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Lingayen, Pangasinan – Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, 2nd District BM Philip Theodore Cruz, 2nd District BM Haidee Pacheco, and 2nd District Cong. Mark Cojuangco, represented by his Executive Assistant Dang A. Manaois, spearheaded the financial distribution to some 3,615 Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) in the 2nd District.

The distribution was undertaken in three separate venues, namely the Narciso Ramos Sports Civic Center (NRSCC), Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) 1, and PTDC II, on January 19.

The financial assistance provided for the frontliners is in recognition and appreciation of their vital contributions and services in maintaining peace and order in the community.

‘Bagama’t hindi ganun kalaki ang ating matatanggap, ito po ay simbolo at pasasalamat na rin ng ating lalawigan ng Pangasinan sa inyong serbisyo. Alam kong mababa ang honorarium at naisip natin na kahit papaano ay makatulong sa inyo,’ the governor said.

The second district of Pangasinan comprises the towns of Binmaley, Bugallon, Labrador, Lingayen, Urbiztondo, Basista, Aguilar, and Mangatarem, respectively.

Showing their support for the province’s activities were Basista Mayor Jolly Resuello, Urbiztondo Mayor Modesto Operania, Mangatarem Councilor Harley Paragas, and Mangatarem Liga President Richard Palisoc.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Omar Cruz/PIMRO)

Umingan, Pangasinan—A P200 million worth state-of-the-art hospital will soon rise in Barangay Gonzales, Umingan, Pangasinan, following the time capsule laying and groundbreaking ceremony held on January 18.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, spearheaded the undertaking, with Umingan as the host LGU.

“This is just the start of our envisioned township/community project. Let’s claim it ,na accomplishment na natin ito,” the governor said.

The construction of Umingan Community Hospital, which will have a 55-bed capacity, is a component of the township project on a 4.5-hectare lot owned by the provincial government.

Apart from the hospital, Gov. Guico likewise looks forward to the construction of a transport terminal, a commercial area, a daycare center, a park, a social hall, and probably a housing component.

It will be a five-year program to modernize all 14 hospitals in the province; however, the governor is hopeful that it will be expedited.

“Narito na ang matagal na nating pangarap, 30 years ago na ang ating pagamutan, pero ngayon lamang natin makikita na matutupad na ang pangarap na mas maayos na hospital,” Dr. Tracy Lou Bitoy, Chief of Hospital-Umingan Community Hospital, said in her speech.

The provincial government-owned hospitals in the towns of Tayug, Lingayen, and Urdaneta City have also been considered a priority for modernization, considering their poor condition.

The Guico administration has placed health among its priority programs.

In line with this, Gov. Guico asked Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II to assess all of the employees of the hospital and make thorough evaluations.

“Kawawa naman yong iba diyan. 30 years na, J.O. pa rin. Ang prinsipyo namin, nag-devote tayo ng buhay natin sa hospital, hindi man lang natikman maging casual o permanente. Yong deserving, we give them the opportunity to be permanent and part of the provincial organization,” he said.

The governor, together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, is keen on laying down more gigantic programs beneficial to the province.

As reported by the governor, the groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Link Expressway is expected to be realized in March.

The Guico administration also sets its focus on other areas of concern, to wit:

Adopt a river project: SP has given the governor the authority to sign a MOA for all the rivers in Pangasinan. Said project is the best way to mitigate and address problems of flooding without cost to the province or the LGUs.

Housing program—one of the programs that the governor would highly recommend primarily to provide security and peace of mind.

Salt farm: after being taken over by the province, some 175,000 kilos of salt have already been harvested.

(Chona C. Bugayong,  Photos by Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)

Lingayen,Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) will enter into terms of partnership with the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development 1, for the management and implementation of the Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH) through the 2024 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) of the province.

LIPH is a medium-term public investment plan for health of local government units (LGUs) with a three-year strategic time frame that governs the health operations of the locality and health sector activities and guides how health system outcomes will be achieved with specific LGU, the DOH, and stakeholder actions.

As stated in a resolution sponsored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued which was approved on January 15, “RA 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019 mandates the implementation of a health reform program in order to ensure that every Filipino is guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services and is protected against financial risks.”

In addition, the resolution stipulated that the LIPH shall serve as a key instrument to forge the partnership between the DOH and the Province of  Pangasinan to carry out the objectives of the Universal Health Act in the implementation and consolidation of support for health reforms in the province through the Annual Operational Plan (AOP).

The AOP, as cited in the resolution, is the “yearly operational translation of the Local Investment Plan for Health of the province, which details the programs, plans, and activities (PPAs) and system interventions that are to be implemented in a particular year.”

