Valenzuela, Metro Manila

For other uses, see Valenzuela.

Valenzuela Lungsod ng Valenzuela
City
City of Valenzuela
New Valenzuela City Complex
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  The Vibrant City, The City of Discipline
Motto(s):  Valenzuela, May Disiplina
Anthem: "Lupang Hinirang" "Himig Valenzuela" ("Valenzuela Hymn")
Location within Metro Manila and the Philippines.
Country	Philippines
Province	None (was part of Bulacan until 1975)
Region	National Capital Region (Third district)
Legislative districts	1st and 2nd
Established	November 7, 1621 (1621-11-07)
Cityhood	February 14, 1998 (1998-02-14)
Government
• Type	Strong mayor-council government (LGU)
• Representatives	Congressmen 1 – Rexlon T. Gatchalian (NPC) 2 – Magtanggol T. Gunigundo (Lakas-Kampi)
• Mayor	Sherwin T. Gatchalian (NPC)
• Vice mayor	Eric M. Martinez (NPC)
Area
• City	44.589 km2 (17.216 sq mi)
• Water	3.995 km2 (1.542 sq mi)
• Urban	31.559 km2 (12.185 sq mi)
• Rural	5.504 km2 (2.125 sq mi)
• Rank	101st of 122 cities
Elevation	38 m (125 ft)
Population  (2007)
• City	568,928
• Estimate  (2011†)	650,941
• Rank	10th of 122 cities
• Density	13,000/km2 (33,000/sq mi)
Demonym	Valenzuelaño
Divisions
• Barangays	32
Time zone	UTC+8 (PHT)
ZIP code	1440–48 1469 0550 0560 (see below)
Area code	02
ISO 3166 code	PH-00
Spoken languages	Tagalog, English, Chinese, and other regional languages
Website	valenzuela.gov.ph
† Population estimate of 2011 is based on National Statistics Office's average estimate for the country for the years 2000-2007.

(/vɒlənzjuːˈɛlɑː/; Filipino: Valenzuela [ˌbɐlenzuˈwelɐ]), officially known as the City of Valenzuela (Filipino: Lungsod ng Valenzuela) (ISO: PH-00; PSGC: 137504000) or simply Valenzuela City is the 101st largest city of the Philippines and one of the sixteen cities that comprise the region of Metro Manila, located about 14 km (7.9 miles) north of Manila. Valenzuela is categorized by virtue of Republic Act Nos. 7160 and 8526 as a highly urbanized, first-class city based on income classification and number of population. A chartered city located on the island of Luzon, it is bordered by Meycauayan (Bulacan) in the north, Quezon City and northern Caloocan to the east; by Obando (Bulacan) to the west; by Malabon, southern Caloocan and Tullahan River to the south. With a land mass of 44.59 km² and a population of almost 600,000 in August 2007, Valenzuela is the 10th most populous city in the Philippines. Valenzuela's population is composed of 72% Tagalog people followed by 5% Bicolanos. Small percentage of foreign nationals reside in the city.

Valenzuela was named after Dr. Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino revolutionary and a member of Katipunan. The town preceding Valenzuela that was originally called Polo was formed in 1621 due to religious separation movements from parishes of Meycauayan (Catanghalan). Polo has been occupied twice by foreign armies other than colonial powers Spain and United States: first during the Seven Years' War by the British and by the Japanese during the Second World War. In 1960, President Diosdado Macapagal ordered the creation of the municipality of Valenzuela which will be independent from the provincial government of Bulacan carved from few territories of Polo. However in 1963, another law was issued ordering the reversal of the previous edict and reunifying the towns of Polo and Valenzuela under the single name of Valenzuela. In 1975, Valenzuela was named as an independent municipality from the government of Bulacan and incorporated under the administration of Metro Manila Authority. On February 14, 1998, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act 8625, or the Valenzuela City Charter, which elevated the status of Valenzuela as a highly urbanized, chartered city.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, Valenzuela has a similar government system to other chartered cities of the Philippines. It is governed by a city mayor and vice-mayor elected through popular vote. The city is divided into two congressional districts and each is represented by a congressional district representative at the Philippine Congress. The vice-mayor heads the 12-manned city council: each district elects six councilors. The current mayor is Sherwin T. Gatchalian.

There is no known tourist spot in the city except for the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, the Philippine apostolate to the Our Lady of Fatima of Portugal. Valenzuela is traversed by two major roads in the country: MacArthur Highway and North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), with NLEx being connected to Circumferential Road 5 at segments 8.1 and 9. Major transportation modes include buses and jeepneys that founded terminals at the northern points of the city.

Owing to the cross migration of people across the country and its location as the northernmost point of Metro Manila, Valenzuela has developed into a well-mixed, multicultural metropolis. A former agricultural rural area, Valenzuela has grown into a major economic and industrial center of the Philippines when a large number of industries relocated to the central parts of the city.

Etymology

Valenzuela, in Spanish is a diminutive form of Valencia, Spain which means "little Valencia". The name Valenzuela is also the surname of Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino physician and patriot who was among the leaders of the Katipunan. He was one of the triumvirate of the Katipunan that started the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial authorities and was the former provisional chairman for the Katipunan.

Originally, Valenzuela was called Polo. The name Polo was derived from the Tagalog term pulô meaning island, though the area was not an entirely island for itself. The original town of Polo was blessed by the rivers from the north and Tullahan River on the south. Hence, the enclosed land was thought to be an island, so the early town men regarded the place as Pulo which later evolved into Polo done by hispanicization of the word.

Today, the term Polo only applies to the barangay of Polo, the birthplace of Dr. Pio Valenzuela himself, which is found in the city's first congressional district.

History

Spanish era

For hundreds of years, present-day Valenzuela, Obando and Novaliches (now in Quezon City) were parts of Bulacan. Areas covered by Valenzuela to present times were divided economically into a Spanish friar hacienda, small political settlement and a Spanish garrison before Philippine Independence in 1898. These areas were known as Polo. The region is significantly bounded by the Tullahan River on the south and streams of branching Río Grande de Pampanga on some areas.

According to Philippine historians Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander Robertson there existed an infamous battle in Bangkusay, Tondo headed by Maynila king Rajah Sulayman which employed seafarers and warriors from all over parts of the north of Maynila Kingdom and Bulacan. The battle was declared against Spanish conquering forces of Miguel López de Legazpi on June 3, 1571. Spanish troops were headed by Legazpi's nephew, Martín de Goiti. On June 3, 1571, Sulayman led his troops and attacked the Spaniards in a decisive battle at the town of Bangkusay, but they were defeated, and Sulayman himself was killed. With the destruction of Sulayman's army and the friendship with Rajah Lakandula, the Spaniards were enabled to establish throughout the city and its neighboring towns. Legazpi formally established settlement on Maynila on June 24, 1571. According to Father Martinez de Zuñiga, a Spanish missionary of Augustinian order, Maynila was a vast region enclosed by the towns of Polo, Tambobong (now Malabon City), and mountains of San Mateo in Morong. The region of Valenzuela, was formally merged under the rule of Bulacan town of Catanghalan.

