Valenzuela, Metro Manila facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Valenzuela
Highly urbanized city
Dr. Pio Valenzuela Museum Arkong Bato Valenzuela People's Park San Diego de Alcala Parish Church National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Flag Seal
Motto(s):  "Tayo na, Valenzuela!" "Valenzuela, May Disiplina"
Anthem: Himig Valenzuela Valenzuela Hymn
Map of Metro Manila with Valenzuela highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Valenzuela Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
Province	none
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	November 12, 1623
Cityhood and HUC	December 30, 1998
Founded by	Juan Taranco and Juan Monsód
Named for	Pío Valenzuela
Barangays	33 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	47.02 km2 (18.15 sq mi)
Area rank	119th of 145 cities
Elevation	22 m (72 ft)
Highest elevation	109 m (358 ft)
Lowest elevation	-5 m (−16.4 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	714,978
• Rank	11th of 145 cities
• Density	15,205.8/km2 (39,383/sq mi)
• Households	193,025
Demonym(s)	Valenzuelaño Valenzuelano Valenzuelaña Valenzuelana
Economy
• Income class	1st city income class
• Poverty incidence	1.50 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 5,041 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 11,432 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 4,836 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 4,820 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)02
Native languages	Tagalog
Website	valenzuela.gov.ph

Valenzuela is a busy city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It's known as a highly urbanized city, which means it's a big, developed area with lots of people and businesses. In 2020, about 714,978 people lived here.

Valenzuela is the 6th most populated city in Metro Manila and the 11th most populated in the entire Philippines. It's located about 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of Manila, the capital city. Valenzuela is a landlocked city on Luzon. It shares borders with the province of Bulacan and the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, and Quezon City. The Tenejeros-Tullahan River also forms a border with Malabon. The city covers an area of 45.75 square kilometers (17.66 sq mi). Most of its residents are Tagalog people, with a smaller number of Bicolanos and people from other countries.

The city is named after Pío Valenzuela, a doctor and a key member of the Katipunan. This was a secret group that fought against the Spanish government. Before 1960, the city was called Polo. It became a town in 1621. A famous battle during the Philippine–American War happened in Polo in 1899. In 1960, part of Polo was separated and named Valenzuela. But later, in 1963, the two parts rejoined and kept the name Valenzuela. The city as we know it today officially became a chartered city in 1998.

What's in a Name?

In Spanish, Valenzuela means "little Valencia." The city was named after Pío Valenzuela y Alejandrino, a doctor and a hero from the Katipunan. He was one of the main leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896. He even served as a temporary leader for the Katipunan.

Before 1960, Valenzuela was called Polo, which is where Pío Valenzuela was born. The name Polo comes from the Tagalog word pulô, meaning "island" or "islet." Even though the area wasn't a real island, it was surrounded by rivers, making it feel like one.

A Look Back: Valenzuela's History

Spanish Times (1565–1898)

During the Spanish colonial period, the area that is now Valenzuela was part of Bulacan province. It was known as Polo and included several large farms called haciendas.

The old town of Polo (1623-2023).

In 1621, Polo became its own town, separate from Meycauayan. This happened thanks to a friar named Juan Taranco and a local leader, Don Juan Monsód. They wanted Polo to have its own church. The town's founding day, November 12, was chosen because it was the feast day of their new patron saint, St. Didacus of Alcalá. The first church was finished in 1632.

Later, in 1753, a new town called Obando was created from part of Polo. It was named after the governor-general at the time.

From 1762 to 1764, the British took over Manila. The Spanish government fled through Polo. British soldiers followed and explored nearby areas. Many local people hid in the forests and sadly died from malaria. When the British left, the people returned on May 12, 1763. This day is now celebrated as the feast of St. Roch, or San Roque, to remember those who died.

In 1869, Pío Valenzuela, the city's namesake, was born in Polo. He joined the Katipunan in 1892. He became a key leader and helped print Ang Kalayaan, the group's newspaper.

In 1892, the Manila-Dagupan Railway opened, passing through several barrios of Polo. This helped the town grow.

In 1896, the Philippine Revolution against Spain began. Polo joined the fight. Many residents were killed by the Spanish, especially in Malinta.

American Rule (1899-1946)

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

After the Spanish–American War, the Americans took over the Philippines. Pío Valenzuela was appointed as the first municipal president of Polo in 1899.

During the Philippine–American War in 1899, Polo saw heavy fighting. A major battle happened in Malinta on March 26, 1899. Filipino forces fought bravely against the Americans.

In 1910, the Americans built a stone arch, the Arkong Bato, to mark the boundary between Bulacan (where Polo was) and Rizal.

The Stone Arch in Arkong Bato was built by Americans in 1910. It marked the boundary of the old town of Polo.

The Manila North Road opened in 1928, making Polo a new gateway. The town slowly changed from farming to industry, with factories like the Balintawak Beer Brewery opening.

Japanese Occupation (1942-1945)

During Second World War, the Japanese took over Polo. Many people were killed, and the Balintawak Beer Brewery was used to make ammunition. On December 10, 1944, the Japanese massacred over a hundred men in Polo and Obando.

When the Philippines was liberated, parts of Polo were burned. The old bridge connecting the northern and southern areas was destroyed. The Japanese left the town on February 11, 1945.

After Independence (1946-Present)

In 1947, San Miguel Beer bought the Balintawak Beer Brewery. The old Spanish church was never fully rebuilt, but its bell tower and entrance arch still stand. A new church was built next to the ruins.

On July 21, 1960, President Carlos P. Garcia divided Polo into two towns: Polo and Valenzuela. But this division caused problems, so on September 11, 1963, President Diosdado Macapagal reunited them, naming the new town Valenzuela.

In 1975, Valenzuela became part of Metro Manila, moving from Bulacan province.

Becoming a City

On February 14, 1998, President Fidel V. Ramos signed a law that made Valenzuela a highly urbanized chartered city. This law also divided the city into two legislative districts. On December 30, 1998, Valenzuela officially became the 12th city in Metro Manila.

In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared July 11 as Valenzuela Day, celebrating Pío Valenzuela's birthday. However, in 2008, the city's charter day was moved to February 14. Today, Valenzuela celebrates Valenzuela Day on February 14 and Valenzuela Foundation Day on November 12.

Valenzuela's Location and Landscape

Satellite image of Valenzuela.

Valenzuela is located at 14°40′58″N 120°58′1″E. It is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of Manila. Manila Bay, a major port for trade, is about 16.3 kilometers (10.1 miles) west of the city. Valenzuela is bordered by Obando and Meycauayan in Bulacan to the north. To the west is Navotas, to the south is Malabon, and to the east are Quezon City and Caloocan.

The highest point in Valenzuela is 38 meters (125 ft) above sea level, found in the industrial area of Canumay. The city generally has a gentle slope, with an average elevation of 2 meters (7 ft) above sea level.

The Tenejeros-Tullahan River, also called Tullahan River, separates Valenzuela from Malabon. The river got its name from tulya (clam) because there used to be many clams there. Sadly, the Tullahan River is now very polluted. It is considered one of the dirtiest rivers in the world. In the past, it had mangrove trees, fish, and crabs, and children used to play in it.

To help the river, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the local governments of Valenzuela and Malabon are working with private groups to clean it up.

Heavy rainfall and high tides can cause flooding in Valenzuela. This is due to climate change and poor drainage. Floods can last for weeks, leading to health problems like dengue and leptospirosis. The city needs better warning systems for heavy rains.

City Divisions: Barangays and Districts

Political map of Valenzuela

Valenzuela is divided into 33 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has a leader called a punong barangay and a council of 7 members called mga kagawad. Young people in each barangay also have a council called the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), led by an SK chairperson and 7 SK kagawads.

At the national level, Valenzuela has two congressional districts. The first district is in the northern part of the city and has 24 barangays. The second district is in the southern part and has 9 barangays. These districts are represented by members in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.

Valenzuela's Climate

Valenzuela's weather is much like Manila's because they are close. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) calls Valenzuela's climate Type I. This means winds from the Pacific Ocean are mostly blocked by the Sierra Madre mountains to the east.

The city is near the equator, so temperatures don't change much. It's usually between 20°C (68°F) and 35°C (95°F). However, high humidity can make it feel much hotter. Valenzuela has two main seasons: a dry season and a wet season.

Humidity is often high in the mornings, especially from June to November. This makes it feel warmer. The lowest humidity is usually in the evening during the wet season. May and June are the most uncomfortable months due to heat and humidity. April gets the most sunlight, while July, August, and September get the least.

Plants and Animals in Valenzuela

Valenzuela used to be covered in grasslands, perfect for farming. But as the city grew, many grassy areas became roads and buildings. However, the government is working to keep green spaces. They have built community vegetable gardens and techno-demo farms. In 2003, there were two such farms.

