Valenzuela City

The City of Valenzuela (Filipino: Lungsod ng Valenzuela) is a highly-urbanized, first-class city ^[1] and one of cities 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.^[2]

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.

During its long history played an important role in development of northern Metro Manila. Valenzuela City, before its cityhood on 1998, was divided into an Spanish friar hacienda, small political settlement and Spanish garrison before Philippine Independence in 1898. Valenzuela was once part of Bulacan province. In the 19th century, its huge land area was subdivided into Polo, Novaliches, Obando and others merged into the province of Morong. Later on in the American Period, Valenzuela became part of Bulacan and started the construction of Marcelo H. del Pilar Expressway. The expressway later became North Luzon Expressway during Marcos's era.

The liberation of the Philippines from Japanese rule on 1946 resulted in the division of Valenzuela into two towns.

On 1960, President Diosdado Macapagal signed a bill creating a municipality of Valenzuela independent from Bulacan. However, on 1963, the municipality was redivided, the north Polo, to be under Bulacan again, while the southern Valenzuela town became an independent municipality. The creation of MMDA and NCR during Marcos's administration led to unification of Polo and Valenzuela into the municipality of Valenzuela in 1975. Valenzuela City finally attained cityhood status on February 14, 1998.

[edit] Valenzuela as a gateway

An eight-lane section of the expressway, this was taken in Valenzuela City going northbound.

Another portion of the expressway going southbound.

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.

[edit] Himig Valenzuela

Himig Valenzuela, or Valenzuela Hymn, is the official city song of the city ^{[note 1]}. It is sung during flag ceremonies of private, public and government institutions along with the Philippine national anthem, Lupang Hinirang.

[edit] Government

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. The current mayor of the city is Sherwin T. Gatchalian and the Vice-Mayor is Eric M. Martinez. There is also a representative and six councillors for each of the two districts.

[edit] City Officials

• Mayor: Sherwin T. Gatchalian
• Vice–Mayor: Eric M. Martinez

• Ex-officio members

Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President: Ricmar C. Enriquez

Association of Barangay Chairmen President: Alvin S. Feliciano

[edit] Institutions

The city government has various units that cater the needs of their people.^[4] They are:

[edit] Districts and barangays

[edit] 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.

Valenzuela City

Location of Valenzuela City in the Philippines.

[edit] Valenzuela district representatives

Map of Valenzuela city showing its two legislative districts. Red portion shows first district while the blue one is the second district.

This is the list representatives of Valenzuela City since adoption of Regular Batasang Pambansa in 1984 during Marcos' era up to present.^[5]

• Lone District of Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela

• Lone District of Valenzuela (Defunct)

• Legislative District of Valenzuela City

[edit] Largest barangay hall

Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, assisted by Valenzuela mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, vice mayor Eric Martinez, and barangay Maysan chairman Enrique Urutia, on May 15, 2008, inaugurated the largest P 27 million (3-storey building with a floor area of 3,000 square meters on a 936-square-meter lot) barangay hall in the Philippines. The Maysan Barangay Complex is built in the middle of the 253-hectare barangay Maysan, Valenzuela City.^[7]

[edit] Population and demographics

[edit] Services

[edit] Education services

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 topnotchers, 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.^{[9][10][11][12]}

[edit] First automated elections

In 2009, some 1,400 students of Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School in Valenzuela started its first automated election.^[13] The software used was based on Visual Basic, and developed by Vhincent San Joaquin of AMA Computer College.^[14]

[edit] Health services

Valenzuela City 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.^[15][16] Also conducted are laboratory services including ECG, FBS, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Urinalysis, CBC, platelet count and pregnancy test.^[16] 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.^[15]

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.^[17] 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.^{[17][18][19][20]}

Valenzuela City land usage

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
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[edit] 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.^[21] 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.^[22]

[edit] Polio immunization program

On July 12, 1976, DOH launched the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) ^[23] 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.^[24]

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.^[24] 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.

[edit] 2009 swine flu alert

Amid the global increasing tension of Influenza A H1N1, city mayor Sherwin Gatchalian issued Executive Order No. 2009–120 which activates the creation of Valenzuela City Pandemic Influenza Task Force. ^[25] The special task force is mandated to monitor all commercial and backyard pig farms in the city for the presence of the virus which has affected several countries, including Mexico and the United States.^[26]

The task force is tasked to test the pigs in the city for possible infection with the dreaded A (H1N1) virus in cooperation with concerned government agencies; investigate reported cases of illnesses in both humans and animals with influenza-like symptoms; conduct an information campaign about the swine flu virus in order to protect residents from the disease; implement the steps enumerated by the DOH in the event a person or a pig in the city comes down with the disease and ensure that local hospitals provide isolation rooms to contain possible infections.^[25][26]

[edit] Shopping centers

On October 28, 2005 SM Supercenter Valenzuela was inaugurated.^[27] Other shopping sites such as Puregold Valenzuela, and the newly renovated South Supermarket.^[28][29] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.^[30]

• 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 Expressway was opened.

• Museo ng Valenzuela -To date, it is in the 3rd phase of construction. The original museum of Valenzuela 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. Valenzuela City'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. Pio 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 -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 this year by the Diocese of Malolos. It is near the Our Lady of Fatima University.^[31]

• Valenzuela City Convention Center -This is the center of performing arts of Valenzuela . 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.

[hide] Weather averages for Valenzuela City, Philippines
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	35 (95)	35 (95)	36 (97)	37 (99)	38 (100)	38 (100)	38 (100)	36 (97)	35 (95)	35 (95)	35 (95)	34 (93)	38 (100)
Average high °C (°F)	30 (86)	31 (88)	32 (90)	33 (91)	33 (91)	32 (90)	31 (88)	30 (86)	31 (88)	30 (86)	30 (86)	30 (86)	31 (88)
Average low °C (°F)	21 (70)	22 (72)	22 (72)	24 (75)	25 (77)	25 (77)	24 (75)	23 (73)	23 (73)	23 (73)	23 (73)	22 (72)	23 (73)
Record low °C (°F)	14 (57)	14 (57)	16 (61)	16 (61)	17 (63)	20 (68)	22 (72)	21 (70)	21 (70)	21 (70)	19 (66)	17 (63)	14 (57)
Precipitation cm (inches)	2	1	1	3	12	26	40	36	34	19	13	6	197
Source: Weatherbase[32] April 2009

[edit] Zip codes

The Philippine Postal Corporation, to ease their mailing services throughout the city, adopted the use of ZIP codes. There are several ZIP codes applicable to Valenzuela City which divides the area into several numbers starting at 14, except for special cases that receive and send huge volumes of mail:

[edit] Feasts

[edit] Sister cities

• Bucheon, South Korea
• Sta. Cruz, Marinduque