Sulong Dagupan: The 2025 State of the City Address by Mayor Belen Fernandez

               AKO AY MULING HUMAHARAP SA INYO upang ipahayag ang ating mga nagawa at mga nagampanan ng naaayon sa aking sinumpaang tungkulin bilang Punong Lungsod ng Dagupan.

This is the performance and accomplishments of my administration during the past year and here I shall also announce programs, thrusts and policy directions for the current year and beyond.

While contemplating on how I would deliver this message last week, a good friend and supporter of the culture and the arts, Mr. Rexc Catubig asked me, “How I do I want to be remembered?” Papaano ko nga ba gusto maalala bilang isang mayor?

I don’t lead to be remembered — I lead to make a difference and to do good. If my work inspires others to push boundaries, lift others up, and create lasting impact, then the legacy will take care of itself.

But what is good? There is no better reminder of what we need to do as your elected leaders than what RTC Branch 76 Presiding Judge Michael Paul Israel shared in a powerful decision and a rebuke for those who get in the way of our city’s progress after he affirmed in our favor a case challenging the validity of the 2023 Annual Budget of Dagupan. He prefaced with a verse from the Bible, Proverbs 3:27, which is both enlightening and instructive, and it reads: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is within your power to act.”

My dear friends, good governance begins with good people and ends with bad people. Ang tagumpay o kabiguan ng pamamahala ay nakasalalay sa integridad at katangian ng mga nasa kapangyarihan.

Bawat umaga ang aking panalangin ay mabigyan nawa ako ng Mahal na Panginoon ng isang pusong may pang-unawa… a discerning heart which comes from wisdom, experience, and a commitment to truth and justice. Naway ang aking mga pasya at kilos ay maging makatarungan, tapat, at responsable sa paggamit sa kapangyarihan. Hindi ipagkakait o ipagdadamot, ipagpapaliban o hahadlangan ang paggawa ng mabuti, lalo na sa mga tao o sektor na nangangailangan.

This I know is is my responsibility: to be righteous in making decisions… to be swift and decisive in all my actions. This is the foundation of my formal statement this morning.

My responsibility is to keep the promises I made. The promise I have given you in May 2022 is encapsulated in three words seized with precision and clarity —

IYALAGEY SU BALEY.

Ang pangako ay isang panunumpa. Isang panata. Isang pagtupad. Uulitin kong muli ang aking pahayag noong January 9 sa 80th anniversary ng Macarthur Landings sa Bonuan. Sinabi ko –

“Ang pangako ko ay mapalaya ang ating bayan sa kahirapan.

Ang aking pangako ay panatilihing malusog ang ating kababayan.

Ang aking pangako ay gagawing progresibo ang ating lungsod.

Ang aking pangako ay lalo pang ilapit ang pamahalaan sa mga tao.

Ang aking pangako ay unahin ang mahihirap.

At ng paglilingkod sa mahihirap ay ang tuntunin, hindi isang opsyon.

Serving the poor is the rule, not an option.”

As mayor my duty is to build a resilient city that goes beyond physical development — and this includes shaping a community where people, especially the poor and vulnerable, can also thrive.

Ngayon umaga, hayaan po ninyo ako na isalaysay ang aking mga pangakong tinupad, at mga pangarap na isusulong sa darating na taon.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

PALAGUHIN ANG EKONOMIYA

Our spending in 2024 is guided by the principles of fiscal budget management: value for money, fiscal prudence, alignment with short-term and long-term strategies, as well as being participatory, inclusive and accountable.

564 million pesos or 41% ng ating gastusin ay napunta sa social services; 378 million pesos or 28% ay para sa general services, 18% para sa economic services, at 14% para sa other services.

Without doubt, Dagupan continues to grow and expand. The Department of Trade and Industry gave us a glowing report through the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index that Dagupan landed 9th spot out of 116 of the Most Improved LGUs in the Philippines, and 12th in overall government efficiency noong 2024. Looked at how steadily we managed the economy:

• Our comparative income from 2022 to 2024 increased from Php 1,407,619,277.56 to Php 1,417,022,040.62.
• Total amount of collections from business permit, miscellaneous fees, community tax and property tax rose from Php 264,522,649.987 in 2022 to Php 304,536,574.76 in 2024.
• From the year 2022 up to 2024, there is a big increase in the overall gross annual collection from our public markets from Php 76 million to almost Php 92 million in 2024.
• Upon my return, we have accelerated our collections from operation of our comfort rooms from Php 3.4 million in 2022 to almost Php 7.5 million in 2024.
• We made doing business easier with our online payment portal system in all transactions with the One-Stop Shop Business Center. With this new development, we now enabled a quicker collection of local government revenues, ensuring a steady cash flow for funding public projects and services. Dahil dito, hindi na kailangan umuwi ng ating mga kababayan maski sila ay nasa ibang bansa.
• Growth continue to rise because of new investment and business because the trust and credibility of investors in the city has been restored through the INVESTMENTS AND PROMOTION BOARD. You all just to look around, new buildings and services are increasing, bringing new jobs to our people.
• Every year, more and more new businesses are registered, and renewal of old permits has steadily increased. Lalo din mabilis na ang issuance ng mga mayors permits at tricycle permits. Matapos ang matagal na pananamlay ng ating ekonomiya, bumalik na ang sipa at sigla ng negosyo sa Dagupan.
• Ang ating pangako ay hindi napako. Naitaas natin ang mga umento sa allowances at mga sahod ng mga empleyado at mga volunteers sa buong lungsod. (*** Use 3 year table matrix allowance increase for JOEs, BHWs, Population Workers (BSPO), Nutrition Scholars, Day Care Workers, Librarians, Tanod, Nurses, Single Parents etc). Allowances for teachers, judges and prosecutors, PAO, PNP, BFP, BJMP, martime police). Habang ang iba ay naggawa kayong bigyan ng zero umento, kasama ko si Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua, Councilors Michael Fernandez, Jeslito Seen, Dennis Canto, Lino Fernandez at Bradley Benavides… kaming lahat ipinaglaban namin kayo… dahil ang pangako ay isang pangako.
• Our employees continue to receive all their lawful benefits under the Salary Standardization Law including SRI, PEI and other bonuses. I want to assure all our employees: handang handa tayong ibigay muli ang panibagong rounds ng salary increases itong 2025.

