by Ramon FVelasquez
Welcome to the fascinating Science City of Muñoz, officially known as Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, is a vibrant component city in the Central Luzon region. Nestled roughly 146 kilometers north of Manila, Muñoz is unique as the only city in the country to incorporate “Science” into its formal name.
From “Sitio Papaya” to the Science City
Originally called Sitio Papaya and a barrio of Guimba, the area was renamed Muñoz in 1886 in honor of Don Francisco Muñoz, the province’s alcalde mayor. In 1913, Executive Order No. 72 declared Muñoz an independent municipality, later formally becoming a city on December 9, 2000, through Republic Act 8977—the only Philippine city to include “Science” in its official name.
Why “Science City”?
Muñoz earned this title by surrounding itself with key agricultural research institutions:
- Central Luzon State University (CLSU), a state agricultural university on a 658‑hectare campus, known for research in aquaculture, crops, and water management
- Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the national rice research center
- Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), dedicated to improving dairy-type water buffalo productivity
- Other institutions including PhilMech (postharvest), BFAR’s freshwater training center, and various seed, biodiversity, and renewable energy laboratories
The city embraces tech-driven agriculture, aiming to serve as a learning laboratory and model for rural development, trade, and agro‑tourism.
by Kristian Tabing
Where It Is & Who Lives There
- Located about 146 kilometers north of Manila, and 30 kilometers from Cabanatuan
- Covers 163.05 sq. kilometers (62.95 sq. miles) and comprises 37 barangays and is in a landlocked province
- Population: 84,308 as of the 2020 census
- A melting pot of languages: Tagalog, Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, English, and more
Highlights: What to See & Do
Visit CLSU and Its Attractions
- CLSU Agricultural Museum showcases tools, traditions, and rural heritage
- Living Fish Museum features freshwater species, reptiles, mollusks, and aquatic plants
- Science and Technology Centrum and Agrobiodiversity & Bioscience Museums highlight research breakthroughs and climate‑conscious practices
Science Research Hubs
- PhilRice – Maligaya Station with its Rice Science Museum focused on rice ecosystems and farming technology.
- PCC Gene Pool and high‑yield buffalo breeding facilities.
- Heritage & Public Spaces
- City hall, welcome arch, and monuments, including statues of national heroes like Rizal and Bonifacio.
- Churches like San Sebastian Parish and the Sacred Heart Shrine for local culture and devotion.
- Performances by dance troupes such as Gintong Ani and Bungkos Palay add vibrancy to the city’s cultural life.
Why Come Here?
Muñoz offers a unique blend of:
- Agro‑tourism meets research: walking through CLSU’s farms, gardens, tilapia tanks, or PhilRice plots
- A hub where latest farming tech and community development intersect
- Educational tours: ideal for students, researchers, or anyone curious about Philippine agriculture
- A snapshot of rural‑urban life in a science-driven locale
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When to Visit
- Best season: November to March, when northeast monsoon makes the weather cooler and drier—perfect for outdoor tours and attending harvest festivals in Nueva Ecija.
Visiting Muñoz: A Sample Itinerary
| Time of Day | Suggested Activity |
| Morning | Explore CLSU campus: gardens, model farms, Agricultural Museum |
| Midday | Visit PhilRice & Rice Science Museum for immersive rice storytelling |
| Afternoon | Head to Living Fish Museum and Agrobiodiversity Museum |
| Late Afternoon | Stop by PCC for a tour and taste dairy treats at PCC outlets |
| Evening | Wander City Hall area: see monuments, try bibingka, enjoy café/dairy treats |
The Agriculture Engine of Luzon
As part of Nueva Ecija—the Rice Granary of the Philippines—Muñoz leads agricultural research and education in Central Luzon. From rice and onion production to advanced breeding, processing, and postharvest tech, the city powers innovation for farmers across the country.
Final Thoughts
The Science City of Muñoz is more than just a city—it’s a living laboratory where science, culture, and agriculture converge. Whether you’re an academic, a tourist, or a student.
by KakathaTV