Category: Featured News

Opisyal nang idineklara ng Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Dagupan ang Disyembre 26 ng bawat taon bilang “Speaker Jose de Venecia Day,” bilang pagkilala sa legasiya ni dating House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. sa lungsod ng Dagupan at sa bansa.

Kasabay nito, inaprubahan din ng konseho ang pagdaraos ng taunang “Speaker Jose de Venecia Leadership and Public Service Commemoration,” na gaganapin tuwing Disyembre 26 upang gunitain ang kanyang buhay, pamumuno, at dedikasyon sa paglilingkod sa publiko.

Ipinanganak si De Venecia noong Disyembre 26, 1936 sa Barangay Pogo Grande, Dagupan City. Nakilala siya bilang pinakamahabang nagsilbing Speaker ng House of Representatives sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas matapos mahalal sa posisyon nang limang beses sa loob ng kanyang pitong termino sa Kongreso.

Batay sa Ordinance No. 2370-2026, na inakda nina Konsehal Luis Samson at Konsehal Michael Fernandez, ang araw na ito ay ituturing na special working day of commemoration, maliban kung ideklara itong special non working holiday ng pambansang pamahalaan.

Pinahihintulutan din ang pamahalaang lungsod, mga barangay, paaralan, at civic organizations na magsagawa ng mga angkop na programa upang magbigay pugay sa kanyang mga kontribusyon sa bayan.

Sa hiwalay na Draft Ordinance No. 0 020, itinakda rin ang taunang Speaker Jose de Venecia Leadership and Public Service Commemoration, na magtatampok ng mga programang naglalayong ipakita ang kanyang halimbawa ng pamumuno at integridad, at magsilbing inspirasyon sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga Dagupeno.

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History remembers leaders who occupy positions. Nations remember leaders who shape destiny.

From the shores of Dagupan City rose a son whose voice would one day echo across the halls of Congress, across the country, and across the world.

Jose “Joe” De Venecia Jr. did not simply participate in Philippine politics. He helped define it.

Born of humble beginnings and raised with deep faith in public service, he carried with him the values of discipline, dialogue, and duty. Those early lessons would guide a career that spanned decades and influenced generations.

In 1969, the people first entrusted him with a seat in the House of Representatives. What followed was a lifetime devoted to nation building.

He would go on to achieve a distinction unmatched in modern Philippine history.

Five times elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Five separate mandates of trust.

Five seasons of leadership at the very center of lawmaking.

Each speakership marked by stability, consensus, and reform.

At a time when politics often divided, he built bridges.

At moments of national tension, he convened conversations.

Inside the chamber, he was known for calm authority. Outside it, for patient diplomacy.

He believed legislation must serve people, not personalities.

Under his stewardship, Congress passed landmark measures on economic growth, housing, social services, and democratic institutions. He strengthened parliamentary processes, professionalized legislative work, and elevated the dignity of the House as a coequal branch of government.

Colleagues across parties described him as a unifier.

Not because he avoided differences, but because he listened.

Not because he demanded loyalty, but because he earned respect.

He understood that democracy thrives through dialogue.

Through negotiation.

Through the steady work of bringing voices together.

Beyond the chamber walls, his influence reached the national stage.

He became a principal architect of democratic conversation during some of the country’s most delicate periods. When political storms threatened to fracture the nation, he worked quietly yet firmly to keep institutions intact and the rule of law steady.

His leadership style favored inclusion over confrontation, statesmanship over spectacle.

He carried the Philippines into global conversations as well.

As Speaker, he represented the country in international parliamentary unions and diplomatic forums, strengthening ties with Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Foreign leaders recognized him as a seasoned statesman, a bridge builder between nations, and a credible voice for peace and cooperation.

He elevated the stature of Philippine democracy abroad.

Yet for all his national and international accomplishments, he never forgot where he began.

Dagupan was always home.

Dagupan was always heart.

When the devastating earthquake struck Central Luzon in 1990 and left Dagupan among the hardest hit cities, it was one of the darkest chapters in our local history. Buildings collapsed. Roads cracked open. Families were displaced. Hope felt fragile.

