San Jose del Monte

For the other places named "San Jose" in the Philippines, see San Jose (disambiguation).

"SJDM" redirects here. For the organization that uses the same acronym, see Society for Judgment and Decision Making.

San Jose del Monte
Component city
City of San Jose del Monte
(From top, left to right : Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine • St. Joseph the Worker Church • SM City San Jose del Monte View Deck • New City Hall and River Esplanade • Mount Balagbag • People's Park & Sports Complex)
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  The Rising City, Balcony of the Metropolis, The First City of Bulacan
Motto:  Arya San Joseño!
Anthem: San Jose del Monte Hymn
Map of Bulacan with San Jose del Monte highlighted
OpenStreetMap
San Jose del Monte Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°48′50″N121°02′43″E / 14.8139°N 121.0453°E / 14.8139; 121.0453
Country	Philippines
Region	Central Luzon
Province	Bulacan
District	Lone district
Founded	March 2, 1752
Cityhood	September 10, 2000
Lone district	December 18, 2003
Named for	Saint Joseph
Barangays	59 (see Barangays)
Government   [1]
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
•  Mayor	Arthur B. Robes
•  Vice Mayor	Efren C. Bartolome Jr.
•  Representative	Florida P. Robes
•  City Council	Members 1st District Jose J. Abela Janet D. Reyes Rosalyn C. Cabuco Glenn M. Villano Liezl N. Aguirre-Abat Richard Maurice M. Robes 2nd District Romeo N. Agapito Benjamin G. Acibal Jr. Ryan B. Elfa Celso G. Francisco Argel Joseph V. Drio Vanessa Michelle S. Roquero
•  Electorate	261,740 voters (2022)
Area [2]
• Total	105.53 km2 (40.75 sq mi)
Elevation	122 m (400 ft)
Highest elevation	1,179 m (3,868 ft)
Lowest elevation	−1 m (−3 ft)
Population  (2020 census) [3]
• Total	651,813
• Density	6,200/km2 (16,000/sq mi)
•  Households	156,871
Demonym	San Joseño
Economy
•  Income class	1st city income class
•  Poverty incidence	15.49 % (2021) [4]
•  Revenue	₱ 2,183 million (2020)
•  Assets	₱ 4,120 million (2020)
•  Expenditure	₱ 1,957 million (2020)
•  Liabilities	₱ 1,054 million (2020)
Utilities
•  Electricity	Meralco
• Water	San Jose Del Monte City Water District
• Telecommunications	Globe Telecom Smart Communications Dito Telecommunity
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	3023, 3024
PSGC	031420000
IDD  :  area code	+63 (0)44
Native languages	Tagalog
Catholic diocese	Diocese of Malolos

San Jose del Monte, officially the City of San Jose del Monte (abbreviated as SJDM or CSJDM; Filipino : Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte), is a 1st class component city in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 651,813 people, making it the largest local government unit within the province of Bulacan and Central Luzon, and the 18^th most populated city in the Philippines.

It was proclaimed as a component city on September 10, 2000, through Republic Act No. 8797. Its conversion into a highly urbanized city was by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1057 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 4, 2020; the conversion was rejected on a referendum held on October 30, 2023, by the voters of Bulacan including the concerned city. ^[5]

Located in the southeast of the province, it is bordered by the cities of Caloocan and Quezon City in Metro Manila to the south, by the town of Rodriguez in Rizal to the east, the towns of Santa Maria and Marilao to the west and Norzagaray to the north. San Jose del Monte is 65 kilometres (40 mi) from Malolos and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Manila.

The city is home to some of the biggest resettlement areas in the Philippines like the Sapang Palay resettlement area spread over 36 barangays, Pabahay 2000 in Barangay Muzon South, and Towerville in Barangay Minuyan Proper. Most of the city's population come from former informal settlers along the creeks, esteros, riverbanks and railway tracks of Metro Manila. ^[6]

Etymology

San Jose del Monte derived its name from Saint Joseph, whose statue was found in a veritable forest. The hunters called it as such, which means “Saint Joseph of the Mountain” in Spanish.

History

Early accounts of the founding of the city, as gathered from the old people, contend that it was formerly a part of the town of Meycauayan. This is supported by a decree from the Archbishop of Manila dated March 1750 on the creation of new municipalities. The municipality of San Jose del Monte was then officially founded on 2 March 1752. ^[7]

The decree included the list of families who volunteered to be relocated. These families, most if not all from Lagulo (now Malhacan) in Meycauayan, brought with them rice, wine, nganga, and salt in exchange for the wild pigs, deer, yantok, and almasigan of the Itas and Dumagats, the native inhabitants of the area. Solares, including intended lots for main roads, were peacefully distributed to the new occupants after being measured and surveyed. ^[7]

In all probability, the hunters reported their findings to the parish priest of Meycauayan. It was said that the priest built a stone church at the site where the town proper is now located. The statue was installed in the new church. Extant Catholic Church records reveal that the first parish priest was Father Antonio de Moral. He took charge of the parish in 1845.

