Author: Queena Jaramilla

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – “This is not just a sit-down convention; it is a movement to enable Pangasinan to unleash its greatest athletic prowess to its highest potential,” said Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, current Acting Provincial Administrator, who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III at the opening ceremony of the first-ever Pangasinan Building of Champions Sports Summit.

Highlighting Gov. Guico’s support for sports, the Provincial Sports Office led by Provincial Sports Coordinator Leopoldo C. Arnaiz, organized the three-day summit held from September 23-25.

Earlier, Governor Guico has expressed his goal to build the next generation of champion athletes in Pangasinan to represent the province nationally and internationally.

Over 50 Local Government Unit (LGU) sports coordinators, sports officers from the Department of Education, and sports enthusiasts from the private sector gathered at the Sison Auditorium here for the three-day summit.

The summit’s agenda went around the National Sports Association (NSA) goals and structures, including regional associations nationwide. Discussions also focused on how to support the LGU coaches and trainers on grassroots athletes’ training, and the training program of the NSA National Athletes that can be adopted by LGU coaches. .

Guests of honor in the opening program were Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick C. Gregorio and Commissioner Edward L. Hayco. Both commended the province’s initiative to bolster sports development in Pangasinan.

The event serves as a crucial platform for discussions that will help train Pangasinan’s next generation of champion athletes.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Capitol workforce representing different sectoral teams participated in the celebration of the Grand Employees’ Family Day held today,September 23, at the Provincial Training and Development Center II (PTDC II), here.

The event which is spearheaded by the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) in partnership with Health and Wellness Club, is conducted in celebration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service (CSC) Anniversary.

Highlights of the celebration include medical and physical check-up, beauty care and wellness, cook fest competition, and P-Pop (Pinoy Pop) dance competition.

Fostering a culture of health and creativity, Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s goal is to ensure the well-being of the employees and Pangasinenses in general.

In addition, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) will hold the 2025 Governor’s Awards and Recognition Program tomorrow, September 24, at the Sison Auditorium.

Awarding of prizes in the recently-concluded Donong Employee Competency and Skills Tournament (Quiz Bee, Debate 2025, Mobile Photography Competition, Public Speaking/Extemporaneous Speech, and Skills Training Competition for Organizational Team Members) will be conducted.

During the program, the PGP will give Service Awards to employees and Civil Service Heroes will be exemplified.

(Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- A total of 81 visually impaired individuals were given mobility canes during the White Cane Distribution and Orientation and Mobility Training held recently at the Pangasinan PESO Building, Capitol Complex here.

The activity which was organized by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), in partnership with the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), was part of the post-celebration activity of the 2025 White Cane Safety Day.

Anchored on the theme, “Vision Beyond Sight: Celebrating Independence, Resilience, and Recognizing Achievements of the Blind,” the program went beyond ceremonial distribution by equipping both beneficiaries and their assistors with an orientation and mobility training.

As emphasized during the training, white cane is not just a mobiliy aid but a symbol of independence, dignity, and empowerment for the visually impaired community.

Participants totalling 120 came from various towns across Pangasinan, including Binalonan, Manaoag, Sta. Maria, Pozorrubio, Basista, Villasis, Mangatarem, Alcala, Umingan, Infanta, Sual, and Sta. Barbara. Beneficiaries and their families expressed gratitude, stressing how the initiative would enhance their safety, improve daily living, and encourage greater independence.

Reflecting Pangasinan’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusion, aligned with national laws and international agreements protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, the program highlighted various laws governing the rights of the differently-abled sector such as the following.

● RA 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons), as amended by RA 9442 – guarantees the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities.

● RA 10070 – mandates the creation of Persons with Disability Affairs Offices (PDAOs) to ensure inclusion in governance and development.

● RA 10524 – expands employment opportunities for PWDs in government service.

● UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) – affirms the right to mobility, accessibility, and full participation.

● Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – particularly SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), guided by the principle of “Leave No One Behind.”

Under Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s administration, programs and projects for the differently-abled Pangasinenses were intensified.

(Trisha Gayle Chavaria|RFR, photos by Charish Rivera | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan— Team Sekder, led by Urbiztondo Councilor Martin Raul S. Sison II, secured a clean sweep of 15-0 in the recent Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Pangasinan Chapter Provincial Federation Election at the Sison Auditorium.

With Sison as elected President, the other newly-elected officers of the PCL are as follows: Coun. Anafeil C. Cruz-Lauraya (Rosales)- Vice President; Coun. Jan Marionne R. Fontelera (Alaminos City)-Secretary General; Coun. Maria Teresa Socorro E. Perez-Naguiat (Urdaneta City)- Treasurer; Coun. Audrey Jamille Susan Q. Sison (Villasis)- Auditor; Coun. Vincent Nathaniel S. Arenas (Malasiqui)- Business Manager; Coun. Jallen F. Alipio (Binmaley)- Public Relations Officer.

