DAGUPAN CITY OPENS CHIC MONTH-LONG FIESTA

DAGUPAN CITY – The city of Dagupan formally opened its attractive month-long city fiesta with a motorcade and the simultaneous opening recently of the Paseo De Belen and lighting of the Christmas Tree at the landmark Quintos Bridge.

Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, 2018 City Fiesta Hermano Mayor Councilor Jeslito “Jigs” Seen, Fiesta Vice Chairman Councilor Joey Netu Tamayo, along with members of Sangguniang Panlungsod and other city officials, led the grand motorcade which showcased the city government’s new vehicles.

CHIC - Various major areas in Dagupan City, richest city in Region-1, embellished by attractive Christmas decorations. All of these happened through the initiatives of her mayor Belen T. Fernandez.

The singing trio TNT Boys from “Tawag ng Tanghalan”, the young officials of 2018 “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” led by Jalen Kody Miles Fernandez and the candidates for Ms. Balon Dagupan 2019 also joined the motorcade and fiesta opening.

Holiday cheers and Christmas carols greeted Dagupeños as the convoy passed through the main thoroughfares of the city on its way to the venue of the main ceremonies at the De Venecia Highway Extension Road.

The Paseo De Belen was formally opened following its blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Its opening also marked the simultaneous lighting of the Quintos Bridge and the giant Christmas Tree in front of the City  Museum.

In his message, 2018 City Fiesta Hermano Mayor Councilor Jigs Seen dwelt on the past Christmas traditions celebrated throughout the city’s history.

“As our city continues to make progress, let us take time to reflect on our history. While we only had simple lanterns in the past, it was a symbol for Christmas. This time, as we celebrate our City Fiesta, ang gabay ng parol ay hindi lamang sa pasko, kundi pati sa pag-asenso ng bawat pamilyang Dagupeño,” said Seen.

Meanwhile, Congressman Christopher de Venecia paid tribute to Mayor Belen Fernandez and the city government for their significant contributions to the progress in the city.

“Thank you Mayor Belen Fernandez and your unliserbisyo team for working 24/7 para maging number one ang pinakamamahal nating Dagupan. Because of you, tuloy-tuloy ang pag-asenso ng syudad ng Dagupan. And isn’t that the best gift that we Dagupeños could ask for this Christmas?” said Rep. de Venecia.

He also congratulated the city for being named as the “Most Child-Friendly City” in the country after having been conferred the Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC).

The TNT Boys and Koro Colegio de Dagupan serenaded the crowd with Christmas  carols during a short program.

With the theme: “Ipagdiwang ang Pasko at Pag-Asenso”, the month-long city fiesta features exciting new events such as the Dagupan City Invitational and Open Boxing Championship as well as the return of major fiesta highlights such as the Search for Ms. Balon Dagupan, Drum and Lyre Competition, Beat the Feat Hip Hop Dance Contest, Edades Day and many more. (Verdelle De Vera/CIO)