Author: pixelpgsnadmin

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Believing in the vital role of farmers being the key players in achieving sustainable food security, Governor Ramon V. Guico III further pushed for a pro-active convergence approach in agriculture via corporate farming.

Considered the present administration’s landmark project in agriculture, Gov. Guico is keen on beefing up the project to assist more farmers in the coming days.

“The simple story about corporate farming is that because it is more cost-efficient, a higher yield per hectare is achieved with a lower cost of production,” the governor said.

In 2022, the provincial government introduced the concept of corporate farming. In 2023, seven sites with 154.55 hectares produced a total of 773 metric tons of palay. This translates to more savings in farm inputs like fertilizer, water supply, and labor costs.

For January to June this year, the province has a palay production volume of 447,638.57 metric tons from the harvested 85,233.70 hectares last dry cropping season CY 2023-2024.

The province for corn production has reached 423,928.8 metric tons for yellow corn and 9,396.57 metric tons for white corn, or a total of 433,325.37 metric tons for the combined production of yellow and white corn. Productivity for the period is 7.2 metric tons per hectare for yellow corn and 4.2 metric tons per hectare for white corn.

It can be recalled that on July 7, 2023, the provincial Corporate Farming and Memorandum of Agreement signing with program partners, LGUs, and Farmer Cooperative and Association (FCA) beneficiaries was held in Binalonan town. This yielded positive results for farmers, causing them bigger earnings in the long run.

“Ibig sabihin, pag mas malaki ang iyong sinasaka, mas nagiging efficient yung iyong inputs at lumalaki yung output mo, yung yield. We have now 1,000 hectares. Pag pinagkaisa mo ang mga maliliit na kalupaan at pare-parehong variety and itinanim mo at kinukuha mo sa iisang supplier ang inyong binhi, ang inyong mga fertilizer, mas magkakaroon sila ng leverage upang bumaba ang cost naman ng pagbili ng mga inputs. At kung pare-pareho schedule, pare-pareho ang pagtanim, ang pag harvest mo, hindi iba-iba ang variety nila, naipakita namin na mas lumalaki yung yield, yung output,” the governor said.

Corporate farms, which often operate on a large scale, are considered economies of scale, which makes agricultural products affordable for consumers as well.

Moreover, the present administration, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, conducted various agricultural machinery technology demonstrations as part of continuing education and empowerment for farmer-beneficiaries under corporate farming.

This marked significant milestones in the province’s journey towards sustainable agricultural development and food production.

Headed by Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay A. Moya, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, LGUs and other government agencies cohesively worked towards this end.

With agriculture as the province’s primary industry, the provincial corporate farming program served as a path to achieving the province’s goal of becoming a self-reliant and self-sufficient province.

Recently, the provincial government through OPAG spearheaded the distribution of financial assistance to a total of 4,876 farmers, fisherfolks, and families stricken by the El Nino phenomenon, evidence of the government’s support for farmers dubbed as today’s modern-day heroes.

(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Among the numerous dreams of Governor Ramon V. Guico III for Pangasinan is for the province to become an inclusive and vibrant economic powerhouse and premier investment hub by 2031.

In achieving the investment target, the governor, together with key officials of the province, conducted strategic planning by laying the foundation made possible through various big-impact projects.

The Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion (PEDIPO) was created to encourage more investments and competitiveness in the province.

“Meron po kaming itinayong PEDIPO (Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office). It’s supposed to promote the available jobs in the province. We also have a PESO (Public Employment Service Office) in the province. But the PEDIPO is trying to invite more investments into the province,” Gov. Guico said.

Atty. Raymundo B. Bautista, Jr., who heads the PEDIPO, reported that investment priorities in Pangasinan include agriculture and agribusiness; tourism development; infrastructure development; manufacturing and industry; healthcare and education; and real estate and housing.

Some of the investment targets identified by the PEDIPO primarily include economic diversification; job creation and workforce development; sustainable development; infrastructure and connectivity; promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs); improving ease of doing business; and long-term goals.

