2019 GILON-GILON CHAMPION – Members of Barangay Cluster 4 strike a victory pose after their passionate performance of telling the story behind ‘Gilon’ earns them the championship title in this year’s ‘Gilon-Gilon ed Baley’ street dancing competition. Cluster 4, composed of Caranglaan, Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Herrero-Perez, received the grand prize of P200,000, plus another P20,000 after being chosen as Best in Street Dancing. Barangay Captain Teresa Coquia of Cluster Leader Caranglaan, received the prizes from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, 2019 Bangus Festival Executive Chairman Councilor Alvin Coquia, Vice Chairman Councilor Marvin Fabia and Event Chairperson Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez. (CIO photos by Jojo Tamayo and Arriz Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – The southern barangays clustered as one emerged as the new champions in this year’s ‘Gilon-Gilon ed Baley’ street dancing competitions held at the city plaza and along the city’s main thoroughfares on April 12.

This after besting five other barangay clusters during the grand showdown of street dancers which formally opened the month-long  2019  Bangus Festival this April.

The barangays that comprised Cluster 4 are Caranglaan, Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Herrero-Perez.

Barangay Captain Teresa Coquia of Cluster Leader Caranglaan said they bested other clusters because their street dancers focused on telling the story behind ‘Gilon’.

“We chose to focus on the efforts and sacrifices made by our fishermen so that they could provide for the future of the children. That’s why we told the story of a fisherman’s son graduating because that’s what our parents and families here strive for, “  added Coquia.

For their passionate performance that earned the nod of the board of judges, Cluster 4 received the grand prize of P200,000 as well as the Best in Street Dancing award of P20,000 for a total of P220,000.

Cluster 6, composed of barangays Bonuan Boquig, Bonuan Binloc, and Bonuan Gueset, is this year’s 1^st runner-up after delivering an impressive performance despite the rain that poured while they were performing.

They received P100,000, in addition to winning P20,000 for being chosen as having the Best in Costume, for a total of P120,000.

Barangays II & III, Tapuac, Poblacion Oeste, I and IV of Cluster 2 received P80,000 for placing 2^nd runner up as well as P20,000 for being adjudged as Best in Musicality, for a total of P100,000.

Cluster 1, Cluster 3 and Cluster 5 each received P30,000 for landing 3^rd runner up, 4^th runner up and 5^th runner up respectively.

Cluster 1 is composed of barangays Mangin, Salisay, Bolosan, Tebeng, Mamalingling and Tambac; Cluster 3, barangays Calmay, Carael, Pantal, Salapingao, Pugaro and Lomboy; while barangays Malued, Pogo Chico, Pogo Grande, Lasip Chico, Lasip Grande and Lucao made up Cluster 5.

Event Chairperson Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez acknowledged the efforts of all 31 barangays in this year’s competition.

“Ang Gilon-Gilon ay parte ng makulay na kultura ng ating syudad – dahil sa pamamagitan ng sining, atin pong naipakita ang kakaibang sipag at determinasyon ng bawat Dagupeño,” added Dela Cruz-Fernandez.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, in her message, said the event as well as the Bangus Festival, continue to serve as reminders of the continuous blessings received by the city.

“Ang Bangus Festival ay patunay na ang isang lungsod na nagkakaisa sa damdamin at panalangin ay isang lungsod kung saan ang pagpapala ay liglig, siksik at umaapaw,” added Fernandez.

The Gilon-Gilon ed Baley was graced by Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia and GMA-7 Kapuso stars Rocco Nacino, Clint Bondad, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Contis, Sef Cadeyona and Vaness Del Moral. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The biggest and happiest fish fest has officially begun!

Dagupeños and visitors alike flocked the city’s main thoroughfares on April 12 to witness the official opening of the 2019 Bangus Festival, as well as to watch the performances of the six clustered contingents competing in the ‘Gilon Gilon Ed Baley’ Street Dancing competition.

The grand parade was led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Bangus Festival 2019 Executive Chairman Alvin Coquia, Vice Chairman Councilor Marvin Fabia and other members of the city and barangay councils.

Adding excitement to the parade was the participation of GMA-7 artists Rocco Nacino, Clint Bondad, Dion Ignacio, Paolo Contis, Sef Cadeyona and Vaness Del Moral.

After the parade, contestants and spectators converged at the city plaza for the focal presentation of the participating clustered barangays, an event won by the southern barangays which was declared as this year’s Gilon-Gilon champions.

Cluster 4, which is composed of barangays Caranglaan, Bacayao Norte, Bacayao Sur, Mayombo and Herrero-Perez, received the grand prize of P200,000 as well as the Best in Street Dancing award of P20,000 for a total of P220,000.

In her speech, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez revealed how the annual festivities contributed to the rapid and continuous progress of the city, which produces the best-tasting milkfish not only in the Philippines but also all over the world.

 “Ang Bangus Festival ay pagtitipon nating mga tunay na nagmamahal sa lungsod ng Dagupan, na iisa ang puso, iisa ang damdamin, at iisa ang hangarin – na lalo pang mapaunlad ang ating pangkalahatang pamumuhay,”  added Fernandez.

The ‘Gilon Gilon ed Baley’ street dancing competition is one of the major highlights of the month-long celebration of the Bangus Festival that ushers in a slew of activities lasting up to May 1.

On April 13, PESO Dagupan held its annual Bangus Festival Mega Job Fair at CSI atrium specifically for fresh graduates and job-seekers in the city.

The Dagupan Autogroup also hosted the 6^th Invitational Slalom Competition last April 14 at the CSI Helipad for car enthusiasts.

Sports events are also included in this year’s festivities, with the city already hosting the Windsurfing clinic and Cup as well as Philswimm’s CNL-CAR Qualifiers.

The city is also set to hold the 4^th Open Invitation Amateur Kickboxing Tournament on April 16; the Dagupan City Bangus Festival Golf Open 2019 on April 28; and the Bangus Festival Open Boxing Championship on May 1.

Major events such as the Bangus Rodeo and the Bangusine: Family Recipes with a twist will also be parts of the Bangus Festival.

The Bangus Rodeo, a fun-filled search for the longest, heaviest and most beautiful Bonuan bangus, will be held on April 23 in front of the city plaza.

The Bangusine: Family Recipes with a Twist, which will feature the Dagupan City bangus in various unique cuisines, will be held the following day at the city plaza, on April 24.

Meanwhile, the  Jayceeken’s “Tren na Dayew” singing competition will hold its grand finals on April 25 at the city plaza.

The Bangus Festival 2019 will culminate with the holding of the Bangusan Street Party on April 30 along the De Venecia Road extension, which is expected to draw up to a million crowd.

This year, it will feature bands like Juan Karlos, Parokya Ni Edgar, This Band, I Belong to the Zoo, Spongecola, Ben&Ben, Abra and many more.

