AFTER declaring a state of calamity for Dagupan City last July 23 in a special session held at the People’s Astrodome as the city hall had become inaccessible because of flooding, the Sanggunian Panlungsod (SP) cancelled all its regular sessions and committee hearings in the last week of July.

SP’s last cancellation of its session and hearings was last July 31, when it was no longer raining, but some parts of the city, including the Central Business District along A.B. Fernandez Avenue, still had floodwater.

Jeepneys were able to resume plying their routes in the downtown area starting July 30.

Councilor Luis Samson Jr. confirmed there was still no session because the flood has not yet completely receded.

Since July 24,  Mayor Belen Fernandez declared a suspension of face-to-face classes in all schools and work in all offices of the city government, except those whose services are essential during emergency and calamity situations.

The SP, now composed of eleven councilors who are allies of the current city administration and only one from the minority, holds sessions twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and committee hearings after every session that is open to the public.

In contrast, the past Sangguniang, controlled by seven councilors opposed to the mayor, was holding sessions only once a week and committee hearings only after every session, all closed doors.

With their sessions and committee hearings cancelled, councilors were on the ground to assist in rescue and relief operations in different barangays in support of the mayor. (Leonardo Micua) 

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