Adding to his string of national awards, Mayor Benjamin Lim was honored on June 19 as one of the recipients of the prestigious Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards for Excellence along with Tony Tancaktiong, owner of Jollibee Food Corporations, and world-class singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan in Intramuros, Manila.

The award, handed out by Senator Mar Roxas, recognized Lim as a Chinese-Filipino member of the Philippine society who has excelled in his chosen profession and have contributed to the growth and development of his city.

Lim was credited by the organizers for bringing about many positive changes in the area of public service and local governance and for “applying business management expertise to governance.”

According to the organizers, Lim, upon his assumption as a mayor in 2001, has transformed Dagupan into a model local government unit that pioneered innovations in the local governance as attested by numerous international, national and regional awards and recognition.

As a local chief executive, Lim was chosen as one of the country’s six outstanding city mayors and bagged the 2003 Local Government Leadership Award. Recently, Dagupan was recognized as one of the Most Competitive Small Cities in the Philippines by the Asian Institute of Management, US Agency of International Development and The Asia Foundation.

“Lim has channeled revenues into making Dagupan a modern, attractive, competitive and tourist-friendly place,” according to an article published in a Chinese-Filipino news magazine.

The article further said that Lim has successfully cut bureaucratic red tape by setting up at City Hall a one-stop business center that facilitates the processing of permits, licenses and tax payments. With this, the city’s income leaped 73 percent to P98 million, reducing its dependence on the internal revenue allotment from the national government.

The Dr. Jose P. Rizal Awards, which began four years ago, commemorates the contributions to the nation of outstanding Filipinos of Chinese descent. The other awardees included Gerie Chue (business and entrepreneurship), Robert Go (community service), Dr. Paulino Tan (education), Dr. Willie Ong (medicine), and Jose Sy (science and technology). Special awardees were Angsin Taguibao (arts and culture) and the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (sports). (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)

The integrated computerization system at the One-Stop-Business Center enables the expeditious processing of various transactions that led to the significant increase of collection from business tax and miscellaneous fees.

“We have just laid down the groundwork in the computerization and now we are already reaping the rewards,” said OSBC technical consultant on systems development and computerization Mel Caspillan.

OSBC head Digna Liwanag said that the over-all collection of OSBC for the period of January to May this year is P85,456,284.33, posting a 30.7 percent increase of P20,099,930.40, as compared with last year’s collection of P65,356,977.93 for the same period.

From the total collection, P56, 042,531.11 is from business tax which is 25 percent higher as compared with last year’s collection of P44, 479,610.16.

The community tax certificate collection, on the other hand, slightly decreased to 32.7 percent from P4,408,878.80 last year to P2,965,097.73 this year. However, the collection from miscellaneous fees posted a big increase of 67.72 percent with this year’s collection of 26, 457,204.50 as compared with last year’s 15,816,314.44.

“Through the computerization, it is easier for us to track delinquent taxpayers. In just 2 minutes, we will be able to produce delinquent taxpayer’s report,” Caspillan said.

Caspillan noted that business permits processing could take about several weeks before but through the new system, business permit applicants can now secure the permit more expeditiously from several weeks to just only one or two days as long as the required documents are submitted.

Caspillan stressed that the securing of permits will be soon as fast as 30 minutes once the computerization system is fully implemented.

He said that the records are now readily available and reports are generated easily which becomes a tool for efficient collection. He noted, however, that the efficiency in the collection is not only because of the computerization but also because of the New Revenue Code.

“We expect to further improve our collections as soon as the computerization system is fully completed,” Caspillan said even as he pointed out that the Real Property Tax collection will even increase once the setting up of an RPT administration system starts.

He said that the assessment and registration of payments for the RPT will also soon be online and hopefully be operational by October for a parallel implementation.