During the revolt against Spain, the town became a battleground between the Katipuneros and the Spanish forces. The revolutionaries lost and the vengeful Spanish soldiers burned down the settlement. The townspeople fled for their lives to nearby towns. At the advent of American rule, it was made a part of Santa Maria until 1918 when the town was recreated and Ciriaco Gallardo appointed the first municipal president. Public schools were opened at the start of the American regime but due to the scarcity of the population, the highest grade organized was at the fourth grade.

Battle of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (Gerilyerong San Joseño) War memorial

During the Japanese occupation, the town became an ideal hiding place for the locally recognized guerrillas because of the town's hilly and wooden terrain. The Japanese Imperial Army took over the local government of San Jose del Monte from 1942 to 1943. In resistance, the municipality formed its guerrilla unit. San Jose del Monte experienced large casualties when the Americans bombed the town center on 11 January 1945, and again on 14 January 1945. When the combined Filipino and American troops came, peace reigned but not for long.

At the height of the Hukbalahap Rebellion, the town was raided on 10 October 1950. The Huks burned down the town hall. The town was raided for the second time on 21 March 1951. The Huks did not succeed because of the precautionary measures instituted by the town officials after which the Huks were gradually eliminated.

In the 1980s, thousands of informal settlers from Metro Manila were relocated to San Jose del Monte. Due to the large amount of residents, Bulacan Governor Roberto Pagdanganan recalled in 1996 that the relocation did not ensure new livelihoods for its informal settlers, thus turning many squatters toward criminality; he noted that the town had the highest crime rate in the province according to police reports. ^[8]

In 1988, Eduardo Roquero was elected mayor of the municipality by a margin of eight (8) votes against his closest opponent, reelectionist Reynaldo Villano. ^[9]

Saint Peter the Apostle Church (San Jose del Monte) balcony-gallery in 2015

On February 14, 2024, Luneta Morales, a choir member, 83 years old was killed due to chest injuries while 63 attendees suffered multiple injuries when the "Vicariate of Saint Joseph" Saint Peter the Apostle Church (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan) 30-year old balcony-gallery, weakened by infesting termites collapsed during an Ash Wednesday service past 7 a.m. Dennis Villarojo said "those affected and their families are being assisted by the Diocese of Malolos with parish priest Fr. Romulo Perez and his parochial vicar Fr. Divino Cayanan. ^{[10] [11] [12]}

Cityhood

Main article: Cities of the Philippines

2000 plebiscite and later events

In December 1999, district representative Angelito Sarmiento filed the bill converting the then municipality of San Jose del Monte into a component city. This was approved on July 15, 2000 as Republic Act No. 8797. ^{[13] [14]}

San Jose del Monte cityhood plebiscite

Choice	Votes	%
Yes	20,331	62.30
No	12,304	37.70
Valid votes	32,635	100.00
Invalid or blank votes	0	0.00
Total votes	32,635	100.00
Registered voters/turnout	120,380	27.11%
Source: [13]

A plebiscite was held on September 10, 2000. Despite a low turnout, the cityhood was approved mostly by migrants, mainly from Metro Manila which composed seventy percent of the residents by then; only nine of the 59 villages voted against the bill. The official proclamation was held in the evening. San Jose del Monte became the first city in Bulacan since Malolos failed in the cityhood bid in December 1999. ^[13] (Malolos was eventually declared a city in 2002 by the Commission on Elections which had reversed the official result following a recount.) ^[15] It was also recorded as the country's 86th chartered city. ^[7]

Through RA No. 9230, amending the city charter and approved on December 18, 2003, the city was granted its own legislative district, the province's first lone district, ^[7] while barangays were classified into two districts for purposes of representation in the Sangguniang Panlungsod . Officers were to be first elected in 2004. ^[16]

Highly urbanized city

Certificate of Canvass of Votes and Proclamation

Further information: 2023 San Jose del Monte conversion plebiscite

On December 4, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte declared San Jose del Monte as a highly urbanized city through Proclamation No. 1057. ^{[17] [18]} However, it will have to go through a plebiscite to ratify its city charter. It was supposed to be held four months after the 2022 national and local elections ^[19] but it was overdue ever since then. Hence, the proclamation remained pending for its HUC status for a long time beyond the national and local elections. On September 11, 2023, COMELEC, released a resolution that synchronized the plebiscite on October 30, 2023, along with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. ^{[20] [21]}

The majority of voters rejected the conversion, as declared by the COMELEC two days after the plebiscite. ^[22] Meanwhile, a tenth of those who joined did not vote, leaving blank ballots. ^[23]

Geography

The elevation of the city ranges from approximately 40 to 900 meters (130 to 2,950 ft) above sea level; the relief transitions from warm lowland to cool upland as one goes eastward. This is because the city is part of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Plains and river valley flats characterize the western and southwestern quadrant. The central portion and much of its eastern section are made up of undulating hills with low relief. High relief areas and moderate slopes best describe its extreme eastern and northwestern quadrant. Slopes of 3%-8% are extensively found in the city, particularly in the western half. Slopes of 30%-50% comprise the smallest portion of the total land area.