“Whereas, the LIPH/AOP guarantees the implementation of programs, projects, and activities in the Province of Pangasinan, together with its component LGUs, toward achieving a more responsive health system and equitable health care financing,” the resolution stated.

Through the 2023-2025 LIPH of the province, it shall receive financial and non-financial allocation support from the health department for the implementation of its approved AOP for the year 2024.

The Terms of Partnership will serve as the legal instrument for the implementation of the program between PGP and the DOH. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), during its regular session on January 15, has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio relative to the secondment of Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos as President of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC).

Authored by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, the resolution stated that the PPC needs the services of a highly competent and technically proficient person who will serve as a consultant and interim president.

Hence, “Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos, a professor at the Department of History and Philosophy, College of Social Sciences of the University of the Philippines Baguio, has been identified to qualify for the position at the PPC.”

Furthermore, the resolution cited that “Dr. Rovillos is willing to be seconded to the PPC for the period from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, and hereby accepts and agrees to perform the duties as President as stipulated in the terms of the secondment.”

The PPC is a public, non-sectarian, non-partisan technical-vocational, and higher educational institution operating primarily under the subsidy of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

As stated in a letter sent earlier by Gov. Guico to Prof. Corazon Abansi, Chancellor of UP-Baguio, the former cited that the province is currently vigorously carrying out programs and projects that are deemed pivotal toward the realization of the present administration’s strategic initiatives in various areas such as social and economic development, public policy and governance, infrastructure, culture, heritage, and education.

The establishment of the PPC, the governor said in the letter, aims to prepare the youth for immediate employment in the province’s immediate communities and beyond.
“We are now in the process of developing academic programs in three areas/fields: agricultural entrepreneurship, sustainable local governance and program/project management, and creativity and design,” Gov. Guico stated in the letter.

(Ruby R. Bernardino, Photo by Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan will implement the Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) and Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) activities and programs in five towns of the province.

Also known as “Improving Access to Essential 1,000 Day Interventions and Quality Early Childhood Care Services in Disadvantaged Communities,” the project is jointly funded by Helen Keller International and The Church of Jesus Christ—The Latter Days Saint Charities.

Helen Keller International is a US-based non-governmental organization with an office in Malate, Manila, that is dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition, and diseases of poverty.

With this, a resolution was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on January 15. Said resolution, which is authored by SP Member Rosary Gracia P. Perez-Tababa, is intended to authorize Governor Ramon V. Guico III to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Helen Keller International for the implementation of the project in the towns of Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangatarem, Mangaldan, and San Fabian.

“The project is in pursuance to Republic Act 11148, known as the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag Nanay Act,” which is an Act Scaling Up the National and Local Health Nutrition and Nutrition Programs through a Strengthened Integrated Strategy for Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health, and Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days of Life, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes,” the resolution said.

As such, the resolution disclosed that the provincial government of Pangasinan has agreed to share resources with Helen Keller International in the implementation of the BF1KD and ECCD interventions in the five municipalities.

In the MOU signing, country representative Maria Fatima Dolly R. Rearion will represent Helen Keller International.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/ Joey Olimpo PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Vice Governor  Mark Ronald DG Lambino highlighted the importance of integrity during the regular flag-raising ceremony on January 15.

Relative to the value-focused on integrity, Lilibeth Z. Salazar and Maria Virginia D. Delos Santos, both from the Provincial Assessment Office, were commended by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for their outstanding efforts and dedication following their recent discoveries and reporting of the fake Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registrations, or ECAR.

“Several thousand pesos should have been forgone if they had not noticed the fake ECAR,” the letter of commendation stated.

According to the BIR’s official website, “the Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCAR) is an attestation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner (or his duly authorized representative) which confirms that the taxes incurred in the transfer of real and personal properties have already been paid.”

“Thus, integrity is doing what is right, what is proper, what is just, and what is fair to everyone concerned.”

Following this earlier statement, the vice governor added that integrity is the most simple yet very fragile trait of an employee, which can only be strengthened through the cooperation and support of every employee.

The vice governor likewise assured that the present administration values every employee for all their work and sacrifices.

“This administration, the leadership sees everything in the value that you provide for the Capitol. Lahat po ng ginagawa niyo ay binibigyang halaga po ng administrasyon na ito,” VG Lambino said.

He further stated that everything that has been done in the past 18 months to achieve the goals and directions set by the governor can be attributed to the efforts and initiative of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, with the cooperation of every employee.

VG Lambino urged the Capitol employees to help each other, carry each other’s hand, support the organization, and support the province of Pangasinan, as there are tons more things to do in the province.

“Kung wala po kayo, wala pong itegridad ang bawat isang empleyado dito sa ating lalawigan, hindi po natin ma-attain yong ating mga gusto para sa ating kababayan, at yon po ay ang pinaka magandang buhay para sa mga Pangasinense,” Lambino said.

(Chona C. Bugayong/ Jairus Sibayan, PIMRO)

Police Brigadier General Lou Frias Evangelista received a Plaque Resolution from the members of the Pangasinan Provincial Board led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino on January 15 during the conduct of the regular session.

Said resolution expressed the province’s commendation for PBGen Evangelista’s installation as the new director of Police Regional Office 1 (Ilocos). A native of Binmaley town and member of the PNPA Sandigan Class 1994, he replaced PBGen John C. Chua, who was reassigned to Area Police Command-Visayas.

Provincial Resolution No. 1095-2023 was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Haidee S. Pacheco and co-authored by SP Members Philip Theodore E. Cruz and Vici M. Ventanilla.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office | Photo by Joey F. Olimpo)

Lingayen,Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan is now preparing for the opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) by identifying various training sites to be utilized.

In the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino sponsored a resolution entitled: “Allowing the Pangasinan Polytechnic College-Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL) to Use the Identified Training Sites Owned by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.”

The following are the identified training sites that are owned by the provincial government: 1) CeLL Building 1 (former Ricafort Restaurant); 2) CeLL Building 2 (automotive building); 3) Motorpool Compound (TD No. 26902); 4) Back of the TESDA Accredited Competency Center (TD No. 27111); 5) Province Vehicle Depot (Sabangan, Malimpuec, and Capandanan) (TD No. 22-0028-26332, TD No. 22-0019-26330, and TD No. 22-0008-26331); 6) OPAG Satellite Office, Alaminos City; 7) Laoac Dairy Farm.

Also, the resolution stated that “among the programs to be offered by PPC are TESDA courses handled by the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL), currently facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office.”

“The Province of Pangasinan, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, recognizes the important role of these training sites by way of enhancing educational and training skills,” the resolution stated.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Lovell U Dalisay, Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) Chief, highlights the notable accomplishments of PPJ for the year 2023, starting with the increased amount of subsistence allowance, which contributed to the peace and order situation in PPJ.

Improved care and treatment of the Provincial Jail’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) with the increase in meal allowance from P70 to P100 and from P100 to P120 in July 2023, as well as the provision of regular medical check-ups, was also one of the notable accomplishments of the present administration under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

In line with this, Dalisay disclosed that PPJ has the highest daily subsistence compared to the Bureau of Corrections/New Bilibid Prison (BUCOR/NBP), La Union Provincial Jail, as well as the provincial jails of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Bulacan, Albay, Negros Oriental, Benguet, and Aurora.

It is also noteworthy that during the period covered, there were no recorded cases of escapees or rioters among the PDLs.

Further, no contempt order was ever issued to PPJ due to its 100% compliance with all court orders achieved through the dedication of personnel in PPJ.

In addition, there were a series of programs undertaken, including the conduct of two (2)-day Modified Firearms Proficiency Training for PPJ at the Pangasinan PPO Firing Range in Brgy. Libsong West, Lingayen; Conduct of Quarterly Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) on the formulated PPJ Defense and Fire Plans; Conduct of Provincial Jail Information and Continuing Education (PJICE); Conduct of Information Dissemination among the PDLs on their rights and privileges, etc.; Conduct of a clean-up drive along the shorelines in Lingayen; Conduct of Assessment Test to all PPJ personnel to determine/evaluate their knowledge and awareness re: BJMP Manual 2015; and Participated in the 2023 Drug Abuse and Provincial Control Week Celebration and Regional Awarding Ceremony at La Union Convention Center, San Fernando City, among others.

Currently, the PPJ is mandated to provide humane safekeeping and rehabilitation or development of PDLs through the conduct of medical and dental missions as well as sports and religious activities. (Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has discovered another treasure in the province of Pangasinan. This is the dairy farm in Laoac town, which earned P2 million in 2023.

With 32 milk-producing carabaos and 40 milk-producing cows, the Laoac Dairy Farm (LDF) produced at least 7.5 liters a day. It further hopes to produce other products when LDF becomes fully operational.

As this developed, the construction of 2.1 hectares of Buffalo Barn is now ongoing in Barangay Botigue, to increase production as well as increase the number of animals now under the care of the LDF, which will eventually become a breeding station.

On the same note, a milk processing plant has also been considered.

The project is expected to yield a positive impact, benefiting the people in terms of livelihood and job opportunities. Thus ensuring the revitalization of the dairy industry in Pangasinan through the Laoac Dairy Farm.

Farm Manager Nicanor Rovillos said the LDF, with an area of 3.7 hectares, has now housed about 201 carabaos, including 34 calves, as well as 50 Holstein Jersey breeds from Australia.

Rovillos also said that the carabao breed is being identified by the Philippine Carabao Center. Existing carabaos have 50% native bloodlines, and the other 50% have buffalo bloodlines.

