Valencia, Negros Oriental facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Valencia
Municipality
Municipality of Valencia
Palinpinon Geothermal Power Plant in Barangay Puhagan
Flag Seal
Map of Negros Oriental with Valencia highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Valencia Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Negros Island Region
Province	Negros Oriental
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Barangays	24 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
Area
• Total	147.49 km2 (56.95 sq mi)
Elevation	275 m (902 ft)
Highest elevation	1,276 m (4,186 ft)
Lowest elevation	21 m (69 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	38,733
• Density	262.614/km2 (680.17/sq mi)
• Households	9,255
Economy
• Income class	1st municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	15.59 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 222.1 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 1,279 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 237.6 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 517.3 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Negros Oriental 2 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	6215
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)35
Native languages	Cebuano Tagalog
Named after	Valencia, Spain

Valencia, officially known as the Municipality of Valencia, is a first-class town in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. In 2020, about 38,733 people lived there.

Valencia is located about 10 kilometers west of Dumaguete, which is the biggest city and capital of the province. In 2007, Valencia was named the "greenest and cleanest" town in Negros Oriental.

The town celebrates its patroness, Our Lady of the Abandoned, every year on October 12. This day is a special holiday for the town.

History of Valencia

Valencia was first called Ermita, which means "a quiet, secluded place." This was because people used it as a safe spot from pirates. In 1856, the Spanish changed its name to Nueva Valencia. This was to honor Father Matias Villamayor, a priest from Valencia, Spain. He even brought a special fountain from his hometown, which you can still see in front of the Town Hall today.

In 1920, the town was renamed Luzuriaga. This was to thank Don Carlos Ruíz de Luzuriaga, a leader from Negros island. He promised to help improve the town. However, in 1948, the town went back to being called Valencia.

During World War II, a place called Malabo in Valencia was the secret headquarters for the Free Government and the resistance movement in Negros Oriental.

Geography and Climate

Valencia covers an area of about 147.49 square kilometers. About 35% of the land is flat, while 65% is mountainous. The town's elevation is usually between 200 and 500 meters above sea level. The highest point is the top of Mount Talinis, which is 1,903 meters high. The weather in Valencia is generally cool, especially in the higher areas.

This region is also very important for water supply in Negros Oriental. It provides plenty of drinking water to Valencia and nearby towns.

Barangays of Valencia

Valencia is divided into 24 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has its own smaller sections called puroks and sometimes sitios.

Valencia's Weather Patterns

Population and Languages

The most common language spoken in Valencia is Cebuano. People also widely speak Hiligaynon, Tagalog, and English.

Valencia's Economy

Valencia Industrial Park

Lanzones fruits grown in Valencia are exported to other towns.

Valencia's economy mainly relies on agriculture. Farmers grow important crops like abaca, copra, corn, flowers, and vegetables. They also grow unique fruits such as lanzones and rambutan.

The town is also home to a large geothermal power station. This station is run by the Energy Development Corporation. It creates electricity for Negros, Panay, and parts of Cebu. The local government receives money from the power station, which helps the community.

The Palinpinon 2 Geothermal Optimization Project in Valencia is a big source of clean energy. It helps power many provinces in the central Philippines. Because of this, Valencia receives funds that are used for local projects like education and helping people earn a living. Many people living in Valencia also work in the nearby city of Dumaguete.

Fun Things to See and Do in Valencia

Casaroro Falls

• Filipino-Japanese Amity Memorial Shrine - This shrine is at the foot of Mount Talinis. It marks the place where Filipino and American soldiers fought against the Japanese army during World War II.

• Tejero Highland Resort and Adventure Park - This resort offers lots of fun activities. You can try a dual zipline, ATVs, a segway, and even an Aquazorb. There are also natural pools, a restaurant, and a hotel. It's very close to Dumaguete and is a popular spot for tourists.

• Casaroro Waterfalls - This is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the province. It's surrounded by green plants and natural rock formations. The cool water flows into a swimming hole.

• The Forest Camp Resort - This large camping ground has cottages, a tree house, and a big hall for events. It's a great place for camping and enjoying nature.

• The Spanish Fountain - Located in the town plaza, this old fountain has a unique design. It was once the main source of water for the town, bringing water from an upland spring.

• Cata-al War Memorabilia - This is a private collection of items from World War II. It includes old bombs, grenades, money, and parts of military uniforms. It's like a small museum run by a survivor of the war.

• Filipino-American-Japanese Amity Shrine - This pillar on a hilltop represents the friendship between the Philippines, America, and Japan. It was built in 1977.

• Banica Swimming Lagoon - Also known as Tejeros resort, it has two man-made pools filled by the Banica River.

• Malabo/Pulangbato Falls - This spot is great for swimming and diving. It's known for its reddish rocks.

• Red Rock Hot Spring - A natural dipping pool with warm water.

• Mount Talinis - This tall mountain (1,903 meters) is part of the Cuernos de Negros mountain range. It has several volcanic lakes and a wide variety of plants and animals.

• Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park - This protected area near Mount Talinis surrounds two beautiful crater lakes.

Schools in Valencia

The public schools in Valencia are managed by the Schools Division of Negros Oriental.

Elementary Schools

High Schools

• Balugo National High School — Balugo
• Pulangbato National High School — Pulangbato
• Pulangbato National Senior High School — Palinpinon
• Valencia National High School — Bong-ao
• Valencia NHS - Dobdob Extension — Dobdob

Private Schools

• Colegio de San Pedro-Recoletos (formerly San Pedro Academy) — Rizal Street, South Poblacion
• Dumaguete Kalikasan Educational Center, Inc. — Bong-ao
• San Pedro Academy-Recoletos — Caidiocan