CHINESE CORNER IS NOW OPEN – The Chinese corner is now open to public at the city library for Filipino-Chinese students to make use and for everyone who wants to know more about the Chinese culture. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon are Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (right, front row), MYK little mayor Jillian Kay Madison Fernandez (2nd from right, front row), PUI principal Yolanda Que (2nd from left, front row), National Library of the Philippines Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano (left, front row) and Head Librarian Corazon C. Langit (center, front row). (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The national government’s Chinese Corner Project (CCP) at the Dagupan City Library is now open for public use and references especially by Filipino-Chinese students and for those who want to learn more about the Chinese culture.

This after Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) along with Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the cutting of the ribbon of the Chinese Corner at the City Library on March 22.

The city library is the 20th public library in the country chosen by the NLP to host such service.

“The Chinese Corner Project has been in existence since 2014. This is the fourth and the last to be launched this year. We chose Dagupan to be the fourth recipient of this project because our mayor is of Chinese descendants and a large community of Filipino-Chinese is in the city,” said Adriano.

Assistant Chief of Reference Section of the NLP Flordeliza Quiñones disclosed that the CCP is just one of the multi-cultural projects of the NLP, which introduces collaboration and partnership between the local library stakeholders and the Filipino-Chinese community.

Dagupan City’s commercial success as a city has been enhanced by the role of the early Chinese traders which preceded even Spanish influence.

“Chinese influence is not only embedded in our consciousness but likewise encompasses our culture, history and literature. The Chinese community remains a potent force in our lives today in the modern Dagupan City,” said Fernandez.

She added that the Chinese Corner Project therefore “is a humble monument of this important part of our community and serves to remind all people of our multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community that Chinese influence contributes to the totality of our identity as a people, as a city and as a nation”.

Among the early Chinese settlers in the city were Tan San Diok and Di Kok Siam.

Tan San Diok is the great grandfather of Fernandez and his children established the Rufo Tan Hardware, Tan Commercial, Eduardo Tan and Taya’s Hardware while Di Kok Siam distinguished grand children includes George Chua Cham and lawyer Edward Chua Cham.

Fernandez gladly welcomed the CCP in the city library and expressed her gratitude to the NLP especially with the presence of Adriano during the launching date. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 23, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY –Senator Cynthia Villar, Congressman Christopher De Venecia, Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, and Cagayan Board Member Perla Tumaliuan joined Mayor Belen Fernandez and Committee on Women, Children and Family Affairs chairman Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz Fernandez during the first-ever Women’s March in the city on March 23.

These officials were the keynote speakers in the program held before  the march, which was the brainchild of Councilor Fernandez.

The event with the theme “W.E. Make Change Work for Women” promoted showcased  empowerment and was held in line with the commemoration of National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day.

“For the longest time, a lot of groups deprive women from our rights. But I think it’s about time that we stand up for ourselves,” Councilor Fernandez said. “Our mayor is very supportive of all our programs for our women here in the city.”

Mayor Fernandez acknowledged the important role that women play alongside men in building the city.

“In 2018, we declared this year as Dagupan’s year of families. This declaration highlights the invaluable role of all members of the family—women included—in ensuring the happiness, success, and prosperity of our communities,” The mayor said. “We have forged incredible partnership and engagement equally with women as with men, and all other sectors.”

At least 1,700 Dagupenos attended the program and marched to thr Pantal Bridge, where a lighting ceremony was held.

“This is a very big day for us. We lighted the Pantal Bridge, and we want to put this in the history of Dagupan because our women, our mothers are the lights of our homes,” Mayor Fernandez added.

The event signaled the beginning of Bangus Festival 2018 in the city as well.

FARM SCHOOL IN DAGUPAN

Meanwhile, Senator Villar expressed her interest in putting up an aquaculture farm school in the city.

“I am encouraging her (Mayor Fernandez) to build a farm school so we can teach our fishermen on how to do it well, and she is very interested,” Villar said. “I will ask BFAR to help you train your farmers.”

“Many are not yet aware that women are considered as the dominant force in agriculture,”she said. (Zarena Amado/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city, in partnership with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board – Regional Office 1 and the Department of Transportation, conducted a PUV Modernization Forum at CSI Stadia in Dagupan City on March 23.

