He was a private practitioner in Radiology before his appointment as Secretary of Health. His wife was a daughter of former President Osmeña. He championed the cause of tribal minorities and launched “Operation Tribal Minorities” believing that “those who have more should help those who have less in life”. His project tried to bring the benefits of modern medicine to tribal groups and rural areas. Secretary Valencia visited various tribal communities in isolated villages distributing medicines, food, soap and clothing.