Valenzuela City Bags 6 Plaques from Urban Governance Exemplary Awards

DILG-NCR’s Urban Governance Exemplary Awards celebrates Valenzuela City’s continued excellence in public service—along with its proactive efforts in maintaining a transparent, inclusive, and outcome-oriented governance. Additionally, the city's strong reputation for consistently receiving high scores in different regional and national evaluations—covering areas like peace and order, anti-drug programs, child protection, environmental standards, and local lawmaking—demonstrates effective leadership and innovation in implementing policies that directly benefit its constituents.

Valenzuela City took home 6 categorial awards from the said award-giving body, further marking itself as one of the top-performing local government units. The awards ran down to the specific areas where the city excelled in public service.

The awards received by Valenzuela City include:

TOP PERFORMER - Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) Performance Year 2024: 

  • Recognizing the city’s efficient implementation of programs that safeguard the welfare and rights of children through proactive policies.

TOP PERFORMER - Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT – VAWC) Functionality Audit:

  • Acknowledging Valenzuela City’s initiatives in protecting women and children against all forms of abuse and exploitation.

HIGHLY COMPLIANT – Manila Bay Clean-Up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation (MBCRP) LGU Compliance Assessment:

  • Commending of the city’s active participation and sustained efforts in environmental conservation—particularly in the cleanup and rehabilitation of the Manila Bay area.

TOP PERFORMER (INFORMAL SETTLER FAMILIES CLUSTER) - MBCRP LGU Compliance Assessment:

  • Celebrating Valenzuela City’s excellent programs in addressing housing and relocation concerns for informal settler families (ISFs).

SIGNIFICANT AND INVALUABLE PARTNER – Peace and Order Council (POC) and Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC)

  • Recognizing the city’s unceasing support and effective collaboration in maintaining peace, order, and drug-free communities through preventive enforcement strategies.

EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE – Local Legislative Award

  • Commending the local legislators who have gone above and beyond and have demonstrated excellence in legislative work and policy-making.

Valenzuela City Government, through Mayor WES Gatchalian, sails out to continue providing the best services that the city could offer to its constituents—and these awards serve as the ultimate testaments of the city’s commitment to building a safe, inclusive, and progressive community.

The awards were received by Councilor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Councilor Niña Lopez, Chief of Staff on Social Welfare Operations Ms. Dorothy Go-Evangelista, Housing and Resettlement Office (HRO) Head Elenita Reyes, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Head Rachelle Torres, Valenzuela City Anti-Drug Abuse Office (VADAO) Preventive Education Officer Elver Cleofe, and DILG-Valenzuela City Director Sudi Valencia.

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Valenzuela City Inaugurates TESDA-Accredited Barangay Health Workers Education and Skill Upgrade Program Training and Assessment Center

The new facility was inaugurated to reinforce the City Government's commitment to building a competent and certified community health workforce. The Center will serve as the first LGU-funded, in-house TESDA-accredited training and assessment center for BHWs in the country, enabling the city to conduct training and accreditation internally by its own trainers. Thus, making Valenzuela the first local government unit in the country to have its own in-house TESDA accredited trainers for BHWs and its own LGU-funded TESDA-accredited assessment and training center.
The project emerged from a successful partnership between the City Government of Valenzuela and the Synergeia Foundation. The training path began in 2022, when the first batch of BHWs completed the TESDA BHS NC II certification with support from Synergeia and Johnson & Johnson. Today's ceremony recognized 139 of the 310 TESDA-NC II-accredited BHWs from among the City's total of 331 barangay health workers.
All city-funded BHWs are set to receive starter BHW kits containing basic healthcare materials to support their duties as frontline health workers. BHWs serve as the first point of contact for constituents needing medical attention, in line with the city's mission to strengthen its community-based health service network.
The newly accredited BHWs underwent training under the framework of the City Health Office in partnership with TESDA and the Synergeia Foundation. The Assessment Center allows for scheduling of TESDA competency assessments within the City, thereby reducing turnaround time and costs and promoting greater accessibility to certification.
In his message during the event, Mayor WES proudly said "Gusto po natin na makilala tayo hindi lang bilang isang industrial city kundi maging isang liveable city at ang prayoridad natin jan ay ang maayos na health program. Kasama po dito ay nakapagbukas na tayo ng dalawang Sentro Health Hubs na bukas mula lunes hanggang linggo kahit na holiday. Kaya naman I am very proud dahil kayo ang bubuo sa ating overall health program, kayo ang pinaka importanteng tao sa ating health sector dahil kayo ang umiikot sa bawat lugar, sa bawat purok, at kayo po ang pinakamagaling sa health promotions."
With the launch of the Assessment and Training Center, Valenzuela City reiterates its commitment to elevating the capacity of its health workforce and ensuring that each Pamilyang Valenzuelano has access to competent healthcare at the barangay level.
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Valenzuela Champs Consumer Welfare and Protection Programs; DTI Nods

