LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The search for the next Limgas na Pangasinan 2026 is kicking off soon as the organizers announce the various qualifications to meet.
The pageant, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III and First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, the executive chairperson, is looking for Pangasinense women who embody “beauty beyond barriers,” or someone who has substance, advocacy, and authentic character.
To qualify, candidates must meet the following:
17 to 23 years old
Single, with no children
Minimum height of 5’4”
Good moral character
Able to trace roots in their town
Not have joined a province-wide pageant in the past 3 months
Screening requirements include:
Official LGU endorsement
Application form
Photos and documents (diploma, birth certificate, residency proof)
The screening attire protocol: cocktail dress, two-piece swimsuit, and no makeup.
Under the Guico administration, Limgas na Pangasinan was re-branded and named the 2025 Best Pageant in Region 1 and 2025 Best in Preliminary Competition in the country.
The visionary leadership of Governor Guico and Mrs. Guico brought the ‘Mother of All Pageants’ in Pangasinan to a platform that goes beyond surface-level beauty.
Screening dates will be on February 21-22, 2026 at the Sison Auditorium.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Pangasinan continues to post strong tourism figures, recording sustained visitor arrivals and employment generation following the courtesy call of Department of Tourism (DOT) Region I Regional Director Benjamin D. Manahan Jr. with Governor Ramon V. Guico III on February 4, 2026.
For 2025, Pangasinan logged 846,341 visitor arrivals, generating approximately ₱1.109 billion in tourist receipts and 17,564 tourism-related jobs, reflecting continued growth in tourism activity across the province.
Tourism rankings for 2025 overnight guest arrivals in Region I placed Bolinao, Pangasinan at the top, with 248,942 visitors. Several municipalities in the province also ranked among the leading destinations, including San Nicolas, Alaminos City, Dasol, San Fabian, Sta. Barbara, Anda, Urdaneta City, and Labrador, demonstrating Pangasinan’s broad contribution to regional tourism movement.
During the meeting, Governor Guico emphasized the need for stronger assistance in tourism promotion to further expand Pangasinan’s reach to both domestic and international markets, citing promotion as a key factor in sustaining visitor growth and maximizing tourism assets.
Meanwhile, RD Manahan expressed his appreciation for Pangasinan’s direction and conveyed the agency’s readiness to assist, particularly in promotional efforts and the development of tourism programs that can generate more economic activity across the province.
The courtesy call was attended by 1st District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Luisa Elduayan, DOT Region I Assistant Regional Director Evangeline Dadat, and other officials of the Department of Tourism.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – In the peaceful village of Salud in the town of Bolinao, a timeless tradition weaves its way into the hearts of the locals. From generation to generation, buri weaving, a craft handed down by ancestors, has now become a way of life.The buri palm leaves are carefully harvested, dried, and woven into intricate patterns, creating beautiful mats, baskets, and other handicrafts.
This tradition is rooted in romance when a man courting a woman must learn to weave and prepare buri leaves, a test of his dedication and love. Today, artisan Susan Caacbay, is breathing new life into this craft. Her beautiful buri bags are a hit at the Banaan Museum Souvenir Shop located at Casa Real here, showcasing skills, creativity, and Pangasinan’s cultural heritage.
Every stitch tells a story of love and devotion, preserving traditional techniques. Carrying a buri bag, isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s carrying the spirit of Pangasinan. “I want to safeguard and elevate our province’s artistic legacy,” she says.
To get a buri bag, contact Ms. Susan Caacbay at 09052491690 or susancaacbay26@gmail.com. You can also visit the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum (Casa Real) to see the products.
(Ruby F. Rayat, photos courtesy of Ms Susan Caacbay | PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Fashion enthusiasts and designers in Pangasinan are gearing up for an opportunity to showcase their talents through the provincial government’s launching of ‘Project Masanting,’ the 1st Provincial designer’s Camp.
Project Masanting is an initiative of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III. The project aims to search for talented designers to become the Official Wardrobe Providers for Limgas na Pangasinan 2026.
Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, the chairperson of Limgas na Pangasinan and the brains behind Project Masanting, has been instrumental in transforming the pageant into a grand event that showcases the beauty, talent, and culture of Pangasinan.
Under Mrs. Guico’s leadership, Limgas na Pangasinan has become a platform for promoting local culture, heritage, and creativity, with winners representing the province in national beauty tilts. Emphasizing the importance of celebrating the “ganda at galing” (beauty and talent) of Pangasinense women, an individual platform for local designers was included as well.
Project Masanting is open to all Pangasinan fashion visionaries, and interested designers can apply through the online form https://forms.gle/GLAEBXCw7YrMpfDk9 . The deadline for application is February 6, 2026.
The project aims to discover the best of the best in Pangasinan’s fashion industry, providing a platform for local designers to showcase their skills and creativity. The selected designers will get the chance to work with the Limgas na Panagsinan 2026 candidates, showcasing their designs on the grand stage.
Lingayen, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, honored the excellent accomplishments of Ednas Group of Delegates from the province at the Tournament of Champions of the World Scholar’s Cup at Yale University, from November 6 to 12, 2025.
Out of 2,600 participants from 67 countries, the Ednas Group delegates earned 35 gold and 21 silver medals, totaling 56 medals across various competition categories. The delegates received a Plaque of Resolution from the province.
Additionally, Jolly C. Poquiz of San Carlos City, Pangasinan, was recognized as a bronze medalist in the Men’s U20 Long Jump T20 at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ruben P. Baysic Jr., from Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, ranked in the Top 9 in the Geodetic Engineers Licensure Examination on October 17 to 18, 2025, with an average score of 85.25%.
The achievers received a Plaque of Resolution during the 22nd Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 2, 2026, presided over by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino.
This recognition highlights the province’s ongoing support for young Pangasinenses in showcasing their talent and excellence.
(Patricia Sevilla, Photos by Orland Llemos | PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) is now accepting online applications for the PPC Admission Test (PPCAT) 2026.
As announced by the PPC administration, applicants can apply through the college’s online portal link: https://bit.ly/PPCAT2026
The application period will run from February 2 to April 10, 2026. To complete the application, applicants must prepare the following requirements:
Report Card/ Transcript of Records/ Certification of Grades:
– Scanned copy of Grade 11 Report Card for SHS graduates and graduating students
– Scanned copy of ALS Report of Rating for ALS graduates
– Digital or scanned copy of Transcriot of Records (TOR) / Certification of Grades for transferees
2” x 2” ID Picture
– Must indicate complete name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial
– Plain white background
– Decent attire and formal pose required
– Photo must be taken within the last 3 months
A legacy project of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, PPC was established by the provincial government to offer free tertiary education to deserving Pangasinense youth, preferably those from low income families.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The groundbreaking ceremony for the Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facility is set to take place on January 31, 2026 in Barangay Arnedo, Bolinao with Governor Ramon V. Guico III leading the event.
Joining the governor in the historic event are Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and Provincial Administrator Manuel O. Luis, Jr., Bolinao Mayor Jesus F. Celeste and 1st District Representative Arthur F. Celeste. The guest of honor and speaker will be Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.
The PhP238.9 million project, supported by the World Bank, aims to boost the local bangus industry by producing over 100 million bangus fry and 48 million larvae annually. In addition, the facility will benefit around 39,399 fisherfolk, 63 bangus nursery operators, and one bangus satellite hatchery operator in 17 municipalities in Pangasinan.
Earlier, Governor Guico emphasized that the project will help address the shortage of bangus fry in the country, which currently relies on imports from Indonesia. The facility will not only increase production but also provide training and innovation opportunities for small-scale nursery operators and fisherfolk associations.
The groundbreaking, spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, will feature a blessing and the laying of documents in a time capsule.
The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, continues to honor the vital contributions of volunteers to the province’s progress and security.
This January, members of the Civilian Volunteer Organizations (CVOs) across the province began receiving their annual social amelioration incentives from the provincial government. To date, more than 9,000 CVOs from the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Districts of Pangasinan have already been granted such benefits.
In his message for the CVOs, Governor Guico highlighted that this incentive is a symbol of gratitude for their steadfast commitment and dedication to maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level. “Pasasalamat po namin ito mula sa lalawigan sa inyong serbisyo sa inyong mga barangay,” he stated.
Moving beyond financial benefits, the provincial government has also integrated healthcare services into the program. Along with the incentive for amelioration, CVOs also received free medical consultations and medications. Each of them was also automatically registered to PhilHealth YAKAP. This holistic approach is part of Gov. Guico’s strengthened initiative to provide a more comprehensive healthcare system for the province.
Lulu Garcim, a CVO from Barangay Cabuaan, Bautista, expressed her gratitude for the said program. “Maganda po itong programa, para makita na rin kung talagang healthy ka or hindi. Malaking tulong po sa amin at maraming salamat po kay Governor,” she said.
This program reaffirms the Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s commitment to ensuring that community frontliner volunteers are also well taken care of while they serve their fellow Pangasinenses.
Pangasinan is set to strengthen food security and boost the livelihood of thousands of fisherfolk with the establishment of the first provincial government-owned Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facility in the Philippines.
The milestone project was presented during a public consultation dialogue held on January 21, 2026, attended by bangus growers, fisherfolk, and stakeholders from across the province. The project is part of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, with support from the World Bank and the Department of Agriculture.
The facility directly addresses one of the biggest challenges in the local bangus industry, the shortage of bangus fry and larvae. Despite being the country’s top bangus producer, Pangasinan still relies heavily on imported fry, particularly from Indonesia.
“Ito na po ang matagal na nating hinihintay ng mga bangus stakeholders,” said Pangasinan Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya. “May hatchery na po tayo ngayon, pero nakakapag-produce lang ito ng halos 20 percent ng requirement ng buong probinsya.”
She emphasized that the project has been four years in the making, involving multiple stages of planning and coordination.
“Mahaba po ang naging journey ng proyektong ito, pero maganda ang naging resulta. Ang araw na ito ay malinaw na senyales na matutuloy na talaga ang hatchery,” she added.
Once operational, the hatchery located at the Provincial Agriculture Field Station in Barangay Arnedo, Bolinao Pangasinan is expected to produce over 100 million bangus fry and more than 48 million bangus larvae annually.
“Nagpapasalamat po ang aming lokal na pamahalaan dahil dito sa bayan ng Bolinao itatayo ang bangus breeding hatchery ng probinsya. Ito po ay malaking tulong sa aming mga mangingisda at nursery operators dahil magkakaroon na tayo ng sapat na supply ng bangus fry at larvae, at mas mapapalago ang kabuhayan ng buong komunidad,” said Mr. Eulalio Ramirez, Municipal Agriculturist and representative of the Bolinao Local Government.
The 238.9-million project is World Bank-assisted, with funding shared by the World Bank (80%), the national government (10%), and the provincial government (10%).
Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Manuel “Manny” O Luis Jr. described the hatchery as one of the major agricultural projects of Governor Ramon V. Guico III.
“Isa po ito sa mga flagship projects ni Governor Guico sa agrikultura. Layunin nitong palakasin ang produksyon, pababain ang presyo, at suportahan ang kabuhayan ng mga bangus stakeholders sa Pangasinan.” he said.
He added that bangus farming is more than a livelihood.
“Ang pagbabangus ay hindi lang trabaho… ito po ay isang lifestyle. Ang proyektong ito ay talagang para sa inyo, para mas mapagaan ang inyong trabaho.”
Aside from production, the facility will also serve as a training and innovation hub for small-scale nursery operators, fisherfolk associations, and cooperatives. It will feature modern aquaculture infrastructure, including broodstock tanks, larval rearing tanks, algal and rotifer culture tanks, and a training hall.
More than 17 municipalities including Agno, Alaminos City, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Dasol, Sual, Binmaley, Bugallon, Labrador, Lingayen, Calasiao, San Carlos City, Mangaldan, San Fabian, Dagupan City, and Infanta will benefit, reaching over 40,000 fisherfolk and aquaculture stakeholders.
The Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project is the only PRDP-supported provincial hatchery in the country, further positioning Pangasinan as a national leader in aquaculture development.
With construction expected to begin soon, the provincial government continues to work closely with communities to ensure alignment with local needs and sustainable outcomes, and to ensure the project’s success.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The provincial government has earmarked 20 percent of its PhP8.3 billion 2026 annual budget for health. This translates to roughly PhP1.66 billion and which, according to Governor Ramon V. Guico III will establish a “competitive and comprehensive healthcare system” for all Pangasinenses.
As such, the new funding will enhance various programs and projects to include purchase of more state-of-the-art equipment, and hiring of additional medical practitioners.
“The province has committed 20% of its PhP8.3 billion annual budget to healthcare. All of us are part of this grand plan to build a competitive and comprehensive healthcare system in Pangasinan,” the governor said in a recent statement, emphasizing that the allocation is a policy lock-in that guarantees steady funding for hospitals, equipment, and health workers.
“We are investing in your health. Our objective is to make everyone happy because they are healthy,” the governor added.
It can be recalled that local officials and PhilHealth Region I Vice President Dennis Adre have praised Guiconsulta citing it as a model project for other LGUs, noting that the provincial government’s own funds cover the cash incentives, while PhilHealth provides the necessary core outpatient benefits. Quezon City has already expressed interest in replicating the program, underscoring growing national influence.
With the new budget in place, Pangasinan is set to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and moving closer to universal health coverage for the province’s 3.2 million populace.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng Pambansang Pamahalaan, Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan, at ng ating mga magsasaka, naniniwala tayo na ang mga programa tulad ng “Benteng Bigas Meron na!” ay patuloy na magbibigay tulong at ginhawa sa mamamayan na naglalayong magtaguyod ng seguridad sa pagkain, pag-angat ng kabuhayaan ng magsasaka, at kaunlaran para sa lahat ng Pangasinense,” stated Gov. Ramon V. Guico III during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for the provincial launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron na!” project on January 13.
The program — spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the National Food Authority (NFA) aims to provide affordable and sufficient rice for all Filipinos. Under this initiative, rice is made available at P20 per kilo, targeting the low-income households and vulnerable groups.
Beyond providing price relief for consumers, the project also ensures fair trade for farmers. For every kilogram of Benteng Bigas, the NFA commits to purchasing two kilograms of palay from local farmers.
Gov. Guico further stated that this program, integrated with the Kadiwa ed Kapitolyo, is partnered with other agricultural initiatives in the province, such as Corporate Farming. This initiative uses a convergence approach by uniting farmers into cooperatives, providing farming inputs and machinery, and giving technical assistance to increase crop yields and lower production costs. This guarantees long-term assistance for all Pangasinenses.
For a construction worker like Damon Sarmiento, 64, a resident of Binmaley, the program is a big help. “Balbaleg so tulong ‘to ‘yan programa ta akamenos ka lay balbaleg [ed gastos],” (This program is a big help because you can really save a lot on expenses), he shared.
Under the leadership of Gov. Guico, the provincial government remains committed to providing people-centered governance. PGP is balancing immediate relief with long-term sustainability by addressing present challenges and building a food-secure future for every Pangasinense.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The Pangasinan Provincial Government led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and the Department of Agriculture (DA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on January 13, for the implementation of the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” project.
Aligning with the national government’s food security program, this initiative aims to provide affordable rice to vulnerable sectors in the province,
The project will be synchronized with the Kadiwa sa Kapitolyo, a market outlet program that brings affordable agricultural products directly to consumers and is usually held at least twice a month at the Capitol Complex. The project offers rice at PhP20 per kilo, targeting low-income households, farmers, and other vulnerable groups.
It can be recalled that the DA has already rolled out the program in various parts of the country, benefiting nearly one million Filipinos since its inception in May 2025. The program aims to reach 15 million households by 2026, with sustained implementation to the grassroots until the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028.
The National Food Authority (NFA) and Food Terminal Inc. likewise play pivotal role in the implementation of the project.
(Ruby F. Rayat, photos by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)
