VM Belen to U. S. Dagupenos: “I can work with anyone”

By Sunday PunchJuly 12, 2010Advertisement, People & Events, Punch Gallery

VICE Mayor Belen Fernandez has assured the Dagupeno community in Southern California that she will sustain the gains she and former mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. achieved and vowed to work with the present leadership despite their political differences.

“I have said time and again that I can work with anyone,” the vice mayor said in her speech before the officers and members of Greater Dagupan City Association of California led by its president, Milagros Maramba.

Fernandez was recently in the United States after winning a second term to meet the Dagupeño community there.

She acknowledged that residents seem worried that the city’s development would be affected by the fact that the majority of the city council members belong to Liberal Party, the party in opposition to that of Mayor Benjamin Lim.

“I am sure the good mayor and I will find common grounds. After all, we have similarly promised to bring Dagupan to its former glory if not, even higher grounds,” she said.

Meanwhile, she vowed to remain steadfast to the pledges she made in the last elections, including opposing attempts to impose more or higher local taxes, blocking the procurement of unnecessary loans, and to check instances of corruption, if any, in the city government.

Fernandez said the new Sanggunian will continue working with the local heroes –the tricycle and jeepney drivers, the market and street vendors, teachers, local businessmen and local government employees.

She said their suggestions, expressions of appreciation or gratitude and even complaints will continue to guide her in each decision she makes.

“I shall never waver in pursuing everything that I pledged,” she said.

Fernandez also lifted hopes of the US-based Dagupeños for a better economy citing the government under the watch of President Benigno Aquino III whose platform she supports.

“We can all look forward to a better Philippines in the next 6 years,” she said.

Mila Maramba, president of the Greater Dagupan City Association of California with Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, the organization’s guest of honor and speaker during its induction program on June 19.

Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez joins the officers and members of the Greater Dagupan City Association of California following their induction program.