The old name of San Jose was Kabaritan.
Historical Identity and Renaming of San Jose
During the Spanish colonial era, the area presently known as San Jose was originally called Kabaritan. This historical name referred to the barrio which, at the time, functioned as a municipal district under the jurisdiction of Lupao. It was administered by a local official known as a Teniente Absoluto.
Over time, Kabaritan transitioned from being a barrio of Lupao to an independent town. This significant change in status was accompanied by its renaming to San Jose. The new name was chosen to honor Saint Joseph, who became the revered patron saint of the place. This historical evolution from Kabaritan to San Jose reflects the administrative and spiritual developments during the Spanish Regime in the Philippines.
For additional historical details, you may consult the Wikipedia page for San Jose, Nueva Ecija.