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Valenzuela City
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The City of Valenzuela (Filipino: Lungsod ng Valenzuela) is one of the cities and municipalities in the Philippines that make up Metro Manila. The city has approximately 500,000 residents including and is primarily an industrial and residential suburb of Manila. The North Luzon Expressway passes through the city and out of Metro Manila into the province of Bulacan.
Valenzuela has a land area of approximately 45 square kilometers. It is bordered by Quezon City and northern Caloocan City to the east, by Malabon City and southern Caloocan City to the south, by Obando in Bulacan to the west, and Meycauayan City, also in Bulacan, to the north.
Since becoming a city in 1998, Valenzuela’s economy has flourished and its population has swelled significantly.
alenzuela means "little Valencia" in Spanish, and is also the surname Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino physician and patriot who was among the leaders of the Katipunan that started the Philippine Revolution against Spain after which the city was named.
The historic City of Valenzuela was originally known as Polo, and established as an independent town of the province of Bulacan in 1623.
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Encyclopedia
The City of Valenzuela (Filipino: Lungsod ng Valenzuela) is one of the cities and municipalities in the Philippines that make up Metro Manila. The city has approximately 500,000 residents including and is primarily an industrial and residential suburb of Manila. The North Luzon Expressway passes through the city and out of Metro Manila into the province of Bulacan.
Valenzuela has a land area of approximately 45 square kilometers. It is bordered by Quezon City and northern Caloocan City to the east, by Malabon City and southern Caloocan City to the south, by Obando in Bulacan to the west, and Meycauayan City, also in Bulacan, to the north.
Since becoming a city in 1998, Valenzuela’s economy has flourished and its population has swelled significantly.
History
Valenzuela means "little Valencia" in Spanish, and is also the surname Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino physician and patriot who was among the leaders of the Katipunan that started the Philippine Revolution against Spain after which the city was named.
The historic City of Valenzuela was originally known as Polo, and established as an independent town of the province of Bulacan in 1623. Polo was once just a part of the town of Meycauayan called "Catangalan". The territory of the new town encompassed the vast lands that stretched from the town of Obando, to the forests of Novaliches. The Franciscans, in the person of Fr. Juan Taranco, administered the newly created town.
It was in the year 1627 when the construction of the Parochial church dedicated to San Diego de Alcala started. Finally, in 1629, the church was fully constructed. Its fabrication was supervised by Fr. Jose Valencia aided by Capitan Juan Tibay. The church was fully repaired and remodeled under the direction of Fr. Vicente in 1852. A great change took place in the appearance of the church, that according to the missionaries it was one of the best ever built in the archipelago, and became an object of envy among other towns. Again, the church after its repair was dedicated to another patron, the "Nuestra Senora de la Inmaculada Concepcion". Still, another dedication was made and that was to San Roque. The convent was well built and comfortable. The pride of its artistry lies on the fact that the people of the town had done so much to its perfection. Besides the convent, a descent "casa tribunal" with a rectangular prison cell was built, and a school house also fabricated of stones was erected.
The town was abundant in the production of rice, corn and sugarcane. Cacawate, pomelo and various fruit trees abound in great quantities. Vegetables were cultivated also in its excellent soil and agriculture was the main industry.
During 1635, the Sangleys at Parian in Manila and in the neighboring towns staged an insurrection against the Spanish government. It was during one of these rebellions that the church bells brought by the Spanish Missionaries to the town which was made of bronze, and whose intonations were second only to that of the bell of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, was stolen by the Chinese. Since it was so huge, the looters had to break it into small pieces in order to remove it from the belfry.
In 1719, a notice was given to the Mestizos residing at Pariancillo at the back of the church, to vacate the place and return to Sta. Cruz, but through the efforts of Fr. Guardiano and Don Manuel Fernandez, they promised to pay half of the tribute monthly if they would be spared from the orders. The mestizos were allowed to continue their stay at Pariancillo.
In 1723, a stone bridge arching underneath was constructed across the estero.
Two distinguished seats were sculpted and varnished in 1737, to be used as seat for the gobernadorcillo, the other one by the Fiscal Mayor.
In 1754, the people of Obando, then a barrio of Polo established their own parish church, and so it was separated from Polo.
