Month: February 2024

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Some 100 deserving students will be the pilot beneficiaries of the free skills education offered by the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which opens classes in the last week of March 2024.

“We will admit 100 for the first two months,” PPC President Raymundo Rovillos said, citing that the courses offered will be completed in a span of one to two months.

The PPC aims to contribute to the realization of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s 2022-2031 Strategic Plan to develop the province’s human capital as it envisions addressing the huge gap between higher education training and industry needs.

According to Dr. Rovillos, PPC’s CeLL will serve as a platform for continuing talent development through short-term yet intensive vocational and technical courses such as the TESDA qualifications and microcredential courses.

Furthermore, PPC will aim to further democratize higher education by increasing the poor’s access to higher education. Hence, it will prioritize courses on Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Driving NC II, Driving (Passenger Bus/Straight Truck) NC III and Automotive Servicing NC I.

Also, the PPC CeLL will subsequently target to offer various in-demand technical-vocational courses such as Cookery NC II, Masonry NC I, Heavy Equipment Operation (Forklift) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Bulldozer) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Rigid Off-Highway Dump Truck) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Rigid On-Highway Dump Truck) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Wheel Loader) NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Food and Beverages Services NC II, Bookkeeping NC II, Front Office Services NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Rice Machinery Operations NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Tailoring NC II, Beauty Care (Nail Enhancement Technology) NC II, Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II, Slaughtering Operation (Large Animal) NC II, Slaughtering Operation (Swine) NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I, Masonry NC II, Public Employment Services NC II and Public Employment Services NC IV.

As regards the teaching force, Dr. Rovillos said the best instructors are chosen to share their expertise and ensure that the learners will be equipped with the right skills and knowledge when they leave the institution.

In addition, the PPC interim president commended the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III whom he described as a visionary leader.

Governor Guico, on the other hand, disclosed that the funding requirements of the PPC, such as the salaries of instructors and other expenses, will come from the government’s fund, and hopefully, with the help of other sectors and private individuals through acts of volunteerism, more funds will be solicited.

The province, according to the governor, is also making use of what it has, further citing that government facilities should be utilized wisely. A perfect example of this is the newly-opened PPC CeLL which used to be a restaurant in the past administration.

Also included in the physical plan for PPC is the conversion of a former restaurant located beside the lagoon located at the NRSCC complex  into skills laboratory. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The entire officialdom of Pangasinan, together with the people, witnessed the formal opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL) and MOU Signing with the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) held on February 14 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Complex, here.

PPC, a landmark project under Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration, serves as a gift to Pangasinenses.

Envisioned to make “Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best,” the provincial government saw the establishment of the PPC as a key factor in the province’s development and progress.

Gov. Guico said that he was a bit emotional, citing that he started his political career by establishing an educational institution in his hometown during the term of his father, now Cong. Ramon ‘Monching’ Guico Jr., based on his belief that this will be a key factor in the progress of Binalonan.

After 20 years, from a handful of students, the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) in Binalonan now has more than 12,000 students.

As this similar dream kicked off today, the governor was overwhelmed by what had been accomplished.

He congratulated the people behind the creation and establishment of PPC, as he was surprised by the accomplishment and the physical plan, but more than that, it was the creation and the chemistry of the team that made this happen.

The governor also thanked Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), headed by VG Mark Ronald Lambino, for the legislative and funding support so this initiative could be rolled out.

Likewise, he thanked the provincial partners from UP and the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), headed by Camille Joseph Khoury, along with his brother, Patrick Guico, who has the heart to showcase, develop, and forge partnerships.

‘We have to acknowledge that the institution will be greater than all of us. We built a clock that tells time, and we are only a part of that whole element. That is the vision. The clock is still ticking, telling time and reminding all of us to be on time. We are good only as our term, but this one will outlast all of us here,’ the governor added.

Wrapping up his speech, the governor stressed the importance of education.

