DAGUPAN CITY — Christmas came early at the government-owned Region 1 Medical Center (RIMC)here after a Good Samaritan donated a bronchoscope from the US that will diagnose and treat indigent patients suffering from lung problems.

Dr. Pedro Dayrit, a US based doctor married to a Dagupeña, Dr. Elmina Margarita Fernandez, daughter of Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr., brought home with him the second-hand equipment estimated to cost about P500,000.

"God-sent. We’ve been dreaming to have one like this here," Dr. Jesus Canto, RIMC hospital director, said.

He said the 300-bed capacity hospital which sometimes has overflowing patients of about 350 is lucky because although it has three pulmonologists, it doesn’t have the necessary equipment like the bronchoscope.

Canto lauded Dayrit and his brother-in-law, Dagupan City Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez for recommending the RIMC as recipient of this surprise gift in time for Christmas.

The bronchoscope used to be only for the rich but with this donation, even the poor can avail of it free of charge now, Canto said.

Moreover, Canto said that he is happy the RIMC was recently adjudged by the Department of Health as one of the country’s top government-owned hospitals in terms of facilities and efficiency of service to the poor.

The other awardees are Lung Center, as well as the medical centers in Davao, Nueva Ecija and Iloilo. — Eva Visperas

VM Alvin together with Councilor Joey Tamayo visits the Tiangge at Jovellanos Street. December 4 is the opening day of the Tiangge. Dagupenos are invited to shop at the area. Tinday Labi is another venue located at AB Fernandez which only operates from Friday to Sunday. Hermana Mayor Dada made sure that Dagupenos and local tourists are given plenty of options on where to shop for their christmas gifts.

VM Alvin Fernandez discusses the Investment Code which needs contribution from different department heads. He advised concerned department heads to visit the website of the VM at http://alvin.prepys.com as regards the clarifications the Sanggunian will need come next session at the SP Hall.

The VM also informed them of the revelation of a concerned citizen as regards the present market value of beach front properties which may need re assessment. The VM stated that generous concerned citizens may wish to voluntarily declare the actual value of their beach front property to help the city in its fiscal resources. This additional revenue will be a boost to the city's local income. Department heads were happy with the development as this will increase the financial pie that will be divided for the operational expense of the city.

VM Alvin also laid out the ground works on the plan of the city to put up a Special Economic Zone on the accreted portion of Bonuan Beach where the city has applied for an MLA.

The city recently received 16.723 million pesos representing unreleased IRA from the National Government.

4.86million was allocated for AdCom representing 9months of additional compensation to all city employees.
4.5million for 1 and a half month of electrical and water consumption.
1.67million for non office.
560,000 as Gasoline for CMO, PNP, WMO, CEO.
952,328 for additional MOOE for the city.
836,155 as 5%budgetary reserve or calamity fund.
3,344,620 as 20% Annual Investment which could not be touched without the approval of the SP on the recommendation that the City Development Council is to recommend once convened for this purpose.

The city employees are already guaranteed the additional compensation. The city could release the AdCom starting December5 depending on how fast the processing of the AdCom voucher shall be.

As regards Christmas bonus and incentives, th city shall be looking for ways in terms of personnel savings and other savings to fund these benefits it usually gives to public servants of the city including BHWs and EWs.

For the first time after a very long time, the weekly ceremony of the City Government of Dagupan was held at the City Hall Complex. The SP Staff prepared a christmas song composed by Secretary Jorge Estrada. The staff sang it will all their might to the delight of the city hall employees. The meat of the song is the request of the employees for the release of the AdCom and Christmas Bonus. The VM announced that it is going to be Valentines in December. Employees are requesting the 9thou AdCom and the 5thou Bonus or 14thou like February14 or valentines in December. Mayor Lim and the administrator shall be computing the necessary budget needed subject to availability of fund. The VM jokingly stated "pag nagkulang ng pondo ay punuan natin ng Saya, Let's have FUN, To fill in FUND shortage if the case may be. The employees were all in festive spirit and cheered with the announcement.

