STORYTELLING SESSION – Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Fernandez of the “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” reads a story to the young students of North Central Elementary School on June 25. The MYKs served as storytellers to young students in several public schools in the city during simultaneous storytelling sessions. Feeding programs were also conducted during the sessions, where the young city leaders served free hot “misua” soup to the children. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The 2018 “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” officials served as storytellers to young students in several public schools in the city on June 25.

Led by 2018 Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Miles Fernandez, the MYKs visited students  of Calmay Elementary School, Malued Elementary School, Bliss Elementary School and North Central Elementary School for simultaneous story telling sessions.

Aside from reading stories, the MYKs also asked questions to the students and those who answered correctly were rewarded with school supplies.

This activity was part of the ‘Ate, Kuya Kwentuhan Mo Naman Kami’ program launched by the city government through the city library last year, initiated by 2017 MYK Young City Mayor Jilian Kay Madison Fernandez..

The  project aimed to develop the MYKs on how to tell stories and consequently enhance their leadership skills.

In the same occasion, feeding programs were also held during the sessions, with the young city leaders  serving free hot “misua” soup to the children.

The MYKs will continue to accompany Mayor Fernandez in rendering services to the public as part of their duties as young leaders of the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – A Filipino-Chinese Garden is now being mulled  in the city following the proposal of some “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” officials.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez bared this during the presentation and orientation of MBTF scholars at CSI Stadia on June 26.

Fernandez earlier accompanied the group of young city officials in an educational trip to the Botanical Garden in Baguio City, where the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Garden can be found.

The visit also served as a bonding activity for the MYks to improve their camaraderie.

Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Fernandez disclosed that the MYKs hoped the city would be able to replicate the garden they saw in Baguio.

“It’s very beautiful and the surroundings were very clean. We also enjoyed the presence of each other and our beloved mayor, ” added MYK Young city mayor Fernandez.

Fernandez also said that there will be talks to be undertaken  with the Chinese consul in the Philippines to discuss the possibility of the city having its own Filipino-Chinese friendship garden. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

PALIGO PROGRAM – Together with Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (center), Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Fernandez (3rd from left) of “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran”, leads his fellow young city officials in bathing children during a “paligo” program held at Barangay Pantal on June 27. More than 300 children of the barangay were given bath during the event. The young city leaders also witnessed medical and dental check-ups simultaneously conducted during the event and also assisted in handing out multivitamins, soap and shampoo sachets, courtesy of the sponsor P & G Philippines, to the children. A feeding program was also conducted with the MYKs serving the children and their parents hot “misua”. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The young officials of “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” continue to render public service to the city and its people when they actively participated in a “paligo” program held in Barangay Pantal on June 27.

Held in partnership with Procter and Gamble Philippines, the ”Paligo”  program was conducted by the local government through the City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), General Services Office, City Nutrition Office, City Engineering Office and the Bureau of Fire (BFP) Dagupan.

More than 300 children of the barangay were given a bath by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, together with the young officials led by Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Fernandez.

The young city leaders also witnessed medical and dental check-ups simultaneously  conducted during the event and also assisted in handing out multivitamins, soap and shampoo sachets, courtesy of the sponsor P & G Philippines,  to the children.

A feeding program was also conducted with the MYKs serving the children and their parents hot “misua”.

The activity was among the many initiatives participated in by the young leaders as they continue to learn, experience and assist in performing government duties in the city for one week. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

JUNIOR HEALTH ADVOCATES – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez explains the roles of appointed Junior Health Advocates during the launching of the Junior Health Advocate Program at West Central Elementary School 1. The program to be implemented by the City Health Office seeks to invoke youth involvement in health awareness by appointing junior health advocates in all classrooms of the public schools. The student Health advocates will be the city’s partners in expanding the health services in the city. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – In strengthening the Alagang Balon Dagupan initiative, the city government,  through its City Health Office (CHO) launched the Junior Health Advocate program at West Central Elementary School I on June 28.

The program, which will be implemented in all public schools in the city, seeks the youth’s involvement and participation in health awareness by appointing junior health advocates in all classrooms of the public schools.

Responsible for making sure their fellow classmates are healthy and free from illnesses, the chosen grade school students are also tasked in bringing their fellow classmates’ health concerns to their respective teachers.

Sick students will now be able to seek treatment easily, with the city’s health center being able to respond quickly through the direct line shared with all public school teachers in the city.

The first of its kind here and in Pangasinan, the program seeks to raise health awareness among the youth as well as encourage them in voicing out their respective health concerns.

