DAGUPAN CITY—Biskeg na Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan), a group of local leaders, adopted as its first and only honorary member, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo during their fellowship meeting on Oct. 24 at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City.

Arroyo was elated by the move which was unanimously approved by the group led by its founding chairman, Usec for Local Governance Antonio Villar Jr, together with Vice Gov. Oscar Lambino, 36 mayors , three board members, Dagupan City Vice Mayor Alvin Fernandez and his father, Immigration Commissioner Alipio Fernandez Jr present during the meeting.

He said that he feels like a Pangasinense as his wife, President Gloria Arroyo, considers herself as a Pangasinense because her mother, former First Lady Eva Macaraeg-Macapagal, hailed from Binalonan town.

Mr. Arroyo said he shares the battle cry of Biskeg Na Pangasinan which is unity among the leaders so that there will be more progress to attain.

Villar told him that the group was behind the candidacy of President Arroyo in the 2004 elections wherein the expected huge margin by her closest rival was tremendously trimmed down because of the local leaders’ unity for her.

Villar added that this year, the Commission on Elections accredited the group as a provincial political party, the first and only in Pangasinan to be given such feat and distinction.

Right now, 35 mayors have signed up as Biskeg member.