Mayor Belen Fernandez leads city officials and employees as they fervently listen to the gospel during a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Msgr. Manuel Bravo Jr. of St. John the Evangelist Parish on January 2 at the City Plaza to usher in the new year with gratitude and hope for more growth and development in Dagupan.
The city government of Dagupan has joined the international community in the celebration of World AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) Day on December 1 with a simple yet meaningful program at the City Plaza. Highlight of the event was a short lecture on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by HIV Nurse Advocate Raymark Perreras and an open forum. This was followed by a costume parade participated in by members of the LGBTQIA+ community; awarding of winners for Best in Costume, Slam Poetry; and Star of the Night. Acting City Mayor Bryan Kua, City Health Officer (CHO) Dr. Ophelia Rivera, Dagupan Lesbians and Gays Association President Marvin Sabado, City Fiesta Director Rex Catubig, CHO Medical Technologist Carlo Castillo and CHO Nurse Rudolph Joseph Adquilen joined the activity.
Stalls offering assorted food products are now open at Tondaligan Ferdinand Beach in barangay Bonuan Gueset as part of the ‘One Bonuan, Pakanan ed Baybay’ Food Bazaar project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region I in coordination with the local government of Dagupan.
Some 30 Dagupeño entrepreneurs are the first batch of beneficiaries of the Nego-Stall livelihood project which is also in line with the celebration of DOLE’s 90th year anniversary.
Joining the opening of the livelihood opportunity on December 1 that also aims to bolster One Bonuan’s (Bonuan Gueset, Bonuan Boquig, Bonuan Binloc) tourism capabilities were DOLE Regional Director Exequiel Ronie Guzman, Acting City Mayor Bryan Kua, Dagupan City Fiesta 2023 Hermano Mayor Councilor Marcelino Fernandez, Public Employment Services Office-Dagupan Manager Joy Siapno, Tourism Adviser Karlos Reyna and the One Bonuan Barangay Councils.
Dagupan City’s exemplary efforts in complementing the national government’s anti-illegal drug campaign was recognized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as it accorded Dagupan with the Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award under the Independent Component/Component Cities Category during the 2023 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week Celebration and Regional Awarding Ceremony on November 24 at the La Union Convention Center, San Fernando City, La Union.
Mayor Belen Fernandez was represented by Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Michael Fernandez in receiving the award where the city garnered a score of 100 in the 2023 ADAC Functionality Audit.
The local chief executive has hailed the performance of the Philippine National Police-Dagupan led by P/Lt. Col. Brendon Palisoc, Barangay Councils, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation and all stakeholders in the anti-drug abuse crusade.
The awarding was attended by regional and provincial officials/representatives of the DILG, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, Department of Health and other stakeholders.
Dagupan City bagged several awards namely Top 1 Most Competitive in Infrastructure; Top 2 Most Competitive in Economic Dynamism; and Top 3 Most Competitive in Resiliency, all under the Component Cities Category during the Rimat Ti Amianan- Pammadayaw Ti Siglat Ken Laing Ti Ilokano – Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) 2023 Awarding Ceremonies conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry Region 1 last November 23 at the La Union Convention Center, Sevilla, San Fernando City, La Union.
Mayor Belen Fernandez, who was on an official trip, was represented by Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Michael Fernandez and his wife, former Coun. Maybelyn Fernandez in receiving the prestigious awards that recognized Dagupan’s effectiveness in governance.
The ranking of cities and municipalities were based on the sum of their scores on the five pillars of CMCI: Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency, Resiliency, Infrastructure and Innovation.
In 2013, the DTI, National Competitiveness Council and Regional Competitiveness Committees developed the CMCI with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development.
Mayor Belen Fernandez has underscored the significance of creating social awareness on the ill-effects of smoking, alcoholism and illegal drugs to the community, particularly to the young generation during the launching of Smoking, Alcoholism and Drug (S.A.D.) Free Dagupan City on November 17 at the City Astrodome.
Students from different schools in Dagupan participated in the activity that gave insights on drugs, smoking and alcoholism in coordination with the Department of Education-Dagupan, Private School Principals League of Dagupan City and the Adventist Community Services.
