The Municipality of San Jose was named in honour of Jose Ecleo who was its pioneer and the father of the late renowned mayor of the Municipality of Dinagat, Ruben Edera Ecleo Sr.

It was once a part of the municipality of Dinagat. Even then, San Jose has been significantly progressive compared with the Poblacion until its creation as a municipality on November 15, 1989 by virtue of Republic Act. No. 6769 authored by Hon. Glenda B. Ecleo, during the time of President Corazon C. Aquino. The creation was amended on December 20, 2009, an act to amend Section 1 of the above- mentioned Republic Act through Republic Act 9859 covering an area of 3,422 hectares. It was within its jurisdiction twelve (12) barangays namely; San Jose, Matingbe, Aurelio, Jacquez, San Juan, Mahayahay, Don Ruben, Justiniana Edera, Sta. Cruz, Cuarenta, Wilson and Luna.

In 1965, Hon. Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. founded/organized the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. (PBMA) at Sitio Puyange (now Poblacion San Jose). PBMA is a non-sectarian brotherhood organization which spreads like a forest fire in the entire archipelago. Soon members of the Association from different places came to settle in San Jose.

The strong spirit of brotherhood and the desire of the members to be in constant association with its founder brought the phenomenon and remarkable increase in the population of San Jose. Other barangays were established to comprise what is now known “Metro San Jose.”

One striking feature that makes San Jose unique is the “Kabisig” or “Bayanihan” spirit which has been practiced by the people long before it became a municipality. This practice is locally known as “Pahina” or voluntary labor.

During Saturdays and Sundays, it is a common sight to see people young and old alike, male and female, working harmoniously on a common infrastructure and livelihood projects. Not only they are willing to render voluntary service for the development of their community, but they are also willing to contribute whatever resources they have.

Despite its meager help from the government, San Jose came out to be an advanced and progressive municipality over its islands counterpart largely because of the true spirit of brotherhood, love, unity and cooperation that reigned within its people. This achievement was affirmed when San Jose received the
National Award as the “Most Outstanding Barangay” in the Philippines” last 1980.

San Jose as 4th Class Municipality, boost with many roads, mushrooming commercial establishment, a concrete port, a tertiary school and other urban uses not common to rural communities. Considered as the gateway to Dinagat Islands and premier service, trade and educational cent