I am proud to announce many talented employees of our city government have also improved their living standards by receiving higher salaries due to new appointments or promotions. Hindi man sinuportahan ng ilan mambabatas sa Sanggunian ang pagbuo ng bagong Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board, sa wakas ay natuloy din ito noong 2023. Simula 2024, aabot na sa halos 200 empleyado ang naging bagong appointees at ang iba naman ay nabigyan ng promotion. Sa Dagupan, tutumbasan natin ng gantimpala ang sipag at tiyaga habang umuunlad ang ating lungsod.

• We know we are doing things right when growing our economy. Today we have developed a strong cadre of professionals committed to the goals we set to achieve, in fact our City Treasury recently copped 7 Awards during the DOF-BLGF Region 1 Assessment Conference and Recognition of Top Performing LGU of Region1, including:

1.The only City awarded as the Most Prompt and Accurate submission of electronic Statement of Receipts and Expenditures of FY 2023

2.Top 2 Highest Locally Source Revenues in Nominal Terms for FY 2023

3.Ratio Locally sourced revenue to total current operating income for FY 2023

Sisikapin natin abutin ang ating pangako sa aking 2024 SOCA, patuloy natin  i-aangat ang Dagupan bilang isang PHP 2-BILLION ECONOMY bago sumapit ang taong 2030. Sa susunod na tatlong taon, abot kamay na natin maging isang FIRST CLASS CITY ayon sa bagong income classification na base sa average annual income criteria ng Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

MAS MAAYOS, MATIBAY AT MALAWAKAN

PAGSASAAYOS NG IMPRASTRAKTURA

Dagupan has always been likened to a Rising Phoenix. A phoenix is a powerful symbol of resilience, transformation, and rebirth. Rooted in ancient mythology, a Phoenix is a legendary bird that is said to burst into flames in death and rise again from its own ashes, stronger than ever.

Today we remember the devastation of the July 1990 earthquake where the entire country witnessed the massive transformation of Dagupan and we are no less grateful to our five-term House Speaker Jose De Venecia, the most inspired son of Dagupan to date, for mobilizing the rebuilding of our city with the help of the national government. We remember the difficult years because life went slow with the construction of new roads, bridges and buildings was in full swing. Despite the chaos in life, business and family back then, we still continue, because we remained strong.

After 35 years, Dagupan has risen anew as a Phoenix — we are now witnessing the city blossoming with new energy and revitalization in terms of new streets, school buildings, multipurpose gymnasiums, bridges, schools, libraries, hospitals and health centers, museums, parks, sports facilities, evacuation centers, and other buildings.

Nakikinabang na tayo ngayon sa major road elevation projects and upgrading of drainage system sa buong central business district ng Dagupan. Ipagpilitan man ng ilan na ito ay mali, inubok nilang pigilan, kayo na ang humusga kung naging mabuti nga ba o hindi ang proyektong ito na nagkakahalaga ng Php 408 million mula sa national government.

Under the management of the City Engineering Office that is working tirelessly to implement all our plans, we are able to implement a total number of 103 road infrastructure projects along with 42 vital government facilities in every barangay, in every corner of the entire city.

Today we are all witnesses to the GOLDEN AGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT in the history of Dagupan. This is a time of rapid growth and innovation in public works, transportation, utilities, and urban planning. Ang ating mga local and national initiatives ay pinondohan ng mga dakilang kaibigan ng Dagupan City tulad ni Congressman Toff De Venecia, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Grace Poe, Senator Francis Tolentino, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, at ang Abono Partylist and we can state with great confidence, these has been our most significant investments in roads, bridges, buildings and other public infrastructure since the July 1990 earthquake.

The improvement of all major road networks in Dagupan is expected to reduce road congestion, improve accessibility and facilitate trade and business, making daily life more efficient for our people.

This Golden Aage is not just about building roads, school buildings and public facilities – it is about laying the foundation for a progressive, sustainable and prosperous future.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

MAS PINALAWAK NA BIYAYA NG EDUKASYON

I am proud to say education has been one of our most valuable investments because we know education is a powerful force that shapes individuals and societies.

• Ipinangako natin noong 2022 ang ISKOLAR SA BAWAT PAMILYA. The annual Php 200 million scholarship fund is one of the most meaningful investments to help more children from Dagupan families succeed. The number of college graduates has been increasing since I first launched it in 2013, and despite efforts to stop the dreams of almost 5,000 young people from various poor families in Dagupan.

Even though it was criticized and tried to be cut in half, we were not shaken. Ngayon mas marami na kaysa dati ang iskolar na mula sa hanay ng mga walang hanapbuhay, mga anak ng tricycle drivers, mga street vendors, mga single parents, mga construction workers, mga mangingisda at magsasaka. Clearly more families are benefiting, more than ever before. Sa kabila ng pagkutya sa ating initiatives ipinagtanggol din kayo sa Sanggunian ni Vice Mayor BK Kua at Councilor Michael, Jigs, Dennis, Lino at Bradley, masdan ninyo kung gaano na karaming pangarap ng mga kabataan at kanilang pamilya ang natulungan nating matupad.