The purpose of calves breeding is to upgrade their bloodline so that the bloodline of the offspring or calves will increase to 75% in order to have a Murrah Buffalo bloodline.

The Laoac Dairy Farm is expected to soar even higher as a dairy producer. (Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Kristene Joy V. Flores/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III vehemently denied allegations that Manila Water Company, Inc. and its subsidiary terminated their concession agreement with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) due to the latter’s “non-fulfillment of conditions.”

In a press conference at the Urduja House in Lingayen on January 9, the governor stated that, as far as the provincial government of Pangasinan is concerned, there was no awareness of such conditions, which are not complied with, nor was there any information on the part of Manila Water stating any violations of the province.

“Since it is our leadership that is put in a bad light, we are compelled to clarify things. We are not picking a fight; we just want to defend ourselves, kasi very harsh ‘yong statement, and it is contradicting to the thrust of our administration to invite more investors that could produce revenues for the province,” Gov. Guico said as he disclosed that the province is not against the project.

As stated by Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, the province received a communication from Manila Water in April 2023.

Considering that the past administration entered into the agreement, the Provincial Legal Office conducted due diligence. Several irregularities were uncovered, including the fact that the confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation came before the execution of the said certification.

Based on records, the Certificate of Successful Negotiation dated July 3, 2019, was entered into by the consortium and the PGP represented by then Provincial Administrator Nimrod Camba, the Chairman of the PPP-SC that time.

The former provincial administrator “does not have the authority to represent the Province and to sign the Certification of Successful Negotiation.”

“Although he is the Chairman of the PPPSC, it was stated in Section 13 of the PPP Code that all recommendations of the PPPSC shall be submitted to the Governor for his consideration and approval,” the legal officer cited.

In addition, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on June 28, 2019, issued Provincial Resolution No. 380-2019 entitled, “Confirming and Approving the Terms and Conditions embodied in the Certificate of Successful Negotiations between the Consortium of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan in the implementation of the Pangasinan Bulk Water Supply Project in the Province, and to proceed with the other processes in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Province and Hereby granting authority to the Honorable Governor to sign pertinent documents concerning said project” confirming the terms and of the certification of Successful Negotiation dated July 3, 2019.

“The confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation came before the execution of the said certification,” Atty. Torre said.

Under the PPP Code of the province, the SP approval of the terms and conditions in the certificate should have been done prior to the issuance of the PPPSC.

Atty. Torre stated that, on record, there was no proof of publication of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Submit Comparative Proposals in reference to the PPP Provision. Also, upon inquiry from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer, there is no proof of payment of the Performance Security Bond.

“The Notice of Award was issued prior to the signing of the PPP Contract (Concession Agreement). Under the PPP Code, only after the signing of the PPP contract by the governor that the PPPSC shall issue the Notice of Award to the PSP. However, the Notice of Award was issued by the PPPSC on September 30, 2021, while the Concession was entered/executed on January 14, 2022,” the legal officer pointed out.

The legal officer further disclosed that in the joint venture agreement, no new amendments or new agreements were executed on or before December 31, 2023, which made the supposed P8-billion project died a natural death.

Gov. Guico said he is set to meet with the officials of MWCI this month.

“We want to clarify that we want the project; we believe in the project,” Governor Guico said.

Under the concession agreement, MWCI will invest P8 billion in the next 25 years for the creation of an infrastructure that will source water from the Agno River through riverbank filtration technology.

Some 14 towns and cities will benefit from the project to include the towns of Villasis, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mapandan, Manaoag, Binmaley, Lingayen, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, and the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos. (Jooy Olimpo, Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) for the latter to be an apex or end-referral hospital of the province.

In a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued which was approved in the regular session of the provincial board on January 8, it was disclosed that “Section V of Administrative Order 202-0019 (Guidelines on the Service Delivery Design of Health Care Provider Networks) mandates all health care provider networks (HCPNs) to have primary to tertiary care providers with linkages to an apex hospital and other facilities providing specialized services needed by its catchment population.”

To ensure that program objectives for health are realized, the provincial government intends to form a collaborative partnership with the R1MC. Said collaboration will ensure continuous health care from primary to tertiary, which will be delivered in a safe, efficient, and coordinated mechanism in line with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.

“Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, states that the functional responsibilities for the delivery of basic health services and other related facilities have been transferred from the Department of Health (DOH) to the local government units,” the resolution stated.

The DOH has designated the R1MC as an apex or end-referral hospital to deliver specialized services that are not expected to be provided in HCPNs.

R1MC is a health facility licensed to operate as a Level III hospital. Level III hospitals are considered tertiary health facilities that can provide all kinds of services. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)