DAGUPAN CITY – A three-time winner in the fastest Bangus Classifier event in the Bangus Rodeo won his fourth championship trophy in the 2018 Bangus Festival Rodeo held in front of the city museum on April 12.

Melecio Melendez of Bonuan Gueset clinched this year’s championship trophy for being the fastest bangus classifier after sorting one and a half “banyera” of bangus into small, medium and large in one minute and 58 seconds.

Melendez’ fastest record was in 2014 when he finished classifying bangus in one minute and 34.69 seconds. He won the same event again the following year and won his third in 2017 by clocking two minutes and seven seconds and two minutes and 40.37 seconds, respectively.

He went home with P5,000 and a medal as his prize while Fernando Doria and Allan Doria, both from Salapingao went home with P3,000 and a medal and P2,000 and a medal,  respectively.

Non-winning contestants received P500 as their consolation prizes.

Joel Serran, last year’s winner in the Fastest Bangus Eater event, recorded the fastest time this year by consuming two pieces of grilled bangus in 45.17 seconds but failed to win the championship because of demerits.

Contestants were required to finish with the least flesh left in the bones and spines of the bangus or consume at least 90 percent of the flesh of the bangus to win the event.

Serran failed to follow the guidelines by leaving more flesh in the bones and spines of the bangus served on him.

Due to the demerits, Serran lost the championship to Jaime Bucao Jr. who consumed the two pieces of bangus in one minute and 33.50 seconds without demerit.

Bucao received a medal and a cash prize of P5,000 for winning the event while Serran landed in the second place and won a medal and a cash prize of P3,000.

Third place was Joseph Bandera with P2,000 and a medal as his prize.

Fastest Bangus Deboner was Huv Amador Tendenilla, two time champion in this event. His final time recorded was one minute and 57.92 seconds. This is his fastest record compared to his previous winning records in 2014 and 2017.

Tendenilla won P5,000 and a medal.

Second and third place winners were Herman Tana and Joemarie Paryaoan who both won P3,000 and P2,000 with medals respectively.

This year’s heaviest bangus award with P15,000 and a trophy as a reward went to Wilsorick C. Felix of Barangay Lucao whose entry weighed 5.55 kilos.  The second and third place went to brothers Sandrel and Kevin Angelo Caneng of Barangay Pantal winning P10,000 and P5,000 with trophy respectively.

Sandrel was second place last year while Kevin Angelo was third place in 2016 and 2017.

The longest bangus award went to Karl Laurence Sicat of Barangay Lucao whose entry measured 83 centimeters long.

Eji Caneng Maramba was second while defending champion Blas Gabriel F. Caneng placed third this year.

The longest bangus ever recorded for the last five years measured 87.5 centimeters.

Winners received P15,000; P10,000; and P5,000 plus trophies respectively.

The crown for the prettiest bangus was awarded to Bhea Frias while the second and third place went to brothers Alvin and Armand Caguioa. The winners are all from barangay Caranglaan.

Alvin won the event in 2016 and placed second in 2014.

The selection of the prettiest bangus was based on the following standards by having a clear and well-rounded eyes; scales are fine, smooth and orderly; head is small and beautifully crafted; stomach is bulging; grills are red and fresh; tail ideally are not of equal length and the lower fin is shorter; flesh is firm yet soft; odor is pleasant and alluring; and the bangus weight is not less than half a kilo and not more than one kilo.

The winners received P7,000; P5,000; P3,000 and trophies respectively.

The event chair was 2018 Bangus Festival Executive Chairman Marcelino DS Fernandez assisted by the City Agriculture Office with Feedmix as sponsor. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 12, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – At least 59 Balon Dagupan athletes will be seeing actions in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur on April 15-21.

They are among the qualifiers in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa who will be representing Region 1 in its quest for gold medals against 17 other regions all over the country.

Commissioner Finnela T. Sim of the Dagupan City Sports Commission disclosed that nine coaches will also be joining the Balon Dagupan athletes who will be competing in 15 events.

Among these events are arnis, athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, 3-on-3, chess, gymnastics, aero gymnastics, pencak silat, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball,  wushu, and swimming.

Dagupan is the reigning Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) champion with swimming as the city’s winning weapon, including archery.

In the 2017 Palaro held in the province of Antique, four of the seven gold medals of R1AA were won by Dagupan athletes in swimming, archery and basketball 3×3. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 12, 2018)

Beach goers watch as national surfers spell out “We Love Balon Dagupan” on the last day of Windsurfing Cup held at Tondaligan Blue Beach in Dagupan City. (CIO photo: Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – A 15-year old Batang Dagupeño clinched the championship crown in the RSone Juniors’ Class category in the recently concluded Windsurfing Cup held at Tondaligan Blue Beach on April 14-15.

Joaquin Gimenez, grandson of lawyer Liberato Reyna Jr., bested other windsurfers from Manila, Batangas, Dagupan, and from the Philippine Windsurfing Team in his event in the first Windsurfing Cup held in Dagupan.

