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THE FIRST 100 DAYS: A Destined Journey

While some may characterize our performance during the first 100 days as a short burst of political showmanship, let me assure you that the accomplishments we will present to you are only the tip of the iceberg. As our very first achievements in office, these will merely serve as a guide in leading Dagupan City for the next three years. I. SOCIAL SERVICES We deliberately choose to give SOCIAL SERVICES top priority. Dagupeos should not be deprived of the necessary services just because of our financial managers report that the city is cash-strapped. 1. NUTRITION PROGRAM On July 1, during our first Flag Ceremony, I raised the call to continue and leave no gap in ensuring our young Dagupeos the nutrition they need to be healthy. We started with the improvement of our feeding program in Day Care Centers, which before was erratic and unsystematic, and therefore only accomplishing 60% of the target. But now we are on our third month of continuous, organized and uninterrupted feeding, with 100% completion of the initiative. Because of this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has endowed us with another 3 million pesos to fund said program until December. For our school-based feeding, we continue to partner with private companies to sustain a six-month program for 300 malnourished pupils from 10 schools. We thank Unilever, Mead Johnson, the CSI Group of Companies, and Kabisig ng Kalahi for sponsoring this project.
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Our community-based feeding is also on-going, with malnourished children under five years old benefitting from the 120-day feeding program funded by civic and professional organizations like the Pangasinan Medical Society headed by Dr. Beta Fe Castillo, the Innerwheel Club of Dagupan headed by Dr. Arlene Sanchez, and the Dagupan Jaycees headed by Ms. Ruby Laguit. This is surely an accomplishment on our part, for in the past we did not partner with civil society organizations and received zero support. 2. MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES In the area of health, the combination of rain and flood and country-wide poverty has continued to strain our medical and dental resources. Thus, we have again partnered with various NGOs and civil societies to address our peoples needs. Starting in July this year up to October 8, the City Health Office has provided more than 8 thousand Medical Care as against only around 1 thousand last year for the same period; almost 1,500 Dental Care as against 129 last year; and treated 1,120 senior citizens as against 100 last year. Also, with the assistance of our friends from the University of Santo Tomas, 41 of our senior citizens now have better vision after undergoing free cataract operation. Another 206 of our senior citizens were provided with free eye checkups during our said mission. 3. ANTI DENGUE / LEPTOS PREVENTION Furthermore, we have conducted various preventive and curative measures to prevent the spread of dengue and leptospiros this typhoon season. A total of 4,640 leptospirosis prophylaxis shots were administered as against 2,150 last year, and we installed more than 7,500 anti-dengue items against only 5 last year.
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Overall, our City Health Office has increased provision of health services by 711% from the period July to October 2013 compared to the same time in 2012. 4. DRUG / ALCOHOL PREVENTION As for our response to drug abuse, Sec. Bebot Villar, a long time supporter and friend and our strongest ally in our fight against drug addiction, has endowed the city with 5 million pesos as initial funding for a drug rehabilitation center in Binloc. We have likewise formed and convened our Dangerous Drugs Board to ensure and sustain this social battle. 5. ASSITANCE TO PWDs Also, we did not forget our persons with disabilities or PWDs. We continue to empower them through various facility assistance projects. We already have three (3) referrals to AVRC, three (3) medical intervention cases, and (19) candidates for the livelihood program, against zero for all categories last year. Whats more, we, together with the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Days Saints, gave out wheelchairs to several of our physically-challenged constituents to ease their mobility concern. 6. LIVELIHOOD We also launched various livelihood projects to enable our fellow Dagupeos other than PWDs to become self-sufficient. Our Better Education for Livelihood and Employment Needs Project, which we hold at the Livelihood and Productivity Center, already has 90 students enrolled in sewing, cosmetology, and food processing. Soon we will be opening classes in carpentry and basic computer. We are also coordinating with TESDA for a course in 2D animation.

