View source for Valenzuela, Metro Manila

{{Short description|City in Metro Manila, Philippines}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = {{PH wikidata|name}}
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| perrow         = 2/1/2
| border         = infobox
| total_width    = 280
| caption_align  = center
| image1         = Dr. Pio Valenzuela Museum, Mar 2024.jpg
| caption1       = Dr. Pio Valenzuela Museum
| image2         = Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City, Mar 2024.jpg
| caption2       = [[Arkong Bato]]
| image3         = Valenzuela People's Park, Mar 2024.jpg
| caption3       = [[Valenzuela People's Park]]
| image4         = San Diego de Alcala Parish Church, Valenzuela City, Mar 2024.jpg
| caption4       = [[Polo Church|San Diego de Alcala Parish Church]]
| image5         = National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City.jpg
| caption5       = [[National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima]]
}}
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = Valenzuela_City_Flag.svg
| flag_size          = 120x80px
| image_seal         = Valenzuela_Seal.svg
| seal_size          = 100x80px
| image_map          = Valenzuela in Metro Manila.svg
| map_caption        = {{PH wikidata|map_caption}}
| mapframe = yes
| pushpin_map        = Philippines
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_caption = Location within the {{PH wikidata|country}}
| coordinates        = {{PH wikidata|coordinates}}
| settlement_type    = {{PH wikidata|settlement_type}}
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = [[Philippines]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of the Philippines|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{PH wikidata|region}}
| subdivision_type2  = [[Provinces of the Philippines|Province]]
| subdivision_name2  = ''none''
| etymology          = <!--origin of name-->
| named_for          = [[Pío Valenzuela]]
| other_name         = 
| nickname           = 
| mottoes              = "''Tayo na, Valenzuela!''" <br /> "Valenzuela, May Disiplina"<br>"''Tuloy ang Progreso, Valenzuela!''"<br>"''This is the Life, ValenzueLife!''"
| anthem             = ''[[#"Himig Valenzuela"|Himig Valenzuela]]''<br />{{small|Valenzuela Hymn}}<br />{{center|[[File:Himig_Valenzuela.ogg]]}}
| subdivision_type3  = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines#District representation|District]]
| subdivision_name3  = {{PH legislative district}}
| established_title  = [[Date of establishment|Founded]]
| established_date   = November 12, 1623<ref name="nhcp valenzuela" /><ref name="ARAW NG VALENZUELA 2012 Kasaysayan, Kasarinlan, Kaunlaran" />
| established_title1 = Cityhood and HUC
| established_date1  = December 30, 1998<ref name="Executive Summary of the 1999 Annual Audit Report on the City of Valenzuela">{{Cite web|title=Executive Summary of the 1999 Annual Audit Report on the City of Valenzuela|url=http://www.coa.gov.ph/1999_AAR/Local_Govt/NCR/VALENZUELA99_es.htm|publisher=[[Commission on Audit (Philippines)|Commission on Audit]]|access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref>
| founder            = Juan Taranco and Juan Monsód
| parts_type         = [[Barangay]]s
| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = {{PH barangay count | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }}  (see [[#Barangays|Barangays]])
| leader_title       = [[Mayors of Valenzuela|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Wes Gatchalian|Weslie T. Gatchalian]] ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
| leader_title1      = [[Vice Mayor]]
| leader_name1       = Marlon Alejandrino ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
| leader_title2      = [[House of Representatives of the Philippines#Current composition|Representatives]] <!--congressman or congresswoman -->
| leader_name2       = *[[Kenneth Gatchalian]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.serbisyo.ph/philippines/valenzuela/electoral-candidates/kenneth-gatchalian|date=June 30, 2025|accessdate= |title=Meet Kenneth Gatchalian, Electoral Candidate on Serbisyo.ph }}</ref> ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]]) (1st District) 
*[[Gerald Galang]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.serbisyo.ph/philippines/valenzuela/electoral-candidates/gerald-galang |title=Meet Gerald Galang, Electoral Candidate on Serbisyo.ph }}</ref> ([[Lakas-CMD|Lakas]]) (2nd District)
| leader_title3      = [[Sangguniang Panlungsod|City Council]]
| leader_name3       = {{PH Town Council
 | 1 = <div style="border-style:solid none;border-width:thin;border-color:Gainsboro;background-color:#e6e6e6;text-align:center;width:95%;font-variant:small-caps;"></div>
 | 2='''1st District'''
 | 3=Kisha Ancheta
 | 4=Ricardo Ricarr C. Enriquez
 | 5=Bimbo Dela Cruz
 | 6=Goyong Serrano
 | 7=Cristina Marie M. Feliciano-Tan
 | 8=Joseph William D. Lee
 | 9='''2nd District'''
 | 10=Chiqui Marie N. Carreon
 | 11=Lorie Natividad-Borja
 | 12=Niña Shiela B. Lopez
 | 13=Louie P. Nolasco
 | 14=Christoffer Joseph M. Pineda
 | 15=Roselle C. Sabino-Sy
}}
| leader_title4      = [[Elections in the Philippines#Qualification|Electorate]]
| leader_name4       = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters ([[Philippine general election, {{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}|{{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}]])
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| government_footnotes = {{thinsp}}<ref>{{DILG detail}}</ref>
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| area_rank          = 119th of [[List of cities in the Philippines|145 cities]]
| area_footnotes     = {{PH area}}
| area_total_km2     = {{PH wikidata|area}}
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| population_blank1_title = [[Household]]s
| population_blank1  = {{PH wikidata|household}}
| population_blank2_title = 
| population_blank2  = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = Valenzuelaño <br /> Valenzuelano <br /> Valenzuelaña <br /> Valenzuelana
| population_rank    = 11th of [[List of Philippine cities and municipalities by population|145 cities]]
| population_note    = 
| timezone           = [[Philippine Standard Time|PST]]
| utc_offset         = +8
| postal_code_type   = [[List of ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP code]]
| postal_code        = {{PH wikidata|postal_code}}
| postal2_code_type  = {{PSGCstyle}}
| postal2_code       = {{PSGC detail}}
| area_code_type     = {{areacodestyle}}
| area_code          = {{PH wikidata|area_code}}
| website            = {{PH wikidata|website}}
| demographics_type1 = [[Economy of the Philippines|Economy]]
| demographics1_title1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class_title}}
| demographics1_info1 = {{PH wikidata|income_class}}
| demographics1_title2 = [[Measuring poverty|Poverty incidence]]
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| demographics1_title7 = [[Internal Revenue Allotment|IRA]]
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| demographics1_title10 = [[Liability (financial accounting)|Liabilities]]
| demographics1_info10 = {{PH wikidata|liabilities}} {{PH wikidata|liabilities_point_in_time}}
| demographics_type2 = Service provider
| demographics2_title1 = [[List of electric distribution utilities in the Philippines|Electricity]]
| demographics2_info1 = {{PH electricity distribution | {{wikidata|label|raw}} }}
| demographics2_title2 = Water
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| demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications
| demographics2_info3 = 
| demographics2_title4 = Cable TV
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}}
'''Valenzuela''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|v|æ|l|ən|zj|u|ˈ|ɛ|l|ə}}, {{IPA|tl|valensˈwela}}; {{IPA|es-419|balenˈswela|audio|LL-Q1321 (spa)-Noaius Paticus-(American Spanish) Valenzuela.wav}}, {{IPA|es|balenˈθwela|audio|LL-Q1321 (spa)-Noaius Paticus-(European Spanish) Valenzuela.wav}}), officially the '''City of Valenzuela''' ({{langx|fil|Lungsod ng Valenzuela}}), is a [[Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification|highly urbanized city]] in the [[Metro Manila|National Capital Region]] of the [[Philippines]]. According to the 2024 [[Census of Population (Philippines)|census]], it has a population of 725,173 people.<ref>{{Cite web|publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority|title=2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) Population Counts Declared Official by the President|access-date=18 July 2025|date=17 July 2025|url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/2024-census-population-popcen-population-counts-declared-official-president}}</ref>

Valenzuela ranks as the [[Metro Manila|7th]]-most populous city in the National Capital Region and is the [[List of cities in the Philippines|11th]]-most populous city in the [[Philippines]]. Located {{convert|14|km|sp=us}} north of the nation's capital, [[Manila]], it is categorized as a highly urbanized, first-class city under the Republic Acts No. 7160 and 8526, which are based on categories of income classification and population.<ref name="RA8526"/><ref>{{Cite news|title=Valenzuela celebrates 13th cityhood anniversary on Monday|url=http://bayanihan.org/2011/02/14/metro-news-valenzuela-celebrates-13th-cityhood-anniversary-on-monday/|access-date=April 23, 2011|newspaper=Bayanihan.org|date=February 14, 2011|archive-date=August 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812075919/http://bayanihan.org/2011/02/14/metro-news-valenzuela-celebrates-13th-cityhood-anniversary-on-monday/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The landlocked [[Cities of the Philippines|city]] is located on the island of [[Luzon Island|Luzon]]. It is bordered by the province of [[Bulacan]] to the north, the cities of [[Caloocan]] and [[Quezon City]] to the east, and [[Malabon]] to the southwest. [[Valenzuela]] also shares a border along the [[Tullahan River]] with [[Malabon]]. The city has a total land area of 45.75 square kilometers (17.66 square miles). Its residents are composed of about 72% [[Tagalog people]], followed by 5% [[Bicolano people|Bicolano]]s, with a small percentage of foreign nationals.

The city was originally called '''[[Polo, Valenzuela|Polo]]''' and was formed in 1623,<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://valenzuela.gov.ph/history/ |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=Valenzuela City Website |language=en-US}}</ref> after separating from [[Meycauayan]], [[Bulacan]]. The 1899 [[Campaigns of the Philippine–American War#Significant battles: Malolos campaign|Battle of Malinta]], during the [[Philippine–American War]], was fought in Polo. In 1960, President [[Carlos P. Garcia]] ordered the split of Polo's southern [[barangay]]s to form another town named ''Valenzuela,'' after [[Pío Valenzuela]]. He was a physician and a member of the [[Katipunan]], a secret society that fought against the colonial government of Spain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ALAMIN: Sino si Dr. Pio Valenzuela na ipinangalan ang Valenzuela City? |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/talakayan/807601/sino-si-dr-pio-valenzuela-na-ipinangalan-ang-valenzuela-city/story/ |access-date=February 20, 2025 |website=Balitambayan |language=en}}</ref> However, in 1963, the split was revoked by President [[Diosdado Macapagal]] after political disagreements, and the merged town retained the name Valenzuela. The modern-day borders of Valenzuela were chartered in 1998.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}

==Toponymy==
The name ''Valenzuela'' is the surname of [[Pío Valenzuela|Pío Valenzuela y Alejandrino]]. He was a member of the Katipunan triumvirate, which started the [[Philippine Revolution]] against Spanish colonial authorities in 1896. He also served as the provisional chairman for the Katipunan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://valenzuelausa.org/piovalenzuela.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20090219151954/http://valenzuelausa.org/piovalenzuela.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 19, 2009|title=Dr. Pio Valenzuela, 1869–1956|access-date=September 21, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Alvarez|Carolina|Malay|1992|p=6}}</ref> In [[Spanish language|Spanish]], ''Valenzuela'' is a [[diminutive form]] of [[Valencia, Spain|Valencia]], and means "'''little Valencia'''".<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hanks|first=Patrick|title=Dictionary of American Family Names|year=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=Oxford|isbn=0-19-508137-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K18RAQAAMAAJ|edition=e-reference|access-date=April 26, 2011}} {{ISBN|978-0-19-508137-4}}. Alternative URL can be found in [http://www.ancestry.com/facts/Valenzuela-name-meaning.ashx Ancestry.com]</ref>

Before 1960, Valenzuela was formerly known as Polo, where Pío Valenzuela was born.<ref>{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=33}}</ref> The name ''Polo'' was derived from the [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] term ''pulô'', which means "island" or "islet", although the area was not an island itself. The town of Polo was entirely surrounded by the rivers, thus creating an impression of being an island.<ref>{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=34}}</ref>

==History==
===Early Spanish period===
During the [[History of the Philippines (1565–1898)|Spanish era]], present-day Valenzuela, [[Obando, Bulacan|Obando]], and [[Novaliches]] (now in [[Quezon City]]) were parts of [[Bulacan]]. The areas now covered by Valenzuela included four [[hacienda]]s (Malinta, Tala, Piedad, and Maysilo), small political settlements and a Spanish garrison.<ref name="arenas36">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=36}}</ref> Collectively, these areas were known as ''Polo''. The region was bounded by the [[Tullahan River]] to the south and streams branching from the [[Pampanga River|Río Grande de Pampanga]] in some areas.

[[ File:Museo_ni_Dr._Pio_Valenzuela_Parancillo_01.jpg|thumb|200px|left| Pueblo de Polo 1623-2023]]

When [[Manila]] became an archdiocese in 1595, regular friars who had already established permanent churches in [[Meycauayan, Bulacan|Meycauayan]] decided that the ''[[sitio]]'' of Polo should be separated from the town and have its own church to cater to its increasing spiritual needs. Through successive efforts of [[Franciscan Order|Franciscan]] ''friar Juan Taranco'' and ''Don Juan Monsód'', ''sitio'' Polo and ''Catanghalan'' ''(now part of Obando)'' were successfully separated from [[Meycauayan]] on November 7, 1621, at the feast day of the town's new patron, [[San Diego de Alcala|St. Didacus of Alcalá]], known locally as ''San Diego de Alcalá.''<ref name="ord3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/ckuploads/images/ORD_%202010-03%20p_1.jpg|title=City Ordinance 03: An Ordinance Declaring November 7 and Years Thereafter as Valenzuela Foundation Day|publisher=Valenzuela City Council|access-date=April 19, 2011}}</ref> The first ''[[Cabeza de Barangay|cabeza de barangay]]'' of Polo was Monsód, while Taranco led the parish in a small tavern, which would become the present-day San Diego de Alcalá church.<ref name="arenas39">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=39}}</ref> The separation was then confirmed by [[Governor-General of the Philippines|Governor-General]] [[Alonso Fajardo de Entenza]] through a proclamation letter on November 12, 1623. Later, the date of November 12 was adopted as the foundation day of the city.<ref name="nhcp valenzuela">{{cite web|title=Letter to the Director of the NHCP|url=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LefCBYQwSL4/UJxgbVjE1VI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/gfxBlpopiZc/s400/nhcp+nov+12.jpg|work=[[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]]|access-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref><ref name="ARAW NG VALENZUELA 2012 Kasaysayan, Kasarinlan, Kaunlaran">{{cite web |title=ARAW NG VALENZUELA 2012 Kasaysayan, Kasarinlan, Kaunlaran |url=http://museovalenzuela.blogspot.com/2012/11/nobyembre-12-bilang-araw-ng-valenzuela.html |publisher=Museo Valenzuela |date=November 8, 2012 |language=tl |access-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref>

=== Polo Church ===
The construction of a parochial church dedicated to St. [[Didacus of Alcalá]] began in 1627, under the supervision of José Valencia and Juan Tibay. The first church structure was completed in 1632, but its bell was looted during the Chinese uprising of 1635. At that time, Chinese merchants resided mainly in [[Pariancillo Villa|Barrio Pariancillo]], which was located behind the church. In 1852, the church was repaired and remodeled under the direction of Fr. Vicente. The church was later re-dedicated to another patron, to the ''[[Immaculate Conception|Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepción]].'' A convent was also built, followed by a common house (''casa tribunal'') that had a rectangular prison cell and a schoolhouse made of stone.<ref name="arenas42">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=42}}</ref> On June 3, 1865, a strong earthquake destroyed the belfry of the [[San Diego de Alcala Church|San Diego de Alcalá Church]], followed by an epidemic that killed thousands of people.<ref name="arenas47">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=47}}</ref>

=== Separation of Obando ===
On May 14, 1753, Governor-General [[Francisco José de Ovando, 1st Marquis of Brindisi|Francisco Jose de Obando y Solis, Marquis of Brindisi]], ordered that a new pueblo be carved out of the northwestern area of Polo. The new town was named [[Obando, Bulacan|Obando]], in honor of the governor-general, and was incorporated into [[Bulacan]].<ref name="arenas42"/>

=== British invasion of Bulacan ===
In 1762-1764, during the [[British occupation of Manila]] and its surrounding suburbs, the colonial government, led by [[Simón de Anda y Salazar]], fled to [[Bacolor, Pampanga]], via Polo. The British pursued Anda, and at one point, they stayed in sitio Mabolo while awaiting orders from the British civil Governor, [[Dawsonne Drake]]. The British explored the nearby communities of [[Malanday]], Wakas, [[Dalandanan, Valenzuela|Dalandanan]], Pasolo, [[Rincón, Puerto Rico|Rincon]] and Malinta. The terrified local population fled and sought refuge in the forests of Viente Reales, where many of them succumbed to [[malaria]].<ref name="arenas46">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=46}}</ref> They then proceeded to [[Malolos, Bulacan]], where they were ambushed by the stationed Spanish soldiers. After the chase, the local population of Polo returned to their homes on May 12, 1763, after days of reconstruction. The day May 12 was commemorated as the feast of [[Saint Roch|St. Roch]], locally known as ''San Roque'', as another patron saint and as a memorial to those who died in the Seven Years War.<ref name="arenas46"/>

=== Separation of Novaliches ===
In 1854, General Manuel Pavía y Lacy, Marquis de Novaliches, was appointed Governor-General of the Philippine Islands. Upon his arrival in Manila, he was tasked with establishing a penal colony in which prisoners would be granted land to cultivate in exchange for the prospect of eventual release. This settlement became known as Hacienda Tala, derived from the Tagalog word tala (star), reflecting local folklore about the landscape's appearance following deforestation. This hacienda grew into a larger community that eventually merged with the haciendas of Malinta and Piedad to form the independent town of [[Novaliches]] on January 26, 1856.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20190328210701/https://novalichesdiocese.org/spanish-era/ Diocese of Novaliches]}}</ref> A new road from Polo to Novaliches opened, traversing the barrios of Mabolo, Pasolo, Rincon, Malinta, Masisan, Paso de Blas, Canumay, and Bagbaguin.

