FVR made Pangasinenses proud
By Ermin Garcia Jr.
PANGASINAN lost its very first son that became President, a legacy on its own that history has kept a full journal of what made Pangasinenses fully proud of Fidel V. Ramos.
Early on, some Pangasinenses expressed dismay over the perceived failure of the Ramos administration to pour billions of infrastructure projects into the province, much like what Ferdinand Marcos for Ilocos region, Cory Aquino and NoyNoy Aquino did for Tarlac and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo did for Pampanga, Joseph Estrada for NCR. Little did they know about what made FVR a different and a true nationalist statesman and a leader to all.
Having served in Korea and Vietnam initially, he already saw how communities outside urban areas suffered because of narrow-minded views of political leaders. As chief of the then police and constabulary, he saw how corruption and inept governance in the countryside left many communities wanting for government attention. Apparently, it was what shaped his vision for the Philippines: to see the rest of the country equally share the fruits of economic progress and peace with those left behind in more than 2 decades.
For a while, I, too, wondered what was keeping FVR from doing what was expected of him until I heard him address a symposium in Urdaneta City. He was on point when he said he was aware of Pangasinan’s expectations and that he had not forgotten nor ignored these. Then he asked for more time and understanding… because Mindanao needed more government support than Pangasinan. (I never heard that from a president, except PRRD but he’s from Mindanao).
His candor at that very moment made everyone in the audience realize that FVR was not the traditional politico who would say anything to butter up to an audience, and have everyone clapping for it. He was different. He was a president trying to make a difference for all Filipinos.
That moment made me feel proud that a Pangasinense like FVR was showing the way to make the country survive and move on to greater heights. And he stressed it with his signature hand sign, and intoned “Kaya natin ito”! The audience responded “Oo, kaya!”
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COMMITTING TO RESPONSIBLE MINING. Three months ago came the news that two more firms are seeking permits to mine the Lingayen Gulf for magnate or black sand after the approval of the applications of Iron, Ore, Gold and Vanadium Resources Inc. and Altamina Exploration Resources to mine in the gulf for 25 years!!
The report from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR identified Ferro Resources Corporation and Pangasinan Ferro Resources Corp. had pending applications for a contract involving financial and technical assistance for large-scale exploration of natural resources.
In sum, the mining exploration will impact on coastal areas in five towns and one city in Pangasinan. (To be affected in Ilocos Sur are 15 towns, three towns in Ilocos Norte).
Perhaps, there is little or nothing that protests can do to stop the mining but there is something that our provincial government can exact from the mining companies – to do responsible mining!
It means, Pangasinan must detail precisely what protection the coastal areas must have and what the mining companies must do to compensate fisherfolks that will be affected.
Our provincial government need not look far for models of responsible mining in the country. The one mining company in the country that has won recognition here and overseas for its responsible mining practices is the Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) under who’s wing operates five mining companies. NAC was one of the first ASEAN companies cited for practicing environmentally, socially and responsible mining operations by Annual Traditional Mine Safety and Environment Conference.
Our provincial government should exact commitments from the mining companies for specific contributions in real terms for the benefit of the coastal communities that will be affected, activities that are doable and deliverable given the experiences of NAC in dealing with the impacted communities.
One such commitment is for the establishment of a foundation in each town that will be funded to plan and implement projects on livelihood, education programs for the youth, health programs to complement local government initiatives, environmental programs to help communities cope with natural disasters.
A visit to the NAC headquarters in BGC, Taguig by members of the provincial board and mayors of the 5 towns and city will easily enlighten them on what can be done this early to ensure protection of the coastal communities. They should see Mr. Jose B. Baylon, VP for corporate affairs for a discussion.
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SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS. We, the PUNCH family, always look forward to July as special month, it being the month when my father dared to publish and edit a “pocket-size newspaper” then unknown in 1956. He dreamed of it and made a go for it with little cash in his pocket. He was the entrepreneur journalist with a difference – profit was not a motive.
Well, little did we know that another institution in the city also looks forward to celebrating its founding every July – the Star Plaza Hotel! Dagupan’s pioneer 4-star hotel, marked its 27th year last July as well.
I must say, how Star Plaza resurged after a long period of lockdown due to the Covid pandemic was impressive. As if maintaining the hotel facilities and the building with no business in sight during the lockdown was not challenging enough, Star Plaza reopened its doors this year with newly renovated rooms, lobby and function rooms (KTV)! Its list of food menu is longer and quality has not diminished one bit. Kudos to the management led by owner Charlie Ngo. His entrepreneurial skills should inspire the young in the city, who started from a motorcycle trading business (and still lucrative today).
Our universities in the city that boast of their business courses should invite successful entrepreneurs like Charlie to forums where their experiences can be shared and learned from.
Include Mayor Belen Fernandez who made the once little-known City Grocery grow into CSI Group of Companies.
Look at the Guanzon enterprises, Magic Group of Companies, Filco, Taya’s Hardware, Marigold, Dagupeña, Rubis, Matutina, De Luxe and Silverios are now popular restaurants, colleges became Lyceum-Northwestern University, University of Luzon, Universidad de Dagupan, clinics became Villaflor Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Dy Auto Supply, Sanitary Bakery, Unique Lumber, Zuñiga Jewelry, to name a few that started in 50s-70s, all initially run by the first generation of entrepreneurs, now run by their scions elevating the status and profitability of their companies to greater heights never imagined by their predecessors, mainly hardworking parents .
The later generations fostered successful establishments in Dagupan brought about by their daring entrepreneurial spirits like BHF, Centrum gas stations, Orthopedic Hospital, Medical City, La Sallete School, LaMarea School, GNS, Dan’s Auto Supply, Bok Shoes, Ciudad Elmina, Bread House, Mang Peping, Sidney, Silantro, Panaderia Antonio (boundary of Calasiao) and Plato Wrap, and Mamalol’s all have interesting stories to tell as well.
There are the professionals, too, that have become institutions in their own right as lawyers, architects, engineers, teachers, doctors, journalists, etc. A quick check alone with residents will list the names.
Hopefully, The PUNCH can do a special series on them in future issues. (Wanted: A feature writer with a business sense). In many ways, it can be said it was they who helped Dagupan grow to what it is today – a major city in the north and central Luzon!
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