Valenzuela | |
|---|---|
 Flag  Seal | |
| Mottoes: "Tayo na, Valenzuela!" "Valenzuela, May Disiplina" "Tuloy ang Progreso, Valenzuela!" "This is the Life, ValenzueLife!" | |
| Anthem:Himig Valenzuela Valenzuela Hymn | |
 Map of Metro Manila with Valenzuela highlighted | |
 Interactive map of Valenzuela | |
.svg)  Valenzuela Location within thePhilippines | |
| Coordinates:14°42′N120°59′E / 14.7°N 120.98°E /14.7; 120.98 | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | National Capital Region |
| Province | none |
| District | 1st and 2nd district |
| Founded | November 12, 1623[1][2] |
| Cityhood and HUC | December 30, 1998[3] |
| Founded by | Juan Taranco and Juan Monsód |
| Named after | Pío Valenzuela |
| Barangays | 33 (seeBarangays) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Sangguniang Panlungsod |
| • Mayor | Weslie T. Gatchalian (NPC) |
| • Vice Mayor | Marlon Alejandrino (NPC) |
| • Representatives |
|
| • City Council | Members
|
| • Electorate | 438,556 voters (2025) |
| Area | |
• Total | 47.02 km2 (18.15 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 119th of145 cities |
| Elevation | 22 m (72 ft) |
| Highest elevation | 109 m (358 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | −5 m (−16 ft) |
| Population (2024 census)[8] | |
• Total | 725,173 |
| • Rank | 11th of145 cities |
| • Density | 15,420/km2 (39,940/sq mi) |
| • Households | 193,025 |
| Demonym(s) | Valenzolano Valenzuelaño Valenzuelano Valenzolana Valenzuelaña Valenzuelana |
| Economy | |
| • Income class | 1st city income class |
| • Poverty incidence | 1.5 |
| • Revenue | ₱ 6,109 million (2022) |
| • Assets | ₱ 12,885 million (2022) |
| • Expenditure | ₱ 5,409 million (2022) |
| • Liabilities | ₱ 5,175 million (2022) |
| Service provider | |
| • Electricity | Manila Electric Company (Meralco) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| PSGC | |
| IDD : area code | +63 (0)02 |
| Native languages | Filipino |
| Website | valenzuela |
Valenzuela (/ˌvælənzjuˈɛlə/,Tagalog pronunciation:[balensˈwela];Latin American Spanish pronunciation:[balenˈswela]ⓘ,Spanish pronunciation:[balenˈθwela]ⓘ), officially theCity of Valenzuela (Filipino:Lungsod ng Valenzuela), is ahighly urbanised city in theNational Capital Region of thePhilippines. As of the 2024census, Valenzuela has 725,173 residents,[10] making it one of the more densely populated cities in the Philippines.
Valenzuela ranks as the7th-most populous city in the National Capital Region and is the11th-most populous city in thePhilippines. Located approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) north ofManila, it is categorised as a highly urbanised, first-class city under the Republic Acts No. 7160 and 8526, which are based on categories of income classification and population.[11][12] It is located on the island ofLuzon, and is landlocked. The city is bordered to the north by the province ofBulacan; to the east byCaloocan andQuezon City; and to the southwest byMalabon. It also shares a boundary withMalabon along theTullahan River. The city covers a land area of 45.75 km2 (17.66 sq mi) and has a predominantlyTagalog population.
Valenzuela began as the town ofPolo, established in 1623[13] following its separation fromMeycauayan,Bulacan. The 1899Battle of Malinta, during thePhilippine–American War, was fought in Polo. In 1960, PresidentCarlos P. Garcia ordered the split of Polo's southernbarangays to form another town namedValenzuela, afterPío Valenzuela, a physician and member of theKatipunan, a secret society that fought against the colonial government of Spain.[14] However, in 1963, the split was revoked by PresidentDiosdado Macapagal after political disagreements, and the merged town retained the name Valenzuela. The modern borders of Valenzuela were established pursuant to its city charter when it became a highly urbanized city on December 30, 1998.[citation needed]
The nameValenzuela is the surname ofPío Valenzuela y Alejandrino. He was a member of the Katipunan triumvirate, which started thePhilippine Revolution against Spanish colonial authorities in 1896. He also served as the provisional chairman for the Katipunan.[15][16] InSpanish,Valenzuela is adiminutive form ofValencia, meaning "little Valencia".[17]
Before 1960, Valenzuela was formerly known as Polo, where Pío Valenzuela was born.[18] The namePolo was derived from theTagalog termpulô, which means "island" or "islet", although the area was not an island itself. The town of Polo was entirely surrounded by the rivers, thus creating an impression of being an island.[19]
During theSpanish era, present-day Valenzuela,Obando, andNovaliches (now inQuezon City) were parts ofBulacan. The areas now covered by Valenzuela included fourhaciendas (Malinta, Tala, Piedad, and Maysilo), small political settlements and a Spanish garrison.[20] Collectively, these areas were known asPolo. The region was bounded by theTullahan River to the south and streams branching from theRío Grande de Pampanga in some areas.