Valenzuela City has been in a league of its own—establishing significant programs that cater to the interests of the Valenzuelano consumers. Some of these notable programs are the Bantay Presyo: Wet Markets and Retail Stores, Konsyumer Assembly sa Barangay, and Operation Timbangan.

Bantay Presyo: Wet Markets and Retail Stores

Bantay Presyo is the price monitoring program of the city to ensure that all the products in the market and retail stores are sold with fair, reasonable, and government-prescribed prices. This program guarantees fair pricing of essential goods such as rice, meat, vegetables, fish, canned goods, and other basic commodities. Furthermore, the initiative is to protect the consumers from unfair pricing and profiteering—particularly during national emergencies like inflation, disaster, or pandemic. 

Konsyumer Assembly sa Barangay

The Konsyumer Assembly is a series of community-based events or conferences organized at the barangay level, where Valenzuela residents are able to learn about their rights as consumers. These assemblies focus on educating people about consumer protection laws, fair trade practices, and how to address grievances with businesses.

In the course of the program, the residents attend workshops and seminars where they are educated about the laws, like the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Price Act, and Timbangan ng Bayan Act. The program forges stronger connections between the local government and the community, ensuring that the voices of the people are heard when it comes to consumer protection matters.

Operation Timbangan

  • Pursuant to Ordinance No. 903, Series of 2021, also known as the New Market Code of Valenzuela City, public market vendors are obliged to make sure that their weighing scales are calibrated, properly sealed, and untampered. In this regard, consumers are allowed to verify the weight/scale. However, some markets have a designated Timbangan ng Bayan where they can double-check the goods they've purchased—and if anyone has observed tampering or suspicious scales, they may report it to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or the local consumer protection unit.

Valenzuela City has earned a reputation as one of the most consumer-friendly cities in Metro Manila, mainly because of its implemented programs that champion consumer welfare and protection. These initiatives—in efficient partnership with the DTI—aim to prioritize the betterment of the Valenzuelano consumers as well as magnify the significance of the roles that they play in the city's economy. 

The plaque of appreciation was received by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) - Consumer Unit. 

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Valenzuela City Heightens Protection Against Lead Poisoning, Passes Asia’s First Lead-Monitoring Ordinance

The City of Valenzuela takes proactive measures in raising public awareness on the toxic chemical component lead (Pb) and its hazardous effects on health, especially on children. Lead poisoning is one of the most dangerous medical conditions, in which constant exposure to lead may lead to serious health complications and cause irreversible damage to the brain, nervous system, and overall development of a child. It is the imperative of the local government to ensure the public’s safety through monitoring the community’s lead contamination and alleviating any high-risk areas.

On October 17, 2025, the city government, through the Office of Councilor Niña Lopez, participated in the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, which is an awareness campaign organized by Médecins du Monde, in partnership with the World Health Organization, the Department of Health, and Pure Earth Philippines. In this event, the common sources of lead, health risks, and implications were extensively discussed, along with preventive measures.

As part of strengthening the children’s protection against lead poisoning, the City Government has passed Ordinance No. 1279, Series of 2025, known as the “Lead Exposure Prevention and Child Protection Ordinance of 2025”, which is the first “lead monitoring-centered” ordinance to be passed in Asia. 

Provided in the ordinance is to clear out areas the safety hazards and high concentrations of lead, monitor the blood lead level (BLL) of the vulnerable population, such as children, through a BLL Test, promote a safe and lead-free environment through educational campaigns, and provide extensive medical and developmental interventions for those who are affected with lead poisoning. The implementation of BLL testing is focused on children residing near potential lead sources, including but not limited to informal recycling sites, households with lead-based paint, and areas with unknown industrial contamination.