He said that an encoding area is currently being prepared for the digitization of the manual records of RPT in the City Assessor’s Office. (Sunshine D. Robles)

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz challenged all public servants to uphold at all times the value of integrity in order to achieve good governance and genuine reforms in the government during the observance of the 59th Agew na Dagupan on June 20 at the City Plaza.

“If we want to become more progressive, economically viable and prosperous, then a public servant must nurture the value of integrity,” Arch. Cruz said.

In his speech, Cruz stressed that every government employee must be true, honest and dedicated public servant worthy of the people's trust and respect.

The archbishop cited Dagupan City as an example of a local government unit that practices integrity in its governance.

According to Cruz, he witnessed the transformation of the city from a devastated and hopeless city after the 1990 killer earthquake, into a progressive and well-developed city as it is today.

“Sixteen years ago, Dagupan City is wrecked but it has managed to become progressive and be back on its feet because of the integrity of the officials who served this city,” he added.

However, he further said that the ill notions about our country such as corrupt and impoverish are brought by greedy and self-serving public servants.

“Sa dulo ng lahat ng kasamaang nangyayari sa ating bansa ay ang mga taong walang alam kundi magnakaw at baluktot ang paglilingkod,” Cruz said.

He ended his speech by encouraging the youth to also practice integrity at their young age. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)

Outstanding individuals and institutions who have contributed to the progress of Dagupan received fitting recognition during the Malincor Awards on June 20 at the People’s Park.

Now on its 3rd year, the Malincor Awards of Excellence is part of the 59th celebration of Agew na Dagupan, which centers on the theme, “Fusion in Unison Towards a Clean, Peaceful, Progressive and Healthy Dagupan City.”

“The Malincor Awards seek to recognize and honor the most outstanding individuals and institutions which have excelled in various fields of discipline and made contributions to the city of Dagupan and its people,” said city health officer Dr. Leonard Carbonell, this year’s Agew na Dagupan executive chairman.

The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT-Dagupan) was awarded “most outstanding communication and information technology company,” while Dagupan Doctors Villaflor Memorial Hospital obtained the “most outstanding health care facilities” award.

The University of Luzon was the “most outstanding educational institution” awardee and RLL group of Jollibee stores obtained the award for the “most outstanding trading and commercial institution.”

A Malincor Award of Excellence for Public Service (posthumous) was also conferred to those whose legacy to Dagupan lives on.

The awardees included: Atty. Luis F. Samson, Sr., founder-president of University of Luzon; Bernabe Dy, Sr., 2000-2002 president of the Pangasinan Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc; Engr. Silverio Coquia, former Waterworks superintendent and former general manager of the Dagupan City Water District; Alfredo D. Sta. Maria, former city councilor; Florencio Victorio, former punong barangay of Pugaro; and Miguel Caguioa, former city fiscal and city councilor.

Councilors Alex de Venecia and Nicanor Aquino also received special awards in grateful cognizance of their outstanding leadership and stewardship during the City Fiesta 2005 and Bangus Festival 2006, respectively. (Sunshine D. Robles)

Mayor Benjamin Lim is set to fly to Vancouver, Canada on June 19 and stay there until 23 as one of the representatives of the Philippine delegation who will attend the third session of the World Urban Forum III (WUFIII) that will be hosted by the government of Canada.

The participation of Lim in the said international event will be sponsored by the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) that includes all traveling expenses in airfare and accommodation.

The WUFIII is a biennial gathering that is attended by a wide range of partners from non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, urban professionals, academics, local authorities and national and international associations of local governments.

For this year, WUFIII is centered on the theme, ‘Our Future: Sustainable Cities – Turning Ideas into Action.

Such participation will enable Lim to examine one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies and policies.

“This will give Dagupan City an opportunity to share with other countries on how to minimize poverty, improve urban poor’s access to basic facilities such as shelter, clean water and sanitation and achieve environment-friendly, sustainable urban growth and development,” said Lim.

