Recognizing the urgency of the increasing number of cases of Dengue, through the instruction of Mayor WES Gatchalian, the City Health Office further implemented several actions to mitigate it, February 17.
The cornerstone of Dengue Prevention and Control is the effective vector control measures. This is through intensifying clean-up drive activities at the barangay level, prioritizing the 10 barangays where most cases were noted. It includes elimination and destroying potential breeding sites of mosquito vector (Search and Destroy) along with the amplification of practicing the 5S strategies (Search and Destroy, Self-Protect, Seek Consultation, Support Fogging in Outbreak Areas, and Sustain Hydration) in the community with strict weekly monitoring and evaluation of the office.
There were 273 Dengue cases and three (3) deaths reported in the city between January 1 to January 31, 2025, which were received from different reporting institutions. This is 101% higher compared to the same period last year (136) of which the majority were found in 10 barangays of the city.
From February 1 to February 17, 2025, 83 cases and no death/s were reported from different reporting institutions which is 60% higher compared to the same period last year (52). An increase in cases is still palpable. However, compared to the number of cases from January 1 to 31, 2025, there is a decrease in cases in the first two weeks of February which signifies the impact of the interventions applied which started in the first week of the same month (February 2025).
The noticeable downward trend of cases anchored to a multipronged strategy may reflect the effectiveness of the interventions against Dengue Fever. However, the City Health Office will continue to further its efforts to maintain this progress and win against Dengue Fever. ###
33 New Rescue Boats and 2 Water Filtration Trucks Turned Over to Boost Valenzuela’s Disaster Response
In celebration of Valenzuela City's 27th cityhood anniversary, the local government, led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, continues its proactive efforts to equip the city against potential calamities by providing new mobile water filtration trucks and rescue boats, on February 15.
The local government distributed 33 fiber-made rescue boats—one for each barangay—to strengthen the city's rescue response during storms and floods. This initiative ensures that every barangay in Valenzuela is better prepared whenever major flooding occurs. Additionally, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO) acquired two mobile water filtration trucks to provide safe drinking water to affected areas during calamities and disasters.
Each barangay received a rescue boat, equipped with two paddles and two life jackets to ensure safer operations during emergencies. The fiber material was specifically chosen for its durability and resistance to damage, making the boats reliable for high-risk operations such as retrieval, flood monitoring, and evacuee rescue. The local government hopes that the equipment will serve the community for many years to come.
The mobile water filtration trucks can hold up to 1,000 liters of water and are intended to provide potable water to evacuees during typhoons and floods. These trucks will be strategically deployed to evacuation centers and communities experiencing water shortages, ensuring accessible clean water for those affected by natural disasters. Meanwhile, two mobile shower units, one for each district, will be deployed to supply clean water to communities. This initiative serves as the local government's immediate response to the water scarcity issues caused by last year's extreme heatwave, attributed to global warming.
During his speech at the turnover and blessing ceremony, Mayor WES emphasized the importance of being adequately prepared for crises. He stated, “Ipanalangin po natin na sana ay hindi natin magamit ang mga ito (rescue boats). Gayunpaman, kung sakali mang magkaroon pong muli ng matinding bagyo ay handa na rin tayo, kahit papaano. Ito pong 33 fiber glass boats ang pinaka gamit na gamit sa tuwing may rescue operations po ang mga barangay po sa ating lugar.” [Let us pray that we won't have to use these rescue boats. However, if another severe storm hits the city, we are prepared. These 33 fiberglass boats are the most utilized equipment during barangay rescue operations.]
In addition to the turnover of res cue equipment, Physicians for Peace Philippines extended support to the city by allowing students from Valenzuela City Technological College (ValTech) to use their mobile biomedical van for prosthesis production studies. This partnership provides students with hands-on experience in prosthetics manufacturing, addressing the growing need for accessible rehabilitation services within the community. Over the next two years, students will have access to the van, potentially paving the way for Valenzuela City to establish its own prosthetics specialization program.
The event was graced by Physicians for Peace Philippines Chairman Dra. Josephine Bundoc, Dra. Marilyn Liwanag from the Valenzuela City Health Office (CHO), VCDRRMO Head Dr. Arnaldo Antonio, Liga ng mga Barangay President Councilor Mario San Andres, and Punong Barangays.
“Back-to-back Recreational Spaces, Now Open!” Valenzuela City Inaugurates Skate Park & Paw Park
Calling all pet lovers and skateboarding enthusiasts!
Making meaningful use of empty spaces by transforming them into liveable, vibrant hubs of recreation, the City of Valenzuela officially opens the Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park as part of its 27th Charter Day celebration, on February 15, 2025. These newly added recreational parks are situated near the NLEX Harbor Link at Barangay Karuhatan.
