Valenzuela

Where is Valenzuela located, and how many people live there? Valenzuela is a highly urbanized city situated approximately 14 kilometers north of Manila on the island of Luzon within the National Capital Region of the Philippines. As recorded in the 2024 census, the city's population stands at 725,173 residents.

What defines the linguistic profile and cultural background of Valenzuela? The city features a predominantly Tagalog population, while using several official and regional languages and dialects including English, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Pampango, Bicolano, Pangasinan, Maranao, Tausug, Maguindanao, Chavacano, Kinaray-a, Surigaonewon, Masbateno, Aklanon, Ibanag, Ivatan, Itawit, Abellen Ayta, and others. Operating under the currency PHP and functioning in the Asia/Manila time zone, Valenzuela coordinates its geographic position at 14.7 degrees north and 120.9667 degrees east.

How did the community evolve through historical administration and cultural exchange? Originally established in 1623 as the town of Polo following its separation from Meycauayan, Bulacan, the area experienced significant historical movements involving Spanish colonial forces, British troops during the occupation of Manila and its surrounding suburbs, and American-era forces. President Carlos P. Garcia ordered the split of Polo's southern barangays in 1960 to form a new town named after Pío Valenzuela, a physician and member of the Katipunan secret society that fought against Spain. Although President Diosdado Macapagal revoked the split in 1963 due to political disagreements, the merged town retained the name Valenzuela. Transferred from Bulacan to Metro Manila in 1975, Valenzuela achieved its current status as a highly urbanized city on December 30, 1998, pursuant to its city charter under Republic Acts No. 7160 and 8526.