As Dagupan City was chosen as Region 1’s pilot area for public transport modernization, the agencies started a dialogue with jeepney operators, drivers and stakeholders of the city and the nearby areas.

Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez has always been open about her support for the jeepney modernization program as the transport overhaul would also ensure the safety of Dagupenos.

“The safety of both passengers and drivers is our priority. Ang isang driver ay may pamilya, ang passenger ay may pamilya— ayaw ko pong may mangyari sa driver o pasahero dahil pamilya ang apektado.” said Fernandez.

As the program is in line with the mayor’s vision for a clean and safe Dagupan, Fernandez hopes that the national government’s initiative would bring down to zero the vehicular accidents in the city, saying: “Safety always comes first before anything.”

According to Fernandez, the national government’s decision on modernization would also help step up the progress in the city.

“Dagupan is a progressive city and we are always open to suggestions and improvements. We are working on road improvements all over the city, we are also creating new land use which would produce more businesses and more jobs that would generate more passengers for our jeepney drivers.” added Fernandez.

She also reiterated her support for the the city’s jeepney drivers and hoped that the concerns of drivers and operators would be properly presented and addressed in the forum, saying: “The drivers should not be afraid because I am behind all of them. Makinig sana muna tayo sa kanilamg mga  sasabihin dahil ang ating gobierno na ang lumalapit sa atin. We need to open our arms and tell them our concerns so that they can help us. This is also a good thing because they will be taught how to manage the fleet, how to make it workable and profitable for them. Sana maintindihan ng mga drivers kung ano ang gusto ng gobyerno para  sa kanila”

Meanwhile, LTFRB RO1 – Regional Director Edward L. Cabase explained that the forum aimed to debunk “anti-poor” claims, address any misinformation regarding the program and discuss the right financing schemes for the operators.

“The reason we are here is because we are giving you the solution, which is being embraced by the local government for the sake of the riding public and the operators. This forum will also give the operators an opportunity to talk to stakeholders such as Landbank and DBP as we are trying to give them the best financing scheme they could get for the modernization plan. In terms of financing and financial consideration, hindi nila proproblemahin yun because we have our partners.” said Cabase.

Director  Cabase also hailed Mayor  Fernandez for readily welcoming major changes set by the national government on the transport sector, saying: “Napakaswerte ng mga taga-Dagupan for having a very supportive local executive chief.”

The PUV modernization forum provided drivers, operators and stakeholders within the city an overview of the PUV Modernization Program and discussions on the prospective financing schemes for the program as well as its financial viability.

A product presentation was also given by automotive companies such as Star 8 and Green Technology, Yutong, Durabus, Jimbel, ISUZU and Tata.

An open forum was held during the second session in order to address the concerns of jeepney operators and drivers of the city.

The forum was also geared at introducing the advantages of the prototypes exhibited during the forum which will not only include two drivers per vehicle but also two marshals that would assist the drivers as well as protect the passengers.

The city recently conducted a trial run and test drive on the new jeepneys on March 22, by initiating “Libreng Sakay” which allowed passengers to ride a downtown loop-bound Solar E-Jeepney prototype free of charge in order to familiarize both passengers and drivers on the modernization program.

Mayor Belen Fernandez expressed optimism that once the drivers’ concerns are settled, drivers and operators would be more open to try the new possibilities that the national government is introducing through the jeepney modernization program. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Mar. 24, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – Bangus Festival 2018 was formally opened following the lighting of one of the iconic landmarks of the city – the Pantal Bridge along the De Venecia Expressway Extension in Barangay Pantal on March 23.

Leading the lighting ceremony were Congressman Christopher De Venecia, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Councilors Maybelyn Dela Cruz Fernandez and Jose Netu Tamayo along with Dr. Nene Villaflor, past president of Inner Wheel Club of the Philippines, Perla Tanedo of the Lions Club, Philips Lighting country manager Jagan Srinivasan, the women’s group of Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Dagupan and employees of the city government.

Using Philips Lightings’ state-of-the-art light solutions, both sides of the bridge were installed with LED lamps, which glow in different colorful lights at night.