The local chief executive likewise highlighted the efforts of the city government in its bid against illegal drug activities such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-led ‘Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan’ (BIDA) FUN RUN held during the Bangus Festival 2023 to promote awareness on the consequences of illegal drug use; establishment of Balay Silangan reformation facility for drug offenders; and securing peace and order in the community through the support of the Philippine National Police-Dagupan, DILG, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and other national government agencies, among others.
Moreover, the city advocates for the promotion of sports, music and arts among young Dagupeños to bring out their fullest potential and take them away from vices such as smoking, alcoholism and illegal activities, according to Mayor Fernandez as she stressed the importance for the youth to invest in education as foundation for a better future.
Dagupan’s 200-million-peso scholarship program caters to current and new scholars with education being a top priority under the Fernandez administration.
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Mayor Belen Fernandez’s speech during the 𝙇𝙄𝙆𝙉𝘼𝘼𝙔 𝘽𝘼𝙇𝙀𝙔: 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧 on November 08, 2023.
Allow me to express my delight and my pride to speak to all the newly elected barangay and SK officials in the City of Dagupan.
I am happy because we have concluded probably one of the most peaceful, orderly, and fair elections we have seen in Dagupan. I am happy that our people are happy with the choices. They have spoken and they have spoken convincingly and strongly as they entrust you the welfare of the community for the next two years.
Masasabi ko rin na nakakabilib na makita at basahin ko sa inyo ang inyong panunumpa dahil alam kong sa loob ng dalawang taon, makakatrabaho ko kayong lahat sa ating mga gawain sa barangay. Ako po ay ang pinakamapalad na Mayor ngayon dahil nalalaman kong bawat isa sa inyo ay aking magiging aktibong partner dahil sa tibay ng inyong pagkahalal nalalaman kong kayo ay napili dahil kayo ang pinakamagaling, pinakamahusay at bukod sa lahat, may matibay na paninindigan sa pagmamahal sa lungsod ng Dagupan.
This morning as your formally take your oath, I wish to remind that the paramount concern of our city government remains to be the unity of the whole city behind the cause of justice and dignity, to lift those who live in conditions of poverty, ignorance, and lack of opportunity, so that together we may form one united political community.
Hinihiling ko sa bawat isa sa inyo na — at marami na po ang personal na nagpunta sa aking tanggapan upang iparating ito — na ang pagkakaisa ay maging iisang adhikain natin dahil sa ating tapat na paniniwala na ang pagkakaisa ay ang unang hakbang upang tayo ay makaraos na dito sa gitna ng problema kung nasaan tayo, especially now were still recovering from the pandemic, sa gitna ng krisis ng ekonomiya, sa gitna ng walang humpay na pag-atake ng illang tao na pabagalin ang ating pag-unlad dahil hindi pa rin nila matanggap ng kinalabasan ng eleksyon ng 2022.
Hindi naman tayo palaaway, hindi naman tayo naghahanap ng gulo. Subalit ginagawa pa rin natin ang ating buong makakaya, na buo ang ating lakas, sa kabila ng pagpapahirap, panghihiya, pambabastos at panggigipit ng iilan tao. Ang hangad lang natin ay magkaroon ng disenteng buhay para sa ating sarili, para sa ating pamilya, para sa ating lungsod.
The people need our unity… and in doing so, let us always remind that the general welfare is the supreme law.
I ask each of you to journey with me as we continue to transform Dagupan City into the kind of community our people deserves. Lahat ng ating mga plano at mga pangarap ay abot kamoy at maisasakatuparan natin kung nagkakaisa tayo.
As newly elected officials, you are have an invaluable role in achieving this dreams because I HAVE always believed that the barangay system, if properly harnessed, can provide great benefits to the country in molding the desired cultural and social character of Dagupenos, and boosting the engine of growth of our city.
Mataas ang ating inaasahan at tiwala sa lahat ng mga barangay at SK officials na maging epektibo sa pagtupad ng inyong mga tungkulin. Nagbabago na ang pulso ng ating mga kabaleyan sa paglipas ng mga panahon, tayong mga napiling lingkod bayan ay inaasahan makapaghatid ng serbisyo ng mas higit pa sa nakasanayan. Hindi na pupuwede ang puwede. Our people have set up to to the highest standard in the performance of our duties and responsibilities.
