Author: pixelpgsnadmin

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Some 227 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) underwent a three-day lecture and skills training last June 9 to 11 under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades (PSAT).

The 227 PDLs underwent trainings in basic electronic products assembly; electrical lighting systems on auxiliary outlets and small engine servicing trainings, said Pangasinan Provincial Jail’s (PPJ) P/Lt. Col. Lovell U. Dalisay.

Under basic electronic products assembly, participants were taught with skills knowledge on how to assemble, install, and service electronic gadgets. Actual demonstration and application in assembling and troubleshooting were done right after the training.

For electrical systems on auxilliary outlets and small engine servicing, learners were trained with skills needed to install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical lighting systems.

Dalisay said lecture/training aimed to provide necessary skills know-how for PDLs, which Gov. Ramon Guico III backs fully.

Meanwhile, Gov. Guico has implemented various programs and activities especially for PDLs including Alternative Learning System (ALS) Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) which was started in March 2024 with the Department of Education Schools Division Office 1 as partner.

ALS is a parallel learning system in the Philippines that provides practical option to the existing formal education. People who cannot access formal education in school can benefit from ALS as an alternative or substitute method to learn.

Governor Guico has implemented programs to promote the well-being of Pangasinenses among which are the provision of educational and skills training opportunities especially those from the marginal sector of society. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The vision to make Pangasinan’s capital town as the tourism mecca in the future resumes as the Provincial Engineers Office started construction of the flood control component of the Capitol Complex redevelopment that is expected to be finished September next year.

PEO head Amadeo Veras said that construction of the drainage canals on both sides of the Capitol Complex are on-going.

Transforming the capital town as tourism mecca is one of the legacy projects of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III which he envisions also as a commercial district.

This as the governor said could be done with the establishment of various modern structures such as the 11-storey government center/tower; the 1,500-seater convention hall and the reflecting pool and interactive fountain as one of the attractions.

Gov. Guico also wants the roads widened, provide parking spaces and the said construction of flood control facilities to address the perennial flooding in the area.

Engr. Veras said that floodgates will be built and drainage canals along San Vicente River located at Maramba Boulevard which will be widened. The drainage system, which spans about two kilometers (from the Capitol to Maramba Boulevard) will serve as catch basins of flood waters from the Capitol area.

Gov. Guico said that his administration has started the design during the last quarter of 2023 for the comprehensive transformation and a modernized version of the Provincial Capitol Complex.

Considered as the heart and soul of the capital town, the historic site has long served as a venue for different governmental activities and a hub for various public services.

The vision will also see the revitalization of existing buildings and inclusion of green spaces. Gov. Guico also wants a new look of the war memorial which is considered a relevant symbol of Pangasinan’s rich history and its role that helped end World War II in 1945.

(Ruby F. Rayat/JP de Vera PIMRO)

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III vowed to provide the best services to improve the lives of indigent families in the province’s 1,364 villages through the Alagang GuiCommunity program which was launched last Wednesday in barangay Doyong here.

“Hindi lang po ito ang unang beses na papasyal po kami rito dahil aalagaan po kayo ng Provincial Government of Pangasinan,” said Guico’s representative Atty. Maan Ferrer-Villegas during the Doyong launch.

(This will not be the first and only time we will visit you because the Provincial Government of Pangasinan will take care of you.)

During the launching in the said barangay, population 3,957 (2020 census), were provided free medical and dental check-ups. Residents also availed of free laboratory services like electrocardiogram (ECG) and X-ray.

The said program also offers social services like medical and burial assistance for poor residents. The residents got packs containing medicines and vitamins both for adults and children, and food such as rice, eggs, salt coming from the Pangasinan Salt Center and canned goods.

There was also the GuiCosina on Wheels which served warm nutritious meals during the launching.

The villagers were enlisted to the Green Camopy project where they planted fruit-bearing seedlings/trees. The project was launched by the Guico administration in December 2022.

Under the program, barangays will also be provided with farm-to-market roads or rehabilitate existing ones that need fixing; solar electrification and construction of multi-purpose buildings.

