Month: January 2024

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), during its regular session on January 15, has approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines (UP)-Baguio relative to the secondment of Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos as President of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC).

Authored by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, the resolution stated that the PPC needs the services of a highly competent and technically proficient person who will serve as a consultant and interim president.

Hence, “Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos, a professor at the Department of History and Philosophy, College of Social Sciences of the University of the Philippines Baguio, has been identified to qualify for the position at the PPC.”

Furthermore, the resolution cited that “Dr. Rovillos is willing to be seconded to the PPC for the period from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, and hereby accepts and agrees to perform the duties as President as stipulated in the terms of the secondment.”

The PPC is a public, non-sectarian, non-partisan technical-vocational, and higher educational institution operating primarily under the subsidy of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

As stated in a letter sent earlier by Gov. Guico to Prof. Corazon Abansi, Chancellor of UP-Baguio, the former cited that the province is currently vigorously carrying out programs and projects that are deemed pivotal toward the realization of the present administration’s strategic initiatives in various areas such as social and economic development, public policy and governance, infrastructure, culture, heritage, and education.

The establishment of the PPC, the governor said in the letter, aims to prepare the youth for immediate employment in the province’s immediate communities and beyond.
“We are now in the process of developing academic programs in three areas/fields: agricultural entrepreneurship, sustainable local governance and program/project management, and creativity and design,” Gov. Guico stated in the letter.

(Ruby R. Bernardino, Photo by Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan will implement the Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) and Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) activities and programs in five towns of the province.

Also known as “Improving Access to Essential 1,000 Day Interventions and Quality Early Childhood Care Services in Disadvantaged Communities,” the project is jointly funded by Helen Keller International and The Church of Jesus Christ—The Latter Days Saint Charities.

Helen Keller International is a US-based non-governmental organization with an office in Malate, Manila, that is dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition, and diseases of poverty.

With this, a resolution was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on January 15. Said resolution, which is authored by SP Member Rosary Gracia P. Perez-Tababa, is intended to authorize Governor Ramon V. Guico III to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Helen Keller International for the implementation of the project in the towns of Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangatarem, Mangaldan, and San Fabian.

“The project is in pursuance to Republic Act 11148, known as the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag Nanay Act,” which is an Act Scaling Up the National and Local Health Nutrition and Nutrition Programs through a Strengthened Integrated Strategy for Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health, and Nutrition in the First 1,000 Days of Life, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes,” the resolution said.

As such, the resolution disclosed that the provincial government of Pangasinan has agreed to share resources with Helen Keller International in the implementation of the BF1KD and ECCD interventions in the five municipalities.

In the MOU signing, country representative Maria Fatima Dolly R. Rearion will represent Helen Keller International.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/ Joey Olimpo PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Vice Governor  Mark Ronald DG Lambino highlighted the importance of integrity during the regular flag-raising ceremony on January 15.

Relative to the value-focused on integrity, Lilibeth Z. Salazar and Maria Virginia D. Delos Santos, both from the Provincial Assessment Office, were commended by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for their outstanding efforts and dedication following their recent discoveries and reporting of the fake Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registrations, or ECAR.

“Several thousand pesos should have been forgone if they had not noticed the fake ECAR,” the letter of commendation stated.

According to the BIR’s official website, “the Electronic Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCAR) is an attestation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner (or his duly authorized representative) which confirms that the taxes incurred in the transfer of real and personal properties have already been paid.”

“Thus, integrity is doing what is right, what is proper, what is just, and what is fair to everyone concerned.”

Following this earlier statement, the vice governor added that integrity is the most simple yet very fragile trait of an employee, which can only be strengthened through the cooperation and support of every employee.

The vice governor likewise assured that the present administration values every employee for all their work and sacrifices.

“This administration, the leadership sees everything in the value that you provide for the Capitol. Lahat po ng ginagawa niyo ay binibigyang halaga po ng administrasyon na ito,” VG Lambino said.

He further stated that everything that has been done in the past 18 months to achieve the goals and directions set by the governor can be attributed to the efforts and initiative of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, with the cooperation of every employee.

VG Lambino urged the Capitol employees to help each other, carry each other’s hand, support the organization, and support the province of Pangasinan, as there are tons more things to do in the province.

“Kung wala po kayo, wala pong itegridad ang bawat isang empleyado dito sa ating lalawigan, hindi po natin ma-attain yong ating mga gusto para sa ating kababayan, at yon po ay ang pinaka magandang buhay para sa mga Pangasinense,” Lambino said.

(Chona C. Bugayong/ Jairus Sibayan, PIMRO)

Police Brigadier General Lou Frias Evangelista received a Plaque Resolution from the members of the Pangasinan Provincial Board led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino on January 15 during the conduct of the regular session.

