Month: June 2023

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Starting schoolyear 2023-2024, the provincial government will open the doors of its own college to the first batch of students from the different parts of the province.

This was after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) unanimously passed on Monday, June 26, an ordinance that established the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC).

This will be the first college fully-owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos Region.

The University of Eastern Pangasinan in Binalonan town, Urdaneta City University in Urdaneta City, Binalatongan College in San Carlos City, and Bayambang Polytechnic College in Bayambang town are run by thier own local government units.

“After 10 months of consultation with experts from the different public and private universities, Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)  and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), we finally have the Pangasinan Polytechnic College,” said Vice Gov. Mark Ronad Lambino.

Lambino said that the establishment of the PPC was in keeping with Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd’s commitment to provide accessible education for Pangasinan residents.

“This college will be designed to make sure that it will be accessible to all Pangasinenses who are in need of tertiary education. But unlike most colleges and universities, we will be employing a ladderized system, where there will be certificate and diploma courses, and even vocational programs,” Lambino said.

To do this, he said, TESDA programs will be incorporated into PPC course offerings so that after one year or two years, a student can already look for a job and help his or her family.

“And because it’s a ladderized system, every year you will gain credit from what you finished. This will help those who have limited time or resources to go to school because they are already working, and they wanted to go back to school,” Lambino said.

Lambino said that PPC’s first campus will initially be at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here, where there are rooms that can be retrofitted and converted into classrooms.

“But the direction of our governor is to have two or three campuses. One in Lingayen, another one in central Pangasinan, probably San Carlos City, and another one in the eastern part of the province,” Lambino said.

He said that PPC students will be full scholars, enjoying free tuition and miscellaneous fees, “for as long as they abide with their contracts, academics-wise, behavior-wise.”

Lambino also clarified that the creation of the PPC will not compete with the state-run Pangasinan State University and the private universities in the province.

“The purpose is to bridge the gap of the need for education in the province. We are not here to be a competitor. They have their own programs, they have they own platforms, they have their own visions and missions. The PPC will also have its own direction,” Lambino said.

Under the ordinance, PPC will be run by a Governing Board headed by the governor as chair, with the college president as vice chair.

Other members of the board will be the presidents of the faculty association, supreme student council, and alumni association, the SP education committee chair, and representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, business and industry sector, professional sector, CHEd, National Economic Development Authority, TESDA, and Department of Education. (PangasinanPIO)

The Pangasinan Provincial board or Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved in its regular session on June 19, a resolution which authorized Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of  health (DOH) for the implementation of ‘Espesyalista Para Sa Bayan (EPSB) program.

As authored by SP Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, the resolution stated that “the EPSB program is anchored on RA No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act of 2019 which states that the DOH shall deploy health workforce to augment human resource needs in public health systems.”

“The MOA pertains to the nomination for two representatives from Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) and Umingan Community Hospital (UCH) to become members of the Special Personnel Selection Board,” the resolution partly disclosed.

The EPSB program refers to the program that deploys specialty board-certified physicians in priority hospitals for the purpose of improving access and availability of quality specialty health services in the province.

“DOH Administrative Order No. 2022-0016 provides for the Policy Framework and Implementing Guidelines of the EPSB Program under the National Health Workforce Support System (NHWSS),” the resolution further stated.

It can be remembered that quality health care services is one of the priority programs of the present administration through preventive and promotive health services. (Pangasinan PIO)

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino during its regular session on June 19, commended three Pangasinenses for their feats in the field of education and sports.

Authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, a resolution commending Hazel Ronlee G. Salazar of  Urdaneta City,  was passed for successfully landing on the 8th spot during the May 2023 Nursing Licensure Examination.

Bagging 90% rating, Salazar was a former STEM student and alumnus of Urdaneta City National High School and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the Urdaneta City University. She is the daughter of Mr. Ronnie Salazar and Mrs. Lorlee Salazar.

Along with Salazar, another successful examinee of the nursing licensure examination who bagged the 9th place with a rating of 89.80%, was lauded through an approved resolution authored by SP Members Marinor de Guzman and Jerry Agerico B. Rosario.

