THE Valenzuela Trade Center officially opened its door to the city’s constituents.
The inauguration of the 3-story building was part of the 394th Founding Anniversary of Valenzuela.
Mayor Rexlon T. Gatchalian called the economic hub as the “data center” specifically intended for private individuals who are interested in doing business in the locality.
The Trade Center houses the Cong. Wes Gatchalian Serbisyo Center on the ground floor. Seated on the second story are the trade and industry offices, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (Leipo), the Cooperative Development Office, the Job Generation Office, the Public Employment Service Office, the Livelihood Office and the Worker’s Affairs Office.
Located at the third floor are the community services offices, such as the Samahan ng mga Barangay Kagawad Office, Constituents Affairs Office, People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB), Youth Office, Task Force OSY (out-of-school youth) Office, Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Vadac), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In his speech, Gatchalian said he envisions putting all government offices in one area “so the constituents will not have to move from one barangay to another in performing important transactions.”
This was upheld true by DILG Director Jane Nacario, who mentioned in an interview that this initiative by the city government will be of help for her office to coordinate with Vadac, Pleb and Leipo, among others.
Nacario said this is a not only a welcome change but also a fulfilled need on her part, since the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections will require her team to closely coordinate with the Youth Office to tap the young population.
During his on-the-spot inspection of the building at the opening day, Gatchalian noted there are still more things that need to be incorporated on the site.
He noted the importance of the Valenzuela City Trade Hall where Valenzuela-made products shall be exhibited.
Leipo Officer in Charge Ophie Osea said the focus of her office is to help start-up entrepreneurs in Valenzuela City to market their local products through exposure in different DTI-affiliated trade exhibits.
The featured products include paintings by the Valenzuela SPED (special education) Center students and handicrafts produced by some Disiplina Village beneficiaries.
The formal opening was graced by some city councilors, punong barangays and barangay kagawad, members of the management team and key officers of various business organizations in Valenzuela.