From 1,386 scholars when I returned in 2022, we awarded 4845 scholarship grants in the first semester and 4432 in the second semester. In 2025, we had 4876 scholars in the first semester and 4452 scholars in the second semester, and almost all of them enrolled in the most prestigious universities and colleges in the city such as Phinma-University of Pangasinan, University of Luzon, Universidad de Dagupan Lyceum Northwestern University, Pangasinan State University, Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy, PIMSAT College, Kingfisher College, and STI. For the first time, we have given the highest preference to our local schools because this is a recognition of their talent and skill in shaping our youth. In the past 2 years, we have fulfilled our promise to give cash incentives of Php 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 to outstanding and best students who graduated cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude, as mandated by the Scholarship Ordinance.

• Dagupan has the boldest ambitions for educating its young people. Our total investments in education, in scholarships, new construction and renovation of school buildings, other important school facilities, training support and allowances, and activities related to sports, culture and the arts, and many others, will exceed Php 1.5 billion. This is how we build the future of Dagupan: it is when we help build the dreams of our children. (***AVP on education-related public infrastructure already included in roads and buildings***)
• Proud po tayong ipinagmalaki na hinirang ang Lungsod ng Dagupan bilang REGIONAL CHAMPTION AT NATIONAL FINALIST SA 2024 NATIONAL LITERACY AWARDS dahil bumandera ang ating “UNAEN SU EDUKASYON” PROGRAM. Bumabandera ang mga pangunahin programa pang edukasyon tulad ng Malingkor na Kalangweran (MYK) Youth Leadership Training Program, Libreng Paligo, Junior Child Health Advocate, Pamilyang Rehistrado Kinabukasan ay Sigurado (Handa ka ba? Information Education Campaign on Disaster Preparedness at marami pa.The award is a testament to the city’s excellence in providing education for every Dagupeño.
• Ipinagmamalaki natin ang ating DAGUPAN PUBLIC LIBRARY, E-LIBRARY AT MGA SERBISYO NG MGA BARANGAY LIBRARIANS sa buong lungsod. I was inspired by the appreciation I have seen for public libraries in America, Japan, and China, which links both the development of young people and the overall development of the city. Look… the number of users of our public library has increased by almost 200% from 16,000 in 2022, to now more than 30,000 using our facility. It is also an amazing experience to know we were able to stimulate the imagination of thousands of children every year with our storytelling sessions.
• Hindi ordinaryo ang DIGITAL LITERACY PROGRAMS natin kumpara sa ibang bayan. Aside from many young people, teachers, and volunteer workers who use our E-Library, for the first time, we have also brought this program to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Bonuan to ensure that even though they are imprisoned, everyone has equal access to digital technology and they may be able to contribute to the economy with the new knowledge they have learned. Sa Dagupan, hindi hadlang ang rehas para makilahok sa pagbabago.
• Our Dagupan Public Library is now a HALL OF FAMER after garnering nearly 36 awards in the past 10 years since I first started as Mayor. This was bestowed by the prestigious National Library of the Philippines. Proud tayo dahil ito ay patunay na binibigyan ng Dagupan ng mataas na kalidad ang mga inaalok natin serbisyo na pinakikinabangan ng ating mga residente.
• Sa loob ng tatlong taon, ang ating AMBAG SA DAGUPAN PROGRAM ay nakapagbigay na ng libreng school bag para sa mga bata. This is a small but powerful initiative with a big impact on education. By providing free school bags we reduce financial burdens of parents, promote equality, and motivate students which all contribute to higher attendance rates, better learning experiences, and a brighter future for young learners.
• Our MANLINKOR NA KALANGWERAN PROGRAM is one of Dagupan’s special programs for higher-level knowledge and unique service training experiences. Every year we train more than 60 young people from various public and private schools in Dagupan to be part of public service in all aspects of governance. Out of this we select 8 to 10 young people for a Goodwill Visit to America for the unique opportunity to participate in immersion programs at Milpitas High School in California.
• The PTA (Parents-Teachers Association) Summit in Dagupan is also a significant event that fosters collaboration between parents, educators, and the local government in enhancing the quality of education. This summit serves as a platform for discussing key issues in education, strengthening parental involvement, and implementing policies that benefit students and schools, and venue for proposing vital infrastructure developments to improve learning environment.

 NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

MAS PINALAWIG NA PROGRAMANG PANG-KALUSUGAN

Ang Kalusugan ang nangununa sa pinakagkakatiwalaan at inaasahan serbisyo ng mga Dagupeno. Ang pangkahatang bilang ng mga health services na naihatid sa mga Dagupenos ay umabot na sa 310285 treatment nitong 2024 kumpara sa 92749 assistance lamang noong 2022.

• Mula 2022 hanggang 2024, libo-libo na ang inabot ng ating mga MEDICAL AND DENTAL MISSIONS para sa senior citizens, para sa mga bata, at para sa lahat ng edad.
• Ipinagmamalaki natin ang ating mga innovative programs tulad ng LIBRENG PALIGO PROGRAM. Libu-libong mga bata at mga magulang na ang ating inabot at nabigyan ng tamang kaalaman tungkol sa good hygiene, health at wellness.
• Please know that I hear you. We heard the groanings of many Dagupenos due to various complications from diabetes which cause many deaths, hence we launched the DIABETES SUMMIT with the assistance of many doctors and experts in the country. Sa unang pagkakataon, nakatuon ang buong puwersa ng lungsod sa pagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon, blood pressure test, weight and height assessment,libreng eksamen sa blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride at ECG, ABI foot screening at bone screening para sa mahihirap ng Dagupeno.
• We commend the commitment, integrity and dedication of our growing number of partners such as UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS. Tulad ng UST, sila tumutugon sa ating panawagang libreng serbisyong medical tulad ng taunang MEDICAL CHECKUP, CIRCUMCISION AT MGA MINOR OPERATIONS, bukod pa dito ang mga sariling initiatives ng ating City Health Office.
• We are also proud of our new HOME VISIT PROGRAM. Hindi na puwede gawin dahilan ang kahirapan, kapabayaan, kahinaan ng mga maysakit at mga nakaratay sa higaan dahil sa karamdaman. I commend the diligence and prompt response of our BHWs, barangay nurses, barangay officials and various volunteers as they immediately search every corner of Dagupan so that we can bring doctors, nurses, medicines and other medical assistance to their side and let them feel that their city has care and compassion. Bahagi din ng lunas na ibinibigay ang pagkumpuni sa kanilang mga sira-sirang bahay, pagbibigay ng pagkain, at pagdala ng mga mobile assistive devices tulad ng wheelchairs. Ito ang aking pangako: Hindi dahilan ang kahirapan para kayo ay limutin sa aming alaala. Hindi namin kayo iiwan, hindi kayo pababayaan.
• We are proud of the new JUNIOR CHILD HEALTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM. We encourage the initiative of young people in elementary and high schools to help find parents, relatives or family members who are sick — those who take care of the health of others who are sick but when it comes to themselves, they are simply forgotten and neglected. I have discovered that when there is a companion or a relative who is sick, it has a huge impact on the education and career of young people because of excessive worrying. It interferes with their studies because they have to watch over them, and caring for them becomes a burden.