WhenManila became anarchdiocese in 1595, regular friars who had already established permanent churches inMeycauayan decided that thesitio of Polo should be separated from the town and have its own church to cater to its increasing spiritual needs. Through successive efforts ofFranciscan friar Juan Taranco and Don Juan Monsód, the towns of Polo and Catanghalan(now part ofObando) were successfully separated fromMeycauayan on November 7, 1621, at the feast day of the town's new patron,St. Didacus of Alcalá, known locally asSan Diego de Alcalá.[21] The firstcabeza de barangay of Polo was Monsód, while Taranco led the parish in a small tavern, which would become the present-day San Diego de Alcalá church.[22] The separation was then confirmed byGovernor-GeneralAlonso Fajardo de Entenza through a proclamation letter on November 12, 1623. Later, the date of November 12 was adopted as the foundation day of the city, as recommended by theNational Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2012, due to uncertainty about the exact date of creation of the town.[1][2]
The construction of a parochial church dedicated to St.Didacus of Alcalá began in 1627, under the supervision of José Valencia and Juan Tibay. The first church structure was completed in 1632, but its bell was looted during the Chinese uprising of 1635. At that time, Chinese merchants resided mainly inBarrio Pariancillo, which was located behind the church. In 1852, the church was repaired and remodelled under the direction of Fr. Vicente. The church was later re-dedicated to another patron, to theNuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción. A convent was also built, followed by a common house (casa tribunal) that had a rectangular prison cell and a schoolhouse made of stone.[23] On June 3, 1865, a strong earthquake destroyed the belfry of theSan Diego de Alcalá Church, followed by an epidemic that killed thousands of people.[24]
On May 14, 1753, Governor-GeneralFrancisco Jose de Obando y Solis, Marquis of Brindisi, ordered that a new pueblo be carved out of the north-western area of Polo. The new town was namedObando, in honour of the governor-general, and was incorporated intoBulacan.[23]
In 1762-1764, during theBritish occupation of Manila and its surrounding suburbs, the colonial government, led bySimón de Anda y Salazar, fled toBacolor, Pampanga via Polo. The British pursued Anda, and at one point, they stayed in sitio Mabolo while awaiting orders from the British civil Governor,Dawsonne Drake. The British explored the nearby communities ofMalanday, Wakas,Dalandanan, Pasolo,Rincon and Malinta. The local population, scared of the British, fled and sought refuge in the forests of Viente Reales, where many of them succumbed tomalaria.[25] They then proceeded toMalolos, Bulacan, where they were ambushed by the stationed Spanish soldiers. After the chase, the local population of Polo returned to their homes on May 12, 1763, after days of reconstruction. The day May 12 was commemorated as the feast ofSt. Roch, locally known asSan Roque, as another patron saint and as a memorial to those who died in the Seven Years War.[25]
In 1854, General Manuel Pavía y Lacy, Marquis de Novaliches, was appointed Governor-General of the Philippine Islands. Upon his arrival in Manila, he was tasked with establishing a penal colony in which prisoners would be granted land to cultivate in exchange for the prospect of eventual release. This settlement became known as Hacienda Tala, derived from the Tagalog word tala (star), reflecting local folklore about the landscape's appearance following deforestation. This hacienda grew into a larger community that eventually merged with the haciendas of Malinta and Piedad to form the independent town ofNovaliches on January 26, 1856.[26] A new road from Polo to Novaliches opened, traversing the barrios of Mabolo, Pasolo, Rincon, Malinta, Masisan, Paso de Blas, Canumay, and Bagbaguin.
In 1869, Filipino physician and patriotPío Valenzuela was born in Polo. He would later be known as one of the key leaders of theKatipunan, which he joined in 1892 at the age of 23. His admission to the society led to more recruits from Polo, including Ulpiano Fernández, Gregorio Flamenco, Crispiniano Agustines, and Faustino Duque. When Valenzuela was the chief editor, Fernández held a special role in the Katipunan as a printer of theAng Kalayaan, the organization's official newspaper.[27]
The now-defunctManila-Dagupan Railway opened in 1892 and traversed the barrios of Marulas, Caruhatan, Malinta, Dalandanan and Malanday, with the station being inDalandanan.[28]
A constituted branch of the Katipunan was established in Polo on February 1, 1896.[29] The town joined other revolutionaries when thePhilippine Revolution broke out in August 1896, while Valenzuela availed the amnesty offered by Spanish authorities a few weeks later.[30] Filipino forces under GeneralTiburcio de León y Gregorio achieved a tactical victory in an engagement at Bitik and Pasong Balite (Pugad Baboy), temporarily repelling American forces, though American reinforcements subsequently forced Filipino withdrawal.[31] During the revolution, the Spanish massacred many residents, most of them in Malinta. Suspected revolutionaries were hanged and tortured to death. Many were forced to admit guilt or shout innocent names; others were shot without trial.[32]
The Americans imposed a military government when they acquired the Philippine islands from Spain as part of thepeace treaty of theSpanish–American War. They appointed Pío Valenzuela as the first municipal president of (presidente municipal) on September 6, 1899, to suppress aggressive leadership in the area. He resigned in February 1901 to become the head of the military division, and an election was held. Later that year, the government proclaimed Rufino Valenzuela, a relative of Pío, as the second president and first elected municipal president of the town.[33]
When thePhilippine–American War broke out in early 1899, the Americans were directed to captureEmilio Aguinaldo, who was escaping toMalolos, Bulacan. Polo was one of the towns where Aguinaldo retreated; thus, it received heavy casualties in the first stages of the war.[34] On February 22, 1899, GeneralAntonio Luna camped at Polo after an unsuccessful engagement with the American forces in Caloocan.[34][35][36] A bloody battle on March 26, 1899, happened near the barrio chapel of Malinta. The Filipino forces had to retreat with the arrival of American reinforcements after being initially successful in defending Malinta and killing ColonelHarry Egbert.
On October 8, 1903, the adjacent town ofObando merged with Polo by virtue of Act No. 932.[37] It was later separated from Polo, effective August 10, 1907, by virtue of Act No. 1588 dated January 25, 1907.[38]
In 1910, a stone arch was built at its municipal boundary withMalabon,Rizal, along Calle Real (modern-day Marcelo H. Del Pilar Street). In 1928,Manila North Road (Highway 3) opened and became the new gateway. The once-agricultural town slowly shifted to an industrial one. Businesses soon put up factories, the most famous of which is the Japanese venture Balintawak Beer Brewery that opened in 1938.
Theentrance of the Japanese into Polo during theSecond World War was met with almost no resistance. However, there were still many murders committed. The place became a centre ofMakapili and spies. It was found that the Balintawak Beer Brewery became a front for manufacturing ammunition for the Japanese forces. The old church of San Diego de Alcalá was used by the Japanese forces as a torture chamber.
On December 10, 1944, Japanese forces massacred more than a hundred men in both towns. From about 1:00am until dawn, cries could be heard from the municipal building where men were being tortured to death. Mayor Feliciano Ponciano was killed along with other municipal officials.[39]
During the1945 liberation campaign, Allied forces (Filipino and American) conducted bombing and artillery bombardment operations against Japanese positions in Valenzuela. These operations resulted in significant civilian damage, including harm to the 17th-century San Diego de Alcalá Church, which was subsequently damaged by shellfire.[39]
The historic old bridge that once connected the northern and southern sectors of the town of Polo played a crucial role in its geographic and economic unity. However, during World War II, this vital structure was deliberately destroyed by retreating Japanese forces in an effort to hinder the advance of the Allied troops. The destruction of the bridge effectively split the town into two isolated zones, complicating both civilian life and military operations.
