LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The redevelopment of the Capitol Complex will be the next big thing in Pangasinan.
This, after the test run of the Reflecting Pool last May 1 that gives a glimpse of the vision of Gov. Ramon Guico III, which will showcase the Capitol grounds as one of the go-to places in Pangasinan.
The reflecting pool and interactive fountain project, which is part of the Basic Infrastructure Project (BIP) Construction of Multi-Purpose Facility or the Common Park Center, will give an unobstructed view from the shore to the Provincial Capitol building.
The brainchild project of Governor Guico may not even be half finished yet, but spectators are already amazed by the spectacular view it offers, especially made perfect during dusk.
Project Features
The reflecting pool is guided by an illuminated gentle stream of water, a symbol of continuity and consistency inspired by the natural wonders of the Lingayen Gulf and salt beds.
It measures 200 by 22 meters, which is significantly bigger than Baguio’s Wright Park Reflecting Pool, which has a dimension of 100 by 5 meters.
Based on its project design, a formal stretch of walkway will be built. There will be a pathway for joggers and bikers as well as safe walkways for elders and persons with disability.
Also part of the redevelopment project is the Heritage Park, where the war relics will be placed.
Last April, Gov. Guico partnered with the Philippine Veterans Bank and the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation to ensure that the project would be carried on smoothly.
The project aims to give rightful honors to World War II veterans and to encourage the province’s youth to know the role they played in the liberation of the country in 1945.
To address the perennial flooding at the Capitol Complex, the drainage system will be improved.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Governor Ramon V. Guico III assured to support more agri-based programs in his second term.
The governor said that this will bolster agricultural production, which will help farmers increase their yields and marketability.
First in the list is the support to the KADIWA program of the Department of Agriculture that aims to fortify the farm-to-market supply chain by providing a direct link of local producers with consumers.
The KADIWA is one of the national government’s agri-based programs, which the present administration is actively promoting.
Launched in 2022, the provincial government through the Provincial Agriculture Office, has intensified the promotion of the program. In January 2024, the project was named Kadiwa na Kapitolyo and is held twice a month at the Capitol Complex.
“We started with more than 20 exhibitors,” said Ramy Sison, Provincial Agribusiness and Marketing Service Coordinator, as he added that the number of exhibitors has more than doubled.
Sison said the province has already conducted 97 Kadiwa-related activities. This, he said, is supported by different Local Government Units (LGUs) and various partner agencies.
“We have generated a total sales of P20,985,234.60 and we have helped 2,582 exhibitors. The total household that we have served is around 55,710,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The Kadiwa served as an opportunity for farmers/fisherfolks and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to introduce their products directly to the public.
Kadiwa offers safe, fresh, and affordable food products like vegetables, dairy products, fruits, fish and meat products, rice, native delicacies, among others.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—One of the country’s biggest cities has expressed interest in replicating Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s legacy project, the GUICONSULTA (Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations).
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has announced her plan to enroll all the city’s residents in the Konsulta package of the Philippine Health Insurance to make healthcare affordable for her constituents. Quezon City has a population of 2.96 million, the Philippine Statistics Agency reported in 2020.
During the last quarter of 2024, Gov. Guico launched the Guiconsulta which started a massive registration aimed at enrolling two million Pangasinenses to PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.
Before the governor assumed his post as chief executive in July 2022, some 30,000 Pangasinenses have been enrolled in the Konsulta program.
“Mahigit 1 milyong kababayan natin ang na-enroll na po sa Philhealth Konsulta. Napabilis ang prosesong ito dahil sa kaakibat na programa – ang Pangasinan GUICONSULTA (Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation). Bagamat pilit na siniraan nitong nakaraang eleksyon at naging target ng matinding fake news, naninindigan po tayo na ito ang tamang programa para makamit natin ang pagiging pinakamalusog na probinsya sa buong bansa at magkaroon ng libreng “medical services” para sa lahat ng ating provincial hospitals,” Governor Guico said.
The Konsulta package is a free outpatient benefit package that covers consultation, health screening and assessment, some selected laboratory and diagnostics tests as well as selected drugs and medicines to be availed at chosen Philhealth-accredited facilities or hospitals.