Said resolution expressed the province’s commendation for PBGen Evangelista’s installation as the new director of Police Regional Office 1 (Ilocos). A native of Binmaley town and member of the PNPA Sandigan Class 1994, he replaced PBGen John C. Chua, who was reassigned to Area Police Command-Visayas.

Provincial Resolution No. 1095-2023 was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Haidee S. Pacheco and co-authored by SP Members Philip Theodore E. Cruz and Vici M. Ventanilla.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office | Photo by Joey F. Olimpo)

Lingayen,Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan is now preparing for the opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) by identifying various training sites to be utilized.

In the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino sponsored a resolution entitled: “Allowing the Pangasinan Polytechnic College-Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL) to Use the Identified Training Sites Owned by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.”

The following are the identified training sites that are owned by the provincial government: 1) CeLL Building 1 (former Ricafort Restaurant); 2) CeLL Building 2 (automotive building); 3) Motorpool Compound (TD No. 26902); 4) Back of the TESDA Accredited Competency Center (TD No. 27111); 5) Province Vehicle Depot (Sabangan, Malimpuec, and Capandanan) (TD No. 22-0028-26332, TD No. 22-0019-26330, and TD No. 22-0008-26331); 6) OPAG Satellite Office, Alaminos City; 7) Laoac Dairy Farm.

Also, the resolution stated that “among the programs to be offered by PPC are TESDA courses handled by the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL), currently facilitated by the Public Employment Service Office.”

“The Province of Pangasinan, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, recognizes the important role of these training sites by way of enhancing educational and training skills,” the resolution stated.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Lovell U Dalisay, Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) Chief, highlights the notable accomplishments of PPJ for the year 2023, starting with the increased amount of subsistence allowance, which contributed to the peace and order situation in PPJ.

Improved care and treatment of the Provincial Jail’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) with the increase in meal allowance from P70 to P100 and from P100 to P120 in July 2023, as well as the provision of regular medical check-ups, was also one of the notable accomplishments of the present administration under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

In line with this, Dalisay disclosed that PPJ has the highest daily subsistence compared to the Bureau of Corrections/New Bilibid Prison (BUCOR/NBP), La Union Provincial Jail, as well as the provincial jails of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Bulacan, Albay, Negros Oriental, Benguet, and Aurora.

It is also noteworthy that during the period covered, there were no recorded cases of escapees or rioters among the PDLs.

Further, no contempt order was ever issued to PPJ due to its 100% compliance with all court orders achieved through the dedication of personnel in PPJ.

In addition, there were a series of programs undertaken, including the conduct of two (2)-day Modified Firearms Proficiency Training for PPJ at the Pangasinan PPO Firing Range in Brgy. Libsong West, Lingayen; Conduct of Quarterly Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) on the formulated PPJ Defense and Fire Plans; Conduct of Provincial Jail Information and Continuing Education (PJICE); Conduct of Information Dissemination among the PDLs on their rights and privileges, etc.; Conduct of a clean-up drive along the shorelines in Lingayen; Conduct of Assessment Test to all PPJ personnel to determine/evaluate their knowledge and awareness re: BJMP Manual 2015; and Participated in the 2023 Drug Abuse and Provincial Control Week Celebration and Regional Awarding Ceremony at La Union Convention Center, San Fernando City, among others.

Currently, the PPJ is mandated to provide humane safekeeping and rehabilitation or development of PDLs through the conduct of medical and dental missions as well as sports and religious activities. (Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has discovered another treasure in the province of Pangasinan. This is the dairy farm in Laoac town, which earned P2 million in 2023.

With 32 milk-producing carabaos and 40 milk-producing cows, the Laoac Dairy Farm (LDF) produced at least 7.5 liters a day. It further hopes to produce other products when LDF becomes fully operational.

As this developed, the construction of 2.1 hectares of Buffalo Barn is now ongoing in Barangay Botigue, to increase production as well as increase the number of animals now under the care of the LDF, which will eventually become a breeding station.

On the same note, a milk processing plant has also been considered.

The project is expected to yield a positive impact, benefiting the people in terms of livelihood and job opportunities. Thus ensuring the revitalization of the dairy industry in Pangasinan through the Laoac Dairy Farm.

Farm Manager Nicanor Rovillos said the LDF, with an area of 3.7 hectares, has now housed about 201 carabaos, including 34 calves, as well as 50 Holstein Jersey breeds from Australia.

Rovillos also said that the carabao breed is being identified by the Philippine Carabao Center. Existing carabaos have 50% native bloodlines, and the other 50% have buffalo bloodlines.

The purpose of calves breeding is to upgrade their bloodline so that the bloodline of the offspring or calves will increase to 75% in order to have a Murrah Buffalo bloodline.

The Laoac Dairy Farm is expected to soar even higher as a dairy producer. (Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Kristene Joy V. Flores/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III vehemently denied allegations that Manila Water Company, Inc. and its subsidiary terminated their concession agreement with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) due to the latter’s “non-fulfillment of conditions.”

