Polo, a small but peaceful town was once a part of Meycauayan, Bulacan. In 1623, Polo was made into an independent town through the joint efforts of Don Juan Monsod and Father Juan Taranco. The San Diego de Alcala Chapel which was completed in 1632 became the gathering place of the town people and has stood witness to the battles fought between the brave Filipinos and the colonizers during the Spanish, American and Japanese times. On July 21, 1960, through Executive Order No. 401, President Diosdado Macapagal has conferred the creation of Municipality of Valenzuela in honor of Dr. Pio Valenzueala, an important personality in the history of the Philippines. Dr. Pio Valenzuela was one of the leaders of the Katipunan who instigated the revolution of the Filipino people against Spain. In September 11, 1963, another order was signed by the president uniting the municipalities of Polo and Valenzuela under one government.

Although the late seventies and early eighties was considered to be a period of turmoil for the country, this era was considered to be the golden age of Valenzuela as during this time, the economy has enjoyed tremendous growth. On February 14, 1998, the municipality of Valenzuela was turned into a city. Valenzuela City is the 12th city of Metro Manila and from then on until the present time, Valenzuela’s economy rapidly flourished. Valenzuela City’s textile mills, lumberyards, ceramic factories, auto assembly plants are only some of the industries that have provided the residents with livelihood. The city is also noted for its export quality bamboo furniture.
Did you know that Valenzuela City has the largest barangay hall in the Philippines ? The 3 storey building that is touted to have a 3,000 square meters floor area was inaugurated on May 15, 2008 by President Arroyo and Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian. In spite of the fact that this city is less than an hour drive from the busy metropolis, a visitor can find interesting places with rustic ambience in Valenzuela. The centuries old house where the patriot Dr. Pio Valenzuela was born on July 11, 1869 is still standing in Velilla Street, Barangay Pariancillo Villa. Another point of interest is the belfry and the entrance arch of the San Diego de Alcala Church. Residents of Polo were forced by the Spanish friars to build the church which was finally completed in 1632. The main church was bombed during the Japanese occupation and to this day only the four centuries old belfry and entrance arch exist.
People of Valenzuela City have their share of festivals too. The Mano Po San Roque Festival is celebrated every May 12th with street dancing and a procession of the image of San Roque along the main streets of the city. The feast of San Diego de Alcala is celebrated every 12th of November. Street dancing, procession, boat racing and other merry making activities characterize this occasion. The Putong Polo Festival is in consonance with the feast day of San Diego de Alcala. This food festival has the Putong Polo as its main feature. This native kakanin was originally created by people in Polo, Valenzuela.