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Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan is keen on finding solutions to address the flooding problem in the Capitol Complex.

Engr. Alvin Bigay stated that flooding in the area worsened through the years. “Ang mga dating catch basin natin ay natabunan na. Yong mga supposedly napupuntahan sana ng floodwaters umapaw na,” he said as he enumerated three lagoons, including one at the back of the Urduja House, one at the Pangasinan State University (PSU), and one at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

He stated that accretion aggravated flooding, further citing that siltation and the construction of the baywalk, which is higher than the existing level, can also be contributory.

“Although they already put up a drainage system in the Baywalk area, kung titignan po natin ngayon ay heavily silted na ang drainage system kung kaya hindi na po umaagos yung tubig na nagko-cause ng baha,” he emphasized as he mentioned that the last time LimahongChannel was dredged was during the term of former Governor Oscar Orbos, which was around 1996 or 1997.

As seen on the Google map, a sand bar was formed, which is said to prevent the flow of water from upstream to the mouth of the Limahong Channel. Engr. Bigay said this caused floodwater in the Capitol Complex to backflow and affected some portions of nearby villages like Brgy. Poblacion, Maniboc, Pangapisan Norte, and even portions of Libsong West.

With all these setbacks, he said, Governor Ramon V. Guico had efficiently thought of solutions with the help of urban planners. Hence, the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex will include the construction of a wider and bigger drainage system.

“Ang proposal diyan is to construct a wider and bigger drainage system, and we will no longer allow floodwaters to be drained, dito po sa tabing dagat. Bawal po ang magtapon ng wastewater diyan sa tabing dagat. So ang naisip po ng ating mga urban planner is to make the drainage pass through dito sa may Maramba Blvd, and then it will terminate dito sa may San Jose River (Maramba Blvd. bridge),” he added.

A retention pond, which will serve as the first line of defense against floodwater, will also be constructed to help minimize flooding in the area.

Looking at the bigger perspective of the Capitol redevelopment project, the provincial human settlements and urban development authority chief stated that it is natural that some trees will be affected. However, contrary to some claims, not all trees will be cut.

“Hindi po totoo na lahat daw ng namarkahan ay puputulin. The reason we put some markings is for us to conduct an inventory to determine the trees to be affected. Kapag sinabing affected, it doesn’t mean napuputulin,” he said, mentioning that the inventory of trees was conducted with the help of CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources) and DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) being the lead agencies.

Except for the mahogany trees that will be cut, some trees will be earth-balled, relocated, or transferred.

Based on the inventory, there are a total of 208 mahogany trees at the Capitol Complex. Said species that are considered “invasive trees” will be cut down. It can be recalled that in June 2020, the DENR banned the use of mahogany, an invasive alien species of tree that kills plants near it.

Coconut trees will return to the eco-tourism site located in Estanza, Lingayen, while some trees will possibly be relocated to the Eco-Park located in Bugallon.

Native trees will then be planted to replenish the trees affected by the project. Earlier, the Pangasinan Native Trees enthusiasts, led by former CENRO chief Celso Salazar, committed to help look for suitable trees that would be planted at the Capitol Complex. Said activity will contribute to the Green Canopy Program of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, two units of earth-balling equipment are set to arrive in the province. These are intended to save trees affected by the Capitol Complex redevelopment project. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III seeks the establishment of the Pangasinan Trade Center following the recent success of the Manila Fame and International Food Expo (IFEX), which opened the door to more opportunities for various local entrepreneurs.

The governor has expressed eagerness and is optimistic about pushing the project, which will eventually further bring economic prosperity and sustainability to the province.

For this dream project to be realized, Gov. Guico sought the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino.

Let us coin the term Pangasinan Trade Center, the governor told SP together with the department heads.

He also called on PEDIPO, an investment promotion office, to further promote or market the province as a place for investors.

“Kasi yung ating Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO) is an investment promotion office. Yun naman ang magdadala dito ng mga malalaking investors like San Miguel, Aboitiz,” the governor said.

A Pangasinan Trade Center will be integral to boosting the province’s economy, considering that the present administration’s priority thrust is to create greater opportunities that will fuel economic growth, benefiting Pangasinenses.

The initiative and plans from the governor were welcomed with great optimism and gratitude, as this will demonstrate the province’s potential in terms of investments, businesses, and development.

With the rise of the Pangasinan Trade Center, the province will be able to further support MSMEs in introducing and promoting their products in the global market.

