Dedicating its anniversary in homage to history and progress, the City of Valenzuela commemorates its 400th founding anniversary with several programs and festivities for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos; which shall take place at the historical San Diego de Alcala Church and Casa de Polo, November 12, 2023.

It is the highly-anticipated day for the City of Valenzuela, rooted in Pueblo de Polo’s  – which the city was first known as – founding date, November 12, 1623. Prior to the momentous day, the local government kicked off months-long programs and activities for the Pamilyang Valenzuelano to set the tone for the celebration.

As a way of gratitude and honor to the city's 400 fruitful years, a concelebrated mass took place at San Diego de Alcala church this morning, providing the anniversary day a blessed start.

On the other hand, Valenzuela's international sister city since 2008, Bucheon City of South Korea, had delegates from its local government pay a visit to the city for the Commemoration of 15 Years of Sisterhood and to join in with the anniversary celebration last November 11, 2023. They will tour around Valenzuela City’s historical and iconic places such as Casa de Polo, Tagalag Fishing Village, Valenzuela City Library, and Museo ni Dr. Pio Valenzuela, to name a few. This study tour shall last for three days, from November 11 to 13.

Alongside, the Valenzuela City Library officially opened its special section, the “Bucheon Special Lounge” featuring the resource collection courtesy of Bucheon City in a special turnover ceremony. Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-eek and other delegates from the sister city also engaged in the signing of the Agreement on Promotion of Friendship Exchange, which fortifies the relationship and camaraderie between the cities.

On the day of its anniversary, November 12, Mayor Cho Yong-eek and other Bucheon delegates joined Mayor WES Gatchalian and the city officials in the blessing of Casa de Polo and the inauguration of Museo de Polo for the Araw ng Valenzuela. Casa de Polo is a heritage-themed events space that complements the historical structures of the old town Polo. Meanwhile, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted for Museo de Polo, which is a museum adjacent to Casa de Polo, which showcases various artworks that depict the vibrant history of Polo before it became the renowned industrial city, Valenzuela.

Vice Mayor Lorie and Senator WIN Gatchalian shared a welcoming message for the Valenzuelanos. Meanwhile, Mayor Cho Yong-eek also expressed his aspiration to strengthen the partnership of Valenzuela City and Bucheon City in the future.

In his message, Mayor WES Gatchalian conveyed his joy to be a part of this milestone that the City has achieved. “Ako nga po ay lubos na naga-galak, dahil ang pagdiriwang natin ng once-in-a-lifetime na 400th Founding Anniversary, ay naganap sa aking unang termino bilang Alkalde ng ating mahal na Lungsod. Talaga nga pong nakaka-taba ng puso, dahil ako ay naging bahagi ng nata-tanging kaganapang ito. Kaya kami po sa Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Valenzuela, ay ibinuhos ang lahat ng aming maka-kaya upang maging espesyal, at hindi malilimutan ang selebrasyong ito.”     

To make Araw ng Valenzuela most memorable, the Awarding of Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela to ten (10) notable Valenzuelanos across different fields was also held on this day. Honoring Valenzuelanos for their invaluable contributions and outstanding work in their respective professions, this awarding  ceremony has been up and running for several years.

The following awardees for this year’s Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela are the following:

1. Roderick Alo | Culture and Arts | Barangay Dalandanan
2. Mark Joseph Bartolome | Social Media | Barangay Malanday
3. Cecilio at Maria Teresa Bilog | Sports | Barangay Gen. T. De Leon
4. Elizabeth Chongco | Community Service | Barangay Bisig
5. Yolanda Dela Cruz | Entrepreneurship | Barangay Canumay West
6. Allan Gepty | Government Service | Barangay Palasan
7. Jonathan Manalo | Music | Barangay Gen. T. De Leon
8. Adoracion Pacia | Police Service | Barangay Tagalag
9. Alexander Jorge Pingol | Visual Arts | Barangay Malinta
10. Jose Tecson (Posthumous) | Military Service | Barangay Marulas

For the past two months, the local government has cooked numerous huge events to joyously commemorate the milestone that the city has achieved. Last September, the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony was conducted. Bands and artists took the stage for rock 'n roll night for Valenzuelanos in Oktoberfest held last October. The Polo Fiesta also has several pocket festivities happening daily since November started. 

However, the celebration continues. A couple of events to look forward to by the end of the month and onwards are the following: Industry Night, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee table book launch, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar. These activities in line were all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos. 

Highlighting the theme of "History and Progress", this 400th founding anniversary tells the tale of how Valenzuela came to be; from its humble beginnings as an agricultural town to its transformation as a highly urbanized, industrial, and globally competitive city that it is known today. The city firmly believes that in order to carry on with its greatest achievements in the future, the citizens must always take inspiration from the journey it went through — 400 years and so on.

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