The provincial government, meanwhile, has recently completed farm-to-market roads in six barangays of Malasiqui—Talospatang, Lasip, Aliaga, Malimpec, Butao, and Nansangaan.

(Ruby F. Rayat / JP De Vera PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Governor Ramon V. Guico III encouraged Pangasinenses to unite and work together as one team in pursuit of a ‘peaceful and progressive’ province.
The governor’s call was conveyed through the speech of Provincial Accountant Marlon C. Operana during the province’s simple celebration of the 127th Independence Day celebration on June 12 at the Sison Auditorium here.
“Nawa’y magkaisa tayo sa layuning mabuhay para sa kinabukasan na tahimik, panatag, at tunay na malaya,” the provincial accountant said.

(Let us unite in our purpose to live peacefully and genuinely free in the future).

With the theme, ‘Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan,’ Atty. Operana notably mentioned the importance of history as he praised the unwavering sacrifices of the province’s forefathers in obtaining the freedom that we enjoy today.

Much as the Filipinos enjoy the so-called freedom of expression, he cited that a lot of people tend to abuse the privilege granted in them.

He mentioned the proliferation of ‘fake news’ as among the abusive acts done today.

“Ang hamon ng ating panahon at ang konteksto ng kalayaan ay patuloy na nagbabago. Bagaman matagal na panahon na nating tinatamasa ang kalayaan sa ating soberanya, may mga ibang aspeto ating lipunan na tayo ay naabuso at hindi tunay na malaya,” he said
(The challenge of our present time is that the context of freedom now varies. We have attained our freedom long ago and we are enjoying the fruits of our sovereignty yet some aspects of our society are abused).

Outgoing District 5 Board Member Rosary Gracia ‘Chinky’ Perez-Tababa, who spoke on behalf of Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, on the other hand, encouraged Pangasinenses to practice the virtue of ‘respect’ in their daily lives.

“Mula po sa ating tema po ngayon, atin pong igalang ang nakaraan, ang kasaysayan at yakapin natin ang kasalukuyan dahil ito ang huhubog sa atin,” she said during the celebration attended by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, various department heads, hospital chiefs, the reigning Limgas na Pangasinan beauties and employees of the provincial government.

(Ruby F. Rayat/Joey Olimpo PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III will bring in more vital projects to improve the lives of Pangasinenses as he enters his second term.

The governor during his proclamation as winner of the midterm election last May 13 vowed to provide vital projects and programs to all Pangasinan villages to improve lives of his constituents especially the indigents.

Gov. Guico said that vital projects include the completion of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) and various infrastructure projects among which are the modernization of all 14 government hospitals, establishment of Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), redevelopment of the Capitol Complex all of which he started when he assumed office in July of 2022.

He also said that he will give the needed support for the grassroots like provision of farm-to-market roads, livelihood and skills training for barangay folks, construction of multi-purpose buildings, to name a few.

Recently, the provincial government through the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) concreted farm-to-market roads in Malasiqui particularly in barangays Talospatang, Lasip, Alliaga, Malimpec, Butao and Nansangaan.

“Malaking tulomg kasi dati-rati, makitid at malubak itong daan namin, ngayon maayos na,” said Lasip punong barangay Francisco Barboza.

(This is a big help because in the past, the road is short and full of potholes, now it is finally fixed).

Moreover, Gov. Guico has green lit the conduct of the Alagang GUICOmmunity Program, a medical outreach program designed to bring the healthcare services to the grassroots. Among the recent beneficiaries were residents of barangay Doyong in Calasiao.

Also, multi-purpose buildings have been built in the villages of Bical Norte, Pantol, Darawey, San Gabriel 1st, Tamaro, and Manambong Parte all in Bayambang.

A happy San Gabriel 1st Punong Barangay Eligio Velorio said: “Ang daming nasiyahan nang matapos ang konstruksiyon ng mga multi-purpose building kasi malaki ang maitutulong nito kapag may mga activity kami.”

(Many of our residents were happy once the construction of the multi-purpose building was completed because it will be a big help if we have activities here).

Aside from infrastructure, healthcare and social services, Gov. Guico has directed the installation of solar street lights to ensure a safer, conducive environment for the people.

