NEWS

July 11, 2025

Valenzuela City Commemorates Dr. Pio Valenzuela’s 156th Birth Anniversary

In celebration of the 156th anniversary of the birth of Valenzuela City's very own hero and founding father and in honor of his unparalleled contributions, the city government held a flag-raising ceremony and a flower-laying at the monument of Dr. Pio Valenzuela in the city hall grounds, July 11.

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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CITY GOVERNMENT OF VALENZUELA
The City Hall, MacArthur Highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
info@valenzuela.gov.ph