GMA-7’s biggest stars will also be making an appearance during the street party. Confirmed artists coming include Manolo Pedrosa, Therese Malvar, Kyline Alcantara of “Inagaw na Bituin”; as well as Shaira Diaz, Kiray Celis and Yasser Marta of “Love You Two.”

The festivities will conclude on May 1, with the holding of the boxing championship at the Tondaligan Beach and Bangus Sireyna 2019 at the city plaza as parts of the annual “Pista’y Dayat’. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

MEGA JOB FAIR – Hundreds of jobseekers and fresh graduates line up for job interviews at the 2019 Bangus Festival Mega Job Fair on April 13 at CSI Atrium. The event was facilitated by the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) Dagupan together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). (CIO photo by Arriz Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – More than 500 jobseekers and fresh graduates applied for jobs in the 2019 Bangus Festival Mega Job Fair sponsored by the city government at CSI Atrium on April 13.

A total of 31 job providers participated in the day-long mega job fair composed of 29 local and two overseas companies whose staff interviewed and conducted on-the-spot hiring for jobs locally and abroad.

The activity was facilitated by the Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) Dagupan, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

PESO Manager Jocelyn Siapno said this was the fifth mega job fair held in conjunction with the annual Bangus Festival.

She added that aside from the annual mega job fair, PESO Dagupan regularly conducts local and special recruitment activities for walk-in job seekers.

This is in addition to the job search assistance offered by their office which helps job hunters find work that would match their skills.

“Our office is always open, and we make sure to accommodate all of our job seekers. We also post regular updates on our official Facebook page (PESO Dagupan) for those who are interested to participate in other recruitment activities,” added Siapno.

PESO Dagupan will also be conducting recruitment activities in colleges and universities in order to provide more employment opportunities for fresh graduates in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

FIVE-TIME BANGUS CLASSIFIER CHAMP – Melecio Melendez of barangay Salapingao showcases his speed and accuracy during the Fastest Bangus Classifier event in the 2019 Bangus Rodeo held in front of the city museum on April 23. Melendez successfully sorted two “banyeras” containing the equivalent of more than 200 pieces of bangus into small, small medium, large medium and large sizes to clinch his fifth victory as fastest bangus classifier and took home P5,000 and a trophy. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – A four-time fastest bangus classifier in the Bangus Rodeo clinched his fifth championship trophy after besting nine other classifiers in the 2019 Bangus Festival Rodeo held in front of the city museum on April 23.

Melecio Melendez of barangay Salapingao emerged as this year’s champion for again becoming the fastest bangus classifier after sorting two “banyeras” both containing the equivalent of more than 200 pieces of bangus into small, small medium, large medium and large in just two minutes and 39.94 seconds.

Melendez credited his string of accomplishments to his years of practice in classifying bangus, admitting that he acquired the skill during his high school days.

“I make sure to practice intensively, going beyond my normal work hours just so I can maintain my speed and precision. You have to think and work fast because you’ll have to be able to determine the size and weight of the bangus just by looking at it and holding it in your hands,” added Melendez.

For his superior classifying skills, Melendez went home with P5,000 and a medal as his prize, while Jonathan Campos of Magsaysay Market and Tomas Alejo of Pantal went home with P3,000 and a medal  for two minutes and 53.69 seconds; and P2,000 and a medal for three minutes and 5.43 seconds, respectively.

Non-winning contestants received P500 as their consolation prizes.

Meanwhile, Jaime Bucao, Jr., last year’s Fastest Bangus Eater champion from PNR Mayombo, failed to defend his crown against Ruben Fernandez, who recorded the fastest time in consuming two pieces of charcoal grilled bangus in one minute and 2.17 seconds.

This year’s champion from Pantal received a medal and P5,000 cash prize.

Bucao finished second after consuming his bangus in one minute and 25.27 seconds while third placer Joel Seran of Pantal Norte landed third place registering one minute and 28.28 seconds.

Bucao received P3,000 and a medal while Seran brought home P2,000 and a medal.

This year’s Fastest Bangus Deboner was Rosalie Pascua from Pantal West after deboning two pieces of fresh bangus in one minute and 36.6 seconds.

Second and third place winners were Jessie Niel Bandera of Pantal Guibang and Mark Joseph Bandera of Pantal Norte who competed neck to neck in one minute and 53.21 seconds; and one minute and 53.95 seconds, respectively.

Pascua received P5,000 and a medal as first placer; Neil Bandera, P3,000 and a medal for second place; and Mark Joseph Bandera took home P2,000 and a medal as third placer.

Other contestants also received P500 each as consolation prize.

The 2019 Bangus Rodeo was chaired by Liga ng mga Barangay Vice President Marcelino DS Fernandez, assisted by the City Agriculture Office with Feedmix, manufacturer of fish feeds, as sponsor. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

LONGEST DAGUPAN BANGUS – Winners for the Longest Bangus category showcase their entries for the competition during the Bangus Rodeo held in front of the city museum on April 23. First place went to Lia Felix for an entry measuring 80 centimeters long, followed by Blas Gabriel Caneng for second place and Christian Yuan Ceneng as third placer. Winners received P15,000; P10,000 and P5,000 plus trophies, respectively. Also in photo are (from left to right) City Agriculturist Emma Molina, Event Chair former Councilor Marcelino DS Fernandez and key officials from event sponsor Feedmix. (CIO photo by Arriz Fruelda)

DAGUPAN CITY – The search for the biggest, heaviest and prettiest bangus drew an impressive array of milkfish in this year’s Bangus Festival Rodeo held in front of the city museum on April 23.

This year’s Heaviest Bangus Award went to Wilsorick Felix of barangay Lucao whose entry weighed 5.58 kilos. This was Felix’s second consecutive win, surpassing his previous winning entry last year of 5.55 kilos. He received P15,000 cash prize and trophy.

Miguel Matthew Valdez’s entry of 4.56 kilos earned him the second spot with P10,000 and trophy, while Blue Andre Caneng’s 3.95 kilo bangus landed him in third spot, winning P5,000 and a trophy. Both contestants are from Pantal.

Meanwhile, the Longest Bangus Award went to Lia Felix of  barangay Lucao, whose entry measured 80 centimeters long. Felix’s bangus was just a few centimeters shy from the longest bangus ever recorded in the last six years which measured 87.5 centimeters.

Blas Gabriel Caneng of Pantal, who earned the top spot in 2017, landed second this year with a 77 centimeter-long entry while Christian Yuan Caneng, also from Pantal, earned the third spot with his entry measuring 74.5 centimeters long.

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

The crown for the prettiest bangus with P7,000 and a trophy as prize was given to Armand Caguioa of barangay Caranglaan. This was the second title for Caguioa after earning the crown in 2014 while he also placed third last year.

Second and third place this year went to David Delos Reyes of barangay I and Rene Melendez of Caranglaan who received P5,000 and P3,000 with trophies, respectively.