Landing in the second and third place were Lance and Joshua Napa, respectively.

Two-time windsurfing world champions Yancy Kaibigan won the RSone Seniors’ Class with Geylord “Evang” Coveta finishing second and Renz Amboy settling in 3^rdplace.

Gimenez, Kaibigan and Coveta are members of the Philippine windsurfing team, which represented the country in international windsurfing events.

Bonay Napa ruled the RSone Women’s Class with Vinna Dolor in second place and Chloe Buencamino in 3^rd place.

Winners in the RSone Kids’Class were Andrei Tugade, champion; Zedly Sumauang, second place; and Tantin Dolor, third place.

Event chairman Karlos Reyna disclosed that the event served as qualifying round where top windsurfers would be representing the country in coming international events.

Paolo Morato, Acting Secretary General of the Philippine Windsurfing Association (PWA), on the other hand,  bared that the successful cup in the city will definitely call for another event next year and every year thereafter.

“The beach is perfect for windsurfing. You got good wind, you got a nice beach, and it’s wide. It’s perfect for races. We are going to do this again next year, and every year after ,” Morato said.

Morato also said that aside from the national team races, PWA will likely consider doing a slalom race here with pro riders not just from the Philippines, but also from other Southeast Asian countries.

The association was here last year to conduct a free training for Dagupeños who are interested in the sport.

Morato and Fernandez have agreed to bring potential windsurfers from the city to train in their home base in Batangas so that they would be the ones to teach the sport locally to other aspiring windsurfers in the city. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 16, 2018)

PALARO GOLD MEDAL HAULER – Jared Sua (left with medals), the city’s star archer, receives his three gold medals in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur from April 15-21. Joining him is Dagupan City Sports Commission vice-chairman Finnela T. Sim. (DCSC photo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Jared Sua,  Dagupan City’s star  archer, won three gold medals in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa, held in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur from April 15-21.

The 2018 Palarong Pambansa is Sua’s second. He earned his first Palaro gold last year in the province of Antique in the 50 meters mark secondary boys.

This year, Sua collected three gold medals in the 60 meters, FITA and in the 70 meters where he broke the record of Apawan of Region VII from 307 last year to a new record of 313 by Sua. He also earned a silver medal in the 50 meter event, where he first earned his first Palaro gold medal.

A student of Mother Goose Special School System, Incorporated, Sua is a member of the Balon Dagupan team and earned his first gold medal in his first Region 1 Athletic Association meet last year.

On that same year, Sua won three gold medals in the Batang Pinoy 2017, one each in 40 meter distance, 60 meter and the Olympic round while settling for silver medals in the 50 meter and FITA round.

Janelle Alisa Frances Lin, Dagupan’s star swimmer, also won a silver medal in the 200 Individual Medley and two bronze medals in the 800 and 200 meters.

Letecia Tisha Macanlalay won two bronze medals along with her teammates in the R1AA in the 4×100 free style and 4×50 free style.

Joryson Rubio of arnis won a silver medal in the double weapon and another silver medal in the combative (demo event). This year’s Palaro is the first for Rubio after winning golds in the R1AA held in Alaminos City, Pangasinan.

With a determined heart, Rubio vowed  to avenge his defeat when he competes again next year in the combative (demo event).

The city’s team in the 3×3 basketball also won a silver medal in the Palaro. The city’s players in this event are Edwin C. Aque, Ryan Jay Untalan, Emmanuel  Andrey Ober, Shey Carino and Mark Glenn Camata.

In the medal tally, R1AA won 10 gold medals, 11 silver medals and 30 bronze medals. (CIO/JCB/04-21-2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – Cluster 1, composed of the eastern barangays of Dagupan City, was adjudged for the second time in a row as this year’s Gilon Gilon ed Baley’ champion, besting four other barangay clusters, in competitions held April 20 at the city plaza and along the streets of Dagupan.

Back-to-back Champion Cluster 1, composed of Barangay Mangin as their cluster leader, Tebeng, Salisay, Mamalingling, Bolosan, Tambac and Bonuan Binloc, 1 received the grand prize of P200,000 and three minor awards as Best in Musicality, Best in Costume and Best in Streetdancing, winning P20,000 each, for a total of P260,000.

Cluster 4, composed of Barangay Caranglaan, Herrero-Perez, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Bacayao Norte, are this year’s 1st runner-up, receiving P100,000, in addition to winning P20,000 for being chosen as Best in Costume, for a total of P120,000.

Barangay Pogo Grande, Malued, Pogo Chico, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande and Lucao of Cluster 5 received P80,000 for placing 2nd runner-up.

While 3rd and 4th places went to Cluster 2 and Cluster 3, respectively, which received P30,000 and P20,000. Cluster 2 is composed of Barangays 1, 2 & 3, 4, Tapuac, Poblacion Oeste and Bonuan Gueset. Meanwhile, Barangays Pugaro, Calmay, Carael, Pantal, Lomboy, Bonuan Boquig and Salapingao make up Cluster 3.

