Mayor REX Gatchalian, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) president Nedeña Toralba and city officials led the reopening of the Valenzuela City Center for the Performing Arts Auditorium on June 5, after six months of renovation “to continue its mission of ensuring the preservation of the local culture and to develop the talents of Valenzuela’s youth for visual and performing arts.”

According to Arch. Glenn Encarnacion, assistant head of the City Engineering Office, the renovation done by the city government on the two-tier, 438-seat facility includes the change of seats and carpet, removal of dilapidated materials, repainting, installation of new stage lights, vinyl and ceramic tiles, new ceiling and electrical works. The renovation costs P5,499,444.20.

Mayor REX Gatchalian went to the reopening show, “A Night of Talents” and said that it is a proof that Valenzuelanos can rise up after facing a big tragedy.

“I learned that the concept of being a Valenzuela resident is bigger than any tragedy,” Gatchalian said.

On May 13, a footwear factory in Brgy. Ugong, Kentex Manufacturing Corporation was razed by a fire that killed 72 workers.

Mayor Gatchalian thanked the guests and city officials who attended the opening night, saying their presence demonstrated the city’s desire to shine in the field of culture and performing arts.

“Ang ganitong klaseng mga proyekto ay proyekto na pinamamalas kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging Valenzuelano. We are not just known as a city na magaling pagdating sa mga trabaho sa City Hall, kundi ang siyudad na ito’y dahan-dahang nakikilala bilang siyudad na marunong magpakitang gilas pagdating sa sining at kultura (This kind of projects shows what it means to be a Valenzuela resident. We are not just known as a city that tops when it comes to work in the City Hall, but this city is also slowly getting known as a city that knows how to do its best in culture and the arts),” Gatchalian said.

A showcase of talents followed the speech, singing, acting and dancing, by the students and teachers of the recently concluded Arts in the City summer classes held on the PLV annex campus.

The VCCPA auditorium is located beside the main campus of PLV. It was first opened to the public in 2006 under Mayor WIN Gatchalian to serve as the center of arts and culture development in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) region.

The auditorium was built under Executive Order 2006-036 which sought to encourage the young people of Valenzuela to promote greater interest in culture and the arts.