“Mag-aral kayong mabuti. Ito ang pinaka-importanteng pamana ng ating lalawigan sa ating mga kabataan. And, once you make it, be somebody who will create an impact on your family, but most especially on the community and collectively on our nation,“ he said.

Chairman of the Committee on Education of the Provincial Board and Vice Governor Lambino cited the event as a significant milestone and journey towards fostering excellence in education and professional development.

He added that the event is a celebration of the spirit of collaboration between the PPC and CICan.

“Let us see this as an opportunity to learn from each other, inspire one another, and create corporate solutions that enrich the academic landscape and benefit communities all around the globe,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Raymundo D. Rovillos, Ph.D., Interim PPC President, said that the institution is the realization of a dream of every Pangasinense that is championed by Gov. Guico III.

In closing, Rovillos said that the vision of the governor is already unfolding before our very eyes, right here, right now.

Part of the launch is the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement on strengthening linkages between the PGP, PPC, and CICan.

In his speech, CICan Manager, Partnerships and Knowledge Development, Camille Joseph Khoury, said that it has been a privilege to be part of the opening ceremony and celebration and that she is excited for the partnership ahead.

CICan is Canada’s largest secondary school association, with 140 polytechnics, colleges, training institutions, and universities.

CICan’s core mandate is dedicated to advancing education globally, finding partners that have similar missions and values, and moving in the same direction.

‘The opening embodies a lot of hope. We can imagine the incredible inspiration that will be given to Filipino men and women of all ages as they come here for training, to improve themselves, to improve their skills, and to contribute to their communities. Our partnership here is the result of a lot of work for many people. I want to say that I was moved by the governor’s speech. The vision of the governor to plan for the community is always with a heart. We are honored to be part of that,’ Khoury said.

Guests were provided with the opportunity for a walkthrough of the PPC CeLL after the cultural performance and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The event was graced by Manager, Partnerships, and Knowledge Development Colleges and Institues Canada (CICan) Camille Joseph Khoury and Senior Program Officer, Partnerships and Knowledge Development Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Milica NJegovan, PPC Interim President Prof. Raymundo D. Rovillos, Heads of the Higher Education Institutions, CHED-Regional Director Christine Ferrer, President of World Citi Colleges (WCC) Patrick Guico, Chancellors of the different UP Campuses, University Presidents, Local Chief Executives from various municipalities and cities, Heads of National Agencies, Industry Partners, Department Heads headed by Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague, Chiefs of Hospital and Consultants, Dr. Perla Legaspi, other esteemed guests and students (future learners of PPC) (Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Capitol workforce is enjoined to participate in the upcoming celebration of the Grand Employees’ Health and Wellness Day slated on February 15 and 16 at the Provincial Training and Development Center II (PTDC II), here.

It has always been the vision and mission of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III to ensure the well-being of the employees and Pangasinenses in general, so he placed health as one of his priority developmental programs.

In this light, the provincial government, through the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), and the Health and Wellness Club will spearhead the two-day activity, which aims to provide health and wellness services to employees.

Highlights of the undertaking include the Grand Physical/Medical Check-up specifically on February 15 and the Grand Beauty Care and Wellness Day on February 16, respectively.

A Zumba dance workout will form part of the activities that will be held at the Provincial Capitol Plaza at 4:30 in the morning.

Employees may likewise avail of discounts on Exhibitors and Partners products and services.

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan Civil Society Organization Network will also conduct its first project for 2024, dubbed “Kadugong Pagkalinga Para Sa Mga Pangasinense, on February 16 at the Provincial Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1).

The bloodletting activity is another significant project worthy of emulation that aims to create a blood reserve for all member associations of the network that can be used in times of crisis.

It is also intended to provide access to a secure and reliable blood supply, which will make a significant difference in saving lives. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved a resolution on February 12 that adopts and approves the establishment and operation of the Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC) as a halfway house for victims of gender-based violence.