Recently, all provincial government offices were tasked to identify and adopt a barangay in province as recipient for their outreach projects. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III commended local fisherfolks and three law enforcements agencies for the recovery of 28 sacks of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu worth PhP1.17 billion off the coast of three Pangasinan towns last June 5 and 6.

The governor praised local fisherfolks in the recovery of the floating objects that turned out to be suspected shabu and turned the same to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA).

The governor further lauded the intensified efforts of the three law enforcement agencies along with other supporting units.

“Pinupuri ko ang mga mangingisda, (ang) Philippine Coast Guard, PNP at PDEA sa pagkaka-recover ng dalawamput walong sako na naglalaman ng mga pakete ng umanoy shabu sa karagatan ng Agno, Bani at Bolinao,” he earlier stated.

(I am praising our fisherfolks, the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP and the PDEA for recovering the 28 sacks that contain packs of suspected shabu in the waters of Agno, Bani and Bolinao).

Praising the continued vigilance of the authorities and the cooperation of local fishing community, Gov. Guico pointed out that heightened coastal security patrol and community engagements should be observed to track down suspicious activities.

“Kahanga-hanga ang pagiging mapagmatyag ng mga mangingisda dahil matapos marekober ang mga kontrabando ay agad ipinasakamay sa mga otoridad,” the governor said as he further cited that the seizure of the billion worth of illegal drugs is an accomplishment for Pangasinan.

(Our fisherfolks are just amazing for their vigilance and after recovering the contraband, they immediately turned it over to the proper authorities).

He then encouraged all concerned government agencies to conduct intensive investigation to determine the source of the illegal drug and the people behind the illegal trade.

Meanwhile, local residents and fisherfolks are reminded that possession or tampering of suspicious packages could result to filing of criminal charges against them. They are likewise urged to report discovery of such items to the proper authorities. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – A new year and a second wave of scholars of 700 young Pangsinenses will receive free education from the Pangasinan Polytechnic College.

This after the 700 of 1,500 Pangasinan youth hurdled the admission examinations administered last May 26 and 27 and are expected to receive scholarship at the PPC.

The 700 will join last year’s pioneering 700 scholars and will be enrolled in four baccalaureate degrees of either Public Administration major in Local Governance, Multi Media Arts, Agribusiness and Special Needs Education.

The PPC is a legacy project of Governor Ramon V. Guico III who aims to have every poor family to have at least one college graduate in their household.

“Dumadami ‘yung estudyante na dumadating, 700 last year at may inaasahan tayong 700 ulit this year,” said PPC president Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos as he added that this will surely will see a 100 percent increase in the school’s population this coming school year.

(The number of students is increasing, it was 700 last year and we expect another 700 this year.)

The PPC located at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) compound is the first state college run by the province. It was opened last year with 700 college scholars.

Dr. Rovillos, formerly the University of the Philippines – Baguio chancellor, said that with more students, more classrooms will be in place as assured by Gov. Guico.

The governor has earlier approved the conversion of six more classrooms from the former dormitories at the NRSCC. Likewise, a four-story building within the sports complex is expected to rise soon.

Dr. Rovillos said the four-story building will have 34 classrooms and learning research centers.

In addition, the PPC president said that the governor has earlier green lit the hiring of additional faculty members. Rovillos added that a similar request has been made with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), which will approve the hiring of such through an ordinance.

Aside from the four-year courses, the PPC also offers technical-vocational courses through its CeLL or Center for Lifelong Learning.

The creation of the PPC was a campaign promise of Gov. Guico in 2022. The governor added that in his second term, he assured the establishment of the Bugallon and Umingan campuses.

Gov. Guico also seeks the establishment of a School of Medicine at the PPC. Health is one of the main thrusts of the governor, whose mother is a doctor, by improving all provincial hospitals and provide with state-of-the-art equipment. He is also in the middle of creating dialysis centers to of course cater to his more than 3.2 million constituents.

“We immediately convened a group of medical doctors who are now working on the (creation of a curriculum for the Doctor of Medicine program including (a similar program for) BS Nursing,” Dr. Rovillos said. Rovillos said that this will be realized next year or in 2027, within Gov. Guico’s second term.