Philhealth Regional Vice President Dennis B. Adre earlier said that there was not a single centavo released by their agency to the provincial government.
To hit the two million goal, the provincial government allotted PhP300 to every enrollee to cover transportation and food expenses in going to the registration center within their community.
“It was a big chellenge for us, it seems to be impossible but this is very-very possible,” said Gov. Guico in a mix of Filipino and English as he added that Konsulta plus Guiconsulta will serve as the backbone of a sustainable healthcare program for Pangasinan.
In November 2024, the governor encouraged all health workers in the province to join hands to fast track a ‘community (barangay)-based’ registration.
The registration was undertaken by a pool of health workers that came from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Hospital Management Service Office (PHMSO), and from the province’s 14 government hospitals. It was an effort in coordination with all Rural Health Units (RHUs, LGUs and all barangay health workers.\
With what was achieved only in several months, Gov. Guico and the entire ‘Team Ang Galing,’ take the utmost pride that the once ‘vilified program’ has inspired other local government units beside Quezon City to make it their model project.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Several big projects are expected to be implemented as Governor Ramon V. Guico III enters his second term.
Health, education, transforming the province as the Singapore of the North, and the construction of a big bangus breeding and hatchery facility in Bolinao are among the governor’s main thrusts.
Gov. Guico said that the 14 government-operated hospitals will be modernized. The governor said Team Ang Galing will not only put-up additional buildings but will also procure state-of-the-art equipment to bolster health reform and provide the best healthcare services for the people.
The latest of which was the MRI, which was placed at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City.
The Phase 1 of the Super Community Hospital in Umingan town which is part of the township program envisioned by the present administration, was completed before the election period. This time, the governor said that the project’s Phase II will be implemented.
At the same time, Phase 1 of the new Alcala community hospital will be started. The said project is a partnership of the provincial government and the local government of Alcala.
Two dialysis centers were established during his first term; the Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH) in Alaminos City is operational and continuously servicing patients with renal problems. The second, in Lingayen District Hospital (LDH), is set to open after completing the requirements needed to operate.
The governor said two dialysis centers will be built in Bayambang and Mangatarem in the next three years.
Although Gov. Guico was maligned by his detractors during the 45-day campaign period, he said he will push for the continuation of the Konsulta plus Guiconsulta project until the goal of two million registered Pangasinenses is achieved.
“What they do not realize is that, yan po ang magbibigay ng sustainability at ng enough capital para maitayo po at ma-establish po ang ating health care program,” Gov. Guico said as he called for unity for all the stakeholders, especially the private movers of health care in the province of Pangasinan.
“Let us not toy with the lives of the people, especially those that involve healthcare,” he added.
Gov. Guico said that more infrastructure projects will be implemented, including roads, bridges, flood controls, solar-powered streetlights, and the completion of the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex.
“I just like to inform everybody that we will press on with what we have started. We will continue with more motivation–the programs and the projects that we have done for this first term of office,” Gov. Guico earlier said.
Setting his sights on transforming Pangasinan as the “Singapore of the North,” Gov. Guico is determined to deliver his best effort to finish Phase 1 of the 11-story Capitol Tower and convention center in his second term.
“As a leader and as a governor, I have gambled so to speak on focusing on big-impact projects that will be enjoyed by many generations to come here in Pangasinan,” he said.
As of present, the Reflecting Pool, which was pilot tested last May 1 has remained open for the public since then. Since then, all roads lead to the Capitol complex, notably before sunset when locals troop to the Capitol Park Center to witness the gushing water of interchanging colors that symbolize continuity and consistency.
“Mabuti ginawa itong project na ito, dati kasi damuhan ito…nakakaapak ka pa ng dumi ng aso dito (This is a good project, this used to be a grassy area.. and if you are unliucky you get to step on a dog poop),” said Sylvia Aquino, a 62-year old grandmother from Binmaley town, while enjoying the spectacular sight on a Sunday dusk with her family.
Education is another priority of the provincial government. The establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) campus in Lingayen, which opened doors to realizing the dream of 700 Pangasinense youth scholars, practically signalled the start of establishing more campuses within the next three years.