As one of the highlights of the Bangus Festival, the Gilon Gilon ed Baley street dance and competition were attended by notable dignitaries such as Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, 4th District Rep. Christopher De Venecia, former House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., former 4th District Rep. Manay Gina De Venecia, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Director III Pebbles Duque, Gilon-Gilon Ed Baley Executive Chair Luis “Chito” Samson, and 2018 Miss Asia International Gerina Chanel Ancheta.

GMA-7 Kapuso stars Glaiza De Castro, Gardo Versoza, Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Geoff Eigenmann and Jak Roberto also graced the event.

The winners of this year’s Gilon Gilon Ed Baley will participate as guest performer in the Festivals of the North on April 27 to represent Bangus Festival with contingents competing for the title of the best festival of north. These are Bado-Badoc Festival of Badoc, Ilocos Norte; Daing Festival of Sto.Tomas La Union; Dinamulag Festival of Masinloc, Zambales; Panagtalon Festival of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; Tinungbo Festival of Pugo, La Union; Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan and Sinukwan Sisig Festival of Angeles City, Pampanga.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez in her message said that the event mirrors the new Dagupan today, saying: “The heart of fish harvest is the expectation that our families are made happier and become fulfilled. This is the extraordinary force that strengthens the city of Dagupan.”

Fernandez also invited the guests to witness the Festivals of the North, which seeks to promote both local and national tourism. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Apr. 21,2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – At least 80 young journalists of Dagupan were able to meet with Secretary Martin Andanar of the Presidential Communications Operations Office during a “meet and greet” session held on April 19 at the North Central Elementary School, Bonuan Gueset.

After holding a press conference earlier that day that discussed the current events happening in the country, Secretary  Andanar went on to discuss to the youth what disinformation can do to democracy and to the electoral process.

During the brief forum, Andanar advised the journalists on what they can do to counter the prevalence of disinformation, which continues to persist as “a social media pandemic”.

“Whenever you see a news story (online), make sure to check its source to see if it came from a bonafide news organization. But it’s not enough to just check the source of the information, you also have to verify it before you share something,” said Andanar.

He also urged the youth to join the government’s efforts in combating misinformation, saying: “Kayong mga kabataan mismo ay dapat sumama sa gobyerno sa ating laban para matalo natin ang misinformation.”

Meanwhile, Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez reminded the aspiring journalists to be responsible when it comes to receiving and sharing information.

“I hope that as the youth of today, you can start it right. You can help us fight misinformation by not just writing credible and unbiased news, but also by guiding others.” (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan, in partnership with the University of Santo Tomas Medical Mission Incorporated, conducted a two-day surgical mission for minor operation and circumcision anew on April 21 and 22 at West Central 1 Elementary School.

After the two-day medical mission, 700 children out of 1500 who registered were circumcised while 200 out of 500 patients underwent minor operations on masses or ”Nikolai”, cysts, lipoma, warts, moles and skin tags.

The University of Santo Tomas Medical Mission Incorporated is conducting a free medical mission in the city yearly, an activity which started since Fernandez was still a city councilor, in collaboration with the City Health Office.

Weeks before the medical mission, Fernandez invited everyone to avail of the free medical services during her barangay consultations.

“We are bringing our government services closer to our people. And soon we will open our Diagnostic Center and Lying-In Clinic which will render free x-ray, ultrasound, ECG for indigents,” said Fernandez.

The UST team was headed by Dr. William Olalia. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO/April 23, 2018)

2018 MsTIZANG BANGUS – Ayesha Lopez (4th from right) of Zamboanga City, 2018 MsTizang Bangus, is crowned by 2017 MsTizang Bangus Ivern Doroteo, along with Dagupan City Gender and Development focal person Dr. Wendy Bernardo, during the pageant held on April 21, 2018 at the city plaza. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Ayesha Lopez was crowned as the new MsTizang Bangus after besting 13 other contestants in the pageant held on April 21 at the Dagupan City plaza.

Coming all the way from Zamboanga City, the newly crowned 25-year-old MsTizang Bangus has been winning beauty contests for a cause as evident in her experience in a non-government organization called AIDS Society of the Philippines.

DAGUPAN CITY –Barangay Herrero-Perez’ recipe of bangus roulade and deconstructed mango salsa with beurre blanc caviar was adjudged as the “best family recipe” during the 2018 Bangusine, family recipes with a twist, at the city plaza on April 25.

Bangusine, one of the highlights of the Bangus Festival Celebration this year, featured traditional family recipes that brought fond memories of families who love to dine together.

The winning recipe, prepared by Aracel Carl Bondoc, Mark Arvin Reyes and Dave Joseph Pasaoa, garnered a general average of 91 percent from the board of judges led by Nancy Mejia, president of the Nutritionist-Dietitian Association of the Philippines-Pangasinan Chapter; Jackie Lana Tan, finance manager of BMF Gasul and Epee Rafanan of the Bangus Festival Committee.