The VM took the opportunity of informing the staff the available scholarship coming from PGMA thru TESDA in amount ranging from 5thousand to 40thousand pesos for vocational courses that could qualify filipinos as skilled workers. TESDA Director has announced that women welders could get salaries in canada of up to 120,000 pesos per month without overtime. TESDA has announced the hundreds of thousands of job opportunities abroad only for skilled workers that are guaranteed good salaries. As of present a regular domestic helper only get 150 to 200 dollars a month in the middle east. A certified Home Manager(new term for domestic helper) that has been trained thru TESDA is guaranteed a salary ranging from 400 to 600 dollars and could still get higher depending on the employer.

The VM also announced the deliberation of the SP regarding the Investment Code of Dagupan which seeks to promote and develop the Special Economic Zone in the Bonuan Area where the city has applied for the Miscellaneous Lease Agreement. The city hopes to get investors that shall build a port to make the setting up of International Industries in Central Pangasinan a reality.

Mayor Lim happily acknowledge the request of the employees and for his part announced the possibility of the city setting up a lending center for its employees so employees will no longer borrow from individual private lenders charging them as high as 20% interest per month from salary loans.

The employees were very happy with the announcements.

The Sanggunian Panlungsod of Dagupan City is currently tackling a major ordinance, the INVESTMENT CODE of DAGUPAN, that may improve the landscape of investment opportunity in the city.

The City of Dagupan is about to acquire all accreted foreshore land in the city of Dagupan via the MLA with the intention of making it a Special Economic Zone. The city as of the moment has limited financial resources and has maximize the allowable limit in loaning from the Land Bank of the Philippines. There is a need to be creative and entice investors to invest in the economic zone to make it a reality.

SECTION 2 of the Investment Code states “ Declaration of Policy. –

to jumpstart and accelerate the economic development of Dagupan City and Improve the quality of life of its people in accordance with the city’s comprehensive development plan and zoning ordinance, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the city of Dagupan to encourage new investments or expansions/diversification in agri-business activities, e.g. fish processing plant, canning/packaging of fish products and fruits; tourism facilities like mid-range hotels, hostels, beach and golf resorts; transshipment facilities including, but not limited to, port infrastructure and common bonded warehouses; miscellaneous light manufacturing activities such as garments, footwear, furniture, kitchenware, etc., information and communication technology related services such as call centers, business process outsourcing, property development areas of investments as may be determined from time to time, which will provide employment opportunities, raise the standard of living of the people of Dagupan City, and provide for an equitable distribution of wealth.”

The City of Dagupan welcomes and encourages domestic and foreign capital to establish enterprises and business operation either as a principal office or branch that would utilize substantial amount of labor, raw materials and natural resources of the City.
The City shall encourage and promote the establishment and operation of non-government organizations to serve as active partners in achieving local development and autonomy.

CHAPTER VIII. INCENTIVES TO REGISTERED ENTERPRISES

SECTION 21. Tax Incentives to Registered Enterprises. –In addition to the incentives provided by law e.g. Omnibus Investment Code and by the local Government Code of 1991, a registered enterprise qualified under this Code shall enjoy the following tax incentives:

a. Within three (3) years from the start of commercial operations, a registered enterprises under this code shall be fully exempt from the Mayor’s permit fees, building permit fess, business sales taxes, and other fees and charges imposed under existing city ordinances;
b. Exemption from the basic real property tax due the City, excluding the barangay share and SEF, under the City Revenue Code for a period of two (2) years from the affectivity (accrual) of its real property tax.
c. In no case shall the registered enterprise avail of these incentives for a period of three (3) years.

SECTION 16. Qualifications of Existing Enterprise. – An existing enterprises may avail of the incentives of this code provided that it meets the following requirements:

a. That the business enterprise must have complied with all the requirements mandated under existing local and national laws and Constitution;
b. That the expansion/diversification must engage in activities mentioned in Section 2 hereof or in other preferred areas of investments as may hereafter be declared by the Board;
c. That the existing enterprise whose place of operation or production is already located within the territorial jurisdiction of Dagupan City, but which will undertake any of the following activities/projects;
i) Relocates its principal office from the places in the Philippines to Dagupan city; or
ii) Expand its existing production capacity or construct new buildings and other civil works for the installation of new machinery and equipment or improvements thereof which will result in an increase in its production capacity and increase manpower requirements.

