Brian S. Lim, Mayor Benjamin Lim’s newly designated chief of staff, served as one of the main speakers during the first-ever Dagupan City Educator’s Congress on January 30 to 31 at the People’s Astrodome. 
 

With the theme “Making school-based management work,” Lim recognized the significant role of educators in nation building as he underscored the importance of quality education for Dagupeños to ensure the city’s competitiveness in the future.
 

He stressed that having a limited budget allocation from the government prevents schools from making quality education a reality as it is attributed to shortages of teachers, classrooms, books and other learning facilities.
 

However, on behalf of the mayor, he assured that the city government will give utmost priority to education.
 

“Let me assure you that the city government is behind you in this endeavor. We are constantly seeking ways to increase our income for us to be able to increase our special education fund (SEF),” the younger Lim said.
 

Few years ago, the SEF amounts to only P14 million. Now it has increased to P28 million.
 

He added that the present administration is now initiating the construction of a modern public library building that will likely be situated at the West Central Elementary School compound.
 

In closing, Lim urged the teachers to continue with their profession despite limitations and budgetary constraints.
 

“Nothing is more noble than investing on the future of our country by teaching and educating our children,” he declared.
 

The event, organized by DepEd-Dagupan, under city schools division superintendent Aurora Domingo, gathered some 1,200 participants composed of public teachers, school heads, supervisors, Parents-Teachers Community Association officers and non-governmental organizations. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)