The cornerstone of Dengue Prevention and Control is the effective vector control measures. This is through intensifying clean-up drive activities at the barangay level, prioritizing the 10 barangays where most cases were noted. It includes elimination and destroying potential breeding sites of mosquito vector (Search and Destroy) along with the amplification of practicing the 5S strategies (Search and Destroy, Self-Protect, Seek Consultation, Support Fogging in Outbreak Areas, and Sustain Hydration) in the community with strict weekly monitoring and evaluation of the office.

There were 273 Dengue cases and three (3) deaths reported in the city between January 1 to January 31, 2025, which were received from different reporting institutions. This is 101% higher compared to the same period last year (136) of which the majority were found in 10 barangays of the city.

From February 1 to February 17, 2025, 83 cases and no death/s were reported from different reporting institutions which is 60% higher compared to the same period last year (52). An increase in cases is still palpable. However, compared to the number of cases from January 1 to 31, 2025, there is a decrease in cases in the first two weeks of February which signifies the impact of the interventions applied which started in the first week of the same month (February 2025).

The noticeable downward trend of cases anchored to a multipronged strategy may reflect the effectiveness of the interventions against Dengue Fever. However, the City Health Office will continue to further its efforts to maintain this progress and win against Dengue Fever.
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The local government distributed 33 fiber-made rescue boats—one for each barangay—to strengthen the city's rescue response during storms and floods. This initiative ensures that every barangay in Valenzuela is better prepared whenever major flooding occurs. Additionally, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO) acquired two mobile water filtration trucks to provide safe drinking water to affected areas during calamities and disasters.

Each barangay received a rescue boat, equipped with two paddles and two life jackets to ensure safer operations during emergencies. The fiber material was specifically chosen for its durability and resistance to damage, making the boats reliable for high-risk operations such as retrieval, flood monitoring, and evacuee rescue. The local government hopes that the equipment will serve the community for many years to come.

The mobile water filtration trucks can hold up to 1,000 liters of water and are intended to provide potable water to evacuees during typhoons and floods. These trucks will be strategically deployed to evacuation centers and communities experiencing water shortages, ensuring accessible clean water for those affected by natural disasters. Meanwhile, two mobile shower units, one for each district, will be deployed to supply clean water to communities. This initiative serves as the local government's immediate response to the water scarcity issues caused by last year's extreme heatwave, attributed to global warming.

During his speech at the turnover and blessing ceremony, Mayor WES emphasized the importance of being adequately prepared for crises. He stated, “Ipanalangin po natin na sana ay hindi natin magamit ang mga ito (rescue boats). Gayunpaman, kung sakali mang magkaroon pong muli ng matinding bagyo ay handa na rin tayo, kahit papaano. Ito pong 33 fiber glass boats ang pinaka gamit na gamit sa tuwing may rescue operations po ang mga barangay po sa ating lugar.” [Let us pray that we won't have to use these rescue boats. However, if another severe storm hits the city, we are prepared. These 33 fiberglass boats are the most utilized equipment during barangay rescue operations.]

In addition to the turnover of rescue equipment, Physicians for Peace Philippines extended support to the city by allowing students from Valenzuela City Technological College (ValTech) to use their mobile biomedical van for prosthesis production studies. This partnership provides students with hands-on experience in prosthetics manufacturing, addressing the growing need for accessible rehabilitation services within the community. Over the next two years, students will have access to the van, potentially paving the way for Valenzuela City to establish its own prosthetics specialization program.

The event was graced by Physicians for Peace Philippines Chairman Dra. Josephine Bundoc, Dra. Marilyn Liwanag from the Valenzuela City Health Office (CHO), VCDRRMO Head Dr. Arnaldo Antonio, Liga ng mga Barangay President Councilor Mario San Andres, and Punong Barangays.

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An infrastructure project under Mayor WES Gatchalian’s #ProyektongKakaiba, the City Government cements its liveability by inaugurating the Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park — the two, new recreational parks dedicated to skateboarding enthusiasts and fur parents and their beloved pets. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting took place at the Valenzuela City Skate Park located near the NLEX Harbor Link along MacArthur Highway at Barangay Karuhatan.

Welcoming another fruitful year of cityhood, the City of Valenzuela celebrated its 27th Charter Day by opening the Valenzuela Skate & Paw Park as one of its headliner activities this February.

Mayor WES spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of the marker for the parks. He was joined by Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja and other city officials, MPTC President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Arrey Perez, NLEX, SKATE Pilipinas, and Valenzuela Skate Organization.