An infrastructure project under Mayor WES Gatchalian’s #ProyektongKakaiba, the City Government cements its liveability by inaugurating the Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park — the two, new recreational parks dedicated to skateboarding enthusiasts and fur parents and their beloved pets. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting took place at the Valenzuela City Skate Park located near the NLEX Harbor Link along MacArthur Highway at Barangay Karuhatan.
Welcoming another fruitful year of cityhood, the City of Valenzuela celebrated its 27th Charter Day by opening the Valenzuela Skate & Paw Park as one of its headliner activities this February.
Mayor WES spearheaded the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling of the marker for the parks. He was joined by Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja and other city officials, MPTC President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Arrey Perez, NLEX, SKATE Pilipinas, and Valenzuela Skate Organization.
Mr. Tong Facundo, Vice President of Skate Pilipinas and Co-founder of the Valenzuela Skateboarders Organization, expressed his gratitude for LGU and NLEX's support in creating this skate park project, which will keep the skateboarder community alive and thriving.
President and COO of MPTC/NLEX, Mr. Arrey Perez also shared a message and his beliefs that the new parks could train and hone young talents: “Nakikita ko dito, Mayor, na this [Valenzuela Skate Park] is one of the springboard ng mga future Olympians natin.”
Mayor WES Gatchalian conveyed the vision of repurposing empty spaces into meaningful hubs. “Dito sa Valenzuela, nakikita ho natin na ang mga lugar sa ilalim po ng mga flyover at mga pocket areas sa city ay napapakinabangan natin; napapaganda natin, at name-make use natin sa mga magagandang programa natin tulad ng ating Skate at Paw Park.”
To formally open these brand-new spaces, the city government tied up with SKATE Pilipinas and held the exhibition of the champions of the 1st Mayor WES Skateboarding Competition, which commenced the finals last February 13. Several finalists showcased exhilarating skateboarding tricks using the Valenzuela City Skate Park facilities. The awarding of the top 3 winners of the competition ensued with the first prize winner winning PHP 15,000; the second prize winner receiving PHP 7,000; and the third prize winner with PHP 3,000.
Simultaneously, the Valenzuela City Paw Park also conducted a dog obedience demo, featuring trained dogs demonstrating skills with their trainers. Fur parents and their fur babies are also in for a treat with several booths doing free giveaways of pet products and other promo items.
Finishing the look of the two new recreational hubs, the city government also hosted a Mural Art Competition where different Valenzuelanos worked to create colorful murals upon different posts, with each design showcasing the vibrancy and liveability of Valenzuela City. 5 winners of the said competition bagged different cash prizes and gifts: the first prize winner received PHP 50,000; the second prize PHP 40,000; the third prize PHP 30,000; the fourth prize PHP 20,000; and the fifth prize PHP 15,000, respectively.
These recreational parks are a joint project between the City Government of Valenzuela, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and North-Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation; which intends to reclaim empty spaces near the NLEX Harbor link and transform them into purposeful spaces where Valenzuelanos can freely conduct their physical activities – such as skateboarding and cycling – and spend their leisure time with their beloved pets.
The Valenzuela City Paw Park spans a total floor area of 533.30 square meters which houses amenities that every Pamilyang Valenzuelano can freely use, including a Paw Activity Area, Paw Picnic Area, Sitting Area, Concrete Walkway, and a Bike Parking Area. A total of PHP 8,000,000 of the project cost was allotted for the completion of the park.
Meanwhile, the Skate Park contains specially curated facilities dedicated to skateboard enthusiasts which they can use in their practice and leisure time. Amenities present in the park are as follows: Quarter Pipe Ramps, Stair Sets, Skate Bowl, Fun Boxes, Handrails, Flat Rails, Grind Boxes, Hubbas, Sitting Benches, and Bike Racks. The floor area stretched to a total of 2,028 square meters, from a lot area of 3,969 square meters.
With several Valenzuelanos seeking a space dedicated to their outdoor activities — whether it be practicing their skateboarding techniques or spending quality time with their beloved pets — the City Government of Valenzuela sought a solution to provide safe havens for such activities where they can relax and enjoy their time to their heart’s content.
These conducive places bring the community together and develop meaningful connections with each other through their shared passions and interests — making Valenzuela City a liveable and enjoyable place to be.
The Valenzuela City Skate & Paw Park are now open to the public daily, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
236 Valenzuelano Couples Nagpalitan ng “I Do!” sa Kasalang Bayan sa Valenzuela
May Forever!
