The idea of reduccion was widely spread during the Spanish Colonial Period.

This was
one of the systems used to spread Catholicism to the remote areas of Bulacan.
Reduccion or reduction of population was practiced in the largely populated areas
particularly in Meycauayan, Bulacan and San Jose, Centro Da Baloges.

In March 1750, a decree from the Archbishop of Manila on the creation of new
municipalities was announced in Lagulo Church in Meycauayan. The decree included
the list of families who volunteered to be relocated. Where previously the only
occupants were Itas and Dumagats, San Jose del Monte (SJDM) became a municipality
as a result of reduccion from Meycauayan. These families brought with them rice, wine,
nganga and salt from Lagulo (now Malhacan) in exchange for the wild pigs, deer,
yantok and almasigan of the Itas and Dumagats. Solares, including intended lots for
main roads, were peacefully distributed to the new occupants after being measured and
surveyed.

The municipality of SJDM was founded on March 2, 1752. The population, not
exceeding 200 people, belonged to the family of farmers and stonecutters of Libtong
and Meycauayan. They lived a simple lifestyle and raised fish, root crops, vegetables,
fruits and other natural products.

Under the American regime in 1901, SJDM, being less progressive, weak and lacking in
peace and order was placed under the political supervision of Sta. Maria, Bulacan.
Under American dispensation in 1918, the town became an independent Municipality
with Honorable Ciriaco Gallardo as the first Municipal Mayor.

The Japanese Imperial Army took over the local government of San Jose del Monte
from 1942-1943. In resistance, the municipality formed its own guerrilla unit. SJDM
experienced many casualties when the Americans bombed the Poblacion on January
11, 1945 and again on January 14, 1945. The Municipal Building was burned by
dissidents on October 10, 1950.

The year 1961 marked the opening of the first Government Resettlement Project, the
Sapang Palay Resettlement Area, covering 752 hectares.

In January 25, 1978, nine barangays were created under P.D. 1921. With the passage
of the new local government code in 1991 came the reformulation of equal wealth
sharing between the national and local units and the realization of the residents of
having their own barangays. This move led to the creation of an additional 41
barangays under Provincial Ordinance promulgated by RA 337 in December 1991.

With the advent of the new millennium, SJDM’s population registered a staggering
315,807. It continues to grow as private subdivisions mushroom in strategic areas of the
Municipality.

On September 10, 2000, SJDM was proclaimed as a Component City under Republic
Act No. 8797. It is said to be the largest town in the whole province of Bulacan in terms
of land area and population. Also known as the “Balcony of the Metropolis”, it is the first
City in the province of Bulacan and recorded as the 86th City of the Philippines.

On December 18, 2003, the City of San Jose became the 1st Lone Congressional
District in Bulacan.

In August 2007, the city’s population numbered to 439,090 based on the National
Census conducted by the NSO.

History[edit]
Early accounts on 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 March 2, 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 from
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]
The town reportedly got its name from Saint Joseph whose statue was found in a veritable forest;
the hunters called it "San Jose Del Monte" (lit. "Saint Joseph of the Mountain"). In all probability, the
hunters reported their find 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 town people fled for their lives to nearby towns. At the advent of the 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.
During the Japanese occupation, the town became an ideal hiding place of the local 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 1942–1943. In resistance, the municipality formed its
own guerrilla unit. San Jose del Monte experienced large casualties when the Americans bombed
the town center on January 11, 1945 and again on January 14, 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 October 10, 1950. The Huks
burned down the town hall. The town was raided for the second time on March 21, 1951. The Huks
did not succeed because of the precautionary measures instituted by the town officials after which
the Huks were gradually eliminated.
On September 10, 2000, San Jose del Monte was proclaimed as a Component City under Republic
Act No. 8797. It became the first City in the province of Bulacan and recorded as the 86th chartered
city of the Philippines. On December 18, 2003, the City of San Jose became the 1st Lone
Congressional District in Bulacan.[7]

Geography[edit]
The elevation of the city ranges from approximately 40–900 meters 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 is made up of undulating
hills with low relief. High relief areas moderate slopes best describe its extreme eastern and
northwestern quadrant. Slopes of 3%-8% are extensively found in the city, particularly on 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 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 City and Quezon City. It is directly connected to 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. [8]

General land use[edit]

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 the 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 with regard to the
hilly conditions that dominate the topography. Most of households in the western half of San Jose
del Monte opted to convert their lands to residential uses while other maintained the farms. This left
upland uses, such as those pertaining to 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 in the built-up areas, usually found in the west: a number of heavily
vegetated areas. Supplementing these are mini forest projects of the city government. The City
Agriculture Office maintains a 1.65-hectare Mini Forest Project in Barangay Muzon along the San
Jose del Monte-Marilao Provincial Road and a mahogany planting site. [9]