‘More than the financial returns is the exposure and the fact that we have reached the milestone of being participants. That’s already a breakthrough for all of us because most of us do not know how to get there, but I believe that we are on the right track. This is the first phase of what we should do in the longer term to promote our products and businesses,’ the governor said.

(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin/PIMRO)

San Jacinto, Pangasinan: Villagers warmly welcomed Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino during their first courtesy visit to the five barangays (Sta. Maria, Imelda, San Roque, Casibong, and Guibel) in San Jacinto town on June 17.

Dubbed ‘Kumustahan 2024, The Governor’s Visit,’ it was envisioned to bring the provincial government and its services closer to the people, especially those in far-flung areas.

Benjamin De Guzman, Punong Barangay of Casibong, San Jacinto, disclosed that the visit was the first in the history of said barangay.

The move underscores the government’s support and makes the people an integral part of the present administration’s plans, programs, and projects.

“Ito po ay programang Kumustahan. Kami po ay dadalaw sa mga barangay upang ipaalam po ang mga programa ng probinsiya,” Gov. Guico said.

Vice Gov. Lambino added that “Kumustahan 2024, the Governor’s visit, will bring the provincial government’s services closer to the villages of Pangasinan.

Some 8,350 residents received gifts from the provincial government.

The governor was joined by 4th District Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario, Board Member Marinor De Guzman, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II, Acting Provincial Treasurer Cristy Ubando, and San Jacinto Mayor Leo De Vera.

The meet and greet was a manifestation of the collective efforts of a government that genuinely cares and serves.

(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—“Quality is very important. Hindi pwede ‘yong pwede na. Kaya nga ang thrust ng Pangasinan ay ‘Ang Galing’ or excellence . We need to imbibe in us the value of excellence, that’s the only way we can make it.”

Governor Ramon V. Guico III disclosed this during a simple thanksgiving ceremony at the Urduja Hall in Lingayen by various Micro Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) representatives on June 14.

Through the recent staging of Manila Fame and International Food Expo (IFEx), the door of opportunities opened up to various local entrepreneurs.

A brainchild of the governor’s mother–Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Founder of Project ‘Abound,’ it was through her initiative that MSMEs in Pangasinan successfully reached the global market.

“The measure of success for MSMEs is the number of contacts gained and sales we generated,” she stated.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Natalia Basto-Dalaten reported that local MSMEs that participated in IFEx 2024 have managed to increase their contacts and booked orders not just from local but international buyers.

The activity has generated booked sales of about $81,370 and total cash sales of P274,031.

Thankful of the support given by the provincial government, Jocelyn Ong Perez of Crafter’s Joy PH, expressed his appreciation to Gov. Guico. “Napakahirap po na wala akong masabi na suporta way back. There are so many Pangasinense na talagang magagaling and we can really go international but the government has been sleeping for a long time. Now, masayang-masaya kasi napakarami po natin dito and I know that with the provincial government magkakaroon tayo ng fruition into going international,” she lamented.

Rocky Doctor of Nutridense Food Manufacturing, on the other hand, stated that “lack of opportunity and support” from the government has become a setback in the past. “Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa ngalan ng kapwa ko MSME sa ating provincial government led by our passionate and visionary leader, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III,” he said.

Also expressing their support on behalf of the provincial board was Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino who cited the successful participation of the MSMEs in the two recent activities that ignited the fire.

“The two activities are just the beginning of what we can expect in the coming years,” he stressed.

In addition, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II hailed the local MSMEs as he said that the call of the governor to support the opening of a new era for the sector is an appreciation for them being one of the backbones of the province’s economy.

Manila Fame was launched in 1984 under the Center for International Expositions and Missions of the DTI  to introduce non-food products of local MSMEs and artisans to consumers both local and international.

IFEx Philippines, on the other hand, is the country’s largest food exhibition which gives business to business platform for local food companies to launch their products in the global market.

The following MSMEs participated in Manila Fame 2023: Crafter’s Joy PH; Rach Arts and Crafts; Herwitanyo Art Studio; Kawayan Nature PH; Blessed Six; Women Empowerment and Livelihood Association of Binalonan (WELAB); Alma’s Handicrafts; DM Blades Metalcraft; Sword Rubio Enterprises; Ilokana Handicrafts; and, Erastus.

