The ceremonial Capitol lighting and opening program of the 2023 Christmas celebration with the theme “Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning” will be held tomorrow, December 1, 6p.m. at the Capitol Plaza.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III and his wife, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino,members of the provincial board, department heads, chiefs of hospitals, and other guests will lead the ceremony.
Aside from the eagerly anticipated ceremonial ligthing of the giant Christmas tree, the public will likewise see the Capitol Complex’s buildings and the nativitiy scene elegantly lit.
With a concept that enlivens the spirit of charity, the provincial government likewise promotes other Filipino values such as bayanihan and malasakit (giving and caring).
On December 2, Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Christmas Village) will formally open at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Beach Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m.
So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the first day of Christmas at the Capitol!
Lingayen, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III met a group from Yeongju City, South Korea, which was led by Mayor Park Nam Seo and Chairman Sim Jae Youn, on November 29 at the Urduja House in Lingayen.
A wide range of investment opportunities were discussed, with a specific focus on the agriculture and tourism sectors.
The delegation also learned about the rich culture and history of Pangasinan by visiting the Banaàn Provincial Museum.
On November 28, the International Friendship and Exchange Agreement between Yeongju City and Rosales town was formally sealed.
The pact aims to improve links between the communities and create opportunities for Rosalinians and people accross Pangasinan.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino warmly welcomed contingents from the Province of Kalinga led by Governor James S. Edduba in a short program on November 29 at the Sison Auditorium, here.
The Kalinga contingent is in Pangasinan for a benchmarking activity from November 28 to 30.
Vice Governor Lambino shared that a change in management style in terms of programs, particularly health, is one of the strategies implemented by Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration.
The vice governor also stated that another concern the provincial government identified was the importance of connectivity and mobility. Hence, big-impact projects like the construction of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEx) are pushed.
Meanwhile, Gov. Edduba hailed the provincial government of Pangasinan for its remarkable achievements in various development aspects. In fact, he stated that they chose Pangasinan as the venue of their benchmarking activity to learn about the best practices of the latter in terms of investment, income and tax revenue innovation, socio-economic tourism development, and natural resource preservation.
Likewise, the Kalinga governor noted that Pangasinan is a familiar place for him since he spent a year studying at one of the universities in the province during his college years.
Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, who represented Gov. Guico, attested to the efforts the provincial government exerted from day one of the provincial chief executive’s tenure.
PA Patague cited that the governor, along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), spearheaded by Vice Governor Lambino, and the department heads, exerted all efforts to plan, prepare, and start. “For a project to prosper, we have to set a good foundation,” the provincial administrator stated as he identified various projects initiated by the Guico administration, notably health reform, stricter tax collection imposition, corporate farming, and Pangasinan Green Canopy.
As part of the Kalinga group’s itinerary, they were toured to the different facilities of the provincial government, such as the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum for their tourism site and enterprise center visit, and other provincial government facilities.
No less than Gov. Guico welcomed the group on their visit to the Urduja House, the official residence of the first family.
Aside from Gov. Edduba, the Kalinga delegates are comprised of some members of their provincial board, department heads, and representatives of local chief executives.
(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)
The present administration under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III continues to reap honors and pride for the province, having been awarded as Outstanding Anti-Drug Abuse Councils and, Outstanding Peace and Order Councils respectively by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The Awarding took place during the 2023 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week Celebration and, Regional Awarding Ceremony held on November 24 at the La Union Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) led by PPJ Chief Lovell U. Dalisay was also hailed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1 (PDEA RO1) for their dedicated efforts in rendering and implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Program in support of the Nation’s Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign.
Pangasinan Provincial Jail Drug-Free Workplace Policy is in line with the Nationwide Cleansing Strategy of the National Government to ensure that workplaces are free from the detrimental effects of drug abuse such as security and health problems as well as social, economic, and psychological problems.
The awards and recognition mirror the continuing efforts and initiatives of the provincial government which did not pass unnoticed by award-giving bodies.
PPJ Chief Dalisay said PDEA found no imposition of drugs in the facility for two (2) consecutive conduct of Surprise Search and Seizure Operations, Drug Symposium for PPJ personnel, and Random Test for PDLs.
