Month: February 2026

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s continuous effort in implementing its manpower development and employment program has yielded impressive results, with a recorded employment rate of 95.63% in 2025.

The Pangasinan Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), led by Ms. Richelle Raguindin, reported that the province saw 10,204 job placements for local and overseas employment last year.

On record, the PESO conducted 31 job placement activities, including seven Job Fairs, eight Job Fair Caravans, 12 Local Recruitment Activities, and four Special recruitment events. These activities were designed to provide easier access to job seekers, particularly in far-flung municipalities.

To inform job seekers of various opportunities, the province posted employment activities on social media platforms, resulting in 11,243 students and job applicants participating in 83 Career Development Support Programs. Additionally, some 1,193 participants acquired employable skills through the Employability Enhancement Program (EEP), which offered trainings on skills, livelihood, and career/entrepreneurship development.

The province also provided financial assistance to Out of School Youth (OSY), unemployed adults, LGBT community, and other beneficiaries from different disadvantaged groups, worth P2,000 for Bread and pastry Production and tool kits worth P1,000 for various skills training.

In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the province implemented the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting 3,139 displaced,underemployed and seasonal workers. The Government Internship Program and Special Program for Employment of Students also benefited 26 and 130 individuals, respectively.

The province’s Skills Registry/PESO Employment Information System (PEI) registered 5,067 job applicants in 2025, further solidifying its commitment to providing employment opportunities for Pangasinenses and realizing Governor Ramon V. Guico’s goal to create more jobs during his term.

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, recognized the outstanding service and dedication of its employees at the Gawad ang Galing 2025 Employees’ Awards and Recognition ceremony on February 23.

A total of 94 retirees received cash incentives and gifts in appreciation for their years of service to the province while 183 employees were awarded for their outstanding performance, including the Pag-Asa ng Bayan Award, Dangal ng Bayan award, Green Seal award, and On the Spot Award.

Governor Guico’s administration is committed to acknowledging the sacrifices of its employees, and this event is a testament to that commitment.

Represented by Provincial Administrator Manuel “Manny” Luis, Jr., Governor Guico expressed gratitude to the more than 6,000 workforce of ‘Team Ang Galing’ for helping him realize his goals and aspirations for the province.

The event was graced by notable officials, including Director Cornelia M. Rillera, Acting Director IV, Civil Service Commission Region 1; Dir. Rainier Repollo, Acting Director II CSC-Western Pangasinan, Atty. Gerald Gallardo, DILG Provincial Director; and 4th District Provincial Board Member Jerry Agerico B. Rosario.

(Ruby F. Rayat, photos by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is committed to supporting the education of Pangasinense youth through its Scholarship Program, which provides financial grants to poor but deserving students who excel in academics, sports, and the arts.

The program covers various categories of students, including members of cultural minorities, and those taking up Agriculture and Fisheries courses, and those from the nine campuses of Pangasinan State University (PSU).

Additionally, the province’s very own Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), a brainchild project of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is also providing scholarships to deserving students, offering courses such as Public Administration, Multi Media Arts, Agribusiness, and Special Needs Education.

For 2025, the province has a total of 1,227 scholars, with 702 of them being PSU scholars who will receive a financial grant of P10,000 per year. The other 526 scholars, comprising academic scholars from indigenous and Muslim groups, sports scholars, and sgriculture scholars, will receive P20,000 annually.

As earlier disclosed by Governor Guico, his administration is committed to supporting the education of Pangasinan’s youth, and the Provincial Scholarship Program is a testament to this commitment. The program not only provides financial assistance but also encourages students to pursue their passions and excel in their chosen fields.

With a goal to provide at least one professional in each Pangasinense household, Governor Guico believes that education is key to unlocking the potential of the younger generation, who will be the next leaders and trailblazers in the province. The scholarship program, he said, is a significant investment in the future of Pangasinan.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The search for the next Limgas na Pangasinan 2026 is kicking off soon as the organizers announce the various qualifications to meet.

The pageant, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III and First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, the executive chairperson, is looking for Pangasinense women who embody “beauty beyond barriers,” or someone who has substance, advocacy, and authentic character.

To qualify, candidates must meet the following:
17 to 23 years old
Single, with no children
Minimum height of 5’4”
Good moral character
Able to trace roots in their town
Not have joined a province-wide pageant in the past 3 months

Screening requirements include:
Official LGU endorsement
Application form
Photos and documents (diploma, birth certificate, residency proof)

The screening attire protocol: cocktail dress, two-piece swimsuit, and no makeup.

Under the Guico administration, Limgas na Pangasinan was re-branded and named the 2025 Best Pageant in Region 1 and 2025 Best in Preliminary Competition in the country.

The visionary leadership of Governor Guico and Mrs. Guico brought the ‘Mother of All Pageants’ in Pangasinan to a platform that goes beyond surface-level beauty.

Screening dates will be on February 21-22, 2026 at the Sison Auditorium.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Pangasinan continues to post strong tourism figures, recording sustained visitor arrivals and employment generation following the courtesy call of Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I Regional Director Benjamin D. Manahan Jr. with Governor Ramon V. Guico III on February 4, 2026.

For 2025, Pangasinan logged 846,341 visitor arrivals, generating approximately ₱1.109 billion in tourist receipts and 17,564 tourism-related jobs, reflecting continued growth in tourism activity across the province.