Gov. Guico is also looking forward to the establishment of the PPC School of Law.

Meanwhile, PPC admission committee head Rhodora E. Malicdem said a short list of the examinees will be prepared and who will undergo interview portion prior their admission.

“Short list means it will be more than 700 as long as they are within the cut-off score the PPC has set,” said Malicdem. She added that the short list will be released on July 7 and the interview is set from July 8 to 25.

From the final list of 700 scholars, 250 students will be accepted for agribusiness and a similar number for public administration. The multimedia arts and for special needs education courses will receive 100 students each.

“On behalf of Gov. Guico, I would like to express our best wishes to the students who took the examination. This is one of the promises of our governor to provide a better future for the incoming students. This is for free!,” said Dr. Rovillos, who helped draft the proposal to have the UNESCO recognize Baguio as a creative city in 2016.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The redevelopment of the Capitol Complex will be the next big thing in Pangasinan.

This, after the test run of the Reflecting Pool last May 1 that gives a glimpse of the vision of Gov. Ramon Guico III, which will showcase the Capitol grounds as one of the go-to places in Pangasinan.

The reflecting pool and interactive fountain project, which is part of the Basic Infrastructure Project (BIP) Construction of Multi-Purpose Facility or the Common Park Center, will give an unobstructed view from the shore to the Provincial Capitol building.

The brainchild project of Governor Guico may not even be half finished yet, but spectators are already amazed by the spectacular view it offers, especially made perfect during dusk.

Project Features
The reflecting pool is guided by an illuminated gentle stream of water, a symbol of continuity and consistency inspired by the natural wonders of the Lingayen Gulf and salt beds.

It measures 200 by 22 meters, which is significantly bigger than Baguio’s Wright Park Reflecting Pool, which has a dimension of 100 by 5 meters.

Based on its project design, a formal stretch of walkway will be built. There will be a pathway for joggers and bikers as well as safe walkways for elders and persons with disability.

Also part of the redevelopment project is the Heritage Park, where the war relics will be placed.

Last April, Gov. Guico partnered with the Philippine Veterans Bank and the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation to ensure that the project would be carried on smoothly.

The project aims to give rightful honors to World War II veterans and to encourage the province’s youth to know the role they played in the liberation of the country in 1945.

To address the perennial flooding at the Capitol Complex, the drainage system will be improved.

(Ruby F. Rayat/ Photo: Joey Olimpo PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Governor Ramon V. Guico III assured to support more agri-based programs in his second term.

The governor said that this will bolster agricultural production, which will help farmers increase their yields and marketability.

First in the list is the support to the KADIWA program of the Department of Agriculture that aims to fortify the farm-to-market supply chain by providing a direct link of local producers with consumers.

The KADIWA is one of the national government’s agri-based programs, which the present administration is actively promoting.

Launched in 2022, the provincial government through the Provincial Agriculture Office, has intensified the promotion of the program. In January 2024, the project was named Kadiwa na Kapitolyo and is held twice a month at the Capitol Complex.

“We started with more than 20 exhibitors,” said Ramy Sison, Provincial Agribusiness and Marketing Service Coordinator, as he added that the number of exhibitors has more than doubled.

Sison said the province has already conducted 97 Kadiwa-related activities. This, he said, is supported by different Local Government Units (LGUs) and various partner agencies.

“We have generated a total sales of P20,985,234.60 and we have helped 2,582 exhibitors. The total household that we have served is around 55,710,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The Kadiwa served as an opportunity for farmers/fisherfolks and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to introduce their products directly to the public.

Kadiwa offers safe, fresh, and affordable food products like vegetables, dairy products, fruits, fish and meat products, rice, native delicacies, among others.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—One of the country’s biggest cities has expressed interest in replicating Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s legacy project, the GUICONSULTA (Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations).

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has announced her plan to enroll all the city’s residents in the Konsulta package of the Philippine Health Insurance to make healthcare affordable for her constituents. Quezon City has a population of 2.96 million, the Philippine Statistics Agency reported in 2020.

