The political leaders of San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan province hailed the result of the recently conducted plebiscite in the city, saying it was a “step towards development in terms of basic services to the newly formed barangays.”
The observation was shared by San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes and her husband, Mayor Arthur Robes.
The plebiscite, held last March 25, sought the sentiments of the residents of Barangay Muzon it they favored the proposal to divide their community into four barangays.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted a plebiscite among the 43,771 registered voters in Barangay Muzon of which 13,322 representing 30 percent cast their votes.
It turned out that 92.51 percent of the voters were in favor of dividing their barangay into four, namely: Barangay Muzon Proper, Barangay Muzon East, Barangay Muzon West, and Barangay Muzon South.
Mayor Robes said the result of the plebiscite was good for the Muzon residents.
“Mas mabuti ito sa taumbayan dahil liliit yung nasasakupan ng maglilingkod sa kanila,” Mayor Robes said in a radio interview.
“Ibig sabihin, dati isang kapitan lang sa ganoong kalaking populasyon, sa ganun kalaking lugar…eh ngayon mahahati mo sa apat,” he added.
The mayor explained that the concerned barangay officials and employees could concentrate more on the delivery of services to a small constituency.
Rep. Robes, on the occasion of the Women’s Month, saw the move as a fresh opportunity to help her constituents particularly the women of San Jose del Monte. She is the currently chair of the House Committee on Good Government.
“As a woman legislator, I also give special attention and care to the women of San Jose Del Monte, empowering them in the process. My
project Tindahan Ni Maria provides women with additional capital that will eventually give them sustainable livelihood as entrepreneurs,” Rep. Robes said.
She said these new barangays may well be the beneficiaries of her congressional like the “One like for life project,” which is aimed at improving the mental health of the city’s youngsters.
“Students are our future leaders, our hope. As a leader, it is also my duty to make sure that their mental health is taken cared of. So we always have counselors that will be there to talk to them, to help them and to give them counsel through my One Like For Life project,” she said.
In tandem with her mental health care program, the lawmaker also underscored the importance of physical health. She said the “Kusina Ni Ate Rida” have been on-going for years in the city to ensure that San Joseños do not get hungry.
“Our beloved city of San Jose Del Monte is dubbed as the rising city. As the city rises to new heights, we, the people, with special emphasis on women, also rise,” Rep. Robes stressed.