Month: September 2025

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III spearheaded the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program on September 13, 2025, in celebration of the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Gathering various national and local government units, the event offered a wide range of services for the people of Pangasinan.

“Ang partisipasyon ng iba’t ibang mga ahensya ng gobyerno ay patunay ng pagkakaisa ng bawat sangay ng pamahalaan na iisa ang layunin ang maihatid ang sapat, mabilis, at epektibong serbisyo para sa lahat ng Filipino,” Governor Guico said.

Among the highlights of the program were:

1) Support for Farmers- The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed farm machinery and inputs, while three Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) received checks amounting to P2.2 million under the Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed ARBOs Program.

2) Aid for Workers- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Pangasinan Public Employment Services Office (PESO), released P9.4 million in assistance to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

3) Affordable Food Programs- About 1,000 Pangasinenses availed of the P20 Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program. Kadiwa na Kapitolyo exhibitors showcased local products, white solar salt from the Pangasinan Salt Center was also distributed.

4) Health and Social Services- The Provincial Health Office provided free medical and dental check-ups, while the Provincial Legal Office, in collaboration with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Pangasinan Chapter, offered legal consultations. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) also received wheelchairs and mobility canes.

5) Skills and Livelihood Services- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) extended free pampering services, including haircutting and massage.

The event highlighted the strong partnership between the Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Gov. Guico, and national government agencies, reaffirming their shared commitment to deliver essential services and uplift the lives of Pangasinenses.

The event was graced by 1st District Representative Arthur F. Celeste and other guests.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The STAC/SPED Learners from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mangatarem emerged champions in the recent talent competition for youth with special needs.

Serving as one of the highlights for the province’s celebration of the 47th National Disability Rights Week, the ‘STAC (Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center) Got Talent’ became a venue where differently-abled youth showcased their unique talent and abilities.

With the theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” the activity was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), and Pangasinan Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Inc. (PFPDI).

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Marinor De Guzman, who delivered an inspirational message, commended the youth-participants for taking part in the celebration even as she cited that the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is doing its best to help empower the sector thru various programs and projects such as skills enhancement training’s, livelihood assistance, access to health programs among others.

PSWDO Chief Annabel Roque, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to the provincial government led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, for all the support given to the sector and for initiating various programs and projects that redound to the benefit of individuals with special needs.

Placing second placer in the competition was LGU San Fabian followed by LGU Sta. Barbara in the third spot. Cash prizes for the three winning LGUs were P15.000, P10,000, and PP7,000. Consolation prize of P2,000 were given to non-winners.

Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, PGO Executive Assistant III represented Governor Guico while former 5th District Board Member Rosary Gracia “Chinky” Perez-Tababa served as honorary guest.

(Patricia Sevilla, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A new three-storey laboratory facility and the upgrading of laboratory services from Level II to Level III at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH) will soon be established.

This is in line with the thrusts of the provincial government, under the stewardship of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, to strengthen mass-based health care programs in Pangasinan.

To push the project forward, the provincial board approved on September 10 a resolution endorsing to the Department of Health (DOH) the issuance of a Permit to Construct (PTC).

“This project will serve as a great step to further enhance the delivery of health care services to the patients under the catchment area of the said hospital, in line with its vision to provide quality, promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care that is available, accessible and affordable,” the resolution authored by Board Member Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, stated.

Currently, WPDH which is located in Alaminos City, operates as a Level 1 hospital with an authorized bed capacity of 75.

However, the resolution disclosed that the hospital’s actual implementing capacity has reached 234 due to high patient demand, frequently exceeding its authorized limit. This underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive and advanced health care services.

“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan strongly supports the Western Pangasinan District Hospital in its efforts to imrpove its facilities and services as prescribed by the Department of Health,” the resolution futher stated.

Meanwhile, other facilities established under the present administration include a hemodialysis center equipped with 15 dialysis machines, which began operations in January this year.