The truth we need to do more what is required do. The truth is, much of our responsibilities, though not written in the Local Government Code, is still within our competence to perform. I enjoin all our barangay officials to appreciate all your written powers to enable you to perform your responsibilities successfully.
Please do not forget that the 1991 Local Government Code has vested you with more power than you realize and you possess greater responsibility and accountability.
Exercise your power with fairness, with prudence, with competence, with the highest ethical standards and with utmost fidelity to the people’s trust And the last thing we need in our beloved city is abusive, incompetent and corrupt officials.
Mahalaga ang ating tuloy tuloy na ugnayan sa pagitan ng ating mga barangay and SK councils at ang inyong pamahalaang lungsod dahil naiintindihan naman nating hindi sapat ang resources ninyo sa barangay.
Maaasahan po ninyo ako na ako ay makikipag-usap at makikinig sa bawat isa sa inyo sa inyong mga pangangailangan ng inyong mga nasasakupan. Bottom line, kung successful tayo sa barangay, all the way up to the city hall, successful tayo. At kung may isang barangay lang ang magkaproblema sa ating city, nasa balita ka na agad. Please let us help each get each other’s backs.
I hope despite the different candidates that we will all have in the past election, you can keep your unity sa Liga ng mga Barangay at sa PEderasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan because kailangan may kakapitan tayo. Kailangan, anuman ang diperensya natin sa pulitika, pagdating sa Liga at sa SK, pagdating sa kailangan sa barangay, lalo sa mga emergency, we can always tap each other, call each other, and be a text message away.
Huwag tayong bibitaw sa isa’t isa. Kayo ang aking partner sa barangay, kapit kamay tayo upang abutin natin ang ating mga pinakamatayog na pangarap para sa tagumpay ng ating mga plano para sa lungsod ng Dagupan.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 1 in coordination with the city government of Dagupan has conducted a Basic Incident Command System (BICS) Training for members and representatives of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), line government agencies, civil society groups and volunteers from November 8-10 at the E-Library in barangay Poblacion Oeste.
A flagship progam of the OCD, the ICS is a standard, on-scene and all-hazard incident management concept introduced by the United States Forest Service and is being utilized by DRRMCs in the country to manage and coordinate actions of all response groups.
Mayor Belen Fernandez underscored the need for the BICS training to capacitate the CDRRMC in times of disasters and calamities even as she is hopeful for the local government unit of Dagupan to integrate the system in the grassroots level to involve residents and the community.
Moreover, OCD Regional Director Gregory Cayetano highlighted the principles and functions of the ICS that will guide participants and stakeholders in establishing efficient actions during various incidents.
Among the topics dicussed during a November 10 meeting between the local chief execuitve and the regional director were programs for Disaster Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness and Family Disaster Preparedness.
The three-day seminar/training tackled modules on Introduction to ICS; Organization and Staffing; Facilities; Managing Incidents and Events; Assessment and Management; Organizing and Managing Resources; Incident and Event Planning; and Transfer of Command, Demobilization and Close-out.
It involved interactive lecture discussions, pre-test, post-test, audio-visual presentations, workshops, structured learning exercises and return demonstrations conducted by Ronald de Guzman (CDRRMO-Dagupan), Aries Aquino (MDRRMO-Bautista) and Ysrael Sobredo (Bureau of Fire Protection-La Union).
Mayor Belen Fernandez deliberated on the city government’s efforts to curb the impact of climate change during the Regional Climate Change Caravan hosted by the Department of Education (DEPED) Dagupan City Schools Division Office (SDO) at the Bonuan Buquig National High School (BBNHS) on November 6, 2023.
Anchored on the theme ‘Empowering Humanity in Response to Climate Change for Sustainable Communities’, the event featured engaging activities for students to address climate change.
“In our own little way, as long as we are united in creating solutions, we can help address the critical problem of climate change and understand our own roles to minimize its effects in our community,” the mayor stated.
Thru the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and other line government agencies, Dagupan has launched its flood mitigation programs that include road and drainage construction and dredging; El Niño Phenomenon awareness campaign; river and creek clean-up and rehabilitation thru Task Force Bantay Ilog; waste segregation and management, among other projects to adapt to climate change, according to the local chief executive.
