CHARTER ANNIVERSARY. Mayor Belen Fernandez leads the commemorative program for the 72nd Charter anniversary of Dagupan City. Malacañang has declared June 20, 2019 as a special non-working day in the city. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Belen Fernandez's facebook page)
DAGUPAN CITY -- Mayor Belen Fernandez on Thursday encouraged her constituents to work together toward sustaining growth during the commemorative program for the city’s 72nd Charter anniversary.
“Let us honor them (values) and work to live up to them, defend it at all cost if needed. Because if we all pull together and stand up for one another, we will continue to be what we are today: the greatest city in Pangasinan, and the strongest in Region 1 (Ilocos),” she said.
The story of the city had drawn admiration from the neighboring towns and cities because of the people’s attitude to rise amid adversities, she added.
Fernandez recalled the many challenges Dagupan had overcome, such as the 1990 earthquake, among others.
“In the annals of our history, there were many periods where our beloved city had several great starts, only to be interrupted by many periods of uncertainties, calamities, failed expectations and leaders who did not measure up,” she said.
Prior to the program, a thanksgiving mass was held at the Eugenio Perez Shrine in Herrero-Perez here, where wreath laying was also conducted.
Perez, who was then Speaker of the House of Representatives, authored Republic Act 170 and signed into law by President Manuel Roxas in June 20, 1947, making Dagupan a chartered city.
Malacañang has issued Proclamation 743 declaring June 20 as a special non-working day in this city in celebration of its 72nd Charter Anniversary. (PNA)
