By Eva Visperas
In a year that saw the City Government of Dagupan secure one prestigious award after another, it’s clear that under the leadership of Mayor Belen Fernandez, the city is on the right trajectory toward progress and success.
On December 12, 2024, Dagupan was honored with 3rd place in the 2024 Gawad Liyab Search for Outstanding Local Government Units (LGU) in the Highly Urbanized/Independent Component City Category, cementing its status as a model for urban governance in the Philippines.
The recognition, presented at a formal ceremony in Mandaue, Cebu City, acknowledges Dagupan’s commitment to community-driven, sustainable development. Mayor Fernandez, who has spearheaded numerous projects to enhance public service and elevate the city’s quality of life, proudly shared the good news with her constituents during the city’s flag-raising ceremony on December 16.
“At first, I wasn’t focused on awards,” Mayor Fernandez reflected, her voice warm with gratitude. “What matters most to me is the service we provide to our people. But this recognition is truly a blessing, a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who serve this city.”
While the National Literacy Award was the highlight of the occasion, it was far from the only accolade bestowed upon the city. Over the course of the past year, various government bodies recognized Dagupan’s outstanding performance in a number of key areas, from financial management to health services and disaster risk reduction.
Dagupan’s City Treasury Office (CTO), under the leadership of Mr. Randolf Ubando, was honored with an impressive seven awards from the Department of Finance – Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) in Region I. These accolades recognized the city’s exceptional financial management, including:
- Top 2 in Ratio of Locally Sourced Revenue to Total Current Operating Income (Fiscal Years 2022 & 2023)
- Top 2 in Highest Locally Sourced Revenues (Fiscal Years 2022 & 2023)
- Top 2 in Collection Efficiency on Locally Sourced Revenues (Fiscal Year 2023)
- A Certificate of Commendation for the timely and accurate submission of treasury reports.
Such achievements reflect the city’s increasing financial autonomy and efficient use of resources, ensuring that funds are well-managed and directed toward programs that benefit the community.
The City Health Office (CHO), led by Dr. Ophelia Rivera, also garnered four prestigious awards from the Department of Health – Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-ICHD), underscoring Dagupan’s commitment to public health. Among these honors were the:
- UHC Arangkada Award
- Best Nutrition Program Implementer
- Primary Care Facility Exemplary Award
- First Place in the Sandugo Award for its outstanding Blood Donation Program, with a remarkable 1.97% donation rate in 2023.
These awards are a testament to the city’s tireless efforts to provide accessible healthcare and promote the well-being of its residents, particularly through nutrition and blood donation initiatives.
Dagupan’s City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), headed by Ronald De Guzman, was awarded the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence for being Fully Compliant with the rigorous standards of the Office of Civil Defense. The city scored an impressive 1.84 rating, demonstrating its readiness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
In addition, the City Public Library was named Most Outstanding Tech4ED Center by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for its outstanding efforts to promote digital literacy. By offering the public access to technology and digital tools, the library plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and empowering Dagupan’s residents, especially the youth and the underserved.
Finally, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) recognized Dagupan for its environmental initiatives, particularly in protecting the water quality of the Sinocalan-Dagupan River System. The city placed 3rd in the Search for Best LGU Implementer (City Category) for CY 2023, highlighting its ongoing efforts to preserve natural resources and improve water management practices.
For Mayor Fernandez, the string of awards is not just a reflection of her leadership but also a recognition of the collective efforts of every city employee.
“These awards would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire Dagupan team,” she said.
She added, “I am proud to be the mayor of this city, where our people, our employees, and our partners come together to make a real difference. ”