In a press conference at the Urduja House in Lingayen on January 9, the governor stated that, as far as the provincial government of Pangasinan is concerned, there was no awareness of such conditions, which are not complied with, nor was there any information on the part of Manila Water stating any violations of the province.

“Since it is our leadership that is put in a bad light, we are compelled to clarify things. We are not picking a fight; we just want to defend ourselves, kasi very harsh ‘yong statement, and it is contradicting to the thrust of our administration to invite more investors that could produce revenues for the province,” Gov. Guico said as he disclosed that the province is not against the project.

As stated by Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, the province received a communication from Manila Water in April 2023.

Considering that the past administration entered into the agreement, the Provincial Legal Office conducted due diligence. Several irregularities were uncovered, including the fact that the confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation came before the execution of the said certification.

Based on records, the Certificate of Successful Negotiation dated July 3, 2019, was entered into by the consortium and the PGP represented by then Provincial Administrator Nimrod Camba, the Chairman of the PPP-SC that time.

The former provincial administrator “does not have the authority to represent the Province and to sign the Certification of Successful Negotiation.”

“Although he is the Chairman of the PPPSC, it was stated in Section 13 of the PPP Code that all recommendations of the PPPSC shall be submitted to the Governor for his consideration and approval,” the legal officer cited.

In addition, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on June 28, 2019, issued Provincial Resolution No. 380-2019 entitled, “Confirming and Approving the Terms and Conditions embodied in the Certificate of Successful Negotiations between the Consortium of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan in the implementation of the Pangasinan Bulk Water Supply Project in the Province, and to proceed with the other processes in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Province and Hereby granting authority to the Honorable Governor to sign pertinent documents concerning said project” confirming the terms and of the certification of Successful Negotiation dated July 3, 2019.

“The confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation came before the execution of the said certification,” Atty. Torre said.

Under the PPP Code of the province, the SP approval of the terms and conditions in the certificate should have been done prior to the issuance of the PPPSC.

Atty. Torre stated that, on record, there was no proof of publication of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Submit Comparative Proposals in reference to the PPP Provision. Also, upon inquiry from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer, there is no proof of payment of the Performance Security Bond.

“The Notice of Award was issued prior to the signing of the PPP Contract (Concession Agreement). Under the PPP Code, only after the signing of the PPP contract by the governor that the PPPSC shall issue the Notice of Award to the PSP. However, the Notice of Award was issued by the PPPSC on September 30, 2021, while the Concession was entered/executed on January 14, 2022,” the legal officer pointed out.

The legal officer further disclosed that in the joint venture agreement, no new amendments or new agreements were executed on or before December 31, 2023, which made the supposed P8-billion project died a natural death.

Gov. Guico said he is set to meet with the officials of MWCI this month.

“We want to clarify that we want the project; we believe in the project,” Governor Guico said.

Under the concession agreement, MWCI will invest P8 billion in the next 25 years for the creation of an infrastructure that will source water from the Agno River through riverbank filtration technology.

Some 14 towns and cities will benefit from the project to include the towns of Villasis, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mapandan, Manaoag, Binmaley, Lingayen, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, and the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos. (Jooy Olimpo, Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) for the latter to be an apex or end-referral hospital of the province.

In a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued which was approved in the regular session of the provincial board on January 8, it was disclosed that “Section V of Administrative Order 202-0019 (Guidelines on the Service Delivery Design of Health Care Provider Networks) mandates all health care provider networks (HCPNs) to have primary to tertiary care providers with linkages to an apex hospital and other facilities providing specialized services needed by its catchment population.”

To ensure that program objectives for health are realized, the provincial government intends to form a collaborative partnership with the R1MC. Said collaboration will ensure continuous health care from primary to tertiary, which will be delivered in a safe, efficient, and coordinated mechanism in line with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.

“Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, states that the functional responsibilities for the delivery of basic health services and other related facilities have been transferred from the Department of Health (DOH) to the local government units,” the resolution stated.

The DOH has designated the R1MC as an apex or end-referral hospital to deliver specialized services that are not expected to be provided in HCPNs.

R1MC is a health facility licensed to operate as a Level III hospital. Level III hospitals are considered tertiary health facilities that can provide all kinds of services. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, signified their full support for the Rice Industry Development Program of the province.

In the regular session of the provincial board on January 8, a resolution was authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison to strongly endorse Governor Ramon V. Guico’s letter request for the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH) to allocate funds for the provision of various farm machinery and post-harvest facilities.

“Agriculture is the primary industry of the Province of Pangasinan, its agriculture sector is important for inclusive growth and is a key driver of the province’s economy, particularly in the rural areas where farming families live,” the resolution stated, further disclosing that “to achieve sustainable food production, it is imperative to continuously address pressing challenges and constraints that may impact the productivity, profitability, and welfare of farmers.”