=== Revolutionary period ===
[[File:Museo ni Dr. Pio Valenzuela Parancillo 09.jpg|thumb|252x252px|Dr. Pio Valenzuela Ancestral House, which has been converted into a museum called Museo ni Dr. Pio Valenzuela]]
In 1869, Filipino physician and patriot [[Pío Valenzuela]] was born in Polo. He would later be known as one of the key leaders of the [[Katipunan]], which he joined in 1892 at the age of 23. His admission to the society led to more recruits from Polo, including Ulpiano Fernández, Gregorio Flamenco, Crispiniano Agustines, and Faustino Duque. When Valenzuela was the chief editor, Fernández held a special role in the Katipunan as a printer of the ''[[Ang Kalayaan]],'' the organization's official newspaper.<ref name="arenas48">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=48}}</ref>

The now-defunct [[Philippine National Railways|Manila-Dagupan Railway]] opened in 1892 and traversed the barrios of Marulas, Caruhatan, Malinta, Dalandanan and Malanday, with the station being in [[Dalandanan, Valenzuela|Dalandanan]].<ref>https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10215303585008491&id=1401141105 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>

A constituted branch of the Katipunan was established in Polo on February 1, 1896.<ref name="katipunan at polo">{{cite web|title=Supreme Council Record of meeting held on February 1, 1896, in Polo|url=http://kasaysayan-kkk.info/docs.ks.010296.htm|work=Archivo General Militar de Madrid: Caja 5677, leg.1.20|publisher=Katipunan Documents and Studies|access-date=February 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901171223/http://kasaysayan-kkk.info/docs.ks.010296.htm|archive-date=September 1, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> The town joined other revolutionaries when the [[Philippine Revolution]] broke out in August 1896, while Valenzuela availed the amnesty offered by Spanish authorities a few weeks later.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wmgX9M_yETIC&q=valenzuela+amnesty+revolution&pg=PA455|title=Historical Dictionary of the Philippines|last=Guillermo|first=Artemio R.|date=2012|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=9780810872462|language=en}}</ref> Filipino forces under General [[Tiburcio de León|Tiburcio de León y Gregorio]] achieved a tactical victory in an engagement at Bitik and Pasong Balite (Pugad Baboy) on [DATE], temporarily repelling American forces, though American reinforcements subsequently forced Filipino withdrawal.<ref name="arenas50">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=50}}</ref> During the revolution, the Spanish massacred many residents, most of them in Malinta. Suspected revolutionaries were hanged and tortured to death. Many were forced to admit guilt or shout innocent names; others were shot without trial.<ref>{{harvnb|Sagmit|2007|p=156}}</ref>

===American invasion period===
[[File:Pio Valenzuela.jpg|thumb|right|313x313px|alt=Portrait of Filipino physician and revolutionary Pío Valenzuela: the city was named after him.|Valenzuela was named after [[Pío Valenzuela]], a Filipino revolutionary who was born in Polo in 1869.]]

The Americans imposed a military government when they acquired the Philippine islands from Spain as part of the [[Treaty of Paris (1898)|peace treaty]] of the [[Spanish–American War]]. They appointed Pío Valenzuela as the first municipal president of (''presidente municipal'') on September 6, 1899, to suppress aggressive leadership in the area. He resigned in February 1901 to become the head of the military division, and an election was held. Later that year, the government proclaimed Rufino Valenzuela, a relative of Pío, as the second president and first elected municipal president of the town.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/generalinfo/governor.php?id=38 | title=Pio Valenzuela (1921-1925) | work=Province of Bulacan, Republic of the Philippines | access-date=May 28, 2016 | archive-date=April 25, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425171726/http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/generalinfo/governor.php?id=38 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

When the [[Philippine–American War]] broke out in early 1899, the Americans were directed to capture [[Emilio Aguinaldo]], who was escaping to [[Malolos, Bulacan]]. Polo was one of the towns where Aguinaldo retreated; thus, it received heavy casualties in the first stages of the war.<ref name="Tiongson 2004 109">{{Harvnb|Tiongson|2004|p=109}}</ref> On February 22, 1899, General [[Antonio Luna]] camped at Polo after an unsuccessful engagement with the American forces in Caloocan.<ref name="Tiongson 2004 109" /><ref>{{Harvnb|Tiongson|2004|p=196}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Duka|2008|p=180}}</ref> A bloody battle on March 26, 1899, happened near the barrio chapel of Malinta. The Filipino forces had to retreat with the arrival of American reinforcements after being initially successful in defending Malinta and killing Colonel [[Harry C. Egbert|Harry Egbert]].

On October 8, 1903, the adjacent town of [[Obando, Bulacan|Obando]] merged with Polo by virtue of Act No. 932.<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=Act|number=932|date=October 8, 1903|url=https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/legislative%2Bissuances/Act%20No.%20932|title=An Act Reducing the Twenty-five Municipalities of the Province of Bulacan to Thirteen|accessdate=July 3, 2023|website=Senate of the Philippines Legislative Digital Resources|archive-date=October 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021150820/https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/legislative%2Bissuances/Act%20No.%20932|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was later separated from Polo, effective August 10, 1907, by virtue of Act No. 1588 dated January 25, 1907.<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=Act|number=1588|date=October 8, 1903|url=https://issuances-library.senate.gov.ph/legislative%2Bissuances/Act%20No.%201588|title=Full Title an Act Increasing the Number of Municipalities in the Province of Bulacan From Thirteen to Fourteen, by Separating From Polo the Former Municipality of Obando and Giving the Latter the Territory Which It Comprised Prior to the Passage of Act Numbered Nine Hundred and Thirty-two|accessdate=July 3, 2023|website=Senate of the Philippines Legislative Digital Resources}}</ref>

[[File:Arkong Bato Monument and Park 15.jpg|thumb|right|229x229px|alt=White stone arch on the road|The stone arch in Barangay [[Arkong Bato]], built by the Americans in 1910, serves as the boundary marker to the old town of Polo.]]
In 1910, a stone arch was built at its municipal boundary with [[Malabon]], [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]], along Calle Real (modern-day Marcelo H. Del Pilar Street). In 1928, [[MacArthur Highway|Manila North Road]] (Highway 3) opened and became the new gateway. The once-agricultural town slowly shifted to an industrial one. Businesses soon put up factories, the most famous of which is the Japanese venture Balintawak Beer Brewery that opened in 1938.

===Japanese occupation period===
The [[Japanese occupation of the Philippines|entrance of the Japanese]] into Polo during the [[Second World War]] was met with almost no resistance. However, there were still many murders committed. The place became a center of ''[[Makapili]]'' and spies. It was found that the Balintawak Beer Brewery became a front for manufacturing ammunition for the Japanese forces. The old church of San Diego de Alcalá was used by the Japanese forces as a torture chamber.

On December 10, 1944, Japanese forces massacred more than a hundred men in both towns. From about 1:00am until dawn, cries could be heard from the municipal building where men were being tortured to death. Mayor Feliciano Ponciano was killed along with other municipal officials.<ref name="arenas52">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=52}}</ref>

During the [[Philippines Campaign (1944–45)|1945 liberation campaign]], Allied forces (Filipino and American) conducted bombing and artillery bombardment operations against Japanese positions in Valenzuela. These operations resulted in significant civilian damage, including harm to the 17th-century San Diego de Alcalá Church, which was subsequently damaged by shellfire.<ref name="arenas52" />

The historic old bridge that once connected the northern and southern sectors of the town of Polo played a crucial role in its geographic and economic unity. However, during World War II, this vital structure was deliberately destroyed by retreating Japanese forces in an effort to hinder the advance of the Allied troops. The destruction of the bridge effectively split the town into two isolated zones, complicating both civilian life and military operations.

Following this, the northern section of Polo was promptly liberated by the combined forces of Filipino guerrillas and American soldiers. Meanwhile, the southern sector, including the poblacion, which served as the town's administrative and commercial center, remained under Japanese occupation. This strategic division underscored the tactical importance of the bridge and the river it spanned.

On February 11, 1945, the situation dramatically shifted when the joint Filipino and American forces succeeded in crossing the river. This maneuver led to the complete liberation of Polo, as Japanese forces, recognizing their untenable position, abandoned the town. The recapture marked a significant milestone in the broader campaign to free the region from Japanese control and restore civil governance.

===Philippine independence===
In 1947, the Balintawak Beer Brewery was acquired by [[San Miguel Beer]]. The Spanish church was never rebuilt, and only the belfry and the entrance arch remained. A new church was built perpendicular to the ruins of the old one.

On July 21, 1960, President [[Carlos P. Garcia]] signed Executive Order No. 401, which divided Polo into two: Polo and Valenzuela.<ref>{{cite PH act|chamber=EO|number=401, s. 1960|date=July 21, 1960|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1960/07/21/executive-order-no-401-s-1960/|title=Creating the municipality of Valenzuela in the province of Bulacan|accessdate=April 24, 2022|website=[[Official Gazette (Philippines)|Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines]]|archive-date=July 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710180226/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1960/07/21/executive-order-no-401-s-1960/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Polo comprised the northern barangays of Wawang Pulo, Poblacion, Palasan, Arkong Bato, Pariancillo Villa, Balangkas, Mabolo, Coloong, Malanday, Bisig, Tagalag, Rincon, Pasolo, [[Punturin, Valenzuela City|Punturin]], [[Bignay, Valenzuela City|Bignay]], Viente Reales, and Dalandanan. Valenzuela, on the other hand, comprised the southern barangays of Karuhatan, Marulas, Malinta, Ugong, Mapulang Lupa, Canumay, Maysan, Parada, Paso de Blas, Bagbaguin and Torres Bugallón (now Gen. T. de Leon). A provisional town hall was built across today's SM City Valenzuela, until a permanent town hall was built near the intersection of MacArthur Highway and the old Polo-Novaliches Road.

The division soon proved to be detrimental to economic growth in each town, so Bulacan [[Legislative districts of Bulacan#2nd District|Second district]] Representative to the [[5th Congress of the Philippines|Fifth Congress]], Rogaciano Mercado and [[Senator of the Philippines|Senator]] [[Francisco Soc Rodrigo]] filed a bill which sought the reunification of the two towns. On September 11, 1963, President [[Diosdado Macapagal]] signed Executive Order No. 46, which reunified Valenzuela and Polo, adopting ''Valenzuela'' as the name of the resulting town.<ref name="arenas54">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=54}}</ref>

In 1967, Mayor [[Ignacio Santiago Sr.]] purchased lots in Karuhatan in which the new municipal hall would be built. Misinterpretation of property surveys and tax appropriation issues sparked the debate on which [[barangay]] the municipal hall belonged to: Karuhatan, Malinta, or Maysan. To resolve the issue, Santiago ordered the creation of a new barangay, which was called Poblacion II, a reference to the old Poblacion barangay.<ref name="arenas56">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=56}}</ref>

====Incorporation of Metro Manila====
On November 7, 1975, jurisdiction over Valenzuela was moved from the province of Bulacan to Metro Manila. Metro Manila was then headed by [[First Spouse of the Philippines|First Lady]] [[Imelda Marcos]] as its [[Governor of Metro Manila|governor]]. Due to this, Valenzuela is the only area in the modern National Capital Region that was neither part of Spanish colonial-era [[Manila (province)|Manila]], [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] province, nor the wartime [[City of Greater Manila]].<ref name="arenas55-6">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|pp=55–56}}</ref>

In 1968, the North Diversion Road (now [[North Luzon Expressway]]) was opened.<ref name="arenas58">{{Harvnb|Arenas|1997|p=58}}</ref> Rail transport to the city ceased in 1988 with the closure of the [[Philippine National Railway]]'s North Line.

====Cityhood====
{{main|Cities of the Philippines}}

The passage of the Local Government Code in 1991 provided local governments with autonomy, which has allowed them to develop into self-reliant communities. On February 14, 1998, President [[Fidel V. Ramos]] signed Republic Act No. 8526, which converted the municipality of Valenzuela into a highly urbanized chartered city. The law also ordered the division of the newly created city into two [[Legislative districts of Valenzuela City|legislative districts]].<ref name="RA8526"/> When the law was ratified on December 30, 1998, Valenzuela became the 12th city to be admitted in Metro Manila and the 83rd [[Cities of the Philippines|in the Philippines]].<ref name="timoghilaga">{{Cite web|title=Project Study June 2009|url=http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/23510226/1334833239/name/THPGI.pdf|publisher=Timog Hilaga Providence Group|access-date=December 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929143951/http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/23510226/1334833239/name/THPGI.pdf|archive-date=September 29, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mahilum|first=Ed|title=Valenzuela to mark 13th year with mega jobs, trade fairs|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/303894/valenzuela-mark-13th-year-with-mega-job|access-date=December 11, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=February 12, 2011}}</ref>

===Contemporary===
In 2002, President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] proclaimed July 11 every year as ''Valenzuela Day'', which was an official holiday in the city that commemorates the birth date of Pío Valenzuela.<ref name="ord3"/> However, in 2008, the date of the city's charter day was transferred to February 14. Today, Valenzuela celebrates ''Valenzuela Day'' and ''Valenzuela Foundation Day'' on February 14 and November 12 respectively.<ref name="ARAW NG VALENZUELA 2012 Kasaysayan, Kasarinlan, Kaunlaran" /><ref name="araw ng valenzuela">{{Cite web|title=An Act Declaring February 14 of Every Year a Special Working Holiday in the City of Valenzuela to be Known as "Araw ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela"|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno9428.html|publisher=Philippine Congress|access-date=December 11, 2011}}</ref>

On December 9, 2002, the [[National Capital Region Police Office]] announced that they have discovered the largest illegal drugs factory in the country within a Chinese-owned warehouse in [[Lawang Bato]] after a fire broke out in the building, achieving the largest methamphetamine drug bust at the time with over {{Philippine peso|2.2 billion|link=yes}} worth of drugs seized.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Papa|first1=Alcuin|last2=Santos|first2=Tina|title=Fire leads to shabu lab, biggest drug bust ever|url=http://www.inq7.net/met/2002/dec/11/met_2-1.htm|access-date=April 17, 2022|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inq7.net]]|publisher=INQ7 Interactive, Inc.|date=December 11, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030101020653/http://www.inq7.net/met/2002/dec/11/met_2-1.htm|archive-date=January 1, 2003}}</ref>

On May 13, 2015, a [[Kentex slipper factory fire|fire broke out]] in the Kentex Manufacturing factory in Barangay Ugong, killing 74 people in the incident. In 2016, the [[Office of the Ombudsman of the Philippines|Ombudsman]] ordered the dismissal of Mayor [[Rex Gatchalian]] and other city officials due to grave misconduct and negligence of duty during the incident.<ref name="Kentex2">{{cite news | url=https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/valenzuela-mayor-6-others-ordered-dismissed-over-kentex-blaze/ar-BBqnHr3?li=AAb280R | title=Valenzuela mayor, 6 others ordered dismissed over Kentex blaze | date=March 5, 2016 | agency=The Philippine Star | access-date=March 23, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009145707/http://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/national/valenzuela-mayor-6-others-ordered-dismissed-over-kentex-blaze/ar-BBqnHr3?li=AAb280R | archive-date=October 9, 2016 | url-status=dead | df=dmy-all }}</ref> This is dubbed as the third worst fire incident in the country.<ref name="Kentex fire 1">{{cite news | work=CNN Philippines | url=http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2015/05/15/Kentex-blaze-3rd-worst-fire-incident-in-Philippines---BFP.html | title=Kentex blaze 3rd worst fire incident in Philippines - BFP | date=May 15, 2015 | agency=CNN Philippines | access-date=March 23, 2016 | author=Saunar, Ivy | archive-date=May 17, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517135442/http://cnnphilippines.com/metro/2015/05/15/Kentex-blaze-3rd-worst-fire-incident-in-Philippines---BFP.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Valenzuela satellite image.png|thumb|right|Satellite image of Valenzuela.]]

