Month: November 2025

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Eric Joachim Hechanova, from Barangay Baay in Lingayen town, has made a significant mark in the athletic scene after taking home gold medals at the 17TH Southeast Asia (SEA) Athletics Championship in Under-18 and Under-20 held in Medan, Indonesia.

In his international debut, the 17-year-old sprinter clocked an impressive 9:06.35, outrunning athletes from other Southeast Asian nations. Sultan Hasibuan and Fikar Giroth of Indonesia came in 2nd and 3rd places with recorded times of 9:17.60 and 9:26.58, respectively. Julio Marti Amaral of Timor-Leste finished fourth with a time of 10:18.05.

Hechanova’s gold medal contributed to the Philippines’ medal count, marking the country’s 7th gold medal in the 17th SEA Athletics Championships. The Philippines bagged third place overall, with a total of 11 gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze medal, trailing behind Vietnam and the champion, Indonesia.

In the Philippines, Hechanova’s track record is nothing short of extraordinary. He previously won two gold medals at the Batang Pinoy 2025 in the 5,000-meter and 1,500-meter runs, respectively, and a silver medal at the Duaman Duathlon 2025.

Dedicating his victories to his family and girlfriend, Hechanova attributed his success to hard work, sacrifices, and discipline. He also acknowledged the support of his coach, fellow Pangasinense who is the recent Powerman Malaysia 2025 champion.

Determined to aim higher and consistently work on his goals, the homegrown athlete emphasized the importance of discipline, saying, “Tulad ng lagi kong sinasabi, laging makinig sa coach. Hindi ka naman ipapahamak ng coach mo sa mga pinapagawa niyang training.”

Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed gratitude and pride that a homegrown athlete like Hechanova raised the Philippine flag and represented Pangasinan victoriously in the international competition.

As a show of gratitude, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino approved a resolution congratulating Hechanova on November 24.

(Ramel Tungpalan, Aryssa Arsce Astilla, Ken Shelumuel Lambino | PIMRO Immersion Students, photo courtesy of Eric Joachim Hechanova)

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, recognized the remarkable achievements of Ms. Althea Kate Menzon of Urdaneta City through the awarding of Provincial Resolution No. 908-2025.

Ms. Menzon received the Plaque of Resolution in honor of her exemplary performance in the 14th Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) National Games held on October 19 – 25, 2025 at the City College of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan. She brought pride to Pangasinan by securing two Gold medals, one Silver, and one Bronze across different competition categories.

The plaque was formally awarded on November 24, 2025 during the 17th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, presided over by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino. The recognition underscores the province’s continued support for young athletes who excel in national competitions.

The Provincial Government celebrates Ms. Menzon’s dedication and talent, reflecting Pangasinan’s commitment, under the leadership of Governor Guico, to uplifting youth excellence in sports.

(Rich Majin, Photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Some 300 farmers gathered on November 18 at Barangay Asin East in Malasiqui town, for the Provincial Corporate Farming: Rice Production Field Day and Launching of the Palay Procurement Project. The event, organized by the Provincial Government through the Office of the Provincial Agriculture Office, aims to boost rice production in the province and increase farmers’ yield and income.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who spearheaded the initiative, reiterated his commitment to support local farmers by purchasing their palay. This project is part of the Provincial Corporate Farming Program, an innovative program of the present administration, has made significant strides in expanding the agricultural productivity of local farmers since its introduction in the last quarter of 2022.

Since its launch, the project now covers 1,272.47 hectares or more from the initial area of about 418 hectares, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist earlier reported, with notable increases in corn and palay production. In 2024, corn production rose by 18.88% to 32.56%, while palay harvest increased by 13.59% during the dry cropping season of 2023-2024.

Earlier, Governor Guico announced the expansion of the province’s corporate farming program, aiming to include more farmers. Participating farmers are provided with free seedlings and farm machinery, promoting consolidation of farms and resources under a corporate farming model. He emphasizes that corporate farming leads to higher yields and lower production costs, making agriculture a lucrative and sustainable economic enterprise.

The Palay Procurement Project will provide farmers with a stable market for their produce, ensuring a fair price and increased income. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,448 individual farmer members from 54 farmer cooperative associations across the province.

As a support, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on October 13, 2025, has approved Provincial Resolution No. 859-2925, authorizing the governor to ink a partnership with the National Food Authority for the implementation of Palay Procurement Project, utilizing the Corporate Farming Rice Processing System and its service components as marketing support to the Provincial Corporate Farming Program of the province.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Pangasinan provincial government, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is working tirelessly to respond to the devastation wrought by Typhoon Uwan, which battered the province last week.

Governor Guico reported that over 8,290 families, approximately 27,216 individuals, were evacuated and given temporary shelter in various evacuation centers.

In a recent interview, Governor Guico emphasized the importance of collective efforts in driving the province’s development, particularly in rebuilding communities after a calamity.