The Search and Seizure Operation and Drug Symposiums were conducted on September 2, October 18, November 17, and November 22 respectively.
Currently, the Pangasinan Provincial Jail has a total of 245 inmates and almost 50% are drug-related cases. (Chona C. Bugayong / Omar Cruz/ Pangasinan PIMRO)
Pangasinenses see brighter hope with the formal opening of the 89th Alagang Tingog Center, which will stand as a manifestation of a stronger partnership between the leaders of the province and the Tingog Partylist under the leadership of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, 5th district Congressman Ramon Guico Jr., and Binalonan Mayor Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, together with the Tingog Partylist led by Rep. Jude Acidre and Deputy Sec. Gen. Glen Rufino spearheaded the opening of the two Alagang Tingog Centers, specifically in Binalonan town and in the City of Urdaneta, on November 23.
Some 2,000 beneficiaries from the 5th district received cash in the amount of P3,000.00 each from Tingog Partylist, as well as food packs containing rice, sardines, and noodles.
Apart from this, the Alagang Tingog Center aims to provide medical assistance, livelihood programs, educational assistance, and burial assistance to Pangasinenses.
During the opening, Gov. Guico personally expressed his thanks to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez for their assistance and support for Pangasinan.
The governor said that the biggest problem in Pangasinan is the lack of doctors and equipment in its 14 hospitals.
This prompted Gov. Guico and his father, Cong. Guico to seek assistance from Speaker Romualdez. Immediately, they got the nod to their request, and in less than two months, funds were provided for the provincial hospitals benefiting the underprivileged through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients and Financially Incapacitated Program (MAIP).
Likewise, Mayor Guico thanked Tingog Partylist for choosing Binalonan as an avenue to help and share their collective responsibility as members of society—the imperative to give voice to the voiceless—which, to the mayor, is what Tingog is all about.
Meanwhile, Rep. Acidre said that the undertaking is an act of reciprocating the good deeds extended to them by the province when super typhoon Yolanda devastated Tacloban, Leyte, 10 years ago.
“Noong panahon ng aming pangangailangan, kami ay inyong tinulungan. Ngayon, kami naman ang magsusukli sa kabutihan na inyong inabot sa amin. Ang binubuksan natin ngayong umaga ay hindi lang basta tanggapan. Sana ay maging simula ito ng mas matibay na ugnayan at pagsasamahan na sa bawa’t pagkakataong makatulong, asahan ninyong magiging katuwang ninyo ang Tingog Partylist,” Acidre added.
Present during the significant undertaking were 5th district BM Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, 5th district BM Rosary Gracia Perez-Tababa, mayors of the 5th district, vice mayors, and barangay captains.
(Chona C. Bugayong/Mark Sydney Soriano/Jairus Sibayan, Pangasinan PIO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—It’s all systems go for this year’s Christmas celebration at the Capitol complex, with a kaleidoscope of events highlighting the season.
With the theme “Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning,” all roads will surely lead to the Capitol for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and opening program on December 1 at 7 PM at the Capitol Plaza.
On December 2, spectators can walk through a festive scene via Christmas Village with the adorned and decorated structures at the Capitol Complex. The fireworks display will light up the sky at Capitol Beach Park at exactly 9 p.m.
Giving importance to deep-rooted Filipino culture, notably bayanihan and malasakit, the celebration is expected to bring communities closer together in the spirit of charity that will redound to the benefit of the less fortunate Pangasinenses.
Prior to the Christmas tree lighting, the opening of the Christmas bazaar and carnival will be held today, November 24, at 4:30 in the afternoon at Capitol Beach Park, followed by a concert at the Gulf featuring Insekto Pares at 6 p.m.
Spectators will also be treated to different nighttime activities as part of the pre-Christmas and post-holiday celebrations. These include concerts with various bands to perform, social activities courtesy of different groups, and performances of the various offices and hospital employees by sectoral groups for the Galikin: The Capitol Christmas Shows. Competitions for parol-making, best in building decoration, and best in Christmas presentation will also be held.
