NEWS

November 17, 2025

Valenzuela City Kicks Off National Children's Month 2025 with Parada ng Pangarap, Inaugurates New Pamilyang Valenzuelano Park

Valenzuela City led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, in partnership with Unicef Philippines, officially kicked off National Children's Month 2025 with an engaging celebration, showcasing this year's theme "Safe Spaces, Strong Families: Batang Ligtas, Batang Masaya!" The event featured the Parada ng Pangarap parade, a vibrant gathering of children and families that celebrated the dreams and aspirations of Valenzuela's youth. This year's theme underscored the importance of creating safe, nurturing environments for children, as well as strengthening family support systems. The celebration also included the blessing and inauguration of the new Pamilyang Valenzuelano Park located in Barangay Malinta that serves as a testament to the city's commitment to child safety and well-being, November 15, 2025.

The Parada ng Pangarap was a key highlight of the day, with children and families marching together to celebrate their collective hopes for a better future. This festive event also set the tone for the State of the Children Address delivered by Mayor WES, where he outlined the city's ongoing efforts to ensure a safe environment for Valenzuela's children. One such effort that was highlighted was the recognition of the Galing Pook Award received by the Valenzuela City Child Protection Center for its excellence in child welfare services.

Located at Sitio Pinalagad in Barangay Malinta, the park is part of a broader initiative to transform underutilized urban spaces into valuable community assets. With a total cost of PhP 20 million and spanning 3,688 square meters, the park is designed to be a safe and engaging space for children and families. The park includes facilities such as a mini amphitheater, themed park sections, rubberized playsets, paved walkways, and seating areas, all of which contribute to creating a space where families can bond, children can play, and the community can come together.

NLEX Corporation has been a key partner in turning previously idle spaces beneath the highways into productive, family-friendly environments. The Pamilyang Valenzuelano Park is just one of several projects aimed at revitalizing these underused areas. In the past, NLEX and the city have successfully launched other initiatives such as the Skate and Paw Park located in Barangay Karuhatan, which also repurposed idle spaces into recreational hubs for the community. These projects demonstrate a shared vision between the city and NLEX Corporation to make neglected spaces more useful and accessible to the public, particularly for children and families.

In his address, Mayor WES said "Ang araw na ito ay makabuluhan dahil dalawa ang ating selebrasyon, unang una, ang pagbubukas ng Pamilyang Valenzuelano Park. Pangalawa, ang ating selebrasyon ng National Children's Month. It is our honor to be chosen by Unicef as the first pathfinding city in the country, that's why we are thanking all our partners in making these possible. Noong 2017, ay binuksan natin ang Child Protection Children. Noong 2022, ay marami na tayong kasong naipanalo, marami na tayong naipakulong. At noong 2024 ay inilagay natin ang ating focus sa child protection kaya naman nabigyan tayo ng prestihiyosong Galing Pook Award."

Also joining the event were Vice Mayor Marlon Alejandrino and the City Council, Valenzuela First District Representative Congressman Kenneth Gatchalian, NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Mr. Luis ReƱon, Unicef Philippines Chief for Child Protection Ms. Patricia Lim Ah Ken, representatives from the Council for the Welfare of Children, Valenzuela Children's Federation, Valenzuela Young Heroes, Valenzuela DigiChamps, and Valenzuela Local Council for the Protection of Children.

Through these efforts, Valenzuela City continues to innovate in urban planning, creating spaces that are both functional and enjoyable for residents, while also promoting the well-being of every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

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