Valenzuelanos got the much-needed relief from the escalating prices of basic commodities through a three-day special trade fair organized by the City Government to offer at discounted prices schools supplies, uniforms and other goods needed for the schools re-opening.

Dubbed as “Bagsak Presyo para sa Balik-Eskwelang Valenzuelano,” the trade fair offered products like school supplies – from notebooks to pencils; school uniforms; gears – from bags to shoes, canisters and drinking bottles; and pambaon food items.  All at up to 50 percent price mark down.

It was made possible through a partnership with local businesses.  “Mayor WIN talked to companies which business lines are related to schooling.  They all agreed to sell their products at discounted prices for the noble cause of helping the Valenzuelano parents who are confronted by the high prices of sending their children to school,” Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager, Luningning Martin who led organizing the trade fair.

Due to the rising costs of schooling, often times, after enrolling or registering their children, parents are left with little money for the basics, like school supplies and uniforms.  “This is our little way of helping stretch their little budget without settling for less quality products.  These products were chosen for their reputation in the market.  Excellent products that are “Tatak Valenzuela.”  This is another way of ensuring our children’s right to education,” City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian said.

“Pumunta kami dito [sa trade fair] dahil mas malapit ito kaysa Divisoria, pero nagulat kami dahil talaga palang mura ang mga paninda dito at marami pang mgabranded.  (We opted to go here because we find it more convenient than going to Divisoria, but we were surprised to find branded products at really low prices.)” said Mrs. Riza Fontillas, a mother of five grade schoolers from Barangay Marulas.

Although, the products were sold at lower prices, the businesses were not hurt because their overall sale totalled to PhP 1.7 Million.  One garment company even sold more than half a million pesos, a testament that the trade fair was a success, not just for the consumers, but for the business owners as well.

This pro-active project to uphold education in the city was participated in by the following partner companies:

1. PRIMEDALE FASHIONS, INC. - Shirts, Shorts, Sandos, etc.
2. PAPER ONE, INC. - School Supplies
3. NATION PAPER PRODUCTS - School Supplies
4. OUR SHOES & SANDALS - Shoes
5. TUPPERWARE BRANDS PHILS., INC. - Plastic lunch boxes
6. KING SUE - Ham, Sausages and Hotdog
7. ARNOLD LOUIE GENERAL MERCHANDISE - Dry Goods
8. C POINT SHOES STORE - Shoe
9. CENTURY PACIFIC GROUP (Argentina) - Canned Goods
10. MARISA'S FOOD
11. SOPHIE PARIS' PHILS., INC. - Bags for Men and Ladies
12. LATECO TRADING - San Miguel Purefoods Products
13. CONSOLIDATED PAPER PRODUCTS CORPORATION - School Supplies
14. BOB MAR'S SHOES - Shoes
15. AVONDALE GARMENTS, INC. - HANGTEN PRODUCTS (Shirts, etc.)
16. CDO FOODSPHERE CORPORATION - Tocino, Ham, Sausages, Hotdog, etc.
17. PATINO GARMENTS - Men's Slacks, School Uniform, Pencil Cases, Undergarments, Bags, etc.
18. JESLIN ENTERPRISES - Kentucky Under garments, etc.
19. SAMAHANG KABABAIHAN NG MARULAS - Tocino, Longanisa, Embutido, Peanut Butter, etc.
20. LIZLET OVER-RUN GARMENTS - Uniforms, T-Shirts, Accessories, etc.
21. POWER PACKS MANUFACTURING COMPANY (Illustrazio) - Back Packs, School Bags & School Supplies
22. 3-KC SHOES MANUFACTURING COMPANY - Men's Leather Shoes, Bags, etc.
23. CADEY'S - Sipao and Siomai
24. PHILIPPINE SPRING WATER RESOURCES, INC. (Nature's Spring) - Bottled Mineral Water
25.  POLAND HOPIA - Hopia, Lumpia, etc.
26. FRITZE & SANDALS - Shoes, Sandals, etc.
27. JAMES LEATHER CRAFT - Wallet, Belt, etc.
28. LAMOIYAN - Hapee Toothpaste, etc.
29. NATASHA BODEGA SALE - School Supplies, Undergarments, etc.        

In relation to the City’s preparation for the schools re-opening, the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) headed by its Chief P/SSUPT Atty. Wilben M. Mayor ensured police visibility near schools through OPLAN Balik Eswela.  The local precincts are also in full alert to receive and respond to cases involving students safety.

Likewise, the City finished constructing a total of 49 new classrooms for public elementary and high schools in time for the new school year.