The incident stemmed from a report received by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) regarding a foul odor emanating from a creek that connects Barangay Lingunan and Barangay Veinte Reales. In response to the call, a conglomerate inspection team of staff from CENRO, the City Sanitation Office, staff from the involved barangay, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) was sent to verify the report received from the resident. During their assessment, they traced the foul odor from the creek to an oil leak originating from MAXIMA Steel Mills Corp. The leak has caused a lingering unpleasant smell, sparked multiple public complaints, and poses an immediate risk to waterways and public health.

In this regard, due to the possibility of even more severe impacts of the oil spill to the community, CENRO recommended to the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) that the said establishment be closed immediately—which was promptly acted upon by the City Mayor issuing an Executive Order. The signed EO states the immediate closure and potential infractions the facility may face through CENRO’s recommendation;

• Violation of Tax Ordinance No. 92-012 “For operating without necessary permit” as a manufacturer (steel bars);
• Violation of PD 856 (Code of Sanitation of the Philippines), Chapter XIX, Sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.5: Creation of public nuisance through noxious odors and harmful effluent;
• Violation of RA 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004), Section 27 (a), 27 (b), 27 (d): Unauthorized discharge of pollutants, release of untreated effluents, and use of concealment methods; and
• Violation of RA 9483 (Oil Pollution Compensation Act of 2007): Unlawful dumping of oil into inland waters and strict liability for cleanup and damages. 

On the other hand, considering the possible health risks associated with noxious gases, polluted water, and other environmental impacts, the City Health Office focused on three key areas of intervention: distribution of facemasks, the supply of necessary medications, and the provision of targeted health education.

In a discussion between Mayor WES Gatchalian and the management team of MAXIMA Steels, it was agreed to temporarily close the facility until they can comply with the requirements of the city government. The closure order, although temporary, is an initial step for the accused to address the problem presented to them. Their operations will be temporarily suspended until the issue is addressed and the effects on health and water caused by the oil leakage are resolved.

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The declaration was issued based on the formal recommendations of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) and barangays which reported widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and community disruption.

At the height of the flooding, more than 9,000 individuals were rescued and evacuated to temporary shelters by the Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the City Health Office. These offices led the city’s emergency response operations, ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of affected residents.

The declaration of a State of Calamity enables the swift utilization of local disaster funds, the provision of emergency assistance, and the acceleration of recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas. It also facilitates coordination with national agencies and humanitarian partners for the delivery of needed support.

Through these efforts, the city government aims to ensure that every Pamilyang Valenzuelano would be able to recover and rebuild with strength and dignity. Relief operations and health services continue in evacuation centers, while post-flood assessments are being conducted to guide the next phase of recovery and rehabilitation.

To assist stranded commuters, the City Government also launched Libreng Sakay operations along heavily affected routes, ensuring safe and free transportation to and from key areas. These efforts have helped maintain mobility and access to essential services during the height of the storm’s impact.

     In his video message uploaded on Facebook, Mayor WES said “Hindi po natin pwedeng baliwalain ang epekto nitong bagyo sa ating mga manggagawa at marginalized sector, kaya naman idineklara ma natin ang state of calamity dito sa ating lungsod. Nananawagan po ako sa ating mga kababayan na maging alerto at makiisa, sapagkat ang ating kolektibong pagkilos at responde ay higit na kinakailangan ng ating mahal na lungsod.”

Amid the ongoing response, the City Government remains on heightened alert as continuous rains brought by Typhoon Dante and Typhoon Emong may cause additional flooding and damages. All relevant offices are on standby for further emergency deployments and assistance should the weather situation worsen.

The City Government of Valenzuela remains committed to protecting its constituents and ensuring a fast and effective response as the city works toward restoring normalcy in the affected communities.

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In accordance with Resolution No. 1159, Series of 2018 — which was issued by former Mayor REX Gatchalian in the same year — a temporary right-of-way was granted for the benefit of the people residing behind Disiplina Village Bignay. Residents were given temporary road access to the route that connects DV Bignay to the “Clarete Compound”, also known as Monte Ricardo, to serve as their entry and exit point. The resolution grants access for an indefinite period. Alongside, there was another road access adjacent to private property owned by ASA Real Estate Development Corp., which also served as an alternate route for the pedestrians residing in both DV Bignay and “Clarete Compound”.