The year 1762 was the arrival of the British in Manila. The city was captured by the English and occupied the neighboring towns. The illustrious Archbishop of Manila died within this year. In 1763, General Busto resided in Polo and made it a royal camp as the starting point for attack in order to recapture Manila from the English.
The administration of Manila was turned over to the Spaniards in 1764. The British also left Polo. And because of great joy of the townspeople, they took the image of their patron San Roque on their shoulders and carrying him along the streets, dancing. Since that time then, dancing during the procession along the streets after the high mass during the feast of the saint became a religious traditional practice of his devotees. This practice became popular. It continued to be so up to the present.
It was in 1783 when the Casa Real was transferred from the Barrio Pulo to a street near the Bridge. An order placing marks on the carabaos was promulgated. In 1784, the Casa Real was completed, and it was here that General Busto took his Vacation.
In 1790, a smallpox epidemic swept the country. It reappeared in 1808.
In 1804, a drought occurred and the price of rice had risen to P5.00 per cavan.
In 1815, the church tower was constructed and remodeled.
In 1832, a very great storm occurred and a swarm of locusts appeared.
In 1853, the punishment inflicted to those who committed unlawful acts was very inhuman, an example of which was flogging by reeds. This punishment was feared most that a person preferred to hang himself under the Casa Tribunal, and as a result, some bold men attacked the Tribunal and the Captain was beheaded.
In 1856, Novaliches was separated from the town of Polo.
On June 3, 1865, at about 7 to 8 o'clock in the evening, a very strong earthquake was felt, which destroyed the tower of the church, and damaged the choir loft. Many people, both Spanish and Filipinos died. Soon, an epidemic followed, which caused the death of many Filipinos.
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The Americans established the military rule and Dr. Pío Valenzuela was appointed first president of the town on September 6, 1899. He resigned on February 1902.
Rufino Valenzuela became the first elected president of the Town in 1904.
The entrance of the Japanese in Polo was without any resistance. The people during the Japanese time enjoyed prosperity for Polo became a market town. There were more signs of cooperation and social contact among the inhabitants but on the contrary, fear of reprisals from the Japanese predominated. The town also became a place of terror. There were too many murders committed. The place became a habitat of Makapilis, and spies who troubled the peaceful civilians. The sudden appearance of the Japanese added terror to the place.
The reign of terror climaxed on December 10, 1944. It was a day of mourning for the people of Polo and Obando for it was the day when the Japanese massacred more than a hundred males in both towns. At about 1:00am on this day up to the setting of the sun, cries could be heard from the municipal building when males who were screeded by the "Magic Eye" inside the church were being tortured to death. (This could be the reason why the old church was not anymore restored, and be neglected to ruins, thus building a new edifice beside the old one.) Mayor Ponciano met the same fate. He died a cruel death on this day with the municipal officials.
When liberation came, the town was partly burned by the approaching the military forces of the Filipinos and Americans who threw flame throwers and shelled the big houses in the town, not exempting the more than 300 years old church of San Diego.
The historical old bridge was destroyed by the Japanese, thus separating Polo in two parts, the Northern and the Southern Parts. The northern part was at once liberated by joint Filipino and American troops while the southern part, which includes the Poblacion was still under the Japanese banner. The Japanese abandoned the town on February 11, 1945 when the combined American and Filipino troops were able to cross the river and took the town.
On July 21, 1960, President Diosdado Macapagal signed Executive Order No. 401, which led to the creation of the Municipality of Valenzuela, in honor of Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a significant personality in Philippine history who was born here. The new town of Polo comprised the barangays on the northern part namely Poblacion, Palasan, Arkong Bato, Pariancillo Villa, Balangkas, Mabolo, Coloong, Malanday, Bisig, Tagalag, Rincon, Pasolo, Punturin, Bignay and Dalandanan. The new town of Valenzuela comprised the southern barangays: Karuhatan, Marulas, Malinta, Ugong, Mapulang Lupa, Canumay, Maysan, Paso de Blas, Bagbaguin and Torres Bugallon (now Gen. T. de Leon).After three years of administrating the two towns, however, the local government and their respective constituents realized that a division of Polo and Valenzuela was ill advised and only resulted in underdevelopment instead of progress. Thus, in September 11, 1963, another law, Executive Order No. 46 was signed by then President Diosdado Macapagal; this declared the re-unification of the towns of Polo and Valenzuela, which led to the adoption of the name "Valenzuela" in respect to and to perpetuate the legacy of the great patriot, Dr. Pío Valenzuela.
