In the heart of the Orchid City of the Philippines stands a façade of

three prominent figures of seemingly men of different stature and

professions in life. The three figures are known for as a trademark in the

busy street corner of Dipolog.

The first person on the left side is Hon. Pascual T. Martinez. He was

appointed by Gen. John J. Pershing, Governor of the Department of Mindanao

as the First Municipal Mayor of Dipolog City. He was later elected Municipal

Mayor in 1918 following the First General Election of Dipolog and served until

1921.

On the middle is Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan, who was known as the

First Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao. He was appointed Parish Priest of

Dipolog in May 1940 and served the office until 1967.

Lastly, on the right side is Eugenio R. Magarte. He was a farmer for 25

years and introduced the Margate System of Planting Rice, authored the

book "Humay", 100 Kabanes Matag Hektarya." He was declared by Free

Press as "Man of the Year" in 1954, and served as a Technical Assistant in

the field of Agriculture during the Administration of Presidents Ramon

Magsaysay and Carlos P. Garcia.

These three pioneers are believed to be the first people who brought

pride and honor to Dipolog City. To show my appreciation, I will share to

other people especially those who are living in other places their

contributions to our society and why they brought pride to our city. And of

that, I will proudly admit that I am a Dipolognon.