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Pangasinenses see brighter hope with the formal opening of the 89th Alagang Tingog Center, which will stand as a manifestation of a stronger partnership between the leaders of the province and the Tingog Partylist under the leadership of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, 5th district Congressman Ramon Guico Jr., and Binalonan Mayor Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, together with the Tingog Partylist led by Rep. Jude Acidre and Deputy Sec. Gen. Glen Rufino spearheaded the opening of the two Alagang Tingog Centers, specifically in Binalonan town and in the City of Urdaneta, on November 23.

Some 2,000 beneficiaries from the 5th district received cash in the amount of P3,000.00 each from Tingog Partylist, as well as food packs containing rice, sardines, and noodles.

Apart from this, the Alagang Tingog Center aims to provide medical assistance, livelihood programs, educational assistance, and burial assistance to Pangasinenses.

During the opening, Gov. Guico personally expressed his thanks to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez for their assistance and support for Pangasinan.

The governor said that the biggest problem in Pangasinan is the lack of doctors and equipment in its 14 hospitals.

This prompted Gov. Guico and his father, Cong. Guico to seek assistance from Speaker Romualdez. Immediately, they got the nod to their request, and in less than two months, funds were provided for the provincial hospitals benefiting the underprivileged through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients and Financially Incapacitated Program (MAIP).

Likewise, Mayor Guico thanked Tingog Partylist for choosing Binalonan as an avenue to help and share their collective responsibility as members of society—the imperative to give voice to the voiceless—which, to the mayor, is what Tingog is all about.

Meanwhile, Rep. Acidre said that the undertaking is an act of reciprocating the good deeds extended to them by the province when super typhoon Yolanda devastated Tacloban, Leyte, 10 years ago.

“Noong panahon ng aming pangangailangan, kami ay inyong tinulungan. Ngayon, kami naman ang magsusukli sa kabutihan na inyong inabot sa amin. Ang binubuksan natin ngayong umaga ay hindi lang basta tanggapan. Sana ay maging simula ito ng mas matibay na ugnayan at pagsasamahan na sa bawa’t pagkakataong makatulong, asahan ninyong magiging katuwang ninyo ang Tingog Partylist,” Acidre added.

Present during the significant undertaking were 5th district BM Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, 5th district BM Rosary Gracia Perez-Tababa, mayors of the 5th district, vice mayors, and barangay captains.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Mark Sydney Soriano/Jairus Sibayan, Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—It’s all systems go for this year’s Christmas celebration at the Capitol complex, with a kaleidoscope of events highlighting the season.

With the theme “Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning,” all roads will surely lead to the Capitol for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and opening program on December 1 at 7 PM at the Capitol Plaza.

On December 2, spectators can walk through a festive scene via Christmas Village with the adorned and decorated structures at the Capitol Complex. The fireworks display will light up the sky at Capitol Beach Park at exactly 9 p.m.

Giving importance to deep-rooted Filipino culture, notably bayanihan and malasakit, the celebration is expected to bring communities closer together in the spirit of charity that will redound to the benefit of the less fortunate Pangasinenses.

Prior to the Christmas tree lighting, the opening of the Christmas bazaar and carnival will be held today, November 24, at 4:30 in the afternoon at Capitol Beach Park, followed by a concert at the Gulf featuring Insekto Pares at 6 p.m.

Spectators will also be treated to different nighttime activities as part of the pre-Christmas and post-holiday celebrations. These include concerts with various bands to perform, social activities courtesy of different groups, and performances of the various offices and hospital employees by sectoral groups for the Galikin: The Capitol Christmas Shows. Competitions for parol-making, best in building decoration, and best in Christmas presentation will also be held.

Meanwhile, the traditionally anticipated nine-day Simbang Gabi will start on December 15 at 5 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza and will end on December 23. The Capitol Christmas Eve SMass, on the other hand, will be held on December 24 at 6 p.m.

For the information of the public, a schedule of activities will be announced or posted on the official Facebook page of the province.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan— For Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, citizen engagement and respect for government processes are vital in the implementation of projects and programs.

In line with this, a public consultation on the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex was conducted on Nov. 21 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1) here.

The undertaking was spearheaded by the provincial government in collaboration with DENR, DPWH, residents, and officials of Brgy. Libsong West and Poblacion.

Discussed during the consultation were the project’s background, plans, and significance to the community.

Through an open forum, concerned citizens were given the opportunity to clarify and raise their concerns relative to the proposed project.

Likewise, they had the chance to have a sneak preview of the said project through an audio-visual presentation showing what the Capitol would be like and its components, namely: the Governor Aguedo Agbayani Park, Reflecting Pool, Interactive Fountain, Capitol View Deck, Capitol Hotel, Capitol Plaza, Lagoon, Executive Tower Lobby, Executive Elevator Lobby, Executive Tower Public Facing Offices, Executive Tower Common Toilet, Executive Tower Session Hall, and Executive Offices.