During the visit of some cabinet secretaries under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration in the province on November 17, the governor briefed the dignitaries on the current situation, highlighting the province’s efforts to address the needs of those affected by the typhoon.

According to Governor Guico, approximately 345,673 families or 1,173,199 individuals have been affected by Typhoon Uwan. The provincial government, he said, is working closely with the national government to provide immediate assistance to affected families.

Relief and Assistance

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released over P15.609 million in emergency cash transfers to affected residents in Pangasinan and La Union. On November 17, the DSWD granted P13.757 million to 2,613 residents with partially damaged houses. Family food packs and non-food items were also given.

Infrastructure Repair

The provincial government is assessing damage to infrastructure, including roads and bridges. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working double time to clear debris and restore access to affected areas.

Zero Casualty

Earlier, Governor Guico pointed out that Pangasinan’s zero casualty count is attributed to effective early warning systems and residents’ obedience to the call of the local government units, with the Pangasinan PDRRMO taking the lead in partnership with several line agencies.

National Support

President Marcos Jr. has directed all government agencies to provide aid and rehabilitation efforts.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) recently hosted a two-day Storywriting Workshop: Screenwriting for Multimedia Platforms, on November 6-7 at the Sison Auditorium here.

In partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), the workshop aimed to enhance the skills of aspiring storytellers, multimedia arts students, creative professionals, and content creators in crafting compelling stories. Participants were treated to a special screening of films exploring themes of struggle, family, and discovery, including the coming-of-age comedy “Blooming” by Ronnie Ramos.

Renowned filmmaker and screenwriter Aloy Adlawan, who also serves as Creative Director of GMA Network, shared his expertise, providing crucial skills in pitching stories and nurturing the region’s creative talent. The workshop was part of the Film and Video Production for Multimedia Platform Series, a micro-credential course.

PPC President Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos expressed his commitment to academic excellence and program quality, emphasizing the institution’s role in uplifting Pangasinan’s education system. The PPC, a brainchild project of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, has been providing free and quality education to Pangasinense youth, aligning its curricula with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) standards.

The workshop was a significant step towards fostering a community of storytellers and creatives in Pangasinan, aligning with Governor Guico III’s vision of providing quality education to the province’s younger generation.

The event highlighted the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the PPC and the FDCP, led by Dr. Rovillos and FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages Seymour Sanchez. They were joined by FDCP Project Development Officer Korina Dela Cruz, Community Affairs Officer IV Atty. Kandace Lorraine Palagud who represented the governor, and Assoc. Prof. Christopher Gozum, PPC Bachelor of Multimedia Arts Program chair and PPC Film Society adviser.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, photos courtesy of PPC)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—More than 6,000 individuals from barangays Poblacion and Sabangan in Binmaley town who were affected by Typhoon Uwan, have received assistance from the National Government as of November 17.

According to reports, floodwaters in Brgy. Sabangan, reached significant depths, as high as waist to head level, at the height of Typhoon Uwan, with accounts from residents indicating that some areas were completely submerged.

The assistance includes conditional cash transfers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), sanitary kits, oral hygiene kits, and water containers from the Department of Health (DOH), and food supplies from the Office of the President and the Guicosina of the Provincial Government.

In addition to the hot meals provided by the Guicosina, free medical check-ups and medicines were given by the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office and Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC).

On the other hand, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO) conducted profiling for the Tulong sa Pag-unlad ng Ating Kababayan (TUPAD) Program.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III joined Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., in visiting the area to inspect the rehabilitation efforts for the typhoon-affected residents. The delegation included Department of Agrarian Reform Sec. Conrado Estrella III, Department of Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Sec. Jose Ramon Aliling, Binmaley Mayor Pedro Merrera III, and other local officials.

The visit aimed to assess the needs of the residents and ensure that immediate assistance from the government is extended.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, photos by JP De Vera & Ervin Alcantara)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) lead by Provincial Warden Lovell U. Dalisay, bagged five major awards from the 2nd National Convention of the Provincial Jail Wardens’ Association of the Philippines held in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on November 13.

A testament to the PPJ’s commitment to excellence, the awards won include the following: Outstanding Provincial Warden (Lovell Dalisay); Outstanding Provincial Jail; Best in Rehabilitation Program; Outstanding Employee Award in Permanent Category (Antonino V. Ocampo); Outstanding Employee Award in Casual Employee (Jessabelle Cuntapay).

Highlighting the province’s dedication under the stewardship of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, PPJ’s recognition is a motivation and inspiration for its workforkce to strive for better in pursuit for excellence in public service.

Governor Guico’s initiatives, such as innovations of the PPJ, drive its employees to work harder in achieving the ‘Pangasinan, Ang Galing!’ goal of the provincial government.

The PPJ has three main divisions, namely the Administrative Services, Custodial Services, and Rehabilitation Services.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, photo courtesy of PPJ)