Valenzuela Foundation Day in the Philippines Date in the current year: November 12, 2025

Originally known as Polo, Valenzuela is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila (the National Capital Region of the Philippines). Its current name honors Pío Valenzuela, a Filipino physician, revolutionary, and government official who was born in Polo.

At the start of the Spanish colonial period, the area that is now Valenzuela consisted of four haciendas, or estates, several small settlements, and a Spanish garrison. On November 12, 1623, Governor General Alonso Fajardo de Entenza formally established the town of Polo. Its parish church was dedicated to Saint Didacus of Alcalá (San Diego de Alcalá), whose feast day is also November 12. Polo was then part of the province of Bulacan.

When the British occupied Manila in 1762, most residents abandoned the town, but they returned on May 12, 1763, after Spanish forces expelled the British. This coincided with the feast day of Saint Roch (San Roque), who subsequently became another patron saint of the city.

When the Philippine Revolution began, Polo promptly joined the struggle against Spanish rule, inspired by the leadership of Pío Valenzuela, one of the revolution’s key figures and a native of the town. Many residents suffered persecution, torture, and death at the hands of Spanish authorities for aiding the revolutionaries.

Although the revolution ultimately secured independence from Spain, the Philippines later fell under American control after the Philippine-American War. During the early years of the American occupation, Pío Valenzuela was appointed as Polo’s first municipal president in an effort to gain the trust and cooperation of the local population.

When Japan invaded the Philippines during World War II, Polo fell under occupation with little resistance. During this period, Japanese forces killed hundreds of residents. On December 10, 1944, more than a hundred men were executed in Polo and the neighboring town of Obando. The town was liberated by combined Filipino and American forces on February 11, 1945.

In 1960, President Carlos P. Garcia divided Polo into two municipalities: Polo and Valenzuela. However, the division hindered economic progress, prompting the decision to reunite the municipalities. The reunification took place on September 11, 1963, and the consolidated town retained the name Valenzuela.

In November 1975, Valenzuela was incorporated into the newly established National Capital Region (Metro Manila). On February 14, 1998, the municipality was officially converted into a highly urbanized city, and its city charter took effect on December 30 of that year.

Valenzuela Foundation Day is celebrated on November 12 to commemorate the founding of Polo. This holiday should not be confused with Valenzuela Day, which is celebrated on February 14 and commemorates the city’s conversion from a municipality.