Month: September 2025

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Province of Pangasinan reaffirmed its commitment towards a cleaner and greener environment as the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board held its 3rd Quarter Meeting recently in Alaminos City.

Participated in by 69 representatives from 23 various Local Government Units (LGUs), the meeting underscored the province’s dedication to sustainable waste management and environmental protection.

Among the key highlights undertaken during the activity include review of compliance of each municipality to the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or Republic Act 9003 and the election of new officers for the Pangasinan Environment and Natural Resources Organization (PAENRO) covering the period from 2025 to 2028.

The newly-elected officers are the following:

President – Rosalie Aurelo (Alaminos City)
Vice President for Internal Affairs – Arjay Garcia (Pozorrubio)
Vice President for External Affairs – Marvin Maschariña (Infanta)
Secretary – Atty. Vi Marie Vengua (Umingan)
Assistant Secretary – Cecile Cayaon (Bolinao)
Treasurer – Rosa S. Ogbinar (Mapandan)
Assistant Treasurer – Rochelle Siahon (Bautista)
Auditors – Gellie Saldivar (Basista), Roberto Urlanda (Alcala)
Business Managers – Ma-lene Torio (Bayambang), Merelyn De Gracia (Sta Maria)
PIO of Western Pangasinan – Shirley Salcedo (Bani)
PIO of Eastern Pangasinan – Nancy Aligam (Balungao)

District Representatives:
District 1 – Sheryl Uson (Sual)
District 2 – Grace Satuito (Lingayen)
District 3 – Mark Caspillan (Calasiao)
District 4 – Antonio Supremido (San Fabian)
District 5 – Emily Lucero (Urdaneta CIty)
District 6 – Crisman Olivas (Asingan)

Another highlight was an exhibit showcasing different recycled products prepared by different LGUs.

Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III expressed his support towards the initiative through Ms. Vivian U. Oamil, OIC of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), who delivered a message on his behalf. Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste also graced the event, extending his support.

The program ended with an educational visit to the Alaminos City Sanitary Landfill and the Hundred Islands National Park.

(Trisha Gayle Chavaria|RFR | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has set a high standard for the Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s services to its people. As evidenced by the records, physical structures, and numerous regional and national awards, the province has indeed become a model for other provinces in the country.

This has led to several benchmarking activities being conducted throughout the province this year.

Earlier this year, the Provincial Assessor’s Office of Pampanga, along with various Municipal Assessor’s Offices, visited Pangasinan. Their goal was to learn about the province’s best practices in terms of the administration, appraisal, assessment, and levy of Real Property Tax.

Meanwhile, the Provincial General Services Office of Aurora gained insights about the disposal of non-records, mail management, and records digitization and digitalization from the province’s  Provincial Archives and Records Center.

In another benchmarking activity, Board Member Elizabeth Yogyog, Committee on Health Chairman of the Provincial Government of Quirino, commended Gov. Guico for implementing outstanding health programs for Pangasinenses following the province’s Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa mga Komunidad award. “This province is led very well. Excellent!” said Board Member Yogyog.

Recently, the Internal Audit Services Office of Quezon commended Pangasinan’s practices in digital systems, internal audit, workplace quality and safety, and supplies management.

“Iyong process is efficient… faster (processing) dito sa Pangasinan. Sana maging kasing-efficient namin ang Pangasinan,” said Mary Judith Peñales of Quezon Provincial Accounting Office.

These visits underscore Pangasinan’s excellent performance — continually setting benchmarks for good governance and efficient public service.

(Eira Gorospe, with reports from Danna Laureano, Patricia Sevilla, photo by Orland Llemos, JP De Vera, Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan concluded its month-long celebration of the 125th Civil Service Anniversary Celebration with the 2025 Governor’s Awards and Recognition on September 24, 2025, at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan. The event recognized outstanding and long-time civil servants for their commitment to public service in the province.

This highlighted Gov. Ramon V. Guico III’s commitment to appreciating and recognizing employees’ integrity, excellence, and dedication in public service. “Being your governor is a privilege to work with you,” Gov. Guico shared with the employees in the program.

DILG Pangasinan Director Virgillo Sison commended the governor for the provincial government’s programs dedicated to its employees.

This year’s Civil Service Heroes are as follows:

DONONG BAYBAY Program

Nicanor D. Germono, Jr. (Board Secretary)
Lyndon Mark D. Obedoza (Assistant Professor II)
Love Joy P. Alberto (Instructor III)
Angelika Nicole P. Alberto (Executive Assistant I)
Jastine L. Cruz (Instructor III)
Pangasinan Polytechnic College

Rose Ann U. Moles (Admin. Aide)
Chezka D. Bongar (Admin. Aide)
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office

Atty. Verna T. Nava – Perez (Secretary to the Sanggunian)
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretariat

Allan R. Obispo (Institutional Worker)
Bayambang District Hospital

Fredie N. Cuison (Administrative Aide/Liaison)
Provincial Archives and Records Center

Marvin M. Perez (Nurse I)
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office

In addition to the Civil Service Heroes, employees who have served the government for 15 to 40 years were recognized as service awardees, receiving cash, tokens of appreciation, and certificates of recognition.

Likewise, winners from the Donong Employee Competency and Skills Tournament were awarded cash prizes and certificates of recognition for their feats.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by John Patrick Ocsan| PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A total of 150 employees from the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) successfully completed a six-session Leadership Seminar conducted by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, equipping them to serve as facilitators and mentors to their fellow public servants.

Focused on six core leadership values : Hope, Listening, Valuing Every Individual, Integrity, Forgiveness, and Multiplication, the training was designed to instill transformative leadership and strengthen values-based governance.

This initiative is part of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s vision of making Pangasinan a model province in terms of moral leadership and good governance.

Earlier this year, the provincial government formalized a partnership with the Maxwell Leadership Foundation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February to promote leadership development and values formation among government workforce.

“With all the natural resources of the province, the greatest resource is our people—our human capital,” Gov. Guico emphasized.

John Griffin, Maxwell Leadership Foundation Vice President for Global Programs, commended the province’s commitment to employee empowerment. “There’s not a provincial government in the Philippines like this yet in the Philippines, except for here. You are the beginning of transformation for your country,” he said.

The collaboration between the PGP and the Maxwell Leadership Foundation underscores the province’s mission to nurture principled leaders, and deliver more efficient, people-centered public service.

(Eira Gorospe|RFR, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- Provincial government workers displayed creativity, teamwork, and passion as they competed in this year’s edition of Donong: Employee Competency and Skills Tournament, one of the highlights of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration.

The Social Services sector, represented by the Pangasinan Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO), emerged as overall champions in the Cooking Fest Competition. Displaying their ingenuity, the participants prepared three courses–appetizer, main dish, and dessert with squash or kalabasa as the featured ingredient.

Securing the second place was the Economic sector, while the Legislative sector claimed the third spot. The top three winners received cash prizes of P10,000, P7,000, and P5,000, respectively. Non-winning teams each took home a consolation prize of P3,000.

Meanwhile, the Pinoy Pop (P-Pop) Dance Competition energized the audience as health workers showcased their moves. Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH), in tandem with Mapandan Community Hospital, clinched the championship title bringing home a cash prize of P10,000. Urdaneta District Hospital in tandem with Asingan Community Hospital bagged second place with P7,000, followed by Pozzorubio Community Hospital in tandem with Manaoag Community Hospital landing third place with P5,000. Non-winning teams went home with P3,000 consolation prize.

Organized by the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) headed by Ms. Janette C. Asis, Donong 2025, now in its sixth year, underscores the provincial government of Pangasinan’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded and motivated workforce.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III commended the participants, emphasizing that these activities provide employees with meaningful opportunities to develop their talents, strengthen camaraderie, and foster a culture of excellence in public service which is the rallying call of ‘Pangasinan, Ang Galing!’

(Patricia Sevilla|RFR, photos by Orlan Llemos | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – “This is not just a sit-down convention; it is a movement to enable Pangasinan to unleash its greatest athletic prowess to its highest potential,” said Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, current Acting Provincial Administrator, who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III at the opening ceremony of the first-ever Pangasinan Building of Champions Sports Summit.

Highlighting Gov. Guico’s support for sports, the Provincial Sports Office led by Provincial Sports Coordinator Leopoldo C. Arnaiz, organized the three-day summit held from September 23-25.

Earlier, Governor Guico has expressed his goal to build the next generation of champion athletes in Pangasinan to represent the province nationally and internationally.

Over 50 Local Government Unit (LGU) sports coordinators, sports officers from the Department of Education, and sports enthusiasts from the private sector gathered at the Sison Auditorium here for the three-day summit.

The summit’s agenda went around the National Sports Association (NSA) goals and structures, including regional associations nationwide. Discussions also focused on how to support the LGU coaches and trainers on grassroots athletes’ training, and the training program of the NSA National Athletes that can be adopted by LGU coaches. .

Guests of honor in the opening program were Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio and Commissioner Edward L. Hayco. Both commended the province’s initiative to bolster sports development in Pangasinan.

