More simple fiestas, Bangus Fests seen
IN CASH-STRAPPED DAGUPAN
DAGUPEÑOS should expect an austere fiesta celebration in December as the incoming administration of Mayor-elect Belen Fernandez struggles to manage the city’s deficient finances.
Fernandez, currently on an acting-mayor capacity, said in a press conference last week that the outgoing administration of Mayor Benjamin Lim spent too much in the previous years’ city fiesta held annually from December 16 to 30.
She added that too much of the people’s money were likewise spent for the annual Bangus Festival held from April 16 to May 1.
Fernandez reported that she was surprised to learn from records that in the last Bangus Festival, the city spent a total of P9 million and another P9 million during last year’s Dagupan City Fiesta, with the spending for both occasions still unliquidated.
The annual expense budget under Mayor Al Fernandez’s term for the fiesta and Bangus Festival was only P3 million each time.
The P9 million withdrawn from the city coffers include the P1.7 million being charged by employees as overtime pay during the Bangus Festival, she clarified.
Funds contributed by corporate sponsors and income from stall rentals in the baratilyo are also unaccounted for.
BANNER YEARS
Fernandez vowed that under her watch, every centavo spent and earned during festivals will be accounted for.
Fernandez also stressed that the cost-cutting measures will not mean combining the two celebrations.
She said these two festivals have their own purposes — the fiesta to commemorate the feast of St. John the Evangelist, the patron saint of Dagupan, while the Bangus Festival is intended to attract tourists and promote milkfish, the city’s number one agricultural product.
At the same time, Fernandez vowed to give Dagupan its “banner years” during her three-year term.
Addressing some 6,000 people, mostly students, teachers, government officials and employees, during the commemorative program for the 66th Agew na Dagupan at the People’s Astrodome on June 20, Fernandez urged everyone to help in rebuilding the city.
“Sa tulong ng mga tunay na civil servants kagaya po ninyo, handa po ang inyong pamahalaan na tumugon sa hamong ito,” Fernandez said.
“Tapos na po ang halalan kaya itigil na po natin sana ang hidwaan. Magkaisa na po tayo para sa mahal nating Dagupan,” she added.
To effect change and to ensure that Dagupan will reclaim its once revered reputation as one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines, Fernandez said she will start with a road map that will serve as the framework for day-to-day activities.
“Asahan po ninyo that I will stand fully committed to uphold your shared vision and mission not only as your elected mayor but also as an exemplary citizen of Dagupan,” Fernandez said.
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