On 1587, the Tagalog cabeza de barangay of Catanghalan Tassi Bassi joined the Tondo chieftain Magat Salamat in a planned insurrection against Spanish colonization of Maynila. The rebellion was composed of kin-related noblemen or maharlikas of Maynila including Juan Banal, another Tondo chief and Salamat’s brother-in-law; Gerónimo Basi and Gabriel Tuambacar, brothers of Agustín de Legazpi; Pedro Balinguit, the chief of Pandacan and other chiefs of Tondo. The "revolution" never happened because whistleblowers revealed the nature of it to Spanish authorities.

San Roque Church

When Manila became an archdiocese on August 14, 1595 based upon Pope Gregory XIII's Papal order, regular friars that already established permanent church in Catanghalan decided that the attached sitio of Polo be separated to cater spiritual needs of its increasing population. Through successive efforts of Franciscan Fray Juan Taranco and Don Juan Monsód, sitio Polo was successfully separated from Catanghalan in 1623. Thus, the first cabeza de barangay of the new town of Polo was Monsód while Taranco operated the present San Diego de Alcalá parish on a small tavern. The separation was made upon the orders of Governor-General Alonso Fajardo de Entenza the towns were still under the provincial government of Bulacan. (However it must be noted that historical records in Errecciones de los Pueblos at the Philippine National Archives showed first parochial records of Polo as early as November 7, 1621. Later, this was adopted as the foundation day of Valenzuela.)

In 1627 the construction of a parochial church dedicated to San Diego de Alcala was commissioned. In 1629 the church was fully operational. Its fabrication was supervised by Fr. José Valencia aided by Capitan Juan Tibay. In 1852, the church was repaired and remodeled under the direction of Fr. Vicente after damages brought upon by destructive earthquakes over the centuries. According to the missionaries in the archipelago, it was one of the best ever built churches after the reconstruction and became the envy among other towns. Another re-dedication was made, this time, to patron Nuestra Senora de la Inmaculada Concepcion. The convent was well built and comfortable. Beside the convent a decent common house (casa tribunal) with a rectangular prison cell was built and a school house fabricated of stones was erected. When Polo was proclaimed independent from direct rule of the provincial government of Bulacan, the small sitio of Obando was separated from Polo and incorporated to Bulacan by the Marquis of Brindisi.

In 1635 the Sangleys at Binondo, Manila and in the neighboring towns staged an insurrection against the Spanish government. The Sangleys stole church bells made of bronze and modeled after St. Peter's Basilica bells in one of these rebellions. Since it was so huge, the looters had to break it into small pieces in order to remove it from the belfry.

When the British successfully occupied Manila and surrounding suburbs in 1762-1764 during the Seven Years' War, the colonial government led by Simón de Anda y Salazar fled to Bacolor, Pampanga en route via Polo. The British followed Anda, however, they stayed in sitio Mabolo while waiting orders from Governor Dawsonne Drake. They explored nearby communities of Malanday, Wakas, Dalandanan, Pasolo, Rincon and Malinta. Because of fear, the local population fled and sought refuge at the forests of Viente Reales where many of them died of malaria.

The British continued to Malolos, Bulacan where they were ambushed by the stationed Spanish soldiers. Later, the war ended and the British left the archipelago. The local population of Polo returned to their homes by May 12, 1763 after days of reconstruction. Today, May 12 every year is celebrated as the feast of San Roque as well as war memorial to those who died in the Seven Years' War.

In 1856 sitio Novaliches was split from Polo and became an independent town. On June 3, 1865, a strong earthquake rattles the belfry of San Diego, followed by an epidemic that killed thousands of people.

In 1869 Filipino physician and patriot Pío Valenzuela was born in Polo. He will be later known as member of the triumvirate of Katipunan when he entered the secret revolutionary society in 1895 at the age of 26. His admission to the society led to the increase of Polo Katipuneros including Gregorio Flamenco, Crispiniano Agustines, Faustino Duque, and Ulpiano Fernández. Fernández held a special role in the Katipunan as printer of Ang Kalayaan newspaper when Valenzuela was the chief editor.

Polo joined other revolutionaries when the Philippine Revolution broke up. One of the notable battles in Polo occurred in sitios Bitik and Pasong Balite in Pugad-Baboy, where Filipinos won under the command of General Tiburcio de León y Gregorio. During the revolution, the Spanish massacred people especially in Malinta. Suspected revolutionaries were hanged and tortured to death. Many were forced to admit guilt or shout innocent names, most of them were shot without trial.

American era and Japanese occupation

Valenzuela was named after Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino revolutionary who was born in Polo in 1869.

The Americans imposed military government when they acquire Philippines from Spain as a peace treaty after the Spanish-American War. They appointed Dr. Pío Valenzuela as the first president (presidente municipal) of the Polo on September 6, 1899. He resigned on February 1901, and an election was held. Later that year, the government proclaimed Rufino Valenzuela, a relative of Pío as the second president and first elected president of the town.

When the Philippine-American War broke out in 1899, the Americans were directed to capturing Emilio Aguinaldo in Malolos, Bulacan, so Polo was one of the towns that received heavy casualties on the first stages of the war. On February 22, 1899, General Antonio Luna camped at Polo after an unsuccessful engagement with the American forces in Caloocan.

The entrance of the Japanese in Polo has no 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. There were too many murders committed. The place became a center of Makapili 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 when the Japanese massacred more than hundred males in both towns. 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 tortured to death. (This could be the reason why the old church was not restored anymore and was neglected to ruins. Instead, they build new edifice beside the old one decades later.) Mayor Feliciano Ponciano met the same fate when he died on cruel death together with other municipal officials.

When liberation came, the town was partly burned by the approaching the military forces of the Filipino and American soldiers who threw flame throwers. They bombed and shelled big houses in the town not exempting even the more than 300 years old church of San Diego.

The historical old bridge connecting northern and southern areas of the town was destroyed by the Japanese thus separating Polo in two parts. The northern part was at once liberated by joint Filipino and American troops while the southern part, which includes the municipal center poblacion was still under the Japanese banner. The Japanese abandoned the town on February 11, 1945 when the combined troops were able to cross the river and took the town.

Modern history

Barangay hall of Balangkas.

On July 21, 1960, President Diosdado Macapagal signed Executive Order No. 401 which led to the creation of the separate municipalities of Valenzuela and Polo, in honor of Dr. Pío Valenzuela. 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 Bugallón (now Gen. T. de Leon). When the division was found to be ill-advised and only resulted in underdevelopment instead of progress, Bulacan's second district (Valenzuela and Polo was under the provincial government of Bulacan) representative to the Fifth Congress Rogaciano Mercado and Senator Francisco Soc Rodrigo billed the reunification of both town. In September 11, 1963, Macapagal signed Executive Order No. 46 which reunified Valenzuela and Polo where they adopted the name Valenzuela as the new name of the resulting town.