In his message, VG Lambino mentioned that part of the master plan for the Capitol Complex will be the construction of a Capitol Plaza where all offices of the provincial government will be housed for accessible and easier transactions.

Lambino also assured that the provincial government is not only focused on infrastructure projects but also on social services.

On the same note, the vice governor assured that Gov. Guico wants proper planning, proper use of resources and people’s money, excellent government services, and the redevelopment of the Capitol.

Meanwhile, Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre assured that the project would be for the good of the province, calling on the continued support of the people.

Attendees were 5th district BM Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, 1st district BM Apolonia Bacay, 2nd district BM Haidee Pacheco, and 4th district BM Marinor De Guzman. Engr. Noriel Nisperos is represented by Camilo Carino, Forester III of CENRO-DENR Dagupan City, Amelia Zamudio, Project Engineer of DPWH Region I, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa Elduayan, Provincial Engineer Amadeo Veras, Provincial Housing and Urban Development Officer Alvin Bigay, Atty. Verna Nava-Perez, and the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Omar Cruz / Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during its regular session on Monday, November 11, approved a resolution that gives authority for Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) for the implementation and promotion of the cleft care program in the province.

The PBM is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-government organization established in 1937 that conducts medical and surgical missions throughout the country.

PBM has chosen Pangasinan as one of its target areas to spread its mission of providing free cleft surgical services to underprivileged children who are born with cleft lip or palate deformities.

As stated in the resolution authored by SP Members Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the surgical services will be held on schedule to be agreed upon by the PBM and the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital, and Mangatarem District Hospital, depending on the number of patients in Pangasinan.

“The program would greatly help in promoting the well-being of less-fortunate Pangasinenses, especially in boosting the self-esteem and confidence of those harelip and cleft palate patients from various parts of the province,” the resolution partly stated.

Meanwhile, the target dates for the Cleft Surgical Outreach Mission Project to be held at Pangasinan PPH will be January 11, 19, 20, 21, and 22, with around 20 to 30 patients.

The MOU will be signed by the governor and Ms. Persida G. Benedictos, PBM executive director.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

The operation of commercial seaplanes is expected to further strengthen Pangasinan’s tourism industry.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, along with his father, 5th District Congressman Ramon Guico Jr., were the prime passengers ferried by the seaplane from take-off at Binalonan and successfully landed at the Limahong Channel here at around 10 o’clock in the morning of November 19, Sunday.

From Lingayen, the province’s first family was then on board the Airtrav RP-C1208 en route to the City of Alaminos and Bolinao, where they were joined by 1st District Congressman Arthur Celeste.

With seaplanes as a means of transportation, tourists and passengers are expected to have an amazing travel experience with a shorter time of one hour from Manila to Lingayen and the Hundred Islands.

Gov. Guico, a pilot himself, said that the seaplane can accommodate about ten (10) passengers.

The seaplane is expected to take the route from Manila Bay to Lingayen, the Hundred Islands, and other coastal towns in Pangasinan should the project push through.

The seaplane project will not just be another Pangasinan’s first but an eloquent expression of the governor’s great love for his province and people, with the aim of securing a stable and sustainable future for Pangasinenses.

The proposed project is in collaboration with Cong. Celeste of the First District.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Adrian Carlo Dela Cruz / Orland C. Llemos /PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Another Pangasinense brought pride to the province after placing 8th in the November 2023 Licensure Examination for Midwives.
Jenyfer Palma Lopez was among the 2,800 who took the licensure examination, wherein she bagged a rating of 90.70%.
A product of Anonang National High School in Mangaldan town, Lopez obtained her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery course from the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-College of Community Health and Allied Medical Sciences, South La Union Campus in Agoo, La Union.
“Jenyfer Palma Lopez, who hails from Barangay Anonang, San Fabian, Pangasinan, and is the daughter of Mr. Jerry Lopez and Mrs. Megan Lopez, has earned the admiration and respect not only of her mentors, classmates, friends, and family but also of all young Pangasinenses for being an outstanding example to her generation who aspire to become successful individuals,” a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Marinor B. de Guzman and unanimously approved by the august body on November 20,stated.
Furthermore, the resolution disclosed that the recent feat of Lopez is a testament to her exceptional capabilities, hard work, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
“It is fitting for the Province of Pangasinan, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, to give due recognition and commendation to Ms. Jenyfer Palma Lopez for the remarkable distinction she brought to the province and to her fellow Pangasinenses,” the resolution cited.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A joint oncogynecological medical and surgical mission will be conducted on November 25–26 by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines, Inc. (SGOP) and the Bayambang District Hospital (BDH).