The event serves as a crucial platform for discussions that will help train Pangasinan’s next generation of champion athletes.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Capitol workforce representing different sectoral teams participated in the celebration of the Grand Employees’ Family Day held today,September 23, at the Provincial Training and Development Center II (PTDC II), here.

The event which is spearheaded by the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) in partnership with Health and Wellness Club, is conducted in celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service (CSC) Anniversary.

Highlights of the celebration include medical and physical check-up, beauty care and wellness, cook fest competition, and P-Pop (Pinoy Pop) dance competition.

Fostering a culture of health and creativity, Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s goal is to ensure the well-being of the employees and Pangasinenses in general.

In addition, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) will hold the 2025 Governor’s Awards and Recognition Program tomorrow, September 24, at the Sison Auditorium.

Awarding of prizes in the recently-concluded Donong Employee Competency and Skills Tournament (Quiz Bee, Debate 2025, Mobile Photography Competition, Public Speaking/Extemporaneous Speech, and Skills Training Competition for Organizational Team Members) will be conducted.

During the program, the PGP will give Service Awards to employees and Civil Service Heroes will be exemplified.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- A total of 81 visually impaired individuals were given mobility canes during the White Cane Distribution and Orientation and Mobility Training held recently at the Pangasinan PESO Building, Capitol Complex here.

The activity which was organized by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), in partnership with the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), was part of the post-celebration activity of the 2025 White Cane Safety Day.

Anchored on the theme, “Vision Beyond Sight: Celebrating Independence, Resilience, and Recognizing Achievements of the Blind,” the program went beyond ceremonial distribution by equipping both beneficiaries and their assistors with an orientation and mobility training.

As emphasized during the training, white cane is not just a mobiliy aid but a symbol of independence, dignity, and empowerment for the visually impaired community.

Participants totalling 120 came from various towns across Pangasinan, including Binalonan, Manaoag, Sta. Maria, Pozorrubio, Basista, Villasis, Mangatarem, Alcala, Umingan, Infanta, Sual, and Sta. Barbara. Beneficiaries and their families expressed gratitude, stressing how the initiative would enhance their safety, improve daily living, and encourage greater independence.

Reflecting Pangasinan’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion, aligned with national laws and international agreements protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, the program highlighted various laws governing the rights of the differently-abled sector such as the following.

● RA 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons), as amended by RA 9442 – guarantees the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities.

● RA 10070 – mandates the creation of Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) to ensure inclusion in governance and development.

● RA 10524 – expands employment opportunities for PWDs in government service.

● UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) – affirms the right to mobility, accessibility, and full participation.

● Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – particularly SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), guided by the principle of “Leave No One Behind.”

Under Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s administration, programs and projects for the differently-abled Pangasinenses were intensified.

(Trisha Gayle Chavaria|RFR, photos by Charish Rivera | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan— Team Sekder, led by Urbiztondo Councilor Martin Raul S. Sison II, secured a clean sweep of 15-0 in the recent Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Pangasinan Chapter Provincial Federation Election at the Sison Auditorium.

With Sison as elected President, the other newly-elected officers of the PCL are as follows: Coun. Anafeil C. Cruz-Lauraya (Rosales)- Vice President; Coun. Jan Marionne R. Fontelera (Alaminos City)-Secretary General; Coun. Maria Teresa Socorro E. Perez-Naguiat (Urdaneta City)- Treasurer; Coun. Audrey Jamille Susan Q. Sison (Villasis)- Auditor; Coun. Vincent Nathaniel S. Arenas (Malasiqui)- Business Manager; Coun. Jallen F. Alipio (Binmaley)- Public Relations Officer.

Elected Board of Directors, on the other hand, were: Coun. Ronald C. Catabay (Bani); Coun. Gabriel E. Macaraeg (Lingayen); Coun. Monica N. Ramos (Basista); Coun. Carmina P. Resuello (San Carlos City); Coun. Rolly G. Abalos (Mangaldan); Coun. Nica A. Ching (Manaoag); Coun. William U. Aradanas (Binalonan); and, Coun. Michael R. Dy (Tayug).

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Hon. Kimberly G. Bandarlipe, outgoing PCL-Pangasinan Interim President, followed by inspirational messages from Hon. Handy Lao, PCL National President, and Atty. Raul Corro, PCL National Chairman. Both highlighted the PCL’s vital role in shaping local governance and empowering council members nationwide.

The event gathered council members from various towns and cities in Pangasinan in a landmark assembly that underscored unity, stronger representation, and progressive governance.

