Fostering historical pride on Valenzuela City’s 401st Founding Anniversary!

Marking another historical structure in the city, the City Government of Valenzuela — headed by Mayor WES Gatchalian — through the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), unveils the Simbahan ng Polo historical marker on its 401st Founding Anniversary and Feast day of San Diego de Alcala, Tuesday, November 12, 2024. 

401 years ago, November 12, 1963, marks the establishment of the Simbahan ng Polo [Polo Church] and Pueblo de Polo [now Valenzuela City]. On the same day, the Feast of San Diego de Alcala was commemorated in observance of giving thanks for his unconditional love and guidance to the residence of Polo. 

His Eminence, Most. Rev. Jose Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, presided over the Concelebrated Mass. Along with the devotees of San Diego de Alcala, Mayor WES Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Councilors Niña Lopez, Marlon Alejandrino, Ricar Enriquez, and Ghogo Deato Lee joined the celebration. Moreover, the San Diego de Alcala Parish Hermana Mayor 2024, Ms. Belinda Bernardino Bartolome spearheaded the nine-day event. This includes processions, Pasikatan 2024: Battle of the Bands, medical mission, dinner for a cause, and Pagalingan 2024: Marching Band Competition, among others. 

As part of the month-long celebration of the 401st Founding Anniversary of Valenzuela City, through the efforts of the city’s Cultural Affairs and Tourism Development Office (CATDO), Valenzuela City received its fourth (4th) NHCP marker following the Pio Valenzuela located at his residence in Brgy. Pariancillo Villa (1966; 2023), the Labanan sa Malinta [Battle of Malinta] in Brgy. Karuhatan (2013), and the Punong Himpilan ng Operasyong Militar sa Maynila [Old Polo Train Station] in Brgy. Dalandanan (2015). 

The Simbahan ng Polo [Polo Church] is the oldest historical structure in the city and was recognized as a City Landmark and Cultural Treasure through City Ordinance No. 49, Series of 2003. This newly marked heritage is a significant tourist attraction established by the Franciscans that imprints the strong Christianity in the Philippines and the hardships of the Filipinos during Spanish colonization. The late Dr. Pio Valenzuela — a local hero and the city’s namesake — was also baptized in this church on July 12, 1869, and the mass for blessing his remains on April 8, 1956. 

This momentous event was led by the Most. Rev. Dennis C. Villarojo, D.D., Bishop of Malolos and NHCP Chairperson Mr. Regalado Jose, Jr.; and witnessed by Hon. Mayor WES Gatchalian and NHCP Executive Director Ms. Carminda Arevalo. 

Further, this aims to enrich the city's culture and traditions and pass them on to future generations, especially the Valenzuelanos.

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