On the other hand, key investment priorities listed by the PEDIPO under agriculture and agri-business specifically identified high-value crops (corporate farm); livestock and poultry in Mangatarem Breeding Station; salt farm in Bolinao town and Bangus Hatchery; dairy farm in Laoac; various tourism projects; food processing; furniture and handicrafts; solar projects under energy and utilities; healthcare and education; education and training (PPC and scholarships); residential development; commercial real estate to include hotels and 360 City; IT parks and BPO centers; climate resilience projects; waste management; mining and mineral resources, among others.

It can be recalled that PEDIPO in partnership with Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Founding President of Project Abound, caused the participation of Pangasinan’s export-quality local products in the 2023 FAME Trade Exhibition. The event served as a breakthrough for artisans in the province after their products were introduced not only locally but also in the global market.

Manila Fame is the country’s premier design and lifestyle sourcing event that features world-class quality artisanal products for home, interiors, fashion, and modern living. Said event is considered a vital platform for Filipino craftsmanship and creativity that attracts global buyers and exhibitors.

International Food Exhibition (IFEX), on the other hand, is considered the country’s leading trade promotion initiative, dedicated to propelling the domestic food industry onto the global stage.

Both Manila Fame and IFEX Philippines are significant platforms for promoting local products that foster international trade opportunities.

In a related development, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on September 2 introduced two newly-crafted ordinances. One is for the establishment of a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade, Investment, and Exposition Center in the Province of Pangasinan, and the other is the institutionalization of MSMEs’ participation in the Manila Fame, IFEX activities, and other similar trade expositions. Said ordinances were referred to the committees on Cooperative, Micro, Small, and Medium Business and Entrepreneurship Development; and Laws and Ordinances.

As stated in the ordinance, the institutionalization of MSMEs’ participation in the two major events and other similar trade expositions will ensure consistent support and development of local enterprises, enabling them to penetrate both domestic and international markets.

“The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector plays a vital role in our economy, providing employment, fostering innovation, and contributing significantly to economic growth,” the ordinance partly stated.

Along with these achievements, the provincial government has successfully launched big-ticket projects and is keen on realizing other long-term goals that will leave indelible marks of excellence for Pangasinan.

“These are not just campaign promises in 2022. They will be our legacy for many generations after us. They are not short-term projects. They will endure for decades beyond our lifetime,” the governor earlier said.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Effective fiscal management and transparent transactions are among the indelible marks of excellence of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s administration.

With the approval of the almost P3 billion supplemental budget for the operation of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan on September 2, more programs and projects are underway.

Enacted through an ordinance during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on September 2, the budget will finance various programs and projects of the provincial government, including the salary increase of employees.

It can be recalled that when Governor Ramon V. Guico III assumed office in July 2022, one of the herculean tasks he vowed to improve was the collection of revenues.

A revolutionary and game-changing leader, the provincial chief executive rallied for big-ticket projects that will redound to the history of the province. All of which will contribute to increasing the province’s revenues.

From this, there was a gigantic increase in revenue. Gov. Guico has recently proposed an increase in the annual budget for the province from the current P5.7 billion to a whopping P7 billion in 2025.

“On the economy side, my thrust is actually to increase the revenues for the province. So by 2025, we are proposing at least a P7 billion annual budget for the province, a big jump from our budget right now, which is more or less about P5.7 billion,” the governor stated.

Citing the efficient and honest collection in the assessment of the real property taxes as among the salient factors in increasing local sources of revenue, Gov. Guico further disclosed that several challenges were met, notably in quarry operations.

“When I implemented the new system of quarry operations for Pangasinan, we were challenged because the collection back then from the previous administration was only P12 million per year for all the six districts of the province,” he said.

Consistent in its target to properly collect revenue taxes, the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO), led by Ms. Cristy C. Ubando, reported that the province collected tax on sand, gravel, and other quarry products amounting to PP176,196,152.16 as of August 30, 2024. The target income is P120,000,000.00, thereby incurring an overcollection of P56,196,152.16 for the aforementioned revenues alone.

Under the present administration, new systems were implemented. An online app is now being utilized to monitor the collections, including some legal basis for collections and some regulations that need to be instituted.

“We were able to collect, I think, the projection is about P250 million a year, which, I’m sure, we will be hitting that target this year. And I’m positive that it’s going to be more than the P250 million target. So it’s a big jump,” Gov. Guico disclosed.

