With a brand of leadership rooted in innovation, service, and decisive governance, Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian is fast becoming one of the most admired local chief executives in Metro Manila, particularly for his unmatched investments in peace and order and his results-driven programs.
Gatchalian is now widely seen as one of the most effective leaders in Metro Manila. Under his watch, Valenzuela City has made the biggest investments in peace and order among all cities in the region. This strong focus on safety hasn’t just helped bring down crime—it’s also made daily life better and more secure for thousands of Valenzuelaños.
One of the most recent and notable efforts is the city’s acquisition of 35 electric vehicles (EVs) from BYD Philippines, along with 40 new patrol motorcycles and 25 police vehicles for the Valenzuela City Police. This makes Valenzuela the first LGU in the country to use fully electric patrol cars—a big leap toward modern, eco-friendly law enforcement. These vehicles are expected to improve police visibility, strengthen response time, and reduce operational costs, while also contributing to the city’s commitment to sustainability.
Beyond the patrol cars, Gatchalian’s peace and order efforts reflect a broader commitment to proactive and community-centered governance. The city’s Valenzuela City Command Center (VC-COMCEN) operates 24/7 with real-time CCTV monitoring, GPS tracking for emergency vehicles, and advanced coordination capabilities for first responders. This has significantly shortened response times in emergencies and strengthened the city’s disaster preparedness and crime prevention systems.
In schools, the Bantay Estudyante Program has been widely praised for ensuring the safety of students through strategic patrol deployments and community involvement. Meanwhile, the city’s Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) have been enhanced through capacity-building programs and modern equipment, empowering local communities to be active partners in maintaining order.
On top of these, Valenzuela has embraced digital governance through Valenzuela City Online Services (VCOS)—a platform that lets residents access services, file reports, and receive timely updates through their gadgets. It’s a system that makes public service faster, more transparent, and closer to the people.
Many observers say Gatchalian’s leadership style is a mix of pragmatic decision-making and forward-thinking governance. Residents and business owners alike cite the city’s secure environment, digital efficiency, and inclusive policies as key reasons for Valenzuela’s continued rise as one of the most liveable and investor-friendly cities in the region.
As Valenzuela City continues to grow—becoming safer, more business-friendly, and more connected through digital services—Mayor Wes Gatchalian’s leadership stands out as a real example of what good, modern governance looks like: steady, inclusive, and open to new ideas.
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