The rivers and creeks that flow in San Jose del Monte are direct tributaries of the Angat River, which flows from the Angat Reservoir. Major natural waterways of San Jose del Monte are the Kipungok, Santo Cristo, and Santa Maria River systems. Kipungok River separates San Jose del Monte from Caloocan and Rodriguez. It is directly connected to the Marilao River, which flows downwards to Manila Bay. Draining to these rivers are creeks and streams, which act as catchment areas for the surface water runoff of the city. Among these are the Bigte, Kantulot, Katinga, and Salamin creeks. ^[24]

General Land Use

Growing commercial, residential, and light industrial areas, are found all over the city at major road intersections and along major thoroughfares. However, the bulk of San Jose del Monte's built-up areas are mostly west of Quirino Highway at the primary level to gently sloping 8% terrain, dividing the city into a heavily built-up western section and the largely agricultural eastern section. Most of the city's schools, government institutions, commercial developments, industries, and other urban amenities are in this section. The largest contiguous built-up area is at Sapang Palay Resettlement Project area, followed by the conurbation in Tungkong Mangga and Muzon.

The developments east of the Quirino Highway are mostly scattered residential areas and agricultural lands. However, there are a few subdivisions that are some distance away from Ciudad Real and take advantage of its secluded and rural atmosphere. These are the Blessed Sacrament Seminary and an Augustinian convent.

In between the built-up clusters are pockets of agricultural lands, which are continuously converted into built-up uses. Planted in these lands are crops such as rice and corn. The clustering pattern for both built-up and agricultural uses is partly due to the decisions made by settlers about the hilly conditions that dominate the topography. Most households in the western half of San Jose del Monte opted to convert their lands to residential uses while others maintained the farms. This left upland uses, such as those about forest use, more common towards the easternmost zones.

Most vegetative outgrowths are in areas that are difficult to build on. But there are instances when these outgrowths are integrated into the built-up areas, usually found in the West: several heavily vegetated areas. Supplementing these are mini forest projects of the city government. The City Agriculture Office maintains a 1.65-hectare (4.1-acre) Mini Forest Project in Barangay Muzon along the San Jose del Monte–Marilao Road and a mahogany planting site. ^[25]

Climate

Climate data for San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	29 (84)	30 (86)	32 (90)	34 (93)	33 (91)	31 (88)	30 (86)	29 (84)	29 (84)	30 (86)	30 (86)	29 (84)	31 (87)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	20 (68)	20 (68)	21 (70)	23 (73)	24 (75)	25 (77)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	23 (73)	22 (72)	21 (70)	23 (73)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	7 (0.3)	7 (0.3)	9 (0.4)	21 (0.8)	101 (4.0)	152 (6.0)	188 (7.4)	170 (6.7)	159 (6.3)	115 (4.5)	47 (1.9)	29 (1.1)	1,005 (39.7)
Average rainy days	3.3	3.5	11.1	8.1	18.9	23.5	26.4	25.5	24.5	19.6	10.4	6.4	181.2
Source: Meteoblue [26]

Barangays

Political Map of San Jose del Monte
(prior to the split of Barangay Muzon in 2023)

San Jose del Monte is politically subdivided into 62 barangays. ^[27] Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

It is originally made up of only six barangays: Poblacion, Halang (Muzon), Sapang Palay, Minuyan, Santo Cristo, and Gaya-Gaya. Over time, these six mother barangays were divided to provide better accommodation for the people, particularly in the Sapang Palay Resettlement Area (Hacienda de Sapang Palay), which stretches to Minuyan.

There is an ongoing land dispute with the municipality of Norzagaray, Bulacan regarding both territories. Such disputes can be located in the upper portion of Assumption, the eastern portion of Santo Niño II, the eastern portion of San Martin de Porres, the eastern portion of Lawang Pari, the eastern portion of Minuyan Proper, Kaybanban, San Roque, Paradise III, San Isidro, the upper portion of Tungkong Mangga, the upper portion of Ciudad Real barangays in San Jose del Monte and lower portion of Tigbe, the lower portion of Bitungol, the lower portion of Minuyan, lower portion of Bigte, lower portion of San Mateo (Sitio Kaharume), mountainous portion of San Lorenzo barangays in Norzagaray.

Historical maps of Bulacan, before the creation of Doña Remedios Trinidad, indicate that both territories of San Jose del Monte and Norzagaray stretch up to Tayabas province (now Quezon province).

These barangays are grouped into two districts, the first with a Postal/ZIP Code of 3023, and the second with 3024. Twenty-six (26) barangays comprise the first district while the 36 barangays located in Sapang Palay 36 compose the second district.

The city's administrative center is located in Poblacion 1, home to the city's major government and non-government services. Dulong Bayan, on the other hand, is set to become the city's new seat of government, with the new government center being erected there. San Jose del Monte has 4 major urban centers, called nodes: Muzon node (consisting of the four barangays of Muzon), Poblacion node (consisting of the two barangays of Poblacion), Sapang Palay node (consisting of the barangays surrounding Sampol Market), and Tungkong Mangga node.