Because of the rapid growth of the National Capital Region in terms of population, as well as social and economic requirements in the early seventies, and the municipality's proximity to the area, During the Marcos administration, Valenzuela was taken from the province of Bulacan and was included in the created MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) and the NCR (National Capital Region). Presidential Decree Number 824 was issued on November 7, 1975, creating the Metropolitan Manila Commission and separating the Municipality of Valenzuela from the Province of Bulacan.
As part of the National Capital Region, The social and political upheavals of the seventies and early eighties did not dampen the pulsating economy of the municipality. It was, in fact, a golden age in the history and culture of Valenzuela when businesses and industries in the municipality grew rapidly.
In 1986, a new socio-political order swept the country. The four days of the People Power Revolution were marked by an outpouring of love, anger, hysteria and courage by a people fighting for change and renewal. The restoration of democracy in the country also brought about a paradigm shift in national and local government relations.
The passage of the Local Government Code in 1991 unlocked and marshaled the repressed energies of local communities. The Local Government Code provides genuine and meaningful autonomy to enable local governments to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities. It was during this time that Valenzuela began charting its own destiny and moved the local economy in the direction it chose.
From then on, Valenzuela had to cope with rapid urbanization as part of the National Capital Region. It is considered as a vital link between the National Capital Region and Northern Luzon.
And 23 years after its separation from Bulacan and 375 years after its founding, On February 14, 1998, then President Fidel Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8526, converting the Municipality of Valenzuela under the administration of Mayor Bobbit L. Carlos into a highly urbanized city, making Valenzuela the 12th city in Metro Manila and the 83rd in the Philippines.
Valenzuela as a gateway
Two major highways traverse Valenzuela City — the MacArthur Highway and the North Luzon Expressway. The proximity of the North Luzon Expressway to the city center makes Valenzuela a northern gateway to Metro Manila and a choice location for business.
Public transportation within the city, like in most of the urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated mostly using inexpensive jeepneys and buses. Tricycles are used for short distances, while taxi cabs are used by the upper middle class to navigate any course.
Himig Valenzuela
Himig Valenzuela, or Valenzuela Hymn, is the official city song of the city. It is sung during flag ceremonies of private, public and government institutions along with the Philipine national anthem, Lupang Hinirang.
Government
Mayors and Vice Mayors
Like other cities in the Philippines, Valenzuela City is governed by a Mayor and Vice Mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The Mayor is the executive head and leads the city's departments in executing the city ordinances and improving public services. The Vice Mayor heads a legislative council consisting of 15 members: 6 Councilors from the First District, 6 Councilors from the Second District, the President of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) Federation, representing the youth sector, and the President of the Liga ng mga Barangay (SB) as barangay sectoral representative. The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of Ordinances and Resolutions.
List of Mayors of Valenzuela City
This is a partial list of mayors of Valenzuela City since its cityhood on February 14, 1998.
| Mayor | Starting Date | Ending Date |
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| José Emmanuel L. Carlos | February 14, 1997 | June 30, 2004 | | | Sherwin T. Gatchalian | June 30, 2004 | Incumbent | |
City Officials, 2007–2010
Districts and barangays
List of barangays in Valenzuela City
Valenzuela is composed of 32 barangays which are grouped into two congressional districts, and two legislative districts. Legislative District one contains 23 barangays in the northern half of the city, while legislative District two occupies the 9 barangays in the southern portion of the city.
District 1
- Arkong Bato
- Balangkas
- Bignay
- Bisig
- Canumay
- Coloong
- Dalandanan
- Isla
- Lawang Bato
- Lingunan
- Mabolo
- Malanday
- Malinta
- Palasan
- Pariancillo Villa
- Pasolo
- Poblacion
- Polo
- Punturin
- Rincon
- Tagalag
- Veinte Reales
- Wawang Pulo
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District 2
- Gen. T. De Leon
- Karuhatan
- Bagbaguin
- Mapulang Lupa
- Marulas
- Maysan
- Parada
- Paso de Blas
- Ugong
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Valenzuela District Representatives
This is the list representatives of Valenzuela City since adoption of Regular Batasang Pambansa in 1984 during Marcos' era up to present.
