The Dagupan City government has turned over 17 brand-new service vehicles to key offices to strengthen public service delivery. Mayor Belen T. Fernandez led the blessing and turnover ceremony on December 23 at the City Plaza, officiated by Rev. Msgr. Manuel S. Bravo Jr.

The fleet includes a mobile bangus products center for the City Agriculture Office, six six-wheeler dump trucks for waste management, and 10 Toyota Tamaraw FX units for disaster response assigned to selected barangays. Mayor Fernandez said the new vehicles will improve mobility, ensure faster response, and enhance efficiency in serving Dagupeños, reaffirming the city’s commitment to public safety and welfare.

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The city pushes for zero-casualty holidays

THE Dagupan City government has reaffirmed its zero-casualty goal with the launch of the “Iwas Paputok at Ligtas Christmas 2025” campaign on December 23 at the City Plaza, under the theme “Buhay ay Ingatan, Paputok ay Iwasan.” The program promotes the use of torotot and other safe noisemakers as alternatives to firecrackers to protect families, especially children, during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Led by Mayor Belen Fernandez, local officials and representatives of national agencies signed a commitment wall to signify their unified stand for a safer holiday season. Fernandez stressed that every signature is a pledge of accountability to prioritize life, enforce discipline, and ensure that no one is hurt or endangered in the city.

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Dagupan honors Victorio Edades

THE city honored National Artist Victorio Edades, hailed as the Father of Modern Philippine Art, during a wreath-laying ceremony on Tuesday, December 23, at Barangay Bolosan. Mayor Belen Fernandez led the simple but meaningful rites, joined by Councilor Michael Fernandez, Director Rex Catubig, Barangay Captain Nancy Morris, village officials, and members of the Edades family.

Born in Dagupan in 1895, Edades defied classical artistic norms by choosing realism over idealized forms. Despite harsh criticism of his bold colors and unconventional style, he remained steadfast in his belief that art reflects real life, inspiring generations of Filipino artists and leaving a lasting national legacy.