The most recently created barangays are Muzon Proper, Muzon East, Muzon West, and Muzon South created by dividing Barangay Muzon. ^[28] The four barangays were made through the approval of a law on March 25, 2023 through a referendum. ^[29]

•  ‡ City Administrative Center
•  † Seat of the City Government
•  ∗ Urban Center/Node
•  Barangay

Barangay District Population (2020) Area [30] Density (2020) [3] (2015) [31] Ciudad Real 1st -6.5% 1,826 2,519 6.739 km² 271/km² Dulong Bayan † 1st 4.8% 11,008 8,806 4.158 km² 2,647/km² Francisco Homes - Guijo 1st 2.7% 6,972 6,132 0.424 km² 16,445/km² Francisco Homes - Mulawin 1st -0.7% 11,226 11,608 0.785 km² 14,300/km² Francisco Homes - Narra 1st 3.2% 8,293 7,152 0.450 km² 18,422/km² Francisco Homes - Yakal 1st 2.4% 3,721 3,327 0.329 km² 11,300/km² Gaya-Gaya 1st 5.7% 56,896 43,683 4.747 km² 11,987/km² Graceville 1st 2.0% 42,207 38,478 2.559 km² 16,494/km² Gumaoc Central 1st 1.4% 4,123 3,864 0.123 km² 33,624/km² Gumaoc East 1st 0.1% 5,376 5,352 0.158 km² 34,101/km² Gumaoc West 1st 2.7% 8,885 7,828 0.311 km² 28,610/km² Kaybanban 1st 1.9% 3,245 2,974 4.795 km² 677/km² Kaypian 1st 3.9% 46,045 38,407 4.383 km² 10,505/km² Maharlika 1st -1.5% 3,057 3,282 0.267 km² 11,437/km² Muzon East * 1st 3.8% 127,506 (Combined, pre-plebiscite) 106,603 2.328 km² 14,261/km² Muzon Proper * 1st 2.822 km² Muzon South * 1st 1.465 km² Muzon West * 1st 1.878 km² Paradise III 1st 5.7% 5,318 4,088 10.870 km² 489/km² Poblacion * 1st 1.1% 2,273 2,161 0.611 km² 3,723/km² Poblacion 1 ‡ 1st 5.0% 5,617 4,445 0.830 km² 6,765/km² San Isidro 1st -6.1% 4,282 5,767 11.340 km² 378/km² San Manuel 1st -0.0% 11,432 11,452 0.990 km² 11,544/km² San Roque 1st 2.8% 2,492 2,188 3.182 km² 783/km² Santo Cristo 1st 5.2% 49,579 39,039 6.719 km² 7,379/km² Tungkong Mangga * 1st 5.2% 16,324 12,856 16.520 km² 988/km² Minuyan I (Area A) 2nd -0.1% 3,333 3,344 0.162 km² 20,534/km² Minuyan II (Area A) 2nd 1.2% 5,977 5,641 0.366 km² 16,329/km² Minuyan III (Area A) 2nd -0.8% 2,673 2,773 0.158 km² 16,907/km² Minuyan IV (Area A) 2nd -1.8% 4,769 5,191 0.310 km² 15,411/km² Minuyan V (Area A) 2nd -2.5% 2,200 2,478 0.167 km² 13,198/km² Bagong Buhay I (Area B) * 2nd 0.0% 7,264 7,258 0.402 km² 18,049/km² Bagong Buhay II (Area B) * 2nd -0.6% 4,175 4,301 0.237 km² 17,656/km² Bagong Buhay III (Area B) 2nd -0.6% 5,698 5,854 0.311 km² 18,346/km² San Martin I (Area C) 2nd 1.1% 4,095 3,897 0.217 km² 18,917/km² San Martin II (Area C) 2nd -0.2% 3,527 3,554 0.116 km² 30,384/km² San Martin III (Area C) * 2nd 3.3% 3,695 3,163 0.152 km² 24,257/km² San Martin IV (Area C) 2nd 1.4% 4,085 3,830 0.112 km² 36,496/km² Santa Cruz I (Area D) * 2nd 1.1% 4,854 4,613 0.212 km² 22,876/km² Santa Cruz II (Area D) 2nd 1.9% 3,405 3,110 0.109 km² 31,380/km² Santa Cruz III (Area D) 2nd 1.4% 3,029 2,829 0.096 km² 31,697/km² Santa Cruz IV (Area D) 2nd 0.3% 3,175 3,132 0.105 km² 30,351/km² Santa Cruz V (Area D) 2nd -0.8% 3,811 3,957 0.131 km² 29,208/km² Fatima I (Area E) 2nd 0.2% 3,109 3,085 0.105 km² 29,506/km² Fatima II (Area E) 2nd 0.4% 1,890 1,855 0.057 km² 33,398/km² Fatima III (Area E) 2nd 0.3% 1,922 3,957 0.080 km² 24,342/km² Fatima IV (Area E) 2nd -1.2% 2,121 2,243 0.080 km² 26,679/km² Fatima V (Area E) 2nd -2.9% 2,195 2,519 0.200 km² 11,001/km² San Pedro (Area F) * 2nd 1.2% 16,439 15,565 0.793 km² 20,722/km² Citrus (Area G) 2nd 1.9% 22,893 20,937 0.911 km² 25,121/km² San Rafael I (Area H) 2nd 0.7% 3,362 3,249 0.093 km² 36,030/km² San Rafael II (Area H) 2nd 0.2% 8,139 8,053 0.270 km² 30,108/km² San Rafael III (Area H) 2nd -2.3% 2,718 3,031 0.100 km² 27,202/km² San Rafael IV (Area H) 2nd -0.9% 6,447 6,732 0.169 km² 38,161/km² San Rafael V (Area H) 2nd -1.0% 2,844 2,982 0.075 km² 37,839/km² Assumption (Area I) 2nd -0.5% 4,362 4,460 0.408 km² 10,683/km² Lawang Pari (Area I) 2nd 5.3% 5,075 3,969 0.400 km² 12,704/km² Santo Niño I (Area I) 2nd -1.2% 2,610 2,770 0.143 km² 18,236/km² Santo Niño II (Area I) 2nd 4.5% 3,746 3,046 0.261 km² 14,349/km² San Martin de Porres (Area I) 2nd 1.3% 2,470 2,326 0.211 km² 11,697/km² Sapang Palay Proper 2nd 0.9% 5,804 5,563 4.399 km² 1,319/km² Minuyan Proper 2nd 3.7% 46,171 38,846 5.509 km² 8,380/km²