Following this, the northern section of Polo was promptly liberated by the combined forces of Filipino guerrillas and American soldiers. Meanwhile, the southern sector, including the población, which served as the town's administrative and commercial centre, remained under Japanese occupation. This strategic division underscored the tactical importance of the bridge and the river it spanned.
On February 11, 1945, the situation dramatically shifted when the joint Filipino and American forces succeeded in crossing the river. This maneuver led to the complete liberation of Polo, as Japanese forces, recognizing their untenable position, abandoned the town. The recapture marked a significant milestone in the broader campaign to free the region from Japanese control and restore civil governance.
In 1947, the Balintawak Beer Brewery was acquired bySan Miguel Beer. The Spanish church was never rebuilt, and only the belfry and the entrance arch remained. A new church was built perpendicular to the ruins of the old one.
On July 21, 1960, PresidentCarlos P. Garcia signed Executive Order No. 401, which divided Polo into two: Polo and Valenzuela.[40] Polo comprised the northern barangays of Wawang Pulo, Población, Palasan, Arkong Bato, Pariancillo Villa, Balangkas, Mabolo, Coloong, Malanday, Bisig, Tagalag, Rincon, Pasolo,Punturin,Bignay, Viente Reales, and Dalandanan. Valenzuela, on the other hand, comprised the southern barangays of Karuhatan, Marulas, Malinta, Ugong, Mapulang Lupa, Canumay, Maysan, Parada, Paso de Blas, Bagbaguin and Torres Bugallón (now Gen. T. de Leon). A provisional town hall was built across today's SM City Valenzuela, until a permanent town hall was built near the intersection of MacArthur Highway and the old Polo-Novaliches Road.
The division soon proved to be detrimental to economic growth in each town, so BulacanSecond district Representative to theFifth Congress, Rogaciano Mercado andSenatorFrancisco Soc Rodrigo filed a bill which sought the reunification of the two towns. On September 11, 1963, PresidentDiosdado Macapagal signed Executive Order No. 46, which reunified Valenzuela and Polo, adoptingValenzuela as the name of the resulting town.[41]
In 1967, MayorIgnacio Santiago Sr. purchased lots in Karuhatan in which the new municipal hall would be built. Misinterpretation of property surveys and tax appropriation issues sparked the debate on whichbarangay the municipal hall belonged to: Karuhatan, Malinta, or Maysan. To resolve the issue, Santiago ordered the creation of a new barangay, which was called Poblacion II, a reference to the old Poblacion barangay.[42]
On November 7, 1975, jurisdiction over Valenzuela was moved from the province of Bulacan to Metro Manila. Metro Manila was then headed byFirst LadyImelda Marcos as itsgovernor. Due to this, Valenzuela is the only area in the modern National Capital Region that was neither part of Spanish colonial-eraManila,Rizal province, nor the wartimeCity of Greater Manila.[43]
In 1968, the North Diversion Road (nowNorth Luzon Expressway) was opened.[44] Rail transport to the city ceased in 1988 with the closure of thePhilippine National Railway's North Line.
The passage of the Local Government Code in 1991 provided local governments with autonomy, which has allowed them to develop into self-reliant communities. On February 14, 1998, PresidentFidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8526, which converted the municipality of Valenzuela into a highly urbanized chartered city. The law also ordered the division of the newly created city into twolegislative districts.[11] When Republic Act No. 8526 was ratified on December 30, 1998, Valenzuela became a highly urbanized city, the 12th in Metro Manila and 83rd in the Philippines.[45][46]
In 2002, PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo proclaimed July 11 every year asValenzuela Day, which was an official holiday in the city that commemorates the birth date of Pío Valenzuela.[21] However, in 2008, the date of the city's charter day was transferred to February 14. Today, Valenzuela celebratesValenzuela Day andValenzuela Foundation Day on February 14 and November 12 respectively.[2][47]
On December 9, 2002, theNational Capital Region Police Office announced that they have discovered the largest illegal drugs factory in the country within a Chinese-owned warehouse inLawang Bato after a fire broke out in the building, achieving the largest methamphetamine drug bust at the time with over₱2.2 billion worth of drugs seized.[48]
On May 13, 2015, afire broke out in the Kentex Manufacturing factory in Barangay Ugong, killing 74 people in the incident. In 2016, theOmbudsman ordered the dismissal of MayorRex Gatchalian and other city officials due to grave misconduct and negligence of duty during the incident.[49] This is dubbed as the third worst fire incident in the country.[50]
Valenzuela is located at14°40′58″N120°58′1″E / 14.68278°N 120.96694°E /14.68278; 120.96694, about 14 kilometers (8.7 mi) noh of the country's capital, Manila.Manila Bay, the country's top port for trade and industry, is located about 16.3 kilometers (10.1 mi) west of the city. Valenzuela is bordered in the north by Obando and Meycauayan (Bulacan), to the west by Navotas, and to the east by Quezon City and northern Caloocan.
The highest elevation in the area reaches 38 meters (125 feet) above sea level, situated within the industrial zone of the city, specifically in the Canumay district. This hilly terrain, characterized by a surface gradient of approximately 0.55%, features a gentle slope that contributes to the area's suitability for industrial development. In contrast, the average elevation across the city is relatively low, at just 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level, indicating that much of the urban landscape lies close to coastal or flood-prone levels. This topographical variation plays a critical role in urban planning, infrastructure development, and flood management strategies.[51]
Apart from the political borders set by the law, Valenzuela and Malabon are also separated by the 15-kilometer (9.3 mi)Tenejeros-Tullahan River or simplyTullahan River.[52] The river obtained its name fromtulya or clam due to the abundance of such shellfish in the area.[53] Tullahan is a part of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system ofcentral Luzon.[54] The river has been severely degraded by industrial pollution, resulting in poor water quality and markedly diminished aquatic biodiversity.[54][55] 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.[54]
To save the river, theDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources,Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the local governments of Valenzuela and Malabon signed partnerships with private andnon-government organizations to dredge the area.[52][55][56]
Increased climate variability, which is associated with global warming, has brought with it periods of heavy rainfall and high tides, which in turn have resulted in stagnant waters that can stay in the area for up to 4 weeks due to insufficient drainage and improper solid waste disposal. People are often stranded inside their homes and are exposed to waterborne diseases such asdengue andleptospirosis. Better early warning systems are needed to manage the risk associated with increased rainfall.[57]
Valenzuela has 33barangays, the smallest administrative unit in the city. The barangay is headed by the barangay captain orpunong barangay and his 7-member local council ormgakagawad, duly elected by the residents. The youth sector of the barangay is represented by the youth council called theSangguniang Kabataan (SK), headed by the SK chairperson and his 7-member assembly, also known asmga SK kagawad. There are 33punong barangays and 231kagawads in Valenzuela; SK officials are also of the same number. The barangays also serve ascensus areas of the city.
