Following the declaration of state of public health emergency in the Philippines due to COVID-19, the City Government of Valenzuela proactively implements programs to help Valenzuelanos in these trying times founded by the best practices the City is known for.

Starting with the cancellation of events and mass gatherings, the City has also intensified daily monitoring and communication efforts to make sure that the entire City is ready as it now records its first positive case of COVID-19. Below is the timeline of activities Valenzuela has undertaken since the declaration of public health emergency last March 09, 2020.

March 10

• Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) made rounds on different malls and commercial establishments, making sure that students are not spotted in public spaces.
• Activated barangay health emergency response teams (BHERT) to monitor possible COVID-19 cases.

March 11

• No visitor policy implemented at the Valenzuela City Jail, Bahay Kalinga and Bahay Pag-Asa.

March 12

• Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance (Ord. No. 669 S. 2020) passed in Valenzuela City, setting buying capacity limits for individual consumers and business owners.
• The City identifies “Balay Banyuhay,” the City’s first drug rehabilitation center, as a central isolation unit for COVID-19 cases.
• Public facilities and centers such as the Valenzuela Special Education Center (VALSPED), underwent cleaning and disinfecting of therapy materials, assistive devices and furniture.

March 13

• An inter-faith dialogue was conducted in Valenzuela City to coordinate the preventive measures for COVID-19
• The City’s Inter-Agency COVID-19 Task Force gathers for the re-briefing on public health protocols and referral system of possible COVID-19 cases based on DOH guidelines.

March 15

• Fourteen (14) portalets and ten (10) handwashing stations were completely set up at the Malanday-Meycauayan checkpoint. Thermal screening, passenger limit and social distancing strictly followed.

March 16

• Mayor REX steps out of self-quarantine after testing negative to COVID-19.
• Day Care Teachers joined the monitoring team of the Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance.
• The City Mayor also urgently meets with all Valenzuela barangay captains to impose the Stay At Home Ordinance of the City which includes strict implementation of the curfew from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM. The following executive orders were signed immediately:
  • EO 2020-056: Implementation of precautionary measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in all establishments
  • EO 2020-057: Immediate temporary closure of all courts, halls, clubhouses of all Homeowner's Association or private subdivisions
  • EO 2020-058: Restricting minors and students from entering computer rental shops, arcades, and gambling lounges
  • EO 2020-059: Mandating the cancellation of all mass weddings
  • EO 2020-061: Mandating the immediate closure of all city parks, barangay-operated basketball courts, 3S function rooms, gatherings, meetings, etc.
  • EO 2020-062: Implementing the temporary restriction on all forms of gambling activities
  • EO 2020-063: Implementing the temporary suspension of the franchise to operate the cockpit arena of Sanal Amusement Corporation

March 17

• Several apprehensions in some barangays were made for those who violated the curfew to stay at home from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM.
• The City has announced that all building owners, contractors and construction professionals are instructed to stop all construction activities immediately.
• LGU provides transportation to all public health workers and medical personnel in the City.

March 18

• Modular tents and beds were set up at the Valenzuela City Astrodome as the City’s second isolation center for the management of COVID-19 cases.
• The City meets with different grocery and supermarket owners to speed up the distribution scheme of food packs.

March 19

• Valenzuela City confirms its first positive case of COVID-19.
• The City capacitates its City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) by adding fifteen (15) more trained personnel.
• The Clean and Green Division – Disinfection Team continues to conduct surface disinfection of public markets and 3S Centers.
• A meeting with different labor union groups was conducted as the City aims to collaborate with the groups to identify workers for food allocation.
• 8th City Council holds its 6th Special Session in further preparation for COVID-19

March 20

• Food voucher distribution process laid out for food pack distribution starting next week

Looking into a positive future, Mayor REX also reminds fellow Valenzuelanos to maintain social distancing, practice proper sanitation and hygiene and above all, follow the rules and laws set forth by the national government and cooperate with the City Government of Valenzuela in maintaining peace and order in the City, ensuring that Department of Health guidelines will be strictly followed in managing COVID-19 cases.

For suspected cases of COVID-19, please call the Valenzuela City COVID-19 Hotline at 8352-5000.

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