True enough, the province, as of August 30, posted a total revenue collection of P4,457,290,224.59. The province’s estimated income, on the other hand, totaled P5,729,765,891.00, which means that only about P1,272,475,666.41 is yet to be collected.

Based on the report, the province incurred over-collected dues on local taxes covering the following: Professional Tax; Amusement Tax; Real Property Transfer Tax; Real Property Tax-Basic; Tax on Sand, Gravel, and Other Quarry Products; Tax on Delivery Trucks and Vans; Fines and Penalties-Property Tax; Fines and Penalties-Taxes on Goods and Services. The actual tax collections for the above-mentioned amounted to P413,041,965.68, while the target collection totaled P317,350,000.00. An overcollection of P95,691,965.68 was posted.

For the total national taxes, particularly shares from National Tax Allocation, National Wealth, and Tobacco Excise Tax, the province collected P3,555,613,172.32 from its estimated income of P4,970,145,891.00.

Under service and business income, the province collected an amount of P465,888,826.94, which exceeded the target income of P417,270,000.00 by P48,618,826.94. Service income includes permit fees, registration fees, and inspection fees. Business income, on the other hand, includes hospital fees, waterworks system fees, rent income, income from hotels, and interest income.

Gov. Guico attributed the tremendous accomplishment in revenue collections to the honest-to-goodness thrust of the provincial government. “When I assumed office, it’s one of the things I want to regulate. It’s one of the things that I want to fix and properly manage,” he said.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—For more than a decade, Grace Sison Rosal, an ambulant vendor, lived in an informal settlement at Palaris Poblacion, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Masyadong marumi doon,” Rosal said.

He wanted to leave the place and build a home he could call his own.

Last July, Governor Ramon V. Guico III turned that elusive dream into a reality.

“Maganda yung tinatayuan ko ngayon, wala ng baha saka maganda ditong manirahan, tahimik,” Rosal happily responded.

The provision of decent housing was among the early directives of Gov. Guico in his first year of tenure.

“We give priority to giving homes to the homeless. We want to realize the dream of Pangasinan families to have their own home,” the governor said.

Since July this year, 68 individuals in Palaris, Poblacion, Lingayen have been relocated to the Aplaya West Resettlement Site here.

The resettlement site has an area of 2.4 hectares, and to date, the provincial government has already built 218 housing units to be awarded to informal settlers. From the said number, some 115 units are now occupied.

According to Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority (PHUDA) Chief Alvin Bigay, relocated individuals belong to poor families or are considered indigents.

“Ni-require namin sila ng mga certain certifications galing sa local government kagaya ng municipal assessor that they do not have other properties within Lingayen. May certification din ang barangay captain na talagang mahirap lang po ‘yung mga pamilyang ito,” Engr. Bigay stressed.

Jennifer Macaraeg, president of Informal Settler Families of Palaris, thanked Governor Guico for prioritizing their plight, as she stated that from an unsecured community, they were relocated to a safer and healthier site where they could feel a sense of security.

As described by Engr. Bigay: “Raw house type ang design ng ating Aplaya Resettlement project. Yung ground floor ay umabot ng 24.75 square meters tapos meron po siyang provision for loft. Ang area ng loft is 11.02 square meters, kaya’t may kabuuan po ang floor area na 36 square meters. So the total lot area is 45 square meters.”

Affordable monthly amortization of P500 will be collected, which will gradually increase to P600 or P700 until such time that a standard payment will be reached.

There are about 180,000 families throughout the province who need comfortable dwellings that they can call their own. Out of this number, Engr. Bigay stated that 45,000 are considered informal settlers.

Informal housing or informal settlement includes any form of housing or shelter that is considered “illegal” as it falls outside of government control or regulation or is not afforded protection by the state.

Hence, informal settlers are individuals or families who reside in mostly urban areas or spaces that are crowded and have poor sanitation. Common categories associated with informal settlements include slums, shanty towns, squats, homelessness, backyard housing, and pavement dwellers.

“Our dream for the informal settlers is to issue titles for their own homes,” Gov. Guico stated during his State of the Province Address.