It can be recalled that the establishment of dialysis centers in all district and community hospitals in Pangasinan is part of the provincial government’s hospital modernization program under Governor Guico. Plans for the creation of other specialty hospitals such as Heart Center, Kidney Center and Cancer Insitute are likewise in the offing.

(Ruby F. Rayat, photo by Ervin Alcantara/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Tracy Lou Bitoy as the new Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) and Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino as Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief.

The confirmation was made by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino on Monday, September 8, 2025, during the eighth regular session of SP.

With a strong background in the medical field of over 15 years, Dr. Bitoy is well-equipped for her new role. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.

During the session, she expressed her full support for Gov. Ramon V. Guico III’s health initiatives, particularly the “No Balance Billing” policy. “Since the start of Governor Guico’s term, we have been implementing No Balance Billing for basic accommodations. We will continue to monitor and ensure that it is well-implemented,” she stated.

Dr. Bitoy also pledged to work closely with Gov. Guico and the provincial government on the modernization of all provincial hospitals, increasing the bed capacity, and other programs to improve the province’s healthcare services.

Meanwhile, Dr. Villar-Espino who is a licensed physician holding a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master’s in Public Health, pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Municipal Health Officers in the province and other NGOs, together with the 14 provincial hospitals.

Expressing her desire to become an effective provincial health officer, Dr. Villar-Espino vowed to give her all-out support to Gov. Guico’s goal in bolstering the Pangasinan Referral Network between the 14 provincial hospitals and Rural Health Units across the province.

With both officials’ clear vision and extensive experience, the board unanimously confirmed their appointment citing that their leadership will significantly contribute to Pangasinan’s healthcare system and support Gov. Guico’s vision in making the whole province healthy.

(Eira Gorospe, Photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and PV Sinag Power, Inc. for Project SAFE, a disaster resilience initiative that will provide the province with an emergency response vehicle valued at ₱2.1 million.

The signing, held on September 9, 2025, marks another milestone in Pangasinan’s continuing collaboration with the Aboitiz group. The initiative strengthens the province’s disaster preparedness and search and rescue operations, demonstrating Governor Guico’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Pangasinenses.

Atty. Miguel Robillo, PV Sinag Power, Inc.’s Vice President for Stakeholder Relations and Compliance, said the project is part of their broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help communities become more resilient to disasters. “Project SAFE is a donation of an emergency response vehicle sa probinsya ng Pangasinan. Gusto naming makatulong ng kahit kaunti lang sa probinsya in terms of disaster response,” Robillo stated.

Robillo also commended the leadership of Governor Guico for fostering a climate of partnership in the province. “Yung leadership ni Governor Guico, nararamdaman namin na welcome kami mag-invest and lahat ng suporta na kailangan namin nandiyan. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami for his policies,” he said. He added that their CSR projects are tailored yearly in consultation with local communities, noting that aside from the disaster response vehicle, they are also working with local government units on fire prevention programs.

In recent years, Aboitiz Foundation and PV Sinag Power have partnered with the province to fund development and livelihood programs, support reforestation and watershed management initiatives, and implement health and environment enhancement projects. The partnership has also extended to the healthcare sector, with previous donations of medicines worth hundreds of thousands of pesos distributed to district hospitals across Pangasinan.

Joining the MOA signing were PV Sinag Power Inc.’s Vice President and General Manager of Solar and Wind Operations Leo Lehbo Lungay and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Babyruth Torre.

(Danna Laureano, photo by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on September 8 has approved an ordinance creating the Provincial Flood Mitigation and Management Office (PFMMO).

As stated, Section IV of the ordinance cited various operative principles or purposes in establishing the office as follows: 1) create and establish the mandate and strategic direction of the PFMMO; 2) formulate and develop a strategic flood mitigation and management masterplan that would integrate both structural and nonstructural strategies and solution, and a framework for risk assessment, preparedness, response and recovery from flood events; 3) coordinate with Local Government Units (LGUs), national government agencies, and private stakeholders for the planning and execution of flood mitigation projects.