Elected Board of Directors, on the other hand, were: Coun. Ronald C. Catabay (Bani); Coun. Gabriel E. Macaraeg (Lingayen); Coun. Monica N. Ramos (Basista); Coun. Carmina P. Resuello (San Carlos City); Coun. Rolly G. Abalos (Mangaldan); Coun. Nica A. Ching (Manaoag); Coun. William U. Aradanas (Binalonan); and, Coun. Michael R. Dy (Tayug).

The program opened with welcoming remarks from Hon. Kimberly G. Bandarlipe, outgoing PCL-Pangasinan Interim President, followed by inspirational messages from Hon. Handy Lao, PCL National President, and Atty. Raul Corro, PCL National Chairman. Both highlighted the PCL’s vital role in shaping local governance and empowering council members nationwide.

The event gathered council members from various towns and cities in Pangasinan in a landmark assembly that underscored unity, stronger representation, and progressive governance.

Sison, who secured an overwhelming victory, vowed to further strengthen the role of councilors in local legislation and public service.

(Trisha Gayle Chavaria|RRB, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- Cultural advocates, creative professionals and stakeholders gathered at the historic Sison Auditorium here, for the Sinnaranay 2 Creative Region One Summit held from September 15 to 17.

Anchored in the theme, “We Are a Creative Nation,” the summit was part of the Philippine Creative Industries and Pangasinan Tourism Month held annually in September. It reaffirmed the region’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy while fostering economic growth and preserving cultural identity.

Sinnaranay is an Ilocano term depicting the value of love and concern for each other regardless of sex, gender, status, age and other social factors. It aptly means “helping one another.”

The three-day summit which was hosted by the Province of Pangasinan, featured series of workshops on various areas such Publishing and Printed Media: Basic Comics Workshop; Visual Arts: Painting on Textile Workshop, Photography and Pottery Workshop; Traditional and Cultural Expressions: Inabel Weaving Demo, Iloco Empanada and Rellenong Bangus Demo, and Bangus Deboning; Cultural Sites: TALAPAMANA: Lecture on the Philippine Registry of Heritage; Audiovisual Media: Visual Storytelling Workshop; Digital Interactive Media: Cultural Adaptive Mapping Platform Using Mixed Reality Workshop; Creative Services: Live Events Management; Design: T-Shirt Printing Workshop; Performing Arts: Music, Theater Acting, Puppetry, and Dance Workshops.

Highlighting innovation, heritage, and collaboration as key factors of development for the region, the event conformed with Governor Ramon V. Guico’s efforts to enrich Pangasinan’s cultural and tourism heritage.

The event concluded with lectures, presentations, and panel discussions.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has successfully planted 500,000 seedlings under Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s Green Canopy Program since its launch in 2023, signaling a major step in the province’s campaign for environmental protection and sustainable development.

This achievement was highlighted during a tree planting activity led by Governor Guico at the Eco-Tourism Park in Brgy. Estanza, Lingayen on September 16, in celebration of National Tourism Month and the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. Coconut seedlings were planted on-site in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), while simultaneous tree-growing activities were also conducted in Mangatarem and Umingan.

“Itong ating Green Canopy Program, pagdating ng ilang taon, lalaki ang mga punong ito, yayabong at makakatulong tayo to make our planet very green. Pinopromote po natin ito, ang pagiging makakalikasan natin sa ating lalawigan,” Governor Guico said in his speech.

The governor also pointed out the role of coconuts in reviving local livelihoods. “Maghanap tayo ng iba’t ibang lugar para gawin natin mga coconut plantations, especially dito sa Lingayen, and let’s try to revive ang bucayo industry,” he added.

Looking ahead, Governor Guico laid out a bigger vision of planting another half a million seedlings under his second term, bringing the program’s overall target to one million trees across Pangasinan.

Vice Governor Mark Lambino, who also joined the activity, emphasized the program’s long-term impact. “Layunin po nito na siguraduhin ang ating kinabukasan para sa ating mga kabataan. May maaasahan po sila na kagandahan mula sa ating likas na yaman,” he said.

Also present during the tree-growing activity were 2nd District Board Member Philip Cruz, Acting Provincial Administrator Atty. Babyruth Torre, Pangasinan Provincial Community and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) head Ellsworth Gonzales, provincial department heads and employees, and TUPAD volunteers.

(Danna Laureano, photos from Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— The Pangasinan Provincial Nutrition Council, through Provincial Health Officer Maria Vivian Villar-Espino, reaffirmed its full support for the administration’s vision of building a healthier and more progressive Pangasinan.

Reconstituted in June 2025 by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, the council is set to implement programs and initiatives aimed at realizing the goal of making Pangasinan one of the country’s healthiest provinces in the coming years.

