Valenzuela City Day in the Philippines Date in the current year: February 14, 2025

Valenzuela is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila (the National Capital Region of the Philippines). Originally named Polo, it was renamed Valenzuela in 1960 in honor of Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino physician, revolutionary leader, and government official who was born in Polo.

At the beginning of the Spanish colonial period, the area of present-day Valenzuela included four haciendas (estates), small settlements, and a Spanish garrison. The town of Polo was officially founded on November 12, 1623 by Governor General Alonso Fajardo de Entenza. Its church was dedicated to St. Didacus of Alcalá (San Diego de Alcal), whose feast day is November 12. Polo was part of the province of Bulacan.

During the British occupation of Manila that started in 1762, most of the locals fled the town and returned on May 12, 1763 after the Spanish had driven out the British. The day of their return was the feast day of St. Roch (San Roque), who is venerated as another patron saint of the city.

When the Philippine Revolution broke out, Polo immediately joined the fight against the Spanish, as one of the revolutionary leaders, Pío Valenzuela, was born there. During the revolution, many residents were tortured and killed by the Spanish for supporting the uprising.

The Philippines won the revolution, but lost the Philippine-American War. During the American occupation, Pío Valenzuela was appointed as the town’s first municipal president to appease the locals.

When Japan invaded the Philippines during World War II, Polo was occupied with almost no resistance. During the occupation, the Japanese killed hundreds of locals. On December 10, 1944, for example, more than a hundred men were executed in Polo and the neighboring town of Obando. The combined Filipino and American forces liberated Polo on February 11, 1945.

In 1960, President Carlos P. Garcia divided Polo into two towns, Polo and Valenzuela. However, the division hindered the economic growth of both towns, and it was decided that reunification was necessary. Polo and Valenzuela were officially reunited on September 11, 1963; the resulting town adopted the name Valenzuela.

In November 1975, Valenzuela became part of the newly created National Capital Region (Metro Manila). On February 14, 1998, the municipality of Valenzuela was converted into a highly urbanized city. The city charter took effect on December 30.

Valenzuela Day used to be celebrated on July 11 to commemorate the birthday of Pío Valenzuela. In 2008, however, the date was changed to February 14 to commemorate Valenzuela’s conversion from a municipality to a city. Some of the main events and activities held on Valenzuela Day include concerts, award ceremonies, thanksgiving masses, job fairs, and more.

Valenzuela Day should not be confused with Valenzuela Foundation Day, which is celebrated on November 12 to commemorate the founding of the town of Polo.