The plants and animals in Valenzuela are common ones found in Luzon. This includes farm animals. A two-hectare mangrove/swampy area in Malanday was made an ecotourism site. Every year, about 100 types of migratory birds, like black-crowned night herons, visit this area. Other native birds like moorhens, swamphens, and Philippine ducks are also seen. Wooden viewing decks are built for people to watch and count birds. As of 2020, this ecotourism site has changed, with houses built nearby.

In 2007, regular fishing ponds in Tagalag and Coloong became popular fishing spots. Fishing tournaments are held yearly to attract tourists and help local businesses.

In 2008, a special court was created in Valenzuela to handle environmental cases.

Who Lives in Valenzuela?

People from Valenzuela are called Valenzuelano (for males) or Valenzuelana (for females). Sometimes, it's spelled Valenzuelaño.

In 2020, Valenzuela had 714,978 people. This makes it the 7th most populated city in Metro Manila and the 13th in the Philippines. The population grew by 7.8% from 2010 to 2020.

The five barangays with the most people are Gen. T. de Leon, Marulas, Malinta, Ugong, and Karuhatan.

In 2010, there were slightly more males than females in Valenzuela. About 66.7% of residents were between 15 and 64 years old, which is the working-age group. The rest were younger or older.

Valenzuela's Culture and Traditions

The City's Official Song

"Himig Valenzuela" is the official song of the city. It is sung during flag ceremonies in schools and government offices, along with the Philippine national anthem. Edwin Ortega composed the hymn to promote unity and patriotism among the city's people.

A city rule (Ordinance number 18) says that all citizens must sing the hymn at meetings and public events.

Feasts and Holidays

Valenzuela celebrates two important days:

• February 14 is Valenzuela Day, a special non-working holiday. It celebrates the day Valenzuela officially became a city in 1998.
• November 12 is the city's Foundation Day. This day remembers when the town of Polo was first established in 1623.

Each barangay in Valenzuela also has its own feast day. Many celebrations happen in May and April to honor patron saints and good harvests.

• On April 26, Barangay Isla holds a santacruzan and the Santa Cruz Festival. A santacruzan is a procession that remembers St. Helena's discovery of the cross.
• 

  A historical marker for San Roque ng Pulo.
• The Mano Po, San Roque Festival is celebrated every May 12 in Mabolo. In Valenzuela, San Roque is also known as the patron saint for unmarried people. Many stories say that single girls who dance and pray in the procession find their future husbands during the festival. This festival is similar to the Obando Fertility Rites. It also celebrates the town's victory after the British left the country following the Seven Years' War.
• The Feast of San Diego de Alcala is on November 12 in Poblacion. This celebrates the oldest church in Valenzuela. It includes boat races, street dancing, and other fun activities. As part of this feast, there's a unique food festival featuring the famous putong Polo. This small rice cake was first made in Polo and won an award in 1931 for its taste and long shelf-life. The Putong Polo Festival includes a parade with artistic creations made from the rice cake.

Valenzuela's Economy

San Miguel Brewery Inc. - Polo Brewery

Valenzuela has become a diverse city with people from all over the country. It used to be a farming area, but now it's a major business and industrial hub in the Philippines. Many industries have moved to the city's central areas.

Places to Visit in Valenzuela

Valenzuela has many attractions for both residents and visitors.

• The Valenzuela City People's Park is a large park next to the city hall in Karuhatan. It has a dancing fountain, an area for exercises, gardens, a children's playground, animal displays, and an amphitheater for events.
• The Valenzuela City Family Park, also in Karuhatan, is another nature-focused open space that's free to the public. It has a playground, interactive fountain, aviary, fitness machines, an amphitheater, and a food park. It's also friendly for pets, bikes, and people with disabilities.
• The Polo Mini Park opened in 2020. It's a historical park with old trees, a fountain, a memorial for war veterans, and statues of Pío Valenzuela and José Rizal. It's a place for relaxation and a reminder of the city's history.
• Arkong Bato means "arch of stone" in English. It was built by Americans in 1910 to mark the boundary between Bulacan and Rizal. Today, it marks the border between Malabon and Valenzuela.
• The Harry C. Egbert Memorial is in Malinta. It's a monument to Brigadier General Harry Clay Egbert, an American officer who was badly wounded here during the Philippine–American War in 1899.
• The Museo Valenzuela (Valenzuela Museum) was once the home of Dr. Pío Valenzuela. This museum shows artifacts that tell the story of the city's past and its growth.
• The Libingan ng mga Hapon (Japanese Cemetery) is a cemetery for Japanese soldiers who died during the Philippines Campaign in 1944–45.
• The National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is an important religious site. It houses a wooden statue of Our Lady of Fatima. This statue was one of fifty blessed by Pope Paul VI in 1967. It played a role in the People Power Revolution in 1986. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated on March 7 and May 13.
• The old Residence of Pío Valenzuela in Pariancillo Villa was where Dr. Pío Valenzuela lived and died. This house was a secret meeting place for the Katipunan. The original house was burned during World War II, and the current one was built after the war.
• The San Diego de Alcala Church and its bell tower were built in 1632. Only the bell tower and entrance arch remain from the original church, as the main building was destroyed during the Japanese occupation. The feast day of San Diego de Alcala is celebrated every November 12 with the putong polo festival.
• The Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church in Malanday was built in 1994. It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos.
• The Valenzuela Astrodome is a large multi-purpose sports stadium in Dalandanan. It hosts sports events, concerts, and other activities.
• The Tagalag Fishing Village in Barangay Tagalag is a hidden gem with a 1.3-kilometer (0.81 mi) boardwalk. You can enjoy recreational fishing, bird watching, boating, and watching the sunset here.
• The Valenzuela boardwalk is a 1.3-kilometer (0.81 mi) walkway and bike trail along a flood dike. It connects Barangays Coloong, Tagalag, and Wawang Polo. It was opened in September 2024.

