MAYOR Belen Fernandez’s announcement that the Maternity and Children’s Hospital will finally be realized this year is more than just good news—it is a long-overdue victory for the people of Dagupan. A jubilant reaction from mothers and families across the city reflects not only relief but also vindication after years…

THE debate over the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant in Labrador has quickly divided public opinion, almost evenly, into those who welcome the idea and those who oppose it. Supporters look ahead with optimism, imagining cheaper—perhaps even free—electricity and the promise of jobs once construction begins. Opponents, on…

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…

IN 2025, our community faced calamities of a different kind. Dagupan City and the province of Pangasinan were battered by a series of devastating typhoons that unleashed deadly floods. Lives were risked, livelihoods destroyed, and the poor—once again—were pushed deeper into hardship. The damage appeared incalculable, but amid the devastation,…

AS we celebrate the joy and quiet wonder of the Yuletide season, The Sunday Punch extends its heartfelt wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to its readers, partners, and the communities we serve. Christmas comes each year wrapped in familiar settings—lights, songs, greetings, and gatherings—but beneath…

RiISING electricity costs in the Philippines have become a heavy burden for millions, stifling economic growth and discouraging foreign investment that could create jobs and drive essential development. In light of this challenge, the government is considering nuclear power as a potential solution, particularly with a proposed facility in Labrador….

THE claim regarding a nonexistent flood control project in Barangay Sto. Tomas, San Jacinto, Pangasinan, has been refuted by the barangay council itself. In a definitive statement, the council passed Resolution No. 12, Series of 2025, clarifying that there is no ghost flood control project in their jurisdiction, contrary to…

RECENT reports indicating that the country’s intelligence community is investigating claims of foreign funding for past anti-government protests versus corruption have reignited widespread concerns regarding foreign interference in Philippine politics. Many observers interpret this inquiry as a reaffirmation of long-held suspicions that external forces are seeking to manipulate domestic affairs,…

WHILE political will is essential in shaping national policy, it is ultimately the scientists—not politicians—who must determine where nuclear power plants can be safely built. Such decisions require rigorous, unbiased, comprehensive scientific analysis, and above all caution. Recent reports claim that, at the initiative of 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco,…

THE series of natural calamities that have struck our nation—the latest being Super Typhoon Uwan (International name: Fung Wong)—has once again tested the resilience of the Filipino spirit. For millions of ordinary citizens, especially those still struggling to rise from poverty, these disasters have deepened their hardships and despair. In…