DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen Fernandez revealed her accomplishments in the past year during her annual State-of-the-City Address with the theme "Sulong Dagupan" (Forward Dagupan) on March 18 at the CSI Stadia here.
FERNANDEZ (Liezle Basa-Inigo)
Fernandez said her main goal is to make a difference and do good during her term.
She said her leadership is not centered on the desire to remember but on creating a positive impact on the lives of the people here.
She vowed to liberate the people from poverty, maintain health, accelerate development, bring government closer, and prioritize the poor.
Fernandez said Dagupan has emerged from the devastating earthquake on July 16, 1990.
She said that Dagupan is in the golden age of infrastructure development where many projects have been completed and currently underway in various barangays.
Fernandez said education remains a top priority as shown by the “Iskolar Bawat Pamilya” (Scholar for every Family) program with an annual funding of P200 million that continues to provide opportunities for many youth here to attend college.
The number of scholars has increased from 1,386 in 2022 to nearly 5,000 and the city government is providing cash incentives to outstanding and best graduating students.
The total investment in education, including scholarships, construction, and repair of schools, and other support is expected to exceed P1.5 billion.
The city government continues to provide health services to citizens from 92,749 in 2022 to 310,285 in 2024.
Fernandez assured that Dagupan remains safe and peaceful with the help of the various departments and agencies of the city.
The city government has acquired new vehicles and equipment for disaster response.
Fernandez lauded the excellence and dedication of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Dagupan City Police Station in maintaining order and safety in the city.
Fernandez thanked the people for their trust and support.