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)