d. That the expansion/diversification shall have a capitalization of at least One million Pesos but less than Ten Million Pesos in case of a small-scale enterprise; at least Ten Million Pesos but not more than Forty Million Pesos in case of a medium- scale enterprise; and more than Forty Million Pesos in case of a large industry; provided, that the amount of capitalization shall be based n the total project cost of such expansion/diversification as stated in the investor’s project study submitted to and approved by the Board;

e. That the expansion/diversification shall provide out of its labor force requirement, an employment of no less that ten (10) persons in case of a small- scale enterprise; at least twenty (20) persons in case of a medium-scale enterprise; and at least one hundred (100) persons in case of a large industry, who are bonafide residents of Dagupan City.

SECTION 17. Application Requirements. – Application shall be filed with the Center duly recorded in a registration book and the date appearing therein and stamped on the application shall be considered the date of official receipt thereof.

A non-refundable filling fee to be determined and set by the Board shall be paid together with the following documents for registration:

a. 3 copies of completed application form to be provided for by the Center in accordance with the provision of this Code.
b. A copy of the complete project study of the proposed investment showing the project is economically, technically, and financially feasible and viable;
c. A certified true copy of its Certificate Registration, Articles of Incorporation and by-Laws with the Securities and Exchange Commission and Business Registration with the Department of Trade and Industry, in case of single proprietorship; and
d. Resolution of the applicant’s Board of Directors, in case of a corporation or partners I case of partner ship, authorizing the filing of application.

SECTION 15. Qualifications of a New Enterprise. – New investors who intend to avail of the incentives provided in this Code must meet the following qualifications:

a. That the business enterprise must have complied with all the requirements mandated under existing local and national laws and Constitution;
b. That the prospective investor’s place of operation or production be located within the territorial jurisdiction of Dagupan City.
c. That the prospective investment must engage in activities in preferred areas of investment as may hereafter be declared by the Board;
d. The new enterprise must have a capitalization of at least One Million Pesos but not more than ten Million Pesos in case of a small-scale enterprise; and more than Forty Million Pesos in case of a large industry ; Provided , that the amount of capitalization shall be based on the total project cost as stated in the investor’s study submitted to and approved by the Board; and
e. That the new enterprise will provide , out of its labor force requirement an employment of no less than ten (10) persons in case of a small-scale enterprise; at least twenty (20) persons incase of a medium-scale enterprise; and at least one hundred (100) persons incase of a large industry who are bonafide residents of Dagupan City.

CHAPTER IV. DAGUPAN CITY TOURISM AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION CENTER

SECTION 8. Dagupan City Tourism and Investment Promotion Center (The Center). – There shall be created an office known as the Dagupan City Tourism and Investment Promotion Center, which shall be staffed by one (1) Executive Assistant-III, one (1) Economist, and one (1) Economic Researcher.

The Center shall be attached as regular division of the Office of the Mayor and coordinate closely with the City Planning and Development Coordinator and City Treasurer.

QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS that need to be settled via a Public Hearing so Dagupenos will feel that this INVESTMENT Code was made by them for the City of Dagupan and its people.
Participation of the citizenry is required.

1. How much will the CITY lose in actual income from the existing Businesses that are already registered in the CITY? As of the moment can the city afford this? Can we ask the assessors office who has records of the RPT? Can we ask the Treasurer who has records of the collections for Permits? Can we ask the Budget officer who has records of what needs budgeting?
2. Do we have a computation on the potential businesses still available to fill the existing demand of the industry like Tourism? Questions like, How many beds are still needed? Where are the other Areas for development other than the Special Economic Zone? Are there local landowners willing to develop there area as Economic Zones? Can we ask the Tourism Officer and City Planning to discuss this?
3. Do we have a forecast of the possible expansion of these industries via this Investment Code? Can we ask for a Public Hearing to be attended by the different existing operators of what they can offer and what they think is needed to improve the existing industry?
4. For totally new industries THAT SHALL MAKE DAGUPAN GREAT and at par with SINGAPORE, we see no problem in it as this shall not affect the existing income of the city. Existing industries only need to justify the need for this and show the potential income it could generate for the city and for them that shall make their industry grow.

WE NEED THIS INVESTMENT CODE. WE ASK THE PEOPLE OF DAGUPAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CRAFTING OF THIS LAW.

Hopefully, This will be the last statement I will make as regards to the Tondaligan Park.
First of all, I did not deliver a privilege speech at the Sanggunian Panlungsod as regards the column of Gonzalo Duque. My reactions that were aired in the radio was an interview by media men while I was waiting for the Sanggunian members to arrive at the session hall to have a quorum.
The picture published in the Sunday Punch was a picture taken when I was reading my Letter to the Editor clarifying the accusations of Mr. Gonzalo Duque which also was not part of any Sanggunian Session. This was at the City Legal Office.
I will try to recall the best way I can on what transpired during my conversation with Gonzalo Duque on November 14, 2006.
Gonzalo: Anong nangyari sa Tondaligan Park?
Alvin: Wala naman nangyari sa Tondaligan Park, ang nagka problema ay sa accreted land sa bonuan beach.
Gonzalo: Ano ang ginawa nyo?
Alvin: Nag imbestiga ang Sanggunian at nadiskubre na may mga mayayamang bisita na nagtayo ng bahay at resthouses nila doon dahil ayun sa kanila sila ang legal na may ari na sa lugar na yun dahil inapply nila yun sa DENR as Alienable and Disposable. Pero wag kayo mag alala dahil NAAYOS na ng syudad ang problema. Inapply na ng syudad lahat ng accreted portion sa bonuan beach sa DENR sa pamamagitan ng Miscellaneous Lease Application.
Gonzalo: Eh, anung mangyayari sa mga nagtayo ng bahay doon?
Alvin: As far as the city government is concerned sila ay illegal occupants. Planong tayuan ng city yung lugar na yun na gagawing Special Economic Zone na maglalagay ng Government Housing, Industrial Zone, IT centers at Tourist Destination.
Gonzalo: Paano sila papaalisin doon?
Alvin: Papadalahan sila ng sulat ng gobyerno pag naayos na. Tatayuan na ng Special Economic Zone yung lugar na yun at kailangan na nilang alisin mga structures nila.
Gonzalo: Paano kung ayaw nila umalis doon?
Alvin: As far as the City is concerned pag tatayuan na yung lugar na yun, they will have to remove their structures. The city will have no choice but to ensure na malinis yung lugar na tatayuan ng mga structures ng Special Economic Zones.
Gonzalo: Eh, anung mangyayari sa mga nagbenta ng lupa sa beach?
Alvin: Eh, di magdemandahan sila ng mga bumili at nagbenta sa korte. As far as the city is concerned inapply na yan ng city at na approve na. Inaantay na lang pirma ni Secretary Reyes. Ang syudad na ang legal na may hawak sa lugar na yun.
Gonzalo: Di ba idedemanda ng syudad yung mga nandun at mga nagbenta?
Alvin: Sa ngayon Ang tumutulong sa syudad para makuha ng legal ang mga lupa na yan ay ang CENRO at PENRO.
Gonzalo: I am not satisfied. Dapat demanda ng syudad mga yan.
Alvin: Sino idedemanda ng syudad, yung mga nag aasikaso at tumutulong sa syudad para makuha lahat ng accreted land? Eh kung yung mga illegal occupants na mayayaman, eh syudad na nga ang Legal na may hawak sa lahat ng accreted land sa beach eh. Kung may demandahan na mangyayari dyan sigurado ay yung mga bumili laban sa nagbenta.
Gonzalo: My opinion is different from your opinion. Pwede ba makahingi ng file ng Sanggunian paukol sa imbestigasyun na ginawa nyo.
Alvin: Walang problema, papa hanap ko sa records officer sulat ng fisherfolks at transcript ng inquiry ng Sanggunian sa CENRO. Pati na rin yung SP resolution sa pag apply ng syudad sa DENR ng mga lupa in question.
Gonzalo: Yung Tondaligan Park ba ay sigurado ka na walang pribadong tao na kumuha doon?
Alvin: Walang nagalaw sa Tondaligan Park. Kung meron man nag ooccupy dyan sa Tondaligan ay iilang pamilya lamang na may Titulo yung lupa. Isa ka na doon.
Gonzalo: Wala akong alam doon. Binili ng tatay ko yung lupa na yun kay Caretero.
I immediately called Sanggunian’s record officer to look for the files requested by Gonzalo. The letter of the fisherfolks that raised the issue to the sp about the illegal occupants was given me the following day. However, the transcript will take time as the date of the session that inquired to CENRO was not certain. The conversation took place Nov14, Tuesday. The column was publish Nov.19, Sunday, which makes printing on Saturday. Therefore his story could have been submitted Thursday or Friday. He should have told me, “Alvin , I am giving you only two days to give me the documents I want, otherwise I will make my own story as How I imagined it to have happened without any reflection on our discussion.”
What irritated me is the presentation of Gonzalo’s story where he made it appear that the City did not do anything to correct the problem. He even put words in my mouth that I am transferring the administration of Tondaligan to DENR. He made it appear that there is a cover up in the alleged sale of billions of pesos worth of land inside Tondaligan Park. The story only focused on Tondaligan Park which I already clarified in the conversation was not the problem. I even clarified that occupants inside the vicinity of Tondaligan Park that cut Tondaligan Park that are Titled Lands belongs to a few family and one belongs to HIS family. If we are to believe the accountant of Gonzalo, his property in bonuan beach declared as Orchard Land or Agricultural Land will be in the market value of THREE Hundred Twenty Eight Million Pesos (P328,000,000). Are these the Billions he is concerned about? Is he questioning the manner on how he was able to acquire his property in Tondaligan?
Just the same, the Sanggunian did a re inquiry on the Bonuan Beach Accreted land that were issued Certificates of Alienability and Disposability. We thank PENRO OIC Rogel Pimentel for accepting the invitation of the Sanggunian. On said date was also an invitation for Mr. Gonzalo Duque which was a no show on his part. The bottom line results were the same as the first inquiry or as others wish to use the word investigation. It is the State and the City of Dagupan who has priority over its usage. The City has already applied for these lands via the Miscellaneous Lease Application making these rich occupants ILLEGAL. On the question of accountability, Did the City lose public properties or did the City gain public properties? Who stands to lose? Did the city approve of any application from Private entities to waive the city's right over these public lands? The city will be ejecting these illegal rich occupants in the right time to give way to the Special Economic Zone. The city WILL NEVER TOLERATE any LAND GRABBING.