The population of the second district (Sapang Palay), if combined, would be 214,100, slightly lower than Meycauayan but higher than the City of Baliwag.

Demographics

Population census of San Jose del Monte

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	1,378	—
1918	3,141	+5.65%
1939	5,826	+2.99%
1948	5,363	−0.92%
1960	9,329	+4.72%
1970	18,704	+7.19%
1975	59,021	+25.92%
1980	90,732	+8.98%
1990	142,047	+4.59%
1995	201,394	+6.76%
2000	315,807	+10.12%
2007	439,090	+4.65%
2010	454,553	+1.27%
2015	574,089	+4.55%
2020	651,813	+2.53%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [31] [32] [33] [34]

In the 2020 census, the population of San Jose del Monte was 651,813 people, ^[3] with a density of 6,200 inhabitants per square kilometer or 16,000 inhabitants per square mile. This makes it the largest local government unit in Bulacan province. It is also the largest city in Central Luzon (Region III). ^[35]

With the coming of settlers to San Jose del Monte, its population increased tremendously. Its population increased dramatically since the 1950s as the population tended to move from rural areas to towns and cities. Its proximity to Manila allowed it to accommodate its spillover population. This is further hastened by the development of nearby Quezon City and the accompanying increase in population and infrastructure.

The forced relocation of informal settlers and the lure of government to provide them with their own homes allowed the town to continue to grow despite the lack of government facilities. As such, San Jose del Monte exhibited an increasing percentage share of the provincial population from as low as 2% in 1960 to 9% in 1990 and then to 17% in 2015. The town surpassed the population of Meycauayan in the 1980 census and Malolos in the 1990 census, then the largest towns of Bulacan. By 2015, it has more than two times the population of the now second place Santa Maria town (256,454 people in the 2015 Census).

If current population growth holds (2010-2015, +4.55%), the population of San Jose del Monte is expected to double and breach one million by the 2030 Census.

Economy

Poverty Incidence of San Jose del Monte

5 10 15 20 2000 14.74 2003 8.61 2006 5.00 2009 5.79 2012 5.14 2015 6.97 2018 4.64 2021 15.49 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43]

Agriculture

Paddy field in San Jose del Monte

Major crops are leafy vegetables, root crops (cassava as its OTOP), pineapple, mango, and coffee beans.

Livestock and poultry

The major income earner is large- and small-scale swine production. There are 60 commercial livestock and poultry farms in the city. The major poultry producers are RFM Corporation, Vitarich, and FELDAN.

Trade and commerce

Poblacion Public Market

The city has three major business district growth areas: Tungkong Mangga, Muzon, and Sapang Palay (Sampol). They are in wholesale and retail trade.

The minor business districts include Towerville in Minuyan Proper, Palmera in Kaypian, Northgate in Santo Cristo, Citrus, Poblacion 1, Grotto in Graceville, Francisco Homes, Gumaoc, and San Rafael III.

Commercial and thrift banks, pawnshops, and cooperatives provide financial services. There are two major malls: Starmall San Jose del Monte in Palmera and SM City San Jose del Monte in Tungkong Mangga.