“We will still pursue establishing a campus in Umingan and in Bugallon because that is where we think that we can spread our resources and utilize the resources that we have,” the governor said as he added that part of the plan includes the establishment of schools of law and medicine in the offing.
Also underway is the establishment of the P238-million Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project located in Bolinao. Once established, the hatchery project will ensure food security for Pangasinan and a leap for the country’s agriculture as well.
Complementing these big-ticket projects are undertakings dedicated to the grassroots. In his statement after his proclamation, Gov. Guico expressed his plan to strengthen collaborative programs and projects for barangays, such as electrification, among others.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Eleven Pangasinan local products will join the three-day International Food Expo (IFEX)2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on May 22 to 24.
The 11 exhibitors from the province will showcase their products in the country’s premier trade promotions program that aims to foster innovation in the food industry by bringing together local and international food, beverage, and ingredient industry players.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has extended his full support in bolstering the best Pangasinan local products since he started his term in July 2022.
Initially, he expressed his desire to revitalize the province’s renowned 3Bs – Bangus, Bagoong, Bucayo.
In his second term, the provincial government will further intensify its drive in promoting not just the local products but the best tourism sites in Pangasinan.
The exhibitors comprising the Pangasinan team for this year’s IFEX are as follows: Hou Yang Food Corp (bangus and chicken karaage); Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods (processed bangus); Mama Cili Enterprises (bottled processed bangus).
The others are: Dimalupig and Gabriele Food Products Trading (sugarcane vinegar); Bernal Bagoong (bagoong products); Abundance Agri Tourism and Training Center, Inc. (organic agriculture products); Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC (dairy products); and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. (ready to eat complimentary and fortified foods).
Three first-time exhibitors will take part this year, namely: Rotico Food Products (Romana peanut brittle); Eldica Seafood Processing (processed bangus); and Anjo Farms, Inc. (processed bangus).
“Romana is known for quality. Lahat ng niluluto namin, quality,” Maria Isabela Mendoza, production manager of Rotico Food Product and wife of former 2nd District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, said.
Over the years, Romana peanut brittle has gained popularity and can also now be considered an heirloom local product.
In 2023, the provincial government, through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), partnered with Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, founding president of Project Abound and mother of the governor, which saw some of Pangasinan’s export-quality locally manufactured products join the FAME Trade Exhibition.
Earlier, the provincial board crafted two ordinances – the establishment of a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade, Investment, and Exposition Center in Pangasinan and to institutionalize the participation of local MSMEs in the Manila Fame, the IFEX activities, and other similar trade expositions.
“Napakasaya na makasali sa IFEX. Malaking tulong ito para makilala ang ELDICA internationally (It is fun to join the IFEX. This is a big help in introducing ELDICA internationally),” said Belma T. Carrera, ELDICA Seafood Processing CEO as she expressed excitement for joining the exhibit for the first time.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Re-elected Gov. Ramon V. Guico III thanked provincial government employees just a week after he earned his second term.
The governor during the flag-raising Monday at the Capitol grounds said in a mix of English and Filipino: “I thank you all for your support. I thank you for your congratulations. I remain humble about this victory.”
Gov. Guico defeated nemesis former Gov. Amado Espino III 880,906 to 784,070 or a margin of 96,837 votes.
Gov. Guico said no matter how politically strong a candidate is in terms of leaders and political machinery, everything can change if there is no intervention from the Divine Master.
He then called for unity among stakeholders especially the prime movers of healthcare in the province of Pangasinan.
“Let us not toy with the lives of the people especially those that involve healthcare,” he said as he added that people’s health goes beyond political color, affiliation, religion, belief and orientation.
It can be recalled that the Guiconsulta program, the support project for Philhealth’s Konsulta program that was launched by his administration, was hardly hit by false claims, wrong accusations and mis-information during the campaign period.
Gov. Guico vowed to continue what he started including the modernization of all 14 government-operated hospitals in Pangasinan.
In addition, he reiterated anew his plan to put up specialty hospitals like heart center, kidney center and cancer institute will be implemented in his second term. “This is a big challenge for all of us, it seems this is impossible but this is very-very possible,” he said.
In thanking the people who voted for him which proved their trust in him, he said:”I’d like to thank the people who voted for me. For the people who believe in the direction of the province. Remember as a leader and as a governor, I have gambled so to speak on focusing on big impact projects that will be enjoyed by many generations to come here in Pangasinan.”