Ten MSMEs who joined IFex Phils 2024 include Freshious Inc.; Mama Cili Enterprises; Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus & Seafood; Juris Bay Foods Inc.;Hou Yang Food Corp.;D &G Food Products Mfg.; Abundance Agri Tourism & Training Center; Bernal Bagoong; JNS Fish Processing; Nuridense Food Mfg. Corp.;Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC.

(Ruby F. Rayat, Orlan Llemos /PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan: Four towns and a city were identified as the tourism hubs of Pangasinan.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III said development projects will be implemented in the identified tourism focus areas to further improve the tourism industry in the province.

Identified by the governor as tourism focus areas are the towns of Bolinao, Lingayen, Manaoag, San Nicolas (Malico), and the City of Alaminos.

Gov. Guico said that in the western part, Bolinao and Alaminos City were already established as tourism destinations.

Bolinao, he said, was among the tourism focus areas because of its natural resources, its rich history, and its natural influx of tourists, while Alaminos City is because of its Hundred Islands.

To improve the accessibility of the western part, the provincial government will build the Bolinao International Airport.

There is also a need to develop Lingayen, the capital town of the province.

The longest reflective pool, which is part of the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, is anticipated to be a major tourist attraction once completed.

Manaoag is the biggest tourist attraction in Pangasinan, where millions of tourists flock to the said municipality because of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag church.

“Yan ang number one natin. Million ang nagpupunta diyan, mga day tourist lang. Simba tapos uwi na. Sayang. Marami dito capable naman to spend their money but they don’t have the facilities for accommodation where they can eat, stay overnight at least, and also of the lack of parking spaces. I already talked with lgu Manaoag kasi sayang. Isaayos natin lahat kasi marami diyan pwedeng pagkakitaan. Isaayos lang natin lahat,” Gov. Guico said.

On the eastern part is the historical Malico in San Nicolas, which is the highest point in Pangasinan.

Governor Guico said there is a territorial claim from a neighboring province, but we have to insist that it is ours because that is our territory.

These identified areas for tourism will have an impact on the whole province, Gov. Guico said.

(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan– A one-day orientation and updates regarding the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program and Forum on A.O. 21, series of 2024, will be conducted by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan on June 19 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II here.

The orientation forum which is facilitated by the Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority (PHSUDA) in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), will also include topics like the anti-squatting law and the proliferation of illegal residential subdivisions.

Engr. Alvin Bigay, who heads the PHSUDA, said that the event will be attended by key officials of the four cities and 44 municipalities in the province, particularly the city/municipal mayor, chairman of the committee on Housing and Land Utilization of Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan, President of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), city/municipal planning and development coordinator, and city/municipal engineer.

Said event will kick off with a program to be followed by orientation and learning sessions, updates, and an open forum on illegal subdivisions, squatting syndicates, and A.O. 21 s. 2024 (Ensuring Optimal Use of Government Lands to Support National Development Goals and Creating an Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for the Consolidation of a Master List of All Government Lands).

Governor Ramon V. Guico III is keen on addressing the housing needs of some 45,000 informal settlers all over the province.

“The 4PH Program is the flagship housing project of the national government, which aims to provide affordably-priced homes and lower monthly amortization costs through various subsidies for Filipino workers who are members of the Pag-IBIG Fund.”

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) is strictly prohibiting littering, throwing of garbage, filth, and other waste matters in open or public spaces within the Capitol Complex.

Prohibition was made official through the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 322, Series of 2024, which was crafted and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on April 15.

Said ordinance, which SP Member Vici M. Ventanilla authored, stated that “Republic Act No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Management Act of 2000, states that there is a need for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.”

SP Ventanilla added that through the ordinance, the public would be aware that it is their sole duty and responsibility to protect and keep the environment clean and sanitary.

Aside from the public, stakeholders within the Capitol Complex, such as all facilities and establishments under the jurisdiction, operation, and management of the PGP, as well as private institutions and business establishments in the area, are obliged to keep their respective surroundings clean and orderly.

Prohibited acts shall also include waste not properly placed in trash cans or bins.

Any person who violates the ordinance shall be subject to the following penalties: P500.00 for the first offense; P1,000.00 for the second offense; and P1,500.00 for the third offense and subsequent offenses.

Those who will be caught violating the law can settle their payments with the Provincial Treasurer’s Office within 72 hours from the issuance of the citation ticket.

