A new city hall for Dagupan

By Gonzalo Duque

KUDOS to the Sitio Tocok folk in Barangay Lucao,Dagupan City.

They already have potable water – thanks principally to Speaker Joe de Venecia, Tocok Family Association president Apring Dawana, JDV’s chief of staff in Pangasinan Engr. Nelson Sotto and other concerned LGU’s and civic-spirited citizens who have directly and indirectly helped realize it.

Efforts to construct the drinking water facility started when Benjie Lim was yet mayor. It was realized FINALLY under Mayor Al Fernandez. Actually, Barangay Captain Lino Fernandez did some initial efforts, too, when civic leader Apring Dawana was in the US. Apring, we understand, has returned to San Francisco, California with guests Angelito Reyna and Aurora Samson-Reyna and Little Shoe School proprietor Terry Hernaez.

Did you know that JDV, AIF and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez routed their political rivals by 98% in Sitio Tocok? That was Apring Dawana’s show of leadership.

* * * *

We have been following the Bugnay or Metrostate controversy for sometime now. If the city government is interested in my suggestion, it would be best that the city government took over it – and constructed   its new city hall. It’s the most logical, creative and feasible thing to do rather than abandon it to the winds because of its legal infirmities.

In the art of governance, it’s always best to view things from a positive standpoint.

Sayang yong building. Maganda, imposing and located at the heart of the city.

We know Mayor Al and Vice Mayor Belen F and her Sanggunian have a positive attitude. As of now, our city hall is hidden from public view and serves like a makeshift building. It is not very presentable. The city has no face.

The time to do it is NOW while Speaker JDV, Mayor Al and VM Belen are a great working team.

So, what are you waiting for? The beauty of the city rests in your hands, people.

* ** *

Thank you, Speaker Joe, for acknowledging our presence in your “Victory Joe” Party at the posh Jimmy Fernandez Convention Center. His better half Gina was at her most resplendent aura that evening. She spoke like she was a candidate for congress. Hindi masama, papaano naman si Mayor Al?

Manong Joe called us “the president of all colleges and universities of   the Philippines.” We almost fell from our seat because several Manila dignitaries were present including Rep. Cynthia Villar, wife of Senate President Manny Villar, Reps. Teddy Boy Locsin, Victor Agbayani, Eric Singson, Roquito Ablan, and 38 other solons. Ah, yes, Guv’nor Spines was there, too.

Anyway, magdilang anghel ang speaker natin!

Napakaganda ang convention center ni Belen, ano? Tamang-tama ang location as it will be traversed by the Dawel, Pantal, Lucao alternate highway.

Gaganda pa ang ciudad.Very lucky since Mayor Al, Kapitan Lino and Dagupan folk nito. No less than JDV announced that the multimillion alternate highway will be finished in June next year.

      Thank you, Mr. Speaker! Congrats, Dagupeños!

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/)

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