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We could not have done this without the effective management of our CSWDOOIC Mrs. Leah Aquino. Even with very little to almost no funding, we were able to create these livelihood projects designed not only to help families, but to empower women as well. And yet, we do not stop there. Students who graduate from our livelihood classes will receive a little seed capital to be able to practically apply their learning. This was made possible by Manay Gina who already gave 1 million pesos through the Sustainable Livelihood Program. Likewise, our Human Resources Department continues to work with the Department of Labor and Employment for other programs. We have set up the Skills Registry System, a database that would help applicants get into the right employment that matches their skill. We also plan to make a Service and Assistance Center beside the One Stop Business Center to cater to the other needs of Dagupeos. 7. POVERTY ALLEVIATION Another solution to poverty is our increased 4Ps beneficiaries from a low of 2,274 on June 31, 2013 to a high of 3,523 on September 30, 2013. 8. BASIC EDUCATION But because we believe education is still the key to a better future, we are sponsoring almost 300 college scholars from all over the city. We personally interviewed students from all public schools in Dagupan to determine who among them deserve to be granted scholarships. Together with Manay Gina de Venecia, we aim to double or even triple the number of scholars so as to give more youths the chance to finish their studies.

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We also maintain Day Care Centers totaling 43 as of September 2013. Twenty (20) of these will be accredited by the DSWD in November this year. In addition, we started storytelling to young children in our barangays. Our Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang is a project we launched with the Senior Citizens Office. We have a total of 206 Lola Basyang, with 30 of them actively doing the storytelling. Our newly repaired Mobile Library, which was used to teach children from different barangays, has once again begun its regular agenda. Lest we forget, the P&G Computer Assistance Project given to various barangay elementary schools last year, in my capacity as vice mayor, is currently being evaluated for replication in all barangays. Hopefully, our school children will be able to cope in a new world driven by IT and computers. 9. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS It is also important that we learn not only to succeed, but also to be ready in any circumstance that may come. To prepare our citizens against disasters, our CDRRMC has conducted various trainings and drills. Around 10 thousand participated in earthquake drills, while participants for basic life saving lectures numbered almost 4 thousand. Our citys first Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, / which is to be used for 2014, is now 100% complete and only waiting for approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. We also relocated to a flood-free office on the 3rd floor of the proposed elementary school building inside the City Engineering compound.

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Moreover, we have instituted a 24/7 Joint Command and Communications Center to coordinate and dispatch our DRRMC, POSO, WMD, Bureau of Fire and PNP personnel as may be necessary. The Basic Emergency and Life Extending Network or B.E.L.E.N. 16911 will also be utilized soon. This will be additional measures for when disasters hit us. 10. RELIEF/EVACUATION OPERATIONS During the last 2 biggest typhoons, Labuyo and Maring, our city sustained crop damage amounting to 529 thousand pesos, while fishery losses amounted to 6.73 million pesos. Fortunately, only 9 barangays were directly affected in agriculture. The City Health Office and City Social Welfare and Development Office provided various medical and humanitarian services to our evacuees totaling 516 individuals belonging to some 139 families at the Peoples Astrodome. I am pleased to report that we registered zero casualties during said typhoons. Apparently, our preparations paid off! Kudos to the CDRRMC and all who supported and participated in our relief operations, particularly the Philippine Red Cross, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Manay Gina de Venecia, and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas through the DSWD Regional Office, as well as various NGOs and volunteers from the Filipino-Chinese Community. It is encouraging to note that over 40 NGOs and CSOs donated and helped in said operations, as against only 11 last year. 11. STREET CHILDREN Still, typhoons are only a portion of our many concerns. Like storms visiting our province, the proliferation of street children all over the country has not spared

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our city. This continuing phenomenon requires a long term and firm solution. We cannot be a City of Vagrants. Early this August, we created the Task Force for the Prevention & Protection of Street Vulnerables consisting of the Library, CHO, and CSWO departments together with DepEd and PNP. Basically, street children rounded up will be washed and cleaned, given reading lessons by our Mobile Library, and provided with ample support. Their parents will be counseled, trained and involved to sustain this initial effort. As of October 8, a total number of 249 children and other street vulnerables have been rescued, of which 172 are from Dagupan. We are now finalizing our arrangements with various agencies and specialized NGOs who can effectively resolve this social problem. 12. ART, CULTURE and TOURISM But amidst typhoon, flood, medical emergencies and systemic poverty, our spirit as a people of various cultures remains high. Known as a melting pot, Dagupan this early is now preparing for our City Fiesta Celebration this coming December. For this annual event we have appointed The Federation of NGOs and CSOs of Dagupan to lead the much-awaited affair. Chaired by my good friend and Mr. Varsitarian Atty. Ope Reyna, I am sure our Paoil Dagupeos will dance the night away with their local amigos and amigas with a tinge of nostalgia. By appealing to their sense of origin, we hope to turn our fiesta into an opportunity for investment and fundraising as in the old days, to move Dagupan faster on the economic trail and to prepare for the season of typhoons that comes after these joyous events. To further unite our fellow Dagupeos, we hope to showcase the various cultures that make Dagupan worthy of its name as meeting-place.

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Earlier, in the first week of September, we celebrated the 1st Marian Festival here in Dagupan. Our city hosted the festival with the support of St. John Cathedral, Pangasinan Visitors Bureau and MNTC-NLEX to connect Dagupan to the Manaoag Shrine Tourist Circuit. A special event for the City Fiesta Celebration, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, will be headed by no less than our good Archbishop Soc Villegas. St. John, being a fisherman, will be honored by way of a Great Fluvial Parade, a small banca marathon, and a seafood festival by all participating hotels and restaurants. We expect not only tourists but devotees as well, and so must prepare for this event at this early. 13. WASTE MANAGEMENT However, before all the celebration, we must ensure that our city remains clean and free from harmful levels of pollutants that may cause serious illnesses. The WMD conducts a round-the-clock street sweeping operation at the Central Business District and collects the waste of 31 barangays for disposal at the Controlled Dumpsite located at Bonuan Boquig. To finally close this controlled dumpsite, we are working with P&G to locate a fully integrated waste conversion plant to initially serve the entire 4th District. According to P&G, the plant can be functional no later than 2 years from start of construction. We also seek the involvement of our fellow Dagupeos in cleaning up the city through our Food for Work Program. We present opportunities for community participation while providing the workers with basic everyday necessities. Furthermore, flushing operation is conducted early mornings at 5 a.m. at the markets to remove foul odor and accumulated human discharge.
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Also, to keep our 5 island barangays clean, garbage are hauled regularly and rivers cleaned up. 14. RESETTLEMENT Aside from our citys cleanliness, we also make sure that we present everyone a chance for comfortable living. Recently, 300 informal settlers in Pugarothrough our personal interventionhave finally agreed with the owner, the Soriano Family, for an onsite development within a portion of the lot. HUDC has responded with guidance and assistance for a housing program payable in 25 years. 15. BARANGAY CONSULTATION Lastly, Im happy to inform you that our Barangay Consultation Program has started last week with a successful launch at Bacayao Sur and Bacayao Norte. As of today, we have already conducted 9 consultations, and will continue to visit the other barangays. We aim to bring the City Hall closer to the people, so that we can better assist you and provide the most pressing needs of each barangay. We bring with us the Social Welfare and Development Officer, Nutrition Officer, and Health Officer to help you with health, nutrition, and livelihood concerns; the Population Officer and Civil Registrar for legal issues on birth, family and marriage, including the provision of free birth certificates to the underprivileged; the City Treasurer for our tax information drive and to remind property owners of their tax obligations to avoid levy and auction; the City Engineer for infrastructure matters; and an officer from the Human Resources Department for employment affairs. We have likewise deployed surveyors to further assess the condition of our constituents, especially of those who belong to the lower and most deprived
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classes. We hope to give everyone equal livelihood opportunities and access to basic health services. II. ADMINISTRATION DEVELOPMENT 1. MANPOWER STRENGTH To ensure the continuity of these social services, we chose to streamline our overstaffed bureaucracy to a fully functional organization. Starting from the Mayors Office down to the last Department, I was able to trim down our manpower without sacrificing our ability to deliver the much needed services. Consequently, the city spent less on payroll during our FIRST 100 DAYS! 2. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT But even as we downsized our manpower due to our low beginning cash position, we continue to develop their capabilities and seek replacements that are very qualified. Fellow Dagupeos, allow me to introduce our latest lineup of TEAM BALON DAGUPAN! Please stand to be recognized. It goes without saying that, as we move towards the next year, our manpower strength will grow hand-in-hand with our increasing projects and community outreach. In this regard, I enjoin all able-bodied Dagupeos to participate in our ever-widening public service enterprise either as an applicant-employee or as a civic partner. May I count on you? III. FISCAL ADMINISTRATION As regards our financial standing, our Local Finance Committee reported that we started on July 1, 2013 with only around 95.65 million pesos available funding for operationsthis already including the McAdore sales proceeds amounting to 119 million pesos. But since the city deemed it prudent not to touch any portion of the
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McAdore proceeds because of a case pending in court regarding the validity of the resolution authorizing the previous administration to sell or dispose the said building, we were left with a deficit of more than 23 million pesos. One of the reasons why we inherited a deficit by said date was because some 2012 expendituresas an example, electric bills amounting to P17.267 million were charged against the 2013 budget! This according to COA Report dated August 19, 2013 is not allowed by law. Immediately, I ordered the concerned department to desist from such malpractice without compromising the citys right for legal action. Aside from the deficit, we also found out that appropriations for different programs for this year have already been spent in the first six months. According to our records, only 25% of the total budget allocated to various projects had been left as of July 1, 2013. Funds for the Nutrition Program, for example, were almost entirely spentleaving a balance of only 473 pesos out of the one-year appropriation amounting to almost a million pesos. The same has happened to our Social Services Programwith a starting budget of more than 6.6 million down to 29 cents on July 1. For the Health Services Program, only 9% or more or less 175 thousand was left out of the one-year budget of around 2 million pesos. Most disheartening of all, our 2013 appropriation for electricity amounting to 27 million pesos had also been spent almost completely leaving us with only 765 thousand pesos or 3% of the budget to pay for our outstanding and impending bills. Since then we have instituted three fiscal programs: One Cost cutting Measures Two Revenue Generating Measures
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And three Zero budgeting for 2014 1. COST CUTTING MEASURE Most prominent of the many cost cutting measures is the reduction of our payroll expense as a consequence of downsizing our manpower. The downsizing of consultants and EWs resulted in a dramatic 72.5% decrease. The number of technical consultants was reduced from 69 down to 19; while the number of our emergency workers was reduced from 777 to 430, or by 44.7%. It was alarming to learn, in the process, that many of those who were included in the list of emergency workers receiving salaries from the city government did not actually receive the money allegedly paid to them, appearing to be a case of payroll padding. Many have come forward to deny having received any salary from the city government. We have referred the complainants and their complaints against specified individuals for malversation and possibly estafa and falsification of public documents to our City Legal Officer for appropriate action. We hope to see complaints filed with the Office of the Ombudsman and the City Prosecutors Office soon. Still, the budget we saved from this reduction will be allocated to more significant programs, and, needless to say, will be recurring; and for the year 2014, more funds will go to other important projects. However, cost cutting goes beyond just reducing expenses. It also means responsible spending and responsible investing. Upon our request, our Development Council reviewed the soundness of some ongoing projects and recommended that the city discontinue the proposed Lying-in Clinic and the Tsunami Hill.

