Dagupan City, under the leadership of Mayor Belen Fernandez, has been named the regional winner for the city category of the 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA).
The recognition was given on Friday morning, September 12, at the Golden Rays View Hotel, Allvear II, Poblacion Baywalk, Lingayen, Pangasinan, in line with the national search for the Most Outstanding Local Government Units in Localizing the Population and Development (POPDEV) Agenda.
Alongside the recognition plaque, the city, through the City Population Development Office (CPDO), also received a Certificate of Recognition for its invaluable support in implementing the Regional Population and Development Plan of Action (RPD-POA) 2024-2028 in the community.
Mayor Fernandez proudly accepted the award together with Councilor Dra. Jalice “Jaja” Cayabyab, Councilor Christel Hilary “Tala” Paras, City Population Officer Malen Bernadette Pilon, Population Program Officer IV Kim Paras, City Planning and Development Office Project Development Officer III Natacia Rimorin-Dizon, and City Social Welfare and Development Office Project Development Officer III Patrick Dizon.
The local chief executive further emphasized that the recognition is not merely a personal achievement but is made possible through the collective effort, dedication, and hard work of the whole working force of Dagupan.
“The milestone reflects the hard work of our city government officials, department heads, barangay leaders, health workers, teachers, youth advocates, civil society partners, and every citizen who actively participated in our programs aimed at promoting population development, family planning, gender equality, maternal and child health, and community empowerment.”
The mayor also affirms that the city’s local government remains true to its ‘Unliserbisyo’ and people-centered governance, through the continuous development and execution of innovative, inclusive, and sustainable programs.
As regional winner, Dagupan will represent the region in the upcoming national selection process of the prestigious awarding body.