Dwelling on the theme, “Kabataan, aktibo sa pagsulong ng kalusugan”, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez in her message, said that the idea for the program was formulated during one of her visits to the public schools, when some students raised concern over the health of their parents.

Fernandez also disclosed her plans to increase the city’s budget that will be allotted to the health of the children in the city.

“This will be one of my major programs that I will implement and focus on.” Fernandez added.

Meanwhile, City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera disclosed that the students  named as Health advocates will be the city’s partners in expanding the health services in the city.

“We are trying to train them at a young age. We are giving them roles that will help them realize how important health is, which would develop them to be more health-conscious,” said Rivera.

In the same occasion, Rivera gave the junior health advocates lecture on ways to avoid the dengue virus.

A feeding program was also conducted during the program launch.

As part of their campaign against goiter, the city handed out packs of free iodized salt to the students.

The children were also able to receive free soap, alcohol and insect repellent, courtesy of the sponsor Procter & Gamble Philippines. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DISASTER RESILIENCE – Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Miles Fernandez and his fellow “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” officials learn proper firefighting techniques during an open house activity conducted by the City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) at the city plaza on June 28. In cooperation with the Bureau of Fire (BFP) Dagupan and Red Cross Philippines, the kick off activity was held in observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month. The MYKs learned several firefighting tips such as rope rescue, hose throwing, basic life support and how to use a fire extinguisher. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – In observance of the National Disaster Resilience month this month of  July, the young city officials of “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” (MYK’ participated in an open house training at the city plaza on June 28.

The training was conducted by the city government, through its City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO),  in cooperation with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Dagupan and the Philippine Red Cross.

With the theme, “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makamtan Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan”, the activity started with a brief orientation on safety and disaster preparedness.

Following the orientation, Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Fernandez led his fellow MYKs in going through several stages of the activity such as undergoing orientation on rescue equipment, and learning rope rescue by experiencing how to properly tie basic search and rescue knots

The MYKs were also taught how to properly handle and use a fire extinguisher.

With the help of Philippine Red Cross Emergency Response Unit members, the MYKs were also taught how to properly perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is one of the key points of the Basic Life Support first aid care.

They were also made to experience handling fire hose in one of the fire trucks of the city, with the MYKs learning how to properly perform hose throwing, rolling and the proper fire fighting position while in their Personal Protective Equipment or bunker gear.

CDRRMO Head Ronald De Guzman said that the kickoff activity was “a way (for the MYKs) to learn what the CDRRMO and its partner agencies are doing during emergencies and disasters”.

De Guzman expressed hope  that by experiencing firefighting in its various functions firsthand, the young city leaders would be able to share the important tips to their classmates, families and to their respective barangays. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez and the Department of Education (DepEd) Dagupan both received trailblazer awards in recognition of their pioneering efforts in improving public service and education respectively, through the use of Information and Communication Technology.

The awards were given  during an ICT Summit held at Leisure Coast Resort in Bonuan Binloc on June 28.

In her message, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said that as one of the “Next Wave Cities”, Dagupan will continue to make further advancements and progress in the Information and Communication Technology – Business Processing Management (ICT-BPM) sector.

“Together, we must envision Dagupan as a 21^st century urban economy fueled by our achievements in information technology and not just by our world-famous bangus. Our city will prosper to even greater heights when we prepare now and ensure that our schools shall be able to fill in the needs of a 21^st century market place. We have a great stake in making Dagupan more progressive than we can ever imagine,” said Fernandez.

The summit,  conducted by Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) Corporation,  intends to provide ICT improvements by conducting a free ICT training and plenary discussions to all public school teachers and education stakeholders in the city.

Topics such as an introduction on robotics, the benefits of the Microsoft Industry certification and the implementation of the CAL-ICT program for the K-12 were discussed during the program.(Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – More Infrastructures are underway in Dagupan following the groundbreaking rites for  four additional  projects  on separate occasions on June 29.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez first led the groundbreaking of a covered court gymnasium at Juan P. Guadiz Elementary School in Poblacion Oeste.

In the same occasion, the young city officials of “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” headed by Young City Mayor Jalen Kody Fernandez  distributed  Bonakid powdered milk to the school’s grade 1 to 3 students.

Fernandez also led the groundbreaking of the soon-to-be constructed lawn tennis courts in the Balon Dagupan Civic Center at Poblacion Oeste. The two courts will be put up just beside the Tourism Center and Sports Office at the Civic Center.