Meanwhile, the traditionally anticipated nine-day Simbang Gabi will start on December 15 at 5 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza and will end on December 23. The Capitol Christmas Eve SMass, on the other hand, will be held on December 24 at 6 p.m.
For the information of the public, a schedule of activities will be announced or posted on the official Facebook page of the province.
Lingayen, Pangasinan— For Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, citizen engagement and respect for government processes are vital in the implementation of projects and programs.
In line with this, a public consultation on the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex was conducted on Nov. 21 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1) here.
The undertaking was spearheaded by the provincial government in collaboration with DENR, DPWH, residents, and officials of Brgy. Libsong West and Poblacion.
Discussed during the consultation were the project’s background, plans, and significance to the community.
Through an open forum, concerned citizens were given the opportunity to clarify and raise their concerns relative to the proposed project.
Likewise, they had the chance to have a sneak preview of the said project through an audio-visual presentation showing what the Capitol would be like and its components, namely: the Governor Aguedo Agbayani Park, Reflecting Pool, Interactive Fountain, Capitol View Deck, Capitol Hotel, Capitol Plaza, Lagoon, Executive Tower Lobby, Executive Elevator Lobby, Executive Tower Public Facing Offices, Executive Tower Common Toilet, Executive Tower Session Hall, and Executive Offices.
In his message, VG Lambino mentioned that part of the master plan for the Capitol Complex will be the construction of a Capitol Plaza where all offices of the provincial government will be housed for accessible and easier transactions.
Lambino also assured that the provincial government is not only focused on infrastructure projects but also on social services.
On the same note, the vice governor assured that Gov. Guico wants proper planning, proper use of resources and people’s money, excellent government services, and the redevelopment of the Capitol.
Meanwhile, Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre assured that the project would be for the good of the province, calling on the continued support of the people.
Attendees were 5th district BM Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, 1st district BM Apolonia Bacay, 2nd district BM Haidee Pacheco, and 4th district BM Marinor De Guzman. Engr. Noriel Nisperos is represented by Camilo Carino, Forester III of CENRO-DENR Dagupan City, Amelia Zamudio, Project Engineer of DPWH Region I, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa Elduayan, Provincial Engineer Amadeo Veras, Provincial Housing and Urban Development Officer Alvin Bigay, Atty. Verna Nava-Perez, and the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during its regular session on Monday, November 11, approved a resolution that gives authority for Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) for the implementation and promotion of the cleft care program in the province.
The PBM is a non-stock, non-profit, and non-government organization established in 1937 that conducts medical and surgical missions throughout the country.
PBM has chosen Pangasinan as one of its target areas to spread its mission of providing free cleft surgical services to underprivileged children who are born with cleft lip or palate deformities.
As stated in the resolution authored by SP Members Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the surgical services will be held on schedule to be agreed upon by the PBM and the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital, and Mangatarem District Hospital, depending on the number of patients in Pangasinan.
“The program would greatly help in promoting the well-being of less-fortunate Pangasinenses, especially in boosting the self-esteem and confidence of those harelip and cleft palate patients from various parts of the province,” the resolution partly stated.
Meanwhile, the target dates for the Cleft Surgical Outreach Mission Project to be held at Pangasinan PPH will be January 11, 19, 20, 21, and 22, with around 20 to 30 patients.
The MOU will be signed by the governor and Ms. Persida G. Benedictos, PBM executive director.
The operation of commercial seaplanes is expected to further strengthen Pangasinan’s tourism industry.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, along with his father, 5th District Congressman Ramon Guico Jr., were the prime passengers ferried by the seaplane from take-off at Binalonan and successfully landed at the Limahong Channel here at around 10 o’clock in the morning of November 19, Sunday.
From Lingayen, the province’s first family was then on board the Airtrav RP-C1208 en route to the City of Alaminos and Bolinao, where they were joined by 1st District Congressman Arthur Celeste.
With seaplanes as a means of transportation, tourists and passengers are expected to have an amazing travel experience with a shorter time of one hour from Manila to Lingayen and the Hundred Islands.