At the national level, Valenzuela is divided into twocongressional districts: thefirst legislative district in the northern half of the city, which contains 24 barangays, and thesecond legislative district in the southern half of the city, which contains the remaining 9 barangays. Unlike barangays, the legislative districts have no political leader but are represented by congressional representatives in theHouse of Representatives of the Philippines.
| Barangay | Population(2024)[58] | Area[a] | ZIP Code | Established | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkong Bato | 1.5% | 10,746 | 34.40 | 85.0 | 1444 | |
| Balangkas | 2.0% | 14,658 | 73.30 | 181.1 | 1445 | |
| Bignay | 7.4% | 53,837 | 268.80 | 664.2 | 1440 | |
| Bisig | 0.2% | 1,448 | 45.60 | 112.7 | 1440 | |
| Canumay East | 2.1% | 15,058 | 217.30 | 537.0 | 1447 | |
| Canumay West | 3.7% | 26,517 | 141.30 | 349.2 | 1443 | |
| Coloong | 1.8% | 13,035 | 223.80 | 553.0 | 1445 | |
| Dalandanan | 2.8% | 20,084 | 93.90 | 232.0 | 1443 | |
| Isla | 0.7% | 5,161 | 39.60 | 97.9 | 1440 | |
| Lawang Bato | 3.3% | 23,880 | 287.50 | 710.4 | 1447 | |
| Lingunan | 3.5% | 25,423 | 115.90 | 286.4 | 1446 | |
| Mabolo | 0.2% | 1,122 | 115.00 | 284.2 | 1444 | |
| Malanday | 2.7% | 19,344 | 295.60 | 730.4 | 1444 | |
| Malinta | 7.4% | 53,486 | 174.10 | 430.2 | 1440 | |
| Palasan | 0.9% | 6,786 | 15.60 | 38.5 | 1444 | |
| Pariancillo Villa | 0.3% | 1,989 | 5.00 | 12.4 | 1440 | |
| Pasolo | 1.1% | 8,190 | 79.50 | 196.4 | 1444 | |
| Poblacion | 0.0% | 224 | 3.40 | 8.4 | 1440 | |
| Polo | 0.2% | 1,147 | 5.20 | 12.8 | 1444 | |
| Punturin | 3.5% | 25,170 | 162.20 | 400.8 | 1447 | |
| Rincon | 1.0% | 7,097 | 24.40 | 60.3 | 1444 | |
| Tagalag | 0.5% | 3,468 | 101.00 | 249.6 | 1440 | |
| Viente Reales | 2.6% | 18,874 | 192.90 | 476.7 | 1440 | |
| Wawang Pulo | 0.6% | 4,198 | 27.80 | 68.7 | 1440 | |
| Barangay | Population(2024)[58] | Area[a] | ZIP Code | Established | ||
| Bagbaguin | 2.1% | 15,524 | 159.10 | 393.1 | 1440 | |
| Gen. T. de Leon | 13.7% | 99,317 | 366.90 | 906.6 | 1442 | |
| Karuhatan | 5.9% | 42,845 | 190.60 | 471.0 | 1441 | |
| Mapulang Lupa | 4.2% | 30,775 | 140.80 | 347.9 | 1448 | |
| Marulas | 8.5% | 61,583 | 224.70 | 555.2 | 1440 | |
| Maysan | 3.2% | 23,501 | 253.30 | 625.9 | 1440 | |
| Parada | 3.0% | 21,602 | 34.40 | 85.0 | 1440 | |
| Paso de Blas | 1.8% | 12,882 | 155.00 | 383.0 | 1442 | |
| Ugong | 7.8% | 56,202 | 307.20 | 759.1 | 1440 | |
| Total | 725,173 | 47.02 | 18.15 | |||
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Due to its location in Metro Manila, the climate of Valenzuela is almost similar to the country's capital, Manila. Given its geographic location on the west coast of the Philippines, thePhilippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) classifies Valenzuela asType I under its weather scheme. Wind from the Pacific Ocean is generally blocked by theSierra Madre mountain range several kilometers east of the city.[59]
Its proximity to the equator tends to give the city a very small temperature range, from as low as 20 °C (68 °F) to as high as 35 °C (95 °F), although humidity makes these hot temperatures feel much hotter. TheKöppen climate system classifies Valenzuela's climate as a borderlinetropical monsoon (Am) andtropical savanna (Aw) due to its location and precipitation characteristics. This means the city has two pronounced seasons: dry and wet seasons.
