Valenzuela City, aspiring to be recognized as the first Philippine Creative City for Literature by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), has taken a significant step forward. The city recently broke ground for three new Valenzuela City Academic Center for Excellence (ValACE) building projects.
Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian announced that the city government has allocated P230 million for the construction of these ValACE projects. The buildings will be located in Barangay Gen. T. de Leon, Barangay Marulas, and Barangay Mapulang Lupa. Mayor Gatchalian also expressed gratitude to Senator Sherwin ‘Win’ Gatchalian, who has pledged financial support for the construction of these buildings.
Each ValACE building will be equipped with various facilities to enhance the learning experience. These include a mini library, a study hall with self-study cubicles and a communal review lounge, a computer laboratory, training rooms with a seating capacity of 50, a multipurpose hall that can accommodate 80-100 people, a cafeteria, an administrative office, and a parking area.
The decision to expand ValACE buildings across the city is a response to the growing demand for public learning facilities. Mayor Gatchalian explained that the city library alone welcomed a staggering 440,883 visitors in 2023, both from within and outside the city. This overwhelming response has motivated the city to establish more libraries in local communities, providing readily accessible learning spaces.
Mayor Gatchalian envisions Valenzuela as a city that fosters a love for learning, particularly among the youth. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the local government and its constituents in building and promoting learner-friendly spaces. Their ultimate goal is to achieve recognition as a Unesco Creative City for Literature.
It is worth noting that the first ValACE, located in Barangay Malinta, has already received recognition from the National Library of the Philippines. This initial success has encouraged the city to continue offering educational programs and services alongside its library resources. The ValACE-Malinta, situated on A. Pablo Street corner MacArthur Highway, is open to the public from Mondays to Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mayor Gatchalian also called on neighboring cities in Metro Manila to follow Valenzuela’s lead and establish more youth-focused libraries in their communities. By investing in these educational spaces, cities can contribute to the intellectual growth and development of their youth.
Valenzuela City’s commitment to expanding its ValACE buildings exemplifies its dedication to providing quality education and accessible learning environments. As the city strives to become a hub for literature and creativity, these new projects mark a significant milestone in its journey towards achieving international recognition.
Source: The Manila Times
