Did you know that city of Valenzuela was originally known as “Polo”? It was established as an independent of the province of Bulacan in 1623. Polo in the early times was once a place full of trees and several hill tops. On the downhill part was a “sapa” which leads to the river that links directly to Manila Bay and Rio Grande river of Pampanga. I was called “polo’ because from the old tagalong term “pulo” which means an island. This place is not actually an island, but an island like setting that was surrounded by water such as “sapa” and river. As time goes by, those hills and trees were flattened to form plains because of civilization and industrialization. This progress leads to the formation of an independent town and eventually, becomes a city. The city that what we call now Valenzuela, named after the late Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a native of the place, and a patriot who was among the leaders of the Katipunan. His Residence can be found until now at Dr. Pio Valenzuela St. Barangay Polo, Valenzuela City. Barangay Polo for us can be quoted as the cultural heritage of Valenzuela because of its essence to the roots of us, Valenzuelanos. Barangay Polo reveals the beauty as well as the history by means of its promising places such as Residence of Dr. Pio Valenzuela, San Diego de Alcala Church, Polo Plaza, and Dr. Pio Valenzuela Elementary School.

Residence of Dr. Pio Valenzuela

            Dr. Pio Valenzuela was part of the triumvirate, along with Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto, that composed the Katipunan, and was one of the founders of “Ang Kalayaan” the official Organ of the movement he was born on July 11 1869 in this house along Velilla St. in Barangay Villa Pariancillo in Bulacan that what we call now  Dr. Pio Valenzuela St., Barangay Polo Valenzuela City. (source;)

With the help of the resident near the place, named Mr. Joneth C. Cruz, a barker, 44 years of age we easily found and visited the said residence and place of birth of Dr. Pio Valenzuela. It is a walking distance from Barangay Hall of Polo, San diego de Alcala Church, and Polo Plaza as well. Going to the said residence, the antique looks of the house can still be obviously seen, but it was noticeable that the lower part or the ground floor and the foundation of every cemented post were slowly weakened and perishing by some fortuitous event. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they neglecting the shelter of the person who was the root of Polo. According to the neighbors near the area, there was a said caretaker of the property, and according also from some oldies there, people who live there were Dr. Pio’s descendants.

This place was preserved by the following generation after Dr. Pio. What we actually seen on books was the exact looks of the house in person. The presence of early times associated on the artistic features of the house brought us the culture of past lifestyle. Truly a

breath-taking experience we can never forget.

         

San Diego de Alcala.

      After polo gained its independence from the province of Bulacan in 1623, it was administered by Franciscans in the person of Fr. JuanTaranco. Since the town was supervised by the effort of a religious authority, it was given that one of priorities was to build a parochial church. This led to the establishment of San Diego de Alcala Church.

by its name.
       The church was built in dedication to San Diego de Alcala. This was built by the residents of that time, forced into labor and finally completed in 1632. Suddenly, by the Japanese occupation, main structure was destroyed by the bombs of the World War II. The ruins left were only the belfry and the entrance of this four-century old edifice that can be seen until now. This time it was not restored, maybe because of the bad image associated to it. Hundreds of males massacred and tortured to death because of what they call “magic-eye” in the church who screed them. They neglected the old one and remain the ruins as is. Instead, they build a new edifice beside the old one.

               Today presence of solemnity on this sacred place can still be felt when you actually witness the church in person. Historical events happened on the area can still put you to reminisce. The ruins of the old church situated at the right side of the church (facing at the front of the church) will fascinate the eyes of people who see it, making you feel like traveling time. Since the place was built in dedication with San Diego de Alcala, an emblem that signifies his name can easily be noticed. An image of the said saint can also be seen inside it. Every religious person will definitely be fascinated as well as to those who were not, because of the beauty and essence of the place.

Dr. Pio Valenzuela Elementary School

                       June 21, 1959 -- Enactment of REPUBLIC ACT 2489 that changed POLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL as PIO VALENZUELA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL the naming of the school in dedication to Dr. Pio Valenzuela is the first step in acknowledging him who died on 1956. Since 1963 in effectiveness of executive Order by President Macapagal, the whole town of Polo was known as municipality of Valenzuela which eventually became Valenzuela City last 1998.  (source;https://www.facebook.com/MuseoValenzuela)

                      Another place that really amazed us is the school. A walking distance to Polo Park. When we saw the Dr. Pio Valenzuela Elementary School the first thing that comes to our mind was “this school is different to the other schools that we encounter before” it illustrates the real definition of “Valenzuela may Disiplina” because of the cleanliness of the school. As we enter the premises of the school, we seen the hallway that is in the left side of the school, design by perfection. At the right of it is the garden where the monument of Dr. Rizal is in the center. When we stand there, we felt the nationalism where both Dr. Rizal and Dr. Valenzuela brought to us. Also at the right side are the classrooms that are old style and renovated in order to retain the art of the building also to secure the safety of the students who will use it. At the back of our national hero is a museum that ilustrate our hero. And at the right side of the museum is a little park that has trees and benches for those students who wants to study their lessons. Symbolizes that the education in Valenzuela is priotized by the Valenzuelanos. 

Polo Plaza

     

  After crossing from the church, another place resembles Polo as "Cultural Heritage". The "Polo Plaza" was a place for leisure as a park, but a symbol of gratitude and honor for our some heroes. As we walk around the area, people that spending their free time relaxing on the cozy benches are noticeable. While approaching near the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal at the middle for our picture-taking, a lot of teenagers are practicing dance steps and enjoying the vast area on our backside. Enjoying the happy and stress-free ambiance, one of us noticed the "Plaque of acknowledgement" in memories of the heroes of World War II which were punished and killed by the Japanese soldiers during their colonization. The names of guerrillas from this town that were killed from the battle during the time of liberalization on the year 1945 were also listed. Truly the patriotic urge can be felt when we actually saw those monument on the plaza, a worth-seeing for. In front of it is a playground where a lot of children playing joyfully. There were also big trees planted around and give us refreshing feeling.

            After we witnessed all the fascinating places on Polo, each of us now can proudly express the historical and cultural essence of it to all people. Showcasing assets that can be lift the patriotic spirits of natives on the area, as well as exposing its beauty to everyone. Hidden beauty that we encountered face to face which gave us the urge to share this experience. A place destined by God to become substantial place of the citizens wishing and hoping for more progressive in all aspects of life. It seems to be the response to the answers to all dreams which can be achieved by means of perseverance and hard work, but most of all the City of Valenzuela that still remain the home for many people who have the foundation or beginning to this place and connects of historical pasts; strengthen by the challenges of the present life and united by the same aspiration or one goal to a beautiful future for all people. This is polo the cultural heritage and a must see place in Valenzuela. MABUHAY!

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