The selection of the prettiest bangus was based on the following standards set by the board of judges: having clear and well-rounded eyes; scales that are fine, smooth and orderly; head is small and beautifully crafted; stomach is bulging; gills 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 Bangus Rodeo was one of the major events of the Bangus Festival along with Gilon-Gilon, Bangusine: Family Recipes with a Twist and Bangusan Street Party. It was assisted by the City Agriculture Office with Feedmix as sponsor.

Event Chairman and Liga ng mga Barangay Vice President Marcelino DS Fernandez underscored the importance of holding the competition every Bangus Festival.

“This is one of the events that are completely original to our festival. The bangus rodeo is the perfect opportunity to showcase our bangus, and to give importance to those who raise and culture them. Lahat ng tumutulong sa ating bangus industry (pati mga classifiers at deboners) ang mga bida dito,” added Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Dagupeños and visitors flocked to the CSI Atrium to avail the genealogical services offered at a Family History exhibit conducted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at CSI Atrium on April 24.

The exhibit, which featured various family memorabilia and stories, was formally opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, City Planning and Development Office (CDPO) chief Engr. Josephine Corpuz, City Civil Registry OIC Froilan Fermin, ‘Family Search’ Area Manager Brother Felvir Ordinario and members of the LDS Church.

At the same time, those interested in tracing their family history and lineages were assisted by volunteers into registering into the ‘FamilySearch.org’ website, one of the most heavily used genealogy sites available on the Internet.

The website provides a network of resources which allows any registrant to research and trace their family histories just by inputting their own family trees.

This was made possible through the billions of genealogical records collected from all over the world since the LDS Church started the initiative over 200 years ago.

“We use these records to help people trace their histories. We are showcasing our available resources here in Dagupan City now so that people are able to determine their ancestors and to connect their past to their presents and futures. This is a free service offered by the Church to everyone,” said Family Search’ Area Manager Brother Felvir Ordinario.

He added that all data collected are kept safe and confidential as the website complies with the data privacy laws in every country, with only limited information shown to other users.

Gregorio Karganilla, Priesthood Advisor of the Pangasinan Public Affairs Coordinating Council, was able to trace his ancestors up to the ninth generation in the 1770s just by using the website.

 “It’s great to know your ancestors. It makes you feel more connected to them in a way because you get to have an idea about who they were during their lifetime,” added Karganilla.

Meanwhile, Mayor  Fernandez thanked the church for bringing their services to the city and for providing an opportunity for Dagupeños to discover more about their family histories.

Mayor Fernandez also added that the CPDO chief Engr. Josephine Corpuz and Civil Registry OIC Froilan Fermin would be participating in the exhibit to learn more about the Church’s best practices in records and documentation.

“This is a rare family experience as we get to discover where we came from. I hope every Dagupeño family could come and visit this exhibit,” added Fernandez.

The Family History Exhibit and ‘FamilySearch.org’ assistance will be open to the public from April 24 to 27. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Barangay Salapingao’s recipe of creamy garlic butter Tuscan bangus fillet was adjudged as this year’s best bangus family recipe during the 2019 Bangusine: Family Recipes with a Twist at the city plaza on April 24.

The winning recipe, prepared by Mary Grace Lopez De Vera, earned the highest average from the board of judges led by Kitch Rodriguez of Unilever Philippines; King Emmanuel Cuison, a culinary instructor from Lyceum-Northwestern University; and Nancy Mejia, former president of the Nutritionist-Dietitian Association of the Philippines – Pangasinan Chapter.

De Vera disclosed that the recipe was inspired by a dish made by a close friend’s aunt which used a different type of fish.

“This time, we used the Dagupan bangus in our dish because its distinct flavor helped elevate the dish. It’s also one way of paying homage to my father who works hard as a fisherman in the city,” added De Vera.

Her team received P5,000 as cash prize for their winning recipes while non-winners received P2,000 each as consolation prizes from the judges.

The other recipes featured in this year’s Bangusine include bangus roll with ampalaya twist (Tebeng); bangus binalot (Mayombo); tortang bangus twist escabeche (Malued); bangus tinola (Lucao); potcherong bangus (Lasip Chico); bangus crabcakes over broccoli puree with mango beurre blanc (Herrero-Perez); bangus croquettes with béchamel and white garlic sauce (Caranglaan); tokchong bangus (IV); and seared bangus with creamy spinach and mushroom sauce (II & III).

All these dishes were judged based on the story and history, originality, taste, presentation and the use of Knorr products.

The Bangusine: Family Recipes with a Twist is one of the highlights in the month-long festivities in the 2019 Bangus Festival. It features both traditional and unique takes on the world-famous Dagupan Bangus that were inspired by family stories.

This year’s competition was facilitated by the City Nutrition Office under Anna Mariel Lopez, with Unilever Philippines and Petron Gasul as partners.

GMA-7’s Derrick Monasterio entertained the guests and participants who took part in the free food tasting portion of the event. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 500 volunteers from different walks of life joined a cleanup drive along the coast of Tondaligan Blue Beach in Bonuan Gueset on April 26.

The volunteers were composed of city employees and department heads led by City Administrator Atty. Farah Decano, Department of Education (DepEd) Dagupan officials and teachers, members of PNP Dagupan, barangay officials, private stakeholders, and many others.

The drive was a joint undertaking between the city government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as part of the celebration of Earth Day and Earth Month this April.

Maria Dorica Hipe, Regional Director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) – DENR, disclosed that the initiative aims to raise awareness on proper solid waste management and the importance of keeping coastal areas and beaches clean.

“We chose to conduct the activity here in Tondaligan because the local government was very cooperative when it comes to environmental initiatives,” added Hipe.

She said that the activity was also one way of replicating major government initiatives such as the recent rehabilitation of Boracay and the Manila Bay.

Meanwhile, City Pollution Control Officer Reynaldo Esguerra said that the drive also serves an important reminder for beach goers and business owners alike of their responsibilities to protect Tondaligan from pollution.

He added that aside from the activity, the city’s own cleanup initiative is still being held regularly in every barangay.

“The ‘Solar Ko, Linisan Ko’ program is still in full-effect as barangays conduct cleanup activities every month. We are also working with private household and property owners and reminding them to maintain the cleanliness of their properties, ” said Esguerra.

The city-wide cleanup initiative was launched in March last year as part of the city government’s environmental campaign, and in time for the arrival of ten color-coded trucks tasked to ensure proper waste segregation in the city.

This was in addition to the organization of groups such as Barangay Ecological Management Team, Basura Patrol and City Restoration Upkeep Enhancement (CRUE) Task Force which are tasked to oversee the proper waste management in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Some 200 pregnant women from different barangays in the city received free hygiene kits from the Philippine Red Cross – Pangasinan Chapter at the Herrero Perez gymnasium on April 30.

Each beneficiary, from seven to nine months in the family way, received a maternity kit filled with various hygiene necessities such as soaps, towels, toothbrushes, toothpastes, slippers, alcohol, tissue paper and many more.

