From resettlement to refinement: The evolution of San Jose del Monte

ount Balagbag is one of San Jose del Monte’s beloved tourist spots.

In the past, it was the site of many population resettlements initiated by the government.

Today, it is attracting major investors with its flood-free nature, rapidly improving infrastructure, and competitive proximity to urban areas. Welcome to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan—the future site of quality homes and refined living in the north of Manila.

Enduring community

Named after the city’s patron saint, San Jose del Monte literally translates to “Saint Joseph of the Mountain.” It was formerly part of Meycauayan City in Bulacan, but became a separate town with the establishment of a new church.

The town was heavily hit by Spanish revolts, Japanese bombings, and Hukbalahap rebellions. After every tragedy, however, the Bulakenyos were able to pick themselves up and rebuild the community for the better.

The 1980s saw an influx of new settlers in the area when the national government initiated massive resettlements.

With the rise of population in the area, an additional 41 barangays were created in San Jose del Monte in 1991. By 2020, the city has already met the requirements of a highly urbanized city as set by the national government. With the ongoing development of MRT-7 and new road networks in the area, the city propels toward progress in recent years.

Saint Joseph Church pays homage to the patron saint of the city of San Jose del Monte.

Rising infrastructure

With the increase of residents in the area, San Jose del Monte suddenly experienced a challenge common to many urban areas: traffic. To improve accessibility in the area, new infrastructure projects were planned for the city.

Perhaps the largest of these projects is the upcoming MRT-7 line which will provide direct access to Metro Manila. Set to be linked with the existing LRT-1 and MRT-3 lines, the railway project is seen to accommodate an estimated 85,000 passengers per day. This will allow locals to venture to the city for work on a daily basis easier than before.

Besides the new railway, other exciting projects improving San Jose del Monte’s transportation routes are in the pipeline.

For one, the New Manila International Airport is set to be built in nearby Bulakan, giving the city quick access to a major international travel hub. The San Jose Del Monte-Doña Remedios Trinidad (SJDM-DRT) Bypass Road is also being constructed, which will reduce travel between the two areas to less than 20 minutes, from over an hour.

The New Manila International Airport will change the landscape of the whole Bulacan province.

Natural allure

With a lot of promising developments on the horizon, it’s no wonder why San Jose del Monte is attracting new investors and immigrants to the area.

Beyond these new projects, there are other reasons why the city is beloved by its long-time residents and visitors. For one, with its mountainous terrain, it remains flood-free and windy in the area. The city continues to enjoy a country vibe despite its rising urban centers due to a healthy agricultural and livestock sector. Some of the must-see tourist spots are Mount Balagbag, Kaytitinga Falls and the VS Orchids Farm.

San Jose del Monte continues to offer fresh air and green landscapes despite its developing urban elements

Commercial opportunities

Despite its rural charms, San Jose del Monte is home to a lot of institutional and commercial buildings that are conducive to a comfortable lifestyle. Several schools, hospitals, and malls are already established in the area.

Bulacan State University, for example, has its Sarmiento Campus in the area which provides quality education to locals. Bestlink College of the Philippines, College of St. Anthony and La Concepcion College are also some other private tertiary schools where your kids can complete their education.

In terms of business, the city has three major business districts. Tungkong Mangga, Muzon and Sapang Palay are the go-to places if you intend to engage in retail and trade. SM City San Jose del Monte and Starmall San Jose del Monte, meanwhile, are the popular destinations for weekend entertainment and leisure.

Great opportunities in the making

With its natural advantages, developing infrastructure and comprehensive institutions, there’s nowhere to go but up for San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan. Pretty soon, this place will be filled with world-class developments and major commercial centers especially with the international airport being built close by.

Now is the best time to turn your attention toward this city and explore the opportunities it offers for you. Visit San Jose Del Monte today and discover why it ought to be the site of your future home.

Sources:

Laura May Venus-Revamonte; https://csjdm.gov.ph; https://e-rockwell.com; https://worldwewant.ph/; Alichuapee and FBenjr123 via Wikimedia Commons; New Manila International Airport via San Miguel Corporation handout

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.