Sison, who secured an overwhelming victory, vowed to further strengthen the role of councilors in local legislation and public service.

(Trisha Gayle Chavaria|RRB, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- Cultural advocates, creative professionals and stakeholders gathered at the historic Sison Auditorium here, for the Sinnaranay 2 Creative Region One Summit held from September 15 to 17.

Anchored in the theme, “We Are a Creative Nation,” the summit was part of the Philippine Creative Industries and Pangasinan Tourism Month held annually in September. It reaffirmed the region’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy while fostering economic growth and preserving cultural identity.

Sinnaranay is an Ilocano term depicting the value of love and concern for each other regardless of sex, gender, status, age and other social factors. It aptly means “helping one another.”

The three-day summit which was hosted by the Province of Pangasinan, featured series of workshops on various areas such Publishing and Printed Media: Basic Comics Workshop; Visual Arts: Painting on Textile Workshop, Photography and Pottery Workshop; Traditional and Cultural Expressions: Inabel Weaving Demo, Iloco Empanada and Rellenong Bangus Demo, and Bangus Deboning; Cultural Sites: TALAPAMANA: Lecture on the Philippine Registry of Heritage; Audiovisual Media: Visual Storytelling Workshop; Digital Interactive Media: Cultural Adaptive Mapping Platform Using Mixed Reality Workshop; Creative Services: Live Events Management; Design: T-Shirt Printing Workshop; Performing Arts: Music, Theater Acting, Puppetry, and Dance Workshops.

Highlighting innovation, heritage, and collaboration as key factors of development for the region, the event conformed with Governor Ramon V. Guico’s efforts to enrich Pangasinan’s cultural and tourism heritage.

The event concluded with lectures, presentations, and panel discussions.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has successfully planted 500,000 seedlings under Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s Green Canopy Program since its launch in 2023, signaling a major step in the province’s campaign for environmental protection and sustainable development.

This achievement was highlighted during a tree planting activity led by Governor Guico at the Eco-Tourism Park in Brgy. Estanza, Lingayen on September 16, in celebration of National Tourism Month and the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. Coconut seedlings were planted on-site in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), while simultaneous tree-growing activities were also conducted in Mangatarem and Umingan.

“Itong ating Green Canopy Program, pagdating ng ilang taon, lalaki ang mga punong ito, yayabong at makakatulong tayo to make our planet very green. Pinopromote po natin ito, ang pagiging makakalikasan natin sa ating lalawigan,” Governor Guico said in his speech.

The governor also pointed out the role of coconuts in reviving local livelihoods. “Maghanap tayo ng iba’t ibang lugar para gawin natin mga coconut plantations, especially dito sa Lingayen, and let’s try to revive ang bucayo industry,” he added.

Looking ahead, Governor Guico laid out a bigger vision of planting another half a million seedlings under his second term, bringing the program’s overall target to one million trees across Pangasinan.

Vice Governor Mark Lambino, who also joined the activity, emphasized the program’s long-term impact. “Layunin po nito na siguraduhin ang ating kinabukasan para sa ating mga kabataan. May maaasahan po sila na kagandahan mula sa ating likas na yaman,” he said.

Also present during the tree-growing activity were 2nd District Board Member Philip Cruz, Acting Provincial Administrator Atty. Babyruth Torre, Pangasinan Provincial Community and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) head Ellsworth Gonzales, provincial department heads and employees, and TUPAD volunteers.

(Danna Laureano, photos from Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— The Pangasinan Provincial Nutrition Council, through Provincial Health Officer Maria Vivian Villar-Espino, reaffirmed its full support for the administration’s vision of building a healthier and more progressive Pangasinan.

Reconstituted in June 2025 by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, the council is set to implement programs and initiatives aimed at realizing the goal of making Pangasinan one of the country’s healthiest provinces in the coming years.

Dr. Villar-Espino underscored the importance of collective effort, urging council members to strengthen partnership’s with line agencies, local government units, and various sectors. “Let’s work together to promote health programs so that we can ensure healthy Pangasinenses.” she said emphasizing the need for accesible and quality healthcare services for the province’s more than 3.1 million residents.

During the meeting, discussions centered on effective strategies to safeguard the health and well-being of every child and family in Pangasinan.
Aligned with Governor Guico’s health reform agenda, several landmark initiatiatives are already on deck. This include the modernization of 14 government hospitals and establishments of new facilities, procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment, and the construction of new hospital facilities across the province.

(Patricia Sevilla, photo by JP De Vera | PIMRO)