The Oro Inodoro Awards, formerly known as the Golden Kubeta Awards, is an annual search established by Maynilad to recognize the best and most responsibly managed public restrooms within its service area. The program highlights the importance of accessible, sanitary, and environmentally responsible comfort rooms, encouraging both public and private establishments to adopt higher standards in restroom management. Entries are evaluated based on aesthetics, cleanliness, maintenance practices, and proper wastewater management. Various categories are opened yearly for public offices, schools, malls, restaurants, hotels, and transport hubs, alongside special awards for inclusivity such as "Banyo Para sa Lahat" and the social-media-voted "Banyo ng Bayan".

As this year's Grand Winner, Valenzuela City Hall emerged from the 150 nominees nationwide and top among finalists from different sectors, reflecting the City Government's continuous efforts to provide citizens and visitors with functional, clean, and well-maintained facilities. The recognition stands as another testament to Mayor WES Gatchalian's initiatives that prioritize order, dignity, and comfort in public spaces.

In his message, Mayor WES expressed his gratitude saying "Oro Inodoro is equally important, and equal ang bigat nito compared to the other awards na natanggap ng Valenzuela City. Alam po ninyo bakit natin ito pinaghandaan, dahil unang una public spaces are an image of leader and the management. May it be a toilet, pantry, or bodega, it automatically reflects how the leaders manage. "

To honor the people behind the win, Mayor WES personally treated all City Hall maintenance staff following the awarding ceremony. He expressed his appreciation for their hard work, discipline, and consistency in maintaining the City Hall's facilities, efforts that directly contributed to securing the award. The mayor emphasized that the award belongs not only to the city but especially to the dedicated teams working daily to ensure that Valenzuelanos enjoy clean and pleasant government spaces.

Valenzuela City's victory in the 2025 Oro Inodoro Awards underscores its ongoing commitment to excellent public service and reinforces its reputation as a model LGU in hygiene, sanitation, and facility management, which once again proves to making Valenzuela a more liveable city for every Pamilyang Valenzuelano

###

Bridging the gap between comprehensive healthcare and every Filipino in need, PhilHealth has launched its upgraded and enhanced Yaman ng Kalusugan (YAKAP) Program; formerly known as Konsulta. Through the YAKAP program, accredited clinics will be able to provide preventive and outpatient health services for Philhealth members and dependents, while also actively monitoring each patient’s health status. 

The goal of this program is to continuously monitor and provide primary care to registered individuals, preventing any health condition from worsening. Philhealth members and their declared dependents registered to the program may select their preferred YAKAP clinics and avail themselves of their free primary check-ups and screenings, and undergo the First Patient Encounter (FPE) process. During FPE, the YAKAP healthcare providers will generate each patient’s health profile, which shall serve as the basis for monitoring their health condition and recommending specialized treatment through a referral system. The initiative advocates for immediate eligibility and access to primary care for every individual through several available consultations and laboratory services, and provides selected free preventive and maintenance medications under the Philhealth GAMOT program.

Pursuing the goal of spreading the benefits of the YAKAP program to its residents, the City of Valenzuela has accredited 52 health facilities: 47 health centers, 1 private hospital, 1 public hospital, and 3 private clinics were certified YAKAP healthcare providers.

As of writing, there were 186,484 registered Valenzuelano beneficiaries of the YAKAP program. These registered individuals are now partnered with their preferred accredited clinics, which will provide immediate consultations and primary care for the rest of the year. 

Supporting the cause of the Republic Act No. 11223, also known as the Universal Health Care Act, the City of Valenzuela strives to reach every Valenzuelano citizen and provide accessible, inclusive, and efficient healthcare services that they deserve —  leaving none behind.

For more information about the YAKAP program, visit their website at https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/yakap/

###

As one of the highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila, Valenzuela City’s rapid population growth is tantamount to an increase in waste generation. While the local government is actively deploying dump trucks to collect garbage day-to-day, it is observed that a portion of it is considered recyclable; due to the lack of awareness or incentives, it is often discarded along with the general waste.

To avoid overloading the waste landfill, the city government sought a solution to promote recycling behavior among Valenzuelanos, starting from their own homes, through incentivizing and converting recyclables into monetary or redeemable rewards. 

With this, the City of Valenzuela partnered with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST), which is the proponent of the “Trash to Cashback: May Balik sa Basura” Program. This initiative aims to employ a reward-based system to encourage Valenzuelanos to employ proper waste segregation and recycling in their daily habits. Recyclables such as single-use plastics, metals, papers, glass, and electronic waste all have corresponding Environmental Points that can be converted to redeemable rewards.

The Trash to Cashback Program not only fosters environmentally responsible behavior but also offers an opportunity to earn. Aiming to spread awareness for the benefits of the Trash to Cashback initiative, the city government will begin implementing the program in highly condensed communities such as Disiplina Villages. 

Taking a further proactive step to ensure the success of the Trash to Cashback program, the city government signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST) to solidify their partnership. Also, Valenzuela City forged partnerships not only with BEST but also with key private organizations such as RMC Enviro, Envirocycle, and River Recycle, which also offered support to the city’s environmental initiatives. 

Alongside, generous donations were given from partners: River Recycle pledged trash bins made from recycled materials, Envirocycle provided “E-bins” specifically for electronic waste, and RMC Enviro Enterprises also endowed cash payments for residents collecting used cooking oil.

During the ceremonial launch, Valenzuelanos were also able to witness the first ceremonial transaction through the Trash to Cashback program, wherein collected recyclables were converted to redeemable points.

In his message, Mayor WES Gatchalian stressed the importance of fostering discipline and putting the culture of waste segregation into practice with the help of the Trash to Cashback Program. “Simula pa lamang ito. Ang panalangin ko po ay sana kumalat pa ito [Trash to Cashback Program] sa 33 barangays; at higit sa lahat, ay ‘yung kultura po [ng pag-segregate].”

Also witnessing the ceremonial launch were Councilor Goyong Serrano,  Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Mario San Andres, Ms. Tiffany Gatchalian, CENRO Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Rachel Torres, Vice President for Business Development of Basic Environment Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST), Mr. Jesus Tanchanco, Chief Operating Officer of BeepXtra Philippines, Inc., Mr. Avelino Nolasco De Jesus, representatives from DENR, and other private companies.

Through this initiative, the City Government of Valenzuela proves that through the collaborative efforts of the LGU, NGOs, private partners, and the Valenzuelano residents, a positive and significant impact on the environment is always within reach.

###

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 Reñon, 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.

###

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.

###

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.

###