DAGUPAN Mayor Belen Fernandez led local and national officials in laying a wreath at the foot of the monument of the late Speaker Eugenio Perez, author of Republic Act 170 that created the city of Dagupan on June 20, 1947, in commemoration of his 128th birth anniversary.

In her speech during the gathering at the Perez Market Site, she took a swipe at the seven opposition councilors who, as a majority in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, have been using their power to obstruct programs and projects for the city by delaying or rejecting ordinances and resolutions.

Noting that Dagupan was the first municipality in northern Luzon after Baguio to have attained cityhood, Fernandez said that if the late Speaker were still around today, he would surely be aghast and condemn the conduct of some of Dagupan’s current officials.

“Hindi ito ang kanyang matayog na pangarap para sa una at premyadong lungsod sa Pangasinan,” the mayor said, noting that the late Speaker Perez dreamt Dagupan to be progressive, peaceful and a “pacesetter to all aspects of life.”

Though he was from Sitio Obong in the old barrio of Basista in the then municipality of San Carlos, Fernandez said Speaker Perez’ overarching love for Dagupan cannot be measured.

The late statesman, she said, envisioned the city as a place “where we can harness the powerful engine of urbanization for the advancement of our people and our community.”

The event was attended by Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, Councilors Michael Fernandez and Jeslito Seen, Fire Chief Inspector Michael Escano, Herrero-Perez Barangay Captain Generoso “Richie” Gomez, songwriter and PUNCH columnist Rex Catubig, City Tourism Officer Sharon Maramba, and members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and other national government agencies. (Leonardo Micua)

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