Likewise, he extended his thanks to the people who did not vote for him. “Thank you for your balance and for the feedback. As such, there is a realization that there is still a big room for improvement in the things we do,” he said.
Gov. Guico will take his oath of office for his second term on June 30. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon “Monmon” V. Guico III secured another fresh term as provincial chief executive after defeating former Gov. Amado I. Espino III in the May 12 midterm polls.
Gov. Guico garnered 881,307 votes and beat anew Espino who received 784,470 votes for a 96,837 margin.
The difference was due to the large margins in districts 1 and 5 with percentage difference of 39.77 percent and 37.63 percent, respectively.
Gov. Guico also recorded wins in three of the remaining districts with 26.25 percentage difference in district 6, 18.44 percent in district 2 and 12.74 percent in district 4.
The governor said he will continue what he started as he vowed to bolster programs in tourism, health, education, infrastructure among others as he thanked the people for their unwavering support
During his first term, the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which was a campaign promise, was established.
In his second term, Gov, Guico aims to build additional campuses for the first-ever tertiary school operated by the provincial government in the towns of Umingan and Bugallon.
Healthcare modernization will be continued specifically the Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation.
Among his legacy projects include the Redevelopment of the Capitol Complex which aims to bolster tourism not only in capital town of Lingayen but the entire province.
“Magtiwala lang po tayo sa ating mga mithiin at mga programa para sa ating minamahal na probinsya ng Pangasinan (please trust in our programs aimed for our beloved province of Pangasinan),” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the governor’s running mate, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino won in a landslide by beating Dasol mayor Noel Nacar. Lambino garnered 1,022,160 votes, while Nacar received a measly 385,316 votes.
Provincial board members that were reelected are: Apple Bacay and Napoleon Fontelera in district 1; district 2 has Philio Theodore Cruz and Haidee Pacheco; for district 3, it has Shiela Baniqued and Vici Ventanilla; District 4 has Marinor de Guzman and Jerry Agerico Rosario; while Nicholi Jan Louie Sison won anew in district 5.
Rose Apaga is elected as board for the 5th district, while former Vice Governor, congressman and board member Ranjit R. Shahani is re-elected as board for the 6th district.
Re-elected congressmen are: unopposed Arthur F. Celeste (1st district); Mark O. Cojuangco (2nd district); Rachel Arenas (3rd district); Ramon “Monching” Guico, Jr. (5th district); and Marlyn Primicias Agabas (6th district).
Former Speaker Jose de Venecia’s wife Gina de Venecia returns as representative of the 4th district, succeeding her son Christopher, who completed his full term.
Gov. Guico was officially proclaimed by the Provincial Board of canvassers on May 13 with Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, his parents, 5th Distict Rep. Ramon “Monching” Guico, Jr. and Dr. Arlyn Grace Guico as witnesses. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
Pangasinan is rewriting its narrative — emerging not just as a province of promise, but as a symbol of modern, inclusive, and sustainable progress.
At the helm of this transformation is Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, whose administration has redefined public service by turning numbers into life-changing impact.
And the numbers don’t lie.
Health Care
Over one million Pangasinenses have accessed free medical care and financial support through the PhilHealth Konsulta and GUICOnsulta programs. In just two years, 48 new pieces of medical equipment were acquired, and 1,459 health professionals joined the frontlines to serve communities better.
From the coastlines to the uplands, healthcare is now within reach for the indigent Pangasinenses.
Dialysis centers have opened in Alaminos City and Lingayen, with two more underway in Bayambang and Mangatarem. The province now operates 33 dialysis machines, and by late 2025, the Umingan Super Community Hospital will open its doors. New facilities are also being developed in Tayug and Dasol towns
Infrastructure is the backbone of progress—and Pangasinan is building a strong one. With P1.5 billion in completed projects, including roads, bridges, flood controls, hospitals, and solar-powered streetlights, the future is both bright and secure.
PLEX, Education And Other Guico Programs
The crown jewel is the P34-billion Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), a 42.76-kilometer stretch that will slash travel time between Lingayen and Binalonan from over two hours to just 30 minutes.