Barangays[edit]
The city is divided into 59 barangays, which handle governance in a much smaller area. These
barangays are grouped into two districts, 23 barangays comprise the first district while 36 compose
the second commonly known as Sapang Palay, and the city has Lone District[clarification needed], which is
represented by a congressman in the country's House of Representatives.
 Political map of San Jose del Monte

Populatio Population
Postal Population
No. Barangay District n growth
code 01-May-00
2012 rate

1 Ciudad Real 1st 3023 1,935 3,070 -7.08%

2 Dulong Bayan 1st 3023 5,440 8,774 34.71%

Francisco
3 1st 3023 5,242 5,635 2.71%
Homes-Guijo

Francisco
4 1st 3023 9,263 11,888 15.27%
Homes-Mulawin

Francisco
5 1st 3023 5,425 7,269 36.02%
Homes-Narra

Francisco
6 1st 3023 2,875 3,903 15.79%
Homes-Yakal

7 Gaya-Gaya 1st 3023 7,148 18,737 38.51%

8 Graceville 1st 3023 22,671 44,514 44.10%

9 Gumaoc - 1st 3023 2,704 3,484 26.11%

 Populatio Population
Postal Population
No. Barangay District n growth
code 01-May-00
2012 rate

Central

10 Gumaoc - East 1st 3023 3,854 5,237 36.53%

11 Gumaoc - West 1st 3023 5,288 8,785 35.89%

12 Kaybanban 1st 3023 1,643 2,970 47.05%

13 Kaypian 1st 3023 18,530 30,105 41.98%

14 Maharlika 1st 3023 2,793 3,210 11.71%

15 Muzon 1st 3023 47,010 103,000 76.24%

16 Paradise III 1st 3023 2,186 3,907 47.35%

17 Poblacion 1st 3023 1,886 2,360 15.22%

18 Poblacion I 1st 3023 2,882 4,117 38.03%

19 San Isidro 1st 3023 1,811 3,367 27.06%

20 San Manuel 1st 3023 8,107 14,122 27.82%

21 San Roque 1st 3023 1,000 1,711 31.90%

22 Santo Cristo 1st 3023 17,840 33,400 43.88%

 Populatio Population
Postal Population
No. Barangay District n growth
code 01-May-00
2012 rate

Tungkong
23 1st 3023 6,097 19,491 34.64%
Mangga

24 Minuyan I 2nd 3024 3,079 3,807 10.72%

25 Minuyan II 2nd 3024 4,532 6,146 4.72%

26 Minuyan III 2nd 3024 2,327 3,328 18.22%

27 Minuyan IV 2nd 3024 3,492 4,722 24.03%

28 Minuyan V 2nd 3024 2,535 2,724 9.75%

29 Bagong Buhay I 2nd 3024 5,621 6,888 20.44%

30 Bagong Buhay II 2nd 3024 3,521 5,910 19.31%

Bagong Buhay
31 2nd 3024 3,903 4,757 19.83%
III

32 San Martin I 2nd 3024 3,207 4,049 25.54%

33 San Martin II 2nd 3024 2,771 3,419 19.31%

34 San Martin III 2nd 3024 2,609 3,382 13.91%

 Populatio Population
Postal Population
No. Barangay District n growth
code 01-May-00
2012 rate

35 San Martin IV 2nd 3024 2,939 3,894 28.10%

36 Santa Cruz I 2nd 3024 2,997 2,414 7.5%

37 Santa Cruz II 2nd 3024 2,798 3,744 10.51%

38 Santa Cruz III 2nd 3024 2,058 2,432 19.68%

39 Santa Cruz IV 2nd 3024 2,623 2,706 23.83%

40 Santa Cruz V 2nd 3024 3,128 4,143 16.78%

41 Fatima I 2nd 3024 2,850 3,034 9.75%

42 Fatima II 2nd 3024 1,785 2,116 11.82%

43 Fatima III 2nd 3024 1,461 1,861 23.20%

44 Fatima IV 2nd 3024 1,837 2,294 16.93%

45 Fatima V 2nd 3024 2,029 2,937 33.91%

46 San Pedro 2nd 3024 12,096 14,833 13%

47 Citrus 2nd 3024 13,066 23,970 45.75%

48 San Rafael I 2nd 3024 6,080 9,413 28.39%

 Populatio Population
Postal Population
No. Barangay District n growth
code 01-May-00
2012 rate

49 San Rafael II 2nd 3024 3,457 3,699 -1.91%

50 San Rafael III 2nd 3024 3,112 3,248 -5.49%

51 San Rafael IV 2nd 3024 5,308 6,695 2.60%

52 San Rafael V 2nd 3024 2,544 3,091 9.87%

53 Assumption 2nd 3024 3,424 4,560 14.75%

54 Lawang Pare 2nd 3024 3,264 4,284 28.16%

55 Santo Niño I 2nd 3024 2,363 3,068 -1.02%

56 Santo Niño II 2nd 3024 2807 3,478 3.06%

St. Martin de
57 2nd 3024 2,050 2,775 25.46%
Porres

Sapang Palay
58 2nd 3024 3,576 5,538 24.89%
Proper

59 Minuyan Proper 2nd 3024 4,928 26,300 344.64%

Of the 3,102 barangays in Region III, the largest in terms of population size is Muzon in the City of
San Jose del Monte, Bulacan with 106,603 people. [3]
Demographics[edit]
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%