It is also by virtue of the Ordinance which led to the creation of the “Lead-Free Task Force”, which is composed of representatives from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education — Division of City Schools - Valenzuela, Liga ng mga Barangay, and other accredited NGOs. This special force is tasked with overseeing and ensuring successful program implementation, coordinating inter-agency initiatives, and submitting reports on lead monitoring per barangay.

This day, the City Government of Valenzuela, through the Office of Councilor Niña Lopez, has received a donation from its partners at Pure Earth Philippines at the Valenzuela Special Education Center grounds. As part of the advocacy of upholding a secure environment through monitoring of lead exposure among children, the local government received one (1) Lead Care Analyzer, and two (2) Blood Lead Kits, which are the designated apparatus for testing blood lead level. The local government continuously worked hand-in-hand with Pure Earth Philippines in protecting the vulnerable sector and providing specialized medical care should they be afflicted with lead poisoning.

The City Government of Valenzuela goes above and beyond in safeguarding each children from endangered communities from health hazards; may it be from medical conditions that are deemed easily unnoticed such as lead poisoning.

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Valenzuela LGU Conducts Citywide Earthquake Drill, Rescue Operation Simulation

The participants of the conducted drill and simulation, under the provision of Executive Order (EO) No. 2025-257, are comprised of public and private schools, all barangays in the city, several private businesses, and other government agencies. Everyone applied the fundamental earthquake response principle of Duck-Cover-Hold while locating the nearest and safest areas to stay throughout the tremors. Also, Rescue personnel, including the city's disaster response teams, carried out search-and-rescue missions in controlled but realistic environments throughout the exercise's simulated situations. This highlighted the value of arm-in-arm coordination between the local government, first responders, and the community in addition to testing the efficiency of evacuation protocols, medical aid response, and communication systems.

In a brief public message, Mayor WES reassured that the city is well-equipped during these times of emergency. Furthermore, he also stressed that the city’s efforts in disaster preparedness were not merely a reaction to the recent earthquakes but were part of the unceasing commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all the communities.

“We’ve been doing this, not only now na dahil marami pong lindol nitong nakaraang linggo at buwan, kundi dati na po nating pina-practice ang ating earthquake drill, ang preparasyon at kahandaan ng lahat ng kawani ng Valenzuela City—including all our satellite offices across the city,” he stated. [We've been doing this, not just now because there have been a series of earthquakes in the past weeks and months, but we've been practicing our earthquake drills, the preparation and readiness of all Valenzuela City employees—including all our satellite offices across the city—for a long time]

The city's preparedness doesn't end with mere drills and simulations. The city government also invests in maintaining a robust inventory of emergency equipment, including medical supplies, communication tools, and rescue gear. Additionally, durable and well-maintained response vehicles—such as ambulances, fire trucks, and rescue boats—are strategically positioned to allow mobility and rapid emergency response.

The Valenzuela City Government aims to build resilience among its citizens, ensuring that they are not only aware of safety protocols but also empowered to take action during an actual emergency. Also, the city will carry on with its information dissemination campaign to further raise awareness and foster readiness in the community.

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Valenzuela City Earns Special Citation at 2025 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards

The recognition was conferred by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to honor Valenzuela City's continued excellence in promoting a competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven local economy. This award follows the city's formal entry presentation led by Mayor WES Gatchalian on October 3, 2025, where Valenzuela showcased its dynamic strategies in fostering sustainable growth and ease of doing business.

Through flagship initiatives such as the Paspas Permit, which enables business registration in as fast as 10 seconds, and the newly launched V-Link platform, an online business registry connecting over 20,000 local enterprises, the city continues to redefine how local governments empower entrepreneurs. These efforts reflect Valenzuela's strong commitment to building a connected, future-ready business environment where local industries, MSMEs, and innovators can thrive.

Beyond technology-driven governance, Valenzuela also highlights its focus on inclusivity and resilience, anchored on flood mitigation programs, MSME empowerment, the Nano Entrepreneurship Registration and Support Ordinance, and community livelihood initiatives that strengthen the local economy from the ground up. The city's continuous investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and digital transformation further underscores its commitment to being not just business-friendly but people-centered.