As cited in the resolution authored by SP Member Rosary Gracia P. Perez-Tababa, the PCI will be managed by the province under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the social arm of the provincial government that advocates the rights, privileges, and protection of, as well as prevention of abuses against, victim-survivors and the disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors of society.

“The Pangasinan Crisis Intervention Center (PCIC) is a special unit operating on a 24-hour basis to serve as an action center to immediately respond to cases of abused women and children, providing integrated services such as immediate rescue and protection, financial assistance, referral for immediate medical, legal, and psychosocial services, information and education campaigns on women and child-related laws, as well as temporary shelter for abused women and children to ensure their safety, security, and rehabilitation to reinstate their psychosocial functioning,” the resolution stated.

PCIC, which is the first in the entire region, was accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Office and will serve as a “safe intermediary home for the less fortunate individuals and families, notably those who experience domestic violence.

As such, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has certified the PCIC as a “Local Learning Hub” for providing and sustaining gender-responsive programs and services to women and children in difficult circumstances.

Furthermore, the resolution stressed that the project “is a prompt action of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan to address the needs of women and children, in consonance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004; Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act; and Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, also known as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2021.”

Some provisions of the PCIC include short-term shelter for victim-survivors of abuse; the presence of 24-hour crisis hotlines; counseling services; the conduct of referral services or facilitation for medical or legal procedures; and the conduct of an information education campaign. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 1 (DOST 1) and the Department of Science and Technology—Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) to outline specific commitments and further enhance coordination and cooperation in disaster preparedness and response efforts in Pangasinan.

As stated in the resolution presented and approved during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on February 12, the signing of the MOU will be conducted in preparation for the conduct of the Geospatial Information Management and Analysis Project for Hazards and Analysis Project for Hazards and Risk Assessment in the Philippines, or GeoRiskPH.

GeoRiskPH is a multi-agency initiative led by the PHIVOLCS, funded by the DOST, and monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) from 2018–2020.

The project aims to advance and enhance the capacity of the province for disaster preparedness through the conduct of training and workshops on GeoRiskPH platforms.

“GeoRiskPH seeks to provide protocols and platforms to share hazards, exposure, and other risk information to help people, communities, local governments, and national agencies prepare and plan how to reduce the risks from natural hazards and is envisioned to be the Philippines central source of information on accurate and efficient hazards and risk assessment to help the government increase the nation’s resilience to natural hazards,” the resolution authored by SP Member Vici M. Ventanilla stated.

As stipulated in the MOU, the obligations of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) include nominating representatives from the Local Government Units (LGUs) through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to participate in the training and workshop, ensuring the active engagement and involvement of the participants; providing suitable venues equipped with the necessary facilities and amenities for a conducive learning environment for participants; and collaborating with the DOST 1 and DOST-PHIVOLCS in promoting and supporting the dissemination of knowledge and best practices gained from the capacity-building activities.

Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaoag will represent DOST 1, while Dr. Teresito Bacolcol will represent DOST-PHIVOLCS as director of the agency. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed gratitude to the people behind the establishment and the inception of Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which will open its doors to less privileged Pangasinense seeking free education.

Aside from their Baccalaureate Program, PPC, which is the first-ever provincial government-owned educational institution in the entire Region 1, will offer in-demand technical-vocational courses and skills training for out-of-school youth, the unemployed, and even housewives.

To officially open on February 14, PPC will render support services for hard-to-fill jobs in the local and international labor market through technical-vocational courses. Vocational education prepares individuals to become gainfully employed or self-employed.

During the initial establishment of the PPC, the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL) will prioritize courses on Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II, Driving NC II, Driving (Passenger Bus/Straight Truck) NC III, and Automotive Servicing NC I.