Alinsabay sa pagdiriwang ng Araw ng mga Puso, nasa 236 Valenzuelano couples ang nagpalitan ng kanilang matamis na “I Do!” sa kanilang pag-iisang dibdib sa ginanap na Kasalang Bayan sa Lungsod Valenzuela, February 14, 2025
Ang Kasalang Bayan ay pinangunahan ni Mayor WES Gatchalian na nagpahatid rin ng kanyang mainit na pagbati sa mga bagong kasal na Valenzuelano. Sa kanyang mensahe, ibinida ni Mayor WES ang surpresa niyang libreng honeymoon para sa bawat couple sa pamamagitan ng Hotel Gift Certificate.
124 na couples mula sa District 1 at 112 na couples mula sa District 2 ang nagpalista sa taunang Kasalang Bayan ng Lungsod. Sila ay dumaan sa Family Planning Seminar at Marriage Counseling para sa kanilang Marriage License. Upang gawing mas espesyal ang kasalan, sagot din ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ang bridal bouquet ng mga bride, photo booth at picture bilang souvenir, buffet, at honeymoon ng mga couple.
Galing sa pagiging byudo at byuda, muli naman nakatagpo ng pag-ibig sa isa't isa sina Gng. Amelita, 68, at G. Rodrigo Buizon, 68, isa sa pinakamatandang couple na ikinasal ngayong araw.
Ang Kasalang Bayan sa Araw ng mga Puso ay taun-taon na selebrasyon sa Lungsod Valenzuela na bahagi ng mga serye ng pagdirirwang upang gunitain ang pagiging Lungsod nito, na nagdiriwang ng ika-27 Charter Day ngayong taon.
Ang Kasalang Bayan ay dinaluhan din nina Las Piñas Congresswoman Camille Villar, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, City Councilors, Mayora Tiffany Gatchalian, District Programs Director Kenneth Gatchalian, Dra. Katherine Martinez, at Former Councilor Rovin Feliciano.
SHFC, Valenzuela City Ground Breaks Phase 3 of the LAON HOAs Federation, Inc. - CMP Vertical Housing Project
As part of the 27th Charter Day celebration of Valenzuela City, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), in partnership with the City Government of Valenzuela led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, and in coordination with the Office of Senator WIN Gatchalian, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), officially broke ground today, February 12, for Phase 3 of the Laon HOAs Federation Inc. - CMP Vertical Housing Project in Barangay Veinte Reales.
Initiated under President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which aims to provide accessible and sustainable housing for Filipino families, the phase 3 of the project will initially consist of five (5) three-story buildings with a total of 240 housing units, amounting to PhP 292,243,645.70 in investment. This marks another step forward in Valenzuela City’s vertical housing efforts, providing decent and secure housing for residents in need. With the first batch of the first and second phases successfully completed and turned over in 2023 and 2024, respectively, the entire CMP Vertical Housing Project is set to feature 34 buildings with a total of 1,632 housing units upon full development.
Beyond housing, the city is also enhancing accessibility to government services within the community. A 3S Center spanning 2,490 square meters is currently under construction within the housing site, ensuring beneficiaries have convenient access to various local government services without having to leave their residential area.
The groundbreaking ceremony underscores the strong collaboration between the national government and the City Government of Valenzuela in addressing housing challenges and promoting inclusive urban development. With the support of the Office of Senator WIN Gatchalian, this project is part of a broader initiative to provide sustainable housing solutions that uplift the lives of Pamilyang Valenzuelanos and strengthen community resilience.
Valenzuela City Hall Services Brought Closer to Barangays at the Launch of “People’s Day sa Barangay” Caravan
In an effort to bring the City Hall Services closer and more accessible to the Pamilyang Valenzuelano from all of the barangays, the City Government of Valenzuela launched the “People’s Day sa Barangay” Caravan featuring various social services at Barangay Karuhatan on February 17, 2024.
Crowned with Glory and Honor: National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima Set For Canonical Coronation
AVE MARIA DE FATIMA! Another historical milestone unfolded for the City of Valenzuela as the city’s patron, the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima, was canonically crowned by the Vatican as the 55th Marian image in the Philippines. The sacred canonical coronation was presided over by Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Reverend Charles John Brown, D.D, and was held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Barangay Marulas, on February 25, 2024.
Devotees, pilgrims, and parishioners have gathered to venerate Our Lady of Fatima and to witness the Blessed Virgin Mary’s canonical coronation at the Parish of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Diocese of Malolos. The beloved Virgin Mary of Fatima was now known as the 55th Marian image canonically crowned by the Vatican in the name of the Pope.
This momentous event marks the history of Valenzuela as the home of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. In preparation for the canonical coronation, the Parish conducted activities in line with spiritual celebration. Last February 21, a Traslacion of the National Pilgrim Image to the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine) occurred, followed by a Holy Mass.