Ipinangako ko: Sisikapin natin walang sakit sa mahihirap na pamilya ang mananatiling problema lamang ng pamilya. Titiyakin ko: Madadama ninyo ang pagdamay at paglingap ng inyong lungsod.

• We have further intensified our distribution of free FLU AND PNEUMONIA VACCINE to the elderly, and those who have co-morbidities. In the past 3 years, almost 23,160 people have received the vaccine and not a single drop has been wasted because it was hidden or withheld from those in need. Salamat sa mabilis na pagtugon sa atin ng Department of Health Region 1 – Center for Health Development at kay Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco. The regional Director and the agency she leads are true and loyal friends of Dagupan, because they helped us solve the shortage of vaccines. We are already studying to allocate additional funds to further increase our stockpile and benefit more Dagupenos.

• Many Dagupeños have now benefitted from our DIAGNOSTIC TESTS SUCH AS FREE X-RAY, MOBILE X-RAY, ULTRASOUND, ECG AND CT-SCAN since we launched it. Ilang taon man nilang pinigil at iniwang nakatiwangwang ang DIAGNOSTIC CENTER, tinupad ko ang aking pangako sa aking pagbabalik noong 2022 na gagaan na ang pasanin ng mga mahihirap dahil hindi na dudukot mula sa sariling bulsa para lang masuri sila ng tama, dahil ibinibigay na natin ito ng walang bayad.
• Providing FREE AND AVAILABLE MEDICINES IN HEALTH CENTERS for the poor is a critical strategy for addressing health inequalities and improving public health. Hindi na hadlang ngayon ang maagap na paggaling mula sa sakit dahil lang sa malaking halaga ng gamot kung bibilhin ito. Mula pa noong 2023, halso 34000 natin kababayan na ang tumanggap at may tamang pagsunod sa gamot para sa pamamahala ng mga malalang sakit, pag-iwas sa mga komplikasyon, at pagpapabuti ng mga resulta sa kalusugan.
• I am also happy to report that our FREE LABORATORY TESTS are a great help because they immediately provide the poor with correct and appropriate care and reduce complications.
• Saludo tayo sa City Health Office dahil sa kanilang tuloy tuloy na kampanya na bawasan ang pagkamatay ng mga kababaihan sa panganganak, maging ang mga bagong silang na sanggol at pigilan ang mga malalang sakit. In 2022 until today I have promised to invest in MATERNAL HEALTH CARE, EARLY CHILDHOOD HEALTHCARE as well as DENTAL HEALTH CARE because these are investments in our own social and economic development where we create a healthier, more equitable future for all our people.
• Look at how well we performed since 2022. Our OUTPATIENT SERVICES have seen thousands of Dagupenos receive treatment without the need for hospitalization. By providing more accessible, affordable, and appropriate care, we can further improve their health, prevent chronic conditions, prevent disease, and provide them with valuable health education.
• Simula 2025, 12000 na po ang ating naitala sa listahan para makinabang sa E-KONSULTA program ng pamahalaan. Mas pinalalawak natin ang abot ng mga mahihirap sa health services, especially in checkups, diagnostic tests and simple examinations and treatments. Because of this, the pressure on the city’s hospitals and emergency services is reduced, we are even able to detect diseases earlier due to regular screening and vaccination.
• People who benefitted from our RABIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAM has grown by almost 400%. From 3542 in 2022, Dagupan City has served a total of 12483 people.
• Dagupan is one of the most active LGUs in providing services through our AMBULANCE CONDUCTION. This is a great relief for many families in our beloved city who need help in ferrying sick members.

Mga kababayan, marami na tayong napagtagumpayan sa kalusugan. Ito ang ating mga pangakong tinupad.

Our medical assistance from our City Health Office and satellite centers is now reaching more Dagupan residents. Napaglilingkuran na ngayong ng BOLOSAN SUPER FAMILY HEALTH CENTER ang Barangay Bolosan, Tebeng, Mamalingling, Tambac, Salisay, at Mangin. Nabuksan na muli ang ONE BONUAN SATELLITE HEALTH OFFICE sa Bonuan Tondaligan upang mapaglingkuran naman ang Bonuan Gueset, Binloc at Boquig.

• Our delivery of health services is continuous and consistent.
• We regularly and extensively conduct medical missions and immunizations in every purok.
• We have faithfully implemented all programs of the Department of Health, the Healthy Community Playbooks, such as Karinderia and Vaccination Champion.
• Let us praise the excellence and hard work of our medical staff and all BHWs in Dagupan because without them, we would not be able to do this.
• Dagupan is now set itself as an example for other LGUs when it comes to our innovative programs such as Home Visits, Paligo Program and Junior Child Health Advocate.
• Unlike before, we are now more certain about providing medicines, vaccines, free laboratory and other diagnostic services.