Valenzuela is located at {{Coord|14|40|58|N|120|58|1|E}}, about {{convert|14|km|mi|sp=us}} north of the country's capital, Manila. [[Manila Bay]], the country's top port for trade and industry, is located about {{convert|16.3|km|mi|sp=us}} west of the city. Valenzuela is bordered in the north by Obando and Meycauayan (Bulacan), to the west by Navotas, and to the east by Quezon City and northern Caloocan.

The highest elevation in the area reaches 38 meters (125 feet) above sea level, situated within the industrial zone of the city, specifically in the Canumay district. This hilly terrain, characterized by a surface gradient of approximately 0.55%, features a gentle slope that contributes to the area's suitability for industrial development. In contrast, the average elevation across the city is relatively low, at just 2 meters (6.6 feet) above sea level, indicating that much of the urban landscape lies close to coastal or flood-prone levels. This topographical variation plays a critical role in urban planning, infrastructure development, and flood management strategies.<ref name="aboutval">{{Cite web|title=Valenzuela City: The City|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/index.php/the_city|publisher=Valenzuela City|access-date=April 19, 2011|archive-date=April 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410011347/http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/index.php/the_city|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Apart from the political borders set by the law, Valenzuela and Malabon are also separated by the {{convert|15|km|adj=on|sp=us}} [[Tullahan River|Tenejeros-Tullahan River]] or simply ''Tullahan River''.<ref name="MMDA partners with private firm for Tullahan River dredging">{{Cite news|last=Carcamo|first=Dennis|title=MMDA partners with private firm for Tullahan River dredging|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=616089&publicationSubCategoryId=200|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216160757/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=616089&publicationSubCategoryId=200|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2013|access-date=April 21, 2011|work=The Philippine Star|date=September 28, 2010}}</ref> The river obtained its name from ''tulya'' or clam due to the abundance of such shellfish in the area.<ref>{{Cite web|title=An Anvil Award for the MNTC Tullahan River Adoption|url=http://eco-generation.org/activities/news/view.html?boardno=47&cat1=&cat2=&thread=1572&no=1572&page=5&search=&keyword=|publisher=Eco Generation World Environment News|access-date=April 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815105958/http://eco-generation.org/activities/news/view.html?boardno=47&cat1=&cat2=&thread=1572&no=1572&page=5&search=&keyword=|archive-date=August 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Tullahan is a part of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system of [[central Luzon]].<ref name="tenejeros">{{Cite news|title=Tenejeros River can easily be saved|url=http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/theenvironmentreport/view.php?article=20070928-91187&db=1|access-date=April 21, 2011|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=September 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114171858/http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/theenvironmentreport/view.php?db=1&article=20070928-91187|archive-date=November 14, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The river has been severely degraded by industrial pollution, resulting in poor water quality and markedly diminished aquatic biodiversity.<ref name="tenejeros"/><ref name="DENR, SMC ink pact to save Tullahan River">{{Cite news|url=http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20101127met3.html|title=DENR, SMC ink pact to save Tullahan River|last=Calalo|first=Arlie|date=November 27, 2010|newspaper=The Daily Tribune|access-date=April 21, 2011}}</ref> Tullahan riverbanks used to be lined with mangrove trees and rich with freshwater fish and crabs. Children used to play in the river before it was polluted by developing industries near it.<ref name="tenejeros"/>

To save the river, the [[Department of Environment and Natural Resources]], [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]], and the local governments of Valenzuela and Malabon signed partnerships with private and [[non-government organization]]s to dredge the area.<ref name="MMDA partners with private firm for Tullahan River dredging"/><ref name="DENR, SMC ink pact to save Tullahan River"/><ref name="Group Formed to Clean Up Tullahan River">{{Cite news|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278464/group-formed-clean-up-tullahan-river|title=Group Formed to Clean Up Tullahan River|last=Mahilum|first=Ed|date=September 22, 2010|work=Manila Bulletin|access-date=April 21, 2011}}</ref>

Increased climate variability, which is associated with global warming, has brought with it periods of heavy rainfall and high tides, which in turn have resulted in stagnant waters that can stay in the area for up to 4 weeks due to insufficient drainage and improper solid waste disposal. People are often stranded inside their homes and are exposed to waterborne diseases such as [[Dengue fever|dengue]] and [[leptospirosis]]. Better early warning systems are needed to manage the risk associated with increased rainfall.<ref>[http://cdkn.org/resource/inside-story-building-resilience-climate-change-valenzuela-manila/?loclang=en_gb INSIDE STORY: Building resilience to climate change locally – The case of Valenzuela City, Metro Manila]</ref>

===Administrative divisions===
{{Main|List of barangays in Valenzuela}}

[[File:Ph fil valenzuela barangays.png|thumb|Political map of Valenzuela|300px]]

Valenzuela has 33 [[barangay]]s, the smallest administrative unit in the city. The barangay is headed by the barangay captain or ''[[Punong Barangay|punong barangay]]'' and his 7-member local council or [[Barangay Kagawad|''mga'' ''kagawad'']], duly elected by the residents. The youth sector of the barangay is represented by the youth council called the ''[[Sangguniang Kabataan]]'' (SK), headed by the SK chairperson and his 7-member assembly, also known as ''mga SK kagawad''. There are 33 ''punong barangays'' and 231 ''kagawads'' in Valenzuela; SK officials are also of the same number. The barangays also serve as [[Census tract|census areas]] of the city.

At the national level, Valenzuela is divided into two [[congressional district]]s: the [[Legislative districts of Valenzuela#1st District|first legislative district]] in the northern half of the city, which contains 24 barangays, and the [[Legislative districts of Valenzuela#2nd District|second legislative district]] in the southern half of the city, which contains the remaining 9 barangays. Unlike barangays, the legislative districts have no political leader but are represented by congressional representatives in the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines]].

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;text-align:right;font-size:95%;background-color:#FDFDFD;"
|-
! scope="col" colspan="7" style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" | {{center|'''[[Valenzuela's 1st congressional district|District I]]'''}}
|-
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | Barangay
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;white-space:nowrap;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Population {{small|(2024)}}{{PH census|2024}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" colspan="2" | Area{{ref label|Area|a|none}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | [[ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP Code]]
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | Established
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Arkong Bato, Valenzuela|Arkong Bato]]
| {{percent and number|10,746|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|34.40|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Balangkas, Valenzuela|Balangkas]]
| {{percent and number|14,658|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|73.30|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1445
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Bignay, Valenzuela|Bignay]]
| {{percent and number|53,837|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|268.80|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Bisig, Valenzuela|Bisig]]
| {{percent and number|1,448|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|45.60|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Canumay East
| {{percent and number|15,058|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|217.30|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1447
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Canumay West
| {{percent and number|26,517|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|141.30|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1443
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Coloong
| {{percent and number|13,035|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|223.80|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1445
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Dalandanan, Valenzuela|Dalandanan]]
| {{percent and number|20,084|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|93.90|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1443
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Isla, Valenzuela|Isla]]
| {{percent and number|5,161|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|39.60|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Lawang Bato, Valenzuela|Lawang Bato]]
| {{percent and number|23,880|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|287.50|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1447
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Lingunan
| {{percent and number|25,423|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|115.90|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1446
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Mabolo
| {{percent and number|1,122|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|115.00|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Malanday, Valenzuela|Malanday]]
| {{percent and number|19,344|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|295.60|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Malinta
| {{percent and number|53,486|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|174.10|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Palasan, Valenzuela|Palasan]]
| {{percent and number|6,786|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|15.60|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Pariancillo Villa]]
| {{percent and number|1,989|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|5.00|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Pasolo
| {{percent and number|8,190|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|79.50|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Poblacion
| {{percent and number|224|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|3.40|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Polo, Valenzuela|Polo]]
| {{percent and number|1,147|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|5.20|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Punturin, Valenzuela|Punturin]]
| {{percent and number|25,170|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|162.20|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1447
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Rincon
| {{percent and number|7,097|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|24.40|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1444
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Tagalag, Valenzuela|Tagalag]]
| {{percent and number|3,468|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|101.00|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Veinte Reales|Viente Reales]]
| {{percent and number|18,874|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|192.90|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Wawang Pulo
| {{percent and number|4,198|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|27.80|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="col" colspan="7" style="background-color:#CEE0F2;" | {{center|'''[[Valenzuela's 2nd congressional district|District II]]'''}}
|-
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | Barangay
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;white-space:nowrap;" class="unsortable" colspan=2 | Population {{small|(2024)}}{{PH census|2024}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" colspan="2" | Area{{ref label|Area|a|none}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | [[ZIP codes in the Philippines|ZIP Code]]
! scope="col" style="border-bottom:none;" class="unsortable" | Established
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Bagbaguin
| {{percent and number|15,524|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|159.10|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Gen. T. de Leon
| {{percent and number|99,317|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|366.90|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1442
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |[[Karuhatan, Valenzuela|Karuhatan]]
| {{percent and number|42,845|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|190.60|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1441
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Mapulang Lupa
| {{percent and number|30,775|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|140.80|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1448
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Marulas
| {{percent and number|61,583|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|224.70|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Maysan
| {{percent and number|23,501|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|253.30|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Parada
| {{percent and number|21,602|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|34.40|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Paso de Blas
| {{percent and number|12,882|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|155.00|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1442
| align=center|
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:left;" |Ugong
| {{percent and number|56,202|725,173|disp=table|1|pad=yes}}
| {{convert|307.20|ha|abbr=values|disp=table}}
| align=center|1440
| align=center|
|-
|-class="sortbottom"
! scope="row" colspan=2 style="text-align:left;" | Total
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 725,173
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | 47.02
! scope="col" style="text-align:right;" | {{convert|47.02|km2|disp=number|2}}
! scope="col" colspan=2 style="text-align:right;" | 
|-
|}

===Climate===
{{climate chart
| Valenzuela
|21.4|29.8|18
|21.4|30.7|10
|22.5|32.4|13
|23.9|33.9|30
|24.7|33.8|159
|24.5|32.2|318
|24|31.1|477
|24|30.6|503
|23.9|30.7|369
|23.6|31|194
|23|30.6|140
|22.2|29.9|65
| float  = right
| source = [https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/1701668 BBC Weather] (Manila)
| clear  = both
}}
Due to its location in Metro Manila, the climate of Valenzuela is almost similar to the country's capital, Manila. Given its geographic location on the west coast of the Philippines, the [[Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration]] (PAGASA) classifies Valenzuela as ''Type I'' under its weather scheme. Wind from the Pacific Ocean is generally blocked by the [[Sierra Madre (Philippines)|Sierra Madre]] mountain range several kilometers east of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.htm|title=Climate Information and Statistics|publisher=Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration|access-date=April 21, 2011|archive-date=May 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525212029/http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/statfram.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Its proximity to the equator tends to give the city a very small temperature range, from as low as {{convert|20|C|F}} to as high as {{convert|35|C|F}}, although humidity makes these hot temperatures feel much hotter. The [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate system]] classifies Valenzuela's climate as a borderline [[Tropical monsoon climate|tropical monsoon (''Am'')]] and [[Tropical savanna climate|tropical savanna (''Aw'')]] due to its location and precipitation characteristics. This means the city has two pronounced seasons: dry and wet seasons.

[[Relative humidity|Humidity]] levels are usually high in the morning, especially during June–November, making it feel warmer. The lowest humidity levels are recorded in the evening during the wet season. Discomfort from heat and humidity is extreme during May and June, and is higher than in other places in the country. The average sunlight is highest in April at 254.25 hours and lowest in July, August and September at 113 hours.<ref name="bbcmanila">{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/1701668|title= Weather > Philippines > Manila |publisher= BBC Weather|access-date=April 21, 2011 }}</ref>

{{Weather box
| location     = Valenzuela, Philippines
| width        = auto
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| Jan high C = 29.8
| Feb high C = 30.7
| Mar high C = 32.4
| Apr high C = 33.9
| May high C = 33.8
| Jun high C = 32.2
| Jul high C = 31.1
| Aug high C = 30.6
| Sep high C = 30.7
| Oct high C = 31.0
| Nov high C = 30.6
| Dec high C = 29.9
| Jan mean C = 25.6
| Feb mean C = 26.0
| Mar mean C = 27.4
| Apr mean C = 28.9
| May mean C = 29.2
| Jun mean C = 28.3
| Jul mean C = 27.5
| Aug mean C = 27.3
| Sep mean C = 27.3
| Oct mean C = 27.3
| Nov mean C = 26.8
| Dec mean C = 26.0
| Jan low C = 21.4
| Feb low C = 21.4
| Mar low C = 22.5
| Apr low C = 23.9
| May low C = 24.7
| Jun low C = 24.5
| Jul low C = 24.0
| Aug low C = 24.0
| Sep low C = 23.9
| Oct low C = 23.6
| Nov low C = 23
| Dec low C = 22.2
| Jan precipitation mm = 18
| Feb precipitation mm = 10
| Mar precipitation mm = 13
| Apr precipitation mm = 30
| May precipitation mm = 159
| Jun precipitation mm = 318
| Jul precipitation mm = 477
| Aug precipitation mm = 503
| Sep precipitation mm = 369
| Oct precipitation mm = 194
| Nov precipitation mm = 140
| Dec precipitation mm = 65
| source 1 = en.climate-data.org<ref name="met_norms">
{{cite web
 |url= http://en.climate-data.org/location/3102/
 |title= Climate: Valenzuela - Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table
 |publisher= en.climate-data.org
 |access-date=August 11, 2014}}</ref>

}}

===Ecology===
Valenzuela City was originally characterized by expansive grasslands that supported a primarily agricultural landscape. These natural grass covers were highly suitable for farming and played a significant role in sustaining local agricultural practices. However, with the accelerated pace of industrialization and economic growth, substantial changes in land use were observed. Large portions of these grasslands were converted into paved roads and urban infrastructure to accommodate the city's growing population and commercial activities, resulting in a considerable reduction of green spaces.<ref name=":0" />

