LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III vowed to continue what he started in his first term, implement vital projects that will further spur development and improve the lives of every Pangasinanse.
Taking his oath of office in his second term Monday, June 30, before presiding Judge Avelina J. Villegas-Rosario of RTC Branch 14-FC at the historic Sison Auditorium here, the governor said that he will continue what he has started.
“Ngayong umaga ay isang napakahalagang yugto sa aking paninilbihan sa publiko. Araw na ibinigay ng Diyos upang ipagpatuloy ang mga nasimulang reporma sa ating lalawigan. Mula sa kalusugan, edukasyon, agrikultura, turismo, kalikasan, pananalapi, at iba pang larangan ng public service,” he stated.
(This morning is an important chapter in my public service. This is a day given by God so that I can continue the reforms I have started for our province. From health, education, agriculture, tourism, environment and finance and other fields of public service.)
Witnessed by local leaders, department heads, representatives of national line agencies, provincial government employees, the governor was enjoined by his family—wife, Maan Tuazon-Guico and their five adorable children; his parents–5th District Congressman Ramon Guico, Jr. And Dr. Arlyn Grace Guico and brother, Binalonan Mayor Ramon ‘RG’ Guico IV, Gov. Guico thanked Pangasinenses for giving him another fresh mandate.
Gov. Guico stressed that he had laid the foundation for development by targeting vital projects as initial works of his administration such as various infrastructure projects.
These projects include the establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) and establishment of a concrete plan to modernize all 14 government hospitals with inclusion of two new health facilities like the super Community Hospital in Umingan and the newly-inaugurated hospital in Alcala town.
The inauguration saw the governor received from the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) to the PPC of the certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for the latter’s four curriculum courses.
The governor said the award symbolizes the provincial government’s goal to provide brighter future for underprivileged young Pangasinanses by getting access to free and quality tertiary education.
“Patuloy tayong magsusumikap na palakihin pa ang Pangasinan Polytechnic College upang mas marami pa tayong matulungan dito sa buong lalawigan,” he said.
(We will continue to persevere to improve and make the Pangasinan Polytechnic College a bigger learning institution so we can serve more people in our province.)
The governor said two new PPC campuses will rise in the towns of Umingan and Bugallon in his second term.
As to health, Gov. Guico said his administration wants to deliver the best services for the people by modernizing not only the facilities to include provision of state-of-the-art equipment but enhancing capabilities of healthcare providers (doctors and nurses) through skills enhancement.
The administration also eyes the establishment of specialty hospitals like a heart center, kidney center and cancer institute that will form part of the governor’s dream to provide the best services for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses.
Gov. Guico proudly announced that Philhealth’s Konsulta program has enrolled some four million individuals from across the country. Of this number, about two million are from Region 1 and bulk of which are from Pangasinan with a whopping 1.4 million individuals which was achieved through the GUICONSULTA project which he launched in 2024.
During his first term, Gov. Guico focused on establishing master-planning for the various programs and projects of the province. These include the comprehensive re-development master plan of the Capitol Complex which is focused in the following aspects: construction of the longest reflecting pool and interactive fountain in the entire country; the enhancement of Veterans Memorial Park and World War II Historical Marker; establishment of the 11-story Pangasinan Government Center/Tower and the 1,500-seater Convention Center; the Capitol Flood Control project; and the Tourist Rest Area which is about to be finished.
Gov. Guico vowed that during his administration, the focus will be on grassroots projects that will respond to the needs of the barangay folks through outreach program activities. He said that they will offer different services like free medical-dental check-ups and distribution of food and medical packs; provision of solar street lights; and establishment of farm-to-market roads that are essential in supporting farmers and entrepreneurs throughout Pangasinan.
The provincial government’s excellent works have paid off as it received various awards and recognition like the Department of Health’s 2024 Healthy Communities Award; the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Seal of Good Local Governance; and the Department of Agriculture Regional and National Outstanding KADIWA ng Pangulo Best LGU Implementer.
(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