(Ruby F. Rayat with a report from Rich Majin/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan——The provincial government of Pangasinan and the City of San Juan celebrated a historic event as Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Mayor Francisco Javier ‘Francis’ M. Zamora sealed the Sisterhood Agreement on September 2 at the Sison Auditorium here.

This progressed after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Resolution No. 757-2024 on August 5, 2024, and City Resolution No. 134, S-2024, which was approved by the Sangguniang Panglungsod of San Juan on July 29, respectively, signifying the intention to establish a sisterhood agreement between the aforementioned LGUs.

The sisterhood relationship, once established, will strengthen friendly and economic relations and promote common prosperity and development between the people of the province of Pangasinan and the City of San Juan.

The partnership represents a significant step toward building a future of unity, collaboration, and mutual growth benefiting constituencies for generations to come.

Gov. Guico believed that many good things would come out of the sisterhood agreement, as he took pride in some of the province’s projects and products, like the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), solar salt, Malaga (rrabbitfish), Manaoag being a prime tourist destination, the Capitol Complex Improvement, Malico in San Nicolas (Pangasinan’s summer capital), and Bolinao Airport, among others.

“Ang importante po bilang magkapatid, we have an exchange of ideas and best practices that could be learned by our respective department heads and officials, all for the betterment and development of our dear Philippines. Yan po ang kontribusyon natin bilang mga officials po nahalal ng ating mga constituents at ng mga taumbayan. We have that responsibility to develop our respective LGUs and our constituency. On behalf of all of us Pangasinenses, karangalan po na maging kapatid po kayo,” Governor Guico said.

In welcoming the visitors from San Juan City, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino said that Gov. Guico has always stressed the importance of convergence and partnership in the province, citing that over the past few years, the governor has led the great province of Pangasinan in countless partnerships and endeavors, which include partners both locally and nationally.

San Juan City Mayor Zamora who led the team thanked Gov. Guico for hosting the event and for the hospitality.

“We couldn’t thank you enough for this opportunity. Kahit maliit po kami, tinanggap niyo kami bilang inyong kapatid at ramdam naman namin ang pagmamahal mula sa inyo. Let this be the start of a long-lasting relationship between the city of San Juan and the province of Pangasinan,” the city mayor added.

He also assured support in their little way to help promote the products of their sister LGUs like Pangasinan, believing that behind the sisterhood agreements are the learnings of best practices.

The momentous occasion was graced by Pangasinan and San Juan City key officials along with First Ladies Maan Tuazon-Guico and Keri Zamora, Chief of Hospitals and Department Heads led by Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II and San Juan City Administrator Dennis Pamintuan, barangay captains and employees of both LGUs, basketball idol James Yap, Danny Ildefonso, and Marc Pingris, among others.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, JP De Vera/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The construction of a bridge connecting Barangay Luciente I at the mainland of Bolinao town to Santiago Island will finally take off this year.

Once constructed, the bridge will provide easy access and faster mobilization of people and products. This will serve as a major boost to the local economy and tourism industry.

First District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Bolinao Mayor Alfonso F. Celeste, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Ronnel Tan, and Senator Imee Marcos led the groundbreaking ceremony of the P1.95 billion project on September 1 at GuiguiwanenFishing Port in Brgy. Luciente 1.

The construction of the 680-lineal-meter bridge including its approaches and access roads will start this year, and it is targeted to be completed by 2028. The project, an initiative of Congressman Celeste that gained support from Sen. Marcos, is under the Sustainable Infrastructure Program Alleviating Gaps (SIPAG) Package 1 and the Basic Infrastructure Program (BIP).

Fully supportive of the mega infrastructure project, Gov. Guico said this is an opportune time to show not only in the entire Philippines but to the whole world how beautiful Bolinao town is.

“Ako naman po Ma’am ang sinasabi ko dito, gagawin po natin ang Bolinao Airport kasi napakalalim po, either government funded, PPP, joint venture, government and private, kahit ano pong modality ang mahalaga maitayo po ‘yan upang sa ganun ay maipakita po natin hindi lang po sa buong Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo nanapakaganda ng bahaging ito ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan,” the governor said.

The land acquisition for the PHP800 million Bolinao Airport project is now at 70 percent.

The construction of the bridge is a welcome development for the townsfolk, especially local traders who transport their goods from Santiago Island to the mainland on Saturday, which is their market day.