Bondoc disclosed that being in the family whose members are chefs, maitre d hotel, bartender and waiters from the fine dine world, they were able to create a childhood favorite into the class of their work.

“Our recipe was developed way back 2016 when we decided to try and elevate the fish using the ideas from our field of work. We decided to cook it in an elegant yet simple way just so our family members could enjoy bangus in a different approach and it became a favorite dish in our household since,” said Bondoc.

The team received P5,000 as cash prize for their winning recipe while non-winners received P2,000 each as consolation prizes from 2018 Bangus Festival executive chairman Marcelino Fernandez and Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.

The four other barangays who participated in the bangusine were Barangays  2 and 3, IV, Tebeng and Mayombo.

Barangay Tebeng’s recipe was a spicy creamy bangus (dinakdakan); Brgy. IV – bangus curry; Brgy 2, and 3 – bangusine; and Brgy. Mayombo – tortang bangus.

Bangusine was facilitated by the City Nutrition Office under Anna Mariel Lopez with Unilever Philippines and Petron Gasul as partners.

Macoy De Leon of ABS-CBN entertained the participants as well as the audience who also took part in the free food tasting portion of the event. (JCB/CIO/April 26, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Dinamulag Mango Festival of Masinloc, Zambales was adjudged champion in this year’s Festivals of the North after besting six other festival champions from different parts of Luzon during the competition held at the city plaza on April 27.

The Dinamulag Mango Festival brought home the grand prize of P400,000 and two minor awards as Best in Costume and Best in Street Dancing, winning P20,000 each, for a total of P440,000. Mayor Arsenia “Senyang” J. Lim of the municipality of Masinloc personally received the awards.

Panagtalon Festival of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte is this year’s 1^st runner up, receiving a cash prize of P200,000; 2^nd runner up, Sinukwan Sisig Festival of Angeles City, Pampanga received P100,000; 3^rd runner up La Virgen Milagrosa Baro A Badoc Festival of Badoc, Ilocos Norte received P80,000, while 4^th runner up  Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan received P60,000.

Non-winning contingents were awarded P15,000 each as consolation prize.

Jerwel Penales of the Dinamulag Festival and Diana Lumbab of the Halamanan Festival were crowned the 2018 Festival King and Queen, bringing home a cash prize of P5,000 each.

Cyrax Kelly Teody of Panagtalon Festival and Lizzette Elbancol of Dinamulag Festival are this year’s 1^st runner ups, receiving P3,000 each while Jonas Kendrick Tolentino of the Halamanan Festival and Krizia Jane Manalo of the Sinukwan Sisig Festival received P2,000 for being the 2^nd runner ups.

Guest of honor and speaker Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who attended a groundbreaking ceremony and graduation exercises at the West Central Elementary School I prior to the event, praised the developments happening within the city, saying: “Mayor Fernandez is an achiever. Ilang oras pa lang ako  dito sa Dagupan, pero nakita ko na ang mga nagawa niya tulad ng mga bagong classrooms at scholarships.”

Aside from Senator Angara, Mayor Priscilla Martin of Pugo, La Union, Vice Mayor Pedro Enciso of Masinloc, Zambales, Event Chairperson Councilor Maybelyn Fernandez, Bangus Festival 2018 Executive Chairman Councilor Marcelino Fernandez were also among the dignitaries who attended the competition.

Another batch of GMA-7 Kapuso stars also performed during the event. They include Mark Herras, Ken Chan, Mikee Quintos, Vaness del Moral, Enrico Cuenca and Arra San Agustin.

Meanwhile, in her message, Mayor Belen Fernandez said the event is a reflection of the Filipinos’ culture of family solidarity.

“This is what the Festivals of the North is all about—in spite of our differences in languages or culture, this diversity makes us look and appreciate ourselves more as Filipinos and as a family. The spirit and color of the Bangus Festival is made more radiant because our dear friends from different (places) have come to join us here in sincere fellowship, with a genuine spirit of brotherhood and a unique sense of family.” said Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Apr. 28, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the groundbreaking ceremony for a new multi-purpose covered court gym at West Central Elementary School I on April 27.

With them were Mrs. Venus Estonillo of DepEd Dagupan, WCES I Principal Valentina Hortaleza and all the teachers of the school.

The multi-purpose building, with the Senator shouldering the P6.3M funding for the construction, will be the ninth covered court to be established under the Fernandez administration.

Mayor Fernandez disclosed that the building will help protect the children against the harsh and inclement weather during activities or events, saying: “The students are always affected whenever there are events or activities and there is nothing to help them in the heat and during the rainy season.”

Fernandez also thanked the Senator’s quick response as the project will help ensure the safety of the students.

Meanwhile, a known advocate for education himself, Senator Angara hailed Mayor Fernandez as an “action woman” and lauded the mayor for her continuous campaign for to improve education and for the youth.

