LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Another feather has been added to the cap of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP), spearheaded by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, after being recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its distinct and remarkable performance in administering its public funds for the year 2023.
The Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH), formerly the Seal of Good Housekeeping, cites the compliance of the local government unit (LGU) with accounting and auditing standards, rules, and regulations.
As such, the endowment of the certification by the DILG to the province aptly proves that the present administration has spent and audited its public funds completely and with full transparency.
Joining the PGP with the same feat are the LGUs in the province, which include the four cities—Alaminos, Urdaneta, San Carlos, and Dagupan—and 43 towns.
SGFH is one of the core components of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). The other core components are disaster preparedness and social protection, which are responsive to the needs of different sectors like women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
The essential components, on the other hand, are business friendliness and competitiveness; peace and order; and environmental management.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Pangasinan Provincial Government stands firm that the establishment of the landmark Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain to be built at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex is a well-planned project that went through a technical and legal process.
On its groundbreaking on November 8, 2023, Governor Ramon V. Guico III said that the gigantic project is one of the significant undertakings to transpire that will spur economic growth and development and define the vision of the present administration to make Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.
A product of thorough planning and deliberations of both the executive and legislative branches of the provincial government, along with multi-agencies concerned as well as grassroots leaders, the reflecting pool project, which is a historic first in the province, will define ‘meditation beyond aesthetics.’
Earlier, Gov. Guico stated that the present administration intends to create the Capitol landscape into something of cultural substance, a place where families can enjoy frolicking on weekends, iconically inspiring, intellectually engaging, and historically nostalgic.
As described by Engr. Alvin Bigay, head of the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Center, said the reflecting pool will be similar to that of The Mansion in Baguio City and the Taj Mahal in India, while the interactive fountain will have the same features as the dancing fountain in Vigan.
To kick off the project, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan accomplished various requirements to put things in order to include the cutting of 64 trees of different species, which was done through the conduct of an ocular inspection and inventory of trees by CENRO-DENR. A tree-cutting permit was approved by DENR on January 16, 2024. As a replacement for the trees that were cut, 3,200 seedlings will be planted in different areas.
Likewise, some 150,000 seedlings were planted by the provincial government under its “Pangasinan Green Canopy” program, which affirms the present administration’s commitment to protect and preserve the environment.
Prior to the issuance of the tree-cutting permit, DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage on August 9, 2023.
The certification serves as evidence of the absence of any environmental threat or risk during the implementation of the project.
In an interview, Mark Angelo A. Quilon, Engr. II, DPWH Region I said that tree cutting shall commence after the permit is granted based on several requirements, including public consultation and certification from affected barangays (Poblacion and Libsong) and the Local Government Unit (LGU).
In carrying out the project, the Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority Officer cited that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has likewise approved the proposal of the provincial government to relocate the MacArthur marker along with those war relics at the Veterans Park near the baywalk, which is said to be a “fitting tribute to the veterans” without losing its historical significance since it will be transferred near the Lingayen Gulf, where General Douglas MacArthur landed in 1945.
In a letter sent by Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, who chairs the NHCP, dated January 24, 2024, it was stated that “upon evaluation of the submitted revised plans, the NHCP hereby approves the proposed relocation of the World War II historical markers at the Lingayen beach front, which would provide better contextualization and appreciation of the 1945 Lingayen Gulf Landing.”
Also, the NHCP emphasized in the letter that they are amenable to the construction of a reflecting pool, which would stretch from the relocation site of the markers towards the north facade of the Provincial Capitol building.
Provincial Resolution No. 1057-2023 was crafted by the Pangasinan Provincial Board on December 11, 2023, favorably endorsing and interposing “no objection” to the redevelopment of the Provincial Capitol Complex.
As part of Governor Ramon Guico’s efforts to provide higher-quality healthcare services, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II visited and met with the Chiefs of Hospital and employees.
Among the hospitals that he had already visited were Umingan Community Hospital (UCH), Asingan Community Hospital (ACH), and Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH) in Tayug.
He also visited Bayambang District Hospital (BDH), Mangatarem District Hospital (MDH), and Lingayen District Hospital (LDH) on January 31 and the Dasol Community Hospital, Bolinao Community Hospital, and Western Pangasinan District Hospital on February 1.
During his visit, Provincial Administrator Patague shared the good news on PhilHealth Capitation.
“Ang release na po ng PF niyo ay kada huling Biyernes na po ng buwan. Pangalawa, wala na pong deduction,” PA Patague said.
The need for additional workers and an improved processing system has been eyed as an important component in addressing the concerns of patients in the emergency ward and outpatient department.
