FERNANDEZ (Liezle Basa-Inigo)
DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen Fernandez reported strong economic performance, improved governance systems, and major infrastructure developments during her 2026 State-of-the-City Address (SOCA) on June 30 at CSI Stadia Lucao.
Fernandez said the city’s progress is the result of “responsible governance, principled leadership, and a commitment to fulfill promises made to the people.”
The mayor said Dagupan has reached its goal of becoming a P2-billion economy ahead of its 2030 target, with the city’s financial capacity projected at P2.086 billion in 2027.
In the first five months of the year, this city collected P437 million, with business taxes reaching P257 million, higher than the previous year.
Fernandez said these figures show that “business is growing, the economy is expanding, and trust in Dagupan is strengthening.”
The One Stop Business Center has allowed people to apply, renew, and pay permits and taxes both onsite and online, resulting in increased collections from business permits, real property taxes, and other fees, and sped up investment approvals through the city’s Investment and Development Board, she added.
Fernandez recognized newly appointed City Fire Marshal Fire Chief Inspector Michael C. Samera for significantly reducing the processing time of Fire Safety Inspection Certificates—from several months to as fast as one week—aligning with national directives to eliminate red tape and corruption.
This city has completed over 200 infrastructure projects worth P500 million in partnership with national government agencies.
Fernandez said all city programs are anchored on improving the lives of every Dagupeño.
“The best years of our city are still ahead of us,” Fernandez said, adding that the true measure of a city is not its buildings or roads, but the opportunities and dignity it creates for its people.