In response to the environmental impacts of urban development, the local government of Valenzuela initiated several measures aimed at preserving and revitalizing urban vegetation. Among the most notable of these initiatives was the establishment of community vegetable gardens and techno-demonstration farms throughout various barangays in the city. These projects were designed not only to promote sustainable urban agriculture but also to encourage environmental awareness and food security among residents. By 2003, the city had established at least two fully operational community farms, serving as models for integrating greenery into an increasingly urbanized environment.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=de Guzman|first=Constancio|title=Farming in the City: An Annotated Bibliography of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in the Philippines with Emphasis on Metro Manila|url=http://www.cipotato.org/urbanharvest/documents/pdf/ab_manila.pdf|work=[[University of the Philippines Los Banos]]|publisher=[[International Potato Center]]|access-date=December 4, 2011|page=41|year=2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125211242/http://www.cipotato.org/urbanharvest/documents/pdf/ab_manila.pdf|archive-date=January 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2007, ordinary fishing ponds in Tagalag and Coloong were transformed into fishing spots that attract anglers every year for a prize catch. Fish tournaments are held yearly to increase tourism and livelihood in the area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Natividad |first=Beverly |title=Valenzuela offers best spots in Metro for local anglers |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20100109-246417/Valenzuela-offers-best-spots-in-Metro-for-local-anglers |access-date=December 4, 2011 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=January 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113151610/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20100109-246417/Valenzuela-offers-best-spots-in-Metro-for-local-anglers |archive-date=January 13, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2008, the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] mandated Regional Trial Court Branch 171 as an environmental court handling all environmental cases in Valenzuela.<ref name="environmentalsc171">{{Cite news|last=Rempollo|first=Jay|title=SC Names Environmental Courts|url=http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/news/courtnews%20flash/2008/01/01290802.php|access-date=December 4, 2011|newspaper=Supreme Court of the Philippines|date=January 1, 2008|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121222235059/http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/news/courtnews%20flash/2008/01/01290802.php|archive-date=December 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Thomas Hodge-Smith noted in 1939 that Valenzuela is rich in black [[tektite]]s occurring in spheroidal and cylindrical shapes and are free of bubbles.<ref>{{harvnb|Landsberg|1965|p=41}}</ref>

'''Flora and fauna'''

Flora and fauna in Valenzuela include plant and animal species commonly found on Luzon, including domesticated mammals. The [[Department of Environment and Natural Resources]] (DENR) declared a 2-hectare (about 4.9 acres) [[mangrove]] and swamp area in Villa Encarnacion, Barangay Malanday, as an ecotourism site in recognition of its biodiversity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ecotourism Sites in National Capital Region |url=http://www.pawb.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:national-capital-region-ecotourism-site&catid=69:regions |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424104526/http://www.pawb.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:national-capital-region-ecotourism-site&catid=69:regions |archive-date=April 24, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2011 |publisher=Department of Environment and Natural Resources}}</ref> 

The site attracted around 100 species of migratory and resident birds each year. These included the [[black-crowned night heron]] (''Nycticorax nycticorax''), as well as native species such as [[Moorhen|moorhens]] (''Gallinula'' sp.), [[Swamphen|swamphens]] (''Porphyrio'' sp.), and the [[Philippine duck]] (''Anas luzonica''). Wooden viewing decks were constructed to support birdwatching, monitoring, and counting activities by visitors and researchers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carvajal |first=Nancy |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Birds find nesting place in Valenzuela City |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20080303-122405/Birds-find-nesting-place-in-Valenzuela-City |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501140715/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view/20080303-122405/Birds-find-nesting-place-in-Valenzuela-City |archive-date=May 1, 2014 |access-date=December 4, 2011 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> 

As of 2020, the ecotourism site at Villa Encarnacion no longer exists. The area was altered by road-side housing construction and other residential developments, which replaced much of the former wetland habitat.

==Government==
[[File:Valenzuela City Hall (MacArthur Highway, Valenzuela; 10-03-2021).jpg|thumb|right|241x241px|The Valenzuela City Hall Complex in barangay Karuhatan.]]

===Local government===
Like other [[cities in the Philippines]], Valenzuela is governed by a mayor and a vice mayor who are elected to three-year terms. The mayor is the executive head who leads the city's departments in the execution of city ordinances and the delivery of public services. The vice mayor presides over a 14-member  [[Valenzuela City Council|legislative council]] comprising six councilors from each of the city's two districts, plus two ''[[ex officio]]'' members: the Association of Barangay Chairmen President (representing the [[barangay]] sector) and the ''[[Sangguniang Kabataan]]'' Federation President (representing youth interests). The council is in charge of creating the city's policies in the form of ordinances and resolutions.<ref name="RA8526">{{Cite PH act|chamber=RA|number=8526|title=An Act Converting the Municipality of Valenzuela into a Highly-Urbanized City to be Known as the City of Valenzuela|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno8526.html|access-date=April 21, 2011|website=Chan Robles Virtual Law Library|date=February 14, 1998}}</ref>

The city is geographically part of, but not politically related to, the [[Metro Manila#Government and politics|third district]] of Metro Manila.

{{multiple image
| footer            = [[Legislative districts of Valenzuela City#1st District|First]] (''left'') and [[Legislative districts of Valenzuela City#2nd District|second]](''right'') legislative districts of Valenzuela.
| width             = 150
| image1            = Ph fil congress valenzuela 1d.png
| alt1              = First district
| image2            = Ph fil congress valenzuela 2d.png
| alt12             = Second district
}}

===Elected officials===

The incumbent mayor and vice mayor of the city are [[Wes Gatchalian|Weslie T. Gatchalian]] and Marlon Paulo D. Alejandrino, respectively.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto;"
|+ Representatives, officials and members of the 10th [[Valenzuela City Council]]
! scope="col" style="text-align:center;" |Designation
! scope="col" style="text-align:center;" |[[Valenzuela's 1st congressional district|First district]]
! scope="col" style="text-align:center;" |[[Valenzuela's 2nd congressional district|Second District]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | [[Legislative districts of Valenzuela|Representatives]]
| style="text-align:center;" |Kenneth T. Gatchalian ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Gerald Galang|Gerald Cloyd Alexis D.V. Galang]] ([[Lakas-CMD|Lakas]])
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |[[Mayor of Valenzuela|Mayor]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |[[Wes Gatchalian|Weslie T. Gatchalian]] ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Vice Mayor
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |Marlon Paulo D. Alejandrino ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|-
| rowspan="6" style="text-align:left;" |[[Valenzuela City Council|Councilors]]
| style="text-align:center;" |Cristina Marie F. Tan ([[National Unity Party (Philippines)|NUP]])
| style="text-align:center;" |[[Lorena Natividad-Borja|Lorena C. Natividad-Borja]] ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Joseph William D. Lee ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|Niña Sheila B. Lopez ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Richard C. Enriquez ([[Lakas-CMD|Lakas]])
|Roselle S. Sy ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Walter Magnum D. Dela Cruz ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|Chiqui Marie N. Carreon ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Kisha Coleen R. Ancheta ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|Christoffer Joseph M. Pineda ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|- style="text-align:center;"
|Exequil D.J. Serrano ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|Louie P. Nolasco ([[Nationalist People's Coalition|NPC]])
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |[[Councilor#Sangguniang Panlungsod|ABC President]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |Mario B. San Andres (Canumay West)
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |[[Sangguniang Kabataan|SK President]]
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |Jairus Jeofri P. Esplana (Malinta)
|}

===Court system and police===
The [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] recognizes five regional trial courts and two metropolitan trial courts within Valenzuela that have an over-all jurisdiction in the populace of the city.

The Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) is one of the four city police stations in the Northern Police District under the jurisdiction of the National Capital Region Police Office.<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Capital Region Police Office – History|url=http://www.ncrpo.org/index.php/about-us/history|work=National Capital Region Police Office|access-date=September 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016045641/http://www.ncrpo.org/index.php/about-us/history|archive-date=October 16, 2011|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Today, more than 500 police officers are working for the VCPS, which puts the police-residents ratio in the city at 1:16,000.<ref name="valenzuela.gov.ph">{{Cite web|title= Valenzuela City Ulat sa Bayan 2004 -2013|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/files/ulat_sa_bayan.pdf|work=City Government of Valenzuela|access-date=September 23, 2013}}</ref>

In 2007, the Valenzuela City Peace and Order Council, of which the VCPS is a member, was hailed 2nd placer for the Best Peace and Order Council award that was conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the NCRPO, and the Manila Peace and Order Council.<ref name="valenzuela.gov.ph"/> In 2012, the VCPS was cited by the NCRPO for having the best Women and Children Protection Desk in the metro.<ref name="valenzuela.gov.ph"/>

==Demographics==
{{Philippine Census 
| align= right
| title= Population census of {{PH wikidata|name}}
| 1903 = {{PH census population|1903}}
| 1918 = {{PH census population|1918}}
| 1939 = {{PH census population|1939}}
| 1948 = {{PH census population|1948}}
| 1960 = {{PH census population|1960}}
| 1970 = {{PH census population|1970}}
| 1975 = {{PH census population|1975}}
| 1980 = {{PH census population|1980}}
| 1990 = {{PH census population|1990}}
| 1995 = {{PH census population|1995}}
| 2000 = {{PH census population|2000}}
| 2007 = {{PH census population|2007}}
| 2010 = {{PH census population|2010}}
| 2015 = {{PH census population|2015}}
| 2020 = {{PH census population|2020}}
| 2024 = {{PH census population|2024}}
| 2030 = 
| footnote= Source: [[Philippine Statistics Authority]]{{PH wikidata|population_reference}}{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}} 
}}

The [[demonym]] of Valenzuela is ''Valenzuelano'' for males and ''Valenzuelana'' for females; it is sometimes spelled as ''Valenzuelaño''.

Based on the 2020 census, Valenzuela has a total population of 714,978, the 7th most populous in the NCR and 13th in the Philippines. This is an increase of 7.8 percent from 575,356 people in 2010, at an annual growth rate of 1.45%.<ref name="census2015">{{Cite web|title=2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH) Population Counts Declared Official by the President|url=https://psa.gov.ph/content/2020-census-population-and-housing-2020-cph-population-counts-declared-official-president|publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority|access-date=April 29, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Philippine Statistics Authority">{{Cite web|title=Population of 11.9 Million was Recorded for National Capital Region (Results from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing)|url=https://www.census.gov.ph/content/population-119-million-was-recorded-national-capital-region-results-2010-census-population|publisher=[[Philippine Statistics Authority]]|access-date=September 25, 2013|year=2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927115410/http://www.census.gov.ph/content/population-119-million-was-recorded-national-capital-region-results-2010-census-population|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The five most populous barangays are: Gen. T. de Leon (89,441), Marulas (53,978), Malinta (48,397), Ugong (41,821) and Karuhatan (40,996).<ref name="census2015"/>

Valenzuela City's household population in 2010, on the other hand, is at 574,840.<ref name="census.gov.ph">{{Cite web|title=Household Population by Age Group and Sex by City/Municipality: National Capital Region, 2010|url=https://www.census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/National%20Capital%20Region_1.pdf|publisher=[[Philippine Statistics Authority]]|access-date=September 25, 2013|year=2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927115357/http://www.census.gov.ph/sites/default/files/attachments/hsd/pressrelease/National%20Capital%20Region_1.pdf|archive-date=September 27, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> Almost half, 50.2 per cent, are males. Females comprise 49.8 per cent of the population, with a total number of 286,548. The city has a sex ratio of 101 males for every 100 females, the second-highest ratio in the region, after Navotas, which has a sex ratio of 102 males per 100 females.<ref name="Philippine Statistics Authority"/> Seven out of ten Valenzuela residents, 66.7 per cent, belong to the working-age group, or those aged 15 to 64. The remaining 33.3% are aged 0 to below 15 and 65 and above, which are classified as the dependent age group.<ref name="census.gov.ph"/>
[[File:Household population by Age Group and Sex, and Sex Ratio by Age Group, City of Valenzuela, 2010.png|center|Household population by age group and sex, and sex ratio by age group, City of Valenzuela, 2010]]

City population is expected to reach the 700,000-mark by mid-2022.<ref name="census2010">{{Cite web|title=Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities Based on 1990, 2000, and 2010 Censuses|url=https://www.census.gov.ph/data/pressrelease/2012/PHILS_summary_pop_n_PGR_1990to2010.pdf|publisher=Philippine Statistics Authority|access-date=April 21, 2012}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

<div class="center"><timeline>
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  id:lightgrey value:gray(0.9)
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  id:sfondo value:rgb(1,1,1)
  id:barra value:rgb(0.6,0.7,0.8)

ImageSize  = width:750 height:373
PlotArea   = left:50 bottom:50 top:30 right:30
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Period     = from:0 till:700000
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  bar:1960 text:1960
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  bar:1995 text:1995
  bar:2000 text:2000
  bar:2007 text:2007
  bar:2010 text:2010
  bar:2015 text: 2015

PlotData= 
  color:barra width:20 align:left

  bar:1948 from:0 till: 16740
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  bar:1975 from:0 till: 150605
  bar:1980 from:0 till: 212363
  bar:1990 from:0 till: 339609
  bar:1995 from:0 till: 437165
  bar:2000 from:0 till: 485433
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  bar:1975 at: 150605 fontsize:S text: 150,605 shift:(-10,5)
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  bar:1990 at: 339609 fontsize:S text: 339,609 shift:(-10,5)
  bar:1995 at: 437165 fontsize:S text: 437,165 shift:(-10,5)
  bar:2000 at: 485433 fontsize:S text: 485,433 shift:(-10,5)
  bar:2007 at: 568928 fontsize:S text: 568,928 shift:(-15,5)
  bar:2010 at: 575356 fontsize:S text: 575,356 shift:(-15,5)
  bar:2015 at: 620422 fontsize:S text: 620,422 shift:(-15,5)

TextData= 
  fontsize:S pos:(50,20)
  text:  Demographic evolution of Valenzuela from 1948 to 2015.
</timeline>
</div>

==Culture==

===''"Himig Valenzuela"''===
{{Listen
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| type        = speech
| filename    = Himig_Valenzuela.ogg
| title       = ''"Himig Valenzuela"''
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}}
''"Himig Valenzuela"'',<ref>{{YouTube|id=Wm_AUO1Iqwg|title=Himig Valenzuela}}</ref> or "Valenzuela Hymn", is the official song of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|website=The LawPhil Project|url=http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7160_1991.html|title=Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 (Philippines)|access-date=May 7, 2009}}</ref> It is sung during flag ceremonies of private and public schools as well as government institutions along with the [[Philippines|Philippine]] national anthem, ''"[[Lupang Hinirang]]"''. The hymn was composed by Edwin Ortega, which has the primary objective to promote unity, progress and patriotism among the city's citizens.<ref name="valhymnlaw">{{Cite news|last=Torda |first=Jehan |title="Himig Valenzuela" MTV Premiered |url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=200808256&tbl=press |access-date=April 22, 2011 |newspaper=Valenzuela Public Information Office |date=September 12, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Web cached using [https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=200808256&tbl=press Google cache service]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}.</ref>

City ordinance number 18 mandated all citizens of Valenzuela to sing the hymn in all meetings and public occasions.<ref name="valhymnlaw"/>

Before its adoption in 2008, Valenzuela had its official hymn during its time as a municipality, from being part of Bulacan to Metro Manila, called "Bayang Valenzuela", composed by Igmidio M. Reyes and its lyrics by Dr. Eusebio S. Vibar. It is now abandoned in its use as the official hymn of this city. There is a video by Valenzuela City Cultural and Tourism Development Office, which is found on [[Facebook]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.facebook.com/2088736441364958/videos/258660448411766/?refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2F2088736441364958%2Fvideos%2F258660448411766%2F&_rdr |title=Bayang Valenzuela |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=March 28, 2019 |website=Facebook |publisher=Valenzuela City Cultural and Tourism Development Office |access-date=March 28, 2019 }}</ref>

===Feasts and holidays===
In 2007, President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] signed a law declaring February 14 a special non-working holiday each year. The date marks Valenzuela’s recognition as a city in 1998.<ref name="1998charter">{{Cite PH act|url=http://www.chanrobles.com/republicacts/republicactno9428.html|chamber=RA|number=9428|date=April 10, 2007|title=An Act Declaring February 14 Every Year a Special Working Holiday in the City of Valenzuela to be Known as "Araw ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela"|access-date=April 23, 2011|website=Chan Robles Virtual Law Library}}</ref>

The city also observes November 12 as its foundation day. This date refers to the founding of the town when it was still known as Polo in 1623.