It can be recalled that Governor Ramon V. Guico III sees river restoration as permanent flood control solution in Pangasinan. Hence, the creation of PFMMO is vital in achieving the goal in addressing perennial flooding in the province.

As stated earlier by the governor, large-scale river restoration project being rolled-out by the provincial government will provide a “permanent and suitable” solution to flooding in Pangasinan. “We will rehabilitate and revive our rivers so that waters, including floodwaters, can flow continuously to the sea, far from where we live,” he said during the launching of the flood mitigation program last month.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino expressed full support to the project that includes the creation of the PFMMO which is tasked to oversee the activity.

The following are the roles and responsibilities of the PFMMDO as indicated in Section V of the ordinance authored by SP Members Napoleon C. Fontelera, Jr. and Haidee S. Pacheco:

1) Coordinate and where necessary initiate and carry out formulation, implementation and monitoring of flood mitigation, management and preparedness policies, studies, management actions and investment in the flood control projects consistent the institutional principle of stakeholder participation and devolution of action at the lowest possible level.

2) Organise the implementing structures, establish implementation policies, delegate authorities and responsibilities and call on other government agencies, financial institutions and donors, as needed to undertake flood mitigation and management programs and projects subject to applicable policies.

3) Establish and maintain structural consultation process at the appropriate executive levels with city and municipal LGUs, and representatives from people’s organizations (irrigators, upland farers, fisherfolk, water users associations, indigenous peoples’ groups) and the private sector and civil society organizations in the province.

4) Develop a portfolio of LGU projects in the Pangasinan rivers system.
5) Support/Undertake and/or coordinate the appraisal and feasibility studies of individual projects.

6) Assist LGUs in the packaging and documentation of their projects for submission to financing institutions.

7) Support the LGUs, together with the concerned line agencies, in the implementation of LGU projects.

8) Facilitate the coordination and implementation of activities between the different agencies involved in management and development of the river systems in the province.

9) Undertake other duties and functions as may be necessary to perform its mandate.

The PFMMO shall be led by the Project Management Officer to be assisted by a Deputy Management Officer, and will be manned by personnel from concerned provincial government offices.

(Ruby F. Rayat, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Pangasinan takes pride in commending members of the Jorie Fighters Taekwondo Team for emerging as champions in the 8th Heroes Taekwondo International Championship in Pattaya City, Chonburi, Thailand on August 9-10.

The team achieved six gold, six silver and six bronze medals bringing pride to Pangasinan.

To honor their victory, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on September 1, has approved a resolution, authored by Board Member Philip Theodore E. Cruz, congratulating and commending the success of the athletes.

“The Jorie Fighters Taekwondo Team is one of the representatives of the Philippines in the recently concluded 8th Heroes Taekwondo Team has brought prode and honor from the Philippines, and most especially to the Province of Pangasinan, by demonstrating exceptional dedication, skill, and sportsmanship in their pursuit of Taekwondo, rising to the level of true champions in this prestigious sport,” the resolution stated.

Heroes Taekwondo International Championship is a global platform that unites athletes from different nations thereby creating meaningful opportunities for Taekwondo practitioners of all ages and backgrounds to showcase their skills, cultivate friendship, and promote health, wellness, and mutual understanding through the discipline of the sport.

The resolution also commended the outstanding contributions of the coaches whose dedication and achievements have significantly elevated the sport not just within the province but to national and international competitions.

The following athletes who secured the following medals in the competition are as follows:

For Poomsae
Gold : Flyndee Grace O. Navato; Laquesha Krishna A. Quezada; Charice Fernandez; Princess Jorie Gonzales; Sean Millante
Silver : Mark John D. Manguiam; J Mayvanwei Laminato; Charmelle Yuno I. Apolonio; Jane Cacatian
Bronze : Ycemer Joy D. Manguiam; Jomar Agtang