Dr. Villar-Espino underscored the importance of collective effort, urging council members to strengthen partnership’s with line agencies, local government units, and various sectors. “Let’s work together to promote health programs so that we can ensure healthy Pangasinenses.” she said emphasizing the need for accesible and quality healthcare services for the province’s more than 3.1 million residents.

During the meeting, discussions centered on effective strategies to safeguard the health and well-being of every child and family in Pangasinan.
Aligned with Governor Guico’s health reform agenda, several landmark initiatiatives are already on deck. This include the modernization of 14 government hospitals and establishments of new facilities, procurement of state-of-the-art medical equipment, and the construction of new hospital facilities across the province.

(Patricia Sevilla, photo by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III spearheaded the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program on September 13, 2025, in celebration of the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Gathering various national and local government units, the event offered a wide range of services for the people of Pangasinan.

“Ang partisipasyon ng iba’t ibang mga ahensya ng gobyerno ay patunay ng pagkakaisa ng bawat sangay ng pamahalaan na iisa ang layunin ang maihatid ang sapat, mabilis, at epektibong serbisyo para sa lahat ng Filipino,” Governor Guico said.

Among the highlights of the program were:

1) Support for Farmers- The Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed farm machinery and inputs, while three Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs) received checks amounting to P2.2 million under the Accessible Loans for Empowered, Resilient, and Transformed ARBOs Program.

2) Aid for Workers- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Pangasinan Public Employment Services Office (PESO), released P9.4 million in assistance to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

3) Affordable Food Programs- About 1,000 Pangasinenses availed of the P20 Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program. Kadiwa na Kapitolyo exhibitors showcased local products, white solar salt from the Pangasinan Salt Center was also distributed.

4) Health and Social Services- The Provincial Health Office provided free medical and dental check-ups, while the Provincial Legal Office, in collaboration with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Pangasinan Chapter, offered legal consultations. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) also received wheelchairs and mobility canes.

5) Skills and Livelihood Services- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) extended free pampering services, including haircutting and massage.

The event highlighted the strong partnership between the Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Gov. Guico, and national government agencies, reaffirming their shared commitment to deliver essential services and uplift the lives of Pangasinenses.

The event was graced by 1st District Representative Arthur F. Celeste and other guests.

(Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The STAC/SPED Learners from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mangatarem emerged champions in the recent talent competition for youth with special needs.

Serving as one of the highlights for the province’s celebration of the 47th National Disability Rights Week, the ‘STAC (Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center) Got Talent’ became a venue where differently-abled youth showcased their unique talent and abilities.

With the theme, “Innovation for Inclusion: Building Inclusive Communities Together,” the activity was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), and Pangasinan Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Inc. (PFPDI).

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Marinor De Guzman, who delivered an inspirational message, commended the youth-participants for taking part in the celebration even as she cited that the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is doing its best to help empower the sector thru various programs and projects such as skills enhancement training’s, livelihood assistance, access to health programs among others.

PSWDO Chief Annabel Roque, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to the provincial government led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, for all the support given to the sector and for initiating various programs and projects that redound to the benefit of individuals with special needs.

Placing second placer in the competition was LGU San Fabian followed by LGU Sta. Barbara in the third spot. Cash prizes for the three winning LGUs were P15.000, P10,000, and PP7,000. Consolation prize of P2,000 were given to non-winners.

Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, PGO Executive Assistant III represented Governor Guico while former 5th District Board Member Rosary Gracia “Chinky” Perez-Tababa served as honorary guest.

(Patricia Sevilla, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Tracy Lou Bitoy as the new Provincial Government Department Head of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) and Dr. Maria Vivian Villar-Espino as Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief.

The confirmation was made by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino on Monday, September 8, 2025, during the eighth regular session of SP.

With a strong background in the medical field of over 15 years, Dr. Bitoy is well-equipped for her new role. She holds a degree in Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration.

During the session, she expressed her full support for Gov. Ramon V. Guico III’s health initiatives, particularly the “No Balance Billing” policy. “Since the start of Governor Guico’s term, we have been implementing No Balance Billing for basic accommodations. We will continue to monitor and ensure that it is well-implemented,” she stated.

Dr. Bitoy also pledged to work closely with Gov. Guico and the provincial government on the modernization of all provincial hospitals, increasing the bed capacity, and other programs to improve the province’s healthcare services.

Meanwhile, Dr. Villar-Espino who is a licensed physician holding a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, a Doctor of Medicine degree, and a Master’s in Public Health, pledged to work hand-in-hand with the Municipal Health Officers in the province and other NGOs, together with the 14 provincial hospitals.

Expressing her desire to become an effective provincial health officer, Dr. Villar-Espino vowed to give her all-out support to Gov. Guico’s goal in bolstering the Pangasinan Referral Network between the 14 provincial hospitals and Rural Health Units across the province.