The ordinance shall take effect within 15 days after its publication in a local newspaper and after posting copies of the said ordinance in conspicuous locations within the Capitol Compound in Lingayen.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III prioritizes the improvement of human infrastructure, which includes the organizational structure of various hospitals and offices in the provincial government.

According to the Human Resources Management Development Office (HRMDO), a total of 187 employees from various hospitals and departments were promoted between July 2022 and April 2024.

Records stated that 39 employees were promoted in 2022, whereas 70 advanced to permanent positions or higher posts in 2023.

In addition, the number of promoted employees soared to 78 in the first four months of 2024 alone. 15 employees were promoted in January, 11 in February, 15 in March, and 37 in April.

Among the promoted employees is Erma Santos, a 62-year-old employee of the Provincial Assessment Office who will be retiring in three years. When she was asked in an interview about her promotion, she said “Nagkaroon ako ng disappointment since malapit na din akong mag-retire, but with our Governor Ramon V. Guico III who said once in a flag raising ceremony that this is your time to shine, nagkaroon ako ng pag-asa.”

Santos was promoted to Local Assessment Operations Officer III last April 24 after holding the position of LAOO II for more than 20 years. Prior to that, she also worked as a Local Assessment Clerk II from 1990 to 1994, then advanced to being a Local Assessment Operations Officer 1 from 1994 to 2001.

She also expressed her gratitude for her promotion by thanking Gov. Guico, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague III, and her immediate supervisor, Atty. Geronimo Abad. “Maraming salamat po for helping me realize my dream at salamat din po kasi napansin ang effort ko sa trabaho. Akala ko hindi na ako mapropromote since malapit na din po akong mag-retire. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat dahil nabigyan ako ng chance na maipakita pa ang aking kakayahan before I retire,” she stated.

Gov. Guico encouraged all the employees of the provincial government to make their best efforts and prove their capabilities during the first-ever flag raising ceremony on July 4, 2022.

“It’s your time to shine! If you have what it takes, let us know. If you know you have the talent and you can contribute to better our province, let us know.” These inspiring words of Gov. Guico further challenged the rank-and-file employees of the provincial government to work harder, show their skills and competencies, and prove their worth as genuine public servants.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A total of 2, 415 contracts of service and job order workers in the provincial government now have access to comprehensive social health insurance under PhilHealth’s Group Enrollment Program (GEP).

Under this program, Philhealth ensures that the workers, along with their qualified dependents (legal spouses and children below 20 years old without jobs or spouses), will receive healthcare benefits through monthly premium remittances and streamlined registration processes.

In relation to this, Ms. Tina Calamiong, personnel in charge of PhilHealth enrollment, stated that the premium payment of each worker covered by the provincial government increased from P400 last year to P500 this year.

The provincial board recently crafted a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PhilHealth for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

As stated in the resolution, PhilHealth shall implement the NHIP through the Group Enrollment Program (GEP).

This significant initiative will not only expand the coverage of the PhilHealth membership but likewise ensure that individuals are included in the database to receive benefits.

The health program aligns with the priorities of Gov. Guico’s administration, particularly the provision of health protection for employees.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The Provincial Government of Pangasinan expressed support for the 2024 Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regional Roadshow held on June 3 at the Provincial Training and Development Center II, here.

‘Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas’ signifies a nation that embraces digital technology as a catalyst for progress and development.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who was represented by Atty. Christine Jamie Melchor described the event as coming together to embrace digitalization in every part of our lives, covering both government and public services as well as our daily activities.

“This event is a chance for all of us, both citizens and government, to unite under the principles of Bagong Pilipinas and work towards a better and digital future. The province fully supports the DICT Regional Roadshow to enhance the needs to a desirable end we all want to achieve under the ‘Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas,” Atty. Melchor said as she called on everyone to take the event as a learning opportunity, experience, and utilize it for the people.

Director June Vincent Manuel S. Gaudan, OIC Director IV, GDTB, and OIC Regional Director, Region 1, discussed government digital transformation.

Among the big projects of the agency, the primary policy body implementing all the ICT projects in the country is the eGOV under the eLGU, which will be launched on June 6.

eGOV is a citizen-centric platform that serves as a partner of the people, ensuring transparency and integrity towards improving people’s well-being, while eLGU is a one-stop system that combines all local government unit services, including permits, contributions, clearances, and payments.

Other concerns discussed during the undertaking include the Region 1 Calendar of Activities for the National ICT Month, Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) Orientation, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Internet of Things, How Localized Innovation Promotes Nation Building, and Phishing Defense: Staying Safe Online, among others.

The activity was a way to kick off the department’s celebration for National ICT Month. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office, headed by Ma. Richelle M. Raguindin, in partnership with the PESO Association of Pangasinan, Inc. (PESOAP), spearheaded the conduct of the first-ever Pangasinan Employers’ Forum 2024, gathering some 76 participants from various line agencies on May 29 at the PESO Multi-Purpose Hall, Capitol Complex, here.

The activity was organized and conducted as part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to address employment issues, promote economic development in the province, and establish a platform that will facilitate collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders in Pangasinan’s employment sector.

A panel of experts discussed Employment Trends and Opportunities in Pangasinan, Effective Recruitment Strategies, Labor Laws and Compliance for Employers in Pangasinan, and Sharing of Insights: Successful Employer Practices in Pangasinan.

Atty. Christine Jamie Melchor of the Provincial Governor’s Office reported during the forum that 11 job fairs and 67 career seminars were conducted in 2023.

Atty. Melchor added that 3,340 applicants were placed locally and overseas, bringing the employment rate to 95.5%, or an increase of 1.1% from 2022. This is a manifestation of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s efforts and initiatives to strengthen employment and opportunities for the workforce in the province.

In closing, Atty. Melchor said, “Pare-parehas lang naman tayo ng gustong mangyari. Ang mapag-tibay ang public service, mabigyan ng trabaho ang lahat, mabigyan sila ng better opportunities at ma-uphold ang kanilang karapatan kaya, sana po, maging instrument ito para mas mapalawig pa ang mga oportunidad sa ating mga manggagawa dito sa Pangasinan.”

PESO Association Pangasinan, Inc. (PESOAP) President Arnel Arimas; Supervising TESD Specialist—TESDA Pangasinan Ronald Allan M. Sta. Ana; Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) III Panfilo Dioquino, Jr.; Regional Director Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer; Employers Confederation of the Philippines President Ed Poserio; and RMT, MBA, DBA, PMAP-Pangasinan Chapter President Odree Merl Marie M. Padios attended the event.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Renato Navata, 73, an accomplished retired regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), believes learning is a lifelong journey.

When he heard about the Microcredential course on Pangasinan Studies offered by Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL), he was ecstatic.

“Makapaliket ya walay sakey ya unit ed provincial government ya akanonot ed saya. Say makapaliket ta walay balon pinundar nen Governor ya PPC. The credit goes to the governor and also to the management of PPC ya anonotan da ya,” former DAR Regional Director Navata said.

Secondly, he wants to inspire the younger generation to see the significance of Pangasinan studies, which would interest a person like him.

Navata added that it is the right time to re-awaken the people to the goodness of our province, especially at this time when many are focused on cell phones, social media, and technologies.

“He is a lifelong learner, so every time na meron siyang time mag-aral to keep his mind active and strong para hindi mag ulyanin, continues siyang nag-aaral. Yun talaga ang objective niya sa buhay. So itong opportunity na ito, grinab niya since retired na siya. At least ito, may interaction with others, like mind na intellectuals. After the seminar, parang ginanahan mag kwento at nagkaroon ng additional reasons for living,” his daughter disclosed.

As to the PPC being put up under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Dir. Navata said, “It’s too early to come up with conclusive evidence. Kitang-kita na ang ebidensiya. Simula pa lang ay makakakita ka na ng magagandang senyales na maganda yong inisyatiba na ginawa niya.”

He likewise commended the resource speakers and added that Pangasinan Studies means inclusive.

The clarity of vision of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL) is vividly reflected in its various programs, which are vital and of significance, especially in the digital age.

Participated in by retirees, the academic community, and history enthusiasts, among others, the recent success of the Microcredential course on Pangasinan Studies was a show window of the institution’s initiatives to foster personal and collective growth through education that caters to all ages.

Former Director Navata had expressed strong interest in joining Day 2 and Day 3 activities of the PPC’s Microcredential course.

The course, which covered Pangasinan history, society, language, culture, heritage, and environment, was held at the PPC Building, Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, on May 27.

The undertaking was aimed at locating Pangasinan Studies not only as a local study but as domain knowledge that engages in the regional, national, and global production of knowledge.

PPC-CeLL likewise hoped that it would translate into the economic progress and cultural development of the province and its people. (Chona C. Bugayong, Ron Bince/PIMRO)