“As our city was not spared by the effects of global warming, the city took the initiative of installing LED street lights in this bridge as an initiative to help save the environment. The LED street lights are the cleanest, most energy efficient and eco-friendly gadget aside from effectively reducing electric consumption, maintenance and repair cost,” said Councilor Maybelyn Fernandez, chair of the Women’s March Summit held on the same day at CSI Stadia with Senator Cynthia Villar, Cagayan Valley Province Board Member Perla Tumaliuan, Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman and PhilHealth Regional Vice President Atty. Rodolfo Del Rosario Jr. as guests.

She added that this project means more savings on public funds in keeping with the principle of good governance and public trust.

The lighting of the Pantal Bridge coincidentally during the month of March was significant for two reasons: first, it was because the event kicked off  the celebration of the 2018 Bangus Festival and secondly, because of the Women’s Month celebration.

“Tulad ng poste na nagbibigay liwanag sa gitna ng kadiliman, ang ating mga kababaihan ay isa sa mga haligi ng ating lipunan,” said Councilor Fernandez.

The lady councilor thanked Mayor Fernandez for taking the bold step in encouraging the public to use LED lights which is in line with Dagupan’s vision to become a Smart City of the North.

The Pantal Bridge was inaugurated on May 18, 2008. It is one of two connecting bridges along the De Venecia Expressway Extension built across fishponds and swamplands in the outskirts of the city.

The highway is the biggest project in the city constructed by the government through the initiative of then Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 26, 2018)

NATATANGING EBA NG DAGUPAN – This year’s “Natatanging Eba ng Dagupan” awardee is Thelma Jovellanos (center). She is a Barangay Health Worker of Barangay Bonuan Boquig and who earns a living by engaging in selling beauty products. She received an Achievement Award as her trophy for being this year’s “Natatanging Eba ng Dagupan” and a cash prize of P5,000 from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (right). Also in photo is Women’s March chairman Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz Fernandez (left). (CIO photo)

DAGUPAN CITY – A  Barangay Health Worker (BHW) was adjudged as “Natatanging Eba ng Dagupan” this year on the occasion of the Women’s March on March 23 from CSI Stadia to the new Pantal Bridge along De Venecia Expressway Extension.

Chaired by Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz Fernandez, the event was a culmination of the Women’s Month celebration in the city with Senator Cynthia Villar, Pangasinan 4^th District Representative Christopher De Venecia, Bataan 1st District Representative Geraldine Roman, Cagayan Valley Province Board Member Perla Tumaliuan, and PhilHealth Regional Vice President Atty. Rodolfo Del Rosario Jr. as guests.

The awardee is Thelma Jovellanos, a BHW of Barangay Bonuan Boquig and who earns a living by engaging in selling beauty products. She has five children, two of whom are already graduates of their chosen courses in college.

One of her other children is a scholar of the city’s MBTF Scholarship Program and is now third year in college, while the other two are already high school graduates.

Her husband is a fishpond caretaker and is the auditor of the Samahan ng mga Maliliit na Mangingisda sa Dagupan City (SMalManDC).

Her dedication to her work as BHW in Barangay Bonuan Boquig has earned the admiration of the judges who crowned her as this year’s “Natatanging Eba ng Dagupan”.

Ms. Jovellanos regularly participates in the city’s outreach programs in her barangay. She sometimes brings medicine to the sick and the needy as her own small way of rendering unliserbisyo in her barangay.

“Kahit po maraming trabaho sa bahay, pumupunta pa rin po ako sa barangay para tuparin ang aking katungkulan na manilbihan sa mga nangangailangan at makatulong sa abot ng aking makakaya,” said Jovellanos.

Jovellanos received an Achievement Award as her trophy for being this year’s “Natatanging Eba ng Dagupan” and a cash prize of P5,000 from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.

The search was facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development office. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – In keeping with the Clean and Safe City program, Dagupan City, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), conducted the first-ever Fire Safety Summit attended by engineers, architects, business owners and traders at the city museum on March 27.

City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Georgian DM Pascua disclosed that the summit was aimed at informing the public on the requirements of the fire code of the country which, he said, “only a few people are yet aware of.”

“We want to familiarize them with the requirements so that they will not spend more time and money preparing documents that are not supposed to be included,” said Pascua.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez hailed the summit, saying that this is one of the serious efforts to put everyone’s acts together and stave off the threats of destruction to lives and property.

“We are fortunate that agencies of government and our fellow workers have come together to make sure that our city is a community that is safe for everyone to live, to study, to do business and to raise a family,” said Fernandez.

The year 2018 has been earlier declared by Fernandez as Year of the Family in the City of Dagupan. She encouraged everyone to work together as one family to ensure that the nest and cradle of a happy and strong family, the homes, and businesses, are prepared to ensure the safety of everyone, every woman, and child.

“We shall not leave our fate and our security to chance,” declared Fernandez.

She said the city had been through many challenges, both natural and man-made, but the people have demonstrated their resolve time and time again that made the city strong and capable of always rising from these challenges, like earthquakes, typhoons, floods, fires and other occurrences.

“In all our past experiences in dealing with these elements, our city has altogether learned a way of life of preparedness and a culture of safety,” said Fernandez.

Among the topics discussed during the summit were Rule 10 of Republic Act 9514 which deals on the fire safety measures and processing of Fire Safety Inspection Certificate for occupancy; building permit and occupancy permit processing; and business permit processing. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – For the second time in a row, Dance Philippines is back in this year’s celebration of the Bangus Festival when they will show their wares on April 28 at the city plaza.

Event chairman Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo disclosed that all dance crews with a minimum of five members and a maximum member of 25 are welcome to join the competition.

“Cash prizes ranging from P5,000 to P25,000 await the winners in this year’s competition,” revealed Tamayo.

According to him, the champion will receive P25,000; first runner-up,  P15,000; second runner-up,P10,000; and third runner-up, P5,000.

Dance routine, which may be in any hip-hop genres, must be up to maximum of seven minutes.

Tamayo said it is important that the dance elements like body movement (form and style), space (use of dimension), time (rhythm and musicality), and energy (expression, stamina and power) are evident during the competition.

He, however, cautioned participating dance crews from doing deadly stunts.

“Such act may be grounds for disqualification of the participating dance crew,” said Tamayo. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – Bangusine, one of the highlights of the Bangus Festival Celebration, will have a new twist this year as it will feature family recipes when it will be held on April 25 at the city plaza.

New recipes and ways how to cook the tastiest fish in the world had been showcased yearly through this event and for this year Bangusine aims to showcase the traditional family recipes using Bangus as main ingredient. Recipes that bring fond memories of Dagupeños who love to dine with their family, talking about life, past and future.

For this particular event, every barangay can only send one entry with a brief story behind the recipe. One recipe will be selected as “best family recipe”.

Participants are allowed to bring with them cooking utensils though the Bangus Festival Executive Committee will be providing the needed ingredients, stove and liquefied petroleum gas.

Each entry will be judged according to the history/story of the recipe, which is 30 percent; originality, 30 percent; taste, 20 percent; and presentation, 20 percent.

All participants will receive certificates of participation but the “best family recipe” will receive P5,000. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – For the first time, the city in cooperation with the Guardians Reform Advocacy for Cooperation and Economic Prosperity Incorporated is holding an Open Fly Kite Competition at Tondaligan Park as part of the 2018 Bangus Festival.

The event is scheduled to take place on April 29 at 1:00 in the afternoon near the Mayor’s Pavilion.

With the theme “Aim High Balon Dagupan” the competition will be held with a purpose and the proceeds will go to the rehabilitation and school facilities of the Calmay Day Care Center in Calmay Ilocano.

Interested competitors will pay a registration fee of P2,000 if they intend to compete in the different categories and P1,500 if they intend to compete in the different categories except in the dog fight category.

Winners will receive cash prize of from P3,000 to P50,000 on the different categories.

Dog fight winner will receive P50,000 and a trophy while the owner of the Most Beautiful Kite that will be declared as the champion will receive P10,000 and a trophy, first prize winner,  P5,000 and a certificate;  and  second prize winner,  P3,000 and a certificate.

Meanwhile, the Biggest Kite winner will receive P10,000 and a trophy. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – The search for MsTizang Bangus will again take center stage in this year’s Bangus Festival after its successful maiden run  last year in order  to create awareness on HIV-AIDS and protect the populace from the killer disease.