Tourism rankings for 2025 overnight guest arrivals in Region I placed Bolinao, Pangasinan at the top, with 248,942 visitors. Several municipalities in the province also ranked among the leading destinations, including San Nicolas, Alaminos City, Dasol, San Fabian, Sta. Barbara, Anda, Urdaneta City, and Labrador, demonstrating Pangasinan’s broad contribution to regional tourism movement.

During the meeting, Governor Guico emphasized the need for stronger assistance in tourism promotion to further expand Pangasinan’s reach to both domestic and international markets, citing promotion as a key factor in sustaining visitor growth and maximizing tourism assets.

Meanwhile, RD Manahan expressed his appreciation for Pangasinan’s direction and conveyed the agency’s readiness to assist, particularly in promotional efforts and the development of tourism programs that can generate more economic activity across the province.

The courtesy call was attended by 1st District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Luisa Elduayan, DOT Region I Assistant Regional Director Evangeline Dadat, and other officials of the Department of Tourism.

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

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – In the peaceful village of Salud in the town of Bolinao, a timeless tradition weaves its way into the hearts of the locals. From generation to generation, buri weaving, a craft handed down by ancestors, has now become a way of life.The buri palm leaves are carefully harvested, dried, and woven into intricate patterns, creating beautiful mats, baskets, and other handicrafts.

This tradition is rooted in romance when a man courting a woman must learn to weave and prepare buri leaves, a test of his dedication and love. Today, artisan Susan Caacbay, is breathing new life into this craft. Her beautiful buri bags are a hit at the Banaan Museum Souvenir Shop located at Casa Real here, showcasing skills, creativity, and Pangasinan’s cultural heritage.

Every stitch tells a story of love and devotion, preserving traditional techniques. Carrying a buri bag, isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s carrying the spirit of Pangasinan. “I want to safeguard and elevate our province’s artistic legacy,” she says.

To get a buri bag, contact Ms. Susan Caacbay at 09052491690 or susancaacbay26@gmail.com. You can also visit the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum (Casa Real) to see the products.

(Ruby F. Rayat, photos courtesy of Ms Susan Caacbay | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Fashion enthusiasts and designers in Pangasinan are gearing up for an opportunity to showcase their talents through the provincial government’s launching of ‘Project Masanting,’ the 1st Provincial designer’s Camp.

Project Masanting is an initiative of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III. The project aims to search for talented designers to become the Official Wardrobe Providers for Limgas na Pangasinan 2026.

Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, the chairperson of Limgas na Pangasinan and the brains behind Project Masanting, has been instrumental in transforming the pageant into a grand event that showcases the beauty, talent, and culture of Pangasinan.

Under Mrs. Guico’s leadership, Limgas na Pangasinan has become a platform for promoting local culture, heritage, and creativity, with winners representing the province in national beauty tilts. Emphasizing the importance of celebrating the “ganda at galing” (beauty and talent) of Pangasinense women, an individual platform for local designers was included as well.

Project Masanting is open to all Pangasinan fashion visionaries, and interested designers can apply through the online form https://forms.gle/GLAEBXCw7YrMpfDk9 . The deadline for application is February 6, 2026.

The project aims to discover the best of the best in Pangasinan’s fashion industry, providing a platform for local designers to showcase their skills and creativity. The selected designers will get the chance to work with the Limgas na Panagsinan 2026 candidates, showcasing their designs on the grand stage.

Camp dates are slated from March 16 to 20, 2026.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up now!

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, honored the excellent accomplishments of Ednas Group of Delegates from the province at the Tournament of Champions of the World Scholar’s Cup at Yale University, from November 6 to 12, 2025.

Out of 2,600 participants from 67 countries, the Ednas Group delegates earned 35 gold and 21 silver medals, totaling 56 medals across various competition categories. The delegates received a Plaque of Resolution from the province.

Additionally, Jolly C. Poquiz of San Carlos City, Pangasinan, was recognized as a bronze medalist in the Men’s U20 Long Jump T20 at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ruben P. Baysic Jr., from Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, ranked in the Top 9 in the Geodetic Engineers Licensure Examination on October 17 to 18, 2025, with an average score of 85.25%.

The achievers received a Plaque of Resolution during the 22nd Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 2, 2026, presided over by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino.

This recognition highlights the province’s ongoing support for young Pangasinenses in showcasing their talent and excellence.

(Patricia Sevilla, Photos by Orland Llemos | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) is now accepting online applications for the PPC Admission Test (PPCAT) 2026.

As announced by the PPC administration, applicants can apply through the college’s online portal link: https://bit.ly/PPCAT2026

The application period will run from February 2 to April 10, 2026. To complete the application, applicants must prepare the following requirements:
Report Card/ Transcript of Records/ Certification of Grades:
– Scanned copy of Grade 11 Report Card for SHS graduates and graduating students
– Scanned copy of ALS Report of Rating for ALS graduates
– Digital or scanned copy of Transcriot of Records (TOR) / Certification of Grades for transferees
2” x 2” ID Picture
– Must indicate complete name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial
– Plain white background
– Decent attire and formal pose required
– Photo must be taken within the last 3 months

A legacy project of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, PPC was established by the provincial government to offer free tertiary education to deserving Pangasinense youth, preferably those from low income families.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)