By Eva C. Visperas

 

AS I sat among the guests inside the CSI Stadia that morning, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet pride — the kind that wells up when you see your city standing a little taller, its heart beating a little stronger. Mayor Belen Fernandez was about to deliver her First 100 Days report, and as the lights dimmed and the video played, one could sense the collective breath of Dagupan — hopeful, watchful, and proud.

From the very start, Mayor Belen spoke with the same candor and conviction that have marked her years in public service. “We are here to serve — with transparency, with compassion, and with results,” she declared, her voice firm yet motherly, reminding us all that leadership, at its core, is stewardship. It wasn’t just a speech. It was a reaffirmation of a covenant — between a leader and her people.

Her report wasn’t merely a list of accomplishments. It was a story — our story. She spoke of roads repaired and flood control projects underway, of classrooms brightened and small businesses revived, of farmers and fisherfolk finding new strength in programs designed to uplift and empower. “Each day,” she said, “we try to make life a little better for every Dagupeño.”

And indeed, the changes are visible. Listening to her, I thought of how leadership, when guided by purpose, becomes transformative. It’s not just about what is done, but how it is done — with integrity, empathy, and faith.

Mayor Belen’s brand of governance has always been rooted in malasakit — that Filipino word that means more than compassion; it means feeling the people’s pain as your own. She shared how she continues to reach out to those who have the least, whether through medical assistance, scholarship support, or livelihood programs. “Walang maiiwan sa Dagupan,” she vowed — a promise that carries both the weight of responsibility and the warmth of sincerity.

There was also humility in her words. She acknowledged challenges — the city’s recurring floods, the need for better waste management, the ongoing struggle to modernize systems without leaving anyone behind. But even in admitting the work still to be done, she radiated determination. “We will not stop until every Dagupeño feels the change,” she said. That line lingered long after the applause faded.

Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua took the stage with the same spirit of purpose and gratitude.

His report showed a productive Sangguniang Panlungsod that mirrors Mayor Belen’s drive for progress. “Perfect attendance tayo sa 27 regular and 3 special sessions,” he shared — proof of a council that works. In just 100 days, they passed 32 ordinances and 175 resolutions — a 240% improvement from before. “Pag walang sagabal, progreso ay hindi mabagal,” he quipped, earning applause.

From health to education, the Vice Mayor cited ordinances that truly touch people’s lives — from fighting child malnutrition and expanding free healthcare to raising city scholars to 6,000. He also announced the new tricycle fare matrix for fair pricing and accountability, and proudly noted the city’s earliest annual budget in history, ₱1.838 billion. “Ayaw na natin sa delay,” he said — a clear call for no red tape, just results.

What stood out most was the Vice Mayor’s acknowledgment of teamwork.

As I looked around the audience, I saw faces that mirrored belief. Belief that this city, our city, is moving forward. That faith in good governance can still thrive when nurtured by honesty and heart.

In those 100 days, Mayor Belen and Vice Mayor Dean Bryan showed what it means to lead with both strength and softness — firm in decisions, but gentle in dealing with people.

As the program ended and the crowd rose in applause, I found myself whispering one of Mayor Belen’s “Punchlines” back to myself: “Ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi trabaho — ito ay pagmamahal.”

A hundred days may not be enough to change everything, but it’s enough to light a path and rekindle trust. And in that moment, under the glow of the Stadia lights, I felt proud to be a witness — not just to a report, but to a renewal. A renewal of faith, of service, and of hope.

Dagupan, under this partnership of heart and harmony, is not just rebuilding. It is believing again.