It also raised the issue from the DENR on how private individuals were able to secure Titles on the beachfront of Dagupan considered foreshore lands. If we are to use the estimates of Gonzalo's accountant, then indeed these Titled Lands are worth Billions. These lands are separate from Tondaligan Park, but these lands are also located in the heart of Tondaligan Park. In fact these lands divided Tondaligan park. That is why the Park is not whole.

The reason for asking DENR on how these lands were TITLED is the Spanish Law on Waters which was enforced in the Philippines beginning 1866 and was recently upheld by the Supreme Court GR 68166 on February 12, 1997 stating that the State has Priority over these foreshore lands and that ONLY when the state Declares that it has no more use to these properties can it be applied for by Private entities.
The city is not part of any cover up. The Sanggunian is doing its job to protect the interest of the people.

Lands of Public Domain are not subject to the appropriation and outside the sphere of commerce. They are intended for public use (unless The Contrary is EXPRESSLY DECLARED BY LAW and for the benefit of those who live nearby). Any illegal occupation is a mere detainer subject to suits.

Section6 of Republic Act 170 creating the City of Dagupan states that the Jurisdiction of the City for Police purposes shall be extended 3 miles from the shore to the Lingayen Gulf.

On February 12,1997, the Supreme Court GR 68166 stated, On the Titling of Accreted Land, the Court RULES and INVOKES Article4 of the Spanish Law of WATER of August 3,1866, to establish the FACT THAT THE FORESHORE AREAS CONSTITUTE PUBLIC LANDS, i.e, "Lands added to the shores by accretions and alluvial deposits caused by the action of the sea, form part of the PUBLIC DOMAIN. WHEN THEY ARE NO LONGER washed by the waters of the sea and ARE NOT NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSES OF PUBLIC UTILITY, or the ESTABLISHMENTS OF SPECIAL INDUSTRIES, or for the Coast Guard Srvice. THE GOVERNMENT SHALL DECLARE THEM TO BE THE PROPERTY OF THE OWNERS OF THE ESTATES ADJACENT thereto as increment thereof."

There is a need for the government TO DECLARE and to waive its right to use the public property before an application from the adjacent estates is granted.
As early as 1952 via Resolution 53 submitted to the Lands Management Bureau, the Sangguniang Panlungsod opposed all applications of leased in the foreshore land of Dagupan known as the Blue Beach.

Our constitution limits Alienable and Disposable Public Land to AGRICULTURAL LAND.
FORESHORE LAND COULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO CADASTRAL PROCEEDINGS. A FORESHORE LAND RETAINS ITS RIGHT AS PROPERTY OF THE STATE.

As per RA 7160 or the Local Government Code, the DENR is required to consult and inform the LGU who has jurisdiction over Public Lands. Any GRANT of permit over Forshore and shore land areas are subject to consultation with the LGU since the LGU HAS FIRST RIGHT TO THE USE OF PUBLIC LANDS.

Foreshore lands are not considered to be agricultural land. ONLY AGRICULTURAL LAND are SUBJECT TO CERTIFICATES OF ALIENABILITY and DISPOSABILITY by the government.

Please be informed that starting in the year 2005, all Foreshore accreted area in the city of Dagupan were surveyed for in the name of the City Government of Dagupan and applied for a Miscellaneous Lease Application and have already been processed upto the Regional Level. The next step is for the Secretary of the DENR to approve of it and it shall already be in the name of Dagupan via the MLA.

All occupants of the accreted land in the Bonuan Shore are deemed as Illegal Occupants. The DENR has already cancelled all Certificates of Alienability and Disposability to it as AGRICULTURAL Land. All occupants WHO APPLIED FOR IT AS AGRICULTURAL LAND, ISSUED A CERTIFICATE OF ALIENABILITY AND DISPOSABILITY BY CENRO are already deemed as Illegal Occupants. These cancellations are necessary for the CENRO and PENRO to process the City's application for the MLA for the entire Foreshore accreted land of bonuan which have already been done up to the Regional Level.

The City and the Sanggunian Panlungsod in 2005 have taken the positive step of acquiring the Lands that shall be used for the Special Economic Zone. The city will never tolerate any Landgrabbing! The city has all the right to apply these lands for its acquisition and develop it for a Project that shall generate Economic Opportunities and promote social equity through a sustainable use of an ecologically balanced environment supported by DENR Administrative Order 2004-24 Governing the Administration and Management of Foreshore Lands.

This is also to clarify that there is no Land Grabbing inside Proclamation 98 or inside the Tondaligan Park other than the admission of OIC PENRO Rogel Pimentel that the CENRO made a mistake of issuing a Certificate of Alienability and Disposability in an area of less than 1,000 square meters inside Tondaligan Park. He also stated that the CENRO immediately cancelled said Certificate.

If there shall be LAWSUITS to be filed in court NOW, it shall be the ILLEGAL Occupants versus those who they transacted to be awarded a Certificate of Alienability and Disposability. The city as of the moment is seeking the assistance of the CENRO and the PENRO in the processing of its application. The City is only awaiting the Approval of DENR Secretary in ALL ACCRETED FORESHORE Land to be in the name of Dagupan City Government via the MLA hopefully before the end of 2006.

If the Government shall be filing Lawsuits, it shall be to ascert its right and claim back foreshore lands that have been TITLED to private entities who applied for them as Orchard Land or Agricultural Land. Land behind the Tondaligan Park are no longer considered Foreshore Land. Land adjacent to the Tondaligan Park or in front of Tondaligan Park going to the sea are considered as Foreshore Land.

Sgd.
VM Alvin Fernandez

Luis Vallejos has reported back to work. "Salamat sa inyo, Malakas ang Dugo nyo Vice kaya naka recover ako agad" was the greeting of Luis to VM Alvin during the visit of the Vice Mayor at the Waste Management Office. Luis was victimized by the Dengue disease which he stated could have started when they were serving the cemeteries last November1st.