In 1967, mayor Ignacio Santiago, Sr. bought empty lots in Karuhatan as the venue for the development of new municipal halls. Because of misinterpretation of lot and property surveys and issue of tax appropriation, controversy sparked whether which barangay does the municipal hall belongs: Karuhatan or Maysan. To resolve the issue, Santiago ordered the creation of new barangay called Poblacion II, as reference to the old Poblacion barangay.

During the Marcos administration, Valenzuela was carved out of the province of Bulacan and was included under the administration of Metropolitan Manila Commission. The order, Presidential Decree Number 824, was issued on November 7, 1975, which created the commission with objectives of developing Metro Manila as an economic, political and cultural center of the Philippines. Metro Manila was headed by First Lady Imelda Marcos.

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 1968, M.H. del Pilar St. was renovated and transformed into M.H. del Pilar Superhighway, and MacArthur Highway was finally constructed in Valenzuela. MacArthur Highway connects Manila to northern provinces of the Philippines.

The passage of the Local Government Code in 1991 provided autonomy to enable local governments to attain development as a self-reliant communities. On February 14, 1998, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8526, fully converting the municipality of Valenzuela as a highly-urbanized chartered city. The law also provided the division of the newly-created city into two legislative districts. When the law was ratified by the people on December 30, 1998, Valenzuela became the 12th city to be admitted in Metro Manila and 83rd city in the Philippines.

In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed July 11 every year as Valenzuela Day and was an official feast in the city, remembering the birth date of Pío Valenzuela. However, this was transferred February 14 in 2008 as charter day of the city. Today, Valenzuela celebrates February 14 as Valenzuela Day and September 11 as Valenzuela Foundation Day.

Geography

Satellite image of Valenzuela.

Valenzuela is located at 14°40′58″N 120°58′1″E and is about 14 km (7.9 miles) north of country's capital, Manila. Manila Bay, the country's top port for trade and industry is located about 16.3 km (10.1 miles) west of the city. Valenzuela is bordered in the north by the town of Obando and the city of Meycauayan in Bulacan, the city of Navotas in the west, Malabon in the south and Quezon City and northern portion of Caloocan in the east.

The highest elevation point is 38 meters above sea level. Having a surface gradient of 0.55% and a gentle slope, hilly landscape is located in the industrial section of the city in Canumay. The average elevation point is 2 meters above sea level.

Apart from the political borders set by the law, Valenzuela and Malabon is also separated by the 15-kilometer Tenejeros-Tullahan River or simply Tullahan River. The river obtained its name from tulya, meaning clam due to the abundance of such shellfish in the area. Tullahan is a part of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system of central Luzon. It is now considered biologically dead and one of the dirtiest river system in the world, though the city government believes the river is not dead. Tullahan riverbanks used to be lined with mangrove trees and rich with freshwater fish and crabs. Children used to play in the river before it was polluted by developing industries near it.

In an effort to save the river, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metro Manila Development Authority and the local governments of Valenzuela and Malabon signed partnerships with private and non-government organizations to dredge the area.

Climate

Metro Manila/Valenzuela
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     23     30 21     13     31 21     18     33 22     33     34 23     130     34 24     254     33 24     432     31 24     422     31 24     356     31 24     193     31 23     145     31 22     66     30 21 █ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C █ Precipitation totals in mm Source: BBC Weather (Manila)
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D     0.9     86 70     0.5     88 70     0.7     91 72     1.3     93 73     5.1     93 75     10     91 75     17     88 75     17     88 75     14     88 75     7.6     88 73     5.7     88 72     2.6     86 70 █ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F █ Precipitation totals in inches

Due to its location in Metro Manila, rainfall and climate in Valenzuela is almost similar to the country's capital Manila. The location of Valenzuela in the western side of the Philippines made Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) to classify its weather scheme as Type I. Wind coming from the Pacific Ocean is generally blocked by the Sierra Madre mountain range, several kilometers west of the city.

Its proximity to the equator tends to make its temperature to rise and fall into very small range: from as low as 20°C to as high as 35°C. The Köppen climate system classifies Valenzuela climate as tropical monsoon (Am) due to its location and precipitation characteristics. This means that the city has two pronounced seasons: dry and wet seasons. The city's driest months are from November to April where the city receives less than 60 millimeters of rainfall. On the other hand, maximum rain period is from June to September where the city receives not more than 600 millimeters of rainfall. Hail and snow is not observed in the city.

Humidity levels are usually high in the morning especially during June–November which makes it feel warmer. Lowest humidity levels are recorded in the evening during wet season. Discomfort from heat and humidity is extreme during May and June, otherwise it is higher compared to other places in the country. Average sunlight is maximum at 254.25 hours during April and minimum at 113 hours during July, August and September.

Climate data for Valenzuela, Philippines

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °F	95	97	99	100	100	100	97	95	95	95	93	93	96.6
Record low °F	57	61	61	63	68	72	70	70	70	66	63	61	64.9
Record high °C	35	36	37	38	38	38	36	35	35	35	34	34	35.9
Record low °C	14	16	16	17	20	22	21	21	21	19	17	16	18.3
Average relative humidity (%)	76	73.5	70	70	74.5	79.5	82.5	82.5	83	81.5	80	78.5	77.6
Mean monthly sunshine hours	169.5	197.75	197.75	254.25	197.75	141.25	113	113	113	141.25	141.25	141.25	160.08
Source: BBC Weather (for Metro/Manila)

Ecology

The vegetation in Valenzuela was originally covered with grasslands suitable for agriculture. Because of rapid development of industries and economy, land use converts grass covers into cemented roads. However, the government put into efforts of preserving vegetation such as constructing community vegetable gardens and techno-demo farms all over the city. In 2003, these gardens numbered up to two functioning farms.

Flora and fauna in Valenzuela includes the common plants and animals found in Luzon, such as domesticated mammals. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau declared a two-hectare mangrove/swampy area in Villa Encarnacion, barangay Malanday as an ecotourism site. Every year, about 100 species of migratory birds such as Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) and other native birds such as moorhen (Gallinula sp.), swamphen (Porphyrio sp.) and Philippine Duck (Anas luzonica) flock the area. Wooden view decks are built to facilitate spectators, enthusiasts and visitors while having bird watching and counting activities.

In 2007, ordinary fishing ponds in Tagalag and Coloong were transformed into fishing spots which attracts anglers every year for a prize catch. Fish tournaments are held every year to increase tourism and livelihood in the area.

In 2008, the Supreme Court of the Philippines mandated Regional Trial Court branch 171 as an environmental court handling all environment cases in Valenzuela. Thomas Hodge-Smith noted in 1939 that Valenzuela is rich of black tektites occurring in spheroidal and cylindrical shapes and are free of bubbles.

Government and politics

First (left) and second(right) legislative districts of Valenzuela.

Valenzuela City hall complex in barangay Malinta.

Rep. R. Gatchalian (seated, middle) along with the residents of barangay Balangkas.

Main article: List of Mayors of Valenzuela City

Like other cities in the Philippines, Valenzuela 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 14 members: six councilors from the first district, six councilors from the second district and two ex officio offices: one for the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President, representing the youth sector, and one for the Association of Barangay Chairmen President as the barangay sectoral representative. The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of ordinances and resolutions.

The city government of Valenzuela ranked first in the 2010 Local Governance Performance Management System report of the Department of Interior and Local Government. The assessment was done based on the transparency of local government system among highly-urbanized cities in the Philippines, participative and accountability.

City officials

The incumbent mayor of the city is Sherwin T. Gatchalian, first elected in 2004 and is now on his third and last term as prescribed by the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. The incumbent vice mayor is Eric M. Martinez, first elected in 2007 and is now on his second term. Both leaders are members of the Nationalist People's Coalition.

The 2010 local elections in Valenzuela held at May 10, 2010 extended terms of the incumbent district representatives and replaced all members of the city council. Later in October 2010, barangay and youth council elections were held which replaced seats to barangay governments and for the ABC and SK Federation presidencies as well.

Representatives, officials and members of the city council

Designation	First district	Second district
Representatives	Rexlon T. Gatchalian (NPC)	Magtanggol T. Gunigundo (Lakas Kampi)
Mayor	Sherwin T. Gatchalian (NPC)
Vice Mayor	Eric M. Martinez (NPC)
Councilors	Marlon Paulo D. Alejandrino (NPC)	Adrian C. Dapat (Nacionalista)
	Corazon A. Cortez (NPC)	Kate Abigael D. Galang-Coseteng (Nacionalista)
	Ritche D. Cuadra (Liberal)	Maria Cecilia V. Mayo (Lakas Kampi)
	Antonio R. Espiritu (NPC)	Lorena C. Natividad-Borja (Nacionalista)
	Gerald A. Esplana (NPC)	Lailanie P. Nolasco (NPC)
	Katherine C. Pineda (Lakas Kampi)	Shalani Carla S. Soledad (Liberal)
ABC President	Joel S. Angeles (Isla)
SK President	Cristina Marie Feliciano (Arkong Bato)

Districts and barangays

Main article: List of barangays in Valenzuela City

Obando Meycauayan San Jose del Monte Quezon City Navotas Malabon Caloocan Caloocan Manila Bay • Dalandanan VALENZUELA • Marulas • Ugong • Lawang Bato • Coloong • Gen. T. de Leon

Map of Valenzuela showing some of its barangays.

Valenzuela is composed of 32 barangays, the smallest administrative unit in the city. A barangay is equivalent to American village and British ward, and is headed by the barangay captain (Tagalog: punong barangay) and his council (Tagalog: kagawad) duly elected by the residents. In legislative level, Valenzuela is divided into two congressional districts. Legislative district one contains 23 barangays in the northern half of the city, while legislative district two groups the 9 barangays in the southern portion of the city.

Unlike barangays, legislative districts have no political leader, but is represented by Congressional Representatives in the lower house of Philippine Congress.

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
• Viente Reales
• Wawang Pulo

District 2

• Gen. T. de Leon
• Karuhatan
• Bagbaguin
• Mapulang Lupa
• Marulas
• Maysan
• Parada
• Paso de Blas
• Ugong

In terms of land area, the three largest barangays are Gen. T. de Leon (366.90 km²), Ugong (307.2 km²), and Canumay (296.80 km²), while the smallest barangays are Polo (5.2 km²), Pariancillo Villa (5 km²), and Poblacion (3.40 km²). The old city hall is erected in barangay Poblacion, while the new Government Complex that also houses the Bulwagang Geronimo Angeles (Geronimo Angeles Hall) or the financial building is in nearby barangay Karuhatan.

On May 15, 2008, Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and second district representative Atty. Magtanggol Gunigundo, assisted by Valenzuela mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, barangay Maysan chairman Enrique Urrutia, inaugurated the largest barangay hall in the Philippines. The Maysan Barangay Complex is built in the middle of a 253-hectare land barangay Maysan, Valenzuela City, having three storeys and occupies more than 3,000 square meters in area.

Court system

The Supreme Court of the Philippines recognizes five regional trial courts and two metropolitan trial courts within Valenzuela that has an over-all jurisdiction in the populace of the city. One of the regional trial courts is also recognized as a family court that will handle all child and family cases. Another regional trial court is designated as an environmental court that will take charge of all environmental cases and concerns.

Regional Trial Courts Template:Divcols

• RTC Branch 075
• RTC Branch 171 (environmental court)
• RTC Branch 172 (family court)
• RTC Branch 269
• RTC Branch 270

Template:Divcols Metropolitan Trial Courts

• MTC Branch 081
• MTC Branch 082

Crime

Police system in Valenzuela is serviced by the Philippine National Police which has its National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) at Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig. NCRPO has five district offices, one of which is the Northern Police District (NPD) that has an over-all jurisdiction over the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Valenzuela and the municipality of Navotas. The current director of NPD is Chief Superintendent Antonio L. Decano.

The cities under the administration of NPD which includes Valenzuela has the highest crime rates in Metro Manila that are always attributed to poor living and economic conditions. Even though the city is one of the local government areas that have high crime rates in the region, the statistics fell drastically in 2011 compared to previous years. Recorded crimes by the police include theft, robbery, kidnapping, rape and murder. An independent study conducted by the Bureau of Local Government Supervision under the Department of Interior and Local Government shows that the city had reduced its crime incidence effectively and that the local government started to ensure child protection. According to the study, the city's program "Katarungang Pambarangay" (Barangay Justice Hall) is well-funded that helped the reduction of crime and made settlements of intra-personal conflicts lot speedier.

Demographics

Note: Latest Philippine census count was held in 2010, most previous was in 2007. In-depth data for 2010 and 2007 censuses in Valenzuela is not yet released officially by the National Statistics Office, so this article uses 2000 statistics.

Population pyramid 2000
% Males Age Females % 0.12   85+   0.27 0.13   80–84   0.22 0.27   75–79   0.37 0.46   70–74   0.56 0.80   65–69   0.86 1.00   60–64   1.04 1.78   55–59   1.71 2.32   50–54   2.22 3.02   45–49   2.91 3.62   40–44   3.50 4.49   35–39   4.30 5.15   30–34   5.07 5.53   25–29   5.86 4.74   20–24   4.94 4.78   15–19   4.56 5.51   10–14   5.08 5.16   5–9   4.87 1.46   0–4   1.33

As of the 2000 census of population, Valenzuela has 485,433 people residing in 106,382 residential households, and the average household size was 4.56 persons. On 2007 census count, the city has a general population density of 12,759.1/km². From 2000-2007, population growth rate was 2.27% and is expected to double by 2038 if the city is at this constant rate. The city contributes 4.89% to the population of Metro Manila, thus making it 5th most populous area in the region and gives 0.63% to the whole country. Of the 32 barangays making up the city, barangay Gen. T. de Leon is the most populous barangay (as of 2007) of 95,536 person with density of 260.39 per km² making 16.79% of the city's population, followed by barangay Marulas with 9.23% (density 251.24 per km²) and barangay Malinta with 7.69% (density 251.41 per km²).

The city's population spread out to 0–14 years old by 32.74% and 2.39% for the 65 years old and above group. The economically active people, 15–64 years group, is 64.87% of the city. In general, half of the population is below 23 years old. General dependency ratio in 2000 is 54.16%, which means that there are 54 individuals from 0-14 and 65 and above age groups that are independent to every 100 individuals from the 15-64 group. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 101.37 for every 100 females.

Males dominate the age group of 0-14 and 25–54 years old while females exceeds to the rest of age groups. There are 2.03 children born to every ever-married women in the city. About 57.38% of the female population are in the 15–49 years reproductive group, with 11.71% are in the 20-24 age group. Females on the 15–19 years group may bear an average of 0.66 person; the 20–24 years may bear an average of 0.96 person; 25–29 years groups may bear an average of 1.52 person/s; 30-34 may bear 2.12 persons; 35-39 may bear 2.58 persons; 40-44 may bear 2.71 persons; and 45-49 may bear 2.82 persons.

Females dominated the population in terms of education: 50.04% were college undergraduates, 54.23% were academic degree holders and 56.27% finished post-baccalaureate studies. In 2000, 2.09% of the population held pre-school education as the highest educational attainment (51.81% male, 48.19% female), 27.68% were elementary (49.92% male, 50.08% female), 37.35% were secondary (50.63% male, 49,37% female), 4.62% were post-secondary (50.14% male, 49.86% female), 19.64% were undergraduate/academic degree/post-baccalaureate holders or combination of them (48.99% male, 51.01% female) and 2.46% never attended school at all (52.42% male, 47.58% female).

The city is composed of 71.93% Tagalogs (71.78% male, 28.22% female), 4.55% Bicolanos (51.78% male, 48.22% female), 4.32% Bisayas (50.07% male, 49.93% female), and 15.99% are of other ethnicity (50.41% male, 49.59% female). On the other hand, 0.02% are of foreign ethnicity (68.37% male, 31.63% female).

By the year 2011 (Census 2011 is not officially released yet), the city is expected to have a population count of 650,941, taking care of the city growth estimate of 2.27% from 2000 to 2007 and is expected to reach 700,000 mark by mid-2013.

In 2008, employment rate in Valenzuela was estimated as 87.5% with 12.5% of the working class unemployed. This increased for up to 88.9% in 2009 with 11.1% unemployment rate.

Culture

Himig Valenzuela

"Himig Valenzuela", or "Valenzuela Hymn", is the official song of the city. It is sung during flag ceremonies of private and public schools as well as government institutions along with the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang". The hymn was composed by Edwin Ortega which has the primary objective to promote unity, progress and patriotism among the city's citizens.

City ordinance number 18 mandated all citizens of Valenzuela to sing the hymn in all meetings and public occasions.

Landmarks and attractions

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima houses the replica of the Virgin of Fatima, Portugal for the Philippines which was distributed in 1967.

• Arkong Bato — In English, Arkong Bato means "arch of stone" (Spanish: arco de piedra) which was constructed and built by the Americans in 1910 to serve as borders between the towns of Polo (which was part of Bulacan) and Malabon (part of Morong). The arch is located along M.H. del Pilar Street, the only road that links MacArthur Highway and North Luzon Expressway. After Malabon seceded from Morong and Polo from Bulacan to become independent municipalities, the arch now marked as the boundary between brangay Santulan in Malabon and barangay Arkong Bato in Valenzuela.

• Harry C. Egbert Memorial — located in Sitio Tangke Street in Malinta, this serves as monument and memorial to Brigadier general Harry Clay Egbert, commanding officer of the 22nd Infantry Regiment of the United States who was mortally wounded here in 1899 during the Philippine-American War. Additionally, Egbert also served the US Army during American Civil War and Spanish-American War.

• Libingan ng mga Hapon (English: Japanese Cemetery) — built in a 500-square meter lot of the Bureau of Telecommunications compound. The cemetery served thousands of fallen Japanese soldiers during the Philippines Campaign of 1944-45.

• Museo Valenzuela (English: Valenzuela Museum) — The original museum of Valenzuela was the house where Dr. Pío 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. Valenzuela's historical and cultural landmark, Museo Valenzuela features collections of artifacts depicting the city's past and continuing development. Special focus is given on the life and times of one of its illustrious sons, Dr. Pío Valenzuela, after whom the city was named in 1963. The Museo serves as a repository of Valenzuela's rich heritage and a beacon of light to its people and guests. It is likewise a venue for historical, cultural, and artistic presentations as well as seminars and symposia on national and local issues.

• National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (Tagalog: Pambansang Dambana ng Birhen ng Fatima) — The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, the center of the Fatima apostolate in the country, was declared a tourist site in 1982 by the Department of Tourism and a pilgrimage shrine in 2009 by the Diocese of Malolos. It is near the Our Lady of Fatima University. The shrine houses the wooden statue of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the fifty images blessed by Pope Paul VI in 1967 as part of golden celebration of the Marian apparition to three children in Fátima, Portugal. The images were later distributed to churches worldwide, where one of them is intended for the Philippines, however, unclaimed ending up in New Jersey. In 1984, Archbishop of Manila Jaime Cardinal Sin finally claimed the statue and was then transferred under the custody Bahay Maria Foundation, a Philippine-based Marian organization. During People Power Revolution in 1986, it was one of the iconic figures held by revolutionaries to oust the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. On October 17, 1999, the statue was then transferred to the shrine. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated every March 7 and May 13.

• Residence of Valenzuela — Dr. Pío Valenzuela, who became part of the triumvirate of revolutionary society Katipunan and founder of the organ Ang Kalayaan, was born in this house on July 11, 1869 along Velilla street in barangay Pariancillo Villa. He later became the first mayor of Polo, now Valenzuela, and then governor of Bulacan during American period. This house witnessed the life and struggles of Valenzuela and once served as venue for secret meetings and gatherings of the Katipunan.

• San Diego de Alcala Church and its belfry — 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, together with the putong polo festival.

• SM Center Valenzuela — part of the nation's largest mall chains SM Prime Holdings, Inc. which was constructed in a 2.5-hectare tract of land and opened in 2005. The mall is located along MacArthur Highway in barangay Karuhatan that bought progress to the area in its years of existence. In 2011 it has five anchor stores: Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, SM Hypermarket, Surplus Shop and Watson's, and two junior anchors: Banco de Oro Universal Bank and National Book Store.

• Valenzuela Astrodome — is a large multi-purpose, domed sports stadium located in barangay Dalandanan that hosts several sports events, concerts, promotional events, seminars, job fairs, etc.

• Valenzuela City Convention Center — the center of culture of performing arts of Valenzuela. The facility caters various events such as plays, concerts, shows, exhibits and seminars and houses several interest groups among others that help promote the history and culture of the city and then Philippines-at large.

Feasts and holidays

In 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act number 9428 which sets February 14 every year as a special non-working holiday to commemorate cityhood of Valenzuela in 1998. On the same hand, November 7 each year is declared by the city government as the city's foundation day, looking back the establishment of then-Polo in 1621.

Each barangay in Valenzuela have their own feast. Most of them launch celebrations during May and April to honor patron saints and bounty harvest. Listed below are the most notable feasts in Valenzuela that gained media as well as international attractions.