Flashlights and whistles were also included in the kits to be used by women in emergency situations.

The kits were distributed to the mothers in order to promote proper hygienic practices for pregnant women, and to prepare them with the necessities needed r before and after giving birth.

Florame Sanchez, Chapter Administrator of Phil. Red Cross – Pangasinan Chapter, disclosed that pregnant mothers were chosen beneficiaries as they “want to honor our women, especially in the roles they take when they become wives and mothers.”

She added that the program was also held in celebration of World Health Month.

Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez, chairperson of the PRC volunteers group, underscored the importance of promoting proper hygienic practices among pregnant women.

“It’s important for them to know how to maintain cleanliness especially at the crucial stage of their pregnancies. Our mothers are not only taking care of themselves, but also their children, ” said Dela Cruz-Fernandez.

She also shared how the city government, under the leadership of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, extends its support to pregnant mothers.

From regular check-up and consultations conducted by barangay nurses, distribution of Philhealth cards to indigent mothers, and to the annual holding of the Buntis Congress which often draws up to hundreds of pregnant women availing of prenatal services from the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) – Region I.

Through Mayor Fernandez’s initiatives, the city will soon be opening its lying-in clinic and diagnostic center located beside the City Health Office in Herrero-Perez.

The center will be opened 24/7 for birthing mothers to help ensure the health and safety of both the mother and child during delivery.

Free diagnostic services such as X-Ray, Ultrasound and electrocardiogram (ECG) will also be available at the center.

“It’s one great step to show that we truly support the women in the city. Pinaka-basic na pangangailangan kasi ng mga buntis ay yung malinis at maayos na facility para sa kanilang delivery. This is something really good to look forward to,” added Dela Cruz-Fernandez. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

THE BIGGEST STREET PARTY ANEW – The country’s most notable dignitaries join the city in leading the ceremonial lighting of grills that formally kicked off the 2019 Bangusan Street Party on April 30. Shown in photo are (from left to right) Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, former PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, former Congresswoman Manay Gina de Venecia, Cong. Christopher de Venecia, former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., Dr. Ashok Vasandani, Coun. Dennis Canto, 2019 Bangus Festival Executive Chairman Coun. Alvin Coquia and Liga ng mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Bangusan Street Party remains as the biggest street party in the North when it was again swarmed by a multitude of participants from all walks of life when it was held along the Jose de Venecia Expressway in the evening of April 30 that lasted till the wee hour in the morning.

This year, more than 700,000 revelers and visitors attended the major culminating activity of the annual festivities.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez expressed her elation over the huge turnout of revelers in this year’s street party.

“Thank you to all our visitors for continuously patronizing our Bangus Festival all these years. Every year, our street party draws hundreds of thousands of guests. I’m glad that the De Venecia Highway is able to accommodate all of them. This is the right place for our street party,” added Fernandez.

This year’s celebration also marked a huge turnout of dignitaries who joined Mayor Fernandez and city officials in undertaking the ceremonial lighting of grills that formally kicked off the street party.

This year’s guest of honors include senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Sonny Angara and Jinggoy Estrada; Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa; former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino; Atty. Michael Manotoc, who represented Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos; former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr.; Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia; and former Congresswoman Manay Gina de Venecia.

Also present were Liga ng mga Barangay President Dean Bryan Kua, 2019 Bangus Festival Executive Chairman Coun. Alvin Coquia, Coun. Dennis Canto, philanthropist Dr. Ashok Vasandani and other members of the Bangus Festival Executive Committee.

In his third visit to the city’s festivities, Sen. Sonny Angara admitted that the Bangus Festival is one of the biggest celebrations he has so far attended all over the country.

“We want to thank Mayor Belen for inviting us. We pledge our support for the leadership of Mayor Belen and the city. We will continue to support in whatever capacity we can. Yung mga scholars natin sa TESDA, yung mga gyms na naipatayo natin, marami pang susundan ‘yan,” added Sen. Angara.

Sen. Estrada, former PNP chief Dela Rosa and former MMDA chairman Tolentino also expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome they experienced in Dagupan.

More than 15,000 pieces of the world’s tastiest milkfish were cooked simultaneously in 900 iron grills that were consumed by the revelers.

Eight stages were set up along the entire stretch of the Bangusan Street Party where people watched their favorite bands like Parokya ni Edgar, Spongecola, Juan Karlos, This Band, I Belong to the Zoo, Moonstar 88, Ben&Ben, Unique, and many more.

GMA’s Kapuso artists like Manolo Pedrosa, Kyline Alcantara, Therese Malvar, Pancho Magno, Sanya Lopez, Yasser Mata, Kiray Celis and Shaira Diaz wowed their fans in their Kapuso Night at the Kapuso stage.

Meanwhile, PNP Dagupan chief P/Supt. Jandale Sulit disclosed that the street party was held peacefully with no untoward incident recorded whatsoever. This was due to the collaborative efforts and extensive preparation undertaken jointly by the PNP Dagupan, the city government and stakeholders.

More than 400 police personnel and force multipliers were also deployed at the site that ensured peace and order during the festivities.

The Bangus Festival has made giant strides since its launching in 2001. On its 18^th year, the city’s month-long festivities was affirmed as the happiest fish fest for all families and friends. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

2019 BANGUS SIREYNA – Jeanica Santiago (center) is the 2019 Bangus Sireyna queen after besting 19 other candidates in a pageant held in the evening of May 1. The candidates competed to promote LGBTQ inclusivity in their respective communities. Also shown in photo are (from left to right) third runner-up Airan Bautista; first runner-up Kaycee Villanueva; second runner-up Marvie Sabado; and fourth runner-up Arabella Manuel. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – Inclusivity and acceptance for members in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community were at the forefront in the 2019 Bangus Sireyna gay beauty pageant with the theme: “Be gay, be loved, be respected.”

Some 20 candidates, all from the city, competed against each other in terms of beauty, poise, bearing and intelligence in the competition held on the evening of May 1.

During the Question and Answer portion of the competition, candidates were given an opportunity to discuss issues and problems commonly encountered by the LGBTQ community.

Jeanica Santiago, a freelance makeup artist, bagged the title as 2019 Bangus Sireyna when she relayed her experiences with negative stereotypes in gay pageantry.

“People would judge me for being a ‘plus size’, but joining pageants was one way that I could prove to myself that they were wrong. Beauty pageants allows us to showcase our God-given skills, talents and intelligence, but it’s also an avenue where we can develop and grow to become the best versions of ourselves,” said Santiago.

For her confidence and beauty, Santiago received P10,000 cash prize along with the title. She also received P2,000 as Best in Festival Costume and other minor awards such as Miss Kawaii Spa and Miss Skinful Wishes Global 2019.

Kaycee Villanueva received P7,000 as this year’s first runner-up while also bagging two special awards amounting to P2,000 each, as Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Gown.