On March 20, 2023, Bignay Punong Barangay Garcing Victoriano, the Housing Resettlement Office (HRO), Office of the Building Official (OBO), ASA Real Estate Development Corp., and Mr. Joel Clarete of the “Clarete Compound” commenced a coordination meeting. This meeting informed the concerned offices and residents of the compound that ASA Real Estate Development Corp. will no longer permit road access through their private property for safety and security purposes. A year later, on March 15, 2024, ASA Real Estate Development Corp. released a letter formally closing the road access; therefore, rendering the road access granted by the LGU as the gateway point for the residents.

Due to the influx of reports of incidents directly affecting the safety and security of DV Bignay residents, Mayor WES Gatchalian, alongside HRO, visited and inspected the site last June 19, 2024. He convened with the residents and Mr. Joel Clarete to further reiterate the laws and emphasize the need for strict compliance.

With the resurgence of reports concerning gang-related violence, crimes, and unruly behavior occurring in the DV Bignay and “Clarete Compound” area, last February 6, 2025, Mayor WES called for a General Assembly with Mr. Joel Clarete and residents to discuss their responsibility in securing the area. In order to reinforce the safety, peace, and order in DV Bignay, the whole community of DV Bignay and Clarete Compound agreed on a 6-month grace period for them to secure another permanent roadway to pass through, as the local government will issue a formal closure order of the temporary

road access. Several meetings were held between the Valenzuela LGU and residents from June 2024 to February 2025 to discuss updates regarding their compliance.

Alongside the reported crime incidents, several violations were cited as evidence for issuing a formal closure order for the temporary road access.
1. According to OBO, the said developments in Clarete Compound did not possess proper permits. It was found that Monte Ricardo, Joel Clarete, or Gilbert Rivera had no business permit from the City Government and no license to sell lots from DSHUD.
2. The development in the compound has no development permit or an approved subdivision, given that the alternate road access adjacent to ASA Real Estate Development Corp. was also closed as part of securing their private property.
3. Contrary to the claims from the residents of the Clarete Compound, there is an alternative access at the rear of their community. Thus, the DV Bignay is just more convenient to them.
4. Lastly, the ownership of the said development / community's property or lot is under Phil-Ville Development & Housing Corp. through a court decision and therefore, the entire ownership is not granted to Joel Clarete or to the community.

Phil-Ville Development and Housing Corp., in a statement released through a Facebook post dated July 20, 2025, reiterated its legal ownership over the 36,786 square meter property behind DV Bignay. According to the company, the land is covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. V-46934 was legally conveyed to Phil-Ville in 2006 through a Deed of Conditional Sale executed by the original registered owners. Legal challenges seeking to rescind the sale were dismissed at all judicial levels, including the Regional Trial Court, the Court of Appeals, and ultimately the Supreme Court, which upheld the validity of the sale.

Phil-Ville further emphasized that while it had offered to pay the balance of the purchase price, the refusal of the previous owners to complete the transaction has not invalidated their claim. The company is in possession of the title’s owner’s copy and continues to pay real property taxes on the lot. The public is warned against purchasing portions of the property from unauthorized individuals, as such transactions will not be recognized and may be declared null and void

The City Government of Valenzuela remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold safety, peace, and order across all its communities. At the same time, the city is also open for further discussions and collaborations for the continued inclusivity and progress of all stakeholders.

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The main graduation ceremony was held today, July 16, 2025, at the ALERT Multi-Purpose Center Hall, recognizing 297 completers from the regular ALS program, 33 at the elementary level and 264 at the junior high school level.

In addition, separate ceremonies were held on July 15 for ALS learners in specialized settings. At Balai Banyuhay, the city’s reformation center, 1 elementary and 7 junior high school learners completed their programs. At the Valenzuela City Jail, 1 elementary and 14 junior high school learners also graduated, marking an important milestone in their journey toward rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is a parallel learning system implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) to cater to out-of-school youth, adult learners, and others who may have been unable to finish basic education in a formal school setting. It offers flexible learning modalities, including face-to-face sessions, modular instruction, and digital learning.

In Valenzuela City, ALS implementation is supported by 79 ALS implementers across 47 Community Learning Centers located in different barangays. These centers serve as accessible venues for learning, empowering thousands of learners to complete their education and improve their opportunities in life and livelihood.

As Valenzuela City continues its commitment to the Valenzuelife campaign, initiatives like ALS remain a vital part of building an inclusive and empowering community where learning is lifelong, and no one is left behind.

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Dr. Pio Valenzuela was a member of the Katipunan's triumvirate—the other two were Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto. From 1892 until the start of the revolution in 1896, he played a significant part in the Katipunan's expansion. Dr. Pio Valenzuela, an ilustrado with a bright future as a doctor, could have lived a comfortable life, but instead he joined the Katipunan revolutionaries—exhibiting such fervour, conviction, and selflessness.