Gov. Guico implemented the Pangasinan Corporate Farming Project to address major concerns of the agriculture sector in the province, as it aims to increase farmers’ yield and income, reduce production costs, and alleviate the province’s economy through shared efforts of both public and private partnerships.

The program likewise aimed to make farming a “profitable and sustainable economic enterprise in line with the national government’s food sufficiency thrust under the Masagana Program for Agriculture,” the resolution stated.

As noted in the resolution, PHILMECH, an agency attached to the agriculture department, is mandated to implement projects geared towards agriculture modernization through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

RCEF can be utilized to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local farmers through the provision of farm machinery and equipment, rice seed development, propagation and promotion, expanded rice credit assistance, and rice extension services.

“Research shows that the use of farm machinery and cost-efficient technologies will greatly reduce the cost of rice production and that post-harvest losses are minimized through the use of appropriate post-harvest technologies,” the resolution said. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – The provincial government, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, honored the bravery, patriotism, and selfless sacrifices of the World War II veterans on the commemoration of the 79th Lingayen Gulf Landing Anniversary and the 17th Pangasinan Veterans Day celebration held on January 9 at the Veterans Memorial Park here.

To date, there are 37 Pangasinan living veterans; the oldest is Valentin Untalan, 107 years old.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III urged the public to treat the celebration as a treasure of Pangasinan and the whole country, as he called for the preservation and promotion of history for the next generation.

“Patriotism is something very important in our country, and it should be the responsibility of all leaders and all nations to promote patriotism—the driver and lifeblood of any nation. Our veterans are the most important example of patriotism. We will not be enjoying the freedom that we have today if not for the sacrifices and patriotism of our dear veterans,” the governor said.

In his message, Gov. Guico III called on the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) and all department heads to make the upcoming 80th celebration grander. He also disclosed that there might be a change of venue for the celebration because it is in time for the massive redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, which includes the building of a reflective pool at the back center of the Capitol building, and on the north side of the development near the beach is a Veterans Plaza with fountains and monuments in honor of the sacrifices of the Filipino veterans.
The governor hopes that said project will serve as a reminder to us Pangasinenses and Filipinos of what happened in the Lingayen Gulf during the world war.

“It would be a celebration of victory for our nation and allied forces that is worth preserving and sharing with the next generation,” he further stated.

On the part of the province, the Veterans Park and the Reflective Pool will all be made in honor of the nation’s and the province’s history and the participation of many of our provincemates in the victory of the World War.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino said that he was deeply touched at the sight of the veterans who attended the ceremony with enthusiasm comparable to that of the young soldier rising in defense of our country.

“May this day rekindle among us the commitment to rededicate ourselves to the service of our country so that we can all continue to enjoy our hard-earned freedom,” VG Lambino said.

When a short documentary film titled Pamana started to play, tears started to fall.

With this, the governor ordered the production of a documentary film about the lives of the remaining veterans, for the very reason that only they knew every detail of their experience during the war, which could not be found even in books.

Sec. of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., represented by USEC Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Administrator, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office; and PBGen Benjamin Acorda Jr. Chief, Philippine National Police; MGen Romeo Alamillo, President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Capt. Noel Corpus, US Naval Attache, US Embassy; Capt. Emma McDonald Kerr Ran, Defense Attache, Australian Embassy; Atty. Federico Manalo, Program Director, Philippine Veterans Bank, and other guests, including national, provincial, and local government officials and leaders, as well as Pangasinense veterans and their respective families, graced the event. (Chona C. Bugayong PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III said that 2024 promises to be a busy and exciting year for Pangasinan as major projects aligned with the province’s vision will be implemented this year.

Looking back at the province’s significant milestones in the past years, the governor said that the first salt harvest in December last year proved to be worth mentioning.

The governor also stated that there is yet another gigantic project to be implemented in partnership with some private sectors. Said project will address flooding problems at the Capitol, Lingayen, Binmaley, and hopefully even in the City of Dagupan, at zero expense to the province.

“I think we will be designing an agreement on that sooner than we expect. Of course, it’s a combination of some engineering and planning on our part,” the governor said.

Moreover, Gov. Guico thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approving resolutions, ordinances, and authorizations that were given to him.

Guico shared that, unknown to many, his administration was still working while many were already having their Christmas Party, as there was still a lot of work needing to be done before the end of 2023.

In his message, the governor further added that Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II and Provincial Health Officer Ana de Guzman spearheaded the conduct of interviews on January 2 to fill up a lot of needed positions, expertise, and specializations at the provincial hospitals.

The governor believes that out of the more than six thousand employees who were there for the longest time, they have the potential to help and become an asset to the provincial organization.
‘Time is of the essence,’ the governor said as he urged everyone to work harder and be more motivated. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)