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!

Being thankful for what you have gives you blessings more than what you expect and Congresswoman Florida "Ate Rida" Robes creates a cycle of thankfulness that is why she, her family, and the whole city of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan are being blessed with so many projects for the development of the city. Truly, this proves that her heart is in Public Service, a public servant that works because of the calling.

Just recently we were able to have an interview with the good Congresswoman Robes. Asking for some new developments in the city and what's happening next, as the Holiday Season is just more than a month away. During the interview, she was able to spill some of the details of the development in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. She was able to share what are the upcoming activities of the city, not only for the constituents but also for the visitors and celebrators who appreciated the gesture. Furthermore, she was able to take the opportunity to be thankful to all the people who have supported and provide the aide in constructing some of the buildings that are needed.

Being a public servant is not a luxurious life but it is indeed a gratifying work when you are seeing the people in this sector that are happy and contented with the services that are provided for them. 

Of course, without the supporters and constituents, the progress of SJDM would not be possible. As one of the sayings that go 'the more you plant the more you will sow'. And since the people of SJDM planted a good public servant they are now reaping the benefits that made the city to where it is now.

Congresswoman Robes, through the interview, gave her thanks to many personalities and organizations that have helped in the development of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Naming them are her husband, Mayor Arthur Robes; their Supporters; President Rodrigo Roa Duterte; Senator Cynthia Villar for sponsoring Saint Bernardette Churros and Maternity Hospital together with Secretary Mark Villar, and Secretary Duque; the Bahay Partylist for the HOA Building; Senator Bato Dela Rosa for the promised Philippine National Building; Senator Nancy Binay and Secretary Mark Villar for the Sports Complex and Convention Center; and Philip "Kuya Ipe" Salvador.

Indeed there are many things to be thankful and that is why Congresswoman Florida Robes is blessed with so many things because she is very much thankful to everyone.

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!

When was the time that we heard of incidents happened because of depression? Well, personally I do not know the data but all I know is that it has been always in the news lately.  It's really sad to know that these things are happening, depression or mental health issue is becoming a problem that most people are facing today, especially the young ones who are mostly engaged in social media and networking sites.
I'm a mom and it scares me, especially with my kids, because the stories seems to be getting worse and the victims are getting younger and younger. I would really want to know more about this, how to prevent it and some ways to deal with it and good to know that Congresswoman Florida Robes is initiating some actions to help fight this problem. It really needs to be addressed.



San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan Representative Florida “Rida” Perez Robes, in a recently released article in one of the leading newspaper mentioned that “In one public high school in a barangay in our town, 10 students, all teenagers, died of suicide due to mental health issues, in a span of one year. Many of the cases are related to online bullying." It's a real problem that we, the elders of this generation, should do something about. Congresswoman Rida was able to point out this problem  because of an incident that happens in her hometown. A tragic story that shouldn't have happened if it was given an attention. This led to her advocating for mental health. Not only because of the news but also from the personal experiences of her relatives. She is not comfortable knowing that depression claims lives in her hometown.

“Depression needs to be treated. Early intervention can come in the form of caring. It helps a lot when a depressed individual knows someone cares,” part of what CW Robes mentioned in the article. Due to this rising numbers of incidents CW Robes plans to put up a mental health center where  individuals who needs treatment can be given a proper advice at an early stage. CW Rida took time to visit different barangays and schools in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, to see the current situations. It is her gesture of bringing hope to the people.

Part of the move and action taken by CW Robes being part of the group that made a partnership with Korean-based Sunfull Foundation, an international non-government organization that raise mental health awareness among individuals and helps combat cyber bullying. Together with her are other lawmakers like Pangasinan Representative Baby Arenas and Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer.

Congresswoman Rida is right to address the problem as more and more youth are becoming more enclosed in social media platforms the more that they are becoming vulnerable to cyber bulling that later on leads to depression. What we, the relatives and friends of people experiencing depression, need to do is give a reason for them to think that we are there for them and we care.

CW Rida calls the attention of the Department of Health to fully implement the Republic Act 11036 or the Philippine Mental Health Law.

Depression is a serious problem and Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes talks about it!

One of the best way to tell the story about the Tanglawan Festival is by picturing it into a masterpiece. An artwork that will definitely stick around through times. And perhaps that is what the power couple, Congresswoman Florida Robes and Mayor Arthur Robes, have thought of.
 

On the exact day of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan's Cityhood Anniversary, the power couple graced the opening and ribbon-cutting of the Art Gallery, where a number of paintings were created to picture out the Tanglawan Festival celebration. This talented hands were children of SJDM.

After winning the title of World Guinness Record, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan's Tanglawan Festival has become one of the anticipated events in the city every year.


The Tanglawan Festival 2019 Art Gallery Exhibit were mounted at the Basement 2, the Government Service Express area inside SM City San Jose Del Monte. Mayor Arthur Robes and Congresswoman Florida Robes gave their appreciation  of the artworks and praises to different artists who participated. Mayor Robes, who loves art, disclosed during the event that they are pushing for the construction  of the culture and Art Building that will cultivate the different talented children of San Josenos.

The works of the power couple Mayor and Congresswoman Robes is becoming the strong foundation for the becoming of the city as the next destination on the area of Bulacan and in the country.