The local government of Valenzuela City has commemorated its 400th founding anniversary on Sunday with several programs and festivities for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos at the historical San Diego de Alcala Church and Casa de Polo.
Lined up for the festivities of the anniversary rooted in the city's former name Pueblo de Polo's founding date on 12 November 1623 are month-long programs and activities which was kicked off with a concelebrated Mass took place at San Diego de Alcala Church.
Other activities in store are the Industry Night, Cultural Night, Valenzuela's coffee table book launch, Food Fiesta and a Christmas Bazaar — all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos.
Meantime, Bucheon City of South Korea — Valenzuela's international sister city since 2008 — had delegates from its local government pay a visit to the city for the Commemoration of 15 Years of Sisterhood and to join in with the anniversary celebration last 11 November 2023.
The delegates toured around Valenzuela City's historical and iconic places such as Casa de Polo, Tagalag Fishing Village, Valenzuela City Library and Museo ni Dr. Pio Valenzuela to name a few.
The Valenzuela City Library, on the other hand, officially opened its special section, the "Bucheon Special Lounge" featuring the resource collection courtesy of Bucheon City in a special turnover ceremony.
Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-eek and other delegates from the sister city also engaged in the signing of the Agreement on Promotion of Friendship Exchange, which fortifies the relationship and camaraderie between the cities.
On Sunday, Yong-eek and other Bucheon delegates joined Mayor Wes Gatchalian and other city officials in the blessing of Casa de Polo and the inauguration of Museo de Polo for the Araw ng Valenzuela.
Casa de Polo is a heritage-themed events space that complements the historical structures of the old town Polo.
Meanwhile, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted for Museo de Polo, which is a museum adjacent to Casa de Polo, which showcases various artworks that depict the vibrant history of Polo before it became the renowned industrial city, Valenzuela.
Vice Mayor Lorie and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian shared a welcoming message for the Valenzuelanos while Yong-eek also expressed his aspiration to strengthen the partnership of Valenzuela City and Bucheon City in the future.
To make Araw ng Valenzuela memorable, the Awarding of Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela to 10 notable Valenzuelanos across different fields was also held on Sunday, honoring Valenzuelanos for their invaluable contributions and outstanding work in their respective professions.
Highlighting the theme of "History and Progress," this 400th founding anniversary tells the tale of how Valenzuela came to be; from its humble beginnings as an agricultural town to its transformation as a highly urbanized, industrial, and globally competitive city that it is known today.