The pandemic may have affected the lives of the San Joseños, but this worldwide problem can't stop or hold the city's development back. Despite the struggle and hardship brought by the virus, the city, with the leadership tandem of Mayor Arthur Robes and Congresswoman Florida Robes, inspired their constituents with the achieved recognition of the city proclaimed by the president, Rodrigo Duterte.

In an inaugural speech at the presentation of the San Jose Del Monte Convention Center in Barangay Sapang Palay, Congresswoman Robes boldly shared the recognition of the city, which is being proclaimed as one of the highly-urbanized city in the country. This is one of the news for the San Joseños. "I am very honored to announce that President Rodrigo Duterte has declared our beloved city a highly-urbanized city," Robes said.

"We have long waited for this and we will work more to make us truly deserving of this proclamation for the people of San Jose Del Monte," she added.

According to Robes, Duterte issued Proclamation No.1057 declaring San Jose Del Monte as a highly-urbanized city "subject to ratification in a plebiscite by qualified voters in the city."

Robe said the President could declare a city highly-urbanized within 30 days after it had reached a population of 200,000 or more, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority. It shoul also have an income of at least 50 million as certified by the city treasurer.

San Jose Del Monte had achieved both qualifications - as "verified and attested to by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Finance - Bureau of Local Government Finance, as Duterte pointed out in his proclamation.

Duterte proclaimed the request by the city government through a resolution.

"(I)t is a declared policy of the government to support the initiatives of local governments to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities, and make them effective partners in the attainment of national goals," the President stated in the proclamation.

 

 

 

 

Aside from the news of being a highly-urbanized city, SJDM also launched a program for the constituents to enjoy. A happy and joyful attitude despite the presence of the pandemic. A good outlook this 2021.

 

Congratulations to #TeamRobes and to all San Joseños! #SJDMtherisingcity

In the time of crisis, we, the women, are the balancer of compassion and strength. When things are too complicated, our ability to run the house multi-tasking is capable enough to help the man of the house. We are the barbel of Captain Barbel, the batmobile of Batman, and the ring of Green Lantern, in other words, we are the light of every house, the beam of strength of every man.

The Light of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes, let her light shines brighter as she celebrates her birthday differently. She's working harder to serve her constituents more even on the days before her birthday. Emphasizing more on the protocols of health and safety, Congresswoman Robes instructs everyone to do the following guidelines. She's like a mother giving bits of advice and guidance to her children.

• Always wear masks.
• Observe social distancing.
• Always wash your hands/ disinfect with alcohol.

As part of her way of celebrating life, Congresswoman Robes conducted activities for the people of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Among these activities, three are what I considered women empowerment. The "Timba Pa More Para Sa Taga-Lungsod," who else usually uses the timba or pail? Well, we all know who uses that. It was great that the timba or pail contains gift packs for the people. Another activity that highlights the women empowerment is the "Dagdag Ayuda" program, which is for the group of Lady Tricycle Drivers who needs additional support for their source of living. Last, is the "Kusina ni Ate Rida," only shows that women are capable of doing things for their family, and Congresswoman Robes as a mother were able to reach her constituents with the last activity.

For Congresswoman Robes' reaction when asked about the different activities on her birthday, "More than being consistent with my role as a public servant, I wanted to spread happiness among San Joseños whose lives have been drastically changed by the pandemic. It's just a small gesture from me to hopefully assure them that I am working very hard to make sure that each and every person will be taken care of. Like I always say, 'Nobody will be left behind in SJDM.' This has made my birthday celebration more meaningful."


Happy Birthday to the hardworking public servant Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes!

We are now in a crisis, a pandemic problem brought about by the dreaded virus called COVID-19. It is not easy to be in a situation where movements are limited and the means of earning is being shut off to be safe. At this moment we all need the light that the mothers bring to the family. The light that binds us all together with the motherly love and care. It doesn't matter how far or near that love is.

At this time, it's really heartbreaking to know that there are some of the family members are sacrificing their moment in order for others to be safe, especially the frontliners. For a mom like me, it breaks my heart.

Just last month, the spread of COVID-19 started and some families have been affected. For some who, in their state of mind thought that they were exposed with the infected ones, reacted by doing a self-quarantine to contain the virus and stop from spreading, just like what Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes did when she learned that she was exposed to one of her co-public servant who is infected by the virus.

Just like any other parents, her heart broke seeing her husband, Mayor Arther Robes, and daughter from afar and couldn't be with them at the moment. She needs to do a self-quarantine to be safe. An act of a responsible individual and public servant.