As contained in the resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed by both parties prior to the conduct of the mission. This will be signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Dr. Gladdy Maura G. Facun, medical mission coordinator, and Dr. Athena Marie Merrera, BDH chief.

It was stated in the resolution that SGOP shall take charge of the identification of patients, preferably residents of Pangasinan, for surgery and cervical cancer screening. The BDH, on the other hand, will provide its health care facilities and equipment and a suitable area for the loading and unloading of equipment and medical supplies of the medical team during the duration of the medical mission.

Also, the medical residents of the Bayambang District Hospital will monitor post-operative patients after the said mission until the last patient is discharged from the hospital.

“It is to the best of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan to authorize the Provincial Governor to sign the Memorandum of Agreement to further augment the need for medical and health care services in the province,” the resolution stated.

The SGOP was organized on October 30, 1984, under the stewardship of its president, Dr. Luciano SJ Sotto.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—- The provincial government and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office will jointly undertake the implementation of the program dubbed ‘STY Egay Rehabilitation and Recovery in the Province of Pangasinan.’

As stated in an approved resolution on November 11, which was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed by both parties to initiate programs that are specifically aimed at assisting affected farmers and livestock raisers in the region.

Hence, the DA regional office will provide financial resources to local government units (LGUs) under the Quick Response Fund of the Office of the Secretary of the Agriculture Department.

“Through the MOA, the DA-Regional Office 1 shall transfer funds amounting to P8,152,700.00 to the Province of Pangasinan to initiate recovery from the damages and losses wrought by the typhoon and to achieve disaster rehabilitation through the Livestock Banner Program and the High-Value Crops Development Program,” the resolution partly stated.

It can be recalled that Pangasinan is one of the provinces in Region 1 that suffered the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay last July in terms of agricultural damages and losses to high-value crops and livestock.

“Section 465(vi) of RA 7160 provides that the Provincial Governor shall represent the Province in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan pursuant to law or ordinance,” the resolution further noted.

An amount of P5,029,500.00 will be utilized for the High-Value Crops Development Program, while a total fund of P3,123,200.00 will be used for the Livestock Banner Program.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on November 20, has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the implementation of the Pangasinan Ecological Development Project (PEDP).

Formerly known as the Adopt-A-Mountain Project, said program slated to be renewed is located in Barangay Cayanga in Bugallon town.

Authored by SP Member Vici Ventanilla, the resolution disclosed that “the DENR has established a partnership with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for the maintenance and protection of agroforestry areas over forestland under the Enhanced National Greening Program of the former pursuant to Executive Order No. 193, Series of 2015.”

For this, a MOA was signed in July 2018 for the establishment of a model agroforestry farm with an area of 20 hectares.

Under the administration of Gov. Guico, the provincial government has signified its interest in extending the agreement for the continuous implementation of the Adopt-A-Mountain Project that will support the proposed Ecological Park Development Project (EPDP) of the province.

Activities to be undertaken for the project include ring weeding or strip brushing, application of organic fertilizers, replanting, establishment, construction, and maintenance of established firebreaks and firelines, foot patrolling, and watering, among other activities.

“The Province shall provide funding for the rehabilitation of the area amounting to P6,115,000.00 for five years for the protection and maintenance of the project site without any compensation from the DENR,” the resolution stated.

Meanwhile, it was stated in the MOA that part of the responsibility of the DENR is to provide technology updates, technical assistance, and policy direction to ensure proper implementation of the project. The province, on the other hand, will ensure the viability of the project site by applying proper management techniques to attain at least an 85% survival rate for planted seedlings.

Environmental preservation and protection is one of the priority thrusts of the present administration, as proven by its aim to grow one million trees in a year under the Pangasinan Green Canopy Project.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—By virtue of Republic Act No. 6721, signed by former President Corazon Aquino, November 13 is a special non-working holiday in Pangasinan.

Said public holiday commemorates the birth anniversary of the late Speaker Eugenio Padlan Perez, the first Pangasinense to become Speaker of the Philippine Legislature.

As a legislator, the late speaker’s vital contribution to the country’s history included the passage of the Bell Trade Act and the Party Rights Amendment to the Constitution.

Hence, Governor Ramon V. Guico III urged Pangasinenses to pay tribute to the late speaker by commemorating his legacy as a revered Pangasinense. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinenses now have more reasons to celebrate as they stood as living witnesses to the realization of yet another gigantic project that marks another milestone in the history of Pangasinan.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members (SPM), and DPWH RO1 officials, headed by Engr. Amelia M. Zamudio and Engr. Edita L. Manuel of DPWH 2nd Provincial Engineering District led the ground-breaking ceremony and the laying of the time capsule for the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain Project at the Provincial Capitol Complex on November 8.

The said development project is one of the significant undertakings to transpire at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex 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.