Meanwhile, second runner-up Marvie Sabado received P6,000 as cash prize and P2,000 as Darling of the Crowd. She also received minor awards as Miss Maarte Fashion and Miss Elite Concepts Productions.

Airan Bautista and Arabella Manuel received P5,000 and P4,000 as third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

Elessiah Balolong also received a minor award as Smart Choice.

Top 10 finalists received a cash prize of P3,000 while non-winners were able to take home a consolation prize of P2,000 each.

As part of their inclusivity campaign, the candidates also led a cleanup activity along the coast of Tondaligan Blue Beach, Bonuan Gueset for their Pride Parade.

Their performance in this activity was also judged, in addition to other pageant categories such as Creative Costume, Swim Wear and Evening Wear.

GMA-7 artist Anthony Rosaldo entertained the candidates and guests during the competition.

In the same occasion, free HIV counseling and screening was also made available in the course of the program as part of the city’s continued efforts in raising awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Free HIV tests can also be readily availed at the City Health Office, with each case to be treated with utmost confidentiality in consonance with the law.

The Bangus Sireyna gay beauty pageant was chaired by Councilor Luis “Chito” Samson and was facilitated by Resty Fernandez and the Bangus Festival Committee.

It served as the concluding event of the 2019 Bangus Festival. The month-long festivities was headed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez as honorary Chairperson, Executive Chairman Councilor Alvin Coquia and Vice Chairman Councilor Marvin Fabia. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Balon Dagupan athletes amassed a total of nine gold, six silver and four bronze medals, a feat that anchored the ninth-place finish of the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) in the recently concluded 2019 Palarong Pambansa.

This, after the city’s archers and gymnasts dominated their respective events during the grueling weeklong competitions held in Davao City from April 27 to May 4.

R1AA, composed of four provinces and nine cities, bagged a total of 16 gold, 13 silver and 21 bronze medals, even overtaking powerhouse Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).

This was the biggest gold harvest ever registered by Dagupan City in the yearly Palarong Pambansa.

Archer Jason Emmanuel Z. Feliciano of Northfield Academy stole the limelight when he ruled in six events in only his first stint in the competition, earning four gold medals in individual 30 meters, 60 meters, 70 meters and single FITA events, while also collecting two silver medals in Olympic round and Team Event.

Feliciano also broke two new records in his first Palaro outing when he set a new record of 322 in 70 meters from 313 previously set by his fellow archer Jared Cole Sua in last year’s Palaro.

He also set a new record in the FITA event, eclipsing last year’s record of 1267 registered by Kennyben Gallogo of CARAGA to erect a new record of 1304.

Bemedaled archer Sua of Mothergoose Special School System, former record holder in the 70 meters, also earned a silver medal in team event and a bronze medal in individual 50 meters.

Meanwhile, young gymnast Mark Tyrone Reyes of JCCMI Christian Academy Inc. shared the limelight with Feliciano when he also hauled a total of four gold medals, plus one silver medal in gymnastics events. He won the gold medals in vault, mushroom, individual and team all-around events, and a silver medal in bars.

Mavin M. Lunaria of Victoria Zarate Elementary School also earned one gold medal in gymnastics team all-around exercises.

Lara Faye Concepcion of East Central Integrated School earned one silver in beam exercises and two bronze medals in individual and team all-around exercises.

In the same occasion, Palarong Pambansa veteran and star swimmer Janelle Alisa Frances Lin of Genesis School of Happy Kids bagged one gold medal in 400-meter freestyle, two silver in 200 and 800-meter freestyle and one bronze medal in 100-meter freestyle.

It was the only gold earned by the Balon Dagupan Swimming Team in this year’s Palaro.

The 2019 Palarong Pambansa was only one of the many sports events where the Balon Dagupan athletes registered their stellar performance.  The city’s athletes also registered remarkable records in the recently concluded PSI Grand Prix qualifiers event,  the Batang Pinoy Luzon Leg and the 2019 R1AA Meet.

Earlier, the city made another history after earning the highest medal tally of 87 gold, 64 silver and 55 bronze medals in R1AA when it successfully defended its championship title in Laoag City this year.

The numerous achievements earned by the city’s athletes were the result of continuous preparation and intensive trainings facilitated by the Dagupan City Sports Commission (DCSC).

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez created the DCSC in 2014 in a bid to reinvigorate the city’s sports and set up policies in order to help support and develop the skills of young Dagupeño athletes.

Through Mayor Fernandez’s initiatives, the DCSC has launched several programs catering to youth and sports development.

These include the annual summer sports clinic attended by more than 900 aspiring athletes yearly, and the free basic swimming courses for disaster preparedness. Both are under the city’s Building the Future: Developing Our Excellence in Sports (BTF: DOES IT!) program.

Aside from these, Mayor Fernandez also initiated the renovation of the city’s Olympic-size swimming pool where the city’s star swimmers are now training extensively.

It can be recalled that in 2018, the yearly appropriation for youth and sports development reached an all-time high of  P15.4-million. This was bigger by nearly P15-million from the  P494,777 budget allotted by the past city administration to sports in 2012. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city’s athletes continue to shine in national competitions as the Filipinas Wado Ryu team based here made a strong presence in the 1^st Karate Pilipinas National All Division Championships held in Pasig City from May 3 to 5.

John Enrico Vasquez of Malued bagged two gold medals for male kata and male team kata events, while Mark Andrew Manantan of PNR Mayombo earned one gold for male team kata, plus one bronze medal for male kata event. Meanwhile, Shane Enrico Vasquez of Malued also collected one gold in 10 to 11 advance kata and Nasrifa Pili of Barangay II & III earned one gold in 10 to 11 girls kumite and one bronze in 10 to 11 girls kata.

Their fellow Balon Dagupan athletes Arriane and Abbygail Brito of Caranglaan each bagged silver medals for +60kg girls kumite and +53kg kumite, while Rhon Juguilon of Bonuan Gueset won a bronze medal in 10 to 11 boys kumite.

Rheila Duya of Lucao also earned a bronze medal for -53kg girls kumite.

Other members of the Dagupan City-based  Filipinas Wado Ryu Team also hauled medals in the competition. These include Samuel Lopez (Barangay I), gold, 8 to 9 boys kumite; Jethro Cruz (Bonuan Gueset), bronze, 12 to 13 years old intermediate kata, Elisha Ulanday (Lucao), bronze, 10 to 11 girls kumite; Ron Emmanuel Domalanta (Lucao), bronze, -52 kg kumite; and Ron Lorenzo Domalanta (Lucao), bronze, 63kg boys kumite.

The athletes contributed a total of six gold, three silver and seven bronze medals to the team’s overall medal haul.

Some members of the Filipinas Wado Ryu, who are now representing the city in national and international events, humbly began their training in the free summer sports clinic conducted yearly under the city’s Building the Future: Developing Our Excellence in Sports (BTF: DOES IT) program.

