Bulacan Votes for Urban Transformation: In addition to selecting their new barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders, Bulacan residents are casting their votes on Monday for the conversion of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) from a component city to a highly urbanized city.
This plebiscite follows Proclamation 1057 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2020, stating that the proclamation’s effect is contingent on ratification by the qualified voters. A similar vote in Palawan in March 2021 led to the rejection of the province’s division into three.
According to the Local Government Code of 1991, a highly urbanized city must have a minimum population of 200,000 and an annual income of at least ?50 million. SJDM met these criteria with a 2020 population of 649,918 and a 2022 income of ?684.97 million.
Over two million voters in the province will decide on making SJDM an independent city. The transition has garnered support from 23 mayors of Bulacan and the National Movement of Young Legislators Bulacan Chapter.
Local authorities have reassured residents that the prices of goods in SJDM will not be affected if the transition is approved, attributing price hikes to the law of supply and demand. They also clarified that utility bills and taxes paid by residents will not automatically increase with the change.
The city government expects that achieving highly urbanized city status will lead to improved employment opportunities, economic activities, and government services, as well as urban planning enhancements for infrastructure projects such as libraries, schools, waiting sheds, sidewalks, bridges, and roads.
Residents have until 3 p.m. to cast their votes in this simultaneous plebiscite and barangay and SK polls, with manual counting and initial results expected by late Monday night or midnight.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
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.
Who is the mayor of San Jose del Monte Bulacan?
San Jose del Monte’s City Government extends its congratulations to Mayor Arthur B. Robes for his recent recognition by Hypothesis Philippines Market Research and Strategy. The Mayor has been named as the 2nd Top Performing City Mayor in the Province of Bulacan, with an impressive 93.4% Performance Rating for May 28 June 17, 2023. This achievement is a testament to Mayor Robes’ dedication and hard work in serving the people of San Jose del Monte.
What is HUC highly urbanized city?
To qualify as a city, it must have a population of at least 200,000 people, as confirmed by the National Statistics Office. Additionally, the city must have an annual income of at least 50 million pesos based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the city treasurer. Meeting these requirements is necessary to be considered a city.
What is the lone district of Bulacan?
San Jose made history on December 18, 2003, by becoming the first Lone Congressional District in Bulacan.