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[3][11][12][13]

In the 2015 census, the population of San Jose del Monte was 574,089 people, [3] with a density of
5,400 inhabitants per square kilometre or 14,000 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).[14]
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.
Forced relocation of informal settlers and the lure of government to provide them their own homes
allowed the town to continue to grow despite the lack of government facilities then. As such, San
Jose del Monte exhibited an increasing percentage share to 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 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[edit]

Poblacion public market

Agriculture[edit]
Major agricultural crops are leafy vegetables, root crops (cassava as its OTOP), pineapple, mango
and coffee beans.

Livestock and poultry[edit]

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, Vitarich and FELDAN.

Trade and commerce[edit]

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 I, 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[edit]
Mount Balagbag.

Mount Balagbag and Kaytitinga Falls in 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 Ms. Rolita Spowart, 3 Manila Seedling Bank Foundation, Quezon City)
[15]
 Hundreds of orchids species are nurtured in this 1.8 hectares flora haven.
Churches[edit]

 St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church[16]

 Parokya ni San Pedro Apostol Church
 San Isidro Labrador Parish Church
 Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church
 San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish
 Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine
 Madre Alessandra House of Prayer
 Sagrada Familia Parish Church
 Santo Rosario Sapang Palay Parish Church
San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish Church[edit]

San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Parish Church (Pleasant Hills, Barangay San Manuel)

From 1986–2000, the Pleasant Hill community has been a sub-parish of St. Peter Parish, Tungkong
Mangga under Rev. Fr. Manuel M. Manicad as the Parish Priest. On July 3, 2000, Rev. Fr. Mario
Jose C. Ladra was appointed parish priest. On January 2004, some parish leaders and staff together
with Fr. Mar prepared documents for the change of status of the parish from a quasi– parish to a full-
fledged parish. Bishop Jose F. Oliveros approved the request on Tuesday, January 27, 2004, the
day when St. Joseph Healing Masses are held in honor of the parish's Second Patron Saint.
Immediately afterwards, the Canonical Establishment and Solemn Proclamation of the Parish of San
Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila was set on March 14, 2004. Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra was likewise
installed as its First Parish Priest.[17]
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine [edit]

Lourdes Church (Graceville)

The six hectares Lourdes Shrine Complex [16] (Church and the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary) with
the 'Miracle Spring' is a popular Holy Week destination for Catholic devotees. Inaugurated on
February 11, 1965, owner Anita Guidote-Guanzon decided to build the Grotto for she was cured of
cancer upon her return from a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, in 1961. The Grotto also features a
Calvary Hill with life-size statues that depict the 14 Stations of the Cross, and a Rosary Hill with 155
giant concrete beads. The complex is now run by Marietta Guidote-Guanzon Picache vda. de
Holmgren, Anita's eldest child, after the matriarch died on March 31, 1990. It is a replica of the
Lourdes Grotto in France[18][19][20][21]

Public High Schools[edit]

[22]

 City of San Jose del Monte National High School

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

City hall

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.
San Jose del Monte, being a part of the Bulacan province, has its mayor in the city council heading
the Area Integrated Development Authority (AIDA), a special committee created during the term of
then Mayor Eduardo V. Roquero to concentrate on the improvement of 3 highly commercialized
areas such as, Tungkong Mangga, Muzon, and Sampol areas. [clarification needed]. This council formulates
development plans that seeks to solve the problems and improve the conditions in the metropolis.

Current city officials (2019-2022)[edit]

Position Name Party

Mayor Arthur B. Robes Arangkada San Joseño

Vice Mayor Efren Bartolome Arangkada San Joseño

Representativ
Florida P. Robes NUP
e

1st District

Councilors Joey Abela Arangkada San Joseño

Janet Reyes Makabayan

 Rosalyn Cabuco Arangkada San Joseño

Glenn M. Villano Arangkada San Joseño

Liezl Aguirre Abat National Unity Party

Richie Robes Partido Federal ng Pilipinas

2nd District

Romeo Agapito Arangkada San Joseño

Benjie Acibal Arangkada San Joseño

Ryan Elfa Arangkada San Joseño

Councilors
Celso Francisco Arangkada San Joseño

Argel Joseh Drio PDP–Laban

Vanessa Michelle
National Unity Party
Roquero

Ex-Officio Members

ABC President Zosimo Lorenzo (Barangay Kaypian)

SK President Ronalyn Pordan (Barangay Fatima V)