Pangasinan marked the 128th birth anniversary of former House Speaker Eugenio Perez, Sr. with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony.

The event, held at his monument, was a tribute to his contributions to the province and the nation.

Eugenio Perez, Sr., born on November 13, 1896, in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, served as House Speaker from 1946 to 1953.

Perez played a pivotal role in the formal establishment of Dagupan as a city on June 20, 1947.

"Kailangan mag-unite tayo para ma-achieve natin yung foresight ni Speaker Eugenio Perez that was way back 70 years," Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez said.

"Nakita niya na yung opportunity ng Dagupan, that is why he declared it a chartered city," she added.

Government officials, including members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and barangay leaders, joined the ceremony to honor Perez’s legacy.

For many Pangasinenses, the day was a reminder of the importance of unity and progress.

"Kailangan magkaisa for the good sake para sa lahat," Marvic Mendoza, a Barangay Councilman from Herrero-Perez, said.

Fernandez urged the current generation to follow in Perez's footsteps.

"Tayo na 'yung generation ngayon na dapat gawin nating lahat at siya ang ating magiging guide natin para gumawa ng kabutihan para sa Dagupan," he said.