Vice Mayor BK Kua and key leaders from both the majority and minority were united in lauding the life and service of former city councilor Nicanor “Nick” Aquino as the city council presented its formal expression of sympathy and condolences to his bereaved family on October 19, 2021 at the Garden of Eden memorial chapel in Nalsian, Calasiao. Michael Fernandez Chito Samson Councilor Joshua Bugayong Dada Manaois Reyna Marvin Fabia Joey Tamayo Cisco Jay Flores Teresa Coquia Marcelino Fernandez
With strict observance of health and safety protocols, VICE MAYOR DEAN BRYAN KUA led the Sanggunian Panglunsod in the formal recognition of two outstanding Dagupenos whose recent accomplishments gave honor and pride to the city, in simple ceremonies at the River Grove, De Venecia Extension Highway on August 10.
With more than 600 entries who competed for the chance to be called the best of the best in the 14th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards that honors excellent stories and photos that are published, aired or broadcast in print, radio, Sunday Punch lensman Wilfredo “Willie” Lomibao, was commended for copping the Tobacco Photo of Year, entitled “Ocean of Gold Leaves”, also published in the same weekly paper, which depicts a farmer drying tobacco leaves in Alcala, Pangasinan.
Airis Danielle and Harris Matthew, children of newly promoted Police Brigadier General Harris Fama of the Philippine National Police received the recognition for his well-deserved promotion given his stellar record of solving problems and running after illegal gambling operators, drug personalities and other criminal elements in his long-checkered career. General Fama, currently an executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations, is a member of the Class 1990 Philippine National Police Academy and Class 228 of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Meanwhile, Lydia Uson and Rizalino Jr., widow and son, respectively, of the late assistant secretary Rizalino “Bobby” Uson Sr, received the body’s expression of sympathy for Mr. Uson, whose long and distinguished career spans for more than 35 years, rising from the ranks in the city government, starting as a clerk-typist in 1977.
In a separate location, Vice Mayor Kua and Councilor Dennis Canto presented to Dr. Diana Exconde Ydia, a posthumous citation for the late Dr. Perla Santos-Ocampo, National Scientist, in recognition of her pioneering contributions to the government’s public health policy. She is widely renowned as a scientist in the field of pediatrics, as medical educator, leader and mentor, institution-builder and advocate for better health of the Filipino people particularly the children.
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD in a strong show of support to the city government passed a tax amnesty ordinance which would provide tax relief to delinquent taxpayers of real property taxes (RPT) from the year 2019 and before.
Councilor Celia C. Lim, the author of the ordinance, said this would increase the tax collection of the city this year since the amnesty would encourage the delinquent taxpayers to clear off their taxes while the amnesty was in effect.
The measure was certified as urgent by City Mayor Marc Brian Lim in a letter addressed to the Sanggunian, stating that it is “both timely and appropriate to adopt the measure granting tax amnesty and/or relief to real property owners who have failed to pay their real property taxes for previous years.”
The city mayor endorsed the ordinance citing that the city and the people of Dagupan were affected by the current public health crisis and the tax relief would alleviate financial burdens as well as encourage the settlement of unpaid real property taxes which would consequently accelerate the efficient collection.
City administrator Vladmir T. Mata and City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara said the condonation of penalties and interest on unpaid real property taxes would augur well for a steady cash flow and a stable economy.
Meanwhile, the council likewise threw its support to two other measures, namely:
* Draft Resolution No. R- 5961, entitled, “SUPPORTING HIS HONOR, THE CITY MAYOR, THIS CITY, OF HIS REQUEST TO THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE (PCSO) TO ENTER FOR AND IN BEHALF OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF DAGUPAN AND SIGN THE DEED OF DONATION OF ONE (1) UNIT OF AMBULANCE BY THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICE.” (Approved)
Draft Resolution No. R-5962, entitled, “RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING HONORABLE CITY MAYOR MARC BRIAN C. LIM TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE (PCSO) TO ACCESS THE FUNDING ALLOCATED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS.” (Approved)
The Sanggunian is set to deliberate another tax relief measure, Proposed Ordinance No. O-779 entitled “AN ORDINANCE CONDONING ALL PENALTIES, SURCHARGES AND INTERESTS ON ALL PUBLIC MARKET RENTS”, on second reading next Tuesday during its regular session through a Zoom conference meeting.
