Month: August 2025

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd), has recently launched the ‘Bakuna Eskwela’ program in nine selected schools in the towns of San Fabian, San Jacinto, Sual, Anda and Agno.

A school-based immunization program of the national government, Bakuna Eskwela aims to provide free vaccines against prevenatble diseases to school-aged children.

Under the program, Grade 1 students were vaccinated against measles, rubella, diphtheria, and tetanus as part of the strengthened Healthy Learning Institution Program, which aims to promote hygiene, nutrition, and mental health among learners.

Aside from the vaccination drive, students in the nine selected schools in Pangasinan received school supplies, first aid kits, and participated in a feeding program.

The provincial government, under the stewardship of Governor Ramon V, Guico III, reaffirmed its commitment to improving health services across Pangasinan being one of its priority thrusts.

(Ruby F. Rayat, JP De Vera with report from Danna Laureano/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The construction of a state-of-the-art Hemodialysis Center at Bayambang District Hospital is now in full swing, marking a significant step forward in the province’s efforts to strengthen healthcare services.

The project, spearheaded by the provincial government under the stewardship of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is designed to provide accessible and high-quality dialysis treatment not only to Bayambang residents but also to those from nearby municipalities.

Once completed, the facility is expected to ease the burden of patients who currently have to travel long distances for treatment, offering them a more convenient option closer to home. Governor Guico earlier emphasized that the center will not only improve healthcare access but also provide much-needed relief and support to families affected by kidney-related illnesses.

The Hemodialysis Center is seen as a major milestone in Pangasinan’s ongoing commitment to advancing public health and ensuring that essential medical services are within reach of every Pangasinense. Governor Guico is determined to establish hemodialysis centers in all district hospitals operated by the provincial government.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, with report and photo from Bayambang District Hospital)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Aligned with the provincial government’s long-term vision for sustainable disaster resilience, Governor Ramon V. Guico III is leading a comprehensive initiative to address the province’s recurring flooding through large-scale river desiltation and waterway rehabilitation.

Speaking in a press conference, Governor Guico stressed the urgency of implementing bold and science-based solutions that go beyond temporary relief.

“We have to make a bold move kung ano ba talaga yung long-term solutions on how to solve this flooding problem. Kailangan province-wide ito or kung hindi man, region-wide. Kasi ang nakikita namin pinaka-reason are the heavily silted rivers,” the governor said.

Under the framework of DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-07 (DAO 7), the provincial government is set to implement river desiltation projects at no cost to the province, with private partners covering operational expenses while ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations.

Governor Guico underscored that the initiative is not limited to river rehabilitation. The long-term plan also includes reconstruction of drainage systems, establishment of pumping stations, construction of retention ponds, and improved flow protection systems to safeguard communities.

The governor is also working with Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the passage of an ordinance that will establish a specialized inter-agency task force dedicated solely to flood mitigation and river system rehabilitation.

“I’m very confident that maka-form tayo ng isang department or unit specifically to address the flooding sa probinsya. A big portion of whatever income of the province will be used for that,” he added.

Governor Guico likewise called on Pangasinan’s congressional representatives to extend their legislative and funding support to ensure that the province’s long-term flood management program is fully realized. “We can’t afford to be like this. Wala tayong magagawa sa climate change at I think it will become worse in the years to come, so kailangan yung decision is now, kung anong gagawin natin for the long term,” he emphasized.

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan is confident that through strategic partnerships, inter-agency collaboration, and legislative support, the river desiltation and flood mitigation program will help protect lives, property, and the local economy from the impacts of flooding in the years to come.

(Danna Laureano/PIMRO, photos by Gian Carlo Millanes)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— A 7-year-old Filipino golf prodigy from Binalonan Pangasinan made history after bagging the 2025 US Kids Golf World Championship held from July 31 to August 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA.

Mikell Zachary “Zach” Guico emerged as world champion in the Boys 7-Year-Old Division and outplayed more than 100 young golfers from different countries. Clinching the title with an impressive three-round total of 104 strokes, he considered this victory his biggest career breakthrough so far.

Dubbed as “Pinoy Golf Prodigy,” Zach has shown remarkable dedication and discipline even at a young age. According to his parents, Kerri Ong-Guico and Ramon Michael V. Guico V, Zach was inspired to pursue golf after watching the sports documentary series “The Short Game.” Since then, he has remained determined to become a world champion.

“I do drills before the tournament, and I just pray and just believe in God,” Zach said when asked about his preparations.

The youngest son in the family, Zach is the nephew of Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III and grandson of 5th District Representative Ramon “Monching” Guico Jr.

At present, Zach continues his rigorous training as he prepares for the upcoming US Kids World Championship in the 8-Year-Old Boys Division. His ultimate dream is to become a professional golfer and one day play in the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).

(Ruby F. Rayat, JP De Vera with report from Joana Tacason/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) held a consultative meeting today, August 18, at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in San Carlos City.

Said meeting which was conducted to discuss the implementation of the Z Benefit Package for orthopedic services was participated in by various representatives from the provincial government led by Dr. Tracy Lou T. Bitoy, Acting Provincial Hospital Administrator, along with Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy, Dr. Cipriano Fernandez, Dr. Arnulfo Olivar, Dr. Juancho Mamaradlo, and Dr. Arnel Mertola. Representing PhilHealth were Dr. Marlene D. Soliba, Head of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Section, PRO I, and Dr. Neil Alvin C. Tandoc.