Mr. Tong Facundo, Vice President of Skate Pilipinas and Co-founder of the Valenzuela Skateboarders Organization, expressed his gratitude for LGU and NLEX's support in creating this skate park project, which will keep the skateboarder community alive and thriving.

President and COO of MPTC/NLEX, Mr. Arrey Perez also shared a message and his beliefs that the new parks could train and hone young talents: “Nakikita ko dito, Mayor, na this [Valenzuela Skate Park] is one of the springboard ng mga future Olympians natin.”

Mayor WES Gatchalian conveyed the vision of repurposing empty spaces into meaningful hubs. “Dito sa Valenzuela, nakikita ho natin na ang mga lugar sa ilalim po ng mga flyover at mga pocket areas sa city ay napapakinabangan natin; napapaganda natin, at name-make use natin sa mga magagandang programa natin tulad ng ating Skate at Paw Park.”

To formally open these brand-new spaces, the city government tied up with SKATE Pilipinas and held the exhibition of the champions of the 1st Mayor WES Skateboarding Competition, which commenced the finals last February 13. Several finalists showcased exhilarating skateboarding tricks using the Valenzuela City Skate Park facilities. The awarding of the top 3 winners of the competition ensued with the first prize winner winning PHP 15,000; the second prize winner receiving PHP 7,000; and the third prize winner with PHP 3,000.

Simultaneously, the Valenzuela City Paw Park also conducted a dog obedience demo, featuring trained dogs demonstrating skills with their trainers. Fur parents and their fur babies are also in for a treat with several booths doing free giveaways of pet products and other promo items.

Finishing the look of the two new recreational hubs, the city government also hosted a Mural Art Competition where different Valenzuelanos worked to create colorful murals upon different posts, with each design showcasing the vibrancy and liveability of Valenzuela City. 5 winners of the said competition bagged different cash prizes and gifts: the first prize winner received PHP 50,000; the second prize PHP 40,000; the third prize PHP 30,000; the fourth prize PHP 20,000; and the fifth prize PHP 15,000, respectively.

These recreational parks are a joint project between the City Government of Valenzuela, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and North-Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation; which intends to reclaim empty spaces near the NLEX Harbor link and transform them into purposeful spaces where Valenzuelanos can freely conduct their physical activities – such as skateboarding and cycling – and spend their leisure time with their beloved pets.

The Valenzuela City Paw Park spans a total floor area of 533.30 square meters which houses amenities that every Pamilyang Valenzuelano can freely use, including a Paw Activity Area, Paw Picnic Area, Sitting Area, Concrete Walkway, and a Bike Parking Area. A total of PHP 8,000,000 of the project cost was allotted for the completion of the park.

Meanwhile, the Skate Park contains specially curated facilities dedicated to skateboard enthusiasts which they can use in their practice and leisure time. Amenities present in the park are as follows: Quarter Pipe Ramps, Stair Sets, Skate Bowl, Fun Boxes, Handrails, Flat Rails, Grind Boxes, Hubbas, Sitting Benches, and Bike Racks. The floor area stretched to a total of 2,028 square meters, from a lot area of 3,969 square meters.

With several Valenzuelanos seeking a space dedicated to their outdoor activities — whether it be practicing their skateboarding techniques or spending quality time with their beloved pets — the City Government of Valenzuela sought a solution to provide safe havens for such activities where they can relax and enjoy their time to their heart’s content.

These conducive places bring the community together and develop meaningful connections with each other through their shared passions and interests — making Valenzuela City a liveable and enjoyable place to be.

The Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park are now open to the public daily, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

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Initiated under President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which aims to provide accessible and sustainable housing for Filipino families, the phase 3 of the project will initially consist of five (5) three-story buildings with a total of 240 housing units, amounting to PhP 292,243,645.70 in investment. This marks another step forward in Valenzuela City’s vertical housing efforts, providing decent and secure housing for residents in need. With the first batch of the first and second phases successfully completed and turned over in 2023 and 2024, respectively, the entire CMP Vertical Housing Project is set to feature 34 buildings with a total of 1,632 housing units upon full development.

Beyond housing, the city is also enhancing accessibility to government services within the community. A 3S Center spanning 2,490 square meters is currently under construction within the housing site, ensuring beneficiaries have convenient access to various local government services without having to leave their residential area.

The groundbreaking ceremony underscores the strong collaboration between the national government and the City Government of Valenzuela in addressing housing challenges and promoting inclusive urban development. With the support of the Office of Senator WIN Gatchalian, this project is part of a broader initiative to provide sustainable housing solutions that uplift the lives of Pamilyang Valenzuelanos and strengthen community resilience.
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