Attending the event were officials from the PCCI, representatives from the national and local government, business chambers, and Valenzuela's local economic team led by the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO) Head Ms. Janina Bautista, PIO Head Ms. Katrina Anne S. Bernardo-Balingit, and Councilors Chiqui Carreon and Louie Nolasco.

This latest achievement strengthens the Valenzuelife campaign, showcasing the city as a home for both enterprise and quality of life. Through innovative governance, sustainable development, and people-centered progress.

Valenzuela City Inaugurates First Two Sentro Health Hubs in Canumay West, Karuhatan

The Sentro Health Hubs are restructured and upgraded health centers designed to deliver expanded services to the public. Unlike regular centers, these facilities are uniquely open seven days a week, including holidays, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ensuring uninterrupted and convenient access to medical services.

Each hub offers comprehensive services such as outpatient consultation, emergency and first aid, mother and child health care, dental services, diagnostic and laboratory services, a pharmacy corner, and even minor surgeries which are all geared towards providing affordable and dignified health care closer to every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.

Today’s inauguration is part of the City Government’s plan to establish a total of five Sentro Health Hubs strategically located in Barangays Mabolo, Mapulang Lupa, Lawang Bato, Karuhatan, and Canumay West. With the first two hubs now operational, three more will soon rise to cover more communities across the city.

Mayor WES emphasized that these hubs are part of the promises he laid out at the start of his second term, during the 2025 State of the Health Address (SOHA) last July 1, together with the deployment of more medical personnel to the barangays, the assurance of free medicine that shall cover one-month supply for basic illness for senior citizens, and the consistent availability of Over-the-Counter medicines across all health centers in the city.

Through initiatives like the Sentro Health Hubs, the City Government continues to fulfill its Valenzuelife vision of creating a liveable city where health care is responsive and available to each and every Pamilyang Valenzuelano, truly, Healthcare na hindi hassle!

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Suspek na Nanakit at Nanghalay ng Estudyante, Kulong; Pulis-Valenzuela, Pinuri ni Mayor WES

Kinumpirma mismo ng biktima ang suspek na kinilalang si alyas Ian, 40 taong gulang, may asawa, residente ng Brgy. Gen. T. De Leon, Valenzuela City, nang madakip ito at isailalim sa kustodiya ng Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS). Habang ang biktima naman, na tumangging isapubliko ang pangalan ay naninirahan din sa barangay na nabanggit.

Ika-18 ng Setyembre, isang Facebook post tungkol sa babaeng estudyanteng sinaktan at ginawan ng kahalayan ang nag-viral at humakot ng maraming engagements sa social media ang nakarating sa lokal na pamahalaan. Dahil doon, kaagad na ipinag-utos ni Mayor WES Gatchalian ang masusing imbestigasyon upang matunton ang pinagtataguan ng suspek.

Sa isinagawang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad ukol sa krimen, habang ang biktima ay naglalakad sa footbridge pauwi sa kanilang bahay ay nilapitan siya ng suspek at bigla na lamang pinagsusuntok ang kanyang tiyan, dahilan upang bumagsak siya sa sahig. Ayon naman sa biktima, nang subukan niyang tumayo para magpatuloy sa paglalakad ay binalikan siya ng suspek at hinabol. Nang maabutan ang biktima ay itinulak siya hanggang sa masalampak siya sa sahig. Nilapitan siya ng suspek at umupo sa ibabaw niya habang ilang beses na sinuntok ang kanyang ulo. Habang nasa ganoong puwesto ay sinimulang hawakan ng suspek ang dibdib ng biktima habang patuloy siyang sinusuntok, bago tuluyang tumakbo palayo. Ang biktimang naiwang nakasalampak sa sahig, bagamat nanghihina at puno ng galos ay pinilit na maglakad pauwi hanggang sa makita siya ng kanyang magulang at mga rumespondeng Bantay Bayan.

Dahil sa mabilis na responde ng awtoridad ay nagawa nilang tukuyin ang itsura ng suspek at kung saan ito nagtatago. Mula sa narekober na CCTV footages mula sa pinangyarihan ng krimen ay nasundan ng tracking team ang lugar kung saan tumakbo ang suspek. Kaagad namang nadakip ang suspek at binitbit patungong presinto.