Valenzuela feasts and holidays
Name	Date	Location	Notes
Valenzuela Day	February 14	—	Also known as the Valenzuela Charter Day, commemorates the conversion of Valenzuela from an urban municipality to highly-urbanized city in 1998. A special working holiday set by law.
Sta. Cruz Festival	April 26	Barangay Isla	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.
Mano Po San Roque Festival	May 12	Barangay Mabolo	In Valenzuela, San Roque is also known as the patron saint of the unmarried. 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. The festival is almost similar to Obando Fertility Rites where romantic hopefuls dance to San Roque requesting to find their true love. 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. This also commemorates townsfolk victory after the British departed the country following the end of Seven Years' War with Spain.
Valenzuela Foundation Day	November 7	—	Celebrates the foundation of the town of Polo in 1621, which in turn became the city of Valenzuela about four centuries later.
Feast of San Diego De Alcala	November 12	Barangay Poblacion	Celebration of the feast of the oldest church in Valenzuela which includes annual boat racing, street dancing and different fabulous activities of the festival.
Putong Polo Festival	November 11/12	Barangay Polo	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. This rice cake was a recipient of Manuel Quezon Presidential Award in 1931 which was cited having its exotic taste and amazingly long shelf-life. The celebration includes a parade featuring artistic creations from the rice cake which showcases creativity among the residents.
City-wide holidays. School classes are not suspended unless announced.

Services

Welcome arch in barangay Balangkas.

Education

See also: Division of City Schools–Valenzuela

The city collaborates with other institutions, government or private, to bring quality education among its citizens under the "WIN ang Edukasyon Program (roughly means Education WIN sic Program, WIN is the nickname of the current mayor Sherwin Gatchalian). In 2010, the government, in partnership with the local school board, funded the purchase and construction of computer laboratories in 10 secondary schools all having a net worth of Php 17.7M (or about US$410,000 as of April 2011). This also includes the distribution of Php 1.46M (or about US$34,000 as of April 2011) computers in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela City Polytechnic College, as part of Department of Education's ICT4E Strategic Plan. In this project, information and communication technology education is extended and expanded among all students. In 2009, the City Engineering Office repaired sidewalks and drainage to assist students especially during the wet season; they also repaired and constructed new buildings and classrooms to some schools in the city. Under the same program, elementary school students received free mathematics and English workbooks published by the government especially designed for Valenzuelanos. The steady increase of 3.4% enrollment rate each year forces the government to construct new buildings and classrooms to meet the target 1:45 teacher-to-student ratio, contrary to the current count of 1:50 ratio alternating in three shifts. WIN ang Edukasyon Program was done in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation, a non government organization that aims to improve education in local governments in the Philippines.

At the same time, WIN ang Edukasyon Program also spearheads the yearly training of some mathematics and English language teachers assigned to Grades 1 and 2 pupils. The seminar focuses on how to enhance reading skills, language proficiency and mathematics of the students they are teaching through re-acquaintance with various drills and activities. This was done with the efforts of lecturers from Ateneo de Manila University and Bulacan State University using the approach developed by the UP Diliman's College of Education.

The government owns Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela City Polytechnic College that serve as the city's state university and technical school for residents and non-residents respectively. The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) or University of the City of Valenzuela, was established in 2002 and is located within the perimeters of the old city hall in barangay Poblacion. In 2009, the city council passed Resolution No. 194 series of 2008 which authorized the government to purchase lots costing PhP 33M (or about US$750,000 as of April 2011) in nearby Children of Mary Immaculate College as part of the university's expansion. Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian assisted the development, which has an over-all cost of PhP 75M (or about US$1.7M as of April 2011) loaned from Development Bank of the Philippines. The newly purchased lots are used to construct an annex building which will house the departments of business administration and accountancy. The Board of Regents expected an increase of enrollment from 800 to 3,000 students in the next few years.

Valenzuela City Polytechnic College (VCPC) was allotted with additional Php 18M (or about US$420,000 as of April 2011) budget in 2009 from the city fund which will be used for expansion and upgrade of the college. This includes hiring of new instructors, acquiring new livelihood training program techniques and improving its existing campus in barangay Parada. Currently, the college offers short term technical courses that are still affordable by poor but deserving residents of the city.

There are also privately-owned academic institutions including the Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU). OLFU was previously granted by Commission on Higher Education an autonomy, which includes independence from monitoring and evaluation services by the Commission though still entitled by subsidies and other financial grants from the national government whenever possible. The autonomous status of the university was approved on March 11, 2009 which will expire on March 30, 2014.

Healthcare

Valenzuela provides medical missions and free medical operations in the city. Fully functional health facilities serves in every barangay.

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 like the city-run Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital and the 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 private hospital under the administration of Our Lady of Fatima University. The soon-to-rise Valenzuela City West Emergency Hospital and Dialysis Center is set for construction in a 4,000-square meter lot in barangay Dalandanan, adjacent to Valenzuela City Astrodome and Dalandanan National High School. The new hospital is expected to be finished by later half of 2012 which will render adequate healthcare services to underprivileged residents at a minimal fee.

Malinta Bridge, along MacArthur Highway in barangay Malinta, is one of the traffic-congested road in the city.

The city implements VC Cares Program which is designed for individuals who are unable to provide healthcare and basic necessities for themselves 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.

On July 12, 1976, DOH launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) which covers immunization for BCG (for extrapulmonary tuberculosis), DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus), oral polio vaccine (OPV) (for poliomyelitis), Hepatitis B (for hepatitis infection), and measles (for measles infection). The DOH is assisted by local government units and government hospitals in the implementation and administration of this program. In Valenzuela, 82.5% and 75.3% were reported immunized with three doses of the same vaccine during the period, respectively.

According to the 2002 Commission on Audit, the city reported accomplishment per health center ranging from as low as 42.26% to as high as 206% and vaccine utilization of 33% to 90% compared to normal 46% to 377% per basic requirements. As the Polio Immunization Program is a continuing activity of the Government and deficiencies in program implementation would greatly affect the ability of the government to protect the intended coverage, the team recommended measures to address these concerns for consideration by the city of Valenzuela.

There are swampy areas on Valenzuela and there is a stagnant water in Tullahan River on the south, which make citizens vulnerable to mosquito-linked diseases such as dengue and malaria. Though malaria is not a common case in Valenzuela–the city ranks consistently among top five dengue-infected regions in the Philippines with around 560% chance of recurrence every year. In the second quarter of 2008, however, only 500% increase was reported compared to the same period in 2007.

To address this concern, Valenzuela mayor Sherwin Gatchalian reorganized the city's Anti-Dengue Task Force (ADTF). The task force is headed by Gatchalian, as the chairperson with the city health officials and workers as members. ADTF was tasked to, primarily, disseminate information drives on how to prevent and clean mosquito-breeding sites, cleanliness campaign against dengue, and house-to-house inspection. At areas with serious dengue infection, regular fogging and larvae-trapping are applied. According to Health secretary Francisco Duque III, even though the city has high infection rate to dengue, it only have very low fatality rate.

In September 2009, the Department of Health distributed free Olyset anti-dengue nets treated permethrin insecticide to Gen. T. de Leon High School. Over 150 rolls of the nets were given and installed to the windows of the said school, as part of DOH's "Dalaw sa Barangay: Aksyon Kontra Dengue" (Visit Barangay: Action against Dengue) campaign.

Shopping centers and utilities

Metro Manila and its surrounding areas are divided into two water concessionaires: Maynilad Water (red) and Manila Water (blue), with Valenzuela highlighted.

On October 28, 2005 SM Supercenter Valenzuela was inaugurated. Other shopping sites such as Puregold Valenzuela, the newly renovated South Supermarket and the newly opened Puregold Paso de Blas is also located in the city. 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.

Valenzuela's source of electricity is part of the Manila Electric Company or Meralco. 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.

Water supply for the city is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System (MWSS)' west concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc (MWSI). As of 2006, the city has at least 68% water service coverage as determined by the Regulatory Office of the MWSS. Each customer receives at least 7 psi water pressure, which means supply can reach for up to two floors for residential use. Maynilad is owned and currently operated by DMCI Holdings, Inc.–Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (DMCI-MPIC).

On June 2, 2010, the Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School in barangay Ugong unveiled its first solar generators, the first time for a school in the Philippines. The six 1-kW photovoltaic solar arrays installed to light nine-classrooms are bought from Wanxiang America Corporation through the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and are part of the solar energy initiative of the city. The arrays were shipped from Illinois, installation were paid by the city government. First district representative Rex Gatchalian and second district councilor Shalani Soledad headed the switching ceremony, that made it the first-ever solar-powered school in the country. The solar panels can generate 1 kW to 5 kW of electricity per hour depending on the intensity of sunlight. Unused solar energy is stored in eight deep-cycle batteries which can be used after sunset. The panels also continue to absorb light from the night sky.

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.

Waste management

Valenzuela land use

Agriculture	5.5402 km2
Fisheries (ponds, water spots)	3.995 km2
Residential	15.709 km2
Industrial	9.00 km2
Institutional (schools, government)	1.85 km2
Open space (roads, railways)	5.00 km2
Total	44.5890 km2

According to the 2002 Metro Manila Solid Waste Management Report of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Valenzuela has the highest number of identified recycling companies in the region. It was also said that recycling centers related to plastic materials are relatively higher than other recyclable objects like metals, paper, glass among others. Accordingly, the city government allocates an amount of about 785.70 Philippine pesos (approx. US$18 as of April 2011) for every transportation and collection costs of a ton of waste material. In 2003, the city generated about 307.70 tons of waste every day. In 2001, it was reported by ADB that the city has as high as 25% solid waste management cost recovery rate through service charges on households and other enterprises for operational activities associated with waste collection, treatment and disposal. That same year, the city's proposal to implement a community-based solid waste management project in barangay Mapulang Lupa, was approved by the national government, which involves social mobilization, training of personnel, implementation of segregated collection and establishment of materials recovery facility and windows composting operation among others. The city government was granted a maximum of US$25,000 from Asian Development Bank for the operation of the project.

In 1988, the city opened its first waste disposal facility, the Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite. Every year, the facility collects and processed only about 60% of the entire city's waste with landfilling and recycling services. The dumpsite uses rice hull ash as daily cover and odor control material for the waste collected in the area. Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite also conducted some limited waste segregation and resource recovery operations prior to burial of residual waste. In 2006, the controlled dumpsite was closed per MMDA order in 2003 and was subsequently converted into a sanitary landfill as directed by RA 9003.

In statistics, 60% of the wastes collected in the city are collected, hauled and dumped in controlled dumpsites while 5% are retrieved and recycled and 35% are thrown everywhere in the city. Half of all these wastes are non-biodegradable wastes which include plastics, Styrofoams and rubbers alike, while the remaining are biodegradable wastes which is 70% food and kitchen wastes, 20% plant wastes and 10% animal wastes. In 2002, there are about 30 small and big junkshops that collect recyclable materials and 20 schools that require their students to bring recyclable stuff as school project.

The city spearheaded Metro Manila's implementation of full-pledged waste management program in 1999 when it became the first area in the region to allocate 2.8-hectare land in barangay Marulas, to serve an ecology center and location for the city's waste management program's operation center. Biodegradable wastes in this area are converted to fertilizers. In 2004, the city government funded the repair of 29 garbage trucks and purchase of another 20 trucks that may increase the capacity of Waste Management Office to do full rounds of garbage every week.

Justice management

In a joint study conducted by the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the United Nations Development Programme in July 2003 assessing inmate and institutional management among selected municipal and city jails in the National Capital Region, it was found that Valenzuela City Jail has a congestion rate of 170%. According to the study, the excess number of inmates in Metro Manila jails resulted into outbreak of various ailments such as psychiatric disorders, pulmonary tubercolosis and skin diseases. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology recommends the implementation of release programs under applicable laws.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of Valenzuela is located along Valenzuela Hall of Justice in barangay Karuhatan. It was formerly located at the old city hall in barangay Maysan which was transferred by mayor Sherwin Gatchalian in 2010 along with other trial courts, the police headquarters and prosecutor's office of the city. That same year, the BJMP launched the Alternative Learning System program, in partnership with the local government and Department of Education (DepEd), as part of the rehabilitation programs to city jail inmates. Successful passers of the program received certification of DepEd as proof of completion of secondary education.

Transportation

North Luzon Expressway with views going southbound (up), northbound (middle) and from Malinta Exit (down).

Map of Valenzuela with national roads illustrated, showing MacArthur Highway in red.

The KM 30 Mac Arthur Highway Intersection of Circumferential Road 5, or C5, a fork of NLEx, is located in barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela. The northern side of the exit leads to Central Luzon while the southern will take users to Bonifacio Shrine in Balintawak, Quezon City. On the same hand, KM 28 NLEx Interchange of C5 in barangay Paso de Blas connects Valenzuela Cloverleaf of NLEx to C5 that goes to Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region and Cordillera Administrative Region. The cloverleaf is also connected to Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City through Segment 8.1 of NLEx, which also links Manila to NLEx. KM 28 NLEx Interchange is also known as Malinta Exit due to its proximity to barangay Malinta, as well as Tollgate to residents.

Valenzuela is also connected to Bulacan through MacArthur Highway which ends at Bonifacio Monument in Grace Park, Caloocan.

One of the well-known bridge in Valenzuela is the Tullahan bridge in barangay Marulas that connects the city to barangay Potrero in Malabon. Tullahan bridge is part of MacArthur Highway that was built during the Spanish era as a way of transporting vehicles over Tullahan River. In the span of years, it was renovated repeatedly, most recent was in 2008, though defects on the bridge began to appear barely six months after it opened for public use.

The city is webbed by hundreds of roads where 99.622% of them has a surface type of concrete while the remaining 0.378% were made of dirt. The Department of Public Works and Highways recognizes nine national bridges in Valenzuela, listed below. Other bridges are just minors that connect small cliffs and former landfill areas, like Malinta Bridge in barangay Malinta. City roads has an average road density of 1.155 kilometer of road per 100 square-kilometer of land area. Each road has an average road section of 155 sections and spans 54.267 km.

1. Canumay Bridge
2. Lingunan Bridge
3. Maysan Bridge
4. Polo Bridge
5. Santolan Bridge
6. Tenejeros-Tullahan River Bridge
7. Torres Bugallon Bridge
8. Ugong Bridge
9. Viente Reales Bridge

Bus companies founded terminals in barangay Malanday, northernmost locality of Valenzuela along the border with Bulacan, though there are terminals situated in barangays Dalandanan and Karuhatan as well. This includes Laguna Star Bus, PAMANA Transport Service, Inc., CEM Trans Services and Philippine Corinthian Liner, Inc. among others. These buses are lined with Metro Manila destinations only, usually in Alabang or Baclaran with routes along EDSA. Bus traffic is also dense at barangays Paso de Blas and Bagbaguin due to its proximity to KM 28 NLEx Interchange and bus terminals in Novaliches, Quezon City. Other modes of transportation includes jeepneys (with routes usually from Malanday to Recto, Santa Cruz, Divisoria, Pier 15 South Harbor & T. M. Kalaw in Manila and Grace Park & Monumento in Caloocan along MacArthur Highway) for general mass transportation, tricycles (or trikes) for small-scale transportation and taxicabs for upper middle classes.

DPWH classifies annual average daily traffic in Valenzuela as very high; majority of roads have traffic flow exceeding 20,000 vehicles per day.

Annual average daily traffic data

Road name	KM station	Road length (m)	Total daily traffic
East Service Road		5,446	14,439
G. Fernando St.		270	8,427
G. Lazaro St.		1,590	8,952
Gen. San Miguel St.		762	20,053
Gen. T. de Leon St.		3,433	14,222
Gov. I. Santiago St.		4,706	25,507
Kaybiga Road		2,136	7,563
MacArthur Highway		7,207	45,502
M.H. del Pilar Street	K0013+000	3,526	13,809
Novaliches-San Jose Road	K0024+900	4,640	19,636
Polo-Novaliches Road		4,495	18,233
Polo-Pugad Baboy Road		2,605	5,155
West Service Road		1,612	9,866
Total		42,428	211,364
Average		3,263.69	16,259

There are no airports and ports in Valenzuela.

Zip codes

Main article: List of ZIP codes in the Philippines

The Philippine Postal Corporation, to ease their mailing services throughout the city, adopted the use of ZIP codes. ZIP codes for Valenzuela generally begin with the digits "14", except for special cases that receive and send huge volumes of mail.

Zip code zones for Valenzuela.

• 0550: Far Eastern Bible Institute and Seminary (FEBIAS) College of Bible
• 0560: Far East Broadcasting Company
• 1440: Valenzuela CPO, Malinta
• 1441: Karuhatan
• 1442: Fortune Village, Paseo de Blas, Gen. T de Leon
• 1443: Dalandanan, West Canumay

• 1444: Arkong Bato, Rincon, Pasolo, Malanday, Mabolo, Polo
• 1445: Balangkas, Coloong
• 1446: Lingunan
• 1447: East Canumay, Lawang Bato, Punturin
• 1448: Mapulang Lupa
• 1496: Valenzuela P.O. Boxes

International relations

See also: List of sister cities in the Philippines

Valenzuela is twinned with the following towns and cities:

	Country		Place		Region / State	Date
	South Korea		Bucheon	File:Symbol of Gyeonggi.svg	Gyeonggi	2006
	Philippines		Santa Cruz		Marinduque	2008
	Philippines		Koronadal		South Cotabato	2011

Friendship links

Valenzuela has friendship links (with no formal constitution) with the following towns and cities. Agreements usually forged towards industrial, cultural or academic exchanges and understanding.

• Yangzhou (扬州), Jiangsu (江苏), People's Republic of China
• Kauai, Hawaii, United States

See also

• List of people from Valenzuela
• Mega Manila

Notes

Books

• Alvarez, Santiago V. (1992), The Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General, Ateneo de Manila University Press, ISBN 9715500773 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) ISBN 9789715500777
• Arenas, Mar D.J. (1997), Valenzuela: Ang Bayani at ang Bayan (in Tagalog), Museo Valenzuela Foundation, Inc. & Valenzuela Historical and Cultural Society {{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
• Blair, Emma H. (1906), The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, McCullough Printing Company {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
• Duka, C. (2008), Struggle for Freedom' 2008 Ed., Rex Bookstore, Inc., ISBN 9712350452 {{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ISBN 9789712350450
• Landsberg, H.E. (1965), Advances in Geophysics, Volumes 1-11, Academic Press, ISBN 0120188112 {{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ISBN 9780120188116
• Minogue, Martin (2006), Regulatory Governance in Developing Countries, Edward Elgar Publishing, ISBN 1845426126 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) ISBN 9781845426125
• Sagmit (2007), The Filipino Moving Onward 5' 2007 Ed., Rex Bookstore, Inc., ISBN 9712341542 {{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ISBN 9789712341540
• Tiongson, Nicanor (2004), The Women of Malolos, Ateneo de Manila University Press, ISBN 9715504671 {{citation}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) ISBN 9789715504676
• Zaide, Sonia (1999), The Philippines: A Unique Nation, All Nations Publishing Co., ISBN 9716420641 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help) ISBN 9789716420647

External links

External videos
A visit to Valenzuela's Japanese Shrine
Solar-powered school in Valenzuela
Footage of Typhoon Santi
Puregold Valenzuela
Skaters in Valenzuela City

• Template:Wikitravel
• Official Website of Valenzuela City
• Valenzuela Association, USA. Non-profit Filipino-based organization in Los Angeles, California mostly hailed from the city of Valenzuela in the Philippines.
• Valenzuela Red Cross

Largest cities in the Philippines 2020 Philippine census of population and housing
	Rank	Name	Region	Pop.	Rank	Name	Region	Pop.
Quezon City Manila	1	Quezon City	National Capital Region	2,960,048	11	Valenzuela	National Capital Region	714,978	Davao City Caloocan
	2	Manila	National Capital Region	1,846,513	12	Dasmariñas	Calabarzon	703,141
	3	Davao City	Davao Region	1,776,949	13	General Santos	Soccsksargen	697,315
	4	Caloocan	National Capital Region	1,661,584	14	Parañaque	National Capital Region	689,992
	5	Taguig	National Capital Region	1,261,738	15	Bacoor	Calabarzon	664,625
	6	Zamboanga City	Zamboanga Peninsula	977,234	16	San Jose del Monte	Central Luzon	651,813
	7	Cebu City	Central Visayas	964,169	17	Las Piñas	National Capital Region	606,293
	8	Antipolo	Calabarzon	887,399	18	Bacolod	Negros Island Region	600,783
	9	Pasig	National Capital Region	803,159	19	Muntinlupa	National Capital Region	543,445
	10	Cagayan de Oro	Northern Mindanao	728,402	20	Calamba	Calabarzon	539,671