Although there has been disagreement about the town’s exact founding date, the [[National Historical Commission of the Philippines]] confirmed November 12 as the official date. This follows the Spanish colonial practice of using a town’s patron saint’s feast day as its date of establishment.<ref name="nhcp valenzuela" /><ref name="ARAW NG VALENZUELA 2012 Kasaysayan, Kasarinlan, Kaunlaran" />

Each barangay in Valenzuela has its own feast. Most of them launch celebrations during May and April to honor patron saints and the bounty harvest. Every April 26, a [[santacruzan]] is performed along with the Santa Cruz Festival in Barangay Isla. honoring St. Helena's legendary discovery of the True Cross according to Christian tradition. [[Helena of Constantinople|St. Helena]] was the mother of [[Constantine the Great]]. According to legends, 300 years after the death of [[Christ]], at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to conduct a search for the Cross. After some archeological diggings at the site of the Crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses. She tested each one by making a sick servant lie on all three. The cross where the servant recovered was identified as Christ's. St. Helena's feast day falls on August 8 but the anniversary of the finding of the Cross is on May 3, in the Philippines, this celebration took the form of the [[Mexican people|Mexican]] Santa Cruz de Mayo.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.travelgrove.com/travel-guides/Philippines/Valenzuela.html|title=Valenzuela Travel guide, Philippines|publisher=Travel Grove|access-date=May 12, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
[[ File:6169San_Roque_Pulo_Chapel,_Mabolo,_Valenzuela_City_12.jpg|thumb|100px|right| Hiyas ng Bulakan Sayaw-Pasasalamat, 12 Mayo 1763 - San Roque ng Pulo historical marker]]
Mano Po, San Roque Festival is celebrated every May 12 in Mabolo. In Valenzuela, [[Roch|San Roque]] is also known as the [[patron saint]] of the unmarried. There are countless tales of single girls who danced and prayed in the procession and who claim to have found their husbands during the fiesta. The festival is almost similar to [[Obando Fertility Rites]], where hopeful romantics dance to San Roque, requesting to find their true love.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newsflash.org/2000/05/tl/tl001059.htm|title=Valenzuela San Roque Festival starts tomorrow |last=Vanzi|first=Sol Jose|date=May 2, 2000|publisher=Headlines News Philippines|access-date=April 23, 2011}}</ref> Street dancing and procession along the city's major thoroughfares in commemoration of the feast of San Roque, highlighting the customs and traditional celebration of the festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/travel-destinations/271/feast-of-san-roque-barangay-mabolo-valenzela-city-metro-manila|title=Feast of San Roque, Mabolo, Valenzuela City|author=Sidney|date=May 13, 2006|access-date=May 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614150614/http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/travel-destinations/271/feast-of-san-roque-barangay-mabolo-valenzela-city-metro-manila|archive-date=June 14, 2006|url-status=usurped}}</ref> This also commemorates townsfolk victory after the British departed the country following the end of [[Seven Years' War]] with [[Spain]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mano Po San Roque Festival|url=http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/FestivitiesList.aspx?festivityCode=886&monthCode=05|publisher=[[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Department of Tourism]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807152229/http://www.tourism.gov.ph/SitePages/FestivitiesList.aspx?festivityCode=886&monthCode=05|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Feast of [[San Diego de Alcala]] is commemorated every November 12 in Poblacion. This is a celebration of the feast of the oldest church in Valenzuela, which includes annual boat racing, street dancing, and different fabulous activities of the festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.paraisophilippines.com/category/metro-manila/valenzuela-city/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131063753/http://www.paraisophilippines.com/category/metro-manila/valenzuela-city/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 31, 2013|title=Paraiso Philippines>>Valenzuela City|access-date=May 12, 2009}}</ref> As part of the San Diego de Alcala Feast Day, a unique food festival in the country is celebrated which features the famous [[Puto (food)|puto]]ng Polo, the small but classy ''kakanin'' which was created in the town of Polo.<ref name="pistang polo">{{cite news |work=Manila Bulletin |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/229482/polo-fiesta-valenzuela-s-grandest |title=Polo fiesta Valenzuela's grandest |last=Catapat |first=Willie |date=November 14, 2009 |access-date=January 7, 2012 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406235224/https://mb.com.ph/articles/229482/polo-fiesta-valenzuela-s-grandest |url-status=dead }}</ref> This rice cake was a recipient of Manuel Quezon Presidential Award in 1931 which was cited having its exotic taste and amazingly long [[shelf-life]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Vanzi|first=Sol Jose|title=Valenzuela City honors "Putong Pulo"|url=http://www.newsflash.org/2001/11/ht/ht002099.htm|access-date=April 22, 2011|newspaper=Philippine Headline News Online|date=November 6, 2001}}</ref> The celebration, known as [[Puto (food)|Puto]]ng Polo Festival includes a parade featuring artistic creations from the rice cake which showcases creativity among the residents.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Luci|first=Charissa|title=4th Putong Polo fest launched tomorrow in V'lenzuela City|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/186150|access-date=April 22, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=November 11, 2004}}</ref>

== Economy ==

Owing to the cross-migration of people across the country and its location as the northernmost point of Metro Manila, Valenzuela has developed into a multicultural metropolis. A former agricultural rural area, Valenzuela has grown into a major economic and industrial center of the Philippines when a large number of industries relocated to the central parts of the city.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie|title=China official, traders visit Valenzuela industrial sites|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/135307|access-date=December 3, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=August 16, 2005}}</ref>
{{stack|float=left|{{PH poverty incidence}}}}

==Tourism==
{{travel guide|1=section|date=July 2024}}
{{Copy edit section|date=May 2025}}
[[File:San Miguel Polo Brewery, Valenzuela City, Mar 2024.jpg|thumb|San Miguel Brewery Inc. - Polo Brewery|286x286px]]The '''[[Valenzuela People's Park|Valenzuela City People's Park]]''' or simply ''People's Park'', is an urban park located in a 1.3-hectare lot beside the city hall in Barangay Karuhatan. There is an electronically controlled dancing fountain at the park entrance. There are also open areas, a children's playground, and some spaces for animals. The 400-seater amphitheater has also hosted a wide range of activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/article/news/10434|title=People's Park to open in Valenzuela City on Valentine's Day|last=PIO|first=Administrator, Team|website=City Government of Valenzuela|language=en-gb|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref>

The '''Valenzuela City Family Park''', also located in Barangay Karuhatan, is another public park in the area that integrates nature in the urban setting.<ref name=":1" /> The park features a variety of amenities including a children's playground, an interactive fountain, an aviary, outdoor fitness equipment, an amphitheater, and a food park. The park is also pet-friendly, bike-friendly, and accessible to persons with disabilities.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1019636|title=Valenzuela opens new family park|date=March 14, 2019 |author=Susan G. De Leon |work=Philippine Information Agency|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref>

One of the many initiatives of the city government to create greener spaces, '''Polo Mini Park''' was inaugurated on January 21, 2020, six months after the announcement of the rehabilitation of the historical old town square of Polo. The park is adorned with a hundred-year-old luscious trees, a fountain, a memorial marker commemorating war veterans and statues of Pío Valenzuela and José Rizal. The park serves both as a recreational facility and as a physical monument to Valenzuela's historical figures and independence heritage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://manilastandard.net/lgu/ncr/315587/valenzuela-marks-greener-upgraded-historic-polo-park.html|title=Valenzuela marks greener, upgraded, historic Polo Park|work=Manila Standard|access-date=March 26, 2020|language=en}}</ref>

In English, '''Arkong Bato''' means "arch of stone," which was constructed and built by the Americans in 1910 to serve as a border between the provinces of Bulacan (where Valenzuela or Polo, as it was known before, belonged to) and [[Rizal Province|Rizal]]. (where [[Malabon]] used to be part of) The arch is located along M.H. del Pilar Street, which was once the main gateway to North Luzon before the construction of [[MacArthur Highway]] and [[North Luzon Expressway]]. After Malabon seceded from Rizal and Valenzuela from Bulacan to become part of Metropolitan Manila in 1975, the arch now marked as the boundary between the two towns and their respective barangays, Barangay Santulan in Malabon and Barangay Arkong Bato in Valenzuela.<ref name="tourismdep" /><ref name="travelgrove" />

The '''Harry C. Egbert Memorial''' is located in Sitio Tangke Street in Malinta that serves as monument and memorial to [[Brigadier general (United States)|Brigadier general]] [[Harry C. Egbert|Harry Clay Egbert]], commanding officer of the [[22nd Infantry Regiment (United States)|22nd Infantry Regiment]] of the United States who was mortally wounded here in 1899 during the [[Philippine–American War]]. Additionally, Egbert also served the [[US Army]] during [[American Civil War]] and [[Spanish–American War]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Towns and Cities – Valenzuela|url=http://biyahero.net/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=15&sobi2Id=1843&Itemid=56|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501142112/http://biyahero.net/index.php?option=com_sobi2&sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=15&sobi2Id=1843&Itemid=56|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 1, 2014|access-date=January 7, 2012}}</ref>

The '''[[Museo Valenzuela]]''' ({{langx|en|Valenzuela Museum}}) was the house where Dr. Pío Valenzuela, in whose memory the old town of Polo was renamed, was born and saw the best years of his life. This same house was burned recently. Valenzuela's historical and cultural landmark, Museo Valenzuela, features collections of artifacts depicting the city's past and continuing development.

The '''Libingan ng mga [[Japanese people|Hapon]]''' ({{langx|en|Japanese Cemetery}}) was built in a 500-square-meter lot of the Bureau of Telecommunications compound. The cemetery served thousands of fallen Japanese soldiers during the [[Philippines Campaign (1944–1945)|Philippines Campaign]] of 1944–45.<ref name="tourismdep" /><ref name="travelgrove" />

The '''[[National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima]]''' ({{langx|fil|Pambansang Dambana ng Birhen ng Fatima}}) is the center of the Fatima apostolate in the country was declared a tourist site in 1982 by the [[Department of Tourism (Philippines)|Department of Tourism]] and a pilgrimage shrine in 2009 by the [[Diocese of Malolos]]. It is near the [[Our Lady of Fatima University]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=64298|title=Purely Personal : Catholics mark 90th Fatima anniversary|last=Darang|first=Josephine|date=May 6, 2007|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=May 7, 2009|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210050/http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=64298|url-status=dead}}</ref> The shrine houses the wooden statue of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the fifty images blessed by [[Pope Paul VI]] in 1967 as part of golden celebration of the Marian apparition to three children in [[Fátima, Portugal|Fátima]], [[Portugal]].<ref name="fatimainquirer" /> The images were later distributed to churches worldwide, where one of them is intended for the Philippines, however, unclaimed ending up in [[New Jersey]]. In 1984, Cardinal [[Jaime Sin]], [[Archbishop of Manila]], finally claimed the statue and was then transferred under the custody Bahay Maria Foundation, a Philippine-based Marian organization. During [[People Power Revolution]] in 1986, it was one of the iconic figures held by revolutionaries to oust the dictator [[Ferdinand Marcos]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Lao|first=Levine|title=Marian devotion, modern Filipino art blend in Valenzuela exhibit|url=http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/artsandbooks/artsandbooks/view/20110117-314859/Marian-devotion-modern-Filipino-art-blend-in-Valenzuela-exhibit|access-date=April 23, 2011|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411070553/http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/artsandbooks/artsandbooks/view/20110117-314859/Marian-devotion-modern-Filipino-art-blend-in-Valenzuela-exhibit|archive-date=April 11, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> On October 17, 1999, the statue was then transferred to the shrine. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima is celebrated every March 7 and May 13.<ref name="fatimainquirer">{{cite news|last=Uy|first=Jocelyn|title=EDSA 'Fatima' blessed by Pope; Sin fetched image in NJ|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110224-321898/EDSA-Fatima-blessed-by-Pope-Sin-fetched-image-in-NJ|access-date=April 23, 2011|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=February 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225135123/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110224-321898/EDSA-Fatima-blessed-by-Pope-Sin-fetched-image-in-NJ|archive-date=February 25, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Aquino|first=Leslie Ann|title=Our Lady of Guadalupe now a national shrine|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/259644/our-lady-guadalupe-elevated-nat-l-|access-date=April 23, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=May 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ruiz|first=JC Bello|title=Prayer vigil for Cory ends|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/213725/prayer-vigil-cory-end|access-date=April 23, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=July 31, 2009|author2=James Catapusan|author3=Willie Catapat}}</ref>

Dr. Pío Valenzuela, who became part of the triumvirate of revolutionary society [[Katipunan]] and founder of the organ ''[[Ang Kalayaan]]'', lived and died in 1956 at the old '''Residence of Pío Valenzuela''' along Velilla Street in Barangay Pariancillo Villa, where a marker by the Valenzuela city government was placed in his honor. The present house was built after the war on the site of the old house, which once served as a venue for secret meetings and gatherings of the Katipunan. The old house was burned during World War II.<ref name="tourismdep">{{cite web|title=Valenzuela Tourist Attractions|url=http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Valenzuela&Page=1&pid=2579|access-date=January 7, 2012|archive-date=May 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517212520/http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?title=Valenzuela&Page=1&pid=2579|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="travelgrove">{{cite web|title=Valenzuela Sights and Landmarks Guide, Philippines|url=http://www.travelgrove.com/travel-guides/Philippines/Valenzuela-Sights-c1507129.html|access-date=January 7, 2012}}</ref>

The '''[[San Diego de Alcala Church]]''' and its belfry were built in 1632 by the people of Polo.  Residents were taken to [[forced labor]] to complete the church after the town gained its independence through Father Juan Taranco and Don Juan Monsod. The belfry and entrance arch, which are over four centuries old, are the only parts of the edifice that remain to this day.  The main structure was destroyed by bombs during the Japanese occupation. Residents of barangays Polo and Poblacion celebrate the feast day of [[San Diego de Alcala]] on November 12 every year, together with the ''putong polo'' festival.<ref name="pistang polo"/>

Located at Malanday, the '''Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church''', was erected on October 17, 1994, to replace the Santo Cristo Chapel, and solemnly declared on June 24, 2001. The Church belongs to the Vicariate of St. Didacus of Alcala – Valenzuela City, [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Malolos]].

The '''Valenzuela Astrodome''' is a large multi-purpose, [[dome]]d [[sports stadium]] located in Barangay [[Dalandanan]] that hosts several sports events, concerts, promotional events, seminars, job fairs, etc.

