Month: October 2025

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as more than 1,500 BHWs from the 1st District of Pangasinan received financial assistance under the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

The activity, held October 09, 2025, was spearheaded by Governor Guico and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, together with 1st District Representative Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Board Members Napoleon “Nong” Fontelera Jr. and Apolonia “Apple” DG. Bacay, and Provincial Administrator Manny Luis, alongside various provincial department heads.

Governor Guico emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of health frontliners through incentive programs that reward their dedication and performance.

“Nagpasa po kami ng ordinansa to incentivise our health workers. Ibig sabihin, kung mas marami tayong na-e-enroll sa Konsulta, through LGU, through provincial hospital, we incentivise you. Dati amelioration lang. Nagdagdag po tayo ng performance-based incentives para sa inyo.” Governor Guico said.

BHWs from various municipalities of the first district of Pangasinan shared their gratitude for the cash assistance and the continued support of the provincial government.

“Napakabuti niyang tao, mabait po siya, at binigyan niya po kami ngayon ng pagkakataon para maka-attend po sa programang ito,” said Marlene R. Mabunga, a BHW from Poblacion, Sual.

“Malaking tulong na rin po sa mga pangangailangan sa bahay at gastusin. Maraming maraming salamat po Gov” expressed Francisca Castro, a BHW from De Guzman, Mabini.

“Kasi nasira-sira bahay namin sa bagyo… syempre kapos-kapos naman kapag tag-ulan. Maraming maitutulong niyan ibibigay po sa amin kaya nagpapasalamat po kami. Maraming maraming salamat po Governor Guico. Mabait po kayo, masipag, at marunong pong makisama sa lahat sa amin din na mga Barangay Health Workers. Salamat po Gov, napakabuti po ninyo. God bless po,” said Corazon Echavari, a BHW of Balayang, Alaminos.

The AKAP initiative highlights the Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s continuing commitment to uplift its health frontliners and empowering Barangay Health Workers as vital partners in achieving a healthier and stronger Pangasinan.

(Rich Majin, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Province of Pangasinan has been recognized as one of the 2025 Outstanding BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) Stakeholders for North Luzon. The awarding ceremony was held on October 7 at The Monarch Hotel in Calasiao town.

Provincial Administrator Manuel “Manny’ O. Luis Jr. and Provincial Treasurer Cristy Ubando received the award on behalf of Governor Ramon V. Guico III who delivered his acceptance message in a recorded video.

The Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony (OBSAC) is held annually to recognize BSP partners for their contributions to the central bank’s mandates of price and financial stability. This honors the work of institutional partners, both from government and non-government institutions, in areas like financial inclusion, digitalization, and currency management.

The province’s recognition highlights the province’s significant contributions to building an inclusive and robust economy. The OBSAC aims to acknowledge the vital role of institutional partners in supporting the country’s economic growth and financial stability. The award serves as a testament of Pangasinan’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for businesses and in promoting financial inclusion.

BSP Deputy Governor and Chairperson of the Committee on Outstanding Stakeholders Bernadette Romulo Puyat delivered the opening message, while BSP monetary board member Walter Wassmer gave a keynote message during the ceremony.

(Ruby F. Rayat, photos courtesy of Mr. Cesar Ramirez | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has demonstrated its commitment to supporting communities affected by the recent natural disasters by granting financial assistance worth P1,000,000 each through the ‘Tulong Kapatid Program.’

The financial assistance will benefit the following local government units:

• LGU Bogo City, Cebu: Affected by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake on September 30, 2025, which caused severe damage to infrastructure, including homes.
• Province of Cagayan: devastated by Super Typhoon Nando, which brought widespread destruction and loss of life.
• LGU Calayan Island, Province of Cagayan: Also affected by Super Typhoon Nando.
• Province of Batanes: Ravaged by Super Typhoon Nando, resulting in significant damage and loss.
• Province of Masbate: Hit by Tropical Storm Opong, causing extensive damage to agriculture and infrastructure, as well as loss of life.

During the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on October 6, five separate provincial resolutions authored by all members led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, were approved, facilitating the grant.

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s timely assistance will undoubtedly help the LGUs in their relief and rehabilitation efforts, providing much-needed support to affected communities.