Scheduled on April 21 at the Dagupan City Plaza, the event will again be held with a purpose and this time it will focus on protecting the environment against any form of pollution.

Epee Rafanan of the 2018 Bangus Festival Executive Committee disclosed that the gay beauty pageant will not just be about charm, beauty and intelligence but will also be an avenue to create awareness on ecology.

“Last year our cause was to create awareness about HIV-AIDS. This year’s pageant will again be for a noble cause and this time it will focus on protecting the environment,” said Rafanan.

This pageant is again open to every interested candidate from all over the country.

Rafanan said this is part of promoting the festival all over the country.

The first MsTizang Bangus winner was Ivern Doroteo of Tarlac. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – All the 31 barangays had been clustered anew into five groups for the right to compete in the 2018 Bangus Festival Gilon-Gilon ed Baley on April 20.

In the last Bangus Festival, there were about seven clustered groups who competed in the Gilon-Gilon with the eastern barangays clinching the championship trophy and the right to represent the city in the Festivals of the North.

For this year, the five clustered groups are Cluster 1 composed of Barangays Mangin as the leader, Tebeng, Salisay, Mamalingling, Bolosan, Tambac and Bonuan Binloc.

Cluster 2 is Barangays II and III as the leader, Barangay 1, Tapuac, Barangay IV, Poblacion Oeste and Bonuan Gueset.

Cluster 3 is Barangays Pugaro as the leader, Calmay, Carael, Pantal, Lomboy, Bonuan Boquig and Salapingao.

Cluster 4 is Carangalaan as the leader, Herrero-Perez, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Bacayao Norte.

Cluster 5 is Pogo Grande as the leader, Malued, Pogo Chico, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande and Lucao.

Prizes at stake are P200,000 for the champion; P100,000 for the first runner-up; P80,000 for the second runner-up; P30,000 for the third runner-up and P30,000 for the fourth runner-up.

Special awards will be awarded to the best in costume with a cash prize of P20,000 and the best in musicality will receive P20,000. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – Winner in the Gilon-Gilon ed Baley will participate only as guest performer in the coming Festivals of the North on April 27 in this year’s Bangus Festival.

Sharon Maramba of the 2018 Bangus Festival Executive Committee said that five contingents have already signified their interest to join and compete in the Festivals of the North.

These are the Dinamulag Festival of Masinloc, Zambales; Tinungbo Festival of Pugo, La Union; Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; Sinukwan Sisig Festival of Angeles City, Pampanga; and Panagyaman Festival of Balaoan, La Union.

Prizes at stake are P400,000 for the champion; P200,000 for the first runner-up; P100,000 for the second runner-up; P80,000 for the third runner-up; and P60,000 for the fourth runner-up.

Special awards will be awarded to the Best in Costume with a cash prize of P20,000 and the Best Street Dancer will also receive  P20,000 as cash rewards.

Maramba said there will also be Festival King and Queen with a cash prize of P5,000 each to the winners.

First runners-up will receive P3,000 each; second runners-up will receive P2,000 each.

A consolation prize of P10,000 will also be awarded to non-winning contingents. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 27, 2018)

DOING THE RIGHT THING – Reynaldo Padilla (center), a maintenance worker of the Dagupan Doctor’s Villaflor Memorial Hospital receives a Certificate of Commendation from the city government of Dagupan for returning the one million peso cash left by a patient in a locker room after being discharged from the hospital last March 26 while he was doing his routine work. Awarding the certificate were Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (left) and Dr. Vivencio Villaflor (right) of DDVMH. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – A maintenance worker of Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital (DDVMH) received a Certificate of Commendation from the city for returning one million pesos he found inside the hospital room left by a former occupant last March 26.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, along with Dr. Vivencio Villaflor of DDVMH, awarded the certificate to Padilla on March 28 at the city museum.

Padilla, a resident of Barangay Pantal, has been working at the DDVMH for five years now. While cleaning the room last Monday he found a bagpack containing bundles of peso bills amounting to one million pesos.

He immediately surrendered the money to the hospital administrator after discovering the bagpack.