Dubbed as Valenzuela City's "best kept secret", the '''Tagalag Fishing Village''' lies beside a {{convert|1.3|km|adj=on|sp=us}} boardwalk in Barangay Tagalag. Various activities are being offered in one of the newest attractions in the city, such as recreational fishing, line fishing tutorials, bird watching, boating, photowalk, and sunset watching.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/02/16/1993444/valenzuela-opens-first-fishing-village|title=Valenzuela opens first fishing village|last=Cayabyab|first=Marc Jayson|work=The Philippine Star|access-date=March 26, 2020}}</ref>

The '''Valenzuela [[boardwalk]]''' is a conversion of "Tagalag Fishing Village"s' 1.3-kilometer (0.81 mi) flood dike (protection) into a [[walkway]] with a bike [[trail]], among other attractions. Its [[flood wall]] has a four-meter-wide [[linear park]] traversing Barangays Coloong, [[Tagalag, Valenzuela|Tagalag]] and Wawang Polo. It was inaugurated by a [[walkathon]] in September 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Viilente |first1=Jing |title=Walkathon marks Valenzuela Boardwalk opening|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/09/21/walkathon-marks-valenzuela-boardwalk-opening |accessdate=September 25, 2024 |work=[[Daily Tribune (Philippines)]] |date=September 22, 2024}}</ref>

{{Gallery
| title        = Gallery of tourist spots in Valenzuela
| align        = center
| footer       =
| style        =
| state        =
| height       = 160
| width        = 170
| captionstyle =
| File: Valenzuela People's park.jpg
 | alt1= Valenzuela People's Park
 | [[Valenzuela People's Park]]
| File:Polo Park.jpg
 | alt2= Polo Mini Park
 | Polo Mini Park
| File:Valenzuela Family Park.jpg
 | alt3= Valenzuela Family Park
 | Valenzuela Family Park
| File:Polo Arkong Bato Valenzuela 03.jpg
 | alt4= Arkong Bato entry marker
 | Arkong Bato Park
| File: National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City.jpg
 | alt5= National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
 | [[National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima]]
| File: San Diego de Alacala Bell Tower.jpg
 | alt6= San Diego de Alcala Church
 | [[San Diego de Alcala Church]]
| File: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church facade in Valenzuela, Metro Manila.jpg
 | alt7= Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church
 | Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church
| File: Museo Valenzuela, Valenzuela City (March 2020).jpg
 | alt8= Museo Valenzuela
 | [[Museo Valenzuela]]
| File: Tagalag Fishing Village, Valenzuela City.jpg
 | alt9= Tagalag Fishing Village
 | Tagalag Fishing Village
| File:Valenzuela_Family_Park_Karuhatan_01.jpg
 | alt10= Valenzuela Family Park
 | Valenzuela Family Park
| File:Arkong_Bato_Monument_and_Park_33.jpg
 | alt11= : Arkong Bato Monument and Park 
 |Arkong Bato Monument and Park 
| File:Polo_Arkong_Bato_Valenzuela_30.jpg
 | alt12= : Polo Park Valenzuela
 |Polo Park Valenzuela

}}

==Services==

===Education===
[[File:FvfValenzuela0294 09.JPG|thumb|left|250px|[[Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela]] main building in Malinta.]]
[[File:FvfValenzuelaCity0060 12.JPG|thumb|right|250px|[[Valenzuela City Polytechnic College]] entry marker in Parada.]]
[[File:Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Science.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Science]] in 2014.]]
The city collaborates with other institutions, government or private, to bring quality education among its citizens under the "''WIN ang Edukasyon Program''" (roughly means ''Education WIN [[sic]] Program'', WIN is the nickname of the current mayor [[Sherwin Gatchalian]]). In 2010, the government, in partnership with the local school board, funded the purchase to construct a computer laboratorie in 10 different secondary schools, all having a net worth of {{Philippine peso|17.7M|link=yes}} (or about {{US$|410,000|link=yes}} as of April 2011). This also includes the distribution of {{Philippine peso|1.46M}} (or about US$34,000 as of April 2011) computers in [[Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela]] and [[Valenzuela City Polytechnic College]], as part of [[Department of Education (Philippines)|Department of Education]]'s ICT4E Strategic Plan. In this project, information and communication technology education is extended and expanded among all students.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Valenzuela local gov't provides computer labs to 10 more public high schools|url=http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Education_20/Valenzuela_local_gov_t_provides_computer_labs_to_10_more_public_high_schools_printer.shtml|access-date=April 27, 2011|newspaper=Positive News Media|date=March 31, 2010}}</ref> In 2009, the City Engineering Office repaired sidewalks and drainage to assist students especially during the wet season; they also repaired and constructed new buildings and classrooms to some schools in the city.<ref name="facilitieseduc"/> Under the same program, elementary school students received free mathematics and [[English grammar|English]] workbooks published by the government especially designed for Valenzuelanos.<ref name="facilitieseduc"/> The steady increase of 3.4% enrollment rate each year forces the government to construct new buildings and classrooms to meet the target 1:45 teacher-to-student ratio, contrary to the current count of 1:50 ratio alternating in three shifts.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Laude|first=Pete|title=Valenzuela opens 1st newly built classrooms|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=472643&publicationSubCategoryId=65|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906010626/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=472643&publicationSubCategoryId=65|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2011|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 30, 2009}}</ref> ''WIN ang Edukasyon Program'' was done in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation, a [[non-government organization]] that aims to improve education in local governments in the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Win ang Edukasyon sa Valenzuela City|url=http://www.synergeia.org.ph/printversion.php?article_id=1$50N99LlHia$XvksMbx6xv38MgBR3Vzqf0~92|work=Synergeia Foundation|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112041915/http://www.synergeia.org.ph/printversion.php?article_id=1$50N99LlHia$XvksMbx6xv38MgBR3Vzqf0~92|archive-date=November 12, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

At the same time, ''WIN ang Edukasyon Program'' also spearheads the yearly training of some mathematics and English language teachers assigned to Grades 1 and 2 pupils.<ref>{{Cite news|title=(Metro News) Valenzuela teachers complete training seminars|url=http://balita.ph/2010/03/05/metro-news-valenzuela-teachers-complete-training-seminars/|access-date=April 27, 2011|newspaper=Balita.ph|date=March 5, 2010|archive-date=October 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005172735/http://balita.ph/2010/03/05/metro-news-valenzuela-teachers-complete-training-seminars/|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The seminar focuses on how to enhance reading skills, language proficiency and mathematics of the students they are teaching through re-acquaintance with various drills and activities. This was done with the efforts of lecturers from [[Ateneo de Manila University]] and [[Bulacan State University]] using the approach developed by the [[University of the Philippines Diliman|UP Diliman]]'s College of Education.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie|title=300 Valenzuela teachers trained on reading skills|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/215885/300-valenzuela-teachers-trained-reading-skills|access-date=April 27, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=August 14, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=250 school teachers complete training|url=http://www.ateneo.edu/index.php/ateneo/www/oip/international/www.chem.admu.edu.ph/index.php?p=193&sec=38&type=2&aid=8079|publisher=[[Ateneo de Manila University]]|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319224603/http://www.ateneo.edu/index.php/ateneo/www/oip/international/www.chem.admu.edu.ph/index.php?p=193&sec=38&type=2&aid=8079|archive-date=March 19, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The government owns [[Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela]] and [[Valenzuela City Polytechnic College]] that serve as the city's state university and technical school for residents and non-residents, respectively. The [[Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela]] (PLV) or ''University of the City of Valenzuela'', was established in 2002 and is located within the perimeters of the old city hall in [[barangay]] Poblacion. In 2009, the city council passed Resolution No. 194 series of 2008, which authorized the government to purchase lots costing [[Philippine peso|PhP]] 33M (or about US$750,000 as of April 2011) in nearby Children of Mary Immaculate College as part of the university's expansion.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Caiña |first=Zyan |title=Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela undergoes expansion |url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=200900515&tbl=press |access-date=April 27, 2011 |newspaper=Valenzuela Public Information Office |date=May 28, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} [https://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=200900515&tbl=press Web cached]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} from Google cache service</ref> Mayor [[Sherwin Gatchalian]] assisted the development, which has an over-all cost of {{Philippine peso|75M}}  (or about US$1.7M as of April 2011) loaned from [[Development Bank of the Philippines]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=David|first=Gigi|title=Valenzuela upgrading city-owned college|url=http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/2009/may/29/police3.htm|access-date=April 27, 2011|work=Manila Standard Today|date=May 29, 2009}}</ref>  The newly purchased lots are used to construct an annex building which will house the departments of business administration and accountancy. The Board of Regents expected an increase in enrollment from 800 to 3,000 students in the next few years.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Two newly-opened 'Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela campuses benefit 3,000 students |url=http://www.positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Education_20/Two_newly-opened_Pamantasan_ng_Lungsod_ng_Valenzuela_campuses_benefit_3_000_students.shtml |access-date=April 27, 2011 |newspaper=Positive News Media |date=June 24, 2008 |author=PNA }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

[[Valenzuela City Polytechnic College]] (VCPC) was allotted with additional {{Philippine peso|18M}} (or about US$420,000 as of April 2011) budget in 2009 from the city fund, which will be used for expansion and upgrade of the college.<ref name="facilitieseduc">{{Cite news|last=Caiña |first=Zyan |title=Valenzuela City students to benefit from new school facilities |url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=200900516&tbl=press |access-date=April 27, 2011 |newspaper=Valenzuela Public Information Office |date=June 1, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Valenzuela allots P18 M to upgrade its Polytechnic College|url=http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Education_20/Valenzuela_allots_P18_M_to_upgrade_its_Polytechnic_College_printer.shtml|access-date=April 27, 2011|newspaper=Positive News Media|date=June 8, 2009}}</ref>

There are also privately owned academic institutions, including the [[Our Lady of Fatima University]] (OLFU). OLFU was previously granted by [[Commission on Higher Education (Philippines)|Commission on Higher Education]] autonomy, which includes independence from monitoring and evaluation services by the Commission, though still entitled to subsidies and other financial grants from the national government whenever possible. The autonomous status of the university was approved on March 11, 2009, and expired last March 30, 2014.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Roy|first=Imee Eden F.|title=Fatima is now Autonomous|url=http://www.fatima.edu.ph/downloads.asp?d=Fatima%20Tribune%20April-July%202009.pdf&mode=3|access-date=April 27, 2011|newspaper=The Fatima Tribune|date=April–July 2009|author2=Arlene H. Borja|pages=1–2|archive-date=April 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402165429/http://www.fatima.edu.ph/downloads.asp?d=Fatima%20Tribune%20April-July%202009.pdf&mode=3|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
[[File:FvfValenzuela1152 13.JPG|275px|thumb|left|Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital in Dalandanan.]]
[[File:Allied_Care_Experts_Medical_Center_Valenzuela_06.jpg|thumbnail|right|ACE Valenzuela]]
There are numerous hospitals in Valenzuela, like the city-run Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital and the Valenzuela Medical Center. There are also privately owned hospitals like Calalang General Hospital, Sanctissimo Rosario General Hospital and [[Fatima University Medical Center]], a tertiary private hospital under the administration of [[Our Lady of Fatima University]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fatima.edu.ph/college_medicine.htm |title=Fatima University College of Medicine |access-date=May 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304034819/http://www.fatima.edu.ph/college_medicine.htm |archive-date=March 4, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.philippinecompanies.com/companyprofile.php?id=26666|title=Sanctissimo Rosario General Hospital (business site)|access-date=May 5, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.calalanggenhospital.com/images/locationmap.pdf|title=Calalang General Hospital's location map|access-date=May 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708111637/http://www.calalanggenhospital.com/images/locationmap.pdf|archive-date=July 8, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The soon-to-rise Valenzuela City West Emergency Hospital and Dialysis Center is located in barangay [[Dalandanan]], adjacent to Valenzuela City Astrodome and [[Dalandanan National High School]]. It will render adequate healthcare services to underprivileged residents at a minimal fee.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Guiang|first=Alfred|title=New Valenzuela hospital to give wider healthcare coverage to Valenzuelanos|url=http://manila-bulletin.net/blog/2011/09/23/new-valenzuela-hospital-to-give-wider-healthcare-coverage-to-valenzuelanos/|access-date=November 30, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=September 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425155803/http://manila-bulletin.net/blog/2011/09/23/new-valenzuela-hospital-to-give-wider-healthcare-coverage-to-valenzuelanos/|archive-date=April 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The city implements the ''VC Cares Program'' which is designed for individuals who are unable to provide healthcare and necessities for themselves or meet special emergencies of need.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/services1.php?id=825005&tbl=service&ofc=SPO|title=Special Services-VC Cares Program|access-date=April 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217075106/http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/services1.php?id=825005&tbl=service&ofc=SPO |archive-date=February 17, 2009}}</ref> While health care service and financial assistance are generally the forms of assistance given, these may be supplemented by other forms of assistance, as well as problem-solving and referral services.  Appropriate referrals may be made to other agencies or institutions where complementary services may be obtained.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press/PR072607.html |title=VC Cares conducts feeding program for children in depressed areas |publisher=Public Information Office |date=July 26, 2007 |page=3 |access-date=May 5, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619045311/http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press/PR072607.html |archive-date=June 19, 2008 }}</ref>

According to the 2002 [[Commission on Audit (Philippines)|Commission on Audit]], the city reported accomplishment per health center ranging from as low as 42.26% to as high as 206% and vaccine utilization of 33% to 90% compared to the normal 46% to 377% per basic requirements.<ref name="coa polio">{{Cite web|url=http://www.coa.gov.ph/GWSPA/2001-2002/PIP/Valenzuela_PIP01-02.htm|title=Sectoral Performance Audit Report on the Polio Immunization Program of the City of Valenzuela (CYs 2001–2002)|year=2002|publisher=[[Commission on Audit (Philippines)|Commission on Audit]]|access-date=May 12, 2009}}</ref>

There are swampy areas in Valenzuela, and there are stagnant waters in the [[Tullahan River]] on the south, which make citizens vulnerable to mosquito-linked diseases such as [[dengue]] and [[malaria]]. Though malaria is not a common case in Valenzuela, the city ranks consistently among the top five dengue-infected regions in the Philippines, with around a 56% chance of recurrence every year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/denguealert/view.php?db=1&article=20060908-19900|title=Metro records highest dengue incidence – DoH|last=Ortiz|first=Margaux|date=September 6, 2006|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=September 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925074953/http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/denguealert/view.php?db=1&article=20060908-19900|archive-date=September 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manilacityph.com/newsaugust.html |title=DOH lauds Manila for low dengue rates |date=August 4, 2008 |publisher=Media Bureau |access-date=April 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100810003958/http://manilacityph.com/newsaugust.html |archive-date=August 10, 2010 }}</ref> In the second quarter of 2008, however, only 500% increase was reported compared to the same period in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|work=GMA News|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/video/26106/DOH-chief-visits-Valenzuela-amid-rise-in-dengue-cases-there|title=DOH chief visits Valenzuela amid rise in dengue cases there|date=July 23, 2008|publisher=GMA Network|access-date=September 19, 2009|language=tl}}, in video.</ref>

In September 2009, the [[Department of Health (Philippines)|Department of Health]] distributed free Olyset anti-dengue nets treated with [[permethrin]] insecticide to Gen. T. de Leon High School. Over 150 rolls of the nets were given and installed in the windows of the said school, as part of DOH's "''Dalaw sa Barangay: Aksyon Kontra Dengue''" (Visit Barangay: Action against Dengue) campaign.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=200900559&tbl=press |title=Gen. T. De Leon National High School Receives IT Nets from DOH |last=Caiña |first=Zyan |date=September 16, 2009 |publisher=Valenzuela Public Information Office |access-date=September 19, 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

====Legal issues====

In April 2024, [[Wilbert T. Lee]] filed [[Philippine House Committee on Health|House Resolution No. 1674]] to investigate the reported [[complaint]]s against Allied Care Experts Medical Center - [[Malanday]], Valenzuela. Richel Mae Pepito Alvaro, 26, and Lovery Magtangob, 28, "palit-ulo" scheme victims, filed [[complaint]]s of [[False imprisonment|serious and slight illegal detention]] with the Valenzuela City Prosecutor's Office against the hospital and several of its staff over unsettled hospital bills amounting to P518,519 and P777,378, respectively. "For Case No. 1, a slight illegal detention charge was filed. For Case No. 2, the victim was detained for three days so it will fall under serious illegal detention," [[Wes Gatchalian]] said.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vigilia |first1=Wendell |title=Probe sought on hospital's of patients' kin|url=https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/probe-sought-on-hospitals-illegal-detention-of-patients-kin/ |accessdate=April 8, 2024 |publisher= [[Malaya (newspaper)|Malaya]]|date=April 8, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1= Calalo|first1= Arlie |title=Charges filed vs Valenzuela hospital|url= https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/04/05/news/national/charges-filed-vs-valenzuela-hospital/1939915|accessdate=April 8, 2024 |publisher=[[The Manila Times]] |date=April 5, 2024}}</ref>

===Shopping centers and utilities===
[[File:SM City Valenzuela Facade 3.jpg|thumb|left|200px|SM City Valenzuela]]
[[File:3091Gen. T. de Leon Road Valenzuela City landmarks 43.jpg|thumb|One Mall Valenzuela in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon]]
On October 28, 2005, [[SM City Valenzuela|SM Supercenter Valenzuela]] (now SM City Valenzuela) was inaugurated.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.smprime.com/smprime/index.php?p=671&mall=4|title=Mall List-SM Valenzuela|access-date=May 7, 2009|archive-date=July 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716101728/http://www.smprime.com/smprime/index.php?p=671&mall=4|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other shopping sites such as Puregold Valenzuela, the newly renovated South Supermarket and the newly opened Puregold Paso de Blas is also located in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wikimapia.org/582277/Pure-Gold-Valenzuela|title=Puregold Valenzuela location map|access-date=May 7, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eyp.ph/search?catid=19346&channel=shop&loc=Metro+Manila&locid=11488&page=1&q=Supermarkets&start=S|title=EYP.PH List of malls in Metro Manila|access-date=May 7, 2009}}</ref> All these stores compete against each other since most have the same product offerings as diversified groceries except for SM City Valenzuela which has upgraded with the opening of [[The SM Store]]. People from the city with more major shopping needs normally head south to cities such as [[Quezon City]] and [[Manila]], since they have bigger malls and commercial centers with more diverse trade goods.