Sa true lang… ito ay katunayan na naging tapat tayo sa pagtupad sa ating pangako. Kapag malusog ang bawat Dagupeno, panalo ang buong bayan.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

KAHANDAAN, KALIGTASAN, KAAYUSAN AT KATARUNGAN

The entire city is safe due to the joint efforts of the GENERAL SERVICES OFFICE, CITY DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT OFFICE, DAGUPAN CITY POLICE STATION, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION, PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY OFFICE, PUBLIC ALERT RESPONSE MANAGEMENT CENTER TASK FORCE ANTI-LITTERING AND THE DAGUPAN CITY JUSTICE ZONE to keep the entire city of Dagupan peaceful, prepared, safe and orderly in 2024.

Sa true lang — Dagupan City remains one of the safest, peaceful and the ideal place to live, work, do business and raise a family. That is why our strong support to all these vital institutions is meant to ensure our city remains the most competitive community for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs.

Despite the obstacles to our desire for new, critical equipment and vehicles  today we will proudly announce all our recent acquisitions the last 60 days  during the period when the President suspended some members of the Sanggunian, Piniprisinta ko sa inyo ngayon ang mga bagong sasakyan at mga kagamitan, heavy equipment and water crafts at iba pang paparating na mga bagong sasakyan, at kasama pati mga sasakyan at mga equipment na gamit ng City Disaster Risk Reduction Management office.

As extraordinary as our programs are under the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, we extend our support to all the needs of the office under the leadership of RONALD DE GUZMAN. I have full confidence in the efficiency, preparedness, and skill of our CDRRMC personnel and staff.

We also commend POSO enforcers who continue to monitor public facilities, manage traffic conditions even after hours, be on standby to repair streets during disasters or fires, and support the city’s major events. POSO Dagupan has shown us – rain or shine, high tide or low tide, our brave, professional, courteous, and tireless personnel will ensure that our streets are in order and all our celebrations – small or big, are safe, at all times. Baleg ya salamat, ARVIN DECANO AND THE PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY OFFICE.

Our resolve has been put to test by successive fire incidents, but the skill, efficiency and heroism of our brave fire fighters, along with various volunteer organizations, have prevailed. Because of the lessons we have witnessed in the major fires events in much of Los Angeles and nearby areas in California, we have also launched our FIRE ALAM program to help us control grassfires and small fires that can potentially cause larger disasters. Salamat sa magiting na liderato ni FIRE CHIEF INSPECTOR MICHAEL ESCANO, sila ang tapat na katuwang ng lungsod sa maraming okasyon o programa at pagtulong sa ating lungsod – may sunog man o wala.

Mas payapa ang ligtas tayo sa nakalipas na tatlong taon dahil sa serbisyo ng mga tagapangalaga ng ating kapayapaan at kaayusan. Salamat kay POLICE LIEUTENANT COLONEL BRENDON PALISOC at ang buong puwersa ng Dagupan City Police Station. Under his leadership the incidence of index crimes and non-index crimes continues to decrease due to the station’s active and intensified operations and programs against crime. Ipinagmamalaki po natin matanggap ang kanilang ulat sa crime solution efficiency ng Dagupan ay napakataas, hindi nagbabago at hindi bumababa sa 99%. Thank you, Col. Brendon and to your brave men.

Sa ilalim ng ating disaster preparedness program, aktibo na ang buong lunsod sa ating HANDA KA BA? KALIGTASAN FOR ALL PROGRAM. Ngayon, bawat barangay, bawat paaralan, bawat opisyal, mga guro at estudyante, ang pribadong sector, ang mga volunteers, at bawat Dagupeno ay handang handa tumulong. Salamat sa paggabay ng Philvolcs, ang ating mga INFORMATION EDUCATION CAMPAIGN on DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, simultaneous disaster drills, competency/capability building, partnerships with the community/barangays, at mga partnerships with private sector institutions ay hindi tumitigil.

Kritikal at mahalaga ang kontribusyon ng PUBLIC ALERT RESPONSE AND MONITORING CENTER sa pagbabantay sa buong lungsod. Using the most modern equipment and enhanced training from experts, the people of Dagupan can sleep soundly at night. We are proud of our earthquake instruments and equipment such as strong motion accelegraph station and intensity meter. We are always on the look-out for WEATHER DISTURBANCE AND FLOOD MONITORING on major roads throughout Dagupan. Our modern equipment such as rainfall gauge meters and water gauge meters are trusted. Panatag natin nakikita ngayon ang COMMUNITY TSUNAMI ALERTING STATIONS sa Malimgas Market para sa central business district, sa Lucao para sa Western portion ng Dagupan, Bonuan Binloc, Bonuan Guest para sa coastal areas, at ang Pugaro Suit sa island barangay, upang ma-alerto ang buong lungsod sakaling may napipintong pagdating ng tsunami ano man oras.

We have finally restored the full operations of PARMC to its previous stable and safe location in Poblacion Oeste. Ngayon makakaasa tayo na ang panguhahin bantay ng anuman sakuna ay hindi maging biktima ng pagbaha o iba pang banta.

Another added layer of security for Dagupan are our dependable CCTV cameras. Today we have now fully restored the services of our CENTRAL CCTV OPERATION and Radio Monitoring at PARMC.

Noong taong 2024, hinirang din ang Lungsod ng Dagupan para maging host ng 13TH JUSTICE ZONE sa bansa, kasunod sa mga yapak ng pangunahing mga lungsod tulad ng Cebu, Davao, Angeles, Bacolod, Naga, Calamba, Balanga, Baguio, Zamboanga, Tagaytay at Puerto Princesa. Your city now leads in promoting and supporting a coordinated approach in policymaking, planning and operation of legal institutions for the effective and efficient administration of justice. We thank again our partners led by the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, all our judges at the Dagupan Justice Hall led by Judge Mervin Samadan of RTC Branch 40 as convenor, the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Punong Barangays and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

UNLISERBISYO PARA SA LAHAT

Allow me to present all our achievements in terms of social services, nutrition, population management and civil registry, youth and sports development, employment and protection to OFWs, including services for our family pets. Our Unliserbisyo Program is broad in scope in many aspects of our management. May I invite you to look at how far we have reached to bring public service to our people.

Dahil tapat kayong nagbabayad ng inyong buwis, dasurb po ninyo ang quality service, mabilis at walang mintis – yan ang tatak Unliserbisyo – tutulong tayo sa lahat ng Dagupeno: babae, lalake, tatay, nanay, anak, — kumakahol man o hindi, dahil hindi iiwanan pati alagang pets sa ating paglilingkod.

Simula 2022 hanggang 2025, 56 education infrastructures ang ating naipatayo sa lungsod kabilang dito ang 22 school buildings o kabuuang 173 silid aralan, 6 Gymnasium, at 11 Gym repairs, 8 Site Development, 4 stage, 5 fence wall at iba pang pasilidad.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO

PANG-MATAGALANG SOLUSYON SA BASURA,

TURISMO AT ONE BONUAN PROJECT

Nais na nating pirming isara ang 60-year-old dumpsite sa Bonuan subalit nanatili itong bukas. Malaking pinsala para sa Dagupan ang sinayang natin pagkakataon ng ibinasura ng nakaraang administrasyon ang solusyon sa basura: ang USD 15-million waste-to-energy project.

Over the years, we have invested so much to seek and find a workable solution, even bringing me to Chile to speak and appeal for help from the international community at the Ocean Conservancy Conference and built a case for Dagupan. I have traveled to many countries and spoke to solid waste management experts, appealed to the US State Department through former US Secretary John Kerry. We were almost close to implementing the solution solution but it was rejected. Hiling ko na pakinggan ang maikling documentary natin para sa DENR upang maunawaan ang problema sa basura.

Marami tayong mga bold initiatives tulad ng “Goodbye Basura” Program at ang Summit on Waste Crises because we recognize this as a great responsibility, and the permanent closure of the dumpsite should be done soon.

Witness the transformation of Bonuan today. Swift and decisive, we will pick the last piece of straw and trash and turn it into a new eco-tourism park under the city’s Tondaligan Blue Beach Tourism and Redevelopment Program.

In line with the closure of the dumpsite and the establishment of an Eco-tourism Park in its place, we have also launched the One Bonuan Tourism Project which consists of multiple tourism facilities. We are proud to announce the inauguration of the One Bonuan Pavillion worth P80 million, which will be a new attraction in the city. Construction of the Skating Park is also set to begin soon, while construction of the Macarthur Landing Memorial and Museum is also set to begin anytime.

NATUPAD NA PANGAKO –

TULONG SA MGA MANGINGISDA AT MAGSASAKA AT PAGPAPASIGLA NG INDUSTRIYA NG BANGUS

• Dagupan has a co-management arrangement with the Department of Agriculture for the operation of the Seafoods Processing Plant, and within five years, it will be formally turn over to our care.
• Come see our Malimgas Market Processing Facility now fully rehabilitated and our deboning facility with additional services such as bangus deboning and marinating, vacuum sealing and blast freezing services.
• Ipinaglaban natin ang kakaibang kalidad at sarap ng Dagupan bangus at magkaroon ito ng sarilng identity through enhanced bangus labeling tagging and stronger implementation of the “no auxiliary permit, no entry policy” para sa proteksyon ng ating mamimili.
• Marami na tayong nagawa sa Gulayan sa Paaralan, hydroponics, urban community gardening and tree-planting activities.
• Nakapaghatid din tayo ng tulong pinansyal galing sa Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Families. Bawat isa sa mga 555 farmers and fishermen sa lungsod na apektado ng bagyong Kristine noong nakaraan taon ang tumanggap ng Php 10000.
• Marami din tayong naipamahaging mga hand tractors water pumps and engine set, financial assistance, certified and hybrid seeds at fertilizers sa ating mga magsasaka at iba’t ibang irrigators’ association.
• Namigay din tayo ng mga non-motorized boats, floating oyster rafts, kaalaman sa hito-farming, at nagpanukala ng iba pang livelihood projects tulad ng crab fattening projects sa Salapingao at namigay tayo ng mga collapsilble fish cage with farming input ula sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan.

Mahaba na ang listahan ng ating mga napagtagumpayan proyekto nitong nakalipas na tatlong taon.

Subalit hindi tayo titigil sa paglatag lang ng ating mga nagawa. Kailangan nating sumulong sa mas makahulugang pagbabago.

Allow me therefore to share with you our vision for the year 2026-2028 including our declared policies for our overall governance.

First of all, I would like to inform you that I have already signed an Executive Order declaring the policy of the City Government of Dagupan on Good Government and Accountability, including the Prohibition on the Sale and Disposal of Government Properties.

Never again shall the people of Dagupan be cheated and be deprived of valuable assets like use of public roads and water services. This is to prevent misuse and corruption involving public properties. Henceforth, we shall no longer sell government properties, but will purse acquisition of new ones    through donation.

Let us put a stop to wasteful spending!

Imagine the monumental waste of selling the McAdore Hotel property, whose acquisition was made possible by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from the Asset Privatization Trust and intended as Dagupan City Hall. Binenta ng palugi sa halagang 119 million, ang halaga nito ngayon ay aabot na sa 1 billion piso. Napapakamot na lang tayo sa ulo, kinukumpetensya pa nila ang maliit na kinikita ng ating market vendors a ating sariling palengke dahil naging palengke na din ito — it has become a derelict symbol of lost opportunity. Atin pa rin sana ito, sa kasamaang palad, nabudol ang taong bayan.

It is also disappointing to tell you that ongoing construction of the new city hall would still need additional outlay before it can be completed.

In 2025 and beyond, we shall aggressively expand our health services.

Our dream for 2026-2028 is to completely close the Bonuan dumpsite and transform it into an eco-tourism park.

Our dream for our people is to raise the income through livelihood opportunities.

Our dream for Dagupan is the highest level of preparedness on all kinds of calamities, including preparing for the Big one.

Our dream for our city is us to build solid partnership and restore the respect and trust on the Sanggunian as a vital institution in public governance.

Our dream is for all those who come here to invest and pursue opportunities… That no project would be delayed again because of personal or self-interests.

Our dream is to restore the pride and respect for every Dagupenos, that will people always know come to remember that Dagupan have always been gentle, decent, kind, law-abiding and God-fearing.

Our dream and my vow for our beloved city is that we continue to create environment where businesses thrive, where kotong no longer returns, corruption is a thing of the past, and ghost deliveries will always be an abomination rather than a prize reward for loyalty for friends and business associates.

Our dream is to forever bar those who defraud our government with overpriced tablets and meals and cost of hauling.

Pangarap natin na hindi na magbalik ang panahon walang pananagutan  gaya ng pagtatago ng record kung sino o saan napunta ang mga relief goods na para sana taong bayan.

Pangarap natin na sana wala ng manamantala sa panahon ng matinding pangangailangan, tulad ng pagpapanggap sa isang luma at non-functional backhoe bilang brand new. Kawawang Dagupan, matagal na sana maisayos ang ating basura. May pera nga sa basura!

Pangarap at hangad na mahanap na natin ang mga kagamitan na dapat sana ay nakakatulong sa pagtanggal ng dredge materials sa ating ilog.

Our dream and our vision is to give true value for every peso paid by Dagupan taxpayers.

SULONG EDUKASYON

Sa nakalipas na tatlong taon, nakapagpatayo na tayo ng maraming school buildings at mga classrooms. Pangarap natin na makita ang lahat ng mga natitira pang mga paaralan na yari sa kahoy ay mapalitan ng konkretong multi-storey structures.

For fiscal year 2026 to 2028, I would like to share with you these beautiful dreams I shared with teachers and parents during the PTA Summit:

1. LUCAO – 3-Storey 6 classroom school building
2. MALUED ELEM SCHOOL – 3 Storey 9 classroom school building
3. Papalitan natin ang mga luma at bibili tayo ng mahigit 5000 na mga bago, matibay at mas maayos na mga mesa at upuan para sa ating mga classrooms.
4. WEST CENTRAL ELEM- Science building
5. BACAYAO SUR – 3 Storey school building
6. MANGIN TEBENG – 3-Storey school building
7. BLISS – 3 Storey School building
8. SALISAY- 3 Storey School building
9. DCNHS – 4 Storey – 24 Classrooms School building
10. Federico Ceralde – 3 Storey 15 Classroom Junior High School
11. SALAPINGAO ELEM. SCHOOL- 3-Storey School building
12. CARAEL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL – School Library with 3 Storey
13. JUDGE JOSE De Venecia – Science Building with Laboratory
14. BLISS Elementary School – 3 Storey School Building
15. MANGIN ELEM SCHOOL SITE DEVELOPMENT

16 CARAEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 9 classroom

• Sa susunod na tatlong taon, pangarap natin abutin ang lahat ng ating targets upang lalo pang umunlad ang lahat ng ating paaralan sa buong Lungsod ng Dagupan.
• Isusulong natin ang mamuhunan sa pagbili ng mga bagong computers at mga airconditioned units.
• Isusulong natin na lalo pang itaas ang bilang ng ating mga scholars mula 5000 to 6000 kada taon.
• Pangarap ko maipatayo at maging fully operational na ang Dagupan City Technical Vocational School para makapagsanay tayo ng mga bagong kursong hindi ipa naalok sa alinmang Pamantasan o kolehiyo sa lungsod.
• My dream is to build Dagupan’s first Innovation Center, isang forward-thinking educational at workforce development center na magbigay ng mga hands-on na karanasan sa pag-aaral at maghahanda sa kanila para sa piniling kurso upang makasabay sa maraming pagbabago sa global economy.

SULONG FLOOD-FREE DAGUPAN

Our vision for 2026-2028 is to consolidate local and national initiatives and ensure a flood free Dagupan. To carry this out, we will submit a supplemental budget this and integrate in the 2026 annual budget for the following projects:

1.Lucao Phase 2 to build all side streets

2.Sitio Banaoang in Malued

3.Sitio Guam

4.We shall elevate the road in Trinidad Subdivison

5.Malued-Coquia Road

6.Salisay-Abalaten Road

7.Pogo Grande Sagur

8.Lasip Chico Drainage

9.Improvement of Inarangan Lake

10.Pogo Chico – Rizal Road

11.Barangay IV – Gomez Street

12.Bonuan Boquig Phase 1 – Severino Street

13.Pantal Phase 2 – DIOR Village

14.Calmay Road Phase 1 and 2

15.Carael phase 4

16.Pugaro Road

17.Lomboy Road

18.Mamalingling Road

19.Brgy IV drainage in front of west central not

connected to drainage of burgos

20.Burgos Road connecting to Perez Boulevard

21.Malued Calle Guapo to De Venecia Highway

22.Bonuan Gueset Calamiong bridge

23.Malued Greenfields – Last Phase leading to Calarin

24.Bonifacion Street Careenan

25.Pogo Grande Looban

26.Bolosan – Purok Greengrass

27.Careenan Creek and Arellano Creek

28.Herrero-Perez Creek to Arzadon – Region 1

29.Bayanihan Road – Sitio Hidalgo extension

30.Pugaro – Drainage from Sitio Buer to Sitio Sagur

31.Sitio Centro Interior Road

32.Brgy. Tebeng

33.Kaya nagging catch basin interiors plus drainage

system

34.Budget allocation for purchase of school lot.