City Services

Education in Valenzuela

The main building of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela in Malinta.

The entry marker for Valenzuela City Polytechnic College in Parada.

The Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Science in 2014.

Valenzuela works with schools and organizations to provide good education through its "WIN ang Edukasyon Program". This program helps fund computer labs in schools and gives computers to colleges like Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) and Valenzuela City Polytechnic College (VCPC). It also helps improve sidewalks and build new classrooms.

The program also trains math and English teachers for younger students. This helps improve reading, language, and math skills.

PLV, the city's public university, was founded in 2002. It is expanding to welcome more students. VCPC, a technical school, also receives funds for upgrades.

There are also private schools and universities, like Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU).

Healthcare Services

Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital in Dalandanan.

ACE Valenzuela

Valenzuela has several hospitals, including the city-run Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital and Valenzuela Medical Center. Private hospitals include Calalang General Hospital, Sanctissimo Rosario General Hospital, and Fatima University Medical Center. A new Valenzuela City West Emergency Hospital and Dialysis Center is being built in Dalandanan to help residents with affordable healthcare.

The city has a "VC Cares Program" to help people who need healthcare or basic necessities. This program offers financial aid and connects people to other services.

Because of swampy areas and the polluted Tullahan River, residents can be at risk for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. Valenzuela often ranks high in dengue cases in the Philippines. To fight dengue, the Department of Health has given free anti-dengue nets to schools.

Shopping and Utilities

One Mall Valenzuela in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon

SM Supercenter Valenzuela (now SM City Valenzuela) opened in 2005. Other shopping places include Puregold Valenzuela and South Supermarket. These stores offer a variety of products. For bigger shopping needs, people often go to larger malls in nearby cities like Quezon City and Manila.

Water supply in Valenzuela comes from Maynilad Water Services, Inc.. Most homes have water service, and the water pressure is usually strong enough to reach two floors.

In 2010, Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School in Ugong became the first school in the Philippines to use solar generators. These solar panels provide electricity for classrooms and store extra energy in batteries. This project helps the city use clean energy.

Waste Management

Valenzuela has many recycling companies, especially for plastic materials. The city government spends money to collect and transport waste. In 2003, the city produced about 307.70 tons of waste daily.

In 1988, the Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite opened to collect and process about 60% of the city's waste. In 2006, this dumpsite was closed and turned into a sanitary landfill.

About 60% of the city's waste is collected and dumped, 5% is recycled, and 35% is thrown elsewhere. Half of the waste is non-biodegradable, like plastics, while the other half is biodegradable, mostly food and plant waste.

In 1999, Valenzuela became the first area in Metro Manila to have a full waste management program. It set aside a 2.8-hectare land in Marulas as an ecology center. Here, biodegradable waste is turned into fertilizer. The city also bought new garbage trucks to improve waste collection.

Justice and Safety

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Valenzuela is located at the Valenzuela Hall of Justice in Karuhatan. It moved there in 2010, along with other courts and police offices. The BJMP also offers an Alternative Learning System program for inmates, helping them complete their secondary education.

Getting Around Valenzuela

North Luzon Expressway southbound lane in Barangay Canumay West

MacArthur Highway in Barangay Malanday

Major highways like the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and NLEX Harbor Link pass through Valenzuela. You can access NLEX from the Paso de Blas Interchange. The Harbor Link project also provides access to Valenzuela through interchanges at MacArthur Highway and Mindanao Avenue.