The sports clinic was among the many youth and sports developments program created by the city government as part of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez’s bid to support and develop the city’s athletes.

Bemedaled athlete John Enrico Vasquez is one of the city’s star athletes who has represented the city in several major competitions. He accounted for two gold medals in the Philippine National Games last year, as well as bagged a silver medal for male kata during the South East Asian Karatedo Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand from April 13 to 15.

He is also a member of the Philippine Team the for Southeast Asia (SEA) Games.

Vasquez is now set to compete as a member of the Philippine Karate Team in the World Karate Federation (WKF) World Series in Canada this December. He will also be training alongside Mark Andew Manantan in Okinawa, Japan in preparation of the SEA Games which will be hosted by the country on December 6.

Meanwhile, another Balon Dagupan athlete, Jayson Ramil Macaalay will be heading to Uzbekistan to compete in the Asian Karatedo Federation (AKF) Senior Championships this July.

Macaalay also won a silver medal for Karatedo -60kg kumite during the 2017 SEA Games.

The Dagupan City-based Filipinas Wado Ryu Team has also been consistently participating in numerous international competitions. These include the Penang Peska Sukat Kombat held in Malaysia last year; the 8^th South East Asian Karatedo Championships last April 16 to 18 in Thailand; and 18^th Asian Karatedo Federation Championship last April 26 to 28 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city’s health professionals received Basic Life Support training from the Department of Health (DOH) – Region I and Region 1 Medical Center during a three-day training seminar held at the city museum from May 8 to 10.

Some 30 health professionals composed of doctors, midwives, and nurses participated in the seminar which provided lectures and hands-on training on emergency medical care.

Six modules, which included an introduction on basic life support, its guidelines and principles, rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AED) and foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO), were discussed during the first day.

The demonstration exercises on the second day also trained the health professionals on the proper techniques of CPR for infants, children and adults as well as on how to use the AED and other apparatus during crucial situations.

Lowell Ian Reolegio, a nurse from DOH – RI, underscored the importance of such trainings as it not only enhances the skills and knowledge of health professionals but also prepares them on how to respond during emergencies and calamities.

After undergoing a written and hands-on assessment on the third day, the participants received a certificate of completion as well as an ID certifying them as authorized first responders for emergency situations.

Emergencies such as those simulated during the three-day seminar are some of the many situations that are responded to by the city’s emergency response team and 24/7 response system of the Emergency 16911 Hotline.

The emergency hotline was initiated by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez in 2014 in order to provide extended emergency, disaster and police assistance to every Dagupeño.

In line with this, the city government also purchased several emergency vehicles which helped fast track rescue operations to all nearby and far-flung barangays. These include the three new fire and rescue trucks, three ambulances and nine rescue boats of the city.

To date, the Emergency 16911 has so far responded and attended to more than 4,200 emergencies since its creation in 2014, with cases ranging from medical assistance to vehicular accidents and many more. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

A LIFE-GIVING LEGACY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez (center), DOH Provincial representative Benjamin Castillo (right), City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia Rivera (left) and Liga ng mga Barangay President and Vice Mayor-elect Dean Bryan Kua (center, 2nd row), together with city councilors, formally open the Dagupan City Diagnostic Center and Lying-In Clinic beside the City Health Office. The center will provide free diagnostic services like ultrasound, X-rays and ECGs for all Dagupeños. It will also serve as a lying-in clinic that is open 24/7 for birthing mothers. (CIO photos by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city’s diagnostic center and lying-in clinic is now open to serve Dagupeños following its blessing and inauguration on May 16.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Liga ng mga Barangay President and Vice Mayor-elect Dean Bryan Kua and Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera led the ribbon-cutting ceremony that formally opened the center located beside the City Health Office in Barangay Hererro-Perez.

The new center, funded by both the city government and the Department of Health, will be offering free diagnostic services such as Ultrasound, X-rays and electrocardiograms (ECGs) to all Dagupeños.

It will also serve as a lying-in clinic that is open 24/7 for birthing mothers. The clinic can cater from eight to nine birthing mothers who can stay in the center from 24 to 48 hours post-delivery.

The two-storey building features multiple rooms including separate areas for diagnostic services, a laboratory, an animal bite treat area, labor and birthing rooms, examination room and two wards.

Mayor Fernandez disclosed that the need for the center was determined after recognizing that diagnostic services and birthing care are some of the most requested services of Dagupeños.

“Ito yung araw-araw na inilalapit ng mga tao sa atin. And our vision is to provide the health services that our people need. That’s why we want to thank the DOH for working with us for this project,” said Fernandez.

Dr. Ophelia Rivera disclosed that the city will be partnering with numerous health professionals such as radiologists, gynecologists and obstetricians in providing the needed services to Dagupeños.

“We’re very lucky here in Dagupan, because through the leadership of Mayor Belen, these health professionals will be helping us in our diagnostic center,” said Dr. Rivera.

She added that the Rotary Club of Dagupan will be donating hearing equipment for newborns to the center. A donation to be given by the Rotary Club International, a $35,000-worth of equipment, will be able to detect hearing problems of newborns, which will allow early diagnosis at an early age.

In the same occasion, the city also released ‘green cards’ to some 200 indigents and pregnant mothers in the city. The green health cards will entitle each owner to all services offered in the center and other services in the City Health Office, for free.

“We are targeting to give health cards to at least 20,000 Dagupeños. There will be no exemptions. Our vendors, our tricycle drivers and our indigents will all be receiving their own green cards. Aside from this, all of our employees, both regular and job-order, can also avail of free medical check-ups during their birthday,” added Fernandez.

Also present during the ceremonies were DOH Provincial representatives Benjamin Castillo and Amadeo Zarate, Councilors Dennis Canto, Maybelyn dela Cruz-Fernandez, Councilor-elect Michael Fernandez, Rev. Fr. Fernan Estrada, Herrero-Perez chairwoman Salvacion T. Bravo, Herrero-Perez Senior Citizens President Leonor Galla.

“We want to thank Mayor Belen Fernandez for giving us these programs that will truly benefit our constituents. Makaka-asa po kayo na tutulong po tayo sa lahat ng naumpisahan ni Mayor Belen,” added Vice Mayor-elect Kua.

Meanwhile, Councilor Dennis Canto considers the diagnostic center and lying-in clinic as one of Mayor Fernandez’s greatest programs and will be one of her many legacies in the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The athletes here are bringing more pride to the city in ways that are more than just their  medals and accomplishments.

For the past years, the achievements set by the city’s athletes have been undeniable – ending the decades-long medal drought of Dagupan in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet and cementing its sports dominance as back-to-back champions in 2018 and 2019.

The herculean feat was successfully achieved through the joint efforts between the city government and the athletes.

Through Mayor Belen T. Fernandez’s initiatives and outpouring of support, the athletes were able to sharpen their skills with unyielding determination through several sports programs.