In addition, the center will subsequently offer various in-demand technical-vocational courses such as Cookery NC II, Masonry NC I, Heavy Equipment Operation (Forklift) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Bulldozer) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Rigid Off-Highway Dump Truck) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Rigid On-Highway Dump Truck) NC II, Heavy Equipment Operation (Wheel Loader) NC II, Housekeeping NC II, Food and Beverages Services NC II, Bookkeeping NC II, Front Office Services NC II, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Rice Machinery Operations NC II, Dressmaking NC II, Tailoring NC II, Beauty Care (Nail Enhancement Technology) NC II, Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II, Slaughtering Operation (Large Animal) NC II, Slaughtering Operation (Swine) NC II, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC I, Masonry NC II, Public Employment Services NC II and Public Employment Services NC IV.

The technical-vocational courses mentioned are subject to change depending on the demands of the labor market and upon the recommendation of the PPC Governing Board.

As stated in the PPC briefer, micro-credentials and other short courses will likewise be offered that will develop and enhance specific skills in a focused area like business, governance, management, technology, arts and culture, agriculture, engineering, and communication. Compact learning modules will be offered online and cater to professionals seeking to upskill and stay current in rapidly evolving industries.

For its initial operations, PPC will offer the following micro-credentials: Pangasinan studies; clinical skills for community health workers; organic production of vegetable crops; dairy production principles; design thinking; videography; barangay governance: role and functions of the barangay as a local government unit; project planning, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, and local public enterprise; local tourism development planning; tourism product development; and indigenous education: paradigm, pedagogy, and sources and uses of instructional materials. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The provincial government of Pangasinan represented by Atty. Ronn Dale B. Castillo,Executive Assistant III welcomed visitors from the Province of Apayao headed by Dr. Ralph Verzon, Provincial Veterinarian, on February 8 at the Provincial Capitol here.

The benchmarking visit of the Province of Apayao on the Establishment and Implementation of Collaborative Province-Led Agriculture and Fishery Extension Program (CPAFEP) was in coordination with the province’s veterinary office, headed by Dr. Arcely Robenio, Provincial Veterinarian.

The said undertaking was to learn and exchange best practices, innovative approaches, and strategies for the successful implementation of CPAFEP.

Apayao Provincial Veterinarian Verzon said that they have considered Pangasinan for their benchmarking because the province’s OPVET is already established with regards to extension works and the Provincial Agri-Fishery Extension Center (PAFEC).

“Maganda yong implementation flow nila. Hindi lang yong crafting ng program, kasama yung implementation so, nakakatuwa dahil marami kaming napulot na learnings,” Dr. Verzon further added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robeniol said that the project was given by the Agricultural Training Institute of the Department of Agriculture, known as the Collaborative Province-Led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Service. The province then became a proponent of 700,000.00 for the procurement of 40 heads of upgraded doe and five heads of upgraded buck.

The benchmarking activity was capped off with a visit to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and Provincial Nursery in Sta. Barbara, where the group was welcomed by the admin. Officer III, Peachy L. Pioquinto, and Planning Officer M. Honrado proceeded to the Mangatarem Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Field Office.

The benchmarking team was composed of the Office of the Provincial Veterinary and the LGU Veterinary Office of the Province of Apayao. (Chona C. Bugayong, Omar Cruz, Joey Olimpo /

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Homegrown cagers from different towns in Pangasinan who comprised the province’s “Pangasinan Heat,” will debut in the 2024 season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) which opens on March 16.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes welcomed the team by signing the franchise agreement with the franchise owner, former Bayambang Mayor Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao on February 7 at the Urduja House, here.

As the solar power capital of the country, the name “Pangasinan Heat” was derived to symbolize the thriving solar power industry in the province.

In his statement during a press conference, Dr. Quiambao stated that he will support all projects of Governor Ramon V. Guico III that are geared to shape the future of Pangasinense youth as he added that the sports project could also be the tool to market the province of Pangasinan.

Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste, also the team manager, disclosed that most of the cagers are homegrown notably from the cities of Urdaneta and the towns of Sual and Sto. Tomas. He mentioned the possibility of scouting cagers from outside the province to form a formidable team.

Pangasinan Heