DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan adds yet another award to its already long list of awards, this time for its relentless campaign against illegal drugs in the city.

This after the Dagupan City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC) earned the silver award during the Department of Interior and Local Government’s 1st National Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Award.

The city was among the 241 out of 1,715 provinces, cities and municipalities that garnered a rating of 85 to 99 points, which corresponded to an adjectival rating of ideal or high functionality.

Factors such as composition, financial capabilities, functionality, and accomplishments of ADACs in different levels of local government units were considered during the ADAC Performance Audit – National Calibration.

These include their financial and physical accomplishments, drug clearing operations and community-based rehabilitation programs.

One major initiative that clinched the national silver award was the city’s Sagip-User Rehabilitation and Empowerment program.

Through Mayor Belen T. Fernandez’s initiative, the SURE program was instituted as the city’s drug rehabilitation community-based program.

The program seeks to help drug surrenderers undergo drug-rehabilitation for free and earn the chance to start a new life by providing free moral and spiritual formations and helping them earn a clean living under the city’s livelihood programs.

The program was a continuous collaborative effort between PNP Dagupan, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the City Health Office and religious groups in helping transform the lives of drug surrenderers.

As of September 2018, some 923 drug reformists already graduated from the program and these are being regularly monitored by the Dagupan PNP.

“Our SURE program primarily wants to change the lifestyles of drug surrenderers. Now, we are also working out programs for our plea-bargaining grantees. We are working together with Mayor Fernandez, PNP Dagupan and the City Health Office in implementing these programs that not only help transform the lives of drug surrenderers, but also further eradicate illegal drugs in the city,” said SURE Program focal person Erjon Kevin Pangilinan.

The citation will be awarded to the city during the National ADAC Performance Award to be held December 28 at Tent City, Manila Hotel, Manila. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – For their exemplary performance in various fields of service, the top-performing barangays of Dagupan City are each set to receive P300,000 worth of project incentives from the Dagupan City government.

The performance incentives for each barangay consist of items or equipment that can be used by them for disaster preparedness, according to Mayor Belen T. Fernandez during the Barangay Night held at the city plaza on December 27.

Fernandez added that the incentives were provided for in a resolution authored by Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz Fernandez which allocated P5-million budget for barangay disaster preparedness projects.

The performance incentive is in addition to the Unliserbisyo Excellence Award conferred to the barangays “for their outstanding performance towards good governance and upholding the standards of transparency, integrity and service delivery through governance reform and sustained development.”

Patterned after the Seal of Good Local Governance, the award is given to barangays that excelled in six core areas, namely: social protection, environmental management, peace and order, financial administration, disaster preparedness and business-friendliness.

Barangay Caranglaan was adjudged as most outstanding barangay under the big barangay category. It was joined by barangays Malued, Pantal, Bonuan Gueset, Lucao and Bonuan Boquig.

In the small barangay category, Tebeng was named most outstanding along with Pugaro, Pogo Chico, IV and Lasip Grande.

Meanwhile, other barangays that successfully met the SGLG requirements are also set to receive P100,000 worth of project incentives.

The citations were awarded by Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Mayor Belen Fernandez, Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez and Liga ng mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua.

Also present during the ceremonies were Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla, Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. and former Congresswoman Gina de Venecia, city councilors and department heads.

In the same occasion, winners of this year’s Search for the Best Belen competition were also announced during the event.

Barangay Caranglaan, adjudged as first place, received P50,000; Barangay Bolosan, second place, P30,000  and  Barangay Bonuan Boquig received P20,000 as third placer. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The groundwork for the Department of Education’s National Festival of Talents has now been laid out, following a planning conference from January 3 to 4 at Star Plaza Hotel.

After earlier hosting the Regional Festival of Talents, the city will once again host the NFOT which will be held from January 28 to February 1.

Anchored on the theme: “Celebrating Diversity through the Performance of Talents and Skills for Sustainable Inclusive Education”, the event will be the first NFOT that will include learners with disabilities, out of school youth and Muslim learners.

Mayor Fernandez, pledged her full support for the success of the event.

“I’m giving my support to this event because this will encourage our children to explore the talents and capabilities. This is also timely as the city government is working hard to ensure that the city’s children will have plenty of opportunities to develop their gifts,” said Fernandez.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Dr. Malcolm Garma disclosed that with the support of the city government, this will also be the first NFOT where participants will each be using brand new instruments and equipment.