During his five-day visit, Lim will actively participate in the following activities: Municipal Global Village Opening and Exposition, Asia Partners meeting, public engagement & dialogue, plenary sessions, visit to Canada pavilion, forum on Integrating Global Concerns into Urban Management in Asia, local government sessions, networking session on gender mainstreaming and local governance and urban development policies and programs, meeting with the mayor of Vancouver and Greater Vancouver Regional District and Global Advisory Board Meeting with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Asia Partners.

The fourth session will be held in Nanjing, China in 2008. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)

Mayor Benjamin Lim immediately directed Dagupan City Police chief Col. Edgar Basbas on June 14 to submit his report within 48 hours regarding the alleged existence of jueteng in the city after his office received some disturbing reports regarding the resurgence of the said illegal numbers game.

Lim ordered Basbas to conduct further investigation and to apprehend anyone caught engaged in any form of jueteng activity in the city.

“Let this serve as a stern warning as we will not tolerate jueteng, or any jueteng-related activity, to take place in Dagupan City. This includes the collection of jueteng bets that may be drawn outside the city,” said Lim.

However, in his latest report dated June 16, Basbas confirmed that the Dagupan Police Station is consistently conducting its anti-jueteng drive that resulted to the apprehension of two jueteng collectors.

Criminal charges were filed against Dante S. Tumanao and Vilma P. Saringan who were apprehended on May 24 and June 14, respectively.

Basbas said that the operation of the jueteng in the city has been stamped out in line with the mayor’s directive and intensified drive against the said illegal numbers game.

“The police station is continuously monitoring areas located within the territorial boundaries to prevent collectors from adjacent municipalities that may stealthily collect jueteng bets,” he added.

Lim assured that there is no place for jueteng and other kinds of illegal gambling activities in Dagupan as the city government is very aggressive in its anti-jueteng campaign. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)

The role of every Filipino in achieving a strong Philippine republic was highlighted during the 108th commemoration of Independence Day in Dagupan City on June 12 at the City Plaza.

Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez, Sangguniang Panlungsod members and Department of Education-Dagupan officials led participants and guests during the celebration, anchored with a theme, “Pagkakaisa Para Sa Matatag na Republika,”

In his opening remarks, Mayor Lim said that unity and dedication among Filipinos is very essential especially at these trying times. He said that building a strong republic entails awareness and clear understanding of each Filipino on his role as a responsible citizen.

Thus, he urged Dagupeños to unite because it is the only way the city can achieve progress.

He noted the valor of the three Filipinos, Heracleo Oracion, Erwin Emata, and Romi Garduce, who have recently conquered Mt. Everest.

“The unity and dedication of these three Filipinos made them successful in reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. They were willing to give their own lives just to give honor to our country,” the mayor said.

Bar topnotcher Atty. Janet Abuel, director IV of the Department of Budget and Management, bared the sad reality in the realm of politics and government.

“Ang laging biro nga ng iba, paanong hindi magiging kulang ang pondo? Kulang na nga, kinukulangan pa?” Abuel said while adding, “ang biro pa ng iba, kapag matino ka, mamamatay kang mahirap sa gobyerno.”

She clarified, however, that it is not the politicians who are the “antagonists,” but the political system in the country.

She highlighted her principle that no amount of money can buy a good and untainted name even as she said that it will only be the greatest inheritance she can leave her child.

However, Abuel said that poverty and other social and economic problems should not be all blamed to the government, because each and everyone must also do his share.

“Let us start the solution within our backyard. We can always choose the path we want to take. It is either to be a part of the solution or to be a part of the problem,” Abuel stressed in the Filipino language.

While noting that Filipinos are industrious, talented, skillful, adoptive, and being admired by the rest of the world, Abuel encouraged every Filipino to unite with one noble purpose of building a strong and better Philippines by using their talents and strengthening their faith in God and themselves.

During the celebration, a floral offering rites on the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal was held followed by a short program.