Education is also thriving. At the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), 700 scholars are receiving free, quality instruction. TESDA-certified programs and plans for two new campuses, plus a School of Medicine, will ensure education to reach all corners of the province.
Pangasinan is also going green. Through the Green Canopy Program, more than 400,000 trees have been planted. The Cayanga Eco Park in Bugallon stands as a living testament to sustainability.
Once again, Pangasinan is making waves as the salt capital of the Philippines. The 473-hectare Pangasinan Salt Center in Bolinao is reviving the industry, creating jobs, and boosting agricultural-grade salt production.
The province is also attracting clean energy investments, with eight solar companies and San Miguel Corporation setting up shop, proof of Pangasinan’s growing economic power.
Social services continue to reach those most in need. Programs like the Meals on Wheels, Libreng Sakay, and emergency relief efforts are serving thousands across the province. The First Spouses League, led by First Lady Maan Guico, extends this care to even the most remote barangays.
For persons with disabilities, 906 wheelchairs, 100 hearing aids, and 54 prostheses have been distributed, changing lives one smile, one sound, one step at a time.
In agriculture, over 235,000 farming supplies have helped 54 cooperatives and nearly 1,500 farmers double their yields. Livestock and dairy farming are booming, with goats, buffalo, and cows steadily increasing, and dairy production now at 100 liters per day.
To secure the province’s food future, the P238-million Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project is underway, while 221 sets of fishing equipment have been distributed to 45 fisherfolk groups.
Peace and safety remain top priorities. Crime rates have dropped significantly, from 4,082 cases in 2022 to 2,962 in 2024. Drug rehab efforts are working, and the Pangasinan Provincial Jail has been declared drug-free.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Pangasinan earned the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance and was nationally awarded as a “Kampeon sa Kalusugan sa mga Komunidad.”
Cultural pride is thriving, too. The newly-opened Banaan Provincial Museum and the colorful Pistay Dayat 2024 festival attracted thousands of tourists from around the world.
The province also has the PangaSine which is in its second year. There is also the Ponsia, aimed to create heirloom dishes and recognize talents of locals chefs.
Job creation is surging, with over 12,374 local and overseas jobs generated—surpassing Gov. Guico’s 10,000-job goal. Within the provincial government, a total of 559 employees earned permanent status, and were promoted—some after decades of loyal service.
With a projected budget of P7.1 billion for 2025, Pangasinan is just getting started.
From the rise of a new 11-story Capitol tower and convention center to its bold vision as the future “Singapore of the North,”
Pangasinan’s transformation is more than a promise. Under Governor Guico’s leadership, it’s a living, thriving blueprint of what visionary, data-driven governance can truly achieve. ( PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Employees welfare is one of the significant keys in raising the bar of excellence in the provincial government.
This, too, became the starting point of the 6,000 workforce to go the extra mile in achieving goals and aspirations.
And three of the nearly 600 casual employees that were promoted to permanent the last three years have the governor to thank for as their decades of service have been finally recognized and rewarded with secure positions.
Arlan Cruz Ligayo, a solo parent of four, waited for 31 long years before he was promoted for the first time two months ago.
Ligayo has been a casual employee of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) for three decades. His employment has been a problem with every new provincial leadership changes especially during the time when his wife passed away.
Due to his dedication and hard work, Ligayo’s services were renewed from the old Agbayani to the next four other provincial leaders. But, fate did not work in his favor because he was never given the chance to climb up the ladder.
Finally, last March 27, his prayers were answered. He was among the third batch of promoted employees under Governor Ramon V. Guico III.
Today, Ligayo, now an Administrative Aide VI, is now assured with security of tenure which means that even a change of leadership, his services will not be terminated.
Another dream that came true is that of Glicerio D. Moran, Jr., who for 32 years was a non-permanent employee of the Provincial Information Office (PIO), now the Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office (PIMRO), when he was promoted to a permanent position.
Moran, now 62, started working for the provincial government in 1992 as a messenger and videographer. In 2007, his service was renewed when then Governor Amado Espino, Jr. took office, but was terminated in 2009..
For six months he was jobless but in April 2010, he was hired anew on a job order (JO) status. For seven years, he was on a JO status until he was given a casual status in 2017.