“Hindi tayo nagkamali for choosing Dagupan (as host city), not just because of the support of Mayor Fernandez but because of the atmosphere and the environment (shown) that we value our children, we value what they can do and what they can be,” added Dir. Garma.

At least 2,700 delegates from all 17 regions are expected to participate in the competitions from the National Festival of Talents. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez called on city government employees to work in unity to ensure that city’s continuous progress this year as she described 2019 as a year of unity and progress.

In her message during the first flag-raising ceremony of the year at the city plaza on January 7, Fernandez shared that the blessings from different pastors and religious leaders during the ceremony underscored the importance of unity in the city this year.

Fernandez conveyed her gratitude to all government employees for their hardwork and sacrifice which ushered a year of numerous citations and blessings to the city.

“First, I would really like to thank God for making all of these possible. And I want to thank all the employees who we had worked together to deliver our services to our fellow Dagupeños, especially the indigents,” added Fernandez.

According to Fernandez, this year should not only be a year of more awards and blessings, but also be a year of “the greatest service that we can provide for the people of Dagupan.”

“The year 2018 was a very good year for all of us, as we worked hard to continuously make history so that we can build a legacy in our city,” she added.

 But we have to continue working together. We have to be united in working with compassion and passion to serve our fellow Dagupeños, because it is by doing that we see our best results in our performance,” added Fernandez.

The mayor also shared that the city started the year right by giving the government employees in the regular plantilla their Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) on their first day of work on January 3.

She said the PBB was approved in December 28.

In the same occasion, Mayor Fernandez commended Fire Chief Inspector Georgian Pascua of the Bureau of Fire (BFP) Dagupan for having been adjudged as Best Senior Officer of the Year for Operations during the 45^th BFP Fire Service Recognition Day.

Finally, Mayor Fernandez outlined some of the projects which will soon bear fruits such as the  City Health Office’s Diagnostic and Lying-in Clinic that is set to open soon, the Teen Center and the Tourism Center and Sports Office in the Balon Dagupan Civic Center. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY’S NEW VEHICLES – Fr. Jasper Hebron (2nd from left, 1st photo) is joined by Mayor Belen Fernandez (3rd from left, 1st photo), City Administrator Atty. Farah Decano (center, 1st photo) and the city department heads as he leads the blessing of the brand new shuttle bus and three motorcycle units of the city government. The shuttlebus will transport the Balon Dagupan athletes in the coming Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet to the meet venue, while the motorcycle units will be used by the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) for continuous traffic monitoring. Also in first photo are (from right to left) POSO Chief Carlito Ocampo, General Services Officer Engr. Melchor Guiang, City Planning and Development Officer Engr. Josephine Corpuz, City Budget Officer Luz de Guzman, City Accountant Melissa Mendoza, and City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city welcomed the new year through a prosperous start by again adding its expanding fleet of service vehicles.

Fr. Jasper Hebron, together with Mayor Belen Fernandez, City Administrator Atty. Farah Decano and the city department heads, led the blessing of the city’s brand new Dagupan City Shuttle Bus and three motorcycle units during the flag-raising ceremony at the city plaza on January 7.

The 51-seater bus is in addition to the city’s coasters which will all be used for ferrying Balon Dagupan athletes going to and from venues of competitions.

The bus will be immediately used to transport the athletes for the coming Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet.

The bus will also transport barangay officials and department heads during their “Lakbay Aral” study tours as well as those attending other official events within and outside the city.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle units will be used by the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) for their continuous traffic monitoring.

Mayor Fernandez disclosed that the service vehicles collectively cost around P8-million.

“We are making sure that all the vehicles and equipment that we acquired were all brand new for the safety and convenience of Dagupeños, especially our children,” added Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

A RARE COLLECTION – The Villaflor family of the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital turns over sets of General Douglas MacArthur’s commemorative stamps collected by Dr. Vivencio Villaflor, Jr. to be under the care of the city government during the 74th MacArthur Landing Anniversary Celebration held at Virgen Milagros Compound in Bonuan Gueset on January 9. In photo are (from left to right) Dr. Vivencio “Juvie” Villaflor III, Gender and Development focal person Dr. Lydwina Balingit-Bernardo, Dr. Gregoria Villaflor, Vice President Rudolf Lomibao of Fleet Reserve Association Branch 247, war veteran Alejandro Balolong, Mayor Belen Fernandez, war veteran Dominic Ventenilla, City Planning and Development Office chief Engr. Josephine Corpuz and City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia Rivera. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – On the 74^th anniversary of the historic landing of General Douglas MacArthur, the memory of his return is as clear as the day he uttered the words “I shall return.”

A man of his commitment, General MacArthur is loved by Filipinos across all generations for his fulfillment of his promise to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese occupation.

In Dagupan, this victory is as memorable as the day he waded through the waters of  the  Blue Beach, now the location of the Tondalingan Park in Bonuan Gueset.

The controversies over the actual site of the landing of General MacArthur often spark debates among the locals, but there are several evidences that point that the American general actually landed  in the city.

In a commemorative program held by the MacArthur monument at Virgen Milagrosa Compound in Bonuan Gueset on January 9, it was again stressed that remembering this fact is as important as honoring his (MacArthur’s) bravery.

A 92-year old World War II veteran and living witness Alejandro Balolong, recounted how he and his cousin, Dr. Pedro Balolong, saw MacArthur and his troops emerge from the beach. .

“At 7 in the morning on January 9, 1945, my cousin and I were right here in Bonuan Blue Beach when we saw General Douglas MacArthur and his troops disembark. It was then around noon on the same day that I saw MacArthur again, this time already aboard a military jeep. He could not have landed in any other place than here in our own beach, ” said Balolong.

Balolong also added that a copy of a photograph taken of him and his cousin by the beach that day is kept at the American Embassy. Balolong is among the only fifteen youth from Bonuan recruited later by the U.S. Navy.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez also shared an article from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History that reaffirms MacArthur’s presence here in Dagupan.

An article from documentary magazine Time Life detailed the personal recollections of photographer Carl Mydans, who was handpicked to take photos for the general’s war operations.

Mydans was the photographer behind the iconic picture of MacArthur wading through the beach, which was captioned as: ‘It shows MacArthur striding ashore onto ‘Blue Beach’, Dagupan, on the island of Luzon, Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines.’

Another photo of Mydans read: “His party reaches dry land followed by a crowd of curious beachhead workers.”

Mayor Fernandez said many narratives from during those time affirm that many Dagupeños warmly welcomed Macarthur upon his arrival here in Dagupan.

Fernandez also underscored the importance of remembering MacArthur’s part in the progress that followed the country’s liberation.

“MacArthur not just laid down an important brick that led to the liberation of the Philippines, but also the development and progress of the country, including Dagupan. Six years ago, we laid down our own brick similar to his in order to build this great city. Imagine if he would come here again —he would be impressed that the full blessings of freedom and democracy is in full bloom in this dynamic, throbbing city,”  said Fernandez.

Mayor Fernandez also shared that the city is set to build a MacArthur park by the water tank in the Tondaligan blue beach, which will also serve as picnic grounds for families and tourists.

The current MacArthur monument will be retained as it was identified as one of the heritage sites in the city, said Fernandez.

In the same occasion, the Villaflor family of the Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital turned over Dr. Vivencio Villaflor, Jr.’s collection of MacArthur’s commemorative stamps to be under the care of the city government.

The stamps were issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation from 1948 to 1980.

The commemorative program which included an offering of Holy Mass and wreath-laying rites was attended by World War II veterans, city officials and members of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 247, Lady Auxiliary Fleet Reserve Association, Veterans of Foreign War Post 2485, Knights of Columbus, Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy.

Also present were teachers and students from Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School and North Central Elementary School. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 160 fisherfolk from Barangay Bonuan Gueset received P10,000-worth of livelihood assistance each from the city government at the city museum on January 15.

The financial assistance was given to fisherfolk affected by the series of typhoons and heavy monsoon rains last year.

With the financial assistance, the fisherfolk will be able to purchase fingerlings or any materials needed by them so that they can restart their livelihood.

The city’s area workers, along with the barangay council, will monitor if the financial assistance was really used by the beneficiaries to boost their livelihood. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

A NEW BUILDING FOR ECIS – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, East Central Integrated School (ECIS) Principal Reynardo Barrozo and Ramon Macapagal of SM Foundation lead the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the two-storey, four classroom building funded by SM Foundation. The fully-furnished building, which includes facilities for Persons-with-Disability (PWD), will accommodate kindergarten and grade-3 students of ECIS. Also present are Barangay Mayombo chairman Samuel Guadiz, Barangay Herrero-Perez chairman Salvacion Bravo and other key SM officials. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The East Central Integrated School (ECIS) is set to accommodate more pupils following the opening of a new classroom building funded by SM Foundation on January 17

The building was turned over to the school after its blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremonies led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, ECIS Principal Reynard Barrozo, SM City Dagupan Manager Abraham Malicdem,Area VP for SM Supermalls North Junias Eusebio and Ramon Macapagal of SM Foundation.