During the last quarter of 2024, Gov. Guico launched the Guiconsulta which started a massive registration aimed at enrolling two million Pangasinenses to PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.

Before the governor assumed his post as chief executive in July 2022, some 30,000 Pangasinenses have been enrolled in the Konsulta program.

“Mahigit 1 milyong kababayan natin ang na-enroll na po sa Philhealth Konsulta. Napabilis ang prosesong ito dahil sa kaakibat na programa – ang Pangasinan GUICONSULTA (Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation). Bagamat pilit na siniraan nitong nakaraang eleksyon at naging target ng matinding fake news, naninindigan po tayo na ito ang tamang programa para makamit natin ang pagiging pinakamalusog na probinsya sa buong bansa at magkaroon ng libreng “medical services” para sa lahat ng ating provincial hospitals,” Governor Guico said.

The Konsulta package is a free outpatient benefit package that covers consultation, health screening and assessment, some selected laboratory and diagnostics tests as well as selected drugs and medicines to be availed at chosen Philhealth-accredited facilities or hospitals.

Philhealth Regional Vice President Dennis B. Adre earlier said that there was not a single centavo released by their agency to the provincial government.

To hit the two million goal, the provincial government allotted PhP300 to every enrollee to cover transportation and food expenses in going to the registration center within their community.

“It was a big chellenge for us, it seems to be impossible but this is very-very possible,” said Gov. Guico in a mix of Filipino and English as he added that Konsulta plus Guiconsulta will serve as the backbone of a sustainable healthcare program for Pangasinan.

In November 2024, the governor encouraged all health workers in the province to join hands to fast track a ‘community (barangay)-based’ registration.

The registration was undertaken by a pool of health workers that came from the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Hospital Management Service Office (PHMSO), and from the province’s 14 government hospitals. It was an effort in coordination with all Rural Health Units (RHUs, LGUs and all barangay health workers.\

With what was achieved only in several months, Gov. Guico and the entire ‘Team Ang Galing,’ take the utmost pride that the once ‘vilified program’ has inspired other local government units beside Quezon City to make it their model project.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Several big projects are expected to be implemented as Governor Ramon V. Guico III enters his second term.

Health, education, transforming the province as the Singapore of the North, and the construction of a big bangus breeding and hatchery facility in Bolinao are among the governor’s main thrusts.

Gov. Guico said that the 14 government-operated hospitals will be modernized. The governor said Team Ang Galing will not only put-up additional buildings but will also procure state-of-the-art equipment to bolster health reform and provide the best healthcare services for the people.

The latest of which was the MRI, which was placed at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City.

The Phase 1 of the Super Community Hospital in Umingan town which is part of the township program envisioned by the present administration, was completed before the election period. This time, the governor said that the project’s Phase II will be implemented.

At the same time, Phase 1 of the new Alcala community hospital will be started. The said project is a partnership of the provincial government and the local government of Alcala.

Two dialysis centers were established during his first term; the Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH) in Alaminos City is operational and continuously servicing patients with renal problems. The second, in Lingayen District Hospital (LDH), is set to open after completing the requirements needed to operate.

The governor said two dialysis centers will be built in Bayambang and Mangatarem in the next three years.

Although Gov. Guico was maligned by his detractors during the 45-day campaign period, he said he will push for the continuation of the Konsulta plus Guiconsulta project until the goal of two million registered Pangasinenses is achieved.

“What they do not realize is that, yan po ang magbibigay ng sustainability at ng enough capital para maitayo po at ma-establish po ang ating health care program,” Gov. Guico said as he called for unity for all the stakeholders, especially the private movers of health care in the province of Pangasinan.

“Let us not toy with the lives of the people, especially those that involve healthcare,” he added.

Gov. Guico said that more infrastructure projects will be implemented, including roads, bridges, flood controls, solar-powered streetlights, and the completion of the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex.

“I just like to inform everybody that we will press on with what we have started. We will continue with more motivation–the programs and the projects that we have done for this first term of office,” Gov. Guico earlier said.