Under labor laws, job orders have no employee-employer relationship and are not automatically entitled to benefits under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) but may be eligible for coverage under Social Security System (SSS) as voluntary members.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Moran came when Governor Guico approved the reorganization of the PIMRO to include the creation of new permanent positions that prioritized career progression in the department.
Recognizing the length of service, work dedication and integity of provincial government employees, Gov. Guico signed Moran’s permanent position as driver III along with seven PIMRO staff in April 18 last year.
“Misasalamat ak ed Gov. Monmon Guico ta a-promote ak. At least, atawayan koy napermanente antes ak ya manretire. Say antak agko la nagamuran iyan pakapermenentek (I thank Gov. Monmon Guico because I was promoted. At least, I felt how it is to become a permanent employee before I retire. I thought I will never experience being a permanent employee),” Moran said.
Serving the government for 31 years as a casual employee of the housing office, Roman Abalos had lost hope of being promoted to a permanent position until his long time dream came true last March 27.
Abalos, was among the third batch of provincial government employees who were given permanent positions after decades of stagnancy.
“Akala ko di na ako ma-propromote kasi division lang noon ng Governor’s Office ang opisina namin. Noong naging separate department ito under Governor Guico, na-abolish then (na)create ng bagong positions kaya nabigyan ako ng chance na maging permanente,” Abalos disclosed.
HRMDO record, reveal that number of appointed/promoted employees from July 2022 to March 2025 under Gov. Guico totalled to 584 while the past administration recorded a total of 477 from 2019 to June 2022.
“The appointments during this period were distributed across all offices and hospitals and covered a full range of positions—from rank-and-file to managerial levels,” the report stated.
Sectors with the highest number of appointments/promotions came from the social sector particularly education and social welfare. Other sectors which were given opportunities for career growth were from the health and economic sectors.
It can be gleaned that career progression under Gov. Guico can be attributed to the commitment and priorities he has set for the provincial government notably the implementation of corporate local governance which he instituted at the start of his tenure. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III led the blessing and the inauguration rites of the province’s first-ever MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) last Wednesday.
The state-of-the-art equipment installed at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in Bolingit, San Carlos City is expected to help government physicians to have more accurate diagnosis and shall also provide the best treatment for patients, said Dr. Cipriano Fernandez.
MRI is a non-invasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels.
“Today, we will witness another historic first in the province,” said Fernandez while thanking and commending the governor for his effort in bolstering health reform in Pangasinan.
“Congratulations PPH on having the first MRI. This is the first time for Pangasinan to operate and to own such an advanced equipment,” Governor Guico said.
On the same day, the new diagnostic building in the Mangatarem District Hospital (MDH) was also inaugurated. Said facility shall offer laboratory and radiology services to include 32-slice CT scan, stationary X-ray, two portable X-ray units, and ultrasound equipment.
Dubbed as historic first in in the municipality, MDH head Dr. Eusebio Sison thank ed the governor adding that Gov. Guico is the first provincial chief executive who fulfilled a campaign promise to modernize health facilities in Pangasinan.
“Because of the strong leadership and dynamism of Gov, MonMon Guico, Pangasinan is now entering a new era, an era of the first where big dreams are finally turning into reality,” he said.
Modernization of all government hospitals in Pangasinan is one of the top priorities of Gov. Guico, who wants to change the lives of the less-privileged Pangasinenses.
Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino who also graced the events, vowed to fully support all initiatives of Gov. Guico as he expressed optimism that progress and development will be felt by Pangasinenses in the next couple of years.
“ In just three years, I think we can see the changes here in the province, in terms of education, infrasctructure, social services, especially in health program, we can see all the changes. So I can say that our province is developing,” the vice governor said.
Gov. Guico further vowed to continuously lead the province into greater heights if given the opportunity.
Among the dreams of the governor is the establishments of at least 20 government hospitals in Pangasinan by 2031 as well as a network of tertiary hospitals and specialty ceters like Pangasinan Heart Center, Pangasinan Kidney Center, Pangasinan Lung Center, and Pangasinan Children’s Medical Center.
Healthcare enhancements under Gov. Guico also include procurement of various state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment which were never before purchased by the past administration.