Water supply for the city is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System (MWSS)' west concessionaire [[Maynilad Water Services|Maynilad Water Services, Inc.]] (MWSI).<ref>{{Cite web|title=More Than Just Water: Maynilad Annual Report 2009|url=http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/downloads/maynilad09ar.pdf|publisher=Maynilad Water Services|access-date=December 3, 2011|page=3|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426012900/http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/downloads/maynilad09ar.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Maynilad Business Area|url=http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/customer-03.php|publisher=Maynilad|access-date=November 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115122636/http://mayniladwater.com.ph/customer-03.php|archive-date=November 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2006, the city has at least 68% water service coverage as determined by the Regulatory Office of the MWSS.<ref>{{Harvnb|Minogue|Cariño|2006|p=267}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Cuaresma|first=Jocelyn|title=Pro-Poor Water Services in Metro Manila: In Search for Greater Equity|url=http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/30635/1/cr040081.pdf|publisher=Centre on Regulation and Competition, [[University of Manchester]]|access-date=December 11, 2011|location=[[Manchester]]|page=4|date=June 2004}}</ref> Each customer receives at least 7 [[pound per square inch|psi]] water pressure, which means supply can reach for up to two floors for residential use.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Go|first=Marianne V.|title=Maynilad more than doubles 24-hour service coverage|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=649311|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906043057/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=649311|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2012|access-date=November 30, 2011|work=The Philippine Star|date=January 19, 2011}}</ref> Maynilad is owned and currently operated by DMCI Holdings, Inc.–Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (DMCI-MPIC).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Maynilad Water District, Philippines|url=https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/green_economy_2011/pdf/session_2_green_jobs_cases_philippines.pdf|publisher=UN Water International Conference|access-date=December 3, 2011|page=1}}</ref>

On June 2, 2010, the Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School in [[barangay]] Ugong unveiled its first solar generators, the first time for a school in the Philippines. The six 1-kilowatt [[Photovoltaic array|photovoltaic solar arrays]] installed to light nine classrooms are bought from Wanxiang America Corporation through the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and are part of the solar energy initiative of the city. The arrays were shipped from [[Illinois]], and installation was paid for by the city government. First district representative [[Rex Gatchalian]] and former second district councilor [[Shalani Soledad]] headed the switching ceremony, which made it the first-ever solar-powered school in the country.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Shalani helps unveil 1st solar-powered school in NCR|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/06/02/10/shalani-helps-unveil-1st-solar-powered-school-ncr|access-date=December 1, 2010|work=ABS-CBN News|date=June 2, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Shalani attends switch-on ceremony of solar panels in public school|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/192434/shalani-attends-switch-on-ceremony-of-solar-panels-in-public-school|access-date=December 1, 2010|work=GMA News|date=June 2, 2010}}</ref> The solar panels can generate 1&nbsp;kW to 5&nbsp;kW of electricity per hour depending on the intensity of sunlight. Unused solar energy is stored in eight deep-cycle batteries, which can be used after sunset. The panels also continue to absorb light from the night sky.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Echeminada|first=Perseus|title=Public school uses solar power|url=http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=580914|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909220255/http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=580914|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 9, 2012|access-date=December 1, 2010|work=The Philippine Star|date=June 2, 2010}}</ref>

===Waste management===
According to the 2002 [[Metro Manila]] [[Solid Waste Management]] Report of the [[Asian Development Bank]] (ADB), Valenzuela has the highest number of identified recycling companies in the [[National Capital Region|region]].<ref name="part 5 adb">{{Cite web|url=http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Consultant/35164-PHI/part05.pdf|title=Metro Manila Solid Waste Management (Part 5)|year=2002|publisher=[[Asian Development Bank]]|access-date=December 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607085846/http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Consultant/35164-PHI/part05.pdf|archive-date=June 7, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was also said that recycling centers related to plastic materials are relatively higher than other recyclable objects like metals, paper, glass among others.<ref name="part 5 adb"/> Accordingly, the city government allocates an amount of about 785.70 [[Philippine peso]]s (approx. US$18 as of April 2011) for every transportation and collection costs of a ton of waste material. In 2003, the city generated about 307.70 tons of waste every day.<ref name="navarro">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lumes.lu.se/database/alumni/02.03/theses/navarro_rhea_abigail.pdf|title=A Systems Approach on Solid Waste Management in Metro Manila, Philippines: A thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Lund University International Master's Programme in Environmental Science Lund University, Sweden|last=Navarro|first=Rhea Abigail|date=November 26, 2003|access-date=December 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304090404/http://www.lumes.lu.se/database/alumni/02.03/theses/navarro_rhea_abigail.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2001, it was reported by ADB that the city has as high as 25% solid waste management cost recovery rate through service charges on households and other enterprises for operational activities associated with waste collection, treatment and disposal.<ref name="part 9 adb">{{Cite web|url=http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Consultant/35164-PHI/part09.pdf|title=Metro Manila Solid Waste Management (Part 9)|year=2002|publisher=[[Asian Development Bank]]|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112042304/http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Consultant/35164-PHI/part09.pdf|archive-date=November 12, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> That same year, the city's proposal to implement a community-based solid waste management project in barangay Mapulang Lupa, was approved by the national government, which involves social mobilization, training of personnel, implementation of segregated collection and establishment of [[materials recovery facility]] and windows composting operation among others. The city government was granted a maximum of US$25,000 from the [[Asian Development Bank]] for the operation of the project.<ref name="part 8 adb">{{Cite web|url=http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Consultant/35164-PHI/part08.pdf|title=Metro Manila Solid Waste Management (Part 8)|year=2002|publisher=[[Asian Development Bank]]|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112042245/http://www.adb.org/Documents/Reports/Consultant/35164-PHI/part08.pdf|archive-date=November 12, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1988, the city opened its first waste disposal facility, the Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite. Every year, the facility collects and processes only about 60% of the entire city's waste through landfilling and recycling services. The dumpsite uses rice hull ash as daily cover and odor control material for the waste collected in the area.<ref name="mair">{{Cite web|last=Mair|first=D. Alan|title=Solid Waste Management in the Philippines: A Small Island Experience|url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/59349062/Solid-Waste-Management-in-the-Philippines|access-date=January 5, 2012|author2=J. Glenn Gaac |author3=Matthew DiNisco }}</ref> Lingunan Controlled Dumpsite also conducted some limited waste segregation and resource recovery operations before burial of residual waste.<ref name="mair"/> In 2006, the controlled dumpsite was closed per MMDA order in 2003 and was subsequently converted into a sanitary landfill as directed by RA 9003.<ref name="navarro" />

In statistics, 60% of the waste collected in the city is collected, hauled, and dumped in controlled dumpsites, while 5% is retrieved and recycled, and 35% is thrown everywhere in the city. Half of all these wastes are non-biodegradable wastes, which include plastics, Styrofoams, and rubbers alike, while the remaining are biodegradable wastes, which are 70% food and kitchen wastes, 20% plant wastes and 10% animal wastes.<ref name="coa2002val">{{Cite web|title=Government-wide Performance Audit Report on Solid Waste Collection System of the City of Valenzuela (January 2001 – June 2002)|url=http://www.coa.gov.ph/GWSPA/2001-2002/SWM/Valenzuela-SWM01-02.htm|publisher=[[Commission on Audit (Philippines)|Commission on Audit]]|access-date=April 25, 2011}}</ref> In 2002, there are about 30 small and big junkshops that collect recyclable materials and 20 schools that require their students to bring recyclable stuff as school project.<ref name="coa2002val"/>

The city spearheaded Metro Manila's implementation of a comprehensive waste management program in 1999, when it became the first area in the region to allocate 2.8 hectares of land in barangay Marulas to serve as an ecology center and the location for the city's waste management program's operations center. Biodegradable wastes in this area are converted to fertilizers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Metro Manila's first full waste management program begins|url=http://www.oneocean.org/overseas/apr99/coastal_alert.html#07|publisher=Online Magazine for Sustainable Seas, April 1999|access-date=April 25, 2011}}</ref> In 2004, the city government funded the repair of 29 garbage trucks and purchase of another 20 trucks that may increase the capacity of Waste Management Office to do full rounds of garbage every week.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie|title=New scheme improves garbage collection in Valenzuela City|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/176221|access-date=April 25, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=August 19, 2004}}</ref>

===Justice management===
In a joint study conducted by the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines]] and the [[United Nations Development Programme]] in July 2003, assessing inmate and institutional management among selected municipal and city jails in the [[Metro Manila|National Capital Region]], it was found that Valenzuela City Jail has a congestion rate of 170%. According to the study, the excess number of inmates in Metro Manila jails resulted in the outbreaks of various ailments such as psychiatric disorders, pulmonary tuberculosis and skin diseases. The [[Bureau of Jail Management and Penology]] recommends the implementation of release programs under applicable laws.<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Survey of Inmates & Institutional Assessment: Final Report July 2003|url=http://apjr.judiciary.gov.ph/pubreports/Survey%20of%20Inmates%20Final%20Report.pdf|work=[[Supreme Court of the Philippines]]|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme]]|access-date=November 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426010955/http://apjr.judiciary.gov.ph/pubreports/Survey%20of%20Inmates%20Final%20Report.pdf|archive-date=April 26, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) of Valenzuela is located along Valenzuela Hall of Justice in barangay Karuhatan.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Valenzuela City – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/index.php/government/article/199|publisher=Valenzuela City|access-date=November 30, 2011}}</ref>  It was formerly located at the old city hall in barangay Maysan which was transferred by mayor [[Sherwin Gatchalian]] in 2010 along with other trial courts, the police headquarters and prosecutor's office of the city.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie L.|title=Valenzuela courts find new home|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/244556/valenzuela-court|access-date=November 30, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=February 21, 2010}}</ref> That same year, the BJMP launched the Alternative Learning System program, in partnership with the local government and [[Department of Education (Philippines)|Department of Education]] (DepEd), as part of the rehabilitation programs to city jail inmates. Successful passers of the program received certification of DepEd as proof of completion of secondary education.<ref>{{Cite news|last=PNA|title=(Metro News) Valenzuela inmates get chance to educate themselves|url=http://balita.ph/2010/09/02/metro-news-valenzuela-inmates-get-chance-to-educate-themselves/|access-date=November 30, 2011|newspaper=balita.ph|date=September 2, 2010|archive-date=May 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140501141132/http://balita.ph/2010/09/02/metro-news-valenzuela-inmates-get-chance-to-educate-themselves/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:NLEX in Valenzuela 2021jwilz.jpg|thumb|[[North Luzon Expressway]] southbound lane in Barangay Canumay West]]
[[File:FvfValenzuela1766 16.JPG|thumb|[[MacArthur Highway]] in Barangay Malanday]]

Expressways such as the [[North Luzon Expressway]] (NLEX) and [[NLEX Harbor Link]] project traverse through Valenzuela. Valenzuela is accessible to and from NLEX via the Paso de Blas Interchange, formerly known as Malinta Exit (due to the road's direct access to barangay Malinta), at Km. 28. It also has exits towards barangays Lingunan and Lawang Bato. Meanwhile, the Harbor Link project, where Segments 8.1 and 9 are components of [[Circumferential Road 5]], provides access to Valenzuela through its interchanges at [[MacArthur Highway]] ([[Karuhatan]]), [[Harbor Link Interchange]] with NLEX, and [[Mindanao Avenue]] in barangay Ugong, as well as exits towards barangays Parada and Gen. T. de Leon.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://business.inquirer.net/188949/mntc-opens-new-nlex-segment | title=MNTC opens new NLEx segment |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer| date=March 20, 2015 | access-date=May 21, 2016 | author=Camus, Miguel}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.manilatimes.net/segment-links-nlex-with-mcarthur-highway/169592/ | title=Segment links NLEX with McArthur Highway |work=The Manila Times| date=March 15, 2015 | access-date=May 21, 2016 | author=Periabrias, Rosalie}}</ref>

Valenzuela is also connected to [[Bulacan]] through [[MacArthur Highway]], which ends at [[Bonifacio Monument]] in [[Caloocan]].

One of the well-known bridges in Valenzuela is the Tullahan Bridge in barangay Marulas that connects the city to barangay Potrero in [[Malabon]].<ref name="DENR, SMC ink pact to save Tullahan River"/> Tullahan bridge is part of [[MacArthur Highway]] that was built during the Spanish era as a way of transporting vehicles over [[Tullahan River]]. In the span of years, it was renovated repeatedly, the most recent being in 2008, though defects on the bridge began to appear barely six months after it opened for public use.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tullahan Bridge falling apart?|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/05/30/08/tullahan-bridge-falling-apart|access-date=April 23, 2011|work=ABS-CBN News|date=May 5, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.philstar.com/metro/413564/revilla-wants-tullahan-bridge-contractor-blacklisted | title=Revilla wants Tullahan Bridge contractor blacklisted | date=November 9, 2008 | access-date=May 21, 2016 | last=Calica | first=Aurelia |work=The Philippine Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/121115/nation/dpwh-hit-anew-over-unfinished-work-at-tullahan-bridge | title=DPWH hit anew over unfinished work at Tullahan Bridge | date=September 18, 2008 | access-date=April 23, 2011 | author=GMA News. |work=GMA News}}</ref>

The city is webbed by hundreds of roads, where 99.622% of them have a [[road surface|surface type]] of [[concrete]] while the remaining 0.378% were made of dirt.<ref name="road stat">{{Cite web|title=Part I: Road Statistics/Table 1.5b Summary of City Roads as of February 2011|url=http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/infrastructure/infra_stat/index.htm|publisher=[[Department of Public Works and Highways]]|access-date=November 29, 2011}}</ref> The [[Department of Public Works and Highways]] recognizes nine national bridges in Valenzuela, listed below.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Part I: Road Statistics/Figure 1.4 Location of Existing National Bridges|url=http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/infrastructure/infra_stat/index.htm|publisher=[[Department of Public Works and Highways]]|access-date=November 29, 2011}}</ref> Other bridges are just minor ones that connect small cliffs and former landfill areas, like Malinta Bridge in barangay Malinta. City roads have an average road density of 1.155 kilometers of road per 100 square kilometers of land area. Each road has an average road section of 155 sections and spans {{convert|54.267|km|sp=us}}.<ref name="road stat"/>

The [[Valenzuela Gateway Complex Terminal]] in Paso de Blas is designated by the [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] as Manila's northern provincial bus terminal. Bus companies also founded terminals in Barangay Malanday, the northernmost locality of Valenzuela along the border with [[Bulacan]], though there are terminals situated in barangays Dalandanan and Karuhatan as well. This includes Laguna Star Bus, PAMANA Transport Service, Inc., [[CEM Trans Services]] and Philippine Corinthian Liner, Inc., among others. These buses are lined with Metro Manila destinations only, usually in [[Alabang]] or [[Baclaran, Parañaque City|Baclaran]] with routes along [[EDSA]]. Bus traffic is also dense at barangays Paso de Blas and Bagbaguin due to their proximity to the Paso de Blas Interchange and bus terminals in [[Novaliches]], [[Quezon City]]. Other modes of transportation includes [[jeepney]]s (with routes usually from Malanday to [[Recto Avenue|Recto]], [[Santa Cruz, Manila|Santa Cruz]], [[Divisoria]], [[Port of Manila|Pier 15]] South Harbor & [[Kalaw Avenue|T. M. Kalaw]] in Manila and Grace Park & Monumento in Caloocan and Malinta to [[Malolos City]], [[Baliwag]] and [[Santa Maria, Bulacan|Santa Maria]] along MacArthur Highway) for general mass transportation, [[Auto rickshaw|tricycles]] (or ''trikes'') for small-scale transportation and [[Taxicabs of the Philippines|taxicabs]] for upper middle classes.

There are no [[airport]]s and [[port]]s in Valenzuela.

