San Jose Del Monte Quest for Urban: In a decisive moment, the City of San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) will remain under the province of Bulacan as over 800,000 voters rejected the idea of transforming it into a highly urbanized city (HUC), according to the Commission on Elections.
During the plebiscite, held in conjunction with the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, an overwhelming 820,000 voters out of 1.6 million cast their ballots with a resounding “no” against the conversion. This outnumbered the 620,000 who voted in favor.
The people of Bulacan were given the opportunity to express their stance, voting “yes” or “no” to ratify former President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation 1057, which recommended San Jose Del Monte’s transition to an HUC.
While the proclamation had already declared San Jose Del Monte as meeting the requirements of an HUC, the residents of Bulacan had the final say through the plebiscite.
With a population of 650,000, surpassing the 200,000 requirement set by Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, San Jose del Monte was poised for this transition. Moreover, the first-class component citys net income of approximately P141 million exceeded the P50 million annual income required by the Local Government Code for HUC status.
Notably, 23 city and municipal mayors from Bulacan had earlier voiced their support for San Jose del Monte’s transformation into a highly urbanized city, underscoring the city’s compliance with the stringent criteria specified by the Local Government Code.
However, opponents of the conversion raised concerns about potential increases in local taxes, the overall income level of the citys population, and the potential discontinuation of scholarships from the Bulacan provincial government for its residents.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is SJDM known for?
San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) is a bustling city in Bulacan that boasts of urban sophistication. Known as the Balcony of Metropolis, it offers a plethora of opportunities for its residents. From top-notch dining options to captivating tourist attractions, SJDM has it all. The city is also home to vibrant festivals and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal place to live and work. With everything within easy reach, SJDM truly lives up to its reputation as a progressive and dynamic city.
What is the meaning of the Tanglawan festival?
The Tanglawan Festival, a celebratory event in the City of San Jose Del Monte, was inaugurated on September 10, 2016. The festival’s name, derived from the word “tanglaw,” which means torch or light, represents the community’s pursuit of a brighter future and a sense of optimism.
What is the economy of San Jose del Monte Bulacan?
San Jose del Monte’s economic activities revolve around agri-business manufacturing, wholesale, and retail trading. The city boasts commercial developments scattered throughout its various areas. Currently, the commercial economy of SJDM is shifting towards different nodes.
What is HUC in Bulacan?
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported that the City of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) will not be transformed into a highly urbanized city (HUC) as over 800,000 voters in the province of Bulacan rejected the proposal.