Aside from the MRI, the present administration has purchased, to date, 19 stationary X-ray machines, 21 mobile X-ray machines, 22 ultrasound machines, and six CT (computed tomography) scan.
It was during Gov. Guico’s term that the Province of Pangasinan was given recognition for the first time last February 20 by the Department of Health as ‘Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa mga Komunidad.’ (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan’s local culture, traditions, and heritage took centerstage during the staging of this year’s ‘Gayaga Pangasinan Festival Street Dance Exhibition,’ one of the exciting highlights of Pista’y Dayat 2025.
Streetdancers from Infanta, Mabini, Anda, the cities of Alaminos and San Carlos and the capital town Lingayen, took turns in performing with the strong beat of music.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III commended all participating LGUs for their support to the sea festival. He likewise thanked the performers for giving their best in helping promote Pangasinan culture through their lively moves.
Infanta showcased its Taraon Festival); Mabini its Balincaguin Festival; Anda had its Binongey Festival; Alaminos City featured its Hundred Islands Festival; San Carlos City came up with its Mango-Bamboo Festival); and Lingayen presented its Bagoong Festival.
Infanta’s Taraon Festival was launched this year as a tribute to the agriculture and sea bounties of the town.
Mabini’s town history, on the other hand, is depicted in their Balincaguing Festival. Balincaguing by the Sambalic phrase “Bali Lan Caguin” which means ‘abode of bats.
One of Pangasinan’s delicacy–binongey (rice cake cooked with coconut milk in a bamboo tube) was highlighted by streetdancers of Anda while performers from Alaminos presented thru lively dance the diverse tradition of their island-rich city.
San Carlos City performers highlighted the two one-town-one-product of their locality which are the best-tasting mango and the ever-popular bamboo.
Lingayen’s best product which is the bagoong and how it was prepared became the main plot of the performance.
A unity dance participated in by the six contingents took place after their group performance.
Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino also graced the event and delivered his welcome address before the group performances. Other guests include Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, department heads, Limgas 2025 title holders and LGU representatives.
The event was chaired by the Pangasinan Polytechnic College headed by its president, Dr. Raymundo Rovillos. Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Abong ni Tio Berto’s complete combo food entry topped this year’s Ponsia: Pangasinan Culinary Challenge today at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) here.
Tio Berto’s “Apoy at Yelo: Lasa’t Likha mula sa Dagat at Lupa” course of three was top on the list of a three-person panel of judges to went home the winner.
The winning food combo starts with pinidpid a pakpak ni Berto (stuffed chicken wings) as appetizer, followed by its main course of Al (berto) silog consisting of alimango, sea grapes, marinated egg yolks; and, for dessert, mangga’t asin of creamy mangoes and salt with candied calamansi peel presented on a block of clear ice.
Jem’s Cuisine and D’Saints Grill and Resto Bar presented versions of ‘Kinamatisang Dalag ed Pias tan Pantol’ and ‘Pilipinas’ bangus belly, bagoong, coconut milk as some of its main ingredients, respectively, bagged first and second runner-up.
Consolation prizes went to three other chef tandems—Amo’s Unli Wings; B&T Seafoods Restaurant; and Bani Hidden Paradise.
Ponsia, a Pangasinan term for ‘feast,’ was launched by the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) under Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan in 2023, in celebration of the Filipino food month that year.
Ponsia aims to create heirloom dishes that will highlight the identity and culture of Pangasinan.
It is one of the highlights of the annual Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) celebration to recognize the culinary skills of local chefs.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has earlier vowed to support all tourism and cultural programs highlighting the distinct products of each locality to include the province’s renowned 3B’s—Bangus, Bagoong and Bucayo.
This year’s event was attended by GMA Sparkle Artist and Chef Jose Sarasola and Kapuso actress Vaness Del Moral who both stunned the audience with their individual cooking expertise.
Judges for the culinary contest were chefs Miko Badillo, Miguel Valdez, and Francis Joseph G. Buhay.
The winners received their prizes from provincial consultant Atty. Maan Ferrer Villegas, who represented the governor in the awarding ceremony. (Ruby F. Rayat/ Carlo de Cruz-PIMRO)