Humidity levels are usually high in the morning, especially during June–November, making it feel warmer. The lowest humidity levels are recorded in the evening during the wet season. Discomfort from heat and humidity is extreme during May and June, and is higher than in other places in the country. The average sunlight is highest in April at 254.25 hours and lowest in July, August and September at 113 hours.[60]
| Climate data for Valenzuela, Philippines | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 29.8 (85.6) | 30.7 (87.3) | 32.4 (90.3) | 33.9 (93.0) | 33.8 (92.8) | 32.2 (90.0) | 31.1 (88.0) | 30.6 (87.1) | 30.7 (87.3) | 31.0 (87.8) | 30.6 (87.1) | 29.9 (85.8) | 31.4 (88.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 25.6 (78.1) | 26.0 (78.8) | 27.4 (81.3) | 28.9 (84.0) | 29.2 (84.6) | 28.3 (82.9) | 27.5 (81.5) | 27.3 (81.1) | 27.3 (81.1) | 27.3 (81.1) | 26.8 (80.2) | 26.0 (78.8) | 27.3 (81.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 21.4 (70.5) | 21.4 (70.5) | 22.5 (72.5) | 23.9 (75.0) | 24.7 (76.5) | 24.5 (76.1) | 24.0 (75.2) | 24.0 (75.2) | 23.9 (75.0) | 23.6 (74.5) | 23 (73) | 22.2 (72.0) | 23.3 (73.8) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 18 (0.7) | 10 (0.4) | 13 (0.5) | 30 (1.2) | 159 (6.3) | 318 (12.5) | 477 (18.8) | 503 (19.8) | 369 (14.5) | 194 (7.6) | 140 (5.5) | 65 (2.6) | 2,296 (90.4) |
| Source: en.climate-data.org[61] | |||||||||||||
Valenzuela City was originally characterized by expansive grasslands that supported a primarily agricultural landscape. These natural grass covers were highly suitable for farming and played a significant role in sustaining local agricultural practices. However, with the accelerated pace of industrialization and economic growth, substantial changes in land use were observed. Large portions of these grasslands were converted into paved roads and urban infrastructure to accommodate the city's growing population and commercial activities, resulting in a considerable reduction of green spaces.[62]
In response to the environmental impacts of urban development, the local government of Valenzuela initiated several measures aimed at preserving and revitalizing urban vegetation. Among the most notable of these initiatives was the establishment of community vegetable gardens and techno-demonstration farms throughout various barangays in the city. These projects were designed not only to promote sustainable urban agriculture but also to encourage environmental awareness and food security among residents. By 2003, the city had established at least two fully operational community farms, serving as models for integrating greenery into an increasingly urbanized environment.[62]
In 2007, ordinary fishing ponds in Tagalag and Coloong were transformed into fishing spots that attract anglers every year for a prize catch. Fish tournaments are held yearly to increase tourism and livelihood in the area.[63]
In 2008, theSupreme Court of the Philippines mandated Regional Trial Court Branch 171 as an environmental court handling all environmental cases in Valenzuela.[64]
Thomas Hodge-Smith noted in 1939 that Valenzuela is rich in blacktektites occurring in spheroidal and cylindrical shapes and are free of bubbles.[65]
Flora and fauna
Flora and fauna in Valenzuela include plant and animal species commonly found on Luzon, including domesticated mammals. TheDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) declared a 2-hectare (about 4.9 acres)mangrove and swamp area in Villa Encarnacion, Barangay Malanday, as an ecotourism site in recognition of its biodiversity.[66]
The site attracted around 100 species of migratory and resident birds each year. These included theblack-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), as well as native species such asmoorhens (Gallinula sp.),swamphens (Porphyrio sp.), and thePhilippine duck (Anas luzonica). Wooden viewing decks were constructed to support birdwatching, monitoring, and counting activities by visitors and researchers.[67]
As of 2020, the ecotourism site at Villa Encarnacion no longer exists. The area was altered by road-side housing construction and other residential developments, which replaced much of the former wetland habitat.
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Like othercities in the Philippines, Valenzuela is governed by a mayor and a vice mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head who leads the city's departments in the execution of city ordinances and the delivery of public services. The vice mayor presides over a 14-memberlegislative council comprising six councilors from each of the city's two districts, plus twoex officio members: the Association of Barangay Chairmen President (representing thebarangay sector) and theSangguniang Kabataan Federation President (representing youth interests). The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of ordinances and resolutions.[11]
The city is geographically part of, but not politically related to, thethird district of Metro Manila.
The incumbent mayor and vice mayor of the city areWeslie T. Gatchalian and Marlon Paulo D. Alejandrino, respectively.
| Designation | First district | Second District |
|---|---|---|
| Representatives | Kenneth T. Gatchalian (NPC) | Gerald Cloyd Alexis D.V. Galang (Lakas) |
| Mayor | Weslie T. Gatchalian (NPC) | |
| Vice Mayor | Marlon Paulo D. Alejandrino (NPC) | |
| Councilors | Cristina Marie F. Tan (NUP) | Lorena C. Natividad-Borja (NPC) |
| Joseph William D. Lee (NPC) | Niña Sheila B. Lopez (NPC) | |
| Richard C. Enriquez (Lakas) | Roselle S. Sy (NPC) | |
| Walter Magnum D. Dela Cruz (NPC) | Chiqui Marie N. Carreon (NPC) | |
| Kisha Coleen R. Ancheta (NPC) | Christoffer Joseph M. Pineda (NPC) | |
| Exequil D.J. Serrano (NPC) | Louie P. Nolasco (NPC) | |
| ABC President | Mario B. San Andres (Canumay West) | |
| SK President | Jairus Jeofri P. Esplana (Malinta) | |
TheSupreme Court of the Philippines recognizes five regional trial courts and two metropolitan trial courts within Valenzuela that have an over-all jurisdiction in the populace of the city.
The Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) is one of the four city police stations in the Northern Police District under the jurisdiction of the National Capital Region Police Office.[68] Today, more than 500 police officers are working for the VCPS, which puts the police-residents ratio in the city at 1:16,000.[69]
In 2007, the Valenzuela City Peace and Order Council, of which the VCPS is a member, was hailed 2nd placer for the Best Peace and Order Council award that was conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the NCRPO, and the Manila Peace and Order Council.[69] In 2012, the VCPS was cited by the NCRPO for having the best Women and Children Protection Desk in the metro.[69]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1903 | 8,183 | — |
| 1918 | 9,323 | +0.87% |
| 1939 | 13,468 | +1.77% |
| 1948 | 16,740 | +2.45% |
| 1960 | 41,473 | +7.85% |
| 1970 | 98,456 | +9.02% |
| 1975 | 150,605 | +8.90% |
| 1980 | 212,363 | +7.11% |
| 1990 | 340,227 | +4.83% |
| 1995 | 437,165 | +4.81% |
| 2000 | 485,433 | +2.27% |
| 2007 | 568,928 | +2.21% |
| 2010 | 575,356 | +0.41% |
| 2015 | 620,422 | +1.45% |
| 2020 | 714,978 | +3.03% |
| 2024 | 725,173 | +0.34% |
| Source:Philippine Statistics Authority[70][71][72][73][74] | ||
Thedemonym of Valenzuela isValenzuelano for males andValenzuelana for females; it is sometimes spelled asValenzuelaño.
