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