Meanwhile, PA Patague was impressed by the cleanliness and orderliness of the MDH. The Provincial Administrator likewise hailed LDH employees who have shown exemplary service.
As this developed, he reminded the employees to do what is right based on the rules and policies of the hospital for systematic healthcare services for Pangasinenses.
On a similar note, Asingan OIC-Chief of Hospital Agnes Leored D. Rioflorido cited the significance of the referral system in using an ambulance as vital and necessary to ensure the patient’s welfare before his transfer, whether to another government or private hospital.
Tayug District Hospital Chief Maria Vivian Espino, Umingan Community Hospital Chief Tracy Lou Bitoy, Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, and Provincial Accountant Atty. Marlon Operana, Atty. Jay-R Baniqued and PHMSO personnel joined PA Patague.
With health as one of the priority programs of the present administration, Governor Ramon V. Guico III earlier mentioned the systematic administration of the 14 hospitals in the province through the Hospital Management Service Office. (Chona C. Bugayong with reports from Kristene Joy V. Flores and Rich Majin / PIMRO)
Lingayen, Pangasinan—To conserve and sustain an adequate supply of water, the use of groundwater in the province of Pangasinan will be regulated.
In its regular session on January 29, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved an ordinance sponsored by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino for the said purpose.
“Indiscriminate drilling and excavation of wells, as well as unregulated use and excessive extraction of groundwater, not only dry up scarce water sources but also destroy the environment, resulting in contamination by toxic or hazardous materials, seepage, and chemical residues,” the ordinance stated.
The ordinance pointed out that indiscriminate drilling and excavation of wells may lead to land subsidence or a decline in land surface elevation, which can cause flooding, pipeline breakage, or even the collapse of buildings and other structures.
Based on the updated Master Plan on Water Resources Management in Two Selected River Basins (Pangasinan River Basin and Tigum Aganan River Basin) reported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), an estimated 60% of groundwater withdrawals in the Pangasinan river basin are from unregistered wells.
Saltwater intrusion, as reported by the agencies, is often observed in deep wells, and adequate underground surveys and checking of groundwater quality should be conducted before groundwater development in the Pangasinan River basin.
“The NWRB has further concluded in its Study on Integrated Water Resources Management for Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development in the Pangasinan River Basin in the Republic of the Philippines (2011) that the depletion of groundwater in the provinces of Bulacan, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija has been accelerated because of inadequate groundwater use regulation in those areas; in particular, the excessive abstraction of groundwater within the Pangasinan river basin is causing the deterioration of the quality of groundwater and lowering of groundwater level/land subsidence,” the ordinance said.
As noted in the ordinance, the provincial board of Pangasinan aims to ensure a sustainable potable water supply while preserving the environment and ecological balance by regulating and monitoring the use of groundwater within its territorial jurisdiction.
Owners and/or operators of wells without NWRB permits and the requisite Local Government Unit (LGU) permits shall be penalized. The penalty includes P5,000 or imprisonment for three months.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The 3 Barracuda Energy Corp., a registered renewable energy developer undertaking the development of a 550 MW solar plant in Bugallon town, is set to give a cash donation to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) amounting to PhP10 million.
The donation, as stated in an approved provincial board resolution on January 29, is part of the corporate social responsibility of the energy developer in its desire to help the province uplift the socio-economic conditions of communities within its jurisdiction through the provision of financial assistance.
“Whereas, the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. intends to transfer and convey unto the Province of Pangasinan the amount of P10,000,000.00 by way of donation,” the resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Vici M. Ventanilla stated.
Furthermore, it was disclosed in the resolution that “the Province of Pangasinan, as the recipient of the aforecited donation, undertakes to utilize the financial assistance granted by the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. solely and exclusively for official use, such as related to education, health, disaster response, and the like, and shall accrue to the General Fund of the Province.”
Hence, a Deed of Donation will be executed to be signed between the province, represented by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, and the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. through its authorized representative.
“The amount donated can be used by the province to cater to and respond immediately to the various necessities of the people, especially in times of calamities and emergencies,” the resolution cited.
Lingayen, Pangasinan – Almost 400 runners from the province, Quezon City, Cavite, Pampanga, and Laguna joined the first-ever Pangasinan Marathon held at the Capitol Plaza on January 28, here.
The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, good mental and physical fitness and, strengthen camaraderie and sportsmanship.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—After Governor Ramon V. Guico III cleared the air on the termination of the concession agreement worth PhP8 billion, which died a ‘‘natural death,” Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) rolled up its sleeves and reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore avenues for the revival of the project.
In a press statement dated January 26, MWPV stated that it reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore the revival of the botched concession agreement.