Focused on strengthening collaboration to improve access to orthopedic-related Z Benefit services, some of the key points raised included enhancing hospital accreditation processes, aligning policies with current healthcare delivery needs, and adopting measures to make specialized orthopedic care more accessible to patients in the province.

Under the stewardship of Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” Guico III, upgrading healthcare systems and ensuring affordable services for sick and less-fortunate Pangasinenses were prioritized.

As such, the provincial government and PhilHealth reaffirmed their commitment to a sustained partnership aimed at improving service delivery, optimizing program implementation, and ensuring better patient outcomes through the Z Benefit Package for orthopedic care. Moreover, it provides comprehensive financial protection that ensures patients to focus on recovery rather than hospital bills.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, with report and photo from PHMSO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III spearheaded the recent inauguration of the Temporary Facility for In-Patients at Lingayen District Hospital (LDH), coinciding with the hospital’s 33rd anniversary celebration.

The 36-bed capacity facility is part of the Provincial Government’s immediate response toward the on-going modernization of all government-operated hospitals throughout the province. It is expected to be operational this August and will serve as a preparatory measure for the construction of a new three-story LDH building.

In his message, Governor Guico expressed his gratitude to all hospital staff for their continued service to the province.

“I’m very happy that all things are going well in our province. To all the teams that make up the leadership, we thank you for your loyalty to your work and for fulfilling your duties wholeheartedly, sacrificing many things,” he said.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, on the other hand, commended the hardworking employees of LDH as he urged them to uphold three important characteristics of a true-blooded public servant—compassion, resilience, and integrity.

Likewise, LDH Chief-of-Hospital Dr. Aurelio Cariño hailed the government’s support to improve, beautify, and provide modern equipment for the patients of LDH.

Also present at the event were Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, 4th District Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario, Provincial Health Administrator Dr. Tracy Lou Bitoy, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Vivian Villar Espino, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre, chiefs-of-hospitals, and LDH employees.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Tourists visiting Pangasinan can look forward to amore convenient and enjoyable travel experience with the completion of a Tourist Rest Area (TRA) at the Capitol beachfront here.

A joint project of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the modern facility is about to open.

Once operational, it will offer essential amenities like clean restrooms, a comfortable lounge, charging stations, a lactation room, and an information hub–all designed to enhance the overall travel experience of visitors both local and international.

According to the national government, the establishment of TRAs across the country is a significant undertaking in transforming the Philippines into a “tourism powerhouse” in Asia.

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), led by Ms. Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, emphasized that the new facility will not only improve convenience for tourists but also benefit local businesses, transport operators, and other tourism stakeholders by boosting visitor satisfaction and encouraging longer stays.

“This project reflects a collaborative effort to elevate Pangasinan as a key destination in Northern Luzon and sets the tone for future tourism-driven development,” the PTCAO stated.

In February 2025, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TIEZA Asistant Chief Operating Officer Gregory A. Oller signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) following the facility’s groundreaking ceremony.

Governor Guico together with Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, expressed their gratitude to the DOT and TIEZA, revealing that the province lined up several game-changing tourism initiatives that include the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex—to further boost Pangasinan’s appeal and turning it into the Singapore of the north in the offing.

Funded by TIEZA and monitored by the DOT, the TRA project will be turned over to the provincial government upon completion.

As reiterated by the national government, the rollout of TRAs nationwide is part of a broader initiative to enhance infrastructure and services, paving the way for the country to become a leading tourism and destination of choice in Asia.

Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, photos from PTCAO

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Dubbed as the world’s “best-tasting milkfish,” Dagupan bangus has successfully penetrated the international market thru the efforts of local entrepreneurs who participated in the recent International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines.

In 2023, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III and through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), partnered with Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico—Governor Guico’s mother and founding president of Project Abound. This partnership enabled several export-quality, locally manufactured products from Pangasinan to take part in the FAME Trade Exhibition.

To strengthen initiatives, Gov. Guico sought support from the provincial board for the institutionalization of local Micro, Small, and Medium Wnterprises (MSMEs0 in major trade expos, including Manila FAME, IFEX, and other similar events.

Among the success stories to emerge from said effort is the rise of bangus karaage, a product developed by husband-and-wife duo Niel and Evelyn Chu of Napoleon’s Food Corporation. Described as their “pandemic baby,” the dish showcases a fusion of Filipino and Japanese culinary traditions. It features Dagupan milkfish (bangus) prepared using the Japanese karaage technique—marinated, coated in flour and starch, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

“Sabi niya, dapat gawa rin tayo ng bangus kasi I’m from Dagupan City, Pangasinan,” Niel recalled. “So noong nagawa namin ang bangus karaage, pinadala ko sa kanya, tinikman niya, binenta niya sa condo—doon na nagsimula,” he added.

Beyond boosting farmer productivity and improving market access, Governor Guico emphasized his administration’s strong commtment to supporting MSMEs.

“Pangasinan’s excellence is evident in our continued support for MSMEs, farmers, and fisherfolk,” the governor said in his inaugural address in June 30, 2025.

The province’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently recognized Pangasinan as both Regional and National Outstanding Kadiwa ng Pangulo LGU Implementer—affirming the province’s dedication to grassroots development.

Since 2022, more than 2,582 MSMEs from Pangasinan have participated in Kadiwa activities and other government-led trade exhibitions to include Manila FAME and IFEX. This, helped local entrepreneurs expand their reach to national and global markets.

Ruby F. Rayat, photo by JP De Vera /PIMRO