The City of Valenzuela has reached another milestone in history: reaching 400 years since its founding day. As the city celebrates its 400th Founding Anniversary this year on November 12, 2023, the City Government has laid programs and activities that capture stories of the past, present, and future of Valenzuela City. Reliving the rich and vibrant history of Pueblo de Polo, recognizing the growth and progress of the present, and mapping out the road to success in the future – these are what Valenzuela 400 is all about.

Before it became “Valenzuela City”, the city was first known as a rural town called Pueblo de Polo in the province of Bulacan. Pueblo de Polo was founded on November 12, 1623, pre-colonial era. The present-day Polo was named after a renowned war hero from the town, Dr. Pio Valenzuela; honoring his contributions as a key member of the Katipunan.

With the theme “History and Progress”, Valenzuela 400 celebrates the City’s history and progress from its beginnings as a quiet provincial agricultural town to an award-winning, highly urbanized, and liveable city known today for good governance and innovations.

These are the notable events in the month-long anniversary celebration.

TREE OF HOPE LIGHTING CEREMONY

September 30, 2023

The annual lighting ceremony of the “Tree of Hope” took place last September 30, 2023, at the Valenzuela City People’s Park, which also marked the beginning of the three-month-long celebration of the 400th Founding Anniversary of the city. The momentous celebration was graced by the “Christmas icon” Jose Mari Chan and other performing artists.

OKTOBERFEST

October 20-22, 2023

Valenzuelanos rocked out with bands and rap artists at the San Miguel Oktoberfest on C.J. Santos Street last October 20-22, 2023. This first LGU-led, beer and music festival was one of the city’s remarkable events in the 400th Founding Anniversary – a nod at one of the long-standing breweries of San Miguel Corporation located in Valenzuela City, the Polo Brewery.

ARAW NG VALENZUELA

November 12, 2023

November 12 marked the day of the 400th Founding Anniversary of Valenzuela City; commemorating the founding date of the old Pueblo de Polo — November 12, 1623. The City Government celebrated the monumental day with major events, the inauguration of Museo de Polo with Bucheon delegates, a concelebrated mass at San Diego de Alcala church, and the awarding of Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela to ten (10) notable Valenzuelanos.

VALENZUELA INDUSTRY NIGHT

November 18, 2023


As the founding anniversary theme celebrates “History and Progress”, the City of Valenzuela recognized esteemed companies that bolstered the local economy and awarded the Top Taxpayers and Top Job Providers of 2022. Alongside, Valenzuela City also partnered with several companies to enrich the career opportunities of Valenzuela Technological College (ValTech) students by signing a Memorandum of Agreement.

CULTURAL NIGHT AND COFFEE TABLE BOOK LAUNCH

November 26, 2023


The momentous Cultural Night welcomed three significant events; one being the inauguration of the heritage-themed events place in the city, “Casa de Polo”, led by First Lady Liza Marcos, Mayor WES Gatchalian, and Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian. The City’s first published coffee table book entitled, “Valenzuela: History and Progress” – which traces the city’s remarkable history and culture – was also launched. Lastly, a fashion presentation depicting the culture of Pueblo de Polo also took place featuring the designer clothing of three fashion designers; Michael Leyva, Robbie Santos, and Daniel Manila.