“PGP and the consortium of MWPV remain open to explore partnerships on water supply for the province even after the concession agreement has been deemed mutually terminated at the close of 2023. This presents an opportunity to revisit the conditions precedent of the old contract and renew partnership for the benefit of Pangasinenses,” the press statement added.
Earlier, the PGP through Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Baby Ruth Torre uncovered several irregularities concerning the project, including the confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation that came before the execution of the certification, the non-publication of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Submit Comparative Proposals in Reference to the PPP Provision, and no proof of payment of the Performance Security Bond, among others.
As disclosed by Governor Guico, his administration is not against the project, as the PGP’s thrust is to invite more investors that could produce more revenues for the province.
Under the concession agreement, MWPV will invest PhP8 billion in the next 25 years for the establishment of an infrastructure that will source water from the Agno River through riverbank filtration technology.
A total of 14 towns and cities will benefit from the project. These are the towns of Villasis, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, and Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mapandan, Manaoag, Binmaley, Lingayen, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, and the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos.
Currently, the company has an operation unit in the town of Calasiao through a 25-year joint venture agreement with the Calasiao Water District. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
Lingayen, Pangasinan – Pangasinan Polytechnic College, the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos region, will open on February 14.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III announced the good news during the regular flag-raising ceremony on Monday, January 29.
The governor expressed gratitude to the team members who were part of the establishment and the inception of PPC. He said the province is keen on pushing for quality and accessible education for Pangasinenses.
Offering free college education and vocational courses to qualified students in the province of Pangasinan, the establishment of PPC signifies the fulfillment of the current administration’s commitment to provide and secure a brighter future for Pangasinense youth.
The establishment of PPC was supported by Provincial Ordinance No. 300-2023, passed by the provincial board on June 26, 2023, and amended through Provincial Ordinance No. 314-2024, based on consultations and standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on January 22 of this year.
Gov. Guico stated that aside from academics and athletics, the value of spirituality should be given importance.
“I believe, as one of the rulers of the province and as a person, we should also give much weight to spiritual development,” he said.
It can be recalled that in his first year as provincial chief executive, the governor felt optimistic that with the institutionalization of local universities and colleges, or LUCs, many LGU-sponsored education institutions would succeed from their beginnings, just like what happened to the University of Eastern Pangasinan, which made Binalonan the “hub of education” in eastern Pangasinan.
“The Pangasinan Polytechnic University is not a business-as-usual transition. It is a mind-altering aspiration that will soon be translated into reality,” Gov.Guico earlier said.
Qualified students of PPC will receive a full scholarship, covering tuition and miscellaneous fees, provided they adhere to the terms of the contract.
Under the governor’s direction, three campuses will be established in the towns of Lingayen, San Carlos City, and in the eastern part of the province.
Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, former chancellor of the University of the Philippines Baguio, was named the inaugural president of the PPC, the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos region.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Pangasinan disclosed that cases of influenza virus, dengue fever, typhoid fever, and acute gastroenteritis covering the period from January 1 to 22, 2024, are lower compared to the same period in 2023.
Based on the report from various inter-local health zones (ILHZs) in the province, current typhoid cases decreased by 60%. The towns of Bayambang, Malasiqui, Pozorrubio, and Sta. Maria incurred one case each during the first 22 days of January 2024, while there were 10 reported cases last year covering the same period.
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi that is usually spread through contaminated food or water.
Surveillance data on influenza showed that cases last January 1–22, 2023, totaled 177, while 145 cases were reported during the same period in 2024. This shows a decline of 18%. Current data likewise discloses that Alaminos City has the highest number of cases with 29, followed by Lingayen Town with 17, and Binmaley with 10.
Influenza, also known as flu, is a contagious respiratory ailment caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death if not treated.
An update on dengue recorded that 72 were afflicted from January 1–22, 2024, while 83 were recorded in the same period in 2023, thus translating to a 13% decrease. However, a single death was recorded involving an 11-year-old child from Binmaley town on January 9.
Dengue is a tropical disease caused by a virus caused by mosquitoes. The virus can cause fever, headaches, rashes, and pain throughout the body.
On acute gastroenteritis cases, the PHO noted a decrease of 23%. From January 1 to January 22, 2024, data showed 373 cases, while a total of 486 were reported in the same period in 2023. Included in the PHO current watchlist are the following: San Carlos City with 25 cases; Calasiao with 23; Lingayen with 20; Mangaldan with 17; Bolinao with 15; Bayambang with 14; and Dasol with 13.