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The site of the proposed 37-million peso Lying-In Maternity Hospital remains without the approval of DepEd. Despite this, 2.5 million pesos was released by the previous administration to contractors, leaving an appropriated amount of 34.5 million pesos to complete the project. Thus, instead of expending this appropriated amount to complete the said questionable project, we endorsed the recommendation of the CDC to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for reversion to the general fund for use in other worthy projects. Also, the site and structural integrity of the controversial 20-million peso Tsunami Hill remain questionable. Fully paid by the previous administration but partially completed, we opted not to spend additional amounts for this project. Instead, as suggested by many, we will convert it to a Tree Park to be built by youth volunteers who constitute a new generation of honest-living and natureloving leaders. We have also instituted citywide reduction of gasoline expenses. As shown in the graph, when I took over as acting mayor in mid-May, gasoline expenses dropped from 1.19 million pesos to 544 thousand pesos, a difference of around 650 thousand pesos or a 54% decrease. In the same manner, the City Mayors Office expense for gasoline in April of this year was at 488 thousand pesos. Now, the monthly gasoline expense is at 26 thousand pesos only. I am still wondering why the Office of the City Mayor needed almost half a million pesos in gasoline per month before. In summary, gas expenses from January to June averaged 1.08 million pesos, whereas gas expenses from July to September averaged less than 500 thousand pesos only.

