Pinablin Ama na Dagupan: Mayor Al

If one would talk about one iconic politician in the history of Dagupan City, the name Alipio Fernandez Jr. would easily come to mind.

His entry into politics in his early youth was immediately welcomed by Dagupeños in 1971 as a councilor. Blessed with a charismatic yet easy-mannered personality, his infectious commitment to serve endeared him to Dagupeños. He topped the race for a seat in the city council. From thereon, his colorful career in politics and public service had been remarkable that few past Dagupan politicians could equal.  His peers in politics and civic groups were one in acknowledging his leadership and commitment to public service.

Thousands of those who worked with him, touched by his never-ending search for better life for his constituents, would be quick to recall his friendly, easy smile and patience to listen intently to all who needed to be listened to.

At 75, those know him too well will agree that Mayor Al is a class by himself. Many regarded him as a visionary, a dependable and loyal ally, their tutor and best friend.

This was the Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. of the baby-boomers generation that lived his life to the fullest for the country, his people and his city, and his family. And SUNDAY PUNCH is proud to have had the privilege to have shared his vision from the beginning with the people, to the end in the Lord’s loving embrace.

 

Back in Asiad

WITH the unmistakable imprimatur of President Duterte, our basketball team is back in the Asian Games Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.

Give credit to Bong Go, the special assistant to the President, who successfully convinced Al Panlilio (president, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas), Willie Marcial (commissioner, Philippine Basketball Association) and Ricky Vargas (president, Philippine Olympic Committee) to drop their original decision skipping the Asiad basketball.  It instantly drew praises from a nation madly in love with basketball since time immemorial.  We may not be competitive but the sports tenet, “it is not in the winning, but in the competing,” was in play in the change of heart.

Let this be a lesson and serve as a beacon in crafting future decisions concerning international competitions.  Sports fosters brotherhood among nations.  Everything begins and ends in that dictum.

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