Sheena del Rosario Rocacorba who hails from San Fabian town, was an honor student and finished her degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-College of Community Health and Allied Medical Sciences in Agoo, La Union, as Cum Laude.

Meanwhile, a Pangasinense athlete with special needs in the person of Jerome Doria Fernandez was also cited for his achievement in sports.

Fernandez notched three bronze medals in men’s 100-meter T46, 400-meter T46 and 200-meter T46 track and field events in the 12th ASEAN Para Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia last June 3 to 9, 2023.

ASEAN Para Games is a biennial multi-sport event held after every Southeast Asian Games involving athletes with disabilities from the current 11 Southeast Asia countries under the regulation of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) with the supervision of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Asian Paralympic Committee.

A native of Binmaley town, Fernandez was commended through an approved resolution authored by SP Member Philip Theodore E. Cruz. (Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—To further strengthen the integrated efforts in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the nutrition program for the province, the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) recently conducted  its second regular consultative meeting under the present administration.

The meeting served as a venue in providing updates and strategies as well as feedbacking of nutrition program concerns from each member agency.

During the meeting, Dra. Cielo E. Almoite,  MPH Provincial Health Officer, who represented Dra. Ana Maria Teresa S. De Guzman, Provincial Health Officer II  said the activity is focused on the past and upcoming activities for the remaining six (6) months of the year primarily the nutrition evaluation on the Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) for the selected municipalities, the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team (RNET) and  other issues and concerns.

MELLPI Pro  is the updated monitoring and evaluation framework and system for assessment of initiatives including policy and legislation for the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition at the local level.

It can be recalled that Governor Ramon V. Guico III has set his sights in giving priority to the health and wellness of the people by providing quality health services to include proper nutrition especially of the children.

Meanwhile, Dr. Almoite stressed the vital role of the council in achieving the goals of the provincial government as she further stated that PNC plays pivotal role in registering a win for the 2022 evaluation.

“Napakalaki ang role na ginampanan ng mga members ng ating PNC noong tayo ay ene-valuate ng RNET. Naniniwala naman ako na since very functional naman po yong ating PNC ay naniniwala naman po kami na muli po natin makukuha yong panalo for 2022 na performance po natin,”she said.

In addition, Dr. Almoite said  that one of the major activities this July is the Nutrition Month celebration which is anchored on the theme: “HEALTHY DIET gawing affordable FOR ALL.”

Other reports presented by Nutrition Program Manager Analiza S. Miranda include the vision of the nutrition program :“Pangasinan-Home of well-nourished and healthiest Pangasinense” and its mission “To guarantee an effective, accessible, affordable and adequate quality nutrition and health care to all levels of the society particularly the marginalized through an effective partnership with local government and other stakeholders.”  (PangasinanPIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A satellite field office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration-Regional Welfare Office 1 (OWWA-RWO 1) will be established within the Capitol Complex, here.

This was formalized by an approved resolution on June 19 authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Marinor B. de Guzman.

Earlier, OWWA which is under the supervision of the Department of Migrant Workers requested the provincial government for a possible vacant office or unit  where the western Pangasinan satellite office be housed.

Upon the approval of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, an office was identified which was formerly utilized by the Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) as its satellite.

In some of the talks of Gov. Guico, he said that the provincial government acknowledges the vital role of the local government unit in providing extension and on-site research services and facilities to include those that provide social and welfare programs and services to OFWs, social assistance, education and training, cultural services, financial management, reintegration, and entrepreneurial development services in the province.

Hence, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed by Gov. Guico, on behalf of the province, and OWWA OIC- Regional Director Gerardo C. Rimorin to formalize the undertaking.

“It is to the best interest of the Province of Pangasinan, in coordination with the OWWA, to find ways to protect the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs in Pangasinan in recognition of their valuable contribution in the continued stability of the Philippine economy,” the resolution stated.

