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San Jose Del Monte gov't in Bulacan draws flak for installing controversial signage

Published Mar 18, 2021 04:23 pm

The local government of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan has clarified that the "AR" signage installed in several parts of the city stands for "A Rising city" and "ARya (progress)," contrary to claims that the letters are the acronym of its mayor Arthur Robes.

(Photo Courtesy of CSJDM Culture, Arts and Tourism Council/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The city's Culture, Arts and Tourism Council made the clarification in a video posted on its Facebook page Thursday, saying the signage is part of the local government's supposed "tourism infrastructure and beautification project."

"Kasabay ng muling pagbangon at pagpasigla ng ating turismo, atin pong sinisikap na baguhin at gawing kaayaya aya ang  kabuuang mukha ng lungsod upang higit na makahikayat ng mga turista patungo sa ating mga ipinagmamalaking pasyalan (With the revival of our economy, we aim to change the image of our province and make it pleasing to attract tourists to visit)," one of the officials said.

"Para sa mga turista na bibisita sa ating lungsod ang AR o A Rising City ay palatandaan na ikaw ay nasa natatanging lungsod ng San Jose Del Monte (For visitors, AR is a reminder that they are in the exceptional city of San Jose Del Monte)," another one added.

But for one social media user, a phrase "I love SJDM" should be installed alone, instead of "AR," to "emphasize the place where the tourist is."

But the clarificatory video, which already garnered at least 61,600 views and 1,200 comments as of writing, also drew flak as some social media users did not believe in the local government's explanation.

"Kung ano anong meaning na dinugtong sa AR. ARya tapos ARIsing city ngayon (They have a lot of meaning for AR—from A Rising City to ARya)," a certain Ji Ya said in a comment section.

"And you expect us to believe this? Trying to manipulate the citizens during this time is a big NO," a certain Randel Abundo added.

One Iya Gueta even said in jest that perhaps even actor Alden Richards is aware what does “AR” really mean.

“Huwag po ninyong ipagpilitan na ARya, A Rising city o ARangkada SJDM ang ibig sabihin nyan (Don't insist its supposed meaning),” part of her comment also read.

Several "AR" signage have already been installed in different parts of San Jose Del Monte, based on the video. These include one that is placed between the "I love SJDM" sign, which has become "I love AR SJDM."

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