DAGUPAN CITY -- City Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. on Monday led the formal celebration of the 63rd Agew na Dagupan (Dagupan Day) through a program held at the City Astrodome here.
The actual Agew na Dagupan is June 20. As it was a Sunday, a simple wreath-laying was conducted by the city officials at the monument of Jose Rizal at the city plaza's Senior Citizens' Park.
This year's theme is “Itanduro!Pinablin Dagupan” with former Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Eleazar Quinto, himself a Dagupeno, as guest of honor and speaker.
During the celebration, the City Government gave recognition to three outstanding Dagupenos who brought honor to the city by being elected as president of national organizations or leagues.
Among them are outgoing City Councilors Farah Marie Decano, national president of the League of Lady Legislators of the Philippines; Michael Fernandez, national president of the Philippine Councilors’ League,; and Josephine de Vera, national president of the Kapisanan ng mga may Kapansanan.
Recognitions were, likewise, accorded to outgoing city officials, namely, Decano, Fernandez, and City Councilors Fred Quinto and Jose Neto Tamayo.
Highlight of the event was the oath-taking of the more than 40 high school students who were as this year's Manlingkor ya Kalangweran (Young Officials).
They are students from the different public and private secondary schools in the city.
From among themselves, they earlier elected city mayor, vice mayor, 10 councilors, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and president of the Federation of Sangguniang Kabataan. The rest serve as head of the different departments.
The former DENR chief encouraged the youths to aspire for good ambitions and work for it.
Quinto said parents and adults should also teach the young on loving this city where they grew up as it is “important to love your roots regardless of whatever you achieved in life.”
Mayor Fernandez said the selection of the young officers exemplifies the vision of the city to give the best for the youngsters.
The City Government, he said, prepares the city for the next generation to come who will later themselves lead the city for the community.
He added that the annual celebration of Agew na Dagupan is being celebrated to give honor to the late Speaker Eugenio Perez who authored in Congress the cityhood of Dagupan.
This year's Young City Mayor is Zarina Aubrey dela Cruz while the Young City Vice Mayor is Cassandra Fernandez.
The Young Councilors include Jason Liwag, Justin Adrian Bautista, Jules Aficial, Ma. Jedidiah Ordonez, Michelle Jane Nena de Guzman, Clarida Fernandez, Roiza May Idio, Jan Carl Campos, Perla Regina Novales and Ma. Katreena Francess San Agustin.
Avryll Mye Quinto was chosen as president of the Association of Barangay Captains while Arvie Jane Lopez represented the SK.
To serve as department heads for several days are Jasmine Pearl Musni (city administrator), Bernalyn Martinez (budget officer), Jeresse Joi Esteves (city agriculturist), Judith Bea Anila (city development coordinator), Melinda Carrera (city engineer), Daryll Adaban (city health officer), Zarina Glaze de Venecia (city legal officer), Kennedy Aquino (city nutrition officer), Maridel Alemios (city secretary); Mark Andrew Manantan (city social welfare officer), Venus de Venecia (city treasurer), Allyson Rigoh Cosue (city veterinarian), Bon Jason Batecan (city civil registrar), Rica Joy Rodriguez (city accountant), Renyl Princena (city assessor), Veronica Ann Vergara (city population officer), Mary Rose Fernanez (general services officer), Mary Rose Chengay (waste management division head).
Also, Herchey Suarez (DAWASA administrator), Dina Calugay (public order and safety officer), Rizel Padua (city librarian), Winie Pearl Geminiano (market supervisor), Fiona Bianca Cuenca (human resources management officer), Anna Dominique Castro (chief of police), Carla Grace Pacheco (anti-littering division head), Nhorwen Grace Dacoco (city fire marshall), Alma Baniqued (head of the One Stop Shop Business Center), Erika Kim Saquiped (DILG head), Kristina Charisse Santiago (city tourism officer), Nikka Adana de Vera (city information officer), and Rommel Virgo (schools division superintendent)
During the seminar and training of the young officers, the city DILG officer gave a lecture on the duties and responsibilities of each official. (LCMY/Sunnex)