Ang Unang Bulakenyong Lungsod

It is said that before reaching the northern city, this is the first town you will pass through, the city often referred to as the "Balcony of the Metropolis." A town shaped by numerous experiences and history; from humble beginnings in the mountains, a population still on the rise, challenges that strengthened faith, and successes that have become a guiding light for all of us. But how did it all begin? And how was the City of San Jose Del Monte established?

The history of our City of San Jose Del Monte dates back to the Spanish era in the 1750s, when the Archbishop of Manila established new towns under a decree that directed the relocation of families and the establishment of self-governance, one of which was San Jose Del Monte, founded on March 2, 1752. According to history, the name San Jose Del Monte came from the combination of “San Jose,” referring to the patron Saint Joseph, and “Del Monte,” meaning "of the mountains," which gave birth to the city's name.

Since the establishment of San Jose Del Monte, its population was still small, with only about two hundred families coming from Meycauayan and the indigenous Dumagat people. Their livelihood was mostly based on agriculture: rice, vegetables, fruits, and bartering goods with each other. Additionally, early infrastructure like roads guided the residents. However, the town faced significant challenges, not only from our city but from our country as well—the colonization of the Americans and the Japanese.

In 1901, during the American occupation, the town was placed under Santa Maria according to the 1903 Act 932 or "An Act Reducing the Twenty-Five Municipalities of the Province of Bulacan to Thirteen," due to its small population, political structure, and proximity to the city. This lasted for seven years, and on January 1, 1918, the town regained its status as a municipality under Executive Order No. 100 by Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison, with Ciriaco Gallardo serving as the first mayor.

The next chapter in history was the Japanese occupation from 1942-1943, where their goal was to eliminate the guerrilla fighters hiding in the mountains and take control of the city's natural resources. During World War II, the Americans bombed the Poblacion not once, but twice, on January 11 and 14, 1945. In 1950, the Municipal Building was burned down. After the war, however, a sense of hope and determination arose among the residents of San Jose Del Monte to rebuild from the devastation and hardships of history.

The growth of San Jose Del Monte accelerated, driven by an increasing population, livelihood, and opportunities due to its proximity to Metro Manila. On September 10, 2000, under the leadership of then Mayor Eduardo V. Roquero M.D., the municipality of San Jose Del Monte was converted into a component city under Republic Act 8797, or "An Act Converting the Municipality of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, into a Component City to Be Known as the City of San Jose Del Monte." This resulted in further economic growth and opportunities for the city, which also became the first Lone Congressional District in the entire province of Bulacan, thanks to the cooperative efforts of the city's residents. From five barrios and one poblacion, it has grown to sixty-two barangays that continue to thrive and develop.

Our hometown has undoubtedly gone through many trials to become the well-known city that we now cherish and call our own. The lessons learned have become a beacon of hope, the historical challenges that tested our resilience, the rise from poverty and despair, and the flourishing under the guidance of our patron of the mountains. Indeed, the song rings true: “No matter the trials that come our way, we are strong if you’re by our side. Every problem has a solution because your teachings will be our guide.” For the town we love, as time passes, should never be forgotten.

This film was created for every San Joseños!

Documentary by John Michel F. Ramil

Cast and production members:

Kent Marl Abuyon and Raymargene Rosales

Chrismar Ramos