Gov. Guico, a pilot himself, said that the seaplane can accommodate about ten (10) passengers.
The seaplane is expected to take the route from Manila Bay to Lingayen, the Hundred Islands, and other coastal towns in Pangasinan should the project push through.
The seaplane project will not just be another Pangasinan’s first but an eloquent expression of the governor’s great love for his province and people, with the aim of securing a stable and sustainable future for Pangasinenses.
The proposed project is in collaboration with Cong. Celeste of the First District.
(Chona C. Bugayong/Adrian Carlo Dela Cruz / Orland C. Llemos /PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Another Pangasinense brought pride to the province after placing 8th in the November 2023 Licensure Examination for Midwives.
Jenyfer Palma Lopez was among the 2,800 who took the licensure examination, wherein she bagged a rating of 90.70%.
A product of Anonang National High School in Mangaldan town, Lopez obtained her Bachelor of Science in Midwifery course from the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-College of Community Health and Allied Medical Sciences, South La Union Campus in Agoo, La Union.
“Jenyfer Palma Lopez, who hails from Barangay Anonang, San Fabian, Pangasinan, and is the daughter of Mr. Jerry Lopez and Mrs. Megan Lopez, has earned the admiration and respect not only of her mentors, classmates, friends, and family but also of all young Pangasinenses for being an outstanding example to her generation who aspire to become successful individuals,” a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Marinor B. de Guzman and unanimously approved by the august body on November 20,stated.
Furthermore, the resolution disclosed that the recent feat of Lopez is a testament to her exceptional capabilities, hard work, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
“It is fitting for the Province of Pangasinan, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, to give due recognition and commendation to Ms. Jenyfer Palma Lopez for the remarkable distinction she brought to the province and to her fellow Pangasinenses,” the resolution cited.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A joint oncogynecological medical and surgical mission will be conducted on November 25–26 by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists of the Philippines, Inc. (SGOP) and the Bayambang District Hospital (BDH).
As contained in the resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed by both parties prior to the conduct of the mission. This will be signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Dr. Gladdy Maura G. Facun, medical mission coordinator, and Dr. Athena Marie Merrera, BDH chief.
It was stated in the resolution that SGOP shall take charge of the identification of patients, preferably residents of Pangasinan, for surgery and cervical cancer screening. The BDH, on the other hand, will provide its health care facilities and equipment and a suitable area for the loading and unloading of equipment and medical supplies of the medical team during the duration of the medical mission.
Also, the medical residents of the Bayambang District Hospital will monitor post-operative patients after the said mission until the last patient is discharged from the hospital.
“It is to the best of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan to authorize the Provincial Governor to sign the Memorandum of Agreement to further augment the need for medical and health care services in the province,” the resolution stated.
The SGOP was organized on October 30, 1984, under the stewardship of its president, Dr. Luciano SJ Sotto.
Lingayen, Pangasinan—- The provincial government and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office will jointly undertake the implementation of the program dubbed ‘STY Egay Rehabilitation and Recovery in the Province of Pangasinan.’
As stated in an approved resolution on November 11, which was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be signed by both parties to initiate programs that are specifically aimed at assisting affected farmers and livestock raisers in the region.
Hence, the DA regional office will provide financial resources to local government units (LGUs) under the Quick Response Fund of the Office of the Secretary of the Agriculture Department.
“Through the MOA, the DA-Regional Office 1 shall transfer funds amounting to P8,152,700.00 to the Province of Pangasinan to initiate recovery from the damages and losses wrought by the typhoon and to achieve disaster rehabilitation through the Livestock Banner Program and the High-Value Crops Development Program,” the resolution partly stated.
It can be recalled that Pangasinan is one of the provinces in Region 1 that suffered the onslaught of Super Typhoon Egay last July in terms of agricultural damages and losses to high-value crops and livestock.
“Section 465(vi) of RA 7160 provides that the Provincial Governor shall represent the Province in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan pursuant to law or ordinance,” the resolution further noted.
An amount of P5,029,500.00 will be utilized for the High-Value Crops Development Program, while a total fund of P3,123,200.00 will be used for the Livestock Banner Program.