Meanwhile, the city continues to strengthen its “Alagang Balon Dagupan” health initiative by putting up new barangay health centers set to  begin its construction soon.

Mayor Fernandez, together with the MYKs, led the groundbreaking ceremony of a two-storey health center in Barangay Pantal and a City Health satellite office in Bonuan Gueset.

As an extension of the City Health Office, the satellite office will have its own assigned doctors, nurses and midwives which will focus on providing health services to the residents of Barangays Bonuan Gueset, Bonuan Binloc and Bonuan Boquig.

This will provide an opportunity for the local government to expand its health services in the biggest barangays in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan is now planning to expand its child-friendly initiatives in the barangays, following a meeting by the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) with the local government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at CSI Stadia on July 3.

Attended by the city’s department heads and barangay captains, the meeting aimed to orient the barangay councils on the functions and responsibilities of the LCPC’s counterpart in the barangays.

Topics focusing on child protection such as the rights of the Filipino children, Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act” and Republic Act 9262 or “Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004” were also discussed during the meeting.

DILG Provincial Director Agnes De Leon disclosed how the expansion of the child-friendly programs in the barangays could help in the preparation of the Council for the Welfare of Children’s (CWC) evaluation for the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities.

With Dagupan being conferred as child-friendly city national finalist for three consecutive years, De Leon expressed confidence that with the help of the BCPC’s commitment, the city may finally be bestowed the coveted award.

In the same occasion, a presentation on the LCPC’s accomplishments last year was made by Officer-in-Charge of the City Planning and Development Office Engr. Josephine Corpuz, while DILG City Director Melinda Buada discussed the responsibilities of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.

Meanwhile, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, stressed the importance of learning and understanding children’s rights.

“The children have always been our city’s priority. And it is important for us to know the rights of our children because this will be the guide not just for the city, but for each barangay, so we will be able to know what we can do for the youth,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez also discussed the local government’s initiatives in line with upholding the basic rights of the children such as constructing more educational infrastructures, establishing an “Anti-Bullying” hotline and launching programs such as “Lehitimo Ako, Batang Dagupeno”, “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” and “Junior Health Advocates”. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Barangay Malued in Dagupan was adjudged as among the two barangays in Region 1 that will vie for the coveted 20th Gawad KALASAG Award.

Competing alongside fellow regional awardee Barangay San Gabriel of La Union, Barangay Malued is the only barangay in the city chosen as one of the contenders  for the national award.

Gawad Kalasag (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) is an annual event organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council  (NDRRMC) which aims to recognize individuals, local councils and organizations with outstanding contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction.

Punong Barangay Filipina Delos Santos of Barangay Malued disclosed how the barangay was recognized way back when Malued Elementary School was competing in an eco-friendly competition.

“They saw that our barangay has many innovations,” said Delos Santos.

Meanwhile, Gawad Kalasag Regional Focal Person Mark Madusog disclosed that Malued’s efforts in prioritizing safety and disaster management despite being one of the flood-prone areas in the city, makes the barangay a top contender for the national award.

“Malued has many projects and initiatives that focus on disaster management and also help save lives. At kahit na flood-prone ang barangay nila, hindi nila pinapabayaan ang mga tao doon.” said Madusog.

Barangay Malued is now preparing for the upcoming evaluation to be held on July 8-10. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Dagupeños and visitors from neighboring municipalities and cities of Pangasinan flocked the Bombo Radyo Medico medical and dental mission held at the People’s Astrodome on July 8.

The medical mission was conducted by Bombo Radyo Philippines, in cooperation with the Dagupan City government through the City Health Office and other entities.

Several health services were offered during the medical mission with the City Health Office conducting medical check up and the Provincial Health Office providing free electrocardiogram or ECG.

The Philippine Dental Association – Pangasinan Chapter, headed by Dr. Marjorie Nava, conducted tooth extractions and provided free aftercare medicine, while the Lyceum-Northwestern University – College of Dentistry conducted impressions for removable partial dentures.

Free eye check-ups were also conducted by Siapno-Tada Optical while Dagupeños were able to get free reading glasses through the sponsorship of the Dagupan City Host Lions Club.

Meanwhile, massage therapy and beauty care were conducted by the trainors and assessors of TESDA-accredited training institutes like the Greenmont Systems International, Inc., Unicare Specialist International, Inc., and Maxima Technical and Skills Institute, Inc.

Bombo Radyo OIC Station Manager Josephine Sarmiento disclosed that the project has been successful for 11 years because the initiative was “a legacy they (wanted) to leave to the people.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez expressed her gratitude because the medical mission provided free health services to Dagupeños.