For Kyurogi
Gold : Mark John D. Manguiam
Silver ; Flydee Grace O. Navato; Laquesha Krishna A. Quezada; J Mayvanwei Laminato; Charmelle Yuno I. Apolonio; Charice Fernandez; Princess Jorie Gonzales; Jane Cacatian
Bronze : Ycemer Joy D. Manguiam; Jomar Agtang; Sean Archer Millante

Poomsae are choreographed forms or patterns in taekwondo that simulate fighting against imaginary opponents while kyurogi refers to the competitive and practical application of techniques through sparring or a dynamic free-form fight between two opponents with strict rules and protective gears to ensure safety.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)

Pangasinan is embarking on a bold transformation of its health care system, driven by Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s steadfast commitment to building more hospitals and fortifying a seamless provincial health network.

During the Universal Health Care (UHC) Stakeholders Strategic Planning and Implementation held on September 1, Governor Guico reaffirmed his commitment to expanding hospital infrastructure and interlinking health facilities through advanced digital systems.

The provincial government plans to fast-track this push using public-private partnership (PPP) modalities, aiming for faster and more sustainable infrastructure development. “Sa atin sa Pangasinan, gawin na natin kung anong magagawa natin. Let’s build more hospitals. That is the framework that we’ll have to follow in the long term because that is the mandate of the Universal Health Care law,” Governor Guico emphasized.

Under the governor’s leadership, Pangasinan has upgraded all 14 provincial government hospitals, outfitting them with MRI units, CT scans, X-ray and ultrasound machines, dialysis stations, and enhanced laboratory facilities. Hemodialysis centers were also added in several key district hospitals.

In fact, projects such as the Umingan Super Community Hospital, with a 55-bed capacity and a Php200-million allocation, and the Alcala Community Hospital, a four-story, 50-bed facility, are cornerstones of Governor Guico’s plan to have 20 hospitals operating under the provincial government.

The governor highlighted the strengthening of a unified system linking all provincial hospitals as well. Through a Unified Database Ecosystem and the introduction of Electronic Medical Records (EMR), the province aims to enhance data sharing and streamline patient information for seamless referrals and improved service delivery. By leveraging technology, Pangasinan is setting the standard for an integrated healthcare delivery system in the country.

The governor also shared some health initiatives, including the procurement of mammogram machines, establishment of a prosthesis center, and the province’s commitment to shoulder animal bite treatment costs in hospitals.

The discussion further included the enhanced PhilHealth YAKAP (formerly Konsulta Benefit Package), which provides primary care services, health risk screenings, laboratory diagnostics, and medicines. “By supporting the programs of our Governor, we can leave a legacy, yung pinakamagandang healthcare not only for our province but in the entire Philippines,” said 4th District Board Member and Chairman on Committee on Health Hon. Jerry Agerico Rosario.

The event was participated in by some representatives of PhilHealth, Department of Health, Provincial Health Office, chiefs of hospitals, city and municipal health officers, department heads, and other key stakeholders.

(Danna Laureano, Photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinense hearing-impaired athletes Jamela Gonzales Prestoza and Edwin Vilanueva Advincula brought pride to the province after bagging bronze medals in the 2nd ASEAN Deaf Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Prestoza who hails from Pozorrubio, Pangasinan won bronze medals in the Women’s Singles and Women’s Double Table Tennis while Advincula, a native of Binalonan town, secured bronze medals in the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles Table Tennis events.

To honor their achievement, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), during its regular session on September 1, passed two separate resolutions which were authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison.

The 2nd ASEAN Deaf Games, organized by ASEAN Deaf Sports Federation (ADSF), was held from August 20 to 26, 2025.

As cited in the resolutions, the victories of the two athletes “underscore the talent and resilience of Filipino athletes on the international stage, while highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognition for athletes with disabilities who contribute greatly to sports and society.”

The resolutions also emphasized that this breakthrough was made possible through the steadfast support of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, whose intiatives continue to empower Pangasinense athletes to excel and shine in both national and international competitions.

Both Prestoza and Advincula, who also serve as coach and mentor, vowed to inspire and train aspiring athletes, particularly those from Pangasinan to become future champions.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)