==External relations==
{{See also|List of sister cities in the Philippines}}
Valenzuela is [[Sister cities|twinned]] with the following towns and cities:

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Country
! Place
! Region / State
! Date
|-
| {{Flagicon|South Korea}} [[South Korea]]
| {{Flagicon_image|Flag of Bucheon.svg}} '''[[Bucheon]]'''<ref name="'Valenzuela City Park' unveiled in South Korea">{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie|title='Valenzuela City Park' unveiled in South Korea|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/205938/valenzuela-city-park-unveiled-south-korea|access-date=April 19, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=June 5, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Valenzuela seeks closer ties with S. Korean city">{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie|title=Valenzuela seeks closer ties with S. Korean city|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/137858|access-date=December 4, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=September 5, 2005}}</ref>
| {{Flagicon_image|
Flag of Gyeonggi Province.svg}} [[Gyeonggi-do|Gyeonggi]]
| 2006
|-
| {{Flagicon|Philippines}} [[Philippines]]
| [[File:Flag of Santa Cruz, Marinduque (New).png|25x25px]] '''[[Santa Cruz, Marinduque|Santa Cruz]]'''<ref name="Valenzuela City and Santa Cruz, Marinduque Ink Sisterhood Agreement">{{Cite news|title=Valenzuela City and Santa Cruz, Marinduque Ink Sisterhood Agreement|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=20080405&tbl=press|access-date=April 19, 2011|newspaper=Public Information Office|date=April 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517193040/http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/press.php?id=20080405&tbl=press|archive-date=May 17, 2008}}</ref>
| [[File:Vlag Fil Marinduque.gif|25x25px]] [[Marinduque]]
| {{tooltip|2008|25 April 2008}}
|-
| {{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
| {{Flagicon_image|
Flag of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.png}} '''[[Narvacan]]'''<ref name="narvacan sc">{{cite news|last=Mangunay|first=Kristine Felisse|title=Valenzuela, Narvacan town now sister cities|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/133101/valenzuela-narvacan-town-now-sister-cities|access-date=February 3, 2013|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=January 23, 2012}}</ref>
| {{Flagicon_image|
Vlag Fil IlocosSur.gif}} [[Ilocos Sur]]
| {{tooltip|2012|23 January 2012}}
|-
| {{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
| {{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Angeles, Pampanga|Angeles]]'''<ref name="angeles pampanga sc">{{cite news|last=de Leon|first=Jovi T.|title=Investment generation highlights sisterhood pact|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2012/01/26/investment-generation-highlights-sisterhood-pact-202711|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416070312/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2012/01/26/investment-generation-highlights-sisterhood-pact-202711|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2013|access-date=February 3, 2013|work=SunStar Pampanga|date=January 26, 2012}}</ref>
| {{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Pampanga]]
| {{tooltip|2012|26 January 2012}}
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Altavas]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Aklan]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|[[File:No flag.svg|25px]] '''[[Koronadal]]'''<ref name="koronadal sc">{{Cite news|last=Mangunay|first=Kristine Felisse|title=Valenzuela inks 'sister cities' pact with Koronadal|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/76847/valenzuela-inks-%E2%80%98sister-cities%E2%80%99-pact-with-koronadal|access-date=November 11, 2011|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=October 15, 2011}}</ref>
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[South Cotabato]]
| 2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Bayugan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Agusan del Sur]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Alabat, Quezon|Alabat]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Buenavista, Quezon|Buenavista]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Calauag]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Candelaria, Quezon|Candelaria]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Catanauan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Dolores, Quezon|Dolores]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[General Nakar]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Guinayangan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Gumaca]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Infanta, Quezon|Infanta]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Jomalig]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Lucban]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Macalelon]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Padre Burgos, Quezon|Padre Burgos]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Pagbilao]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Perez, Quezon|Perez]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Sampaloc, Quezon|Sampaloc]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[San Antonio, Quezon|San Antonio]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[San Narciso, Quezon|San Narciso]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Sariaya]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Unisan, Quezon|Unisan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Taraka, Lanao del Sur|Taraka]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Lanao del Sur]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Malinao, Albay|Malinao]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Albay]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Quezon, Quezon|Quezon]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Quezon]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Batangas City|Batangas]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Batangas]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Luna, La Union|Luna]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[La Union]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Calapan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Oriental Mindoro]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Allen, Northern Samar|Allen]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Northern Samar]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Kananga, Leyte|Kananga]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Leyte (province)|Leyte]]
|2012
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Navotas]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Metro Manila]]
|2013
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Marilao]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|Flag of Bulacan.gif}} [[Bulacan]]
|2013
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Santa Maria, Laguna|Santa Maria]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Laguna (province)|Laguna]]
|2013
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Mina, Iloilo|Mina]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Iloilo]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Daet, Camarines Norte|Daet]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camarines Norte]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Mercedes, Camarines Norte|Mercedes]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camarines Norte]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Dumangas]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Iloilo]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Cabatuan, Iloilo|Cabatuan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Iloilo]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[New Lucena]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Iloilo]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Pambujan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Samar (province)|Samar]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Lavezares, Northern Samar|Lavezares]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Northern Samar]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Sagay, Camiguin|Sagay]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camiguin]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Hernani, Eastern Samar|Hernani]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Eastern Samar]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte|Jose Panganiban]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camarines Norte]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Vinzons]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camarines Norte]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Labo, Camarines Norte|Labo]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camarines Norte]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[San Antonio, Nueva Ecija|San Antonio]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Nueva Ecija]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Legazpi, Albay|Legazpi]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Albay]]
|2014
|-
| {{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
| {{flagicon_image|Bustos flag.png}} '''[[Bustos, Bulacan|Bustos]]'''
| {{Flagicon_image|Flag of Bulacan.gif}} [[Bulacan]]
| {{tooltip|2014|30 November 2014}}
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[San Vicente, Northern Samar|San Vicente]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Northern Samar]]
|2014
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Laoag]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Ilocos Norte]]
|2015
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Urdaneta, Pangasinan|Urdaneta]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Pangasinan]]
|2015
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[San Fernando, La Union|San Fernando]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[La Union]]
|2015
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi|Panglima Sugala]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Tawi-Tawi]]
|2015
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Goa, Camarines Sur|Goa]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Camarines Sur]]
|2016
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Baliwag]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|Flag of Bulacan.gif}} [[Bulacan]]
|2016
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Cuenca, Batangas|Cuenca]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Batangas]]
|2016
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Natonin]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Mountain Province]]
|2017
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Rizal, Cagayan|Rizal]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Cagayan]]
|2017
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[San Mateo, Rizal|San Mateo]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]]
|2017
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Bulan, Sorsogon|Bulan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Sorsogon]]
|2018
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Capoocan, Leyte|Capoocan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Leyte (province)|Leyte]]
|2018
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Oroquieta]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Misamis Occidental]]
|2019
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Dao, Capiz|Dao]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Capiz]]
|2019
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[La Paz, Abra|La Paz]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Abra (province)|Abra]]
|2019
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro|Bongabong]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Oriental Mindoro]]
|2019
|-
|{{Flagicon|Philippines}} Philippines
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} '''[[Pandan, Antique|Pandan]]'''
|{{Flagicon_image|No flag.svg}} [[Antique (province)]]
|2020
|-
|}

===Friendship links===
Valenzuela has friendship links (with no formal constitution) with the following towns and cities. Agreements are usually forged towards industrial, cultural or academic exchanges and understanding.
* {{flagicon|China}} [[Yangzhou, Jiangsu]] China<ref name="Valenzuela seeks closer ties with S. Korean city"/><ref>{{Cite news|last=Catapat|first=Willie|title=China official, traders visit Valenzuela industrial sites|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/node/135307|access-date=December 7, 2011|work=Manila Bulletin|date=August 16, 2011}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Kaua{{okina}}i, Hawaii]], United States<ref>{{Cite news|last=Urieta|first=Michael|title=Valenzuela City Opens Its Doors To Hawaiian Delegation|url=http://www.valenzuela.gov.ph/index.php/article/news/235|access-date=December 7, 2011|newspaper=Valenzuela Public Information Office|date=March 21, 2011}}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{see also|List of people from Metro Manila}}
{{Div col}}
* Atty. Santiago San Andres de Guzman, Municipal Mayor from 1988 to 1992
* Virgilio "Billy" Abarrientos, member of the [[Crispa Redmanizers]]
* Eugenio Angeles (1868-1977), former [[Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines]] from 1967 to 1968<ref>{{cite web|title=Associate Justice Eugenio Angeles|url=http://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/supremecourtjustices/associatejustice/144|publisher=Supreme Court E-Library|access-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref>
* [[Jose Emmanuel Carlos|Bobbit Carlos]] (born 1957), former mayor (1995-2004) and representative (2004-2007)
* [[Danilo Concepcion]], former youth sector representative to the [[Interim Batasang Pambansa]] (1978-1984), former Vice President for Legal Affairs of [[University of the Philippines]], Dean of [[University of the Philippines College of Law|UP College of Law]] since 2011, and concurrently [[President of the University of the Philippines]] since 2017
* [[Glaiza de Castro]] (born 1988), actress and singer starred Heidi Fernandez-Montreal on Temptation Of Wife Philippines<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ruiz |first=Marah |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Glaiza de Castro, binisita ang kanyang childhood home sa Valenzuela |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/59471/glaiza-de-castro-binisita-ang-kanyang-childhood-home-sa-valenzuela/story |access-date=July 27, 2025 |publisher=[[GMA Network (company)|GMA Network]] |language=tl}}</ref>
* [[Gerald Esplana|Gerard "Gerry" Esplana]] (born 1966), former athlete (1993-2003), former member of [[Presto Tivolis]], [[Santa Lucia Realtors]] and [[Shell Turbo Chargers]], and former city councilor (2004-2013)
* [[Franzen Fajardo]] (born 1982), actor, TV host, and former reality show contestant
* [[Florentino Floro|Florentino V. Floro Jr.]] (born 1953), former [[judge]]
* [[Rex Gatchalian]] (born 1979), former mayor (2013-2022), representative (2007-2013, 2022-2023) and [[Secretary of Social Welfare and Development]] since 2023
* [[Sherwin Gatchalian|Win Gatchalian]] (born 1974), former mayor (2004-2013), representative (2001-2004, 2013-2016) and [[Senator of the Philippines]] since 2016
* Roberto "Bobby" Jose, member of the 1989 [[Petron Blaze Boosters]] Grand Slam team and was the [[Philippine Basketball Association|PBA]] All Star during his rookie year
* [[Charee Pineda]] (born 1990), actress and city councilor since 2013
* [[Ignacio Santiago Sr.]], former mayor (1956-1959 and 1964-1967) of Valenzuela, then governor of [[Bulacan]] from 1968 to 1986<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/generalinfo/governor.php?id=23|title=Ignacio Santiago (1968-1986)|publisher=Bulacan government|access-date=May 23, 2013|archive-date=April 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402140929/http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/generalinfo/governor.php?id=23|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Pablo Santiago Sr. (died 1998), film director and producer
* [[Randy Santiago]] (born 1960), actor, television host, singer, songwriter, producer, director and entrepreneur
* [[Raymart Santiago]] (born 1973), action star and comedian
* Guillermo S. Santos (1915-1991), former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1977 to 1980<ref>{{cite web|title=Associate Justice Guillermo S. Santos|url=http://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/supremecourtjustices/associatejustice/124|access-date=May 23, 2013}}</ref>
* José Serapio, former mayor (1912-1917) and former governor of Bulacan (1900-1901)<ref name="jose serapio governor">{{cite web|title=Jose Serapio (1900-1901)|url=http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/generalinfo/governor.php?id=27|work=Provincial Governors of Bulacan|access-date=May 23, 2013|archive-date=April 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426211210/http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/generalinfo/governor.php?id=27|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Shalani Soledad]] (Shalani Soledad-Romulo) (born 1980), former city councilor (2004-2013) and TV personality
* [[Boyband PH|Ford Valencia]] (born 1995), [[Pinoy Boyband Superstar]] winner, member of [[Boyband PH]]
* [[Pío Valenzuela]] (1869-1956), physician, patriot, writer and member of the [[Katipunan]] society, namesake of Valenzuela
{{Div col end}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Philippines}}
{{Div col|colwidth=27em}}
* [[Geography of Manila]]
* [[Greater Manila Area]]
* [[Imperial Manila]]
* [[List of parks in Manila]]
* [[List of populated places in Metro Manila]]
* [[List of renamed cities and municipalities in the Philippines]]
* [[Mega Manila]]
* [[Public transport in Manila]]
* [[Transportation in Metro Manila]]
{{Div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Books===
* {{citation
| last1      = Alvarez
| first1     = Santiago V.
| first2    = Paula 
| last2     = Carolina 
| first3    = S. 
| last3     = Malay
| title     = The Katipunan and the Revolution: Memoirs of a General
| publisher = [[Ateneo de Manila University Press]]
| year      = 1992
| isbn      = 971-550-077-3
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=F3q-krDckHwC
}} {{ISBN|978-971-550-077-7}}
* {{citation
| last      = Arenas
| first     = Mar D.J.
| title     = Valenzuela: Ang Bayani at ang Bayan
| publisher = Museo Valenzuela Foundation, Inc. & Valenzuela Historical and Cultural Society
| language  = tl
| year      = 1997
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=kiVxAAAAMAAJ
}}
* {{citation
| last        = Blair
| first       = Emma H.
| author-link = Emma Helen Blair
| author2     = James Alexander Robertson
| title       = The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898
| year        = 1906
| publisher   = McCullough Printing Company
| author-link2 = James Alexander Robertson
| ref         = none
}}
* {{citation
| last      = Duka
| first     = C.
| title     = Struggle for Freedom' 2008 Ed.
| publisher = [[Rex Bookstore]], Inc.
| year      = 2008
| isbn      = 978-971-23-5045-0
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=4wk8yqCEmJUC
}} {{ISBN|978-971-23-5045-0}}
* {{citation
| last      = Landsberg
| first     = H.E.
| title     = Advances in Geophysics, Volumes 1–11
| publisher = [[Academic Press]]
| year      = 1965
| isbn      = 0-12-018811-2
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=j1pAVKOeAmAC
}} {{ISBN|978-0-12-018811-6}}
* {{citation
| last1      = Minogue
| first1     = Martin
| first2   = Ledivina V. 
| last2     = Cariño
| title     = Regulatory Governance in Developing Countries
| publisher = [[Edward Elgar Publishing]]
| year      = 2006
| isbn      = 1-84542-612-6
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=ie6vfI4YLsYC
}} {{ISBN|978-1-84542-612-5}}
* {{citation
| last      = Sagmit
| title     = The Filipino Moving Onward 5' 2007 Ed.
| publisher = [[Rex Bookstore]], Inc.
| year      = 2007
| isbn      = 978-971-23-4154-0
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=SIq_FvJUr40C
}} {{ISBN|978-971-23-4154-0}}
* {{citation
| last      = Tiongson
| first     = Nicanor
| title     = The Women of Malolos
| publisher = [[Ateneo de Manila University Press]]
| year      = 2004
| isbn      = 971-550-467-1
| url       = https://books.google.com/books?id=i_O3H7iRa-4C
}} {{ISBN|978-971-550-467-6}}
* {{citation
| last        = Zaide
| first       = Sonia
| author2     = Gregorio F. Zaide
| title       = The Philippines: A Unique Nation
| publisher   = All Nations Publishing Co.
| year        = 1999
| isbn        = 971-642-064-1
| url         = https://books.google.com/books?id=B6ZtAQAACAAJ
| author-link2 = Gregorio Zaide
| ref         = none
}} {{ISBN|978-971-642-064-7}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikivoyage|Valenzuela City|Valenzuela}}
* {{Official website|www.valenzuela.gov.ph}}
* [{{NSCB detail}} Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* {{OSM relation|307470}}

{{Geographic location <!-- only for directly adjacent municipalities as standardized for all other municipalities -->
| Center    = Valenzuela
| North     = [[Meycauayan]], [[Bulacan]]
| Northeast = [[Caloocan]] (North)
| East      = [[Quezon City]]
| Southeast = [[Caloocan]] (South)
| South     = [[Malabon]]
| West      = [[Obando, Bulacan|Obando]], [[Bulacan]]
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Articles related to Valenzuela, Metro Manila
| list  = 
{{Valenzuela, Metro Manila}}
{{Metro Manila}}
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{{Most populous cities in Philippines}}
{{Largest Cities and Municipalities in Luzon}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Valenzuela, Metro Manila| ]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1623]]
[[Category:1623 establishments in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Cities in Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Highly urbanized cities in the Philippines]]