Setting his sights on transforming Pangasinan as the “Singapore of the North,” Gov. Guico is determined to deliver his best effort to finish Phase 1 of the 11-story Capitol Tower and convention center in his second term.

“As a leader and as a governor, I have gambled so to speak on focusing on big-impact projects that will be enjoyed by many generations to come here in Pangasinan,” he said.

As of present, the Reflecting Pool, which was pilot tested last May 1 has remained open for the public since then. Since then, all roads lead to the Capitol complex, notably before sunset when locals troop to the Capitol Park Center to witness the gushing water of interchanging colors that symbolize continuity and consistency.

“Mabuti ginawa itong project na ito, dati kasi damuhan ito…nakakaapak ka pa ng dumi ng aso dito (This is a good project, this used to be a grassy area.. and if you are unliucky you get to step on a dog poop),” said Sylvia Aquino, a 62-year old grandmother from Binmaley town, while enjoying the spectacular sight on a Sunday dusk with her family.

Education is another priority of the provincial government. The establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) campus in Lingayen, which opened doors to realizing the dream of 700 Pangasinense youth scholars, practically signalled the start of establishing more campuses within the next three years.

“We will still pursue establishing a campus in Umingan and in Bugallon because that is where we think that we can spread our resources and utilize the resources that we have,” the governor said as he added that part of the plan includes the establishment of schools of law and medicine in the offing.
Also underway is the establishment of the P238-million Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project located in Bolinao. Once established, the hatchery project will ensure food security for Pangasinan and a leap for the country’s agriculture as well.

Complementing these big-ticket projects are undertakings dedicated to the grassroots. In his statement after his proclamation, Gov. Guico expressed his plan to strengthen collaborative programs and projects for barangays, such as electrification, among others.

(Ruby F. Rayat/ Photo JP de Vera)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Eleven Pangasinan local products will join the three-day International Food Expo (IFEX)2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on May 22 to 24.

The 11 exhibitors from the province will showcase their products in the country’s premier trade promotions program that aims to foster innovation in the food industry by bringing together local and international food, beverage, and ingredient industry players.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has extended his full support in bolstering the best Pangasinan local products since he started his term in July 2022.

Initially, he expressed his desire to revitalize the province’s renowned 3Bs – Bangus, Bagoong, Bucayo.

In his second term, the provincial government will further intensify its drive in promoting not just the local products but the best tourism sites in Pangasinan.

The exhibitors comprising the Pangasinan team for this year’s IFEX are as follows: Hou Yang Food Corp (bangus and chicken karaage); Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus and Seafoods (processed bangus); Mama Cili Enterprises (bottled processed bangus).

The others are: Dimalupig and Gabriele Food Products Trading (sugarcane vinegar); Bernal Bagoong (bagoong products); Abundance Agri Tourism and Training Center, Inc. (organic agriculture products); Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC (dairy products); and Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corp. (ready to eat complimentary and fortified foods).

Three first-time exhibitors will take part this year, namely: Rotico Food Products (Romana peanut brittle); Eldica Seafood Processing (processed bangus); and Anjo Farms, Inc. (processed bangus).

“Romana is known for quality. Lahat ng niluluto namin, quality,” Maria Isabela Mendoza, production manager of Rotico Food Product and wife of former 2nd District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, said.

Over the years, Romana peanut brittle has gained popularity and can also now be considered an heirloom local product.

In 2023, the provincial government, through the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), partnered with Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, founding president of Project Abound and mother of the governor, which saw some of  Pangasinan’s export-quality locally manufactured products join the FAME Trade Exhibition.

Earlier, the provincial board crafted two ordinances – the establishment of a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade, Investment, and Exposition Center in Pangasinan and to institutionalize the participation of local MSMEs in the Manila Fame, the IFEX activities, and other similar trade expositions.

“Napakasaya na makasali sa IFEX. Malaking tulong ito para makilala ang ELDICA internationally (It is fun to join the IFEX. This is a big help in introducing ELDICA internationally),” said Belma T. Carrera, ELDICA Seafood Processing CEO as she expressed excitement for joining the exhibit for the first time.

(Ruby F. Rayat/JP de Vera PIMRO)