The city government commended Padilla’s honesty as “an admirable act worthy of emulation, thus, making the entire city of Dagupan proud of him,” said Mayor Fernandez

For his honesty, Padilla was awarded P10,000 by the owner of the money. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/March 28, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – Four brand new vehicles purchased by the Dagupan City government were formally turned over by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez to the Dagupan City Police Station (DCPS) in a simple ceremony at the police station in Poblacion Oeste on April 3.

The turn over ceremony was joined by Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) Director Police Chief Superintendent Romulo Emocling Sapitula and Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) Director Police Senior Superintendent Ronald Oliver Lee.

City Councilors Joey Tamayo and Marcelino Fernandez, City Administrator Farrah Marie G. Decano, PRO1 Public Information Officer Police Superintendent Ferdinand De Asis, the chiefs of police of San Carlos City and Urdaneta City, Jasper Ong of Toyota Dagupan, Pastor Narciso Centeno and Dr. Ashok Vasandani witnessed the turn over.

The new vehicles will add to the fleet of DCPS vehicles to be used by the police in their routine patrol activities in a bid to ensure the safety of the people, instill discipline and maintain peace and order in the city.

“The safety of our family is very important in our city. Every member of the family will be happy when the city is peaceful and safe. It is also equally important that we maintain peace and order in our city so we could attract more investors to come especially that our city has new growth areas. Investors will not come in if we have poor peace and order situation”, said Fernandez.

Aside from the new vehicles the city is also providing the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team of the city with new firearms and three big bikes for speed cops.

The city allocated a total of Php9.7 million in modernizing the DCPS vehicles and equipment.

Sapitula urged personnel of the DCPS not to sleep on their jobs and warned them from sleeping inside the vehicles while the air conditioning system is on.

“Ibalik natin ito by means of doing our job at ang sinumang mahuli na natutulog sa loob ng sasakyan ay mananagot sa akin,” said Sapitula.

Sapitula expressed his gratitude to the mayor for her support to the Dagupan police and assured her to being the good deeds of the city to the attention of the Chief PNP.

Sulit, on the other hand, assured that with the use of the new patrol vehicles, the crime rate of the city will be significantly reduced to the barest minimum.

“Mababa po ang crime rate natin dito sa Dagupan at sa pagdating ng mga bagong sasakyan asahan po natin na mas mapapa-igting  pa po natin ang ating laban kontra sa krimen,” said Sulit.

Peace and order is one of the priority programs of Mayor Fernandez that is why during her first term of office, the DCPS received from the city government four new motorcycles and five mobile vehicles. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 3, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY –The Bolosan Elementary School received 50 rondallas from the Dagupan City government for the school’s rondalla music program.

Fifty students of the school personally received the instruments from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez on April 2 during the school’s moving up ceremony.

Last year, the city sponsored a first of its kind Children Summit on Music in partnership with the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music.

During that summit, thousands of children simultaneously sang and played musical instruments and performed musical renditions.

After the summit, Fernandez distributed 198 guitars to different public schools in a bid to encourage more children to love and indulge in music through these musical instruments.

“The successful children’s summit, in partnership with UST,  has inspired me to continue supporting music to our children. I believe that children who love music are disciplined and intelligent,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez believes that even the slightest positive influence has the potential to change a child’s life as she cited the rationale for holding such summit.

The mayor assured that there will be more musical instruments to be distributed to the different schools in the city. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 3, 2018)

Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez delivers her speech on the city’s support for ICM before representatives from 53 coastal municipalities and cities during the First Integrated Coastal Management Congress held at Leisure Coast in Bonuan Binloc on April 4. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Regional Office 1, conducted  the first-ever Integrated Coastal Management Congress at Leisure Coast Resort in Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan City on April 4 and 5, attended by personnel of 53 coastal municipalities and cities in the Ilocos region.

The Integrated Coastal Management or ICM refers to natural resources and environmental ecosystem-based management framework which employs an integrative, logistic management approach and an interactive planning process in addressing the complex management cases of the coastal areas.