Based on the 2024 census, Valenzuela has a total population of 725,173 and remains the 7th most populous in the NCR and 13th in the Philippines.725,173 This is an increase from 575,356 people in 2010, at an annual growth rate of 1.45%.[75][76]
The five most populous barangays are: Gen. T. de Leon (89,441), Marulas (53,978), Malinta (48,397), Ugong (41,821) and Karuhatan (40,996).[75]
Valenzuela City's household population in 2010, on the other hand, is at 574,840.[77] Almost half, 50.2 per cent, are males. Females comprise 49.8 per cent of the population, with a total number of 286,548. The city has a sex ratio of 101 males for every 100 females, the second-highest ratio in the region, after Navotas, which has a sex ratio of 102 males per 100 females.[76] Seven out of ten Valenzuela residents, 66.7 per cent, belong to the working-age group, or those aged 15 to 64. The remaining 33.3% are aged 0 to below 15 and 65 and above, which are classified as the dependent age group.[77]
City population is expected to reach the 700,000-mark by mid-2022.[78]
"Himig Valenzuela",[79] or "Valenzuela Hymn", is the official song of the city.[80] It is sung during flag ceremonies of private and public schools as well as government institutions along with thePhilippine 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.[81]
City ordinance number 18 mandated all citizens of Valenzuela to sing the hymn in all meetings and public occasions.[81]
Before its adoption in 2008, Valenzuela had its official hymn during its time as a municipality, from being part of Bulacan to Metro Manila, called "Bayang Valenzuela", composed by Igmidio M. Reyes and its lyrics by Dr. Eusebio S. Vibar. It is now abandoned in its use as the official hymn of this city. There is a video by Valenzuela City Cultural and Tourism Development Office, which is found onFacebook.[82]
In 2007, PresidentGloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a law declaring February 14 a special non-working holiday each year. The date marks Valenzuela’s recognition as a city in 1998.[83]
The city also observes November 12 as its foundation day. This date refers to the founding of the town when it was still known as Polo in 1623.
Although there has been disagreement about the town’s exact founding date, theNational Historical Commission of the Philippines confirmed November 12 as the official date. This follows the Spanish colonial practice of using a town’s patron saint’s feast day as its date of establishment.[1][2]
Each barangay in Valenzuela has its own feast. Most of them launch celebrations during May and April to honor patron saints and the bountiful harvest. Every April 26, asantacruzan is performed along with the Santa Cruz Festival in Barangay Isla. Honoring St. Helena's legendary discovery of the True Cross according to Christian tradition.St. Helena was the mother ofConstantine the Great. According to legends, 300 years after the death ofChrist, at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to 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 theMexican Santa Cruz de Mayo.[84]
Mano Po, San Roque Festival is celebrated every May 12 in Mabolo. In Valenzuela,San Roque is also known as thepatron saint of the unmarried. Local tradition surrounding the San Roque Festival includes beliefs about auspicious blessings during the celebrations, although specific claims are anecdotal. The festival is almost similar toObando Fertility Rites, where hopeful romantics dance to San Roque, requesting to find their true love.[85] 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.[86] This also commemorates townsfolk victory after the British departed the country following the end ofSeven Years' War withSpain.[87]
The Feast ofSan Diego de Alcala is commemorated every November 12 in Poblacion. This is a celebration of the feast of the oldest church in Valenzuela, which includes annual boat racing, street dancing, and different fabulous activities of the festival.[88] As part of the San Diego de Alcala Feast Day, a unique food festival in the country is celebrated which features the famousputong Polo, the small but classykakanin which was created in the town of Polo.[89] This rice cake was a recipient of Manuel Quezon Presidential Award in 1931 which was cited having its exotic taste and amazingly longshelf-life.[90] The celebration, known asPutong Polo Festival includes a parade featuring artistic creations from the rice cake which showcases creativity among the residents.[91]
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 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.[92]
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TheValenzuela City People's Park or simplyPeople's Park, is an urban park located in a 1.3-hectare lot beside the city hall in Barangay Karuhatan. There is an electronically controlled dancing fountain at the park entrance. There are also open areas, a children's playground, and some spaces for animals. The 400-seater amphitheater has also hosted a wide range of activities.[101]
The Valenzuela City Family Park, also located in Barangay Karuhatan, is another public park in the area that integrates nature in the urban setting.[102] The park features a variety of amenities including a children's playground, an interactive fountain, an aviary, outdoor fitness equipment, an amphitheater, and a food park. The park is also pet-friendly, bike-friendly, and accessible to persons with disabilities.[102]
One of the many initiatives of the city government to create greener spaces, Polo Mini Park was inaugurated on January 21, 2020, six months after the announcement of the rehabilitation of the historical old town square of Polo. The park is adorned with a hundred-year-old luscious trees, a fountain, a memorial marker commemorating war veterans, and statues of Pío Valenzuela and José Rizal. The park serves both as a recreational facility and as a physical monument to Valenzuela's historical figures and independence heritage.[103]
In English, Arkong Bato means "arch of stone," which was constructed and built by the Americans in 1910 to serve as a border between the provinces of Bulacan (where Valenzuela or Polo, as it was known before, belonged to) andRizal. (whereMalabon used to be part of) The arch is located along M.H. del Pilar Street, which was once the main gateway to North Luzon before the construction ofMacArthur Highway andNorth Luzon Expressway. After Malabon seceded from Rizal and Valenzuela from Bulacan to become part of Metropolitan Manila in 1975, the arch now marked as the boundary between the two towns and their respective barangays, Barangay Santulan in Malabon and Barangay Arkong Bato in Valenzuela.[104][105]
The Harry C. Egbert Memorial is located in Sitio Tangke Street in Malinta that serves as monument and memorial toBrigadier generalHarry Clay Egbert, commanding officer of the22nd Infantry Regiment of the United States who was mortally wounded here in 1899 during thePhilippine–American War. Additionally, Egbert also served theUS Army duringAmerican Civil War andSpanish–American War.[106]
TheMuseo Valenzuela (English:Valenzuela Museum) was the house where Dr. Pío Valenzuela, 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.
The Libingan ng mgaHapon (English:Japanese Cemetery) was built in a 500-square-meter lot of the Bureau of Telecommunications compound. The cemetery served thousands of fallen Japanese soldiers during thePhilippines Campaign of 1944–45.[104][105]
TheNational Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (Filipino:Pambansang Dambana ng Birhen ng Fatima) is the center of the Fatima apostolate in the country was declared a tourist site in 1982 by theDepartment of Tourism and a pilgrimage shrine in 2009 by theDiocese of Malolos. It is near theOur Lady of Fatima University.[107] The shrine houses the wooden statue of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the fifty images blessed byPope Paul VI in 1967 as part of golden celebration of the Marian apparition to three children inFátima,Portugal.[108] The images were later distributed to churches worldwide, where one of them is intended for the Philippines, however, unclaimed ending up inNew Jersey. In 1984, CardinalJaime Sin,Archbishop of Manila, finally claimed the statue and was then transferred under the custody Bahay Maria Foundation, a Philippine-based Marian organization. DuringPeople Power Revolution in 1986, it was one of the iconic figures held by revolutionaries to oust the dictatorFerdinand Marcos.[109] 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.[108][110][111]
Dr. Pío Valenzuela, who became part of the triumvirate of revolutionary societyKatipunan and founder of the organAng Kalayaan, lived and died in 1956 at the old Residence of Pío Valenzuela along Velilla Street in Barangay Pariancillo Villa, where a marker by the Valenzuela city government was placed in his honor. The present house was built after the war on the site of the old house, which once served as a venue for secret meetings and gatherings of the Katipunan. The old house was burned during World War II.[104][105]
TheSan Diego de Alcala Church and its belfry were built in 1632 by the people of Polo. Residents were taken toforced 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 ofSan Diego de Alcala on November 12 every year, together with theputong polo festival.[89]
Located at Malanday, the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church, was erected on October 17, 1994, to replace the Santo Cristo Chapel, and solemnly declared on June 24, 2001. The Church belongs to the Vicariate of St. Didacus of Alcala – Valenzuela City,Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos.
The Valenzuela Astrodome is a large multi-purpose,domedsports stadium located in BarangayDalandanan that hosts several sports events, concerts, promotional events, seminars, job fairs, etc.
Dubbed as Valenzuela City's "best kept secret", the Tagalag Fishing Village lies beside a 1.3-kilometer (0.81 mi) boardwalk in Barangay Tagalag. Various activities are being offered in one of the newest attractions in the city, such as recreational fishing, line fishing tutorials, bird watching, boating, photowalk, and sunset watching.[112]
The Valenzuelaboardwalk is a conversion of "Tagalag Fishing Village "'s' 1.3-kilometer (0.81 mi) flood dike (protection) into awalkway with a biketrail, among other attractions. Itsflood wall has a four-meter-widelinear park traversing Barangays Coloong,Tagalag and Wawang Polo. It was inaugurated by awalkathon in September 2024.[113]
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The city collaborates with other institutions, government or private, to bring quality education among its citizens under the "WIN ang Edukasyon Program" (roughly meansEducation WINsic Program, WIN is the nickname of the current mayorSherwin Gatchalian). In 2010, the government, in partnership with the local school board, funded the purchase to construct a computer laboratory in 10 different secondary schools, all having a net worth of₱17.7M (or aboutUS$410,000 as of April 2011). This also includes the distribution of₱1.46M (or about US$34,000 as of April 2011) computers inPamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela andValenzuela City Polytechnic College, as part ofDepartment of Education's ICT4E Strategic Plan. In this project, information and communication technology education is extended and expanded among all students.[114] 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.[115] Under the same program, elementary school students received free mathematics andEnglish workbooks published by the government especially designed for Valenzuelanos.[115] 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.[116]WIN ang Edukasyon Program was done in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation, anon-government organization that aims to improve education in local governments in the Philippines.[117]
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.[118] 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 fromAteneo de Manila University andBulacan State University using the approach developed by theUP Diliman's College of Education.[119][120]
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) orUniversity of the City of Valenzuela, was established in 2002 and is located within the perimeters of the old city hall inbarangay Poblacion. In 2009, the city council passed Resolution No. 194 series of 2008, which authorized the government to purchase lots costing 33MPhilippine pesos (or about US$750,000 as of April 2011) in nearby Children of Mary Immaculate College as part of the university's expansion.[121] MayorSherwin Gatchalian assisted the development, which has an over-all cost of₱75M (or about US$1.7M as of April 2011) loaned fromDevelopment Bank of the Philippines.[122] 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 in enrollment from 800 to 3,000 students in the next few years.[123]
Valenzuela City Polytechnic College (VCPC) was allotted with additional₱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.[115][124]
There are also privately owned academic institutions, including theOur Lady of Fatima University (OLFU). OLFU was previously granted byCommission on Higher Education autonomy, which includes independence from monitoring and evaluation services by the Commission, though still entitled to subsidies and other financial grants from the national government whenever possible. The autonomous status of the university was approved on March 11, 2009, and expired last March 30, 2014.[125]
There are numerous hospitals in Valenzuela, like the city-run Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital and the Valenzuela Medical Center. There are also privately owned hospitals like Calalang General Hospital, Sanctissimo Rosario General Hospital andFatima University Medical Center, a tertiary private hospital under the administration ofOur Lady of Fatima University.[126][127][128] The soon-to-rise Valenzuela City West Emergency Hospital and Dialysis Center is located in barangayDalandanan, adjacent to Valenzuela City Astrodome and Dalandanan National High School. It will render adequate healthcare services to underprivileged residents at a minimal fee.[129]
The city implements theVC Cares Program which is designed for individuals who are unable to provide healthcare and necessities for themselves or meet special emergencies of need.[130] 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.[131]
According to the 2002Commission 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 the normal 46% to 377% per basic requirements.[132]
There are swampy areas in Valenzuela, and there are stagnant waters in theTullahan River on the south, which make citizens vulnerable to mosquito-linked diseases such asdengue andmalaria. Though malaria is not a common case in Valenzuela, the city ranks consistently among the top five dengue-infected regions in the Philippines, with around a 56% chance of recurrence every year.[133][134] In the second quarter of 2008, however, only 500% increase was reported compared to the same period in 2007.[135]
In September 2009, theDepartment of Health distributed free Olyset anti-dengue nets treated withpermethrin insecticide to Gen. T. de Leon High School. Over 150 rolls of the nets were given and installed in the windows of the said school, as part of DOH's "Dalaw sa Barangay: Aksyon Kontra Dengue" (Visit Barangay: Action against Dengue) campaign.[136]
In April 2024,Wilbert T. Lee filedHouse Resolution No. 1674 to investigate the reportedcomplaints against Allied Care Experts Medical Center -Malanday, Valenzuela. Richel Mae Pepito Alvaro, 26, and Lovery Magtangob, 28, "palit-ulo" scheme victims, filedcomplaints ofserious and slight illegal detention with the Valenzuela City Prosecutor's Office against the hospital and several of its staff over unsettled hospital bills amounting to P518,519 and P777,378, respectively. "For Case No. 1, a slight illegal detention charge was filed. For Case No. 2, the victim was detained for three days so it will fall under serious illegal detention,"Wes Gatchalian said.[137][138]
On October 28, 2005,SM Supercenter Valenzuela (now SM City Valenzuela) was inaugurated.[139] 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.[140][141] All these stores compete against each other since most have the same product offerings as diversified groceries except for SM City Valenzuela which has upgraded with the opening ofThe SM Store. People from the city with more major shopping needs normally head south to cities such asQuezon City andManila, since they have bigger malls and commercial centers with more diverse trade goods.
Water supply for the city is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System (MWSS)' west concessionaireMaynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI).[142][143] As of 2006, the city has at least 68% water service coverage as determined by the Regulatory Office of the MWSS.[144][145] Each customer receives at least 7psi water pressure, which means supply can reach for up to two floors for residential use.[146] Maynilad is owned and currently operated by DMCI Holdings, Inc.–Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (DMCI-MPIC).[147]
On June 2, 2010, the Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School inbarangay Ugong unveiled its first solar generators, the first time for a school in the Philippines. The six 1-kilowattphotovoltaic 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 fromIllinois, and installation was paid for by the city government. First district representativeRex Gatchalian and former second district councilorShalani Soledad headed the switching ceremony, which made it the first-ever solar-powered school in the country.[148][149] 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.[150]
According to the 2002Metro ManilaSolid Waste Management Report of theAsian Development Bank (ADB), Valenzuela has the highest number of identified recycling companies in theregion.[151] It was also said that recycling centers related to plastic materials are relatively higher than other recyclable objects like metals, paper, glass among others.[151] Accordingly, the city government allocates an amount of about 785.70Philippine 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.[152] 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.[153] 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 ofmaterials recovery facility and windows composting operation among others. The city government was granted a maximum of US$25,000 from theAsian Development Bank for the operation of the project.[154]
In 1988, the city opened its first waste disposal facility, the Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite. Every year, the facility collects and processes only about 60% of the entire city's waste through landfilling and recycling services. The dumpsite uses rice hull ash as daily cover and odor control material for the waste collected in the area.[155] Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite also conducted some limited waste segregation and resource recovery operations before burial of residual waste.[155] 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.[152]
In statistics, 60% of the waste collected in the city is collected, hauled, and dumped in controlled dumpsites, while 5% is retrieved and recycled, and 35% is 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 are 70% food and kitchen wastes, 20% plant wast,es and 10% animal wastes.[156] 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.[156]
The city spearheaded Metro Manila's implementation of a comprehensive waste management program in 1999, when it became the first area in the region to allocate 2.8 hectares of land in Barangay Marulas to serve as an ecology center and the location for the city's waste management program's operations center. Biodegradable wastes in this area are converted to fertilizers.[157] 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.[158]
In a joint study conducted by theSupreme Court of the Philippines and theUnited Nations Development Programme in July 2003, assessing inmate and institutional management among selected municipal and city jails in theNational 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 in the outbreaks of various ailments such as psychiatric disorders, pulmonary tuberculosis, and skin diseases. TheBureau of Jail Management and Penology recommends the implementation of release programs under applicable laws.[159]
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of Valenzuela is located along Valenzuela Hall of Justice in barangay Karuhatan.[160] It was formerly located at the old city hall in barangay Maysan which was transferred by mayorSherwin Gatchalian in 2010 along with other trial courts, the police headquarters and prosecutor's office of the city.[161] That same year, the BJMP launched the Alternative Learning System program, in partnership with the local government andDepartment 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.[162]
Expressways such as theNorth Luzon Expressway (NLEX) andNLEX Harbor Link project traverse through Valenzuela. Valenzuela is accessible to and from NLEX via the Paso de Blas Interchange, formerly known as Malinta Exit (due to the road's direct access to barangay Malinta), at Km. 28. It also has exits towards barangays Lingunan and Lawang Bato. Meanwhile, the Harbor Link project, where Segments 8.1 and 9 are components ofCircumferential Road 5, provides access to Valenzuela through its interchanges atMacArthur Highway (Karuhatan),Harbor Link Interchange with NLEX, andMindanao Avenue in barangay Ugong, as well as exits towards barangays Parada and Gen. T. de Leon.[163][164]
Valenzuela is also connected toBulacan throughMacArthur Highway, which ends atBonifacio Monument inCaloocan.
One of the well-known bridges in Valenzuela is the Tullahan Bridge in barangay Marulas that connects the city to barangay Potrero inMalabon.[55] Tullahan bridge is part ofMacArthur Highway that was built during the Spanish era as a way of transporting vehicles overTullahan River. In the span of years, it was renovated repeatedly, the most recent being in 2008, though defects on the bridge began to appear barely six months after it opened for public use.[165][166][167]
The city is webbed by hundreds of roads, where 99.622% of them have asurface type ofconcrete while the remaining 0.378% were made of dirt.[168] TheDepartment of Public Works and Highways recognizes nine national bridges in Valenzuela, listed below.[169] Other bridges are just minor ones that connect small cliffs and former landfill areas, like Malinta Bridge in barangay Malinta. City roads have an average road density of 1.155 kilometers of road per 100 square kilometers of land area. Each road has an average road section of 155 sections and spans 54.267 kilometers (33.720 mi).[168]
TheValenzuela Gateway Complex Terminal in Paso de Blas is designated by theMetropolitan Manila Development Authority as Manila's northern provincial bus terminal. Bus companies also founded terminals in Barangay Malanday, the northernmost locality of Valenzuela along the border withBulacan, 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 inAlabang orBaclaran with routes alongEDSA. Bus traffic is also dense at barangays Paso de Blas and Bagbaguin due to their proximity to the Paso de Blas Interchange and bus terminals inNovaliches,Quezon City. Other modes of transportation includesjeepneys (with routes usually from Malanday toRecto,Santa Cruz,Divisoria,Pier 15 South Harbor &T. M. Kalaw in Manila and Grace Park & Monumento in Caloocan and Malinta toMalolos City,Baliwag andSanta Maria along MacArthur Highway) for general mass transportation,tricycles (ortrikes) for small-scale transportation andtaxicabs for upper middle classes.
There are noairports andports in Valenzuela.
Valenzuela istwinned with the following towns and cities:
Valenzuela has friendship links (with no formal constitution) with the following towns and cities. Agreements are usually forged towards industrial, cultural or academic exchanges and understanding.
Yangzhou, Jiangsu China[171][176]
Kauaʻi, Hawaii, United States[177]
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Geographic data related toValenzuela, Metro Manila atOpenStreetMapPlaces adjacent to Valenzuela, Metro Manila | ||||||||||||||||
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Authority control databases: Geographic |
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