Santiago Island has seven villages, namely, Binabalian, Goyoden, Lucero, Pilar, Salud, Dewey, and Victory.

Based on the 2020 Census of Population, it has a population of 18,690.

Congressman Celeste thanked Sen. Imee for the support she has given. “Maraming salamat po sa Ate ng ating Pangulo Ferdinand Marcos,  Jr., na naging susi sa pagsasakatuparan ng matagal nang inaasam na tulay. Sa proyektong ito, magiging abot-kamay na ang pangarap ng mas mabilis na biyahe at mas maayos na koneksyon para sa lahat,” he stated.

Excited tayong lahat kasi ilang beses na akong pabalik-balik dito lahat tayo nagkakamot ng ulo kung anong gagawin at alam naman natin sa pagitan ng Bolinao at Santiago, bangka, pump boat, at kung ano-anong masakyan, swimming kung kakayanin basta makatawid sa Santiago eh talagang napakahirap po kasi 3.3 kilometers ito,” Senator Marcos said.

The project was first requested for funding in 2005 under the tenure of Mayor Alfonso F. Celeste, who completed his full term from 2004 to 2013. Former town Mayor Jesus “Boying” F. Celeste was the district representative at that time.

Serving as witnesses to the town’s milestone event were Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, DPWH Assistant. Regional Director Mathias L. Malenab, Pangasinan 1st District Board Members Napoleon C. Fontelera, and Apolonia “Apple” DG. Bacay, other local officials.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the signing of the Sisterhood Agreement at the historic Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan, on September 2.

The signing of the Sisterhood Agreement between the Province of Pangasinan and the City Government of San Juan, witnessed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino and Vice Mayor Jose Angelo Rafael E. Agcaoili, signifies the commitment to fostering partnerships for positive change, progress, and sustainable development for both LGUs.

Key leaders from both LGUs, including First Ladies Maan Tuazon-Guico, Keri Zamora Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, Provincial Board members, city councilors, chiefs of hospitals, and department heads, attended the ceremony.

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Employees,  chiefs of offices, chiefs of hospitals, and department heads of the Provincial Government joined hands in planting 200 coconut tree seedlings in the sprawling Eco-Tourism Park located at Brgy. Estanza here on Wednesday, August 28.

The activity is in support of the national government’s call to revitalize the country’s coconut industry by planting around 20 to 25 million seedlings throughout the country within a year under the flagship program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called “BAYANIYUgan.”

Bonlizardo E. Cabrera, Senior Agriculturist of Philippine Coconut Authority-Pangasinan said the national government is keen on planting 100 million coconut seedlings on 700,000 hectares of land nationwide by the year 2028.

Under the program, the PCA aims to increase coconut production by 4.7 billion nuts, which will be valued at P33.1 billion by 2034.

The province is targeting about 39,325 seedlings to be planted in the 275-hectare eco-tourism park.

Provincial Administrator (PA) Melicio F. Patague II commended the program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as he vowed to support, on behalf of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, all greening projects of the government.

“Malaking bagay po ito dahil unang-una noong pinalakas niyo po ang programa ng pagtatanim, hindi lamang po ang binubuhay niyo dito ay ang coconut industry ng buong Pilipinas, kundi binibigyan niyo rin po ng pagkakataon na maging masigla  ang kalakaran ng asin sa buong Pilipinas, lalong-lalo na po dito sa probinsya ng Pangasinan dahil ito ang pinakamalaking commodity na binibigay po ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan sa buong Pilipinas,” the provincial administrator said.

The revitalization of the salt industry in Pangasinan started after the provincial government, under the leadership of Gov. Guico, took over the management of the Pangasinan Salt Center located in Brgy. Zaragoza, Bolinao town.

PCA Administrator Dexter R. Buted said that Pres. Marcos initially approved a budget of P2.4 billion for the salt industry.

Buted disclosed that the PCA is currently in need of 106,000 metric tons of salt. Hence, Pangasinan needs to double its effort in producing tons of salt as its share to the requirement to revitalize the industry.

Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer (AGSF) is being used for the country’s coconut fertilization program.