Tourism

• Mount Balagbag and Kaytitinga Falls (Barangay San Isidro) are the main tourist attractions in the city. A portion of the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve also extends to San Jose del Monte.
• VS Orchids Farm (Santo Cristo) is the biggest orchids nursery and ornamental plants farm in Bulacan owned by Rolita Spowart, 3 Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Quezon City. ^[44] Hundreds of orchids species are nurtured in this 1.8 hectares flora haven.
• The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine (Graceville) is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site often visited by devotees during Holy Week.
• Saint Joseph the Worker Parish Church (Poblacion 1) is the main historical pilgrimage site in the heart of the city.
• People's Park of San Jose del Monte (Sapang Palay Proper)
• River Park Esplanade (Dulong Bayan)
• The Rising Heart and Padre Pio Mountain of Healing (Paradise III)
• Grotto Vista Resort (Graceville)
• Los Arcos de Hermano Resort and Events (Tungkong Mangga)

• 
  Mount Balagbag
• 
  Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
• 
  Kaytitinga Falls
• 
  San Jose del Monte People's Park & Sports Complex
• 
  San Jose del Monte City River Park Esplanade
• 
  Grotto Vista Resort

Infrastructure

Transportation

A minibus plying Quirino Highway

The city is serviced by bus routes going to and from Parañaque (PITX), Santa Cruz in Manila, Quezon City, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Jeepney, modern-jeepney, and minibus routes also ply the roads between the city and neighboring cities and towns in Metro Manila and Bulacan.

Road Network

San Jose del Monte's road network has a total length of 211.43 kilometers (131.38 mi). The following are the main arteries of San Jose del Monte's road network which link the 59 barangays with Metro Manila and the rest of Bulacan.

• Quirino Highway is a national road that stretches from the town of Norzagaray (Bigte Rotonda) to Quezon City (Balintawak).
• Bocaue–San Jose Road, also called Gov. Fortunato Halili Avenue , is a provincial road that links the city passing through Tungkong Mangga (Tungko) via Muzon to the town of Santa Maria, Bocaue and to the North Luzon Expressway.
• Sapang Palay–Santa Maria Road links the Sapang Palay Resettlement Project to the town of Santa Maria passing through Barangay Bulac, Barangay Catmon, and Barangay San Jose Patag in the said town.
• San Jose–Marilao Road, also referred to as Miguel Villarica Road, links the city with the municipality of Marilao and to the North Luzon Expressway. This is now a permanent full exit.
• Dr. Eduardo V. Roquero Avenue links the Sapang Palay Resettlement Project to Quirino Highway and in the opposite end to Sapang Palay Proper.
• Igay Provincial Road connects Quirino Highway to Rodriguez, Rizal, passing through Santo Cristo, Kaybanban, San Roque, Paradise III, and San Isidro barangays.
• Kaypian Road connects Barangay Dulong Bayan to Starmall-San Jose del Monte via Barangay Kaypian and links to Quirino Highway.

Railway Network

The city is also the site of the under-preparation terminus of Manila Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7. The initial location of the said station, named San Jose del Monte Station, would be located near the area of Colinas Verdes, a subdivision in Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte, passing through Tala, North Caloocan, and barangay Ciudad Real.

However, due to the appeals the residents of Pangarap Village in Tala over years of land dispute and right-of-way issues, in 2021, the railway leading to the station was realigned, now passing through Quirino Highway instead of passing through the said disputed residential community, and the new site of San Jose del Monte station would now be located on a vast vacant lot alongside Skyline Hospital and Medical Center. ^{[45] [46]}

Water

A collection office of San Jose Del Monte City Water District

The bulk of the city's water requirement is being served by the San Jose Del Monte City Water District, ^[47] together via Joint Venture Agreement to Prime Water Corporation.

Power

Power distribution is being undertaken by the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). The city hosts the biggest National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) sub-station in the country in Barangay Dulong Bayan.

Telecommunications/communications

Landline telephone systems are provided by the PLDT and Globe.

Internet service is available through SPC Cable Network, PLDT Home Fiber and DSL, Globe Fiber, Red fiber, Streamtech and Converge Fiber X.

Mobile telephone services are provided by Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Dito Telecommunity.

Education

San Jose del Monte National Trade School

STI Academic Center San Jose Del Monte

Public Universities

• Bulacan State University - Sarmiento Campus

Colleges

• Bestlink College of the Philippines
• City College of San Jose del Monte
• Colegio de San Gabriel Arcangel
• College of Saint Anthony
• First City Providential College
• Golden Valley Colleges
• Headwaters College
• Jesus the Greatest Name Christian College
• La Concepcion College
• Siena College of San Jose

• 

  Kaypian Elementary School in Barangay Kaypian, San Jose del Monte

  SJDM Cornerstone College, Inc.
• STI Academic Center San Jose Del Monte
• Village Montessori School and Colleges

Public high schools

• Citrus National High School
• City of San Jose del Monte National Science High School
• Graceville National High School
• Kakawate National High School
• Kaypian National High School
• Marangal National High School
• Minuyan National High School
• Muzon Harmony Hills High School
• Muzon National High School
• Paradise Farms National High School
• San Jose Del Monte Heights High School ^[48]
• San Jose del Monte National High School
• San Jose del Monte National Trade School
• San Manuel National High School
• San Martin National High School
• San Rafael National High School
• Santo Cristo National High School
• Sapang Palay National High School
• Towerville National High School

Government

Local government

Main article: Sangguniang Panglungsod

New city hall in Dulong Bayan

Old city hall in Poblacion 1

The city halls of San Jose del Monte

Like other cities in the Philippines, San Jose del Monte is governed by a mayor and vice mayor elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head and leads the city's departments in executing the city ordinances and improving public services. The vice mayor heads a legislative council consisting of 12 members: 6 from District I and 6 from District II. The council is in charge of creating the city's policies.

