow wells
(poso), NAWASA (National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority, or its
successor/local utility).
KEY LOCATIONS AND LANDMARKS
Barangay Sto. Niño 2nd is located 1.5 kilometers southwest of the poblacion
(town proper). It is bounded by Barangay Abar 1st to the southeast, Barangay Sto.
Niño 1st to the east, and Barangay Sto. Niño 3 rd to the north. It is classified as a rural-
agricultural barangay.
LOCAL GOVERNANCE
The local government of Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd is led by the Barangay
Captain and the Barangay Council. The Barangay Captain is in charge of making sure
the community's needs are met. The past leaders include Captain Adonis Cortez from
2007 to 2010, Captain Razel Raymond B. Amarillo from 2010 to 2017, and the
current Captain Arnold Nariz Engaran, who has been in office since 2013. The
Barangay Council helps by making rules and managing local resources. They hold
meetings to discuss important issues and plan activities for the community.
CONCLUSION
This study aimed to document and analyze the historical development, social
dynamics, cultural practices, and economic conditions of Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd in
San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. The research sought to preserve the barangay’s local
heritage while providing a deeper understanding of its evolution from a postwar
settlement to a thriving agricultural community.
The findings revealed that Barangay Sto. Niño 2nd was established through the
efforts of migrants from Pangasinan and neighboring provinces who transformed a
once-forested area into a productive and peaceful community. Over time, local
leadership, agricultural progress, and community solidarity shaped its identity. The
study also highlighted the residents’ strong sense of culture, rooted in traditions,
language, and faith, as well as their resilience in maintaining a balanced social and
economic life.
The key takeaways from this research emphasize the importance of
documenting local histories as part of national heritage. Barangay Sto. Niño 2 nd serves
as a reflection of Filipino perseverance, unity, and adaptability in the face of change.
Its story reminds future generations that community progress is built upon collective
effort, respect for tradition, and the continuous pursuit of development.