Also present during the ceremonies were Barangay Mayombo chairmanmSamuel Guadiz, Barangay Herrero-Perez chairman Salvacion Bravo and other key SM officials.

The fully-furnished two-story, four classroom building also includes facilities for Persons-with-Disablity (PWD) such as ramps and toilets.

It will be accommodating kindergarten and grade-3 students of the school.

ECIS was chosen as beneficiary of SM Foundation through the Department of Education’s Adopt-A-School Program.

The new building is the 92nd building donated by SM Prime, through SM Foundation since the SM School Building Program started in 2002 nationwide. All these donated school buildings comprise 296 classrooms. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

SA ILOG KO, MAY PAGBABAGO – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez distributes non-motorized fishing boats or ‘baloto’ with paddles to 65 fisherfolk in the city in a ceremony held on January 22. The recipients from nine barangays were beneficiaries of the “Bottom-Up Budgeting” (BuB) program in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Also in photo are City Agriculturist Emma Molina and Bonuan Gueset chairman Noel Bumanglag. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 65 fisherfolks from nine barangays of Dagupan each received a non-motorized fishing boat or ‘baloto’ with paddles from the city government as beneficiaries of the “Bottom-Up Budgeting” (BuB) program in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

The beneficiaries from barangays Mamalingling, Bonuan Binloc, Bonuan Gueset, Pugaro, Lomboy, Carael, Calmay, Salapingao and Lucao received their ‘balotos’ during a turnover ceremony in an area near the NBI on January 22.

The livelihood assistance will be a big boon to the fisherfolk as the boats will be used while maintaining their fishing structures as well as for transporting passengers to and from their villages.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, in her message, urged all beneficiaries to cooperate with the city in keeping the rivers clean and safe for navigation and appealed to them to also keep their equipment in good condition.

The city government continues to provide assistance to all marginal fisherfolk in the city from the revitalization of the city’s rivers to helping fishermen own and operate their respective fish cages. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Dagupan City Blood Coordinating Council conducted a mobile blood donation with the theme: “A Blood to Give, a Life to Save” at the CSI the City Mall atrium on January 24.

The activity was a regular program of the council organized by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez to help indigent patients in need of blood.

The blood collected during the activity will be used by patients suffering from different kinds of illnesses that necessitate blood transfusions such as those with cancer, massive bleeding and trauma, laboring mothers and many more.

Rhyza Ventenilla, the council’s focal person, said that keeping stock of donated blood is necessary not just for emergency situations but  in preparation for future disasters or calamities.

At least 200 blood donors participated in the activity, with each donating at least 400 to 450 milliliters of blood.

Community-Based Mobile Blood Donation Coordinator (CBMBDC) Alexis Marquez disclosed that all donors first underwent the stages of screening before blood extraction. These included  an interview, physical examination, blood typing and hemoglobin count.

He also added that blood donors were from 16 to 65 years old, weighing more than 50 kilograms and should have the standard hemoglobin count before they were allowed to donate their blood.

All collected blood will be transferred to the Region 1 Medical Center for further screening for Transfusion-Transmissible Infections. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 400 families of Dagupeño Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) received calamity assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at CSI Stadia on January 24.

Under OWWA’s Welfare Assistance program, a total of P1-million worth of cash assistance were given to OFW families from 18 barangays that were directly affected during the onslaught of Typhoon “Ompong” last September.

Active OFW members received P3,000 while inactive members received  P1,500. Only one OFW per family is entitled for the program.

Counters were set up for the speedy processing and releasing of funds for the beneficiaries.

OWWA Regional Director Gerardo Rimorin said that Dagupan City,  along with Lingayen, Calasiao and San Fabian, was among the main areas in Pangasinan  affected during Typhoon ‘Ompong’. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – More than 160 Dagupeños will have access to eye care, following an annual free eye screening sponsored by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez at CSI Stadia on January 27.

The free eye screenings conducted by the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) ophthalmologists assure the patients treatment for different sight-related issues and diseases.