VICE MAYOR DEAN BRYAN KUA today said the Sanggunian has heard the clamor of businesses for more respite from the current economic difficulties by pushing the deadline of payment of business taxes out further.
Two weeks after extending the time for settling 3rd quarterly business taxes, the Sanggunian Panlunsod today pushed back again the payment of taxes for the last quarter of the year to December 21.
“Local tax matters are within the domain of the LGUs. This includes the fixing of the deadlines for the payments and to suspend such deadlines when necessary,” Councilor Michael Fernandez, author the Ordinance No. 777, said.
No less than the Local Government Code allows the Sanggunian to, for justifiable reason or cause, extend the time for the payment of taxes, fees and charges without surcharges and penalties, but only for a period not exceeding six months.
Vice Mayor Kua said the Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of community quarantines are no doubt justifiable reasons for LGUs to cause the deferment of the payment of taxes without penalties.
The city council likewise moved to approve Ordinance No. 776 entitled “AMENDING SECTION 324 OF THE REVENUE CODE OF DAGUPAN CITY.” Under the proposed amendment, an additional paragraph was included to authorize the use of alternative modes of payment of taxes particularly by online or electronic means.
The city council unanimously voted to shorten anew the curfew hours from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, effectively repealing Ordinance No. 2206-2020 and amending Ordinance No. 2203-2020.
Proposed ordinance No. 775 was authored by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo who said the approval of the measure was in response to the request of Mayor Marc Brian Lim to shorten the curfew hours during the community quarantine, citing the need to “allow longer hours and daily turnover of food establishments offering dine-in services as well as other businesses desiring to extend business hours as means of mitigating, if not reversing, the current economic downturn brought about by the public health emergency.”
The city council further approved on second and final reading proposed ordinance No. 722 entitled “REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF PROPER FACE SHIELDS ON ALL ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES, PLACES OF WORK, COMMERCIAL AREAS, AND IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” authored by Councilor Dennis C. Canto.
Other measures APPROVED today:
*Draft Resolution No. 5958, entitled, “AUTHORIZING HIS HONOR, THE CITY MAYOR, THIS CITY, TO ENROL IN THE LANDBANK INSTITUTIONAL INTERNET BANKING ‘WE ACCESS’ FOR PURPOSES OF ENSURING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN.” (Introduced by Councilor Michael B. Fernandez)
*Draft Resolution No. 5958-A, entitled, “AUTHORIZING HIS HONOR, THE CITY MAYOR, THIS CITY, TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE LANDBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES, DAGUPAN CITY BRANCH FOR PURPOSES OF ACCESSIBILITY IN ITS LINK.BIZ PORTAL.” (Introduced by Councilor Michael B. Fernandez)
Meanwhile, the following measures were taken on FIRST READING:
*Proposed Ordinance No. 776, Amending Sec. 324 of the Revised Revenue Code of the City of Dagupan, which now authorized the City Mayor to implement the adoption of online/electronic payment of business taxes as an alternative mode, on top of the traditional mode of payment in person at the City Treasurer’s office (Introduced by Councilor Michael B. Fernandez.)
*Proposed Ordinance No. 777, Extending the Deadline of Payment of Business Tax (4th Quarter) Operating in the City of Dagupan to December 20, 2020 (Introduced by Councilor Michael B. Fernandez) was taken on first reading
Both ordinances are set to be heard on public hearing on Friday, September 12, at the SP Session Hall.
The city council likewise presented a plaque of sympathy to the bereaved family of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Isleta-Torio, retired postmaster and the first lady to be appointed such position at the Dagupan City Post Office.
Wearing of face shields on top of face masks will soon be mandatory in all enclosed public spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the joint committees on health and of laws, ordinances and juidiciary said in a public hearing today.
Task Force COVID-19 focal person Dr. Ophelia Rivera, citing medical studies, said wearing of face shields adds another layer of protection. She also underscored the need for the stringent enforcement of proper wearing of face mask and, when approved, face shield in the face of 11 active cases in the city.
“Don’t think that using a face shield is just an additional expense or another hassle. Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy,” Councilor Dennis Canto, health committee chairperson said.
Earlier, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases(IATF-EID), the Department of Transporation and the Department of Trade and Industry enjoined the mandatory use of face shields in all workplaces and in public transportation to further prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Last August 24, Mayor Marc Brian Lim also issued Executive Order No. 30-C expanding the guidelines under modified general community guidelines, particularly the use of face shield in certain activities and industries as part of basic and mandatory health and safety measures.
Under the proposed measure, Councilor Michael Fernandez sought to lay down a clear-cut definition of ‘enclosed public spaces’ as to include “public facilities such as all government offices, public markets, supermarkets, public and private hospitals and health centers, banks and other financial institutions, remittance centers and courier service centers, places of religious worship, educational institutions, and other places of work.”
Under the draft ordinance, violators shall be denied outright entry to, and/or prohibited access to any service offered in such office, establishment, institution or enterprise.
Owners or operators of such enterprise, establishment or business who deliberately allow and/or consent to individuals to enter their premises and access their services without face shields on top of face mask shall meted a penalty of reprimand on first offense, P200 fine for second offense, and P300 fine and revocation of business license on third offense.
For the second time in its history, the Sangguniang Panglunsod held a meeting entirely by video conference, allowing the Vice Mayor and all city councilors to participate while observing social distancing practices amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Vice Mayor Dean Bryan L. Kua presided over the meeting at the regular session on the third floor of SP building, along with Councilors Joey Tamayo and Dennis Canto and other key Sanggunian staff and personnel. The rest of the 13-member body participated in the teleconference from their offices or homes via the Zoom video chat app.
The meeting lasted more than an hour, as the agenda was limited to first reading of three proposed measures, namely –
Draft Ordinance No. O-771, entitled “DECLARING THE OLD DAWASA TANKER (TONDALIGAN) AS AN ADDITIONAL HISTORICAL STRUCTURE IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN AS PART OF STRENGTHENING AND IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE ACT OF 2009” Introduced by Councilor Dennis C. Canto (Public hearing set on September 8, 2:00 pm)
Draft Ordinance No. O-772, entitled, “REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF PROPER FACE SHIELDS ON ALL ENCLOSED PUBLIC SPACES, PLACES OF WORK, COMMERCIAL AREAS, AND IN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES” Introduced by Councilor Dennis C. Canto (Public hearing set on September 3, 10:00 am)
Draft Resolution No. 5959, entitled “AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR, HONORABLE MARC BRIAN C. LIM, TO ENROLL IN THE LANDBANK INSTITUTIONAL INTERNET BANKING ‘weAccess’, AS WELL AS TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) WITH THE LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ABOVEMENTIONED PROGRAM.” Introduced by Councilor Michael B. Fernandez (Committee hearing set on September 4, 10:00 am)
Vice Mayor Kua said the Sanggunian sessions and hearings, even amidst the coronavirus fears stoking the world, continued uninterrupted since March this year and would have to go on so that the council would not have backlogs.
“We just wanted to get the word out to all Dagupenos that … we’re here, we’re open, you know, the doors are locked, but we’re still working,” Vice Mayor Kua said.
The joint committees on Laws, Ordinances and Judiciary, and Health outlined in the public hearing held last August 27 that awareness, education and greater community participation are the keys for dealing with challenges to mental health especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authored by Councilor Jose Netu N. Tamayo, draft ordinance number O-769 entitled, “AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR A COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND DELIVERY SYSTEM IN DAGUPAN CITY AND APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS THEREFOR” sought inputs from a broad spectrum of the general community as it highlighted the need for the city government to include mental health in the public health and hospital system in order to render available, accessible, affordable, and equitable quality mental health care and services to the constituents of the city especially the poor, the underserved and high risk population.