In attendance during the tree planting were Mr. Albert Estrella, son of Dept. of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III; PCA Regional Manager Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay; Dept. of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Virgilio P. Sison, Estanza Brgy. Captain Renato S. Ocampo, former Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Angel Baniqued, Jr.; PCA staff and volunteers.

(Ruby F. Rayat with a report from Marilyn Marcial, Ron Edrian Bince, and PMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Pangasinan will experience tremendous breakthroughs in the coming months as a result of the gargantuan projects under the stewardship of Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

With Gov. Guico leading the game-changing plan for the province, big ticket projects were designed and accomplished, such as the establishment of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), which broke ground in March; the revitalization of a salt farm located in Bolinao town; the creation of Pangasinan Polytechnic College; the grand reform of all 14 government hospitals; farm mechanization under corporate farming; and the creation of an investment core group.

“Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, our campaign promises are now being actualized, one after the other,” Gov. Guico earlier said.

With the construction of the joint venture between the province and San Miguel Holdings Corporation, owned by business tycoon Ramon Ang, the PLEX, which is worth P34 billion, will connect Pangasinan’s eastern and western parts. Hence, the expressway will serve as the gateway to an economic boom through increased revenue in trade and commerce.

“It will serve as a backbone of the province in terms of ease of travel and accessibility. If we are able to construct it, it will open many doors to other towns and cities. There will be growth in investment, jobs created, and the ease of travel in and out of the province,” Gov. Guico disclosed in the groundbreaking of the multi-billion-dollar project fully funded by SMC under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.

As regards the physical design, the expressway will have two lanes in either direction. Aside from connecting the eastern and western parts of Pangasinan, PLEX will provide a more efficient connection between the New Manila International Airport located in Bulacan Province and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

As previously disclosed, the work is carried out in two stages. The completion date for the project will depend on the timeline for the acquisition of the land along the alignment.

Pangasinan Salt Center

The revitalization of the salt industry, a leading local industry in the province that needs to be bolstered to live up to the stature of being the ‘home where salt is made.’ Previously managed by Pacific Farms Inc., whose foreshore lease contract had expired in 2002, the Pangasinan Salt Farm located in Brgy. Zaragoza in Bolinao was shut down in February 2021.

After Gov. Guico assumed office in July 2022, the provincial government took charge of its operation. The salt farm started producing salt thereafter. Just recently, the salt farm sold 40,000 bags of agricultural grade salt fertilizer (AGSF) to a trader who supplies for the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for the agency’s coconut fertilization program.

Pangasinan, the destination

In its aim to repackage Pangasinan as the province of choice among local tourists and foreign visitors, various tourism projects were undertaken, such as the establishment of the Pangasinan Banaan Museum located at the Casa Real and the facelifting of the Capitol Complex.

Hence, two corporate towers will be built to house various offices of the provincial government and some national line agencies.

To add a sense of tranquility and beauty, construction of the reflecting pool and interactive fountain is presently underway. Overlooking the historic Lingayen Gulf, the landmark project will serve as a tourist come-on with the aesthetic vibe of trumphet blooms similar to that of Singapore.

Hospital of Choice

In addressing the primary needs of the 3.4 million Pangasinenses for improved health care, all 14 government hospitals in the province were improved by increasing their authorized bed capacities and are now equipped with newly acquired state-of-the-art medical and laboratory equipment, highly-trained medical practitioners, and additional manpower as well. Soon, all district hospitals will have their own hemodialysis center to address the needs of patients with kidney ailment.

Through the organization of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO), a landmark project of Gov. Guico, and through collaborative effort with the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the province was able to distinguish the curative and preventive aspects of health services under a more organized function.

Playing a pivotal role in assisting Pangasinense indigents and financially incapacitated patients, a hefty amount of P495,401,375.65 was downloaded to the province, which was divided among the 14 government hospitals through the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP). This is the biggest fund acquired by the provincial government since the program was launched in 2019.

Based on the report of PHMSO, from 2023 to 2024, the total number of patients catered by the 14 hospitals under the MAIFIP program reached 182, 679.

Pangasinan Polytechnic College

A rightful answer to the needs of every poor but deserving youth to acquire free education, the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) was established and is now officially open. Another landmark project of the governor, the first-ever tertiary educational institution in the entire region that is operated by a provincial government, opened its bachelor’s degree programs last August 12 with 700 freshmen comprising the first batch of students.