Valenzuela is also connected to Bulacan by MacArthur Highway.

The Tullahan Bridge in Marulas connects Valenzuela to Malabon. It's part of MacArthur Highway and has been renovated many times.

Most roads in Valenzuela are made of concrete. The city has many roads, with an average density of 1.155 kilometers of road per 100 square kilometers of land.

The Valenzuela Gateway Complex Terminal in Paso de Blas is a main bus terminal for buses going north of Manila. Bus companies also have terminals in Malanday, Dalandanan, and Karuhatan. These buses usually go to destinations in Metro Manila like Alabang or Baclaran.

Other ways to get around include jeepneys for longer routes and tricycles for shorter trips within barangays. Taxicabs are also available.

Valenzuela does not have any airports or ports.

Valenzuela's Connections with Other Places

Valenzuela has "sister city" relationships with other towns and cities. These partnerships help with cultural, academic, and business exchanges.

Country	Place	Region / State	Date
South Korea	Bucheon	Gyeonggi	2006
Philippines	Santa Cruz	Marinduque	2008
Philippines	Narvacan	Ilocos Sur	2012
Philippines	Angeles	Pampanga	2012
Philippines	Altavas	Aklan	2012
Philippines	Koronadal	South Cotabato	2012
Philippines	Bayugan	Agusan del Sur	2012
Philippines	Alabat	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Buenavista	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Calauag	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Candelaria	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Catanauan	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Dolores	Quezon	2012
Philippines	General Nakar	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Guinayangan	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Gumaca	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Infanta	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Jomalig	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Lucban	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Macalelon	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Padre Burgos	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Pagbilao	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Perez	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Sampaloc	Quezon	2012
Philippines	San Antonio	Quezon	2012
Philippines	San Narciso	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Sariaya	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Unisan	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Taraka	Lanao del Sur	2012
Philippines	Malinao	Albay	2012
Philippines	Quezon	Quezon	2012
Philippines	Batangas	Batangas	2012
Philippines	Luna	La Union	2012
Philippines	Calapan	Oriental Mindoro	2012
Philippines	Allen	Northern Samar	2012
Philippines	Kananga	Leyte	2012
Philippines	Navotas	Metro Manila	2013
Philippines	Marilao	Bulacan	2013
Philippines	Santa Maria	Laguna	2013
Philippines	Mina	Iloilo	2014
Philippines	Daet	Camarines Norte	2014
Philippines	Mercedes	Camarines Norte	2014
Philippines	Dumangas	Iloilo	2014
Philippines	Cabatuan	Iloilo	2014
Philippines	New Lucena	Iloilo	2014
Philippines	Pambujan	Samar	2014
Philippines	Lavezares	Northern Samar	2014
Philippines	Sagay	Camiguin	2014
Philippines	Hernani	Eastern Samar	2014
Philippines	Jose Panganiban	Camarines Norte	2014
Philippines	Vinzons	Camarines Norte	2014
Philippines	Labo	Camarines Norte	2014
Philippines	San Antonio	Nueva Ecija	2014
Philippines	Legazpi	Albay	2014
Philippines	Bustos	Bulacan	2014
Philippines	San Vicente	Northern Samar	2014
Philippines	Laoag	Ilocos Norte	2015
Philippines	Urdaneta	Pangasinan	2015
Philippines	San Fernando	La Union	2015
Philippines	Panglima Sugala	Tawi-Tawi	2015
Philippines	Goa	Camarines Sur	2016
Philippines	Baliwag	Bulacan	2016
Philippines	Cuenca	Batangas	2016
Philippines	Natonin	Mountain Province	2017
Philippines	Rizal	Cagayan	2017
Philippines	San Mateo	Rizal	2017
Philippines	Bulan	Sorsogon	2018
Philippines	Capoocan	Leyte	2018
Philippines	Oroquieta	Misamis Occidental	2019
Philippines	Dao	Capiz	2019
Philippines	La Paz	Abra	2019
Philippines	Bongabong	Oriental Mindoro	2019
Philippines	Pandan	Antique (province)	2020

Friendship Links

Valenzuela also has informal friendship links with other places. These links often lead to exchanges in industry, culture, or education.

• Yangzhou, Jiangsu China
• Kauai, Hawaii, United States

Famous People from Valenzuela

See also

In Spanish: Valenzuela (Gran Manila) para niños