Similarly, a bayanihan-style ‘operation sitio’ has started where residents make use of dredging materials and mixed gravel for backfilling of sidewalks or pavements in sitios with the assistance of the City Engineering Office.
Featured activities during the climate change caravan included a mangrove tree-planting tour; search for the best booth exhibit on practices in adopting to climate change; video infomercial contest; three-dimensional art trash contest; search for investigatory project proposal on climate change and quiz bee; spoken word poetry and poster-making contest; booth exhibit; and environmental forum.
Mayor Fernandez, meanwhile, commended the BBNHS for serving as a climate change advocate thru its award-winning Ilog Ko, Aroen Ko program on mangrove propagule planting which was hailed as the Top Prize Winner in the T4 World’s Best School Environmental Action category on October 19, 2022.
DEPED Assistant Regional Director Dr. Rhoda Razon, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Dr. Rowena Banzon, Assistant SDS Dr. Marciano Soriano Jr., BBNHS Principal Markconi Taroma, regional SDO officials, program supervisors, teachers and students participated in the caravan.
Mayor Belen Fernandez has expressed hope for Dagupan’s famous milkfish (bangus) products to acquire its long-awaited registration thru Geographical Indication to the Intellectual Property Office, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), to protect the identity and brand of the city’s bangus manufacturing industry.
This developed during a Collective Mark Mapping/Meeting of bangus industry stakeholders last October 24 at Lenox Hotel spearheaded by DTI Provincial Director Natalia Dalaten to consult and discuss concrete platforms for a more robust agri-fishery economy in Dagupan.
The local chief executive assured her support to the undertaking as she identified other projects to boost the city’s fishery economy such as the comeback of Dagupan’s Product Center which is a one-stop-shop for local products of micro-small and medium entrepreneurs, as well as the production of oyster to promote it as another famous Dagupan bestseller.
A brand new, state-of-the-art fire station will soon rise in Dagupan City following the signing of a Deed of Usufruct between the local government unit (LGU) of Dagupan and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 1 on October 23, 2023 at the City Plaza.
The fire station, which will occupy 689 square meters of a 3812 sq. m. city government property in barangay Mayombo where the current fire station operates, was approved thru Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution 8113-2023 that allows the use of the government lot for the same purpose.
Mayor Belen Fernandez and BFP Regional Director Leonida Gumanab-Rosales led the signing ceremony along with Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, BFP Assistant Regional Director for Administration Arthur Sawate, BFP Provincial Fire Marshal Ronaldo Perez and Dagupan City Fire Marshal Michael John Escaño.
The local chief executive said the project aims to upgrade the delivery of fire emergency assistance, rescue operations and medical assistance to foster good governance in Dagupan.
Moreover, Mayor Fernandez commended the city’s fire bureau in its efforts to protect the safety of the general public in times of fire situations and in conducting educational activities to create social awareness on fire safety.
FCSupt. Gumanab-Rosales, meanwhile, said Republic Act 6975 provides for the establishment of at least one fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment for each province, city and municipality in the country as she encouraged BFP-Dagupan personnel to double their efforts in the performance of their duties.
Mayor Belen Fernandez expressed sympathy and support to the bereaved family of Marjorette Gonzales Garcia, the 32-year-old barangay Bonuan Boquig native who worked as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia and was allegedly murdered by a Kenyan national.
The local chief executive assured the support of the city government of Dagupan to the family in times of need and provided financial assistance during a simple program on October 19 conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as the OFW’s remains were transferred to Bonuan Boquig from Awai, San Jacinto.
Mayor Fernandez called Marjorette a hero who sacrificed to work abroad as she reflected on the hard work and dedication of OFWs to provide for their families back home even as she expressed optimism for the government to put into place measures and mechanisms to promote the rights and protection of OFWs.
Marjorette hailed from Bonuan Boquig, Dagupan City and resided at her husband, Tito’s hometown in Awai, San Jacinto with their two children, Jake Moises, 9, and May Jee, 6, before she was deployed to Saudi Arabia on October 17, 2021.
Earlier, on Oct. 14 in San Jacinto, Mayor Fernandez joined OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio, Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac, Fourth District Representative Christopher de Venecia, Gov. Ramon Guico III, Vice Gov. Mark Lambino and OWWA Regional Director Gerardo Rimorin during a solemn tribute to the fallen OFW.
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