- Lone District of Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela
| Lone District of Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela, 1984-1986 | | Period | Assemblyman |
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| Manuel C. Domingo | Jesus T. Tanchanco |
- Lone District of Valenzuela (Defunct)
- Legislative District of Valenzuela City
| Legislative Districts of Valenzuela City, 2001-present | | Period | First District Representative | Second District Representative |
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| Sherwin T. Gatchalian | Magtanggol T. Gunigundo | | Jose Emmanuel L. Carlos | Antonio M. Serapio | | Rexlon T. Gatchalian | Magtanggol T. Gunigundo |
Education
The city government prides itself in giving free education to its quality free education to its constituents through its primary, secondary and tertiary schools .
Valenzuela City has many colleges and universities, like the city-owned Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela City Polytechnic College, even the Valenzuela City Science High School, created 2003. The city also is famous for its Dalandanan National High School, cradle of students that were winning at various regional and national competitions since its establishment on 1996. There are also privately-owned academic institutions include the Our Lady of Fatima University,one of the most prestigious university in the Philippines producing a great number of board topnochers, Colegio De Sta. Cecilia, Children of Mary Immaculate College, Saint Joseph Academy of Valenzuela, Saint Jude Academy, Saint Louis College - Valenzuela, Our Lady of Lourdes College, and Sto. Rosario Montessori School.
Health
Valenzuela City provides medical missions and free medical operations in the city. Fully-functional health facilities serves in every barangays
Currently, the Mayor WIN Mobile Health Clinic go around the city to provide general medical procedures and dental services. Also conducted are laboratory services including ECG, FBS, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Urinalysis, CBC, platelet count and pregnancy test. A Mobile Pharmacy is, likewise, deployed to distribute free medicines ranging from kids and adult vitamins to fever, cough and flu medicines, antibiotics, de-worming tablets, among others.
There are numerous hospitals in Valenzuela City , like the city-run Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital & Valenzuela City General Hospital, which is under the national government. There are also privately owned hospitals like Calalang General Hospital, Sanctissimo Rosario General Hospital and Fatima University Medical Center, a tertiary hospital
VC Cares program
A health and social welfare service delivery system which promotes self-reliance within a caring society. The VC Cares Program is designed for individuals who are unable to provide for themselves health care and basic necessities or meet special emergency situations of need. While health care service and financial assistance are generally the forms of assistance given, these may be supplemented by other forms of assistance, as well as problem-solving and referral services. Appropriate referrals may be made to other agencies or institutions where complementary services may be obtained.
Shopping centers
On October 28, 2005 SM Supercenter Valenzuela was inaugurated. Other shopping sites such as Puregold Valenzuela, and the newly renovated South Supermarket. All these stores compete against each other since most have the same product offerings as diversified groceries. People from the city with more major shopping needs normally head south to cities such as Quezon City and Manila, since they have bigger malls and commercial centers with more diverse trade goods.
Banking
Almost all of the major commercial banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Major banks operate more than one branch in the city, and at this time, there are 50 banking institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in Barangay Karuhatan, Gen. T. De Leon, Marulas and Malinta. A new row of banks are located near the Paso de Blas road by the entrance of the North Expressway's Malinta Exit.
Utilities and communications
Valenzuela's source of electricity is part of the Manila Electric Company or Meralco. Water supply for the city is supplied by the Maynilad Water. Valenzuela's communication system is powered by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone company, Globe Telecom, Bayan Telecommunications Corporation (BayanTel) and others. Cellular network in the Philippines particularly the metropolitan areas is increasing rapidly together with the low cost of calls and text messaging. Such big companies that control the cellular networks in the Philippines and Valenzuela itself are Globe Telecom, Smart Communications (PLDT) and Sun Cellular from Digitel. Cable television access is provided by SkyCable, Home Cable and Global Destiny. Internet Digital Subscriber Line or DSL coverage is provided by PLDT, cable internet is serviced by Sky Cable's ZPDee and Global Destiny. Wireless broadband is provided by Globeliness Broadband and Smart Communications.