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan, led by Vice Governor Mark Lambino, has officially confirmed Mr. Manuel “Manny” O. Luis, Jr. as the new Pangasinan Provincial Administrator during its 11th Regular Session held on October 6, 2025.

PA Luis brings extensive experience in the public service to the provincial Capitol. He is a Licensed Agriculturist, having earned his Bachelor of Animal Science degree from Tarlac College of Agriculture, now Tarlac Agricultural University.

His career in the government began in the Municipal Agriculture Office of Binalonan, where he served as an Agricultural Technologist. He later became the Officer-in-Charge of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) and Municipal Administrator, before being elected as a Municipal Councilor.

Upon his confirmation to the post, he expressed his commitment to the province. “I am committed to exercising my function with full commitment, transparency, accountability, and collaboration,” PA Luis stated.

With his heart anchored on Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s vision, PA Luis vowed to continue steering the province toward progress and good governance. “My leadership will only be anchored on what the governor wants to see for our province,” he further said.

The board unanimously approved PA Luis’ confirmation after carefully examining his qualifications, records, and experiences.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Pangasinan takes pride in honoring John Carlo Luna Reyes, an industrial design student from the University of the Philippines Diliman, after being named the Philippine National Winner of the 20th James Dyson Award for his innovative invention, “SolAsin.”

In recognition of his remarkable feat, the 24 year-old inventor who hails from Urdaneta City, was given a plaque resolution by the Provincial Board, led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino , during its regular session on October 6.

Reyes’ solar-powered salt-farming device which harnesses filtered seawater and sunlight to sustainably produce a flaky salt, is considered a game-changer for the salt industry. By using seawater and sunlight, SolAsin offers an efficient method of salt production as it reduces the environmental impact of traditional salt farming methods.

During the first term of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, the Pangasinan Salt Center (PSC) was established in Brgy. Zaragoza, Bolinao town. With Reyes’ invention, the salt farm can significantly benefit as it can enhance the province’s salt production capabilities, provide livelihood opportunities for local salt farmers, and promote eco-friendly practices.

The James Dyson Award is a prestigious recognition of innovative student design and engineering talent . It provides a platform for young designers to showcase their work and gain global exposure.

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Pangasinan is setting its sights on becoming a ‘smoke and vape-free province’ under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III. This development follows a decisive move to engage the participation and support of all local government units throughout the province in achieving this goal.

Recently, 28 local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan joined the Batch 2 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Training, held from October 1 to 3 at Hotel Seoul, Clark Pampanga. The first batch, which was conducted from August 7 to 9, was participated in by 22 LGUs.

The three-day training empowers local leaders, health officers, and policy makers to advance the province’s smoke-free and vape-free vision. Guided by Provincial Ordinance No. 317-2024 or the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of Pangasinan, authored by 4th District Board Member (BM) Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the activity focuses on the global MPOWER strategy.

Conducted in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), ASH Philippines, Provincial Department of Health Office (PDHO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the MPOWER strategy includes the monitoring of tobacco/vape use and prevention policies; protection of people from secondhand smoke; assistance to quit tobacco use; warning against ill effects of tobacco use; enforcement of bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; raising of taxes on tobacco products.

During the training, BM Rosario, chair of Committee on Health, emphasized the urgency of addressing smoking, a leading preventable cause of death. “Here we are now, and hopefully, with FCTC, we can contribute to (solving) this problem by eliminating one of the main sources of these three top causes of admission and top causes of mortality: heart disease, CVA, and stroke. And that one is smoking,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Florante E. Trinidad, National Professional Officer of WHO-Philippines, highlighted the significance of the provincial ordinance. “Importante na ma-appreciate ng ating LGUs na ang Pangasinan ay nagkaroon ng provincial ordinance. Ito ang nag-translate ng FCTC into domestic law, at ito ay para sa mas malawak na proteksyon ng ating mga kababayan laban sa panganib ng paninigarilyo,” Dr. Trinidad stated.

So far, nine (9) LGUs, Calasiao, San Carlos City, Anda, Rosales, Umingan, Binalonan, Manaoag, Pozorrubio, and Dagupan City, have formally adopted the ordinance.

(Rich Majin|RFR, photo by John Patrick Ocsan | PIMRO)