35.Loading and unloading bay for Barangay 1 Star Plaza

36.Mangin Street

37.Barangay II and III Barangay Hall and Basketball Court

38.Mamalingling Barangay Hall

Marami tayong nagawa, at mas marami pa tayong mga plano para sa kinabukasan.

Wala akong hinangad kundi ang tumupad sa aking pangako, at gumawa ng mabuti.

Bilang mayor, tinuturing kong sagrado ang aking opisina at ang aking poder dahil may malalim itong responsibilidad na paglingkuran ang mga tao nang may katapatan, integridad, at patas. Pinapangalagaan ko ang inyong tiwala ng may pananagutan. Ang maglingkod ng higit sa sarili.

Tinupad ko ang marami sa ating pangako at hindi ako titigil hanggang nais pa ninyo. Natupad ko ba ang inyong inaasahan?

Sa kabila ng pang-aalipusta at pagyurak sa aming pagkatao at sa aming tungkulin, hindi tayo nagpasindak o natakot na gawin ang tama. Hindi ko magagawa ito kapag hindi si Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua ang ating kasama. Ipinamalas niya ang tapang na buo ang loob at malinaw ang pang-unawa sa kung ano matuwid, mahalaga at mabuti para sa lahat ng Dagupeno.

Si Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua, kasama sina Councilor Michael Fernandez, Councilor Jigs Seen, Councilor Dennis Canto, Councilor Bradley Benavides ang naging susi kaya nagkaroon tayo ng pahayag at inuulat ko sa inyo na nagawa at nagampanan dahil sa loob ng 60-days. Napakilos at napaikot na sa wakas ang gulong ng asenso at progreso sa Dagupan matapos suspendihin ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang ilang mambabatas ng Sanggunian. May awa ang Diyos.

Nais kong magpatuloy na maglingkod sa inyo, at kung inyo pang mamarapatin nais kong ipagpatuloy ang paggawa ng kabutihan. Subalit magagawa ko lamang ito sa tulong ninyong lahat.

Mayroon kasabihan, “What you are not changing, you are choosing.” Kung ano raw ang hindi mo binabago, iyon daw ang iyong pinipili.

Kapag hindi tayo gumawa ng paraan l alo na sa paggawa ng maingat at mahalagang desisyon — kung tayo hindi kikilos o gagawa ng mga hakbang upang baguhin ang isang bagay sa ating baya, sa katunayan, tinatanggap daw natin kung ano ito.

Iiwanan ko sa inyo ang mga kaisipang ito at umaasang mahanap ninyo na kung ano ang tama, matuwid at mabuti.

Mas bibilis ang ating gawain kung pipiliin niyo ang tamang pagpapasya.

Inuulit po natin: ang progreso ay hindi mabagal kapag walang sagabal.

Ang susunod nating pagpipili ay hindi lamang pagpipili ng mga susunod na lider. This is about shaping the future of governance.

Piliin natin magkaisa at lumikha ng pangmatagalan at positibong pagbabago sa Dagupan.

Piliin natin mawala na ang pagbabaha-bahagi, pagtatalo, o hindi pagkakaunawaan. Piliin natin ang mga taong naging tapat sa sinumpaan tungkulin na mapabuti ng kalidad ng buhay para lahat at hindi ito pinigil.    Piliin ang taong hindi inaantala ang pagtiyak sa kaligtasan ng publiko at tanggihan ang mga taong ang sambit ng labi ay “I OBJECT” upang tutulan ang pag-unlad ng Dagupan ng paulit-ulit.

Piliin ang tao kayo ay pinakikinggan, hindi sinisigawan o tinatakot dahil sa paniwalang ang kapangyarihan ay nasa kanilang bilang.

Piliin ang taong lagi kayong uunahin, higit pa sa kanilang samahan at pansariling interes.

Piliin ang mga taong may pagpapahalaga sa mabuting asal at kalmadong pag-uusap. Piliin ang mga tao hindi kayo tinalikuran ng panahon kailangan ninyo ang mga umento, mga bonuses, mga allowances. Hindi yung aprubahan ang inyong SRI at bonuses ng Mayo at umaasa pa ng inyong pasasalamat.

Lagi natin piliin gumawa ng mabuti.

Hindi ko pinangarap maging magaling na mayor. Hanggad ko lang maging mabuti sa inyo at sa inyong pamilya.

Buo ang aking puso na magpatuloy na maglingkod sa inyong lahat, at pinipili ko makasama ang mga taong may tamang disposiyon, matuwid, may paggalang sa batas, may respeto sa pananagutan at may takot sa Diyos. Hindi bastos, hindi palamura, hindi nang-aapi ng mga maliliit at mahihina. At hindi rin nanatiling tahimik sa panahong kailangan kumilos o magsalita.

Pinipili ko ang Team Unliserbisyo.

Pinipili ko si Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua.

Pinipili ko si Councilor Michael Fernandez.

Pinipili ko si Councilor Jeslito Seen.

Pinipili ko si dating Councilor Chito Samson.

Pinipili ko si dating Councilor Joey Tamayo.

Pinipili ko si dating Councilor Marvin Fabia.

Pinipili ko si dating Councilor Karlos Reyna IV.

Pinipili ko si Danee Canto.

Pinipili ko si Tala Paras.

Pinipili ko si Dra. Jaja Cayabyab.

Pinipili ko si dating Councilor Joshua Bugayong.

Malinaw ang pagpipilian. Pipiliin ba natin ang progreso o pipiliin natin ang perwisyo?

Ako po si Mayor Belen Fernandez. Araw-araw, lagi ninyo tandan: Ang pipiliin ko ay kayo.

Maraming salamat po.

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