YEAR 2016 was a year of victory for everyone, the children, persons with disabilities, the teachers, fisher folk, informal settlers, the poor and the marginalized sector.

This was how Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez viewed the year that passed during the Balon Dagupan Gala Night, December 26.

“The Good Lord has blessed us and our plans as we endeavored to achieve so much for our city in terms of improved public services, better healthcare, better infrastructure, improved governance, among others and looked at our city with kindness and faith. This is the reason we are gathered for this celebration,” Fernandez said.

“Subalit para sa akin, ang mas makabuluhang kasaysayan ay ang pagsama-sama nating pag-ikot sa kasaysayan at magpahanggang  ngayon ay magkasama pa rin tayo — nakatayo, nakatindig, mas malakas, mas matatag, mas masigla, mas masaya,” she added.

Fernandez said she is humbled by the thought that more Dagupeños are working harder because they believe in her, and trust that her leadership will make a big difference for them.

“Balon Dagupan is not just a fancy word — it is the beating of the heart of every Dagupeno who dreams of what our city should be — modern, forward-looking, confident, decisive, and sensitive to needs and the pursuit of happiness of our people. We have overcome many obstacles, we have shunned our critics, and we have triumphed over many adversities — these we have done because you believe in our vision. You believe that we can make history,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez also acknowledged the contributions of overseas Dagupeños, the   balikbayans and the OFWs who found opportunities to work and sacrifice for the city’s benfits.

“Please know that we dedicate this evening (Balon Dagupan Gala Night) to our balikbayans through our annual Pawil Dagupan program. They who miss the crows of roosters that greet them every morning… they who miss the quiet lullaby of our clean and pristine waters,” the mayor said.

As the city celebrates its platinum year next year, Fernandez expressed optimism that the coming year “shall be a great time to be a Dagupeño”.

“With the enduring love, faith and blessings of our Almighty, and with all of your support and commitment to our shared enterprise in good government, I believe that we shall write another good story in the great pages of our next history in the City of Dagupan,” she said. (With report from (CIO/ JCB)

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