These included the annual summer sports clinic, free swimming lessons and the regular trainings conducted under the city’s Building the Future: Developing Our Excellence in Sports (BTF: DOES IT) program.

Now, the accomplished athletes who had their humble beginnings in the said programs are working to pass it forward to their fellow youth.

John Enrico Vasquez, one of the city’s bemedaled athletes winning medals  in both national and international competitions, has taken it upon himself to train other aspiring athletes in the city.

His passion and love for sports has compelled him to give back to his community by training Karate to younger Dagupeños in the city’s annual summer sports clinic.

His efforts proved fruitful, adding another notch in his belt when he successfully produced more promising athletes.

This, after his trainees, all students from West Central Elementary School (WCES) 1, hauled numerous medals in their events during the recently concluded Batang Pinoy Luzon qualifiers last March.

Through his guidance, the city’s Karatedo team proved its mettle by hauling a total of four gold, two silver and four bronze medals in the competition.

Vasquez is joined by other star athletes and fellow Karate Philippine Team members Jayson Ram Macaalay, Mark Andrew Manantan and Matthew Manantan in training younger athletes.

At the same time, the city’s Wado Ryu girls are also following in the efforts of their fellow athletes.

Arriane Brito, Abigail Brito and Rheila Angel Duva, medal haulers during the first Karate Pilipinas National Championships, have joined fellow Wado Ryu members Rita Alexis Cuadra (Bacolod City), Khyssa Paltep (Bolinao) and Joana Paulen Singsing (Bolinao) in providing free karate training to young girls in the city.

In their own training, the Wado Ryu girls are not only encouraging young girls to take up combative sports, but are also inspiring them through their achievements that female athletes can be just as passionate and formidable as their male counterparts.

The noble act of giving back to their fellow youth stemmed from the athletes’ genuine love for both sports and community.

It is a recognition of their responsibility not just in paying forward the extensive support given to them by the city government, but also as role models for their fellow Dagupeños.

The free Karatedo training offered by the young athletes can also be availed of during the annual summer sports clinic being regularly conducted by the Dagupan City Sports Commission (DCSC).

This year’s clinic features 11 sports events, and will commence until May 30. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

FOR THE YOUTH – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez speaks to student leaders of the city during the turnover of the Balon Dagupan Teen Center on May 21. Located at the Balon Dagupan Civic Center in Poblacion Oeste, the youth center features a dance studio, boxing gym and a conference room for youth symposiums. The free amenities are devoted exclusively to the talent and skills development of the youth. (CIO photo by Jojo Tamayo)

DAGUPAN CITY – The city’s new Teen Center is now open for the youth, following a turnover ceremony on May 21.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the simple rites with DepEd officials headed by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lorna Bugayong. They were joined by officers from the Division Federated Supreme Student Government (DFSSG) and student leaders from other private and public schools.

The Teen Center, located at the Balon Dagupan Civic Center in Poblacion Oeste, features a dance studio, a boxing sports arena and a conference room, complete with sets of computers.

These free amenities are devoted exclusively to talent and skills development of the youth. The center can also be used by the youth in holding symposiums or student gatherings.

Mayor Fernandez shared how the city-funded teen center was constructed as a ‘haven’ for the youth, providing an avenue in furthering their development and away from the influence of vices.

“I was inspired by the youth centers built in other areas. I want our own youth to have a place to go to. This (center) will now serve as a place for them to convene and for them to hone their skills and talents in either sports or arts. I want this facility to always be free for the youth,” added Fernandez.

The new center is facilitated by the City Social Welfare and Development office in partnership with the Department of Education.

Irene Ferrer, CSWD Officer-in-Charge, said that aside from the amenities, there will be social workers in the center for youth seeking counseling. This is in line with the local government’s mission to zero out suicide cases in the city.

“Our social workers are ready to assist and listen to our youth if they need someone to talk to about their problems. The youth will be safe and secure here (at the Teen Center), with their confidentiality of utmost importance, ” said Ferrer.

Aside from the Teen Center, the youth may also avail of other amenities in the Balon Dagupan Civic Center including free online research in the e-Library, and sports activities with the Olympic-sized swimming pool and the lawn tennis courts which are nearing completion, among many others.

Erika Mae Pontawe, DFSSG president and a grade 12 student of Dagupan City National High School, relayed her gratitude to the mayor for another project benefiting the city’s youth.

“We want to thank Mayor Belen for this project because this is a huge benefit for us. Not only will this allow us to hold symposiums that will hone our leadership skills, but this center will allow the youth’s other interests and skills to develop and thrive,” said Pontawe.

The Balon Dagupan Teen Center is open to all youth of the city, students or non-students, who need only to register for scheduling. The youth may also able to book the center for the weekends, if necessary, once registered.  (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Balon Dagupan medalists and their respective coaches were given cash incentives by the city government as their prizes for winning in major sports competitions like the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA), Batang Pinoy Luzon Qualifying leg and Palarong Pambansa this year.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Dagupan City Sports Commission (DCSC) Vice Chair Finnela T. Sim and sports commissioners led the awarding of cash incentives to the athletes who won in their respective events during a brief ceremony at the People’s Astrodome on May 21.

Winners in the 2019 R1AA and the Batang Pinoy qualifiers received P5,000 for every gold medal, P3,000 for every silver and P2,000 for every bronze medals, while coaches and trainers received the equivalent incentive of the highest medal earned by their respective athletes.

Coaches and trainers of swimming, arnis, boxing and aerogymnastics received twice the amount as their athletes’ highest medals when the city earned the Best Performing Schools Division in these respective sports events in the 2019 R1AA.

Meanwhile, Palarong Pambansa medalists received P10,000 for every gold, P7,000 for every silver and P5,000 for every bronze medal.

“This time, you rewarded yourselves the sweetest prize of them all. You claimed a back- to-back championship in R1AA, You won competitions after competitions in Batang Pinoy, and the  Palarong Pambansa, and many more. You showered yourselves with victories,” extolled a proud Mayor Fernandez.

The Balon Dagupan athletes made plenty of history in recent sports competitions this year.

This was the second time since last year that the athletes clinched the top spot, to crown itself as back-to-back champions in the R1AA meet. This, after amassing a total of 87 gold, 64 silver and 55 bronze medals after five days of competition in Laoag City.

The athletes also clinched a total of 16 gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze medals, placing eighth overall among more than 100 delegations that saw action in the Batang Pinoy Luzon Qualifying Leg in Ilagan City, just days after their R1AA victory.

Dagupan City also recorded its biggest gold harvest in the yearly Palarong Pambansa when it amassed a total of nine gold, six silver and four bronze medals in the week-long competition held this year in Davao City.

All these stemmed from the joint efforts of the athletes’ hard work and the city government’s unwavering support.

“As City Mayor, my most important role was something you have not seen that any other Mayor did for Dagupan sports before: I was your biggest cheerleader. I felt all your pains, frustrations and disappointment. But this is no time to be sad anymore because you have proven them wrong,” added Fernandez.

