Month: November 2023

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on November 20, has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of the Pangasinan Ecological Development Project (PEDP).

Formerly known as the Adopt-A-Mountain Project, said program slated to be renewed is located in Barangay Cayanga in Bugallon town.

Authored by SP Member Vici Ventanilla, the resolution disclosed that “the DENR has established a partnership with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for the maintenance and protection of agroforestry areas over forestland under the Enhanced National Greening Program of the former pursuant to Executive Order No. 193, Series of 2015.”

For this, a MOA was signed in July 2018 for the establishment of a model agroforestry farm with an area of 20 hectares.

Under the administration of Gov. Guico, the provincial government has signified its interest in extending the agreement for the continuous implementation of the Adopt-A-Mountain Project that will support the proposed Ecological Park Development Project (EPDP) of the province.

Activities to be undertaken for the project include ring weeding or strip brushing, application of organic fertilizers, replanting, establishment, construction, and maintenance of established firebreaks and firelines, foot patrolling, and watering, among other activities.

“The Province shall provide funding for the rehabilitation of the area amounting to P6,115,000.00 for five years for the protection and maintenance of the project site without any compensation from the DENR,” the resolution stated.

Meanwhile, it was stated in the MOA that part of the responsibility of the DENR is to provide technology updates, technical assistance, and policy direction to ensure proper implementation of the project. The province, on the other hand, will ensure the viability of the project site by applying proper management techniques to attain at least an 85% survival rate for planted seedlings.

Environmental preservation and protection is one of the priority thrusts of the present administration, as proven by its aim to grow one million trees in a year under the Pangasinan Green Canopy Project.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—By virtue of Republic Act No. 6721, signed by former President Corazon Aquino, November 13 is a special non-working holiday in Pangasinan.

Said public holiday commemorates the birth anniversary of the late Speaker Eugenio Padlan Perez, the first Pangasinense to become Speaker of the Philippine Legislature.

As a legislator, the late speaker’s vital contribution to the country’s history included the passage of the Bell Trade Act and the Party Rights Amendment to the Constitution.

Hence, Governor Ramon V. Guico III urged Pangasinenses to pay tribute to the late speaker by commemorating his legacy as a revered Pangasinense. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinenses now have more reasons to celebrate as they stood as living witnesses to the realization of yet another gigantic project that marks another milestone in the history of Pangasinan.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members (SPM), and DPWH RO1 officials, headed by Engr. Amelia M. Zamudio and Engr. Edita L. Manuel of DPWH 2nd Provincial Engineering District led the ground-breaking ceremony and the laying of the time capsule for the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain Project at the Provincial Capitol Complex on November 8.

The said development project is one of the significant undertakings to transpire at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex that will spur economic growth and development and define the vision of the present administration to make Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.

In his speech, the governor said that the construction of the reflecting pool is a historic first for the province of Pangasinan and a noble addition to the Capitol Compound that translates meditation beyond aesthetics.

“The waters of the reflecting pool become a reading mirror of our dreams that have now been translated into realities, flatforms that have now been concretized into projects, invitations that have now been converted into investments, and the park trees surrounding these waters will become a valiant step in our road maps for Pangasinan through these memory lanes that remain beyond our present generation,” he added.

He further stated that the present administration intends to create the Capitol landscape into something more culturally enjoyable, iconically inspiring, intellectually engaging, and historically nostalgic.

Expressing elation over the project, Gov. Guico stressed that the Capitol Complex reflects the brand of leadership of his administration; thus, he said that the transformation of the place is the “mirror image of what Pangasinan is and who Pangasinenses are.”

Also, Gov. Guico personally expressed gratitude to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, who trace their roots to San Carlos City, Pangasinan, for their initiatives in funding the above-mentioned major project of the province. Aside from the P100 million funding, the governor also revealed that the two senators also funded an expansion of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, amounting to P75 million pesos.

The Governor assured that the provincial government will closely coordinate with concerned agencies for the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as well as permission from the National Historical Commission because of the project’s historical significance.

The Chief Executive of the province likewise cited that they will never start a project without going through the proper process because this is a reflection of how they run affairs in the province.

Soon, at the heart of the province of Pangasinan will be the Pangasinan Linear Park, which is open to the public for live gatherings and a significant added tourist attraction to celebrate the local culture, heritage, and oneness.

With more infrastructure projects now underway, the governor said that this is a vital reflection of hard work and commitment to faithfully serve the people of Pangasinan, vis-à-vis depicting 2023 as the ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure for Pangasinan. Big-impact projects include the Pangasinan Link Expressway and the P238 million worth of Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facilities in Bolinao.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Lambino said that the groundbreaking ceremony is the start of several projects that the present administration has envisioned. This, he cited, will spur positive changes that will redound to the benefit of the people of Pangasinan.

Also present during the groundbreaking were Chiefs of Hospital, Department Heads, consultants, FADZ+Casanova, Inc., Industron Fountains, members of the media, other line agencies, and employees.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Joey Olimpo, Sydney Soriano PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The construction of the Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project, a World Bank-assisted project worth P238.992 million, will take off in 2024.

This development came after a ceremonial launch of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) scale-up was held on November 6 with no less than Governor Ramon V. Guico III, assisted by Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya and Provincial Planning and Development Office OIC Rowena Ignacio, attending the event on behalf of the province.

The first of its kind in the country, the facility will be established at the agriculture field station located in Brgy. Arnedo in Bolinao town and will enable Pangasinan to produce more than 100 million bangus fry and over 48 million bangus larvae every year.

Envisioned to help address the shortage of bangus fry in the country and sustain fish sufficiency, some 17 municipalities in Pangasinan are expected to benefit from the project, with around 39,399 fishersfolk, 63 bangus nursery operators, and one bangus satellite hatchery operator.

As disclosed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), components of the project include seven units of broodstock tanks, 120 units of larval rearing tanks, 24 units of rotifer tanks, an administrative and laboratory building, staff quarters, a triplex building, a two-unit pump house, and an intake pump.

Meanwhile, the PPDO reported that innovative approaches and processes for engaging rural communities, local government units, and national government agencies (NGAs) are currently being initiated.

Aside from the World Bank, which will shoulder 80% of the cost of the project, funds will be jointly undertaken by the national government with a 10% share and the provincial government with 10%.

As reported by the PPDO, the DA has designed the PRDP as one of the platforms for achieving the Philippine Government’s Sustainable Development Goals. Said program has proven its efficacy in providing means to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and proponent groups in improving its agri-fishery industry.

“Given the prevailing need of the agriculture sector to address the gaps in the value chain as well as to improve and modernize the agri-fishery industry, the DA has expanded the PRDP with the institution of PRDP Scale-Up,” the PPDO report stated.

PRDP Scale-Up aims to further support the government’s effort to improve farmers and fishermen’s access to markets as well as increase income from selected agri-fishery value chains.

A report stated that the western towns of Bolinao, Anda, and Sual, which account for about 80% of Pangasinan’s bangus production, still rely on importing fry from Indonesia.

Pangasinan is the country’s leading producer of bangus and has contributed over 28% of the country’s total production (PSA, 2019).

In addition, other scale-up projects in Pangasinan that were also launched include the construction of three units of provincial warehouses with multi-purpose drying pavement located in Barangay Poblacion, Bugallon (P42.082 million); Barangay Tebag East, Sta. Barbara (P42.247 million); and Barangay San Gonzalo, San Quintin (P42.451 million).

The warehouses are envisioned to reduce post-harvest losses and enable the farmers to choose the time of sale of their crops, thus increasing their income as well.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on November 6, approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the registration of the Pangasinan Credit Surety Fund (PCSF) with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

Said measure will enable the governor to sign a MOA with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), different cooperatives, and other stakeholders to signify strong support for creating an environment conducive to the growth of MSMEs in the province.

“Republic Act No. 10744, otherwise known as the Credit Surety Fund Cooperative of 2015, declares that the State recognizes the need to foster national development, promote inclusive growth, and reduce poverty by promoting the growth of MSMEs that facilitate local job creation, production, and trade in the country,” the resolution authored by SP Member Jerry Agerico B. Rosario disclosed.

As such, the resolution stated that there is a need to encourage banks to provide adequate financing to MSMEs in a manner that will not compromise the safety of funds deposited with them by the banking public.

“There are well-capitalized and well-managed cooperatives operating in the Province of Pangasinan, the membership of which includes the owners or proprietors of, or investors in MSMEs,” the resolution said.

Furthermore, the resolution cited that cooperatives and the provincial government are strategically positioned to provide MSMEs with credit enhancement support so that banks may be encouraged to accelerate the flow of credit to the countryside towards a balanced and sustainable growth of the economy.

“The LGU supports the promotion and sustainability of the CSF Cooperative to its constituents, highlighting the latter’s benefits to MSMEs and cooperatives,” stated the resolution, even as it added that the LGU is responsible for the governance, development, and welfare of its constituents within its jurisdiction and recognizes the value of synergizing resources, expertise, and networks to implement programs, projects, and initiatives to address local challenges, encourage entrepreneurship, and enhance the quality of life for cooperatives and MSMEs.

It can be recalled that the present administration, under the stewardship of Gov. Guico, fully supports local MSMEs, even encouraging them to penetrate the global arena and proudly promote local products worldwide.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A collaborative undertaking between the province of Pangasinan and the Local Government Unit of Pasig City in times of major disasters and emergencies is in the offing.

This developed after the Pangasinan provincial board, during its regular session on November 6, passed a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the LGU of Pasig City for the establishment of a framework for the said purpose.

Authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Vici M. Ventanilla, the resolution disclosed that the LGU of Pasig City, through its City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Province of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), have mutually agreed to expand good working relationships to enhance community disaster preparedness and coordinate disaster planning and response activities.

As stated in the resolution, the two LGUs have committed to work closely not only in implementing best practices for disaster risk reduction and management but also in enhancing their knowledge and expertise that will successfully contribute to the improvement of their delivery of service to their respective communities.

“Section 33 of RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that local government units may group themselves, consolidate, or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them,” the resolution partly stated.

Furthermore, the resolution cited that “Section 12 of RA 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, provides that there shall be an established Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO) in every province, city, and municipality, and a Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee (BDRRMC) in every barangay shall be responsible for setting the direction, development, implementation, and coordination of disaster risk management programs within their territorial jurisdiction.”

The MOU will be signed by Gov. Guico and Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

It’s another feather in the province’s cap under the stewardship of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III as two Pangasinense Youth With Disabilities (YWD) finally captured the GOOD AWARD (2nd Place) in the Global IT Challenge (GITC) held in Dubai, UAE, on October 24-29, 2023.

Dave P. Soriano and Mark John Reynoso bagged the Good Award (2nd Place) for e-Content/Video Making (Group Category) and e-Smart Car (Group Category), respectively.

This great feat was commended by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, in its regular session held on October 6 at the SP Hall.

The two became members of the Philippine Team for the GITC competition in Abu Dhabi,UAE, and bested the other 481 participants, representing 18 countries from Asia and the Pacific.

It was a big day for the entire Philippine Team and especially for Pangasinan since Soriano and Reynoso were both products of the first-ever Pangasinan IT Challenge held last June 21.

The program is in line with the governor’s vision and was initiated by PDAO Head Jennifer V. Garcia under the supervision of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Annabel Terrado Roque .

This aimed to bridge the gap in the digital divide and enhance the information and communication technology capabilities of young individuals with disabilities.

Prior to the GITC, Soriano and Reynoso competed against 30 YWDs representing 16 LGUs and passed the 2023 National IT Challenge qualifying rounds held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila on June 26 and 27.

Soriano, whose both arms are underdeveloped,hails from the City of Alaminos and is a Grade 12 student at the Alaminos City National High School (ACNHS).

Meanwhile, Reynoso, whose left foot is amputated, comes from the town of Bayambang and is also a Grade 12 major in ICT student at the Bayambang National High School (BNHS).

Their physical disabilities, however, didn’t hinder them from reaching their dreams.

Soriano and Reynoso were accompanied by PSWDO Head Annabel T. Roque and PESO Head Richelle Raguindin, along with their coaches Rafael Carungay (BNHS Teacher), Danny Cabusao (ACNHS Teacher) and Jodel Villasenor, PDAO Head, CSWDO Alaminos City.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Pangasinan PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- A network of marine protected areas in the City of Alaminos and the municipalities of Anda and Sual will soon be established.

Prior to the establishment of the City of Alaminos-Municipalities of Sual and Anda Marine Protected Area Network (CAMSA MPA Network), Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), and the Local Government Units of Alaminos City, Anda, and Sual.

Said MOA was formalized by a provincial board resolution, which was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Vici M. Ventanilla and Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison during the regular session on November 6.

“The establishment of Marine Protected Areas network in some areas of Pangasinan would be a proactive step in the protection of important marine and coastal biodiversity in the province,” the resolution stated.

Aiming to preserve, protect, and conserve the coastal and fishery resources of the local government units concerned and ensure their sustainable use for the benefit of the people of Pangasinan, the resolution further disclosed that “the marine protected area will play a vital role in the formation of an alliance to strengthen community resiliency towards climate change by managing coastal habitats for the sustainable utilization of marine resources.”

“There is an essential need to establish Marine Protected Areas Networn in Pangasinan, as it would be beneficial to the province in terms of food security, sustainable livelihood and economic growth, climate change mitigation, and adaptation,” the resolution also cited.

The coastal and marine areas of the three proponent LGUs are hosts to important coastal habitats, which are considered repositories of marine biodiversity.

Hence, collaborative management between and among the three LGUs and the concerned authorities will serve as the key to effectively and sustainably attain the benefits of establishing a MPA network in the province, considering the threats of climate change, storm surges, and marine pollution, among others.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III (2nd from left) listens intently to the words of Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss (3rd from left) during his brief visit to the province on November 4. The ambassador was joined in by Consul Moti Cohen and Assistant to the Consul Ma. Luisa Arino (4th and 3rd from right, respectively). Joining the governor in welcoming the visitors were Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre (extreme left), Public Employment and Services Officer Richelle Raguindin (2nd from right), and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan

The ambassador and company who came to Pangasinan to visit the wake of Angelyn P. Aguirre, a Pangasinense OFW who was killed in Israel, were toured around the Capitol prior to the courtesy call with the governor.

(Photos by Ron Edrian Bince/RRB)