(Pangasinan PIO)

Gov. Ramon Guico III on Wednesday inducted into office the newly-elected officers of the Lady Local Legislators’ League (Four-L) – Pangasinan Chapter Officers lead by its President and 1st District Board Member Apolonia Bacay at the Urduja House Ceremonial Hall in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

In his message, the governor expressed his support to the organization, saying there should be a representative of the Four-L Pangasinan Chapter in the regional and in the national levels.

“I hope makatulong tayo sa inyo, at magtulungan tayo, kasi marami pong mga pwedeng i-promote, maraming mga talents sa atin, maraming artistically inclined. Not that hanggang bagoong, asin tayo. I think there is more, and, tingin ko mga kababaihan yong makakatulong diyan. There is something that we can do to actually promote some products,” Governor Guico said.

Governor Guico also urged Four-L officers to push for livelihood programs for women as well as the production of better products that can be sold internationally.

The organization proposed establishment of Center for Women in provincial government hospitals.

Along with BM Bacay, other inducted officers were San Nicolas Councilor Maricon Vindy Operana, vice president, Board Member Marinor De Guzman, secretary, Alaminos City Councilor Carolyn Sison, treasurer, Alaminos City Councilor Dahlia De Leon, deputy treasurer, Umingan Vice Mayor Chris Evert Leynes, auditor, and San Fabian Councilor Kimberly Bandarlipe, public relations officer.

The Board of Directors are Alaminos City Councilor Apple Joy Tolentino and Sual Councilor Apple Joy Mendoza (District 1), Board Member Haidee Pacheco and Mangatarem Councilor Andrea Cruz (District 2), Board Member Shiela Marie Baniqued and Alaminos City CouncilorVerna Rabago (District 3), San Fabian CouncilorMarieta Cuaresma and Mangaldan Councilor Lovely Lian Maramba (District 4), Board Member Rosary Gracia Tababa and Asingan Councilor Athena Ira Chua (District 5), and Tayug Councilor Magdalena Mangelen and Asingan Councilor Marivic Robeniol (District 6).

Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino and 3rd District Board Member Vici Ventanilla also graced the occasion.

(PangasinanPIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Gov. Ramon Guico 3rd has asked the officers of the Provincial Government Employees’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Pangasinan (PGEMPCOP) to consider offering a housing loan in its loan packages to enable its members to have their own houses.

“I think you should study offering this loan package because we will soon have a housing program for our employees. I think many of you want to have their own houses,” said Governor Guico after he swore into office the new set of PGEMPCOP officers at the Urduja House last Monday.

Janette Asis, provincial human resource management and development officer and PGEMPCOP general manager, said that at present, the cooperative only offers salary and other short-term loans.

Asis said that the cooperative’s grew from a measly P400,000 to P26 million in the last eight years, and from more 300 members, the cooperative now has 1,400 members consisting of regular employees, casuals, consultants, and job order workers of the provincial government.

“I encountered some of our job order workers, who have been here for 15 years, 20 years. I asked where they lived and they said they were informal settlers somewhere. So, that is I think what we need to provide,” said Governor Guico.

At present, he said, the province needs 17,000 thousand houses a year.

This is one of the reasons, Governor Guico said, why he had asked the conversion of the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Center into a housing authority that will map out and build more houses for Pangasinenses.

“Anyway, what I’m only asking is for you to have a commitment to your work. I’m very considerate but when it comes to work, we have to be serious,” Governor Guico said.

“I have never worked so hard as I am doing right now,” he added.

Governor Guico said that the cooperative should also focus on gaining more members to increase its present membership.

“We have 6,000 employees (in the provincial government). So, I think that you should have a more active campaign to entice them to join this cooperative,” Governor Guico said.

“So that should be your objective: To gain more members. Show them the benefits. But I hope you will attach this cooperative to housing eventually. I think you have enough funds for those who seriously want to acquire a house of their own,” he added.

(PangasinanPIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Gov. Ramon “Mon-mon” Guico III may be the only Pangasinan governor who has visited twice the mountain village of Malico in San Nicolas town in a span of nine months.