Acute gastroenteritis is a disease that occurs when food or water is contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium perfringens, Vibrio cholera, and E. coli. coli) or their toxins are consumed. Symptoms of the disease include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The PHO warns the public to guard against illnesses by drinking enough water or fruit juices and by practicing proper hygiene, which includes regular hand washing.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on January 22, approved an ordinance entitled, “An Ordinance Prescribing the Daily Wage Rate of Newly-Hired Job Orders and Individual Contract of Service Workers in the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.”
Authored by SP Member Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the ordinance stated that “Section 12 (3), Chapter 3, Title 1 (A), Book of the Administrative Code of 1987 provides that the Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall promulgate policies, standards, and guidelines for the Civil service and adopt plans and programs to promote economical, efficient, and effective personnel administration in the government.”
Furthermore, the ordinance disclosed that CSC Resolution No. 020709 provides guidelines regarding the hiring of contract of services and job orders entered by all branches, subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations with original charters.
“CSC-COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 01, S.2017, Subject: Rules and Regulations Governing Contract of Service and Job Order Workers in the Government; and COA-DBM Joint Circular No. 2, s.2020, Subject: Updated Rules and Regulations Governing Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) Workers in the Government provide the rules and regulations pertaining to the engagement and the payment of the services of COS and JO workers in the government,” the ordinance cited.
Hence, the daily wage rate for newly-hired job orders and Individual Contract of Service Employees under three different categories is as follows: support (encoder, utility worker, driver, etc.): PhP 590.91; skilled: PhP 800.62; and professional: PhP 850.15.
As defined in the ordinance, skilled workers are those whose function requires special skill, knowledge, or ability performed by an individual with a certificate issued by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Workers whose function falls under Support, on the other hand, include janitorial workers, security guards, data encoders, equipment and ground maintenance, and other services that support the day-to-day operation of the agency, hospital, office, or department.
Professional workers are those whose functions fall within the normal scope of duties and services performed by a professionally qualified individual properly registered in terms of the defined scope of practice of a professional regulatory law that governs such a profession.
Ms. Janet C. Asis, Human Resource Management Officer, said that the prescribed wage rate for the skilled worker is equivalent to that of a salary grade 3 employee, while the professional worker has the same rate as that with a salary grade 4.
Based on the ordinance, which takes effect upon its approval, the HRMO shall be responsible in determining the category of the JO and COS workers based on their job descriptions. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A US-based non-profit organization is set to grant the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) PhP3.3 million, or US $58,121 worth of fishery paraphernalia.
Winrock International, which is based in Arkansas, USA, is implementing the ‘Building Safe Agriculture Food Enterprises (B-SAFE)’ funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under its Food for Progress Program.
An in-kind grant agreement shall serve as the legal instrument for the implementation of the project. Hence, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on January 22, approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to sign, receive, and implement the in-kind donation. Aaron Sundsmo, Winrock International’s Associate Vice President of Agriculture, Resilience, and Water, will likewise sign
“The program aims to help the Philippines increase agricultural productivity by improving the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) in the production and management of supply chains and expanding the trade of agricultural and food products,” the resolution authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison stated.
Fishery paraphernalia will include 40 sets of seine nets (kalokor), 10 units of chest freezers, and various fish processing kits.
“The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO), will be the lead agency in the implementation of the project with the objectives to further enhance harvest, production, and processing techniques and to strengthen the capacity of milkfish processors on food safety compliance for processing bangus to promote value-added,” the resolution stated. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)
Hosted by the Office of the Provincial Secretariat, 4th District Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario has centered his value on excellence during the province’s regular flag-raising on January 22.
With this, BM Rosario urged employees to strive to be better workers and better leaders, despite the criticisms.
“We should educate ourselves; we should treat ourselves to become better at serving other people, especially us who are working in government. We get a lot of special privileges, and that comes with greater responsibilities,” he added.
In line with this, BM Rosario further said that as workers in the provincial government, employees are in a special position to be an influence to others. He further identified the qualities that contribute on how to become an influence to others, which include integrity, excellence, optimism, and placing one’s self in the place of other people.
By integrity, he said this is an act of doing what is right even when no one is looking, while optimism is being able to see positive things that may happen despite the negative events.
He also talked about putting oneself in the place of other people or thinking of the interests of others instead of their own.
In this context, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and his team lead the province by example toward the path of attaining the vision and mission of the province.
Recalling his statement in the past, the governor said that we cannot go that far unless we do our task according to our best Filipino values.
“The provincial government may have the most impressive programs and projects, but unless we act at the right time, participate in earnest, work as a team, and do our task according to our best Filipino values, we will not go far, ” he said.
In support of the statement of the governor, leaders, as well as department heads, shared their respective value-focus to inspire provincial government workers.
