No one is exempted from today's pandemic crisis, even the frontliners and government officials are not safe with the spread of COVID-19. That is why few of our government officials who were exposed to some public servants and politicians who later tested positive for COVI-19 went and observed self-quarantine. One of them is Congresswoman Florida "Rida" Robes of the lone district of San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) City, Bulacan who touched base with her constituents in a 5-minute talk with members of the media last April 2.

Congresswoman Robes used a very personal approach to encourage people to be responsible enough to automatically undergo self-quarantine and practice physical distancing. "Alam n'yo nung panahon na ako ay nasa loob lang ng kwarto, sobrang lungkot ako. My daughter was asking me, 'Mom, when can I hug you? When can I kiss you?' I told her, 'On Thursday, anak. And that's today, my 21st day of self-quarantine. Bakit ko ito ginawa? Kasi I love my family most and, of course, I love my family here in the district of the city of San Jose del Monte. Ayaw ko 'yung na-expose na nga ako, tapos lalabas pa ako. It's very irresponsible if I do that. Dahil mahal ko kayo, tiniis ko na nakikita ko lang si Mayor [Arthur Robes] outside, nakikita ko lang ang aking mga kapamilya combatting this kind of calamity."

Congresswoman Robes continue to discuss SJDM's efforts during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). She explained that she and her husband SJDM Mayor Arthur Robes (who went into self-quarantine about a week after she did) and their respective teams worked used a three-point framework that was based on one principle: "Pagyamanin mo kung ano ang meron ka." This involved the following:

1. 1. Seeking a resolution to enable the use of the calamity fund.
2. 2. Coordinated with frontlines, which included the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) about setting up of checkpoints according to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the implementation of the ECQ.
3. 3. Implementing rehabilitation programs to address the needs of the people, especially the micro and small business owners. 

In line with the Robes couple's mission of inclusive progress, Congresswoman Robes explained that they made sure to cater to nearly 69,000 indigent people in SJDM. Indeed, in the first wave of the distribution of relief packs, 10,910 indigent people were served. In the second wave, 58,060 people were reached. Congresswoman Robes stated that there would be a third wave of relief pack distribution. "Ideally, we could go to all the 145,000 households in SJDM," she added.

Robes mentioned that they were also waiting for the full implementation of the "Bayanihan Heal as One" (BAHO) Act so that more help could be extended to the people of SJDM.

When asked how she felt about the bashers who criticized her and Mayor Robes' efforts, Congresswoman Robes said, "Nakikiusuap po ako na huwag na po nating isali ang pamumulitika rito. Your criticisms are welcome, but if you cannot contribute anything then please just pray for our city." The congresswoman asked everyone to just unite so that the whole district could get through the crisis.

The Christmas Tree is one of the many represeentation of Christmas, over the years the tree became bold with different kind of decorations. I think almost every houses and establishments have one Christmas Tree decorated with so many things. For a city, having this one in front of the City Hall brings a different vibe. It's a more festive and happy thoughts. Giving every member of the society something to look forward even when life gets rough.


As what Mayor Arthur Robes' intention when he, together with the City Councils and other LGU officials initiated the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony four (4) years ago, to bring happiness to every San Josenos. This event later on became an annual event that is expected by everyone in the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. During this year's program of the Lighting Ceremony Mayor Robes made a wishful thinking delivered in a jokingly manner that he hopes to light a Flying Christmas Tree next time that can be seen throughout the entire province of Bulacan, spreading about The Rising City.


The night were also graced by different choirs from different organizations in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. One of the anticipated group to sing is the Tanglawan Singing Ambassadors.

Of course the Lighting of the Christmas Tree is led by the power tandem of Mayor Arthur Robes and Congresswoman Florida Robes that comes with wonderful fireworks at tje background.


To all San Josenos Merry Christmas

The best weapon of every successful man is the beauty and heart of their beloved spouses. Girl power is not strength or might but it is the heart that they possess and the charm that they have, that is what Congresswoman Florida “Rida” Robes have. A loving, submissive wife equipped with faithfulness to the Lord. Another secret to success shared by Congresswoman Rida is their “communication”. Their good communication with each other really made the Congresswoman and Mayor tandem the best public servants that the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan ever had.

Just recently, we were able to have a short interview with the Congresswoman about her reaction to the award that Mayor Arthur Robes received being the representative of the City. She was very happy and proud, according to her it is not just the work of one man but with the help of the vice mayor, city councils, and the different departments. An effort made by everyone to finally receive the Seal of Good Local Governance.


We were also asked the congresswoman of what’s the newest activity for the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, happy and excited Congresswoman Rida shared that they are now in the process of creating another Guinness World Record. After claiming the title of being the Largest Lantern Parade, they are now aiming to break another record as the Largest Living Nativity. Currently, UK is the titleholder but everyone is hoping and praying to get that title from UK. Congresswoman Rida together with the City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, aims to make that Living Nativity a sight to see. The prestige of the city and the country wouldn’t be as hard as it is.

With this, the vision for the city to be the next tourism destination in the country will be possible. Lead by Congresswoman Rida and Mayor Arthur Robes the city will move to that dream.