Through the abundant support of the city government, the city’s athletes are working continuously in representing the city in national and international stages.

Meanwhile, three Balon Dagupan star athletes will be representing the Philippines in the coming Southeast Asia (SEA) Games. These include John Enrico Vasquez, who will be competing under the Men’s Individual Kata and Men’s Team Kata; Mark Andrew Manantan for Men’s Team Kata; and Jayson Ramil Macaalay in minus 60 kilograms Men’s Kumite.

Vasquez and Macaalay are also set to compete in the Asian Karatedo Federation (AKF) Senior Championships to be held in Uzbekistan this July.

All three athletes have also been training other aspiring athletes under the Karatedo program of the city’s summer sports clinic.

The ongoing clinic is conducted annually under the city’s Building the Future: Developing Our Excellence in Sports (BTF: DOES IT) program. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – The desilting  operations along the city’s river system have  now been stepped up with four fully operational dredging machines from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) now working in tandem in a bid to hopefully prevent any more flood in the city.

The newly repaired Dredge Visayas I is now currently at work at the mouth of the river in order to remove  the sandbars that are obstructing the natural flow of water from upstream.

With a 240-cubic meter capacity per hour, it can dredge up to 1,200 cubic meters of silt per day for a maximum of six hours.

“Dredge Visayas I was placed here at the mouth (of the river) because of its size and capacity. Right now, the flow of the river is constricted by the silt and sandbars here in Pugaro,” said DPWH Engineer Dejosis Domagas.

He added that the silt blocking the natural outlet to the sea is one major reason for the prolonged floods in the city, with the blockage delaying the normal discharge of water from areas upstream such as Sta. Barbara, Calasiao and Urdaneta.

Meanwhile, DPWH Dredge master Nestor Cabacungan disclosed that the water from upstream is bringing  along big volume of  silt that for many years contributed to the blocking of natural outflow discharge.

 “The mouth of the river is very constricted. It  measures only around 10 meters when it should be as wide as 300 meters. The water here in Dagupan and Calasiao usually overflows, that’s why we’re working to remove roughly 100 cubic meters of silt from the mouth alone,” added Cabacungan.

The Dredge Visayas I began its operations during the first week of May. Since then, it has already desilted approximately 2,500 cubic meters of silt and sand.

Cabacungan added that DPWH will continue to undertake maintenance dredging for the whole year  once the sandbars had been removed from the mouth of the river.

The restored Visayas I is now working together with three other dredging machines deployed to the city by the DP{WH. These include the Watermaster machine, the 8-2 dredge and the amphibious excavator which arrived in the city last April.

Another cutter suction dredging machine, also from the DPWH, is also set to arrive in the city from Vigan sometime this year. Upon its arrival, it will  join Dredge Visayas I in clearing out the sandbars to further fast-track the desilting operations in the city.

“DPWH is working continuously with the local government because of Mayor Belen Fernandez’s initiatives. Nakita din ng DPWH na kailangan din ng Dagupan ang maintenance dredging. Tuloy- tuloy naman ang support ng national government agencies dito sa Dagupan,” added Engr. Domagas.

Since 2014, a total of 122,000 cubic meters of silt (equivalent to sediment that could fill up almost 50 Olympic-size swimming pools) has so far been excavated through regular dredging operations.

Of this big volume, more than 7,000 truckloads of dredged sediment were used in backfilling low-lying areas through the city government’s ‘Operation Sitio’ program.

Through Mayor Belen Fernandez’s initiatives, the city government has also been strengthening its flood mitigation programs in addition to the DPWH’s desilting works.

With the support of Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia and national government agencies such as DPWH, the local government has successfully elevated roads, upgraded drainage, reinforced dikes and likewise installed floodgates in different parts of the city. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY – Another dredging machine has arrived in Dagupan to augment the continuous desilting operations of the city’s river system.

This is the Dredge 14-A  which recently arrived from Vigan City to help fast track the clearing operations of the sandbars that accumulated in the mouth of the river.

This is the second dredging machine that came from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) this year.

With a 14-inch diameter, the new cutter pump machine is also the biggest suction machine among all those currently operating in the city.

It can dredge up to a capacity of 270 cubic meters per hour or at least 1,620 cubic meters every day.

Dredge 14-A will be joining the newly-repaired Dredge Visayas I deployed in Barangay Pugaro to help improve the discharge and flow of water by clearing out the sandbars and silt at the mouth of the Calmay River.

Visayas I, which can dredge up to 240 cubic meters per hour, has so far cleared over 2,500 cubic meters of silt in the area since it began its operations this May.

Meanwhile, the three other machines deployed by DPWH to the city are also working in tandem to desilt different areas in the rivers.

The Watermaster machine continues to excavate sediment from upstream while the 8-2 dredge and the amphibious excavator are also dredging other parts of the river.

In sum, there are now five dredging machines working to desilt the city’s river system.

“We need to dredge the river because of its heavy siltation due to the water and silt coming from upstream areas. DPWH is focusing on Dagupan by giving the city five operating dredging machines that will help extract spoils and ease the flow of water. This, in turn, will help mitigate floods in the city,” said DPWH Dredgemaster Jaime Cilen.

He added that the amphibious excavator, which also arrived in the city earlier this year, has been excavating sediment equivalent to more than 1,000 sacks per day.

The dredged sediment is being used by to backfill low-lying areas, particularly in island barangays, through the city government’s ‘Operation Sitio’ program.

“We are working continuously with Dagupan because of Mayor Belen Fernandez’s initiatives. Tuloy-tuloy ang support ng national government agencies dito sa Dagupan.” added DPWH Engr. Dejosis Domagas.

Meanwhile, Mayor Fernandez thanked the DPWH for the continuous support given to the city.

“We have been continuously reaching out to the national government because resolving the flood problem in the city has always been our priority. Now, we have five dredging machines for desilting operations. We want to thank DPWH for their support dahil hindi nila tayo pinabayaan,” said Fernandez.

Since 2014, a total of 122,000 cubic meters of silt, or equivalent to sediment that could fill up almost 50 Olympic-size swimming pools, has so far been excavated through regular dredging operations. This was done just a year after Mayor Fernandez began her term as city mayor

Fernandez said that the additional boost in maintenance dredging will contribute significantly to the flood mitigation projects in the city such as elevation of roads and upgrading of drainage canals.

With the support of Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia and national agencies such as DPWH, the city has also successfully reinforced dikes and likewise installed floodgates in different parts of the city.

“Madami na tayong pagbabagong ginawa sa ating siyudad. Sana ay tuloy-tuloy ang coordination para tuluyang mabawasan ang pagbaha dito sa Dagupan. As the richest city in the region, Dagupan City now has a budget of one billion pesos. This will help in implementing the projects we already started that will ensure that our city is safe and sound,” added Fernandez. (Verdelle de Vera)