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Another cost cutting measure that we adopted was the reduction of expenses from overtime pay. We no longer tolerate unnecessary overtime costs to save the remaining funds from additional payment. Before, we used to pay more than a million pesos a month for overtime, but now we are down to 71 thousand pesos monthly. Our overtime expense for three months, from July to September, was only about 200 thousand pesos, exhibiting a drastic drop from the 6.32 million pesos overtime expense for only the first six months of this year. Moreover, because of the diligence and efficiency of our General Services Office and the Bids and Awards Committee, procurement costs have been dramatically reduced. In compliance with the COA rules, we were able to substantially lower our procurement expenses for selected office supplies and items by an average of 143%. In addition, we used to purchase sanitary permits for 14 pesos apiece. But when we assumed office, we were able to bring down the cost from 14 pesos to only 4 pesos, registering a 250% difference. We also started procuring health certificates from a price of 7.80 pesos each before to only 1.50 pesos now, showing a 420% difference. Most importantly, procurement costs for vitamins and medicines were radically decreased. Metropolol, for example, which is a drug used for high blood pressure, then cost 1, 095 pesos a box. But now we are able to acquire it for only 146.25 pesos, having an almost 500% difference. Multivitamin capsules were likewise procured before for 756 pesos a box, but now we get it at 234 pesos, showing a 223% difference.
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2. REVENUE GENERATING MEASURE Moreover, our revenue collection from various sources from July 1 to September 30, 2013 has garnered for the city a total amount of 46.122 million compared with 42.461 million for the same period last year. Not only did our first 100 days generate an improvement of 8.6%, we were also able to prove that we can transform a low performing department into a dependable money generator! On a micro-scale, our 100 day experience shows that if a low performing department is properly supervised, it is possible to increase its revenuegenerating capacity. Thus, in the case of the Market Division, cash ticket collection increased progressively. July 2013 compared to the same date last year registered 55% increase, from only around 400 thousand pesos in 2012 to 634 thousand pesos this year, or a difference of almost 250 thousand pesos; in August, there was a staggering 300% increase, from 345 thousand pesos in 2012 to around 1.3 million pesos this year, or a difference of more than 900 thousand pesos; and in September, we had a 226% increase, from 464 thousand pesos in 2012 to 1.5 million pesos this year, or a difference of more than a million pesos. To further appreciate this accomplishment, here is a comparison of the previous manpower of the same department to its present manpower size, as well as the collection per capita before and now. We see a slight decrease of four (4) EWs from a total complement of 75 at the start, while per capita cash ticket collection increased dramatically from a low of 8,281 pesos per month to a high of 19,396 pesos!

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We only collected an average of 13 thousand pesos per day in July 2012, whereas in July this year we averaged 20 thousand pesos daily; in August 2012, we only collected around 11 thousand pesos daily, while in August of this year we averaged 41 thousand pesos per day; and in September 2012, only a little more than 15 thousand was collected, whereas we averaged more than 50 thousand pesos a day this year! Overall, total Market Collection, including rentals and cash tickets, registered a 25% increase against the same period last year. Within our first 100 days period, we were able to correct the following malpractices: Number One: The recycling of tickets originally issued. Henceforth, we have instructed the Treasury Department to order cash tickets from the National Printing Office only to ensure its authenticity. Tickets without NPO serial and security marks are no longer accepted. Number two: The absence and tardiness of collectors and the collection of cash even without issuing cash tickets. We have solved this problem by assigning additional inspectors for check and balance, and also by instilling discipline among the collectors. Collection is now three shifts a day, 24/7! Number three: The bringing home of collections and cash tickets. Because of this, / we personally supervised the meetings of the Market Division, and training and reminding them of the rules and regulations. Also, collections are now remitted to the cashier at the end of every shift. And number four: The early closing of the Market Division. Now cashiers are on a three-shift schedule as well!