Government officials (2022-2025)

Elected local officials, such as the representative, mayor, vice mayor, and twelve councilors, are currently serving their terms that last from 2022 to 2025. ^{[49] [50]}

Position	Name	Party
Mayor	Arthur B. Robes	Arangkada San Joseño
Vice Mayor	Efren Bartolome	Arangkada San Joseño
Representative	Florida P. Robes	PDP–Laban
1st District
Councilors	Brigs Abela	Arangkada San Joseño
	Janet Reyes	Arangkada San Joseño
	Rosalyn Cabuco	Arangkada San Joseño
	Glenn M. Villano	Arangkada San Joseño
	Liezl Aguirre Abat	Arangkada San Joseño
	Oliver Robes	Arangkada San Joseño
2nd District
Councilors	Romeo Agapito	Arangkada San Joseño
	Benjie Acibal	Arangkada San Joseño
	Ryan Elfa	Arangkada San Joseño
	Celso Francisco	Arangkada San Joseño
	Argel Joseh Drio	Arangkada San Joseño
	Vanessa Michelle Roquero	Arangkada San Joseño
Ex-Officio Members
ABC President	Zosimo Lorenzo (Barangay Kaypian)
SK President	Ronalyn Pordan (Barangay Fatima V)
Barangay Chairpersons
DISTRICT I
Poblacion	Emilia M. Pasco
Poblacion 1	Laarnie M. Contreras
Narra	Philip Oicenev G. Villar
Mulawin	Herson Paul Hayo
Yakal	Leonor Escuro
Guijo	Celso Apatan
Gumaoc East	Rommel B. Pitalbo
Gumaoc West	Manolito B. Blen
Gumaoc Central	Manuel M. Gabion
Graceville	Melencio I. Garcia
Gaya-gaya	Enry L. Santos
Santo Cristo	Eufronio B. Avena
Tungkong Mangga	Alexander DS. Medina
Dulong Bayan	Gerardo A. Aguirre
Ciudad Real	Benjamin De Leon
Maharlika	Andro Batingan
San Manuel	Gilbert Baptista
Kaypian	Zosimo Lorenzo
San Isidro	Mario N. Balmaceda
San Roque	Matias Walinsundin
Kaybanban	Eriberto Belisano, Jr.
Paradise III	Gloria Cardona
Muzon Proper	Elizabeth DC . Valerio
Muzon East	Elena Joy B. Celis
Muzon West	Paolo Martin P. Mateo
Muzon South	Edgar E. Celis
DISTRICT II
Minuyan Proper	Irene A. Biteng
Minuyan I	Alberto P. Lachica
Minuyan II	Vilma F. Barrientos
Minuyan III	Kristian Ed M. Espinosa
Minuyan IV	Antonio Madrilejos
Minuyan V	Roberto Q. Arguilles
Bagong Buhay I	Rogelio Elfa
Bagong Buhay II	Emma DV.  De Leon
Bagong Buhay III	Angelina Batiguas
San Martin I	Arlando A. Disamburun
San Martin II	Alma P. Palacay
San Martin III	Remedios A. Joseph
San Martin IV	Christian P. Tamayo
Santa Cruz I	Ruben J. Gammad
Santa Cruz II	Reynaldo G. Budac
Santa Cruz III	Genelyn C. Piano
Santa Cruz IV	Raymundo Arriesgado
Santa Cruz V	Marcelino H. Abing
Fatima I	George Tablan, Jr.
Fatima II	Pedro Padilla, Jr.
Fatima III	Roberto R. Managabat
Fatima IV	Ronnie Tabuzo
Fatima V	Ronalyn B. Pordan
Citrus	Larry Demo
San Pedro	Criztopher Tiu
Sapang Palay Proper	Paulo A. Sta. Maria
San Martin De Porres	Myrna M. Manzano
Assumption	Bienvenido Punzal
Santo Niño I	Ricardo Semilla, Jr.
Santo Niño II	Reynaldo C. Francisco
Lawang Pare	Hilario D. Dabu
San Rafael I	Edmon P.  Daluz
San Rafael II	Sonny Canonce
San Rafael III	Zenaida S. Dela Cruz
San Rafael IV	Victorel C. Roxas
San Rafael V	Ma. Flor Cerera
Sangguniang Kabataan Barangay Chairpersons
DISTRICT I
Poblacion	Mico B. Andes
Poblacion 1	Lee Martin P. Mendoza
Narra	Harvey Salboro
Mulawin	Annie Rita G. Cabrera
Yakal	Kurt Louie Q. Alison
Guijo	Mherinolle S. Obias
Gumaok East	Daniel C. Costales
Gumaok West	Angelo DC. Bonifacio
Gumaok Central	Louise Venus Danell S. Trajia
Graceville	Gianelle P. Flores
Gaya-gaya	Mark Angelo G. Aguirre
Sto. Cristo	Jennica R. Francisco
Tungkong Mangga	Mary Ann C. Dungan
Dulong Bayan	Jhervee H. German
Ciudad Real	Kristine Emerald S. Oliva
Maharlika	Maria Cassandrah J. Malapit
San Manuel	Emmanuel Kenneth R. Bernas
Kaypian	Precious Izza C. De Vera
San Isidro	Marlou F. Aljecera
San Roque	Leony B. Marquez
Kaybanban	Micaela F. Tan
Paradise III	Tristan James Toledo
Muzon Proper	Aleana Marie F. Concepcion
Muzon East	Zymond Kiel DV. Ipio
Muzon West	John Clarenz C. Valerio
Muzon South	Katrina DC. Cortez
DISTRICT II
Minuyan Proper	Kyla Martin O. Bacaron
Minuyan I	Lheslyn Mae I. Bermejo
Minuyan II	John Dave E. Hizole
Minuyan III	Alyssa D. Remolador
Minuyan IV	Armando Y. Victoriano
Minuyan V	Grazellyn V. Silvestre
Bagong Buhay I	Angelie Argota
Bagong Buhay II	Shennecka Sheill Dela Vega
Bagong Buhay III	Andrew T. Esquivel
San Martin I	Brian P. Pelegrino
San Martin II	Janine Kyla C. Nevado
San Martin III	Ana Julianna P. Baylon
San Martin IV	Girlhea Mae M. Hayagan
Sta. Cruz I	Kailah Rose L. Silverio
Sta. Cruz II	Samuel C. Suello
Sta. Cruz III	Michaela G. Evangelio
Sta. Cruz IV	Mark Jone A. Andoy
Sta. Cruz V	Roselle DP. Constantino
Fatima I	Charles Andrei S. Castro
Fatima II	John Harold P. Manzanero
Fatima III	Katrina C. Cendaña
Fatima IV	Carizza L. Bonghanoy
Fatima V	Christian Kyle N. Pallares
Citrus	Cris Beth T. Badeo
San Pedro	Soah Paula A. Uy
Sapang Palay Proper	Jan Chezter H. Cataniag
San Martin De Porres	Sofia Almira D. Sansano
Assumption	Honeylyn G. Besañez
Sto. Nino I	Jervy S. Sierte
Sto. Nino II	Louwell B. Rabacio
Lawang Pare	Maja Jhamie C. Santos
San Rafael I	Janisse T. Turla
San Rafael II	Mc John Gerryll E. Zamora
San Rafael III	Rachelle Mae B. Nagales
San Rafael IV	Julius I. Salva
San Rafael V	Angelo L. Pangilinan

