THE Filipino people stand united in their hope that 2026 will be a year of healing and progress, especially following the devastation of 2025, marked by natural disasters like typhoons, floods, and earthquakes that tragically claimed lives and worsened the plight of the poor and farmers.

As we look ahead to 2026, it is seen as a critical year for accountability, with expectations that those implicated in corrupt flood control projects—benefiting officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, contractors, and certain lawmakers—will finally face charges for plunder, misappropriation of public funds, and falsification of official documents.

However, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), established by President Marcos to investigate these irregularities, appears to be on the verge of disintegration, with only one commissioner remaining after two resignations.

Under President Marcos’s leadership, it seems that efforts to undermine his administration will persist into 2026, as his political opponents push for his resignation.

As the new year unfolds, the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are anticipated to begin by February, regardless of the leadership changes in the House, which now require senators to assume the role of judges in the impeachment court.

In Pangasinan, discussions surrounding the proposed nuclear power plant in Labrador are set to intensify, particularly with an upcoming anti-nuclear protest planned at the parish church in early January, opposing a recent signature campaign advocating for the facility’s establishment.

If Governor Ramon Guico III aims to maintain a neutral stance in this heated debate, it may not sit well with Second District Representative Mark Cojuangco, the primary advocate for the nuclear project, potentially threatening their political alliance.

Cojuangco may consider contesting Guico’s bid for a third gubernatorial term in the province.

In 2026, Dagupan City is optimistic about finally closing its garbage dump site in Bonuan and transforming it into a recreational area. While the new city hall is projected for completion, additional funding will be crucial to achieve that goal within the year.

After enduring severe flooding three times in 2025, Dagupan will still prioritize flood mitigation efforts in 2026, with enhanced support from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), focusing on the elevation of major roads, such as those done between 2024 and 2025.

In closing, while the outlook for the nation and province appears more promising, collective action and cooperation among all Filipinos will be essential to turn these positive aspirations into reality.#