FIRST 100 DAYS REPORT

MAYOR Belen Fernandez has confirmed that the decades-old Bonuan dumpsite—long considered one of Dagupan’s biggest environmental problems—is now completely cleared.

She credited this achievement to the cooperation of the current Sangguniang Panlungsod, which she described as “devoid of obstructionists,” unlike in previous years. The city council, led by Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, includes 11 of 12 members allied with the mayor.

Speaking before residents during a special city council session at CSI Stadia on October 29, Fernandez cited the clearing and rehabilitation of the dumpsite as among her significant accomplishments in her first 100 days in office. The site is now being transformed into a “fun site” and tree park, envisioned as the first of its kind in Pangasinan.

The dumpsite, located just a few meters from the sea, had been closed for more than a year as part of efforts to eliminate a 60-year-old environmental hazard. During that time, tons of garbage were hauled to the Urdaneta City sanitary landfill for final disposal.

A photo shown during her speech revealed that the former mounds of waste have disappeared. The ground is now leveled and covered with sand, gravel, and soil in preparation for tree planting.

Fernandez said around 3,000 trees—comprising acacia, coconut, and other species—have already been planted and are growing well. These were planted during two major tree-planting events held during the city’s foundation day on June 20 and in September.

She added that current waste from homes, markets, and establishments is now directly transported to the Urdaneta landfill, supporting the city’s zero-waste initiative.

In just 100 days, about 19,600 tons of garbage were removed from the dumpsite using new equipment purchased with city funds approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, including a payloader, backhoe, and seven dump trucks.

To improve waste management, the City Waste Management Division now operates a plastic shredder, glass pulverizer, and bailing machines to compact recyclables before sending them to the Holcim Philippines cement plant. Under a 2022 memorandum of agreement, these materials are used as alternative fuel or raw material in cement production.

Strict waste segregation is also being enforced in all barangays to sustain the zero-waste campaign.

With the dumpsite gone, the nearby Tondaligan Ferdinand Park is emerging as a major tourism hub, featuring the One Bonuan Pavilion, Skate Park, Senior Citizen Center, and the MacArthur Museum—some completed, others under construction.

The park, named after former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, has become a popular attraction for both local and national visitors. (Leonardo Micua)