He said the city mayor, in a formal report to the city, signified his intention to establish a city hospital. Tamayo said he would bat for the strengthening the mental health program of the city and its inclusion among the health services to be offered in the proposed new facility
“But patient care must continue beyond institutional facilities, and must be made available in health centers and homes, and relevant health care activities and interventions must be done closest to where the need or the patient is,” he said.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod on Thursday presented a resolution honouring the life and work of former Tapuac punong barangay and Liga ng mga Barangay president Joaquin D. Reyes who died last August 24, and expressed its recognition and condolences to his bereaved family.
In simple ceremony, the entire city council feted Reyes as a former member of the institution as it read out the plaque containing RESOLUTION NO. 7722-2020, entitled “EXPRESSING THIS BODY’S HEARTFELT CONDOLENCE TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY OF THE LATE JOACQUIN G. REYES, FORMER PUNONG BARANGAY OF TAPUAC AND FORMER ABC PRESIDENT, THIS CITY, WHO JOINED HIS CREATOR ON AUGUST 24, 2020 AT THE AGE OF 74”
Reyes joined the public service when he was elected as barangay kagawad, punong barangay in Barangay Tapuac and served as ABC President in July 2013. During his stint as public servant, he demonstratively displayed love and respect to his constituents and served them well with dedication particularly those who have less in life.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod formally received the first formal State of the City report of City Mayor Marc Brian Lim in special session attended by all its members last August 27.
The city mayor provided a summary of civic programs and services delivered to meet the goals of the city as well as new initiatives that will be undertaken to strengthen public health, education and strengthening the economy. He likewise highlighted the main achievements and discussed the current challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic and explained how the city will meet them.
Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua said despite the continuing health crisis and the economic fallout from the pandemic, the city will continue to have a can-do spirit that will propel it forward.
“For many years we have always demonstrated that Dagupenos are not limited by its circumstances, but we always look to rise above the situation and do our best for the people who live in our city” he said.
He said the Sangguniang Panglunsod will work closely with the city administration, adding that “working together as a community will be key to maintaining Dagupan’s momentum as a progressive and successful city.”
Members of the Sanggunian conducted its regular session today using Zoom, a remote meeting software to comply with social distancing rules to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
In its amended internal rules of procedure approved last March, the body authorized the use of technology to help its members obtain information and share it with the people of Dagupan during this crisis, and it will continue to do so to fulfill its responsibilities as elected city officials.
Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua said the Sanggunian will continue to leverage new and emerging technologies to follow social distancing guidelines and conduct its work remotely.
On the same regular session, the council adopted a resolution expressing its sympathies to the family of former punong barangay and Liga President Joaquin Reyes who passed on today.
The Sangguniang Panglunsod unanimously adopted in today’s regular session another temporary reprieve for taxpayers by extending the deadline of 3rd quarterly payment of business taxes to September 20. The extension comes on the heel of other full range of strong business support measures and other government economic relief programs approved by the city council and made available to Dagupan businesses since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic on March this year.
The measure, Ordinance No. 2217-2020, entitled “FURTHER EXTENDING THE DEADLINE OF PAYMENT OF BUSINESS TAX (3RD QUARTER) OPERATING IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN TO SEPTEMBER 20, 2020” is intended to cushion the severe impact of the coronavirus on businesses, halt cessation of operations and sustain the employment of more Dagupenos, particularly small and medium scale enterprises.
Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua said Dagupan enjoys the reputation of being one of the most progressive and business-friendly cities in Region 1. The ordinance, he said, will show that the city is “future-forward and will stand with businesses who are experiencing hardships”.
Atty. Crisanto Ambrosio Q. Estrada, Officer-in-Charge, One Stop Business Center and Ms. Romelita F. Alcantara, City Treasurer, said the city government supports the Sanggunian initiative, stating the loss of potential revenue in the form of collection from penalties is “just a small amount and Dagupan must show more compassion for small, struggling businesses”.
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