“Action woman ang inyong mayor. She is a supporter of education and I hope other cities and municipalities would be able to replicate (what she is doing for Dagupan).”

Corollary to this, Angara and Fernandez also attended a joint graduation ceremony for technical-vocational graduates of TESDA Pangasinan at Instituto Centro Asia, Central Asia Institute of Modern Technology and Sta. Catalina College of Science and Technology.

The graduates received incentives such as massage kits and welding tools from the Senator Angara and Mayor Fernandez that will help them start their respective vocations. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/Apr. 28, 2018)

DAGUPAN CITY – More than one million people attended this year’s Bangusan Street Party or “Kalutan Ed Dalan” held at the De Venecia Highway Extension on April 30.

This was the biggest Bangusan Street Party yet as the massive number of Dagupenos and visitors from neighboring cities and municipalities who attended easily topped last year’s impressive 800,000 mark.

As the major culminating activity of the Bangus Festival, the crowd-drawing street party is also regularly visited by the country’s most notable figures. This year’s notable guests included Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, 4th District Rep. Christopher De Venecia, former House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., former 4th District Rep. Manay Gina De Venecia.

Also seen were Department of Tourism Regional Director Martin Valera and SSS Commissioner Gonzalo T. Duque.

They were joined by the city councilors, LGU department heads and members of the Bangus  Festival Executive Committee during the ceremonial lighting of grills, which formally kicked off the event.

This year, more than 20,000 pieces of the world’s tastiest milkfish were grilled and consumed by the ever-growing crowd as they reunited with friends and families. The attendees were also able to enjoy great music provided by the event performers.

Eight stages were set up along the stretch of the highway with famous bands and artists such as Ben&Ben, December Avenue, IV of Spades, Silent Sanctuary, Gloc9, Moira, Ex Batallion, Spongecola, Parokya Ni Edgar, Bamboo and many more.

Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza, Derrick Monasterio, Juancho Trivino, Kim Rodriguez, Miguel Tanfelix, Bianca Umali, Pauline Mendoza, Kyline Alcantara, Jeric Gonzales and Gabby Concepcion also performed for their fans at the GMA-7 stage.

Local artists of Up North Lokals such as Drifted Castle, Through the Waves, Decibelle, The Bitters and other acts were also able to showcase their talents and perform live at their stage.

Meanwhile, PNP Dagupan Chief P/SUPT. Jandale Sulit disclosed that even with the huge increase in number of people who attended this year, the event was held peacefully. This was due to the Dagupenos and visitors displaying full cooperation and discipline in following the rules and regulations set by the PNP Dagupan and the Bangus Festival Committee.

Dagupan City’s Bangus Festival has been continuously progressing and improving, having already made leaps and bounds since its start back in 2001. This year’s milestone of one million attendees is a testament to the many positive changes set by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez in the city.

As the month-long celebration draws to a close, the success of this year’s festival proved that it truly is the “Happiest Fish Fest for You and Your Family.” (Verdelle De Vera/CIO/May 1, 2018)

CITY OF SPORTS – Dagupeno youth receive training for boxing during the three-week free sports clinic from May 7 to 31. More than 900 aspiring athletes signed up for this year’s summer sports clinic to learn and experience various individual and group sports such as Arnis, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, Dance sports, Football, Futsal, Gymnastics, Karate, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wushu, Athletics, and SpEd sports. The youth found with the most potential in the sports clinic will undergo intensive training as developmental athletes of the city and have the opportunity to represent Dagupan for regional and national competitions such as the next year’s Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet in which Dagupan City opens up defense of its championship after being crowned as Best Performing Delegation and overall champion last February 2018. (CIO photo by Arriz Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – More than 900 aspiring athletes from Dagupan City have signed up for a free three-week Summer Sports Clinic under the auspices of the Dagupan City Sports Commission (DCSC) starting May 7 to 31 this year.

The training will allow the youth to learn and experience various individual and group sports such as Arnis, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Chess, Dance Sports, Football, Futsal, Gymnastics, Karate, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wushu, Athletics, and SpEd sports.

The free sports clinic is part of the city’s BTF: DOES It (Building the Future: Developing Our Excellence in Sports) program of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez held in partnership with the Dagupan City Sports Commission (DCSC), Dagupan City Atheletic Association (DCAA), Division Office of the Department of Education (DepEd) and various local and national coaches.

The program aims to introduce and develop the youth’s interest and skills in sports and enhance the potential of local athletes. The participants can also make use of the abilities they learn in the future to save themselves as well as their relatives and peers.

The program’s initiative is the reason why 660 young Dagupenos participated in a basic swimming course under the BTF: DOES It program back in 2015. This allowed the youth to learn how to swim recreationally while also learning “life skills” that would help them in times of calamities.