The next day, February 22, a solemn candlelight procession began from Tullahan Bridge to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. This day also marked the start of the Triduum Masses; solemn holy masses in preparation for the Canonical Coronation presided by the bishops and parishioners.
On the day of the coronation, the City of Valenzuela led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, welcomed the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, His Excellency, Most Reverend Charles John Brown, D.D., as the presider of the rites for Our Lady of Fatima’s canonical coronation and consecration of the Blessed Mother in a civic reception. Malolos Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo, D.D., Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, Jr., D.D., and twelve other bishops and archbishops had also joined the consecration.
During the Eucharistic Celebration, a reading of the Papal Decree took place; followed by the blessing of the rosary and crown before bestowing upon the image of Our Lady of Fatima. Succeedingly, the Papal Nuncio joined by the archbishops and bishops signed the Act of Coronation.
A canonical coronation is an institutional act from the Pope through a Papal decree wherein an ornamental crown is bestowed upon a sacred image of Christ or the Virgin Mary. This is to recognize that an image has imparted a significant contribution to the history of a certain locality; has garnered widespread devotion; and has manifested miracles upon the land. The crown symbolizes honor and glory, expressed in deep gratitude for the Blessed Virgin Mary’s divine intercession and compassion for the people.
Having arrived in the country in 1984, Our Lady of Fatima sparked devout faith amongst Filipinos as her image inspired and signified peace and hope in the nation. The well-beloved Virgin Mary of Fatima saw through several noteworthy events in the country, especially ones that shaped the history of the Philippines. The Blessed Mother played a significant role in the EDSA People Power Revolution; her sacred image was at the forefront of the peaceful movement for revolution. The miracle in the EDSA Revolution was profoundly believed as a divine intercession from the Holy One.
It was in the year 1999 that the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima was formally turned over to the City of Valenzuela in a shrine dedicated to her image – the Pambansang Dambana ng Mahal na Birhen ng Fatima. In 2011, Our Lady of Fatima was declared as the Patroness of Valenzuela City under Ordinance No. 16, series of 2011.
The canonical coronation of the National Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated not only by the City of Valenzuela but also by devotees from the whole country. This milestone shall inspire deeper faith and devotion amongst Filipinos, ultimately leading to a prayerful citizenry.
Viva la Virgen de Fatima!
Valenzuela City breaks ground for One Valenzuela Command Center and adds more Mobility Assets for Emergency Response Teams
With an endeavor to further equip crisis and emergency response teams, the City of Valenzuela commemorates its 26th Charter Day by breaking ground for the ALERT satellite office, One Valenzuela Command Center. The city also turns over more mobility assets: two (2) SWAT vans to the Valenzuela City Police Station; and an ambulance and a WES Serbisyo Van to the Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, February 16, 2024.
The City of Valenzuela, under the leadership of Mayor WES Gatchalian, celebrated the city’s 26th Charter Day by breaking the ground for the upcoming One Valenzuela Command Center, a satellite office of ALERT stationed at Barangay Paso de Blas.
The soon-to-rise, 4-storey building shall house the following facilities and satellite offices: Valenzuela City Command, Control, and Communication Center (VCC3), Traffic Management Office (TMO), Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), Philippine National Police (PNP) Office, Anti-Cyber Crime Unit, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, and a Radio Tower.
Establishing One Valenzuela Command Center puts forth the City Government’s initiatives of promoting Valenzuela City’s peace and order while also bringing the civil services closer to the residents of District 2 barangays.
Alongside, the City has also turned over service vehicles for the Valenzuela City Police and to Barangay Gen. T. de Leon.
Further equipping the police force, two (2) SWAT Vans were added to their mobility assets that shall be utilized by the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) Teams. These vans were specifically designed to store their equipment or arsenal and to capacitate the SWAT personnel to respond swiftly in high-risk missions or rescue operations.
The SWAT Vans consist of features that shall equip the police for faster and more flexible crisis response:
● Jump seat at the back of the passenger area ● Bench seats with aluminum cabinets ● Pin lights ● Cabinets with arm racks ● Overhead grab handle ● Roof rack for sniper’s position ● Grill bars/Mesh Grill on side windows ● Grab bars and foothold ● Run flat mags and wheels ● Blinkers and sirens ● 360-degree camera with monitor
Lastly, the City Government also provided an ambulance van and a WES Serbisyo Van to Barangay Gen. T. de Leon as additional service vehicles.
Commemorating 26 years of cityhood, the City of Valenzuela strives to move forward by strengthening its forces, providing convenience to service providers, and maintaining peace and order for the Pamilyang Valenzuelano.
CITY GOVERNMENT OF VALENZUELA
The City Hall, MacArthur Highway, Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila