Our Small Town Roots
Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains and neighboring the Fort Magsaysay Army Reservation, the Municipality of General Tinio is a gem of Nueva Ecija province in the Philippines. With a rich tapestry of history and a vibrant population of nearly 60,0000, our town stands as a testament to resilience and cultural pride.
​
Our origins trace back to a quaint miscommunication. The town, abundant with papaya fruit trees, earned its name from an innocent misunderstanding between native settlers and Spanish colonizers. When questioned by a Spanish soldier about the name of the town, a native responded with "Papaya", unaware that he was naming our beloved town in the process.
​
Initially a part of Bo. Mapisong, which later became the town of Peñaranda, Papaya emerged as an independent town in 1921, thanks to the diligent efforts of influential figures such as Capitan Mamerto Padolina, Judge Segundo Bernardo, and Francisco Padolina.
In recognition of General Manuel Tinio's valor against the Spanish colonizers, the town's name was changed from Papaya to General Tinio in 1957. However, honoring our deep-rooted history and identity, a recent resolution by the municipal council is set to revert the name back to its original – "Papaya".
Join us as we continue to celebrate our legacy, forging ahead with the same spirit that has guided us through centuries.