The youth with the most potential in this year’s sports clinic will then undergo intensive training as developmental athletes of the city and have the opportunity to represent Dagupan for regional and national competitions such as the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet in which Dagupan City opens up defense of its championship after being crowned as Best Performing Delegation and overall champion last February 2018. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

RECORDS RECOVERY SEMINAR – Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (left) delivers her message during the Records Recovery and Disaster Preparedness Seminar held at the Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City on May 9 and 10. Among those present were members of the National Archives of the Philippines (center to right) Virgilio Austria, OIC of the Records Center Division, Senior Archivist Virginia Raymundo and Leoncia A. Marquina, Chief RMA and OIC of the Archives Preservation Division. The seminar aimed to provide technical assistance on the control, management and handling of all archival records by teaching participants how to plan, organize as well as be aware of procedures before, during, and after a disaster occurs. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The National Archives of the Philippines conducted a two-day seminar workshop on Records Recovery and Disaster Preparedness at the Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City on May 9 and 10.

The seminar aimed to provide technical assistance on the control, management and handling of all archival records by teaching the participants how to plan, organize as well as to be aware of procedures before, during, and after a disaster occurs.

The workshop’s initiative was based on the National Archives of the Philippines Act of 2007 or Republic Act 9470, which aims to protect, conserve, promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources.

With Pangasinan being named as one of the flood-prone provinces in the country, the NAP recognized the need for the preservation, recovery and protection of archives in all offices of the coastal cities and municipalities in the province.

As the center of economy in the North, Dagupan City was chosen as the venue for the seminar with records officers and office custodians from national and local agencies attending.

In her message, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez expressed the city’s support for the NAP’s initiative as the city is now pushing for the ISO 9001:2015 certification which would help organize and improve the efficiency of processes within the local government. The city is also pushing for the application of e-governance which would convert all systems into an electronic process.

Both measures could aid in easy storage and preservation of data which will be in support of the establishment of the new government center in Dagupan.

Mayor Fernandez also said the NAP’s aim is important for a coastal city like Dagupan as along with saving lives in times of disasters and calamities, it is also necessary to ensure  the safekeeping of records and documents with archival value. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

SIMULAN NATIN ANG BAGONG SK – Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (center, right) is shown with all 248 newly-elected SK officials during the first mandatory training held by the Department of the Interior and Local Government and in partnership with the National Youth Commission, Local Government Academy, and Lyceum-Northwestern University, at Hotel Leduc, Dagupan City on May 16. Dagupan is the first city to hold the training now being held simultaneously nationwide on May 16 to 26. The seminar is geared to orient and prepare the city’s newly elected SK officials for their responsibilities before starting their term on June 30, along with all the elected barangay officials. Also present were DILG Dagupan City Director Melinda Buada (center, left) and DILG Cluster Leader Roger Daquioag (3rd from the center ). (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government, in partnership with the National Youth Commission, Local Government Academy, and the Lyceum-Northwestern University, conducted a mandatory training for 248 Sangguniang Kabataan officials at Hotel Leduc in Dagupan City on May 16.

Dagupan is the first city to hold the training now being held simultaneously nationwide on May 16 to 26. The seminar is geared to orient and prepare the city’s newly elected SK officials for their responsibilities before starting their term on June 30, along with all the elected barangay officials.

Five modules were prepared for the SK officials’ continuing education, including the Sanggunian’s History and its salient features, Decentralization and Local Governance and Republic Act  6173 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The youth elected to office were also trained on how to properly plan, budget, conduct meetings and craft resolutions and ordinances.

The training’s initiative is in line with the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 or RA 10742 which aims to establish adequate, effective, responsive and enabling mechanisms and support systems that will ensure the meaningful participation of the youth in local governance and in nation-building.

DILG Dagupan City Director Melinda Buada disclosed the need to prepare SK officials as they would provide new perspectives and input in the government.

“The SK officials will be a big help in the implementation of projects as the youth are very active. They have a lot of ideas that can be adopted by the city government. This is why we want our officials to be capable, sensible and reliable as they will contribute to the development of their barangays and the city of Dagupan.” said Buada.

Meanwhile, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, urged the young officials to be faithful to their responsibilities to the people, saying: “The city of Dagupan expects so much from you. Please do not fail your constituents. Do not forget the promises you made.”

With Dagupan City consistently lauded as the region’s most child-friendly city through the local government’s continued efforts, Fernandez said that she hopes that the SK officials will be able to replicate and continue the path that the local government has paved for the development of youth programs.

“Being a child-friendly city is more than a tag or a recognition—it means we live as a community that is sensitive to what makes young people happy, safe and healthy. Your city has extensive programs in health, in education, in livelihood training and I believe that as SK officials, you are now in the best position to continue advocating these programs because you represent the most important and dynamic niche in our society.” said Fernandez.

