Deretsahan
Mayor Belen, ikaw na!
By Bebot Villar
SHE did it before. She did it again in this year’s Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) awardee as most outstanding mayor, and the only one at that in the whole country, for her anti-illegal drugs advocacy.
November 22, 2013 marked another great day for Hon. Mayor Belen Fernandez of Dagupan City. She was honored as such sa annual DDB anniversary celebration.
Maganda ang kanyang itinanim na commitment sa anti-illegal drugs drive. DDB through your friend in this corner, as its chairman, recognized the good job she was doing noong vice mayor pa lamang sya, kaya now she is now reaping the fruits of her sacrifices. From her pro-youth programs, particularly the numerous seminars to educate the youth on the ill effects of drugs, and her advocacy for education, sports and others, then Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez already carved a legacy. I know this because she selflessly heeded our call for a united drive to stop the drug menace.
When she was excluded from the city anti-drug abuse council for obvious reasons, she was undaunted and was even more challenged to prove to all na kaya niyang protektahanan ang kabataan maski na gumastos siya sa sarili niyang bulsa.
We asked around schools in Dagupan City about her projects and they were one in saying na grabe ang malasakit nya sa mga kabataan. Hindi daw tumitigil ang mga programa na she started noong vice mayor pa siya. Kaya I know we didn’t make a mistake to honor her as Most Outstanding Vice Mayor sa buong bansa for her anti-illegal drugs campaign. Kitang-kita naman talaga ang ebidensiya.
Truth is, it was because of her kaya nagbigay ang DDB ng initial na P10-million to help construct the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (TRC) in Dagupan City when she as vice mayor pa when she asked for help. I didn’t have to think twice to grant her request agad. Kaya as soon as the check was ready, agad ko na siyang pinatawag sa DDB office to receive the amount which she readily turned over to the Region 1 Medical Center management that administered its implementation.
Yong iba, pag nakatanggap na ng award ay titigil na but not Mayor Belen kaya nga saludo kami sa kanya. Katunayan, as soon as she was elected mayor she immediately presented ng kanyang mga plano to sustain her anti-illegal drugs program.
Dahil we believe in her capability, leadership and dedication, binigyan din agad ng DDB ng additional na P5-million to augment DDB’s initial financial aid for the TRC. And a third tranche is forthcoming as soon as the liquidation of the last release would have been submitted because alam namin na isa ito sa mga programs ni Mayor Belen and we are one with her.
I am told na yesterday, Nov. 23, there was a big march around downtown Dagupan by students and teachers ang scheduled para sa Anti-Smoking, Alcohol and Drug-Free Dagupan, a continuation of similar activity of the Mayor Belen last year. This is an effective education campaign against illegal drugs dahil thousands attend.
Then, with the help of the city’s police chief, P/Supt. Christopher Abrahano, the barangay anti-drug abuse councils are being organized na to strengthen ang ating national campaign. We also honored him sa aming anniversary because we also recognize the invaluable support of the city’s police force, mula sa pagtugis sa mga suspected drug dealers, confiscation of the illegal substance, clearing of drug-influenced barangays, supply and demand reduction.
We are aware that much remains to be done in Dagupan before we can say that it is truly drug-free. But right now, we can see it is going in that direction kaya’t panatag ang aking kalooban.
If only lahat ng mayors sa Pangasinan ay kagaya ni Mayor Belen sa dedication in the fight vs. illegal drugs, I’m sure lalayasan ng mga drug pushers ang probinsiya natin. Sana nga hindi lang sa mga infrastructure projects mag-invest ng kanilang pondo at isama ang campaing vs. illegal drugs para makakatulog ang probinsya ng mahimbing dahil kasama kaming partners nila.
Walang ngang kita or SOP sa anti-illegal drugs campaign but in return, mapayapa at magandang kinabukasan ang naghihintay sa inyong mga anak kapag matagumpay nating gawing drug-free ang ating society eventually.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