Nagpahayag naman ng kanyang mensahe si Mayor WES hinggil sa kaso, nang harapin niya ang suspek. Aniya, hindi niya palalampasin ang ganitong klase ng kawalangyaan sa lungsod at sisiguruhin niyang makukulong ang sino mang bumababoy sa batas.

“Seryoso po ang Pamahalaang Lungsod at ang ating kapulisan sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan at dangal ng bawat bata. Walang lugar sa ating lungsod para sa ganitong klaseng karahasan,” ani Mayor WES.

Nahaharap ngayon ang suspek sa kasong kriminal para sa paglabag sa Acts of Lasciviousness and Physical Injuries, at kasalukuyang nasa kustodiya ng pulisya habang nakabinbin ang mga pormal na kasong isasampa sa kanya. Ayon sa report, ang suspek ay dati na ring nakulong ng dalawang taon sa kasong illegal drugs at illegal gambling. 

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KALUSUGAN sa KABUSUGAN: Valenzuela Provides Free Health Check-up to K to 6 Feeding Program Beneficiaries

In line with the city's efforts to combat malnutrition, a total of 3,436 K to 6 feeding program beneficiaries, classified as wasted or severely wasted—a term used to describe the children who are noticeably underweight for their age due to nutritional lack—were given free general check-ups. Prior to the program implementation, the city health office conducted a pre-assessment procedure to determine the health condition of the students and assess who among them needs serious medical attention right away.

To ensure the overall well-being of the children and address any underlying health issues, the city health office took a proactive approach by conducting a thorough pre-assessment for the beneficiaries. The procedure involved examining the health conditions of each participating student, determining their nutritional status, and identifying those who required urgent medical intervention. The goal was not only to provide immediate nutritional support through the feeding program but also to ensure that any children with more severe health concerns received the necessary medical attention.

Instituted in 2012, the Enhanced K to 6 Feeding Program plays a significant role in the city's long-standing fight against malnutrition in children. Furthermore, it is part of Valenzuela City's Education 360 Degrees Investment Program, which takes a comprehensive approach to student development, prioritizing health, nutrition, and education. The initiative seeks to improve student performance in school and general well-being.

The city government aims to make a significant decrease in the number of malnourished children by the end of this year. On the other hand, the free health check-ups will continue rolling until the remaining benefiting schools are covered.

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BAWAL ANG FAKE ID: Valenzuela Intensifies Public Awareness Campaign against Fake IDs

In response to the current situation, the city government has launched a city-wide public awareness campaign focused on educating both business owners and residents about the dangers and consequences of using and accepting fake IDs. While keeping in mind the protection of the rights of every consumer, the city outlined an immediate solution to address the problems faced by the local businesses, where they tend to lose almost 32% of their income per transaction due to fake IDs used for discounts: a 20% discount under senior citizen and Person With Disability cards and a 12% VAT. Additionally, the campaign is designed to ensure that everyone in the community—whether they are business owners, staff, or customers—understands the legal implications of allowing fake IDs to be used in commercial transactions.

The campaign comprises the simultaneous posting of "BAWAL ANG FAKE ID" (No Fake ID) banners in all Valenzuela business establishments. Stores, eateries, bars, and other establishments will all display banners, which serve as a clear message that using fake identification is against the law and will not be  tolerated.

In regard to the said awareness effort that supports the fight against the rampant use of fake IDs, Valenzuela already introduced a validation portal last May 2025— the VALID, accessible through desktops and mobile phones—where establishments are allowed to verify the presented IDs with ease. Furthermore, Valenzuela City’s Ordinance No. 1231, Series of 2024, states that establishments are required to confiscate fake, tampered, or falsified IDs when they are presented for use, such as senior citizen or Person with Disability (PWD) IDs. This ordinance complements the city's initiative to improve ID security and ensures the integrity of these identification cards.

Through the "BAWAL ANG FAKE ID" campaign, the city government hopes to raise awareness among customers and business owners about the risks and consequences of using or accepting fake IDs. This includes informing the public about the legal implications, such as fines and penalties. The campaign also aims to empower business owners and encourage them to nurture a culture of compliance.

Valenzuela City aspires to set an example for other local governments—through this proactive advocacy—showcasing the effectiveness of a comprehensive, city-wide effort to combat the use of fake IDs and protect public safety.

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