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To sustain these efforts, the Market Division has been computerized to automatically reflect in real-time all cash ticket collections including store rentals. To summarize: Close supervision plus dependable and honest manpower equals more revenue! We continue to lead by example and teach our workers the same discipline which we, ourselves, live by. As leaders, we do not just wait for things to happen. We make things happen! We make things move! We go out of our comfort zonesout of our air-conditioned officesand experience the beating of the sun, if thats what it takes to serve our people. Our people do not work for us. We work with and for them, because I believe real leaders serve. I hope our Market Division Head has learned his lesson well. 3. ZERO BUDGETING As a home-grown businesswoman, I have always believed that it is not the size of your capital that ensures growth and success but the number or efficiency of your turnover. In like manner, I have advised our Local Finance Committee to work closely with our Department Heads to use ZERO BUDGETING and BOTTOM-UP BUDGETING in preparing our 2014 budget as recommended by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. At this early, our 2014 budget will be in the range of 600 million pesos, more or less, and will be subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in consonance with our current classification as a 2nd class city. From here, we will progressively increase our revenue generation yearly until we regain our 1st class status before the end of 2016. Correspondingly, social services will also intensify! We have also used the principles behind ZERO BUDGETING and BOTTOM-UP BUDGETING at the beginning of our first 100 days to guide us in determining the
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propriety and necessity of each expense line by line until the end of 2013. Based on this experience, we have effectively realigned our 2014 budget for bigger spending on Social Services, targeted at 183.1 million pesos versus 180.1 million for 2013, but lower manpower and maintenance expenses at 237 million versus 255.8 million pesos for 2013. Our capital budget will be expended as judiciously and prudently only on necessary and relevant projects. IV. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEDA statistics show that the Philippines has grown more than 7% of its GDP for the first quarter of 2013. Collaterally, our local economy should be growing that much if we want every citizen to feel the impact! Otherwise, the much vaunted growth will just pass us by like many other fleeting statistics. 1. INFRASTRUCTURE On issues regarding the economy, NEDA statistics show that the Philippines has grown more than 7% of its GDP for the first quarter of 2013. Collaterally, our local economy should be growing that much if we want every citizen to feel the impact! Otherwise, the much vaunted growth will just pass us by like many other fleeting statistics. To support our expanding scope of social services, we have programmed various capital expenditures for this year. These include: 12 units of materials recovery facilities or MRF valued at 6.8 million pesos; 3 units of multi-purpose covered courts for schools valued at 13.3 million pesos; and the rehabilitation of our three markets at 7 million pesos. Considering the huge capital outlay, we are currently negotiating with various NGAs for funding assistance. I am sure our beloved Manay Gina will fill in whatever funding gaps there may be.
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We are also discussing our plans for river dredging and diking, and sea wall and river wall construction with the DPWH and Agno Flood Control. For now, the City Engineering Office has installed more than 400 streetlights and completed 1 classroom at Bolosan Elementary School. We have likewise brought light to the island-barangay Pugaro, which for the longest time had been cloaked in darkness whenever the sun sets. With support from DILG Regional Office, we hope to build a 2-storey building for P. Guadiz Elementary School and Bonuan Boquig Elementary School. Furthermore, based on our monitoring, DPWH concreting of AB Fernandez St. is 95% complete, flood control 75% complete, and drainage at Lucao 25% complete. I assure you, we are doing our very best for these projects to be ready in time for our City Fiesta. Finally, due to our constant follow-up with the DPWH Head Office, they have committed to dredge the Pantal River up to the mouth located at Pugaro. Two additional dredging machines will be deployed before the end of October or November this year to speed up the work! One of the causes of flash floods, we discovered, is the river straightening or the canal digging of a portion of the Pantal-Sinocalan River undertaken by our neighboring town, Calasiao. To contain the sudden swelling in the Dagupan section, especially in Lasip Grande, Lasip Chico, Pogo Grande, Malued, Bacayao Sur, Bacayao Norte, Tapuac and Lucao, DPWH will build river dikes. Congresswoman Manay Ginas assistance will help make this a reality!