In the same occasion, Fernandez also reminded the people who attended the medical and dental mission to take extra precaution during the rainy season in order  to protect themselves from dengue and leptospirosis. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – A new health center formally opened in Barangay Pugaro, following its blessing and inauguration on July 10.

The ceremony was led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez and Punong Barangay Nestor Victorio.

The new 6 x 6 meter health center, which costs at P700,000, is situated beside the barangay hall.

A doctor and midwife will be assigned in the center, along with the barangay nurses and health workers.

Medical equipment for basic health care such as a bed, blood pressure apparatus, oxygen tanks are also available in the new center.

Dr. Anne Paragas of the City Health Office, the designated doctor of the barangay, disclosed that a barangay clinic will be conducted during the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month.

An immunization will also be conducted every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

The new health center is one of the city’s infrastructure projects in the barangay, aside from the soon-to-be constructed evacuation center and a covered court gymnasium for the Pugaro  Integrated School. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan, through the City Agriculture Office and the One-Stop Business Center, conducted a mobile registration for motorized fishing boats of operators in Barangay Pugaro on July 10.

This is in accordance with the amended  City Ordinance No. 1768-2003 or the “Dagupan City Coastal Fisheries Resource Management Ordinance of 2003” which updated and reduced the rates to be paid by fishing boat operators  in the city.

Upon registration, the municipal fishing boats will have to be measured on-site to ensure each  will not exceed three gross tons.

With the reduced rate, the total fee to be paid per annum is now only P650.

The amount includes payment for the city fishing license, operation of minor fishing gear and operation of motorized bancas and boats weighing two to three gross tons.

Registered boat operators will be issued a permit which will authorize them to operate their vessels in the river.

The local government is making the registration more affordable and accessible through the city ordinance and amendment.

This is expected to reduce  the number of fisherfolk being apprehended for operating unauthorized vessels and failing to provide licenses.

Agricultural Technologist Rolly Dulay of the City Agriculture Office disclosed that the registration of the fishing vessels is also one way to ensure the safety of the city’s fisherfolk.

“Paalala lang natin sa mag fishing boat operators, kung may mga bangka kayo na pasok sa municipal fishing boat category, kailangan nating  magparehistro para maiwasan ang paghuhuli sa dagat at para iwas abala sa ilog,” added Dulay,

The local government will continue to conduct mobile registrations in the coastal barangays for the authorization of motorized fishing boats in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

WORLD POPULATION DAY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez urges the youth to focus on their education during a film showing on Adolescent Health and Development held at Judge Jose De Venecia Technical Vocational Secondary School on July 11. More than 300 grade 9 students from different schools in the city participated in the activity that was held in celebration of the World Population Day. The film showing aimed to raise awareness among the youth on teenage pregnancy and its repercussions. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – In celebration of the World Population Day, the city of Dagupan, through the City Population Office and in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd), conducted a film showing on teenage pregnancy at Judge Jose De Venecia Sr. Technical Vocational Secondary School on July 11.

The annual celebration of the day when the world’s population reached approximately five billion, the World Population Day also aims to raise awareness on various global population issues and concerns.

During the activity, short film “Layag” was shown to more than 300 grade-9 students of JJDVSTVSS, Pugaro Integrated School, Bonuan Buquig National High School and Federico N. Ceralde Integrated School.

The short film bagged first place in the Regional Film Festival conducted by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) Region 1 in 2017.

The film dissemination was also part of the city’s initiative which focuses on Adolescent Health and Development.

A discussion on teenage pregnancy facilitated by the City Population Office representatives and U4U teen facilitators was also held after the film.

City Population Officer Leah Aquino disclosed that the  film was chosen as a medium for learning as it would  help engage the youth in discussions regarding teenage pregnancy.

“The City Population Office is conducting these kinds of activities to address teenage pregnancy in the city,” added Aquino.

Aquino also said that the local government continues to provide assistance to cases of teenage pregnancy through the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Meanwhile, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, urged the youth to practice abstinence from engaging in premarital sex as teenage pregnancy can delay and hinder their plans for their future.

“Do not neglect your futures. If you want to be successful in life, you have to study hard and complete your education. Help your families and listen to our parents and teachers. Wag niyong pababayaan ang mga buhay ninyo, “said Fernandez.

The City Population Office will continue to conduct film dissemination activities and discussions in all private and public schools in hopes of raising awareness among the youth on teenage pregnancy and its repercussions. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) underwent voluntary drug tests at the City Health Office on July 11.

