The territory that now comprises the City of Valencia was formerly the thirteen (13) barrios of the Municipality of Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
The earliest inhabitants in the area, now comprising part of the Poblacion, were Bukidnon natives who founded a settlement along the banks of Pulangui River, confluence of Panlibatuhan River. The pioneers were led by Datu Sebastian Manangkila.
Barrio Panlibatuhan, is derived from a Binukid word, “pangyohan ho kayu ha malibato” which means the supply of Malibato wood materials for home building. Malibato, the hardest wood in the Province of Bukidnon, was found in Valencia — a landmark of the Panlibatuhan Bridge. The first site of settlement was in a Sitio named “Panglibatuhan” because the area was thickly forested with Malibato trees.
When the first one-room barrio school was opened in 191 I, its first teacher was Mr. Jaime Galoport. That school site was approximately the present location of Valencia National High School. Mr. Jaime Galoport came from Valencia, Bohol. So when the Southern portion of Malaybalay was separated as a new municipality, the settlers agreed to name it “Valencia” and is now known as the Poblacion.
The rich natural resources found in the territory eventually attracted Christian settlers from Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. The immigration settlers in the area started in the middle of 1930’s. During the World War II, the migration started to increase such that between 1960 and 1975, the population increased by 4.46 times or from I 3,898 to 64,541. Today, Valencia is composed of 3 I barangays and has a population of 147,924 (2000 Censal Year).
The prime mover in the creation of Valencia into a town was the late Mr.TeodoroN. Pepito, the first appointed Mayor who led the petitions to convert Valencia into a municipality. By virtue of Executive Order No. 360 issued by then President Carlos R Garcia, Valencia was officially born on January 16, 1961. Since the creation of the municipality in 1961, the municipal government had been headed by five (5) appointed and elected Municipal Mayors.
With the concerted efforts of the municipal officials, employees and constituents spearheaded by Mayor Berthobal R. Ancheta and Congressman Reginaldo N. Tilanduca, Valencia was converted into a City thru Republic Act (R.A.) No. 8985 to be known as the City of Valencia in the Province of Bukidnon approved by then President Joseph E. Estrada. The City of Valencia is dubbed as the City of Golden Harvest.
The phenomenal rise of Valencia as an urban center in the Province of Bukidnon gave way to the fulfillment of its vision. Consequently, the conversion of Valencia into a City resulted to the improvement of its peace and order condition, traffic management, infrastructure, sports and cultural facilities.
The incumbent Mayor, Honorable Jose M. Galario, Jr. became the Fourth elected Mayor and the first elected City Mayor of Valencia when he^qnthe Year 2001 Mayoral race.
The City of Valencia is located at the heart of Mindanao. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of Lantapan and the City of Malaybalay; in the South by the municipalities of maramag and Quezon and in the east by the municipalities of Pangantucan and Talakag. The City comprises 31 barangays. Barangay Poblacion, the seat of the City Government is 27 kilometers south of the City of Malaybalay.
373 meters above sea level, the City is characterized as generally wet throughout the year with short and slight dry spell lasting likely within the months of December to April, except January, which is sometimes a rainy month. The Valencianos enjoy a good climate year-round since the City is outside typhoon belt.
Land Area: 62,163 hectares ( 621.63 sq.km.)
Alienable and Disposable : 30,425 hectares
Forest Land: 1,738 hectares or 51.06 %
Population – 147,924 ( 200 Censal Year)
No. Of Households – 28,425
Population Density – 234/sq.km.
Tribal Filipinos
On February 2003, Mayor Jose M. Galario Jr. Instructed the Tourism Office to organize the different tribes existing in the City. Election was made in the barangay level to have officers of the following tribes: Lumad, Misamisnon, Manobo, Boholano, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Igorot, Zamboangeño, Tagalog, Leysam, Ilocano and Muslims.
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