Landmarks and attractions
Residence of Dr. Pio Valenzuela - Dr. Pio Valenzuela was part of the triumvirate, along with Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, that composed the Katipunan, and was one of the founders of Ang Kalayaan — the official organ of the movement. He was born on July 11, 1869 in this house along Velilla Street in Barangay Pariancillo Villa.
Bell Tower of San Diego De Alcala Church - The Church of San Diego de Alcala was built in 1632 by the people of Polo. Residents were taken to forced labor to complete the church after the town gained its independence through Father Juan Taranco and Don Juan Monsod. The belfry and entrance arch, which are over four centuries old, are the only parts of the edifice that remain to this day. The main structure was destroyed by bombs during the Japanese occupation. Residents of Barangays Polo and Poblacion celebrate the Feast Day of San Diego de Alcala on the 12th of November every year.
Arkong Bato - Literally, Arkong Bato is an arch of stone along M.H Del Pilar Street, built by the Americans in 1910. The arch then marked the boundary between the provinces of Rizal and Bulacan.In the olden days, M.H Del Pilar was the primary road leading to Northern Luzon before MacArthur Highway and North Luzon Expresswaywas opened.
Museo ng Valenzuela -To date, it is in the 3rd phase of construction. The original museum of was the house where Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a hero in the struggle of freedom against Spain and in whose memory the old town of Polo was renamed, was born and saw the best years of his life. This same house was burned recently.
National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima -The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, the center of the apostolate in the country, was declared a tourist site in 1982 by the Department of Tourism and a pilgrimage shrine this year by the Diocese of Malolos. It is near the Our Lady of Fatima University.
Valenzuela City Convention Center
-This is the center of performing arts of . This facility also caters to various events such as plays, concerts, shows, exhibits and seminars.
Valenzuela City Hall
-The city hall surrounding many city government agencies and offices, and open areas, and it was located in the heart of the city. It was built in 1967
Valenzuela City Government Center
-A One stop shop. Faster, more convenient service. Bigger, more comfortable taxpayer’s lounge. Located on a 2,227.5sq. meters lot along MacArthur Highway, the three-storey building will house all revenue-generating offices such as the City Treasury and the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) The new taxpayers lounge will not have drawers and tables inside the offices.
There will be a Customer Complaints Desk to handle all queries such as assessment and billing. All complaints and questions received are logged by the Customer Complaints Action Officer, as well as the corresponding action taken on such complaints and or questions.
Feast
Mano Po San Roque Festival
May 12 | Mabolo, Valenzuela City
- In Valenzuela, San Roque is also known as the Patron Saint of the unmarried. It’s the day for single women to ask for help in finding their true love. There are countless tales of single girls who danced and prayed in the procession and who claim to have found their husband during the fiesta. Street dancing and procession along the city’s major thoroughfares in commemoration of the feast of San Roque, highlighting the customs and traditional celebration of the festival
Feast of San Diego De Alcala
November 12 | Poblacion, Valenzuela City
- Celebration of the feast of the oldest church in Valenzuela City, which includes annual boat racing, street dancing and different fabulous activities of the festival.
Putong Polo Festival
November 12 | Polo, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
- As part of the San Diego de Alcala Feast Day, it is one of the unique food festival in the country which features the famous Putong Polo, the small but classy “kaka in” which was originally created in the town of Polo, Valenzuela.
Sta. Cruz Festival
April 26 | Isla, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
- The Santacruzan was a novena procession commemorating St. Helena's mythical finding of the cross. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. According to legends, 300 years after the death of Christ, at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to conduct a search for the Cross. After some archeological diggings at the site of the Crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses. She tested each one by making a sick servant lie on all three. The cross where the servant recovered was identified as Christ's. St. Helena's feast day falls on August 8 but the anniversary of the finding of the Cross is on May 3, in the Philippines, this celebration took the form of the Mexican Santa Cruz de Mayo.
Sister city
Bucheon, South Korea
Sta. Cruz, Marinduque
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