This is in support of Resolution No. 7430-2018, requesting all elected and appointed government officials and employees in the city of Dagupan to undergo free drug test in authorized drug testing laboratories authorized, accredited and monitored by the Department of Health (DOH) consistent with the Republic Act 9165.

Councilor Dennis Canto, who authored the resolution, disclosed that the city councilors underwent drug testing to set an example for other government officials and employees to follow.

“This is in line with the president’s directive to counter drug abuse in the country. Government employees must also be drug-free to ensure efficient and effective public service, so we want to set an example today as the city’s elected officials,” said Canto.

Canto also lauded his fellow city councilors in actively participating in the drug testing which he hoped could encourage other elected officials and employees in the city to also to undergo the same.

Councilor Jeslito “Jigs” Seen disclosed that the initiative led by the SP was one way to “help raise awareness among the public, and must start here in the Sangguniang Panglungsod.”

In the same occasion, the city councilors also participated in a free counseling and testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) conducted by MYRNA’S CAFÉ (Model Youth-oriented Rendezvous of Networks preventing AIDS-HIV, Center for Adolescent/Adult Fertility Education), a recognized partner of the DOH.

Councilor Joey Tamayo, who also participated in the testing, underscored the need to be regularly tested for HIV.

“Somehow, some (way), somebody has to start. The (SP) started this initiative to encourage others to get tested. The HIV virus is dangerous and getting tested is also one way of making sure we are free from this virus.” said Tamayo.

Meanwhile, Councilor Alvin Coquia disclosed that  participating in the testing is one way of remaining transparent to the public as this is one of the many responsibilities of an elected official.

“This is one way to show the public that their elected officials are responsible and trustworthy. We have an obligation to be drug and HIV free. This is also to encourage those who are scared to get tested for HIV.” said Coquia. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – More and more youth are called on to become the city’s partners in increasing health awareness, following the simultaneous launching of the Junior Health Advocate in public schools in the city.

The program, which was launched this June, empowers the children of Dagupan to bridge the gap between health services and those who are sick, particularly their classmates and relatives.

Since its launching at West Central Elementary School I, the local government, headed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, and the City Health Office  headed by Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera has been launching the program in several schools already.

These include North Central Elementary School, Salisay Elementary School, Juan P. Guadiz Elementary School, Pantal Elementary School, East Central Integrated School and Malued Elementary School.

In the program, City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia Rivera discusses to the chosen students about their new tasks and responsibilities as appointed junior health advocates.

The students are also briefed on safety measures that would help them avoid the dangers of leptospirosis and dengue.

Medical and dental check-ups are also conducted on-site to address the health concerns of the students, while free iodized salt, insect repellent lotion and multivitamins are also distributed during the program.

In hopes of strengthening the city’s initiative to expand its health services through the youth’s participation, the Junior Health Advocate program will be launched in all public schools in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The native tongue of Pangasinan will soon be integrated into the learning subjects of preschoolers in the city.

This, after the city government, through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), conducted a seminar workshop on basic mother tongue for Child Development Workers (CDW) on July 13.

The seminar aimed to prepare the city’s CDWs in using the Pangasinan language as a language of instruction.

This in line with Mother Tongue-Based-Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) initiative implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd).

As one of the eight major mother-tongue languages in the country included in the program, the Pangasinan language will soon be used by the city’s CDWs in conducting their lessons.

In the activity, Bacayao Sur Elementary School Principal Dr. Renato Santillan gave a lecture on MTB-MLE which included basic writing in Pangasinan and its rules in grammar and spelling.

Dr. Santillan disclosed that integrating the language in the subjects of preschoolers will prepare the young students in their learning transition to kindergarden, as the MTB-MLE is implemented in all public schools specifically in kindergarten up to grade 3.

Learning proficiency among the Dagupeno youth is expected to develop at a faster rate, with students being able to learn easier through their first language. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – To  prepare them for possible disaster and risk hazards, local government officials of Dagupan led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, underwent a training-workshop conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) at the City Hall on July 19.

The training, which is part of the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign for the MGB’s Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (VRA) project, was joined by  city councilors and  department heads and representatives of various offices in the city.

These include the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Engineering Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Public Alert and Response Monitoring Center (PARMC) and PNP Dagupan.

The VRA project is a continuation of the DENR’s National Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program, with the MGB conducting 1:50,000-scale and 1:10,000-scale Flood and Landslide Susceptibility Mapping for cities and municipalities.