Dr. Valenzuela served as the first mayor of the municipality of Polo—now Valenzuela City—under the American occupation. He became the governor of Bulacan province in 1919 and served in the office until 1925, when he left politics to focus on his career as a doctor.

The city of Valenzuela, which continues to thrive over time, does not forget its roots and always draws lessons from its vibrant history to use in its present predicament. In line with this, some of the city government's projects are even named after Dr. Pio Valenzuela—one of which is the Dr. Pio Valenzuela Scholarship Program. In this educational program, financial assistance is provided to students who hope to pursue higher education. The aim of the program is to provide a little relief to the Valenzuelanos by easing the financial strain of educational expenses.

Moreover, through the Gatchalians, Dr. Pio Valenzuela's ancestral house was preserved and converted to a museum, which now caters to people wanting to experience even just a glimpse of his life. The museum is open to the public. It features various artifacts, documents, and exhibits that celebrate the life of Dr. Valenzuela and the broader struggle for Philippine independence. Visitors can explore curated galleries that showcase personal memorabilia, photographs, medical tools used by Dr. Valenzuela, and reproductions of Katipunan literature for free. Each room is designed not only to educate but also to evoke a sense of pride and reflection.

Dr. Pio Valenzuela has had a significant impact on Valenzuela City, both historically through his contributions to the Philippine Revolution and in terms of the city's current identity and development. His dedication to fighting for independence, as well as his role inside the Katipunan, established him as a key figure in Philippine history. Through the renaming of Polo to Valenzuela, the people of the city ensured that his legacy would never be forgotten. Today, as Valenzuela City continues to grow, Dr. Valenzuela’s spirit of determination, service, and patriotism remains a guiding force, underscoring the importance of his role not only in the past but also in shaping the future of the city.

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With a total budget of PhP 35,640,000, the initiative is a reflection of the city’s continuing commitment to its senior citizens, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a comfortable and dignified life. Beneficiaries include all senior citizens who were registered with the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) on or before April 30, 2025.

To ensure a smooth and organized implementation, rice gift vouchers were distributed house-to-house in advance by OSCA and barangay personnel. These vouchers indicate the date, time, and venue of the scheduled rice distribution, allowing beneficiaries and their families to prepare accordingly.

For senior citizens who may be unable to personally claim their rice packs, they may assign an authorized representative to claim on their behalf. The representative must present the Pasko sa Hulyo voucher, a valid ID of the claimant, an authorization letter signed by the senior citizen, and a valid OSCA-issued ID of the beneficiary.

The first day of distribution saw thousands of seniors and representatives gathered at designated barangay venues, many expressing gratitude for the city's continued support. With the assistance of OSCA, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and barangay councils, each site was carefully organized to provide a safe and efficient distribution process.

Mayor WES Gatchalian reaffirmed the city’s unwavering support for its elderly population, stating that Pasko sa Hulyo is not just about giving rice, it is a sincere expression of the city’s gratitude for its Lolos and Lolas who have helped build Valenzuela into what it is today. Through programs like this, he added, the city continues to build a more compassionate and responsive government, where every Valenzuelano regardless of age, can live a secure, supported, and meaningful life.

Only senior citizens who are residing in Valenzuela City and officially registered with OSCA as of April 30, 2025 are eligible to receive the 10-kilogram rice gift under this year’s Pasko sa Hulyo. As the program continues in the coming days, it stands as another testament to the city’s promise of delivering progressive and inclusive service in line with the Valenzuelife campaign.

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Mayor WES reported that the city’s health care is now guided by five focused agendas: availability of medicines, availability of doctors, affordability of health services, patient-centered care, and the improvement of health facilities. Under his leadership, the city increased its total health budget from PhP 88.7 million in 2024 to PhP 127.5 million in 2025, significantly enhancing access to essential medicines, especially for senior citizens who now receive a complete one-month supply of maintenance medicines for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol, antibiotics, and oral rehydration salts are now consistently available across all health centers.

The city also made major improvements in medical personnel deployment. From only 49 doctors in 2023, Valenzuela now has 82 doctors assigned full-time to health centers, exceeding the Department of Health’s standard of one physician per 20,000 population, with the city now achieving a ratio of one per 9,096. This expansion, complemented by increased numbers of nurses, dentists, and midwives, will drastically reduce wait times and ensure continuity of care in every barangay. Hiring continues for additional doctors, dentists, and support health staff.