“We have to acknowledge that the institution will be greater than all of us. We built a clock that tells time, and we are only a part of that whole element. That is the vision. The clock is still ticking, telling time and reminding all of us to be on time. We are good only as our term, but this one will outlast all of us here,” the governor said.

Corporate Farming

As an agricultural province, programs and projects for farmers and fisherfolks were never left behind.

A flagship program of Gov. Guico, Pangasinan’s Corporate Farming Program endeavored to demonstrate food production cost efficiency through a farm consolidation approach, increase production yield through optimum utilization of production inputs and farm machinery, and adoption of a package of technologies.

In a report from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), it was stated that Pangasinan reached 209% rice sufficiency in 2023. This, according to Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya, was accomplished after rice farmers produced a total of 1.3 million metric tons from the 267,946.14 hectares of land.

Recently, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) donated a new set of agricultural machinery to the province.

Said donation, which is the second time, is under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund-Mechanization Program established in support of the national government’s food sufficiency thrust under the agriculture department’s MasaganaProgram.

Revenue collection

Due to the strict implementation of tax collection, Pangasinan remained on track on target collection.

As of August 27, 2024, the Province of Pangasinan collected a total of P3,964,205,078.05 in tax revenue and has already exceeded its target collections in most income sources, such as local taxes, service income, and business income, among others. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III is committed to a good governance approach in alleviating poverty with the end goal of providing a better quality of life for Pangasinenses, primarily the underprivileged.

With this commitment, the provincial government, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), conducted Tulong sa Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Payouts on August 28 in two (2) different venues, Binalonan and Rosales towns, respectively.

TUPAD is a community-based emergency employment program under DOLE aimed at providing temporary wage employment to seasonal, underemployed, and displaced workers.

The 3,157 total TUPAD beneficiaries from Eastern Pangasinan were as follows: Urdaneta (1753); Binalonan (429); Laoac (10); Sto. Tomas (50); Alcala (60); Villasis (100); Tayug (10); Rosales (403); San Quintin (109); San Nicolas (109); Umingan (109) and Asingan (15).

“Amo yo apo, agpasalamat ak kinne apo Presidente Bongbong Marcos kinne secretary ti DOLE ta daytoy nga pondo ditoy 5th district has a total of 10 million, four hundred forty-eight thousand 700 pesos, ket buong-buo dayta apo, awan iti bawas na, palagi kong sinasabi sa inyo, sa inyo yan, wala po kayong kahati diyan,” Governor Guico said.

Each TUPAD beneficiary received a total of P4,350.00 for the ten (10) days of work on projects like neighborhood cleanups and rehabilitations. Hence, giving the recipients a sigh of relief and much-needed support.

‘Yung tulong na maibibigay ng programang ito ay malaking tulong na po sa amin dahil sa hirap ng buhay. Malaking tulong na po ito para sa allowance at pambili ng mga kakailanganin ng mga bata sa eskwelahan dahil kolehiyo at high school na po ang aking mga anak. Para sa akin ay napakaganda po ng ipinapakitang serbisyo ni Governor Guico,’ Glenda Almuete, an online tutor and a TUPAD recipient from Umingan, said.

Meanwhile, Anastacia Asuncion Magaway from San Pedro West, Rosales, was heard saying, “Napakabuti po ni Gov. Guico, kaya napakalaking pasalamat po namin sa kaniya. Ang makukuha ko po ngayon ay malaking tulong na gagamitin ko para sa pangdagdag sa aking negosyo bilang nagtitinda ng isda.”

Gov. Guico defines the kind of leadership worthy of praise and trust of the people.

5th District Congressman Ramon Guico Jr., Vice Governor Mark Lambino, FSLP Chair Maan Guico, Board Members Jan Louie Sison at Chinky Tababa, 5th District Consultant Isong Basco, 6th District Consultant Vicky Saldivar, Gilbert Estrella, DOLE Assistant Region 1 Director Honorina Baga, Rosales Mayor William Cesar, BM Salvador Perez Jr., BM Noel Bince, SK Federation President Joyce Fernandez, Sto Tomas Vice Mayor  Timoteo Villar, San Nicolas Councilor Maricon Operana, and other LGU officials from Udaneta City attended the payout.

The next payout is slated on Friday, August 30 in Calasiao town.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Bernie Cabero/PIMRO)

Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III supported the conduct of institutional registration and issuance of national IDs in paper form by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Calasiao, Pangasinan.

Said undertaking was aimed at bringing PSA’s services closer to the unregistered population aged one (1) to four (4) years old children from municipalities in all six districts of Pangasinan through the launch of the “Rehistro Bulilit Campaign.”

The event launch was scheduled to take place in six different locations in the province, which started on August 26 at the Alaminos City Sports Complex for District I and at CB Mall Balingit Urdaneta City for District V, respectively.

Showing his strong support for the project, Gov. Guico and 5th District Political Adviser Jesus ‘Isong’ Basco attended the ‘Rehistro Bulilit Campaign’ held in Urdaneta City.

Apart from the registration, the provincial government likewise provided services such as story-telling activities and children’s activities led by the Pangasinan Provincial Library (PPL); feeding activities by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office; and medical and dental services by the Provincial Health Office. The ‘Rehistro Bulilit Campaign’ also serves as an opportunity to disseminate information regarding the National ID.

The launching will continue on August 31 to include: District II-Lingayen (TBD); District III-San Carlos City (TBD); District IV-Fixed Registration Center, Calasiao; and District VI-SM City Rosales.

As of August 20 this year, 2.6 million Filipinos have been successfully registered, with the majority of registrants aged five (5) years old and above.

The PSA looks forward to achieving its goal of having 92 million Filipinos registered in the National Identification (ID) System by the end of September 2024.

For further inquiries, you can contact PSA at pangasinanphilsys@gmail.com/ phone number (075) 540-2547. (Chona C. Bugayong/Omar Cruz,Joey Olimpo|PIMRO)

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan hosted the 4th Voter Education and Registration Fair of the COMELEC as well as the first Automated Counting Machine (ACM) Public Demonstration.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia; Executive Director Teopisto E. Elnas, Jr.; and other officials from the COMELEC main office led the activity, which aimed to provide information on voter’s rights, explain the importance of voting, and present the machine that will be used for the May 12, 2025, national and local elections.

Provincial Legal Officer (PLO) Baby Ruth Torre, who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, said that it is highly significant that the Comelec event took place in Pangasinan, beginning in the City of Dagupan and culminating in Lingayen, the capital town of the province.

Atty. Torre called on everyone to protect the integrity of the ballot and the safety of the Filipino voting public.

Relative to this, the province of Pangasinan assured its full support for all efforts that guarantee free, clean, and honest elections.

“Democracy strengthens when people exercise their privilege of choosing the leaders that will represent them. Let us not take the value of our votes for granted,” Atty. Torre added.

In a ‘Welcome Lunch’ for the entire COMELEC Team, COMELEC Chairman Garcia expressed gratitude to Gov. Guico, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, and the entire provincial government officialdom for their support.

“Tatandaan natin ‘Halalan at Kinabukasan’ ang nakaatang sa bawat balikat ng bawat isa. Hindi lahat makukuntento sa mga ginagawa natin. Sa ating mga desisyon, basta naka-base sa Diyos, sa paniniwala natin kung ano yung tama, tama para sa bayan at para sa bawat isa ay yun ang susundin ng puso at isip natin. Ang importante, magtuloy-tuloy lahat ng ginagawa ng ating Komisyon,” Chairman Garcia said.

Earlier, COMELEC Lingayen conducted the Satellite Voter Registration with the Register Anywhere Program (RAP) at Training Center II, here.

Also in attendance at the event were Commissioner Socorro B. Inting, Commissioner Nelson J. Celis, and Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr.; Directors from the COMELEC Main Office; Provincial Election Supervisor of COMELEC Pangasinan Marino Salas; other Election Supervisors (PES) of Region I; Regional Election Directors (RED) of Region I; Election Officer of Lingayen Reina Corazon S. Ferrer; Other Election Officers of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur; SP Secretary Verna Nava-Perez; and Provincial Accountant Marlon C. Operana.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)