The Population, Built-Up Areas and Road Networks are considered three elements at risk during the assessment. Thus, risk exposure maps for the three elements were made to properly identify which barangays have the most number of people with potential of being affected by specific geohazards, and to identify the proper locations and the most appropriate alternate traffic routes and pre-positioning areas for recovery and relief operations.

The project is now seeking the optimized use of the 1:10,000-Scale Detailed Flood and Landslide Maps for local government units in their respective land-use and contingency planning by evaluating the existing vulnerability conditions within their areas.

Aside from studying the risk exposure maps, the participants were also able to determine the risk exposure of different barangays to various geohazard susceptibility ratings, re-evaluate the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), and develop appropriate contingency action plans based on the maps.

Mayor Fernandez, in her message, disclosed how the data gathered from the risk assessment can contribute greatly to the city’s disaster mitigation measures.

“Saving lives is one of the local government’s main responsibilities and understanding the risks (we could have in the city) is very important. These maps are vital because it would give us the data on how to implement our programs and help us work efficiently in saving the lives of our people.” said Fernandez.

Fernandez also added that the presented maps and data will be studied further and discussed in future Disaster Risk Reduction and Management meetings.

Meanwhile, MGB Supervising Geologist Vilma Vecino lauded Fernandez for personally participating in the workshop, saying this was “the first time that a mayor attended these trainings.”

“This just shows Mayor (Fernandez’s) dedication in prioritizing the safety of her constituents.” added Vecino. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Authentic Dagupan products can now be availed of again at the city’s product center, following its blessing and reopening on July 20, with Mayor Belen T. Fernandez leading the ceremony.

The center will now be operating under the auspices of the Produktong Dagupeno Marketing Cooperative, with the organization producing and displaying their own local and unique products to be made available in the center.

The cooperative is also welcoming other local backyard producers in Dagupan to showcase their own products in the center.

The center, which offers a wide assortment of products for both local and foreign consumers, features the world-class Dagupan-certified milkfish in various forms. These include deboned boneless bangus, tinapang bangus, rellenong bangus and bangus in corn oil, among others.

The product center is not limited to the city’s worldclass products as it also offers other unique Dagupan delicacies and items and memorabilia such as handcrafted items, backpacks, umbrellas and shirts.

The new cooperative product center can now be visited by every Monday to Saturday. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – More than 30 members of Pantal Norte Urban Poor Alliance, Inc. will soon be able to acquire the land they had occupied for more than 50 years following a joint initiative by the local government and Pag-IBIG.

This was when members of the urban poor raised their concerns to reside in a property foreclosed by the Philippine Veterans Bank, wanting to stake their claim on the land they had occupied.

The local government is now working on the necessary procedures for the acquisition of the property by the city through the Pag-IBIG Fund.

Once the ownership of the land is transferred from the Philippine Veterans Bank to the city, the residents will have to register with Pag-IBIG to avail of loans that will cover the payment of their land.

Their loan will be based on the corresponding lot sizes where their houses are built within the property.

Susan De Vera, Housing Relationship Officer of Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan disclosed that the project, to be the first of its kind in the entire province, will include a subdivision plan, with the residents to be assigned their corresponding lot numbers after a land survey.

“This is a special project, so the processing in Pag-IBIG will begin immediately after everything has been approved,” said De Vera.

 De Vera also added that once the processing at Pag-IBIG is complete, the land ownership will then be transferred to the residents.

“The people are lucky to have Mayor (Belen) Fernandez helping them. Nakikita ko yung pagmamahal niya sa mga constituents niya kasi nakikita niya kung gaano kahirap yung sitwasyon nila, ” added De Vera.

In her message, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said the project will be considered a model for future housing projects in the city.

“I am always on the side of those who are in need, especially the poor. And now, I am thankful for being given the opportunity to help you because this is a rare chance. This model project, which will enable you to have your own land and the title, will be one of my greatest accomplishments,” added Fernandez.

Fernandez also disclosed plans to construct a drainage system and a concrete road in their area, aside from assisting in the transfer of land ownership from the PVB to the residents.

Meanwhile, Rogelio Caranga, a member of the Pantal Norte Urban Poor Alliance, Inc., expressed his gratitude to Fernandez for launching an initiative that will finally give them the right to their homes.

 “Halos mangiyak nga ako sa tuwa. Sa tagal naming naghintay sa lupa na yan, ngayon natulungan kami ni Mayor at inilapit niya sa Pag-IBIG. Magkakaroon na kami ng lote at hindi pa kami mahihirapan sa pagbayad,” said Paragas (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)