Dipolog: Swigapore by 2030

by: Joel Rey S. Carcasona

It was during the holiday when I notice the round lanterns in the urban streets of the city. I ponder on why the lanterns placed on every streetlamps emphasize the word “Swigapore”.
What does it mean? But as time went by, I discovered what it really meant. It represents the City Government’s vision of the ‘Orchid City’ being as progressive and developed as the nations Switzerland and Singapore by the year 2030. As for me, nothing is impossible. If we lay down our faith and work together for that common goal of progress and development, this vision will surely be at our grasp.

photo courtesy: Dipologcity.gov.ph

Known as the economic hub and a Gateway to Western Mindanao, the City of Dipolog popularly referred to as the “Orchid City of the Philippines” or the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines” has almost reach the 100 years of existence this coming July 01, 2013 withstanding the essence of tranquility, the warmth and hospitality of its people, the gradual growth of its economy and the aggressiveness of the local government to attain its development goals and objectives.
Upholding the goal of becoming “SWIGAPORE” (combination of Switzerland and Singapore) by 2030, Dipolog pursue the principles of being a God-centered, peaceful and self-reliant super city by the year 2030. With its vision as a city that is self-reliant in all aspects; considered as a major trading hub; and characterized by an environment where total human development and sustainable peace, progress and security prevail; and where best practices in governance are shared with the best of Zamboanga del Norte and the peninsula, this city could be more progressive in the near future.
  The city came up with this goal, to set a standard and to pursue rapid and sustained inclusive growth. Responsible citizenship, good governance and sustainable development: these three aims has been a highlight in the city’s roadmap by the year 2030. Compared with the other two countries namely Switzerland and Singapore, Dipolog City is in one way to emulate the good practices of the abovementioned localities conveying the image of a peaceful and self-reliant community, equal access to basic social services and a dynamic and business-friendly environment.
According to the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), Performance Governance System (PGS) is defined as a successful management tool for local governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together on improving governance, service delivery, and community living standards.  This system made an observation to our city and once amazed with the city’s performance in the region as well as nationwide. Dipolog City ranks best among LGUs in Zamboanga Peninsula region and was hailed as the country’s 7th top performing city based on the Department of Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) report.
Dipolog City is indeed a progressive and a hopeful city under the governance of our City Mayor Evelyn T. Uy. May she continue her heartfelt service to our dear Dipolognons and persevere the desirable practices of a God-centered, peaceful, loving and united city.