The two-day congress, with the theme “Upscaling Efforts on ICM for Sustainable and Resilient Coastal and Marine Ecosystems”, aimed to address coastal geo-hazards and discuss sustainable management approaches among local government units’ for them to be able to further improve the marine biodiversity in their coastal areas and protect its  ecosystems.

Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez  discussed what the city has so far undertaken in managing its own problem to clean the river,  which resulted in the dismantling of over 970 illegal fish pens, as well as in convincing  fisherfolks to acquire an Aqua Lease Agreement with the city so that they can be issued business permits and license plates for their authorized fish cages.

Fernandez also expressed the city’s full commitment to the collaborative and sustained effort in coastal resource management, saying: “The acknowledgement and praise heaped upon Dagupan by the global community is the greater inspiration for the city to take the next step by enjoining other local governments along the Western sea board to jointly undertake remedial measures to keep the oceans clean, spur marine biodiversity and attract high-end tourist market in the country.”

Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Theresa Mundita S. Lim hailed Dagupan City’s awareness and exemplary efforts in the protection of its rivers and estuaries, saying:  “It’s already being showcased in international meetings. I hope that we would be able to replicate this practice not just in the Philippines, but in other areas in the ASEAN region as well. I’m looking forward to working closely with Mayor Fernandez in another capacity.”

Corollary to this, all coastal local government units signed a commitment dubbed as the “Dagupan City Declaration” in line with the government’s responsibility to manage, protect and conserve all their resources within their administrative jurisdictions as embodied under RA 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 and in consonance with the provision of RA 8550 or the Fisheries Code, as amended by RA 10654.

The declaration called on the LGUs to act as the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of ICM programs in their respective coastal marine areas in line with the National ICM Program. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Apr. 4, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Bangus Festival Sports Week officially started before the long weekend with the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) National Championships held on Tondaligan Blue Beach. This was followed on Saturday by the simultaneous Chess Championships, Swimming Long Course Championship, and Badminton Invitational Tournament.

On Sunday, iconic volleyball players in the country, including “Phenom of Philippine Volleyball” Alyssa Valdez, conducted a free high training seminar for at least 300 Dagupenos who were interested to learn beach volleyball.

“By creating competitions like these, we further enhance and develop the skills of our children,” Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said. “We are planning to make Dagupan a city of sports. Just yesterday, I talked with the BVR and I told them I want to train more children in Dagupan City as far as indoor and beach volleyball is concerned.”

Congressman Christopher de Venecia also visited the city on Saturday.

“I saw that our kids were really excited to compete in the BTF Sports Competition this morning…It is in each and every one of you to excel in these competitions.” De Venecia said.

The Mayor’s Cup BTF DOES IT: Sports Competition week is among the first in the lineup of events for the citywide Bangus Festival which takes on a family-oriented theme this year.

*BVR founder praises Bonuan beach*

Volleyball player and coach Maria Rosario “Charo” Soriano, who is one of the founders of BVR, was one of the contenders in the semi-finals of the championships held in Bonuan Beach.

During one of her playoffs, Soriano expressed her admiration for the beach, which she has visited for two consecutive years in the BVR on tour.

“Tondaligan Blue Beach is so beautiful and so clean. I am also very happy that the LGU is supportive of all sports, not only beach volleyball. I hope more people can come here and appreciate what Tondaligan Blue Beach has to offer,” she said. (Zarena Amado/CIO)

Mayor Belen Fernandez poses with ColorManila: Glitter Run Dagupan leg participants during the Color Festival held at CSI Stadia helipad on April 8, 2018. (CIO photo by Arriel Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan, in partnership with ColorManila, brought the most colorful fun run home with the holding of the “ColorManila: Glitter Run Dagupan”.

Held along the De Venecia Highway Extension in Dagupan City on April 8, the event was joined by over 1,500 participants.

The highway was covered by a myriad of colors and glitters as runners were sprayed with water and colored powders during their laps in 3K, 5K and 10K distances.

After all the runners have completed their runs and received their finisher’s medals, a color festival was also held for them at the helipad in CSI the City Mall. Various colors of powders were thrown into the air as the participants danced to the beat of the music.

ColorManila aims to promote fitness while celebrating life, family and friendship through colorful fun runs. This is why the event is part of the month-long celebration of the city’s Bangus Festival dubbed as “The Happiest Fish Fest for You and Your Family!”