The child officials comprising the “Ogogaw ya Malincor,” were also presented and subsequently took their oath on the same occasion. (Sunshine D. Robles)

In line with Dagupan City’s observance of its 59th Charter Day on June 20, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, thru acting executive secretary Joaquin C. Lagonera, declared the said day as a special (non-working) day in the city.

Based on proclamation no. 1089 issued by the office of the president dated June 14, it is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Dagupan be given full opportunity to celebrate this milestone in their city’s history with appropriate ceremonies. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)

Some 40 trolleys complete with cleaning sets and uniforms were distributed to the City Cleaning Crew (CCC) of the Cleanliness Campaign Task Force (CCTF) on June 6 at the 3rd floor of the Malimgas Market.

In behalf of Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, City Administrator Rafael Baraan led the distribution of the trolleys, which is made up of brooms, waste basket, pail, litter pincher and dust pan.

Baraan commended the members of CCC on their untiring effort in maintaining the cleanliness of the city.

“For us, the street cleaners are the true heroes of the country, because their nature of work is not that easy,” Baraan exclaimed.

Baraan said that without the street cleaners, the surroundings of Dagupan will not be cleaned and orderly.

“Hindi kami mabubuhay sa isang malinis na kapaligiran kung wala kayo. Ganyan kayo kahalaga sa amin (We can’t have a clean surrounding without you. You are that precious to us),” Baraan told members of the CCC even as he encouraged the city cleaners not to feel down on their kind of job because it actually entails dignity and hard work.

The city administrator noted that the litters and wastes within the city have been conspicuously reduced since the implementation of the anti-littering and Paligid ko, Linis ko campaign of the city government.

He said that the visitors will be ashamed of throwing litters in the city if they find out that Dagupan residents themselves are imposing self discipline in disposing wastes and maintaining cleanliness within their surroundings.

He urged the city cleaners to carry on with their diligence towards work which can be one of the great factors in achieving a vision of a “clean, orderly, and decent” Dagupan City for its residents and visitors.

The city cleaners were also given six long-sleeved uniforms, hats, rain gears and rain boots. “This is for our CCC members to be “in full battle gear” come rain or shine,” Peacenest consultant Rose Boquiren said.

Also present during the distribution ceremony were: Anti-Hawking Task Force head Butch Gutierrez, peacenest consultant Tony Boquiren, city information office head Butch Velasco, members of the Community Monitoring and Enforcement Team (COMET) and the media. (Sunshine D. Robles)

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz extolled Mayor Lim for his firm and clear stand against illegal gambling in Dagupan City.

“Needless to say, you edify and inspire me with your integrity in the exercise of your public office,” said Archbishop Cruz in a letter sent to Mayor Lim.

The archbishop, a known active crusader against illegal gambling, requested the unfaltering support of the mayor in “countering the invasion of gambling in Pangasinan that exploits poor people and enriches the greedy with their goons.”

“Please permit me to count your good self as a fellow-crusader against the insidious socio-ethical liabilities brought about by gambling,” the archbishop further said.

Lim earlier issued a memorandum to chief of police P/Supt. Edgar Basbas stating that “that there is no place for jueteng, and other forms of illegal gambling such as hataw in Dagupan City.”

Thus, Lim advised the elements of the Dagupan police to be vigilant and to exert full effort to ensure that no such operation will ever take place within the city.

Lim stressed that the illegal numbers game, Jueteng, has been totally eradicated in the city as confirmed by police records.

Moreover, a jueteng-free certificate for Dagupan City has been validated by the Philippine National Police headquarters at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Due to the jueteng-free state of the city, the mayor commended the efforts of the DCPS, lesd by P/Supt. Basbas, the PNP Intelligence Section led by P/Sr. Inspector Faustino Ferrer Jr. and the Special Operations Group headed by P/Sr. Inspector Brendon Palisoc, who were tasked to monitor the operators of the illegal numbers game and to ensure the government’s victory against jueteng. Sunshine D. Robles