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To further reduce flooding, the City will purchase a new backhoe to dredge our creeks. Meanwhile, our City Engineers continue to maintain various public systems in good working condition to give Dagupeos the best comfort and quality of living. Installation of thermoplastic along A.B. Fernandez Ave. for lane dividers and pedestrian lanes is still ongoing to ensure the safety of both motorists and pedestrians. We are also cleaning and painting our sidewalks. All our markets have likewise been installed with new light bulbs donated by Philips. 2. AQUACULTURE / AGRICULTURE Aside from infrastructure, the potential of our rivers and size of our costal area for aquaculture remains a priority. Compared to last year for the same period, total volume that passed our consignacion market shows a remarkable increase: 13.8% in July, 153% this August and 294% this September. Plans are being readied to brand the Dagupan Bangus by way of a tail tag, establishing of Dagupan Bangus Sales Day, and providing signage for certified Dagupan bangus retailers here and outside of the City, especially in Manila markets! Furthermore, completed works under the Ilog ko, May Pagbabago Program include: OneRiver Profiling, under which are bathymetry conducted with BFAR-NIFTD and structures mapping in Zone 6-7 with a total of 957 identified structures. And twoRiver Clean-up and dismantling of Illegal Fish pens. As of Sept. 30, 144 have been dismantled, 57 are awaiting validation, and only 12 left for dismantling.
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As of Sept 1, fish pens that remain standing if ever shall be considered illegal and shall be dismantled accordingly. We must give our rivers enough rest for recovery and shall open the area for lease early next year depending on the water quality tests we have scheduled in response to the Philex Mine Tailings disaster last Aug 2012. Proposed projects for sustainable livelihood targeting marginal and/or displaced fisher folk include: indigenous fisheries technology; oyster and mussel culture; naturally grown Dagupan bangus; culture of high-value fish; fish refuge project or payao; adoptability and demo project; various trainings and workshop; and the One Barangay, One Product or OBOP project. To showcase the products from these projects, a Product Center will be installed near the Malimgas Market before the end of this year. Our 3 marketsMalimgas, Galvan, and Magsaysaycontinue to generate increasing revenues more than in the previous year. We have also organized the consignacion area and negotiated with the dealers and vendors to properly stabilize the price of bangus and help protect the industry. 3. JOB GENERATION & PLACEMENT For more opportunities, we have worked with the Department of Labor and Employment and will be having a job fair on October 19 to assist jobseekers in finding their desired job and potential employers. Also, we will be establishing an OFW Desk to help address the issues of Overseas Filipino Workers and to guide those who would want to work abroad. With this, we hope to eradicate illegal recruitment and its possible perils.

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Lastly, we have lined up the following activities: the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES); the Emergency Employment Program; and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. We continue to orient trainee-applicants for Technical Intern Training Program in Japan in partnership with manpower companies. To date we have officially linked with eight (8) other companies who either hire directly or place job seekers registered with the CESO. 4. Business Processing For businesses, we have systematized our One Stop Shop for faster acquisition of permits and other required documents. As an example, processing of business renewal now only takes 45 minutes to one hour; whereas for new businesses, one day is the maximum processing period for applicants with complete papers. - BEYOND 100 DAYS Our first 100 days is by no means easy. We knew we had to hit the ground running even when our citys coffers were empty. We cannot let our childrens well-being wait while we were trying to figure out where the citys budget went. We could not let our elderlys health go unattended while we try to figure out how to source funds to pay for our citys expenses. Again, as always, the perfect combination of friends, hard work, team work, and prayers, lots and lots of prayers, and the firm commitment to do only what is right and good, has taken us through the long and arduous 100 day journey. But no, I am not complaining. I am, in fact, grateful that the good Lord has placed me here to serve the wonderful city of Dagupan and its peace loving people. But our first 100 days is not our trophy. We have not crossed the finish line. The 100 days is just equivalent to our first step in this journey towards a new
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Dagupan. A journey which I hope, as in my first step, I will not trek alone but will be accompanied by friends, all of whom have the best interest of Dagupan and her children at heartfriends like you who are here today.

Today, as in my first day as the City Mayor, I am renewing my three promises. Ang aking tatlong pangako. Pangako ng walang hanggang pasasalamat at ng wagas na pagmamahal sa ating siyudad, at ang pangako ng bagong pag-asa para sa ating nag-iisang siyudad ng Dagupan. Let me restate my call for Balon Dagupan. BALON DAGUPAN will push for the full development of our Growth Centers and Growth Corridors. Hand in hand with this, we will see to it that our government will be business-friendly. Sa pagpapalawak ng mga lugar na maaaring pagtayuan ng mga negosyo, inaasahan po nating madaragdagan ang mga negosyo sa ating siyudad; mga negosyong dala ng ating local na negosyante, at mga negosyanteng galing sa labas ng ating siyudad. Ang mga negosyong ito ay magdadala ng trabaho at oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan. Ito rin ay magbibigay ng karagdagang pondo sa ating pamahalaan na siya namang patuloy na maninigurado na ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mamamayan ay tapat na matutugunan. BALON DAGUPAN calls for a renewed sense of morality in governance following the right path, Ang Matuwid na Daan, as enunciated by our beloved President. Admittedly, real challenges such as rising prices of fuel, scarcity of basic goods, rising transport, water and energy rates, the problems in Mindanao, and the prospect of 5 more typhoons by the end of this year on the local front, will present themselves as hurdles to our vision for a new Dagupan. The issues in the West Philippine Sea and the full implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement which would allow unbridled imports from our ASEAN neighbor would also pose challenges to our goal to attain first class status.
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Fellow Dagupeos, BALON DAGUPAN calls on each one to rise to these challenges. Let us translate our old plan to create new growth centers a reality as soon as possible. Let us take advantage of the growth corridor provided by the new De Venecia Diversion Road connecting Lucao and Tapuac and Poblacion Oeste to Pantal and Bonuan by rezoning selected areas for development and providing incentives for new investments to come in! Only then can we take advantage of what PEZA and BOI can offer in terms of tax holidays and import taxes for capital equipment, thus ensuring our