Corollary to this, Fernandez also expressed her support for the newly-elected and re-elected barangay officials who won in their respective electoral races, saying: “Pinakamaganda po ngayon ay umpisa. Umpisa ulit papunta sa Balon Dagupan at sana’y magtulungan po tayo kasi iisa lang naman ang hangarin natin. Sana makapagbigay tayo ng serbisyo sa mga taumbayan. Ibalik natin sa kanila ang pagmamahal na ipinakita sa inyo.” (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN ATHLETES TO PNG—Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (center), Dagupan City Sports Commission Vice Chair Finnela Sim (center, right) and Karatedo Coach Alejandro Enrico Vasquez (center, left) are shown with all 12 Balon Dagupan athletes set to compete in the Philippine National Games in Cebu City on May 19 to 25. Five of these athletes are competing to defend their respective berths as among the country’s national athletes. The competition serves as one of the qualifying events for athletes who wish to join the national team and represent the Philippines in international sports arenas. In support of the city’s athletes, the local government of Dagupan provided the athletes P6,000 each for their competition allowance, and shouldered their air fare and accommodation expenses. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Twelve young athletes from Dagupan City are competing in the Philippine National Games (PNG) which fired off in Cebu City on May 19 till 25.

Five of these athletes  are actually seeking to defend their respective berths in the national team.

Launched in 1994 by the Philippine Sports Commission, in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Department of Education, the PNG serves as one of the qualifying events for athletes who wish to join the national team and represent the Philippines in international sports events such as Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and the Olympic Games.

The city of Dagupan sent eight athletes  to compete in karatedo. The eight include SEA Games medalist Jayson Ramil Macaalay.  The others are Alexis Louise Nunez, John Enrico Vasquez, John Matthew Manantan, Jude Michael Uson, Jz Singsing, Mark Andrew Manantan and Ren Jericho Bistudio.

Competing in swimming  are Dagupan’s finest swimmers and recent Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet gold medalists John Carlo Rioflorido, Jeremy Carlo Jizmundo, John Karlo Carulla and Paul Andrew Rioflorido.

In support of the city’s athletes, the local government of Dagupan headed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez provided  competition allowance of P6,000 each to the athletes and also shouldered their air fare and accommodation expenses.

DAGUPAN GYMNAST JOINS PHIL. NATIONAL TEAM

Meanwhile, Dagupan gymnast Jhun Sahonas is also set to join the National Pool of Athletes after bagging two medals in the Manila leg of the PNG  from May 14 to 16.

Sahonas clinched the gold medal in the Power Tumbling event,  aside from winning a bronze medal in the Individual Trampoline event.

The Dagupan-born athlete will be joining the National Pool and will represent the country in future international  competitions.

At the same time, the city’s star swimmers Janel Alisa Lin and Mark Bryan Rioflorido will also represent the Philippines in the upcoming 42^nd South East Asian Age Group (SEA AGE) Swimming Competition which will be held in the Philippines on July 6 to 8. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK – QEFF Project Head John Thaddeus Campo discusses the thrusts and background of the Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival for Health during the QEFF caravan held at CSI the City Mall, Dagupan on May 19. A brainchild of the UP Medicine Sigma Phi Fraternity, the QEFF is a nationwide filmmaking competition encouraging students and amateur filmmakers to create films that would help highlight health issues in the country. This year’s focus on mental health with the theme: “Tagu-taguan, Maliwanag ang Buwan” featured three short films: “Kaktus”, “Umaga Kasama si Elena” and QEFF winner “Comfort Room”, which tackled the struggles and stigma that comes with mental health issues. These films are now being shown around the country through film festival caravans such as the one held in the city. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – In celebration of the Mental Awareness Week, the city of Dagupan, through its Gender and Development Focal Point system (GFPS), and the University of the Philippines (UP) Medicine Mu Sigma Phi Fraternity conducted the 3^rd Quisumbing-Escandor Film Festival (QEFF) for Health caravan at the CSI the City Mall on May 19.

The event was also held in partnership with the Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) – Region I, Medichem Pharamaceuticals, Inc. and the Department of Education.

A brainchild of the UP Medicine Sigma Phi Fraternity, the QEFF is a nationwide filmmaking competition encouraging students and amateur filmmakers to create films that would help highlight health issues in the country.

These films are now being shown around the country through film festival caravans such as the one held in the city.

This year’s focus on mental health with the theme: “Tagu-taguan, Maliwanag ang Buwan” featured three short films: “Kaktus”, “Umaga Kasama si Elena” and QEFF winner “Comfort Room”, which tackled mental issues by depicting individuals with mental health struggles who hide themselves from society to avoid the social stigma that comes with struggling with such issues.

QEFF Project Head John Thaddeus Campo said that their organization chose film as a medium for their health awareness campaign because “films could capture the imagination and emotions of people.”

“Films are one of the best ways to get to people and to share our health advocacies, especially with Filipinos being large media consumers,” said Campo.

More than 350 public and private school teachers attended the film screening, which also featured panel discussions with psychiatrists and mental health advocates every after a film showing in order to discuss the film’s impact within the audience and to answer questions about the film and its similarities with  real-life situations.

The discussants include City Social Welfare Assistant Trizia Dela Cruz who said the films shown are eye openers when it comes to mental health problems. In one of the discussions, Dela Cruz also disclosed the recent barangay campaigns held in the city which aimed to further increase mental health awareness among Dagupeños.

Also present were Dr. Phillip Manuel Oliva, Dr. Annabelle Reyes, Marriane Tan-Lor, Julie Christine Rimando, Engr. Epee Rafanan, Adolfo Solis and event moderators Dr. Prime Rimando and Dr. Julian Canero.

Dr. Lydwina Balingit-Bernardo, the city’s GFPS focal person, disclosed the need to raise mental health awareness among the school teachers as they are the frontliners and acting guidance counselors for the students in the city, with the children spending more time in school than in their own homes.

Bernardo also said that the QEFF films shown in the screening can be accessed in the city’s E-Library for free for those who wish to see the films or utilize them for other mental health forums.

Meanwhile, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, expressed her hopes that the film caravan and forum would help erase the stigma that comes with mental health problems.

Fernandez also urged the teachers to further understand their students and to be aware of certain problems they may be facing so that they can be prepared for situations that may require their assistance.

“I think this (forum) would enlighten our teachers on how important it is to be aware, to be very sharp in understanding our children. I hope we can work together in reaching out to our youth,” said Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

ALAGANG BALON DAGUPAN – (from left to right) City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera, Rocky Vasandani, Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Rotary Club of Downtown Dagupan President Dr. Ashok Vasandani, James Pal and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Leah Aquino are shown with the equipment turned over to the city on May 21. The city received 31 sets of wheelchairs and nebulizers from Dr. Ashok Vasandani in support of the “Alagang Balon Dagupan”, the city’s program seeking to expanded health services to Dagupenos. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – In support of “Alagang Balon Dagupan”,  the city’s continued efforts to expand its health services, the city received 31 sets of wheelchairs and nebulizers from the Rotary Club of Downtown Dagupan headed by its president Dr. Ashok Vasandani on May 21.

All these were turned over during the flag ceremony at the city plaza.

The sets of nebulizers will be distributed to each barangay and will be used by authorized barangay nurses in attending to patients with asthma and other respiratory problems.

Meanwhile, the wheelchairs will be distributed to senior citizens, patients suffering from stroke or polio and other persons with disability.

The additional equipment will contribute greatly to the city’s efforts in personally delivering health services and other assistance to the city’s indigents such as the City Social Welfare and Development Office’s weekly-scheduled community-based rehabilitation which provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, social services and Special Education services to Dagupeños.

Dr.  Vasandani disclosed that the equipment he turned over to the city is in line with his support of the city’s continuous efforts in helping Dagupeno PWDs and senior citizens.

He also lauded the local government of Dagupan headed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez for its continued  “unliserbisyo” for its constituents, saying: “The unliserbisyo of the local government is evident. I admire what Mayor Fernandez is doing for the city, kaya sumama din ako sa kanya.”

Vasandi also pledged his continuous support to the local government as he vowed to provide assistance to the city every year. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

319 FISHING STRUCTURES AUTHORIZED – Punong Barangay Nestor Victorio of Pugaro (2nd from left) and One-Stop Business Center Officer Randolf Ubando (center) install a business plate into a fishing structure on May 22. Fifty structures were installed with business plates that day, bringing the number of authorized fishing structures owned by fisherfolk from Barangays Pugaro, Salapingao and Lucao to 319. Upon signing an Aqua Lease Agreement and paying the corresponding processing fees, fisherfolk will be issued their business permits and plates legalizing their ownership of fishing structures. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Fifty more fishing structures in Dagupan have  been issued with their respective business plates on May 22.

The business plates were personally installed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Punong Barangay Nestor Victorio of Pugaro, and members of the City Agriculture Office headed by City Agriculturist Emma Molina and One-Stop Business Center headed by  Randolf Ubando.

This brought the number of authorized fishing  structures owned by fisherfolk from Barangays Pugaro, Salapingao and Lucao to 319.

Molina disclosed that the local government is looking forward to issue at least 800 Aqua Lease Agreement (ALA) permits for all fisherfolk in the city.

“We started in Salapingao, Pugaro and Lucao. On-deck are barangays Calmay and Carael. And  then, we will proceed with the other barangays.” said Molina.

In legalizing the ownership of fishing structures such as fish cages, skylab, surewin or skyblue and batikwas, fisherfolks will have to sign an ALA with the city government and pay the corresponding processing fee for the issuance of their business permits.

The ALA sets the terms and conditions for the operation of the fishing structures including the strict implementation of the 7 x 10 meter size of fish cages as provided for in the amended fishery ordinance of the city.

Thus, those who complete their requirements will be permitted to operate within the river.

With the local government’s efforts in rehabilitating rivers now  yielding positive result, Mayor Fernandez vowed to extend her continued support for the marginal fisherfolks of the city.

“Yung mga ating sumisigay, kailangan nila yung kanilang pamumuhay. Tuloy-tuloy   lang ang ginagawa natin. Ang hangarin lang ng gobyerno ay matulungan sila,” said Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)