Remembering Dagupan’s “unsinkable spirit”
FORMER Undersecretary Dante M. Velasco cited the “unsinkable spirit” of fellow Dagupenos, as he urged them to prepare a “sustainable program for the New Normal.”
He made the call during the Agew na Dagupan celebration at the CSI Stadia last June 20 even as explained that the “new normal” is a countrywide condition of calamities and disasters which will visit the country – and Dagupan City – in unexpected times.
He recalled that Dagupenos are now renowned as a people who can competently and courageously face disasters such as typhoons, floods, earthquakes and even storm surges – “because we have emerged wiser and better” after going through these conditions that tested Dagupenos indomitable spirit.
Velasco commended Mayor Belen T. Fernandez for her forward-looking policy in preparing the city for any such calamitous conditions. He focused on the disaster preparedness center in the City “which is the most instrumented facility” in North Luzon.
In times of calamity, we are prepared, Velasco said. In times of peace and prosperity, we further build our city to become the most modern metropolis in North Luzon, he added.
Velasco urged his kababayans to take utmost care of the “legendary Pantal River,” which has vaster potentials for tourism, transport and food security.
Equipped with a powerpoint presentation, he described how the Nile River of Cairo is well-taken care of by the Egyptians. Their simple explanation: “The Nile is their source of life and livelihood.”
He recalled the collective response of the Dagupenos in the aftermath of the killer earthquake of 1990, when the Perez Bridge collapsed and many houses and business establishments sank many feet under.
He remembered speaking before a combined audience of Rotarians, who were one in saying that “we are unsinkable.”
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