Equally prioritized is affordability. Valenzuela City also continues to break barriers in access to health services by making all clinical laboratory tests and lying-in clinic services completely free of charge. This includes previously paid services such as urinalysis, complete blood count, normal delivery, and newborn screening. By removing these costs, the City ensures that no Valenzuelano is burdened with medical expenses at the most crucial moments, further reinforcing Mayor WES’ promise of health care without hassle or worry. In support of dignified treatment, health workers underwent the 3S in Public Service training — Service, Smile, and Sincerity — to reinforce patient-centered and courteous service. “Happy or Not” smiley feedback buttons were also introduced at health centers to directly gauge patient satisfaction and further improve service delivery.

Mayor WES also proudly reported the city’s aggressive health facility upgrades. From seven lying-in clinics, Valenzuela now has ten, with two more undergoing rehabilitation. Five new Sentro Health Hubs are set to rise in strategic barangays Mabolo, Karuhatan, Canumay West, Lawang Bato, and Mapulang Lupa, offering outpatient care, dental and maternal services, minor surgery, and basic laboratory testing, and will operate daily, including weekends and holidays. These hubs are complemented by renovations in existing facilities, such as improved waiting areas, fully air-conditioned hallways, and new dental chairs for 40 centers.

At the heart of the city’s health transformation is the soon-to-rise Valenzuela Health Ambulatory and Surgical Center, a PhP772 million three-storey, 16,000 square meter facility offering advanced ambulatory services, radiology, chemotherapy, physical therapy, women’s health care, and minor surgeries. Phase 1 is scheduled to open in June 2026, while Phase 2, a 100-bed Level 1 hospital, will begin construction in July 2026. This project is in partnership with AC Health and aims to provide specialized health services to more Valenzuelanos without the need to leave the city.

Beyond clinics, the City Government continues to support the health of public school students through mobile medical and dental vans, providing check-ups, medicines, and free eyeglasses for selected elementary pupils. Under the Workers Education and Skills Upgrade Program (WES-UP), over 600 Barangay Health Workers have already been certified by TESDA, elevating the standard of frontline health service delivery across communities.

“Health care na hindi hassle, serbisyo na walang kaba, ganyan sa Valenzuela,” Mayor WES declared, as he reaffirmed his commitment to building a health care system that leaves no one behind. The State of the Health Address underscored the City Government’s vision of progress that is inclusive, grounded on dignity, and responsive to the everyday needs of its people.

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Prior to the oathtaking, the closing session of the 9th city council was also held, where a resolution was passed giving tribute to outgoing three-termer councilors Ramon Encarnacion and Ricar Enriquez, and to outgoing Vice Mayor and incoming second district Councilor  Lorie Natividad-Borja for their exemplary and unwavering dedication to delivering public service to every Valenzuelano for 9 years. A congratulatory resolution was also passed congratulating Mayor WES Gatchalian for his second term, Vice Mayor Marlon Alejandrino, and Congressmen Kenneth Gatchalian and Gerald Galang for their new post as the representative of the first and second congressional districts of Valenzuela City respectively.

In his message, Mayor WES expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Valenzuela for the trust they have once again given him and his team. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue the transformation of Valenzuela into a more responsive, inclusive, and liveable city. The mayor underscored that the next three years will serve as a fresh start, fresh mandate, and a boost of energy to build a foundation of efficient governance, to make the city a more liveable city. Guided by the principles of Valenzuelife, a vision of a livable and empowered Valenzuela for all, he promised to intensify efforts to bring quality services closer to every barangay and to ensure that no sector is left behind.

Joining Mayor WES in leading the city are newly elected Vice Mayor Marlon Alejandrino, First District Congressman Kenneth Gatchalian, and Second District Congressman Gerald Galang. They will serve alongside the twelve members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, composed of Cris Feliciano-Tan, Ghogo Deato-Lee, Atty. Richard Enriquez, Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz, Kisha Ancheta, and Goyong Serrano from the First District; and Lorie Natividad-Borja, Niña Lopez, Sel Sabino-Sy, Chiqui Carreon, Mickey Pineda, and Louie Nolasco from the Second District. Together, this group of leaders will continue to work toward legislative measures and projects that support the city’s agenda in education, health, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.

The oathtaking ceremony served not only as a formal transition of leadership but also as a reaffirmation of the city’s collective commitment to good governance. With a renewed mandate and a unified team at the helm, the City Government of Valenzuela looks forward to continuing its momentum of progress, innovation, and service, always in line with Valenzuelife and in service to every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

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