Valenzuela City

Polo Church

The Resilience of San Diego de Alcala Through Time

PUBLISHED April 6, 2012

PHOTOS | WORDS BY MARIANO SAYNO

Valenzuela City, known as one of the most progressive cities in Metro Manila, thrives with trade and commerce. Amid its modern landscape, the city preserves its historical legacy through the town of Polo, where the remnants of Valenzuela’s history are carefully maintained, serving as a testament to its enduring heritage.

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Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Polo Church. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.

San Diego de Alcala Church, also known as Polo Church, is a historic and cultural landmark located in Brgy. Polo, Valenzuela, about 15.5 kilometers (9.6 miles) north of Manila. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the area’s rich history and community spirit. The church was originally completed in 1632, thanks to the efforts of Father Juan Taranco and Don Juan Monsod, the head of Polo at that time. Local residents played a key role in its construction, providing labor after Polo gained independence from Catangalan in 1623.

Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.

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The church represents a blend of faith, history, and architecture, making it one of Valenzuela’s most valued landmarks. Despite the challenges faced over the years, especially during World War II, the community has remained dedicated to preserving its legacy. The importance of San Diego de Alcala Church reflects the strong spirit of its parishioners, making it a vital part of Valenzuela’s identity.

Devotion to San Diego de Alcala

The devotion to San Diego de Alcala in Polo began when the Franciscans arrived between 1623 and 1625. Fray Francisco de Sta. Maria was key in spreading this devotion; he built a chapel in Polo, which was then part of Bulacan province, and introduced the local people to the worship of San Diego de Alcala. This devotion was quickly embraced by the community, who looked to San Diego as their patron, guiding their faith and everyday lives.

Although Fray Francisco left for Japan in 1625 and was martyred on August 17 of the same year, his influence endured. He was later honored as a blessed figure by Pope Clement IX in 1627. The people of Polo continued to keep the devotion alive for centuries, passing down their reverence for San Diego de Alcala through generations. This lasting devotion has been a unifying force for the community, strengthening their faith and connecting them to their past.

Historical Significance and Architectural Legacy

The original San Diego de Alcala Church was heavily damaged and ultimately destroyed during World War II when Japanese forces bombed it. What was once a grand structure was reduced to ruins, with only the belfry and entrance surviving the destruction. These remaining parts are powerful symbols of the church’s four-century history and represent the endurance of the community. The belfry, in particular, is a cherished relic from the Spanish colonial era, showing the architectural style of that time.

Beside the historic ruins, a new church has been built and renovated, providing a modern counterpart to the old bell tower. This mix of the old and the new serves as a reminder of the community’s dedication to preserving its past while moving forward. The newly constructed church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a space where history and the present meet, showing the community’s effort to maintain its roots as it grows.

Feast Day Celebrations

Each year on November 12, the communities of Barangays Polo and Poblacion gather to celebrate the feast day of San Diego de Alcala. This event is more than just a religious occasion; it is a lively cultural celebration that unites the community in a shared display of faith and tradition. The festivities include the “Putong Polo Festival,” which features a local version of the Philippine rice cake known as puto. This festival not only showcases the community’s food heritage but also brings people together in a joyful celebration.

A key part of the feast day is the tradition of giving out bread, which honors a miracle attributed to San Diego de Alcala. According to tradition, San Diego once handed out bread to the poor, and it miraculously turned into roses. This act of kindness and its associated miracle are celebrated through the sharing of bread, symbolizing generosity, faith, and the miraculous. This tradition, along with the other festivities, strengthens the community’s bond and helps keep their shared heritage alive.

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Devotion to San Diego de Alcala

Historical Significance and Architectural Legacy

Feast Day Celebrations

Valenzuela City’s Heritage Preservation

LOCATIONS PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE HERITAGE

CHURCHES FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

LOCATIONS
PROVINCES

ARCHITECTURE
HERITAGE

CHURCHES
FAITH

NATURAL & MAN-MADE
ATTRACTIONS

FESTIVALS &
EVENTS