Congress representation

The city has a lone legislative district, being represented in the country's House of Representatives.

List of former municipal and city mayors

Main article: List of Mayors of City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Gallery

• 
  Welcome arch
• 
  Convention Center
• 
  Veterinary Hospital
• 
  City Agriculture Office
• 
  San Jose del Monte Public Cemetery
• 
  Iglesia ng Dios na Buhay kay Cristo Jesus church
• 
  Mother of Perpetual Help Quasi-Parish in Gaya-gaya
• 
  Altaraza
• 
  SM City San Jose Del Monte

Notable personalities

• Angeli Tabaquero
• Angelito Sarmiento
• Arthur Robes
• Crispin Beltran
• Chesster Chay
• Eduardo Roquero
• Imelda Papin

References

1.   City of San Jose del Monte | (DILG)
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3. Census of Population (2020). "Region III (Central Luzon)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority . Retrieved July 8, 2021.
4. "PSA Releases the 2021 City and Municipal Level Poverty Estimates". Philippine Statistics Authority. April 2, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
5. Patinio, Ferdinand (November 1, 2023). "Bulacan voters reject conversion of SJDM into highly urbanized city". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved November 2, 2023.
6. Dino Balabo (August 8, 2013). "San Jose del Monte declares moratorium on relocation projects". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2015.
7. "History of San Jose Del Monte". City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, Philippines. Archived from the original on January 15, 2017. Retrieved June 30, 2017. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
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    • "Republic Act No. 8797". Legislative Digital Resoruces. Senate of the Philippines. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
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28. Republic Act No. 11896 (July 1, 2022), "An Act Dividing Barangay Muzon in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Province of Bulacan Into Four (4) Separate and Independent Barangays to Be Known as Barangay Muzon Proper, Barangay Muzon East, Barangay Muzon West and Barangay Muzon South" (PDF), Senate of the Philippines , Government of the Philippines, archived (PDF) from the original on March 18, 2023, retrieved March 18, 2023
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44. "Tourism attractions". gov.ph. Archived from the original on October 16, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2019.
45. Dangla, Demie (June 18, 2015). "Pangarap Village residents decry harassment over land dispute". Manila Today. Archived from the original on February 4, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
46. The MRT 7 Project Archived June 29, 2023, at the Wayback Machine
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48. "DEPED CSJDM". DEPED CSJDM. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019. Retrieved August 16, 2019.
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External links

• San Jose del Monte travel guide from Wikivoyage
• Media related to San Jose del Monte at Wikimedia Commons
• Official website
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• San Jose del Monte City Bulacan
• Philippine Census Information