In that moment of crisis, he did not stand at a distance.

He mobilized.

From the halls of Congress, he rallied national government agencies, secured emergency funds, and opened channels of assistance. Relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction moved faster because someone at the highest level carried Dagupan’s cause personally.

He made sure the city was seen.

He made sure the city was heard.

He made sure help arrived.

The recovery of Dagupan bore the imprint of his urgency and his commitment.

For him, public service was never abstract.

It was concrete.

It meant roads rebuilt, schools repaired, homes restored, and families protected.

Throughout the years, he remained a constant advocate for local development. Infrastructure, education, and economic opportunity were priorities he championed tirelessly. He believed that progress must reach every community, especially the ones that shaped us.

His work showed that leadership could be both national in scope and deeply local in care.

To many, he was Mr. Speaker.

To Dagupan, he was simply Joe.

Approachable.

Grounded.

Steady.

A statesman whose greatness never erased his humility.

Young leaders sought his counsel. Fellow lawmakers sought his wisdom. Communities sought his voice.

Because when he spoke, people listened.

Because when he committed, he delivered.

Because when the country needed steady hands, he provided them.

Today, we recount his life not merely to remember milestones, but to understand impact.

A five time Speaker.

A champion of democratic dialogue.

A legislator who strengthened institutions.

A leader who carried Dagupan through crisis.

A Filipino whose reputation commanded respect on the world stage.

These are chapters of history.

Yet his legacy goes beyond titles and timelines.

You see it in the schools that continue to educate children.

You see it in the streets rebuilt after disaster.

You see it in the civic culture of dialogue and cooperation that he modeled.

You see it in every young public servant who chooses service over self.

Because true leadership leaves footprints that outlast a lifetime.

And so, as we reflect on the life of Jose “Joe” De Venecia Jr., we recognize a story larger than one man.

It is the story of what principled leadership can accomplish.

It is the story of how one Dagupeño helped steer a nation.

It is the story of commitment, courage, and enduring service.

His legacy is not confined to history books. It stands in the streets, schools, and strength of Dagupan.

 

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Dagupan City honors the life and legacy of Speaker Jose Joe De Venecia Jr, a proud son of Dagupan who rose to become the five time Speaker of the House of Representatives, an unprecedented distinction in Philippine history that reflected the nation’s enduring trust in his leadership.

Born in Dagupan on December 26, 1936, he carried his hometown with him throughout a lifetime of public service, shaping national policy while remaining firmly grounded in the values formed by his city.

From humble beginnings in Dagupan, Speaker De Venecia went on to become one of the most influential statesmen of the Philippine Republic.

His election to the Speakership five (5) separate times demonstrated rare confidence across political lines and affirmed his ability to unite leaders, build consensus, and steer the House through periods of challenge and transition.

Even at the height of national leadership, he never lost sight of his roots, often crediting Dagupan for instilling in him discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for community. During his years at the helm of Congress, landmark laws were enacted that reshaped the country’s development path.

He helped advance policies that enabled major infrastructure projects through public private partnerships, converted former military bases into thriving economic centers, and expanded economic zones that attracted investments and created jobs nationwide.

These reforms strengthened the national economy while opening opportunities that benefited cities like Dagupan and improved the lives of countless Filipino families.

Known as a bridge builder, Speaker De Venecia organized broad coalitions that promoted cooperation rather than conflict. His leadership style favored dialogue, stability, and inclusion, principles that mirrored the close knit, people first spirit of Dagupan.

He believed that progress is achieved when leaders work together with purpose and respect. He was also a steadfast advocate for peace, engaging in efforts that pursued negotiation and understanding to resolve long standing conflicts.

Beyond the country’s borders, he elevated the Philippines in the international community through active participation in global parliamentary and political organizations, proudly carrying with him the identity of a Dagupeño wherever he went.

Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr’s story is inseparable from Dagupan’s own story of aspiration and achievement. His life affirms that from Dagupan can emerge leaders who shape the nation and influence the world.

As the city remembers him, it honors not only a former Speaker of the House, but a statesman whose legacy of service, unity, and leadership will forever be a source of pride for every Dagupeño.

Thank you, Speaker Joe. Inaro mi ca.

The City Government of Dagupan marked a “historic first” after earning multiple recognitions from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) under the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management, or PRIME HRM, becoming the first time the City has achieved such distinctions, during the regular flag raising ceremony held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at City Hall.

The CSC, thru Dir. Hedy Jose B. Lardizabal, regional director of the Civil Service Commission Regional Office I, personally conferred the Bronze Award, the Accreditation Award, and three Certificates of Recognition covering Learning and Development, Performance Management, and Recruitment, Selection, and Placement, following a rigorous national assessment process.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said the recognitions reflect Dagupan’s sustained efforts to professionalize its workforce and institutionalize systems grounded on merit, transparency, and accountability.

“This is a proud moment for Dagupan. We’ve made history! These honors affirm that our systems are fair, professional, and designed to strengthen the quality of service we provide to our people,” she said.

The awards were granted pursuant to CSC resolutions issued in November 2025, confirming that the city met national standards for process defined human resource management systems through documented policies, validated self assessments, and comprehensive evidence.

Human Resource Management Officer Atty. Froiland Fermill underscored that the achievement was the result of collective effort across City Hall.

“These recognitions reflect the collective effort of our entire City Hall workforce led by Mayor Belen Fernandez. This achievement actually belongs to all our employees who consistently upheld clear standards and worked together to build systems that remain effective and reliable over time,” Fermill said.

With its advancement to PRIME HRM Maturity Level 2, Dagupan now joins a select group of local government units nationwide recognized for readiness, consistency, and accountability in managing their human capital.

The awarding ceremony was attended by all officials and employees, together with Civil Service Commission representatives led by Atty. Rex R. Ami, Director II of the CSC Eastern Pangasinan Field Office; Ms. Liwayway R. Navalta, Chief Human Resource Specialist of CSC Regional Office I; Mr. Walfredo C. Laudencia Jr., Supervising Human Resource Specialist of CSC Regional Office I; Ms. Fredygilda N. Pinlac, Senior Human Resource Specialist of CSC Regional Office I; and Mr. Engel F. Figuracion, Senior Human Resource Specialist of the CSC Eastern Pangasinan Field Office.

Mayor Belen added that the recognitions serve both as affirmation and responsibility to continue raising standards in governance, personnel development, and public service delivery.

The City of Dagupan continues to set the pace in local governance, underscoring the importance of strong institutions in delivering effective public service.

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Dagupan City, under the leadership of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, once again demonstrated its strong commitment to building a safe, healthy and empowering environment for every child as it officially qualified as a passer for the 2025 Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance, based on the results of the 2025 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit for Performance Year 2024.

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Pangasinan, Dagupan is among the 37 Local Government Units in the province that successfully passed the comprehensive audit, which evaluates an LGU’s capacity to ensure the safety, welfare, rights and holistic development of its children.

In Dagupan, child-centered initiatives continue to strengthen through programs on protection, nutrition, health, education and safe communities. These include the Good Touch Bad Touch campaign, enhanced immunization efforts, expanded free health services, feeding programs, safe and resilient learning environments, disaster-ready schools and support systems that uphold the well-being of every child.

Mayor Belen reaffirmed the city’s dedication to children’s welfare, saying, “Ginagawa natin ang lahat mula sa scholarship hanggang sa mga bagong school buildings, bagong kalsada at pinalawig na free health services sa tulong ng New Majority Councilors led by Vice Mayor Bryan Kua upang matiyak na ang ating mga kabataan ay lumaking ligtas, malusog at handang mangarap. Ang mga batang Dagupeños ang tunay na prayoridad.”

This achievement affirms Dagupan’s sustained commitment to ensuring that every child grows in a community that is safe, supported and full of opportunities for a brighter future.

For our children. For their future. For a more caring and child-friendly Dagupan.

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