Local filmmaker and avid participant Noubikko Ray raved about the event and its promotion of fitness and family, saying: “ColorManila is one of the most anticipated events in Bangus Fest. Not only do you get to exercise but, you get to have fun with your family and friends. You also get to meet a lot of people. Dagupan levels up (on its festivities) every year.”

Corollary to this, he also expressed his excitement for the upcoming Gilon-Gilon Ed Baley street dance, which is also one of the highly-anticipated events in this year’s Bangus Festival.

“I also can’t wait to see what we’ll have on this year’s Gilon-Gilon. All the floats and dances that will be parading around the streets will carry a touch of Dagupan’s culture, so it’s something we’re all excited to see.” said Ray. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Apr. 8, 2018)

Volleyball phenom Alyssa Valdez (center) teaches volleyball basics to Dagupan youth during the BVR Sandroots program held at Tondaligan Blue Beach in Dagupan City on April 8, 2018. (CIO photo by Arriel Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – Volleyball star Alyssa Valdez played trainer and coach to 300 aspiring volleyball players of Dagupan during the BVR Sandroots training workshop held at the Tondaligan Blue Beach in Dagupan City on April 8.

Beach volleyball enthusiasts were not just able to learn volleyball basics but also had a chance to experience high intensity training from the “Phenom of Philippine Volleyball” herself and other BVR members and players.

Launched in 2016 by the Beach Volleyball Republic, the “Sandroots” program aims to introduce beach volleyball to the youth all over the country in hopes of peaking their interest in the sport and sparking a passion in them to continue learning it.

According to Alyssa Valdez, one of the program’s objectives is to make the sport accessible to those interested, saying: “One thing is really to give back. When we were kids, camps and training workshops like these were not readily accessible to everyone. We’re really happy to be able to do this now. And to pay it forward also, we’re looking forward to seeing the youth represent our country someday.”

Valdez also hailed Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez for her plans to localize BVR and its programs and objectives.

“We’re really happy because we really want to promote beach volleyball in the country. And one way of doing it is to promote it locally because great things usually come from small beginnings. So, we’re really thankful and blessed that there are people like Mayor Fernandez who continue to support BVR.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Fernandez hopes that the event will inspire more youth to take interest in sports, saying: “We hope this would inspire our youth to really get into sports. Congressman Christopher de Venecia and I are working together to make Dagupan a city of sports.”

Congressman Christopher de Venecia also praised the program’s objectives as it is geared at promoting both sports and tourism in the country.

“Nakakabilib yung kanilang advocacy to promote Philippine beaches and volleyball. Sports can contribute greatly to the wellbeing of the youth. It helps wean them off bad habits and dangers such as drugs. ” said de Venecia.

He also hoped that the youth will share what they have learned to their fellow children, saying: “What’s important is that you share what you learned to others. You have the responsibility to pay it forward and to pass it on.”

In line with their program, Ms. Valdez also urged aspiring players to always work hard.

“You don’t learn everything in a snap. It’s really a process. You really have to work hard. You also need to have good people around you so you know which path you’re going to take.” (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Apr. 8, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – A young woman from Bacayao Norte won this year’s Bangus Festival creative t-shirt design competition.

Clarence Mae A. Capua, a licensed professional teacher, received Php5,000 for her winning t-shirt design of the 2018 Bangus Festival.

Second prize winner Christian Medel Eduarte of Bonuan Gueset received Php3,500; third prize winner Liezel S. Maramba of Bacayao Norte won Php2,500; fourth and fifth placers Donna C. Aquino of Bonuan Gueset and Maria Klarissa O. Sikat of Pogo Chico received Php1,000 each, respectively.

Non-winning entries received Php300 each as a consolation prize.

Almost all the winning entries used digital as their medium in designing their entries, which is related to the theme “The Happiest Fish Fest For You and Your Family.

Each entry was judged based on their impact on social media, which is 50 percent, originality, 20 percent and visual impact, 30 percent.

Winning designs will be printed and officially released on April 30 during the Bangusan Street Party or Kalutan ed Dalan at De Venecia Expressway Extension. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 10, 2018)