In his speech, the governor said that the construction of the reflecting pool is a historic first for the province of Pangasinan and a noble addition to the Capitol Compound that translates meditation beyond aesthetics.

“The waters of the reflecting pool become a reading mirror of our dreams that have now been translated into realities, flatforms that have now been concretized into projects, invitations that have now been converted into investments, and the park trees surrounding these waters will become a valiant step in our road maps for Pangasinan through these memory lanes that remain beyond our present generation,” he added.

He further stated that the present administration intends to create the Capitol landscape into something more culturally enjoyable, iconically inspiring, intellectually engaging, and historically nostalgic.

Expressing elation over the project, Gov. Guico stressed that the Capitol Complex reflects the brand of leadership of his administration; thus, he said that the transformation of the place is the “mirror image of what Pangasinan is and who Pangasinenses are.”

Also, Gov. Guico personally expressed gratitude to Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, who trace their roots to San Carlos City, Pangasinan, for their initiatives in funding the above-mentioned major project of the province. Aside from the P100 million funding, the governor also revealed that the two senators also funded an expansion of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, amounting to P75 million pesos.

The Governor assured that the provincial government will closely coordinate with concerned agencies for the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) as well as permission from the National Historical Commission because of the project’s historical significance.

The Chief Executive of the province likewise cited that they will never start a project without going through the proper process because this is a reflection of how they run affairs in the province.

Soon, at the heart of the province of Pangasinan will be the Pangasinan Linear Park, which is open to the public for live gatherings and a significant added tourist attraction to celebrate the local culture, heritage, and oneness.

With more infrastructure projects now underway, the governor said that this is a vital reflection of hard work and commitment to faithfully serve the people of Pangasinan, vis-à-vis depicting 2023 as the ‘Golden Age of Infrastructure for Pangasinan. Big-impact projects include the Pangasinan Link Expressway and the P238 million worth of Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facilities in Bolinao.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Lambino said that the groundbreaking ceremony is the start of several projects that the present administration has envisioned. This, he cited, will spur positive changes that will redound to the benefit of the people of Pangasinan.

Also present during the groundbreaking were Chiefs of Hospital, Department Heads, consultants, Industron Fountains, members of the media, other line agencies, and employees.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Joey Olimpo, Sydney Soriano PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The construction of the Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project, a World Bank-assisted project worth P238.992 million, will take off in 2024.

This development came after a ceremonial launch of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) scale-up was held on November 6 with no less than Governor Ramon V. Guico III, assisted by Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya and Provincial Planning and Development Office OIC Rowena Ignacio, attending the event on behalf of the province.

The first of its kind in the country, the facility will be established at the agriculture field station located in Brgy. Arnedo in Bolinao town and will enable Pangasinan to produce more than 100 million bangus fry and over 48 million bangus larvae every year.

Envisioned to help address the shortage of bangus fry in the country and sustain fish sufficiency, some 17 municipalities in Pangasinan are expected to benefit from the project, with around 39,399 fishersfolk, 63 bangus nursery operators, and one bangus satellite hatchery operator.

As disclosed by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), components of the project include seven units of broodstock tanks, 120 units of larval rearing tanks, 24 units of rotifer tanks, an administrative and laboratory building, staff quarters, a triplex building, a two-unit pump house, and an intake pump.

Meanwhile, the PPDO reported that innovative approaches and processes for engaging rural communities, local government units, and national government agencies (NGAs) are currently being initiated.

Aside from the World Bank, which will shoulder 80% of the cost of the project, funds will be jointly undertaken by the national government with a 10% share and the provincial government with 10%.

As reported by the PPDO, the DA has designed the PRDP as one of the platforms for achieving the Philippine Government’s Sustainable Development Goals. Said program has proven its efficacy in providing means to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and proponent groups in improving its agri-fishery industry.

“Given the prevailing need of the agriculture sector to address the gaps in the value chain as well as to improve and modernize the agri-fishery industry, the DA has expanded the PRDP with the institution of PRDP Scale-Up,” the PPDO report stated.

PRDP Scale-Up aims to further support the government’s effort to improve farmers and fishermen’s access to markets as well as increase income from selected agri-fishery value chains.

A report stated that the western towns of Bolinao, Anda, and Sual, which account for about 80% of Pangasinan’s bangus production, still rely on importing fry from Indonesia.

Pangasinan is the country’s leading producer of bangus and has contributed over 28% of the country’s total production (PSA, 2019).

In addition, other scale-up projects in Pangasinan that were also launched include the construction of three units of provincial warehouses with multi-purpose drying pavement located in Barangay Poblacion, Bugallon (P42.082 million); Barangay Tebag East, Sta. Barbara (P42.247 million); and Barangay San Gonzalo, San Quintin (P42.451 million).

The warehouses are envisioned to reduce post-harvest losses and enable the farmers to choose the time of sale of their crops, thus increasing their income as well.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIO)