Team Unliserbisyo, led by re-elected Mayor Belen Fernandez and re-elected Vice Mayor Dean Bryan “BK” Kua alongside nine councilors, took their oath of office for the incoming administration before Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez at the Dagupan City People’s Astrodome on Saturday morning, June 28.
The political team’s victorious win secured the majority bloc with a total of 11 seats composed of nine council members —a major shift in the city’s political landscape and a massive turnaround from the previous term, with the political slate only securing three seats in the city council.
Mayor Fernandez, now on her 2nd term after her political comeback in 2022, delivered her inaugural speech with key points in Health, Social Services, Education, Disaster Resilience, Waste Management, Integrated Coastal Management and Micro-entrepreneurs while reiterating the true essence of her long-time mantra in public service: “Unliserbisyo.”
“When we bring education to every child, health to every lola, trabaho to every tatay, and hope to every nanay—then Dagupan will rise, not as a city of buildings, but a city of lives changed. That is what Unliserbisyo means. Hindi ito pangako sa entablado. Ito ay paninindigan sa kalsada, sa tahanan, sa barangay, sa panahon ng bagyo, sa oras ng pangangailangan.” she delivered.
Fernandez further emphasized what to expect in the coming years, promising a 2-billion peso economy by 2030.
“Dagupan will not just be a coastal city; it will be a coastal powerhouse, a model for growth in the entire region.”
The local chief executive also called for unity for the new political term ahead, stressing a fresh, unified start for everyone.
“This is not a time for division but for decisive unity. Tapos na ang panahon ng walang saysay na bangayan, panahon na ito ng pagbubuo. Let us write a new chapter in our city’s story—no longer one of rivalry but of rebuilding. Not of politics, but of purpose.”
Among those who secured re-election are former minority city councilors Michael Fernandez and Jeslito “Jigs” Seen, alongside seasoned politicians Atty. Jose Netu “Joey” Tamayo, Engr. Karlos Reyna IV, Luis “Chito” Samson Jr., and Marvin Fabia, marking their return to the political scene.
Joining the roster are political newbies Bonuan Gueset SK Chairperson Christel Hillary “Tala” Paras, Dra. Jalice “Jaja” Cayabyab and Danielle “Danee” Canto, daughter of former councilor Dennis Canto.
Present in the oathtaking ceremony are the family and friends of the newly sworn-in political figures, LGU Department Heads and employees, Barangay Council, SK Federation, DepEd Dagupan, Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran (MYK) Young City Officials and honored guests and visitors in the city.
As the new era of governance in Dagupan begins, the administration promises to empower, improve and uplift the lives of every Dagupeño.
