The Valenzuela City government illuminated its 45-foot-tall Christmas tree, known as the “Tree of Hope,” and reopened the food fiesta and Christmas Bazaar at the Valenzuela City People's Park on Friday, November 15.
Giant Christmas tree lightning ceremony (Photo by Hannah Nicol)
Mayor Weslie “WES” Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, and city council members led the festive event.
The lighting ceremony, food fiesta, and Christmas bazaar were part of the city’s 401st Founding Anniversary celebrations.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja along with the city council led the lightning ceremony (Photo by Hannah Nicol)
The annual lighting of the Tree of Hope, which began in 2004, aims to inspire and remind Pamilyang Valenzuelanos of the approaching Christmas season.
This year, the city government dedicated the event to the city’s industry partners and taxpayers, who have greatly contributed to the city's economy.
The event featured performances by the Bitik Children’s Choir, WEScot and the Elves, and Sugar Rush, entertaining the Valenzuelanos.
Following the lighting ceremony, the city government also held Industry Night 2024, which included the ceremonial signing of a Multi-year Management Services Contract with AC Health President Paolo Borromeo.
This milestone marks a transformative step for the soon-to-open Valenzuela Health Medical Center in Barangay Paso De Blas.
AC Health will provide essential public health consultancy and management expertise to enhance Valenzuela's healthcare services.
This collaboration underscores Valenzuela City's commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare to every Pamilyang Valenzuelano, in line with the city's initiatives under the Universal Health Care (UHC) law.
Additionally, the local government recognized the 2023 Top Job Providers and Taxpayers in the city, honoring businesses and institutions that have made significant contributions to local employment and economic growth.
Gatchalian expressed for their contributions to the local economy and community development.
In his speech, the mayor announced the upcoming construction of the Valenzuela Health Medical Center, a state-of-the-art ambulatory and surgical facility to be built in Barangay Paso De Blas.
The new center will help alleviate congestion in existing hospitals and provide multi-specialty healthcare services, benefiting not only Valenzuelanos but also residents from neighboring cities.
This further solidifies the city government’s commitment to accessible, high-quality healthcare for all.
"My goal is to transform our City and be known not only as an Industrial Center but also as a Livable City. With health as one of our priorities, one of my dreams is for Valenzuela City to have quality healthcare services on a par with private hospitals. Tonight, that dream will be a reality as we sign the contract with AC Health for the management of our Valenzuela Health Medical Center,” he said.
The event was also attended by city officials, business leaders, industry stakeholders, and Valenzuela residents.