Tests for visual acuity, thickness of cataracts, eye pressure and lens grades were done in order to determine issues such as pterygium, cataracts, glaucoma, error of refraction and many more.

Those suffering with cataracts and glaucoma will be scheduled for operations after undergoing the necessary laboratory tests.

Among those who will be undergoing operations is Ernesto Quisora, a 68-year old resident from Barangay Pantal East. According to his daughter, Quisora has been suffering from vision problems since 2010 until he completely lost his vision in 2017.

Through the city’s program, Quisora is now scheduled for a major cataract operation on both of his eyes to bring back his eyesight.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko kay Mayor Belen dahil sa programa niyang ito.” said Quisora.

Meanwhile, the city is also working to provide free reading glasses for those with minor vision problems.

The program was launched through the initiative of Mayor Belen Fernandez when she was still a city councilor. To date, it has helped rehabilitate and restore the vision of 260 Dagupeños.

All these patients underwent free eye operations for major vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma since the program was started a few years ago. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city once again served as venue for the showcase of skills and talents,  this time in the national level, when  it hosted the National Festival of Talents with the theme “Celebrating Diversity through the Performance of Talents and Skills for Sustainable Inclusive Education” from January 29 to January 31.

This, just after earlier hosting the regional counterpart of the competition last December.

Held in cooperation with the Dagupan City government, NFOT of the Department of Education provides learners with opportunities to showcase their talents through exhibition of their products and performances as evidences of their learning.

In line with the theme, this year’s edition of NFOT also included learners with disabilities, out of school youth and Muslim learners.

The program was formally kicked off with a colorful street dance competition which highlighted each region’s respective culture and traditions.

At least 3,400 students and different learners from all 17 regions nationwide competing in the three-day competition attended the opening ceremonies held at CSI Stadia.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Usec. Lorna Dig-dino and Asec. Dr. Alma Ruby Torio of the Curriculum and Instruction, Dir. Leila Areola of the Bureau of Learning Delivery, Deped Regional Director Dr. Malcolm Garma, Asst. Regional Director Jess Amin, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lorna Bugayong, Asst. SDS Dr. Lourdes Servito and other key officials from each delegation graced the opening ceremonies.

As host city and certified DepEd partner, Mayor Belen T. Fernandezwelcomed the delegates.

“Dagupan is the best city where our young people can best truly express and demonstrate their finest talents and skills because our city is a great believer in what the youth can accomplish for our country. Our city believes in the great power of our youth, the power of dreams, and the great value of talents of Filipinos throughout the country,” added Fernandez.

Keynote speaker Education Secretary Briones, thanked the mayor for her support to the success of the event. She also commended Fernandez for her support in youth development in the city.

“We would like to thank Mayor Belen Fernandez for her consistent support not just in the efforts of DepEd but in her continuous promotion of talents, gifts, culture of Pangasinan and her full support for sports of the city, and in the province and region,” said Briones.

Briones also underscored the roles and importance of both sciences and arts in the development of the youth.

“DepED commits itself not only to the development of our learners in the sciences – in their studies, but also on those things that appeal to our souls, to our sense of identity, (the things) that give us beauty and help us survive all the challenges we are facing,” added Briones.

After hoisting the national and regional banners of each delegation, Briones formally declared the 2019 NFOT open.

Individual and group contests included in the three-day competition were Technolympics, Industrial Arts, Home Economics, Agri-fishery Arts, Information and Communication Technology, Sining Tanghalan, Population Development, Tagisan ng Talino, and Special Program in Foreign Language or Language Skills Competition. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

1,400 DAGUPEÑOS SERVED – Mayor Belen Fernandez personally checks on patients benefited by the surgical, medical and dental mission held at the City Health Office on January 30. The mission was a joint undertaking by the city government, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) of Oklahoma, St. Michael Parish and RP Healthcraft Carrier Foundation’s “Hospital on Wheels”. Also in photo are City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera and doctors from PMA Oklahoma, “Hospital on Wheels” and Region 1 Medical Center. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 1,400 Dagupeños were served during the surgical, medical and dental mission held at the City Health Office on January 30.

The mission was a joint undertaking between the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) of Oklahoma, St. Michael Parish, RP Healthcraft Carrier Foundation and the city government through the initiative of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.

Of the number, at least 130 availed of the free surgery on minor operations, while more than 1,000 availed of the free medical check-up and consultation.