Governor Guico first traveled to Malico as governor on October 19, 2022 to dialog with village residents there after he spoke at the Ilocos Region Indigenous People’s Summit.

Last March 20, Governor Guico returned to the village to inaugurate its Barangay Disaster Operations Center. The inauguration coincided with the first out-of-town session then of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino.
“The governor’s visits were clear affirmation that Malico is part of Pangasinan,” said provincial administrator Ely Patague.

Malico, which sits on top of the Caraballo Mountain, is a one-hour drive via Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya Road or Villa Verde Trail from San Nicolas, is being claimed by Nueva Vizcaya as part of its Santa Fe town.

It is called “Little Baguio” because its cold climate is similar to Baguio City’s, although it has higher elevation than the country’s summer capital.

The Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya Road, which crosses the Caraballo mountains, is the newest direct link of the Ilocos Region to the Cagayan Valley. The other one is the Maharlika Highway, which connects Pagudpud town in Ilocos Norte province and Santa Praxedes town in Cagayan province.

But despite Nueva Vizcaya’s territorial claim, the mountain village contiunues to benefit from the services rendered by the Pangasinan provincial government.

In addition to the Barangay Disaster Operations Center, Patague said the provincial government will also establish a tourism office and a barracks for the Philippine National Police.

To prepare village officials to effectively respond to a disaster, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) conducted a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation –Disaster Risk Reduction and Basic Life Support Training in the village last December.

At least 40 barangay officials and health workers in the village participated in the training.

After the training session, the PDRRMO distributed 300 family food packs and 50 health kits and vitamins. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office also gave special gifts to the village’s elders.

For the longest time, the Malico National High School and Malico Elementary School belonged to the Pangasinan II division of the Department of Education, a proof that Malico is a part of Pangasinan.

During a meeting at the Governor’s Office here last year, Malico barangay captain Jaime Segundo said that Pangasinan was the only province to which his village belonged.

Segundo, 61, says that it was in that mountain village of Pangasinan where he was born and where he grew up, and he has always been proud of San Nicolas as the town of his birth.

(PangasinanPIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — The provincial government of Pangasinan is holding its first ever Pangasinan IT Challenge for Youth With Disabilities on June 21 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center I here.

Hosted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Persons With Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), the competition is open to youth with disabilities aged 13 to 24 years old, who are recently enrolled in either public or private schools.

“In line with Gov. Ramon Guico III’s vision of making Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, the PSWDO through its PDAO ventured into ICT competition to bridge the gap in the digital divide and enhance the information and communication technology (ICT) capabilities of young individuals with disabilities,” PSWDO Annabel Terrado Roque said.

According to Jennifer V. Garcia, head of PDAO, the event will encourage the youth to explore ICT tools and skills, fostering inclusivity for persons with disabilities.

The competition will be divided into three categories: eTools (Excel and PPT), eLifeMap, and eContents. Participants will showcase their proficiency in these areas, highlighting their technological skills and creativity.

Prizes at stake are: first place, P5,000; second place, P3,000; and third place, P1,500.

Garcia said winners in the provincial level will compete in the national competition in the last week of June in Metro Manila and will have a chance to represent the country in the Global IT Challenge to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE in October 2023.

To prepare the participants for the challenge, an orientation of the contest package will be conducted on June 13 through an online platform. Subsequently, participants will undergo practice and training from June 14 to 20, to hone their skills and familiarizing themselves with the competition requirements.

Interested participants can register through
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1yRYRDPVr4lKVuBTN563NC_vsWF86BzVgWIKSCz03BixwUg/viewform?usp=sharing on or before June 10, 2023.

“We are advocating inclusivity for persons with disabilities, and this event will serve as a platform for them to engage with their peers, learn from experts, and gain valuable experiences that can contribute to their personal and professional growth,” Garcia said.

The PSWDO-PDAO has partnered with the National Council on Disability Affairs, DICT Pangasinan, Local Government Units, DepEd and the Local Youth Development Office to make this event possible.

(PSWDO-PDAO/PangasinanPIO)