competitiveness. More than just a new city hall, let us build a new government center along the

growth corridor that will house not only NGAs but business, industry and trade associations as one stop shop for local as well as export and import transactions. Its time we regain our lost title as the Regional Center of the North! Without hesitation, let us complete our Fish Processing Plant Complex by building our Fish Port that can accommodate not only large bancas but oceangoing fishing vessels. Let the Fish Processing Plant Complex be our frontline defense when our ASEAN neighbors begin their assault as early as 2016. From here, let our local products flow out generously to the world market! Not only our bangus, but other Dagupans best products as well! Allow me to boast that our Fish Processing Plant as of August 27 this year has been certified by HACCP. This means, our process has passed the hygiene and sanitation standards of Europe, US, ASEAN, and even China. Thanks to the unflinching effort of our partner, Dr. Wesley Rosario! Please stand up and be
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recognized Wesley. More than that, the processing plant is operating at full capacity. I call on our local investors to pool our resources together to bring our tourism industry to the 5-star standard. Let us build more and bigger hotels, resorts, facilities and restaurants, and provide better training for our hospitality personnel so that Dagupan can become an international convention city! Let us continue improving our college curriculum, school, and dorm facilities, and market it to the world. Backed by Dagupans enlightened taxation for academic

institutions, let our schools become even more internationally competitive! Let us improve our private hospitals and our retirement villages so as to attract the aging and wealthy population of developed economies like Japan, Europe, and US, as well as the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Let Dagupan City become the International Village where healthy

living is more fun! More new ideas are swirling in my mind now / but we may have to stay here until tomorrow if we go through every one of them. / But I want to hear your ideas. I want to hear your aspirations for our city and for your childrens future Dagupan City. I therefore invite you to participate in the shaping of the future of OUR Dagupan City: Be active in your local Barangay Development Councils. Join focused groups like PLEB, School Board, Health Board, Peace & Order Council, Tourism Council, and the like, where your professional expertise can be put to good use by the City.

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Contribute generously and fearlessly your ideas during the City Development Council Planning sessions, like the one we recently had. Engage your city councilors in a continuing dialogue on issues relevant to the Committees they chair to pass legislations that protect your right and advance the Citys interest. Join us when we visit your barangays. On my part and TEAM BALON DAGUPAN, I assure you of our continuing transparency! Together, let us move towards a BALON DAGUPAN: A globally-competitive business, education, health and convention center of the North with God-loving, empowered, unified and resilient citizenry of unique culture that lives in a sustainable environment anchored on robust and sound economy governed by transparent and accountable leadership that values democracy and equality for all. Mga minamahal kong kababayan, buong puso kong tinanggap ang mga responsibilidad na kasama ng pagbibigay niyo ng tiwala sa akin bilang inyong Mayor. Gaya po ng unang araw akong humarap sa inyo bilang mayor ng Dagupan, pinapangako ko po na gagampanin ko ang mga tungkulin ko ng buong katapatan tungo sa pagbabago at bagong pag-asa, bilang tanda ng aking walang hanggang pasasalamat at dahil sa wagas napagmamahal ko sa inyo at sa ating siyudad. Mga kapwa kong opisyal ng gobyerno ng Dagupan at mga kababayan nating negosyante, samasama po tayong lahat sa paggawa ng tama, ng mabuti at ng makabubuti sa ating lahat.
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Sumunod tayo sa tuwid na landas na tinatahak ng ating Pangulong Benigno Aquino III at palagi nating gawing gabay ang turo ng ating Puong Maykapal. Maniiba tayod Balon Dagupan! Mabuhay po tayong lahat, at pagpalain po tayo ng Panginoon! Sigue, BALON DAGUPAN! --END--

October 14, 2013