Meanwhile, over 200 patients availed of dental services such as dental check-up and tooth extractions at the city’s Mobile Dental Bus.

Minor operations were conducted by doctors of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) and the RP Healthcraft Carrier Foundation, with the latter bringing their “Hospital-on-Wheels” to the city just to perform minor operations, such as excision of hernia, cysts, breast mass, and goiter as well as minor deformities like cleft lip.

The “Hospital-on-Wheels” was one of the major projects of the foundation which aims to deliver free minor operations and health services in the countrysides.

The PMA of Oklahoma sponsored the medicine distributed to those in need after undergoing medical check-up, while St. Michael Parish  provided free snacks.

City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera said that supportive medicine and lectures were also given to those suffering from arthritis.

Mayor Fernandez conveyed her gratitude to both local and foreign doctors and their organizations for their support in helping the city’s indigents.

“Malaking tulong ito sa ating mga mahihirap. Today, we have doctors from Oklahoma and from Manila who are sharing their blessings to our indigents. You can see the smiles on the faces of the patients because this has given hope to them,” Fernandez added.

The mayor said that lectures and mentoring from nutritionists, psychometricians and experts in other fields were also provided during the mission. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DCWD’S EXPANSION PROJECT – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (3rd from left), Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) Chairman Atty. Liberato “Ope” Reyna (2nd from left), Pantal Barangay Captain Julita Perez (4th from left) and DCWD board members lead the groundbreaking ceremony of DCWD’s expansion project. The project aims to increase water supply in island barangays and areas with low water pressure through the laying of transmission mains and the construction of a new reservoir in Sitio Maligaya in Bonuan Gueset. (CIO photo by Arriz Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) is set to boost its service in some of the island barangays and in areas suffering from low water pressures with its new expansion project that broke ground last February 1.

The project will be built on a lot located along the Judge Jose De Venecia, Sr. Highway Extension on February 1, with Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, DCWD Chairman Atty. Liberato “Ope” Reyna and members of the board of directors leading the ceremony.

Also present were Social Security Services (SSS) Commissioner Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque, DCWD Vice Chairman Raymundo Ramos, Dr. Voltaire Tada, Dr. Arlene Sanchez, DCWD General Manager Adelfo Valle, Pantal Barangay captain Julita Perez and other DCWD members.

The first phase of the expansion project will start with the laying of a steel pipe bridge crossing and the laying of PVC transmission mains which will be interconnected to the water district’s existing 250 transmission mains. The project, which will cost around P60-million, will also be tapping distribution mains for new concessionaires.

For the second phase, DCWD is set to construct a fiberglass-type ground reservoir in Sitio Maligaya of Bonuan Gueset, which will be filled by six pumping stations in Bonuan. The reservoir will have one booster house with four booster pumps, that will bring water from Maligaya to other barangays.

The second phase is set to be funded by a loan from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

According to Engr. Rizaldy Mandap, Manager of DCWD’s Construction and Maintenance Division, the water supply from parts of the island barangays of Salapingao and Pugaro Suit will be sourced from the reservoir to be built in Maligaya.

He added that water connection and pressure in certain areas with low water pressures such as Barangays Lucao and Tapuac will be improved following the completion of the expansion project.

“This project aims to address the needs of our constituents and concessionaires that have low water pressure or have no service lines. This will help alleviate the lack of water supply in some areas,” added Engr. Mandap.

He also said that with the expansion project, DCWD hopes to reach 90% of its coverage in the city.

Meanwhile, DCWD Chairman Atty. Liberato “Ope” Reyna said that the expansion project will cater to the needs of the city’s three growth centers identified under the city’s Comprehensive Land-Use Plan (CLUP).

“With the collective effort of DCWD and the local government unit headed by Mayor Belen Fernandez, a dream becomes a reality. A plan is now turned into action,” added Atty. Reyna.

Each phase of the project will take 210 working days to complete. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – As part of the continuing support of the Department of Agriculture to Dagupan City, a total of 153 farmers from seven barangays received 325 sacks of ammonium sulfate as fertilozer for their crops under the DA’s rehabilitation program started in mid last year.

The basic basal fertilizer will be used in some 155 hectares of replanted crop lands damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon ‘Inday’ last year.

Each beneficiary from barangays Mangin, Tebeng, Salisay, Bolosan, Lucao, Malued and Bonuan Boquig received two sacks of ammonium sulfate  per hectare of land they were tilling.

The beneficiaries earlier received 155 sacks of certified palay seeds from the DA sometime in August last year.

All these are part of the DA’s rehabilitation program which  continues to assist farmers greatly affected during the monsoon season last year. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 200 jobseekers took part in the mini-job fair held by the city’s Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at the city museum on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

At least seven job providers composed of six local companies and one overseas company  interviewed  and conducted on-the-spot job hiring for jobs here and abroad.

In the same occasion, the Pangasinan Association of Private Technical-Vocational Institutions also provided skills demonstration and offered vocational scholarships for those interested.

The holding of a mini-job fair on Valentine’s Day is a yearly activity of PESO Dagupan since 2016.

Meanwhile, other jobseekers and fresh graduates may still be able to participate in PESO’s next Mega Job Fair, which will be held in conjunction with the annual celebration of the Bangus Festival in April.

Some 20 job providers composed of five overseas and 15 local companies are expected to provide work to some 700 to 1000 jobseekers in the city.

Aside from regularly holding job fairs, PESO Dagupan also offers job search assistance for those looking for work that could  match their skills.

Alan Dexter Meneses, the city’s focal person for Recruitment and Placement, said that PESO has a new system that boosts accuracy and ensures skills matching for job seekers.

“Jobseekers can come to our office anytime on weekdays. Once they get registered into the system, they will be automatically referred to job opportunities that match their skills, ” said Meneses. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – For Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, empowering the city’s future leaders is just as important as her other responsibilities as a local chief executive.

The Dagupan mayor inspired some 100 youth leaders composed of junior and senior high school students of the Dagupan City National High School during a leadership training held at the school’s Abong na Alumni on February 15.

In her message, Fernandez relayed her life’s journey from the time she decided to become a businesswoman and what inspired her to transition into politics, resulting in her election as a city councilor, vice mayor and mayor.

She also underscored the importance of being a leader with integrity and shared how such trait aided her in lifting the city from its previous state of bankruptcy and corruption to what it is now.

“As a leader, you should make sure that you have to lead by example. As a leader, you have to have a vision and the passion to serve the people. You also have to have humility because aside from decision-making, you have to listen – to consult the people, and at the same time, give credit to whom credit is due,” added Fernandez.

She also detailed the growth and development of the city in all aspects including its finances and its growing support to education, youth and sports development, under an administration free from graft and corruption.

In closing, Mayor Fernandez urged the students to assess themselves in accordance with their interests, while taking into mind factors such as skills and demand when it comes to choosing their respective career paths.

“You have to think about your vision, your passion while also making sure to think of how you can help other people, ” said Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

AN AFFIRMATION OF ONE’S FAITH – (left photo) Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez and Liga ng mga Barangay Dean Bryan Kua join more than 1,200 faithful Catholics and parishioners of Dagupan and Central Pangasinan during the “Walk for Life” activity held along the city streets on February 16. (right photo) The incorrupt heart relic of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron saint of the sick, doctors, nurses and hospitals, also arrives at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral for public veneration. (CIO Photo by Arriz Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan joined the Lingayen-Dagupan Archdiocese and the whole nation in the “Walk for Life held along the city streets on February 16, an activity in support of the sanctity of life.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez and Liga ng mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua led the activity which was participated in by more than 1,200 Catholics and parishioners from Dagupan and Central Pangasinan.

Council of the Laity of the Archdiocese president Von Ryan Torio said that the activity was a way to show  the Church’s support for the sacredness of life.

“One way we can show our support in a visible and concrete way is to go to the streets. This is an affirmation that we are pro-life, especially in the name of the Catholic Church, ” said Torio.

He also added that the activity shows the Catholic church’s stand against the “culture of death that attacks the sacredness of life, such as  extra-judicial killings, euthanasia, abortion, death penalty and others.”

The walk was highlighted with a mass celebrated by Archbishop Villegas thereafter.

Now on its third year, the “Walk for Life” is organized by the Council of the Laity of the Philippines (Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas) and is held simultaneously among other places in the country.

In the same occasion, the incorrupt heart relic of St. Camillus de Lellis, patron saint of the sick, doctors, nurses and hospitals, visited the city where it was displayed at both the St. John Evangelist Cathedral and Region 1 Medical Center for public veneration.

It will then be transferred the following day to continue its visit around the country until March 31. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)