With both officials’ clear vision and extensive experience, the board unanimously confirmed their appointment citing that their leadership will significantly contribute to Pangasinan’s healthcare system and support Gov. Guico’s vision in making the whole province healthy.

(Eira Gorospe, Photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and PV Sinag Power, Inc. for Project SAFE, a disaster resilience initiative that will provide the province with an emergency response vehicle valued at ₱2.1 million.

The signing, held on September 9, 2025, marks another milestone in Pangasinan’s continuing collaboration with the Aboitiz group. The initiative strengthens the province’s disaster preparedness and search and rescue operations, demonstrating Governor Guico’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Pangasinenses.

Atty. Miguel Robillo, PV Sinag Power, Inc.’s Vice President for Stakeholder Relations and Compliance, said the project is part of their broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help communities become more resilient to disasters. “Project SAFE is a donation of an emergency response vehicle sa probinsya ng Pangasinan. Gusto naming makatulong ng kahit kaunti lang sa probinsya in terms of disaster response,” Robillo stated.

Robillo also commended the leadership of Governor Guico for fostering a climate of partnership in the province. “Yung leadership ni Governor Guico, nararamdaman namin na welcome kami mag-invest and lahat ng suporta na kailangan namin nandiyan. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami for his policies,” he said. He added that their CSR projects are tailored yearly in consultation with local communities, noting that aside from the disaster response vehicle, they are also working with local government units on fire prevention programs.

In recent years, Aboitiz Foundation and PV Sinag Power have partnered with the province to fund development and livelihood programs, support reforestation and watershed management initiatives, and implement health and environment enhancement projects. The partnership has also extended to the healthcare sector, with previous donations of medicines worth hundreds of thousands of pesos distributed to district hospitals across Pangasinan.

Joining the MOA signing were PV Sinag Power Inc.’s Vice President and General Manager of Solar and Wind Operations Leo Lehbo Lungay and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Babyruth Torre.

(Danna Laureano, photo by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on September 8 has approved an ordinance creating the Provincial Flood Mitigation and Management Office (PFMMO).

As stated, Section IV of the ordinance cited various operative principles or purposes in establishing the office as follows: 1) create and establish the mandate and strategic direction of the PFMMO; 2) formulate and develop a strategic flood mitigation and management masterplan that would integrate both structural and nonstructural strategies and solution, and a framework for risk assessment, preparedness, response and recovery from flood events; 3) coordinate with Local Government Units (LGUs), national government agencies, and private stakeholders for the planning and execution of flood mitigation projects.

It can be recalled that Governor Ramon V. Guico III sees river restoration as permanent flood control solution in Pangasinan. Hence, the creation of PFMMO is vital in achieving the goal in addressing perennial flooding in the province.

As stated earlier by the governor, large-scale river restoration project being rolled-out by the provincial government will provide a “permanent and suitable” solution to flooding in Pangasinan. “We will rehabilitate and revive our rivers so that waters, including floodwaters, can flow continuously to the sea, far from where we live,” he said during the launching of the flood mitigation program last month.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino expressed full support to the project that includes the creation of the PFMMO which is tasked to oversee the activity.

The following are the roles and responsibilities of the PFMMDO as indicated in Section V of the ordinance authored by SP Members Napoleon C. Fontelera, Jr. and Haidee S. Pacheco:

1) Coordinate and where necessary initiate and carry out formulation, implementation and monitoring of flood mitigation, management and preparedness policies, studies, management actions and investment in the flood control projects consistent the institutional principle of stakeholder participation and devolution of action at the lowest possible level.

2) Organise the implementing structures, establish implementation policies, delegate authorities and responsibilities and call on other government agencies, financial institutions and donors, as needed to undertake flood mitigation and management programs and projects subject to applicable policies.

3) Establish and maintain structural consultation process at the appropriate executive levels with city and municipal LGUs, and representatives from people’s organizations (irrigators, upland farers, fisherfolk, water users associations, indigenous peoples’ groups) and the private sector and civil society organizations in the province.

4) Develop a portfolio of LGU projects in the Pangasinan rivers system.
5) Support/Undertake and/or coordinate the appraisal and feasibility studies of individual projects.

6) Assist LGUs in the packaging and documentation of their projects for submission to financing institutions.

7) Support the LGUs, together with the concerned line agencies, in the implementation of LGU projects.

8) Facilitate the coordination and implementation of activities between the different agencies involved in management and development of the river systems in the province.

9) Undertake other duties and functions as may be necessary to perform its mandate.

The PFMMO shall be led by the Project Management Officer to be assisted by a Deputy Management Officer, and will be manned by personnel from concerned provincial government offices.

(Ruby F. Rayat, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)