Describing the Bangus Festival as Dagupeños' institutional contribution to the country's and province's tourism program, former Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim congratulated the organizers for continuing one of the major and most exciting festivals in the Philippines.
Known as the father and founder of the Bangus Festival, Lim recalled that it was conceptualized in August 2001 during his year as city mayor and launched in 2002 as part of the annual Pista'y Dayat celebration.
The Bangus Festival was borne out of careful planning and tedious preparations, said Lim.
Harnessing his marketing and managerial skills, Lim made the Bangus Festival a global phenomenon when it earned the Guinness Book of record as the World's the Longest Barbecue Grill first in May 2003, thus earning for Dagupan the title "Bangus Capital of the World."
"Looking back, it was one of the shining moments of Dagupenos and the Bangus Festival united and made proud our citymates and even provincemates that all but restored and reborn civic pride," Lim said.
Asked about his mayoralty bid against incumbent Mayor Al Fernandez, Lim said, "it was common knowledge that I was enjoying myself as a private citizen after the May 2007 elections but due to the strong clamor of the Dagupeños, I have eventually accepted the challenge to go back to public service."
Known for his no-nonsense style of governance and managing the city that restored cleanliness, traffic, orderliness and discipline, Lim said that it's about time to stand up and be counted.
"It's up for the people of Dagupan to decide whom they want to be their next mayor — someone who will govern and lead 24 hours a day, seven days a week and not relegate major responsibilities to a proxy be cause Dagupeños deserve no less than full time and hardworking mayor," he said.
Judging from the warm reception and the avalanche of leaders, volunteers and supporters to his mayoralty bid, Lim is confident to regain his old seat as city mayor.
Asked about the latest survey results commissioned by his camp, he said that he is elated over the trend showing him steadily ahead of his rival even in initial surveys but added that he is not lowering his guard knowing fully well that he is up against a veteran political warrior.
"It will be destiny if that happens and it will also showcase the political maturity of Dagupeños," said Lim who has distinguished himself in local politics as an "outsider" who has broken the ceiling of established political clans that ruled the city and the district for many decades.
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