By Rex Catubig

 

THE patriotic fervor was at its crest. The centuries of unrest and uprising against two imperial powers and the gruesome resistance against a third would-be colonizer, had finally paid off. In July 4,1946, the Filipinos proudly raised its flag up high as it gained its penultimate independence.

Presumably emboldened by this euphoric development, the leaders of the then municipality of Dagupan rallied for the transformation of the town into a full-fledged city. It was a well-grounded aspiration. With the opening of the Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan at the close of the century, the coastal town had become the hub of commerce and gateway to the north of the Manila capital.

So at the behest of the town leaders led by Señores Alipio Fernandez, Angel B. Fernandez, et al, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Eugenio Perez, authored the bill that created the City Charter of Dagupan.

On June 20, 1947, Dagupan affixed to its name the lofty appellation of City.

There was much promise in this evolution. And the city leaders endeavored to make the city worthy of its name.

But it could not shake off its poblacion centered mindset. It remained a small town putting on big city shoes.

There is paranoia in expansion. In the 1960s during the term of Hon. Liberato Reyna, Sr., the mayor laid out a plan to transfer the City Hall to a wider area but farther location. But it drew much flak because the proximity of the proposed location to the residence of the mayor became suspect.

Because of that and the question on the status of the lot on which it was being built, the plan was abandoned.

Years hence, the city struggles to fit its bursting girth into its old clothes–asphyxiating a chance for growth.

In the years prior to the pandemic, then Mayor Belen Fernandez, revived the vision for Dagupan’s expansion. A master plan was drawn that recreates and transforms the city scape. It is a grandiose plan befitting a proud city. Yet, rocks were thrown at it and became a political weapon that struck down the vision and cut short the political mandate of the forward looking city leader.

This year marks the 75th year of the City Charter. It is its Diamond Jubilee.

Yet what can the city show as mark of its progress? That the dream and vision of its pioneer leaders have not been in vain? That the diamond in the rough has turned into a jewel?

I wonder if the baratillos mushrooming like parasites is the epitome of our Peter Pan self.

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