Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan City in Metro Manila vowed to promote Dagupan bangus and its tourism industry, to the delight of Mayor Belen Fernandez and the people of Dagupan.
He pledged shortly after signing a sisterhood agreement with Mayor Fernandez that bound San Juan and Dagupan City under the realm of friendship, cooperation, and cultural and educational exchanges.
San Juan is the third sister city of Dagupan and the only one in the Philippines. Its two other sister cities are Iwata City in Japan, and Milpitas City in California, U.S.A.
The signing took place as Mayor Zamora, currently president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, was invited by Mayor Fernandez to do the honor in lighting the ceremonial grill that kick-started last April 30 the Bangusan Street, locally known as “Kalutan ed Dalan”, a penultimate activity of the 2026 Bangus Festival.
Confirming that he too is a bangus eater and is avoiding meat because of his cholesterol problem, Mayor Zamora vowed to make a market for Dagupan bangus in San Juan.
Zamora said it is not only the Dagupan bangus that he will promote in his city but also Dagupan’s tourism, which is richly endowed with, particularly the Tondaligan Ferdinand Park and its enticing beach.
Admitting that San Juan is landlocked and has no agricultural products to offer, he said he will call on the people of his city to visit Dagupan City.
Mayor Fernandez said not only is Dagupan famous for its beach but it is now also developing the city as a surfing and skateboarding capital of Northern Luzon.
The Tondaligan Ferdinand Park boasts a boardwalk built by the Department of Public Works and Highways and designed to be the longest bike lane in the country.
She said that aside from this, the One-Bonuan Pavilion in Binloc is now ready to accommodate visitors.
Written by Leonardo Micua
Punchphoto by Willie Lomibao