Congresswomen Robes expressed her feelings to the members of the media last April 2 after her quarantine. She explained that during her quarantine period, "Alam n'yo nung panahon na ako ay nasa loob lang ng kwarto, sobrang lungkot ako. My daughter was asking me, 'Mom, when can I hug you? When can I kiss you?' I told her, 'On Thursday, anak. And that's today, my 21st day of self-quarantine. Bakit ko ito ginawa? Kasi I love my family most and, of course, I love my family here in the district of the city of San Jose del Monte. Ayaw ko 'yung na-expose na nga ako, tapos lalabas pa ako. It's very irresponsible if I do that. Dahil mahal ko kayo, tiniis ko na nakikita ko lang si Mayor [Arthur Robes] outside, nakikita ko lang ang aking mga kapamilya combatting this kind of calamity."

Congresswoman Robes continue to discuss SJDM's efforts during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). She explained that she and her husband SJDM Mayor Arthur Robes (who went into self-quarantine about a week after she did) and their respective teams worked used a three-point framework that was based on one principle: "Pagyamanin mo kung ano ang meron ka." This involved the following:

1. Seeking a resolution to enable the use of the calamity fund.
2. Coordinated with frontlines, which included the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) about setting up of checkpoints according to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the implementation of the ECQ.
3. Implementing rehabilitation programs to address the needs of the people, especially the micro and small business owners.

In line with the Robes couple's mission of inclusive progress, Congresswoman Robes explained that they made sure to cater to nearly 69,000 indigent people in SJDM. Indeed, in the first wave of the distribution of relief packs, 10,910 indigent people were served. In the second wave, 58,060 people were reached. Congresswoman Robes stated that there would be a third wave of relief pack distribution. "Ideally, we could go to all the 145,000 households in SJDM," she added.

Robes mentioned that they were also waiting for the full implementation of the "Bayanihan Heal as One" (BAHO) Act so that more help could be extended to the people of SJDM.

When asked how she felt about the bashers who criticized her and Mayor Robes' efforts, Congresswoman Robes said, "Nakikiusuap po ako na huwag na po nating isali ang pamumulitika rito. Your criticisms are welcome, but if you cannot contribute anything then please just pray for our city." The congresswoman asked everyone to just unite so that the whole district could get through the crisis.

The Philippines is suffering now from the so-called Covid 19 or the CoronaVIrus Disease 2019, even the whole world is experiencing it. Very alarming and it makes people panic. With all this chaos happening in our country, the Government does their best and do their part to stop/minimize the spreading of this disease.

In line with this, the City Mayor of San Jose Del Monte, Arthur Robes, and CongressWoman Florida Robes called for a press conference to help spread the news that they are doing their best to fight against Covid 19.



San Jose Del Monte has one (1) COVID-19 Patient, the person is tagged as PH-21 and with this, is it needed that the office of the Mayor and the office of the San Jose Del Monte Representative go hand-in-hand in combating and taking precaution with the spread of this dreaded diseases.






Here are the steps that they are implementing citywide.

1. They created the Task Force ERID or Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases including the different agencies at SJDM and the National Agencies.

2. Awareness on the Precautionary measures such as;
a. proper hand washing.
b. proper etiquette when coughing.
c. social distancing.
d. to avoid unnecessary travels.
e. proper use of face mask.
f. sanitize your surroundings, houses, and work area.
g. Use of Alcohol and Hand Sanitizer

3. Avoid Mass Gathering

4. No Medical Mission and Blood Letting Activities

5. Designate a temporary isolation room and marked vehicle for transferring of patients diagnosed with symptoms of COVID-19.


Mayor Robes and Cong. Robes assured San Josenos that they are doing their best to serve them properly and to prevent and stop the spreading of COVID-19 at San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

With the effort of Congresswoman Florida “Rida” Robes, the City of San Jose Del Monte was able to win and be the current title holder of the largest Lantern Parade as declared by the Guinness World Records. It is the city’s pride to be one of the places to visit near the metro when it comes to lantern parade celebration.

Now they’ll be targeting a new World Record which is the living Nativity. The current title holder of this is UK. The City is aiming for another record to build up the city’s plan and aim to be the next tourist destination.

One of the famous phrases about success and it tells that there’s always a woman behind in every man’s success or something like that. It is indeed true that a woman or a spouse is always there to support the better half. It is a good tandem that leads to every success.

One proof is that partnership is the amazing couple, Mayor Arthur Robes and Congresswoman Florida Robes. They are the duo that made the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to be where it is today, of course it’s a work together with the vice mayor, the council and departments. She’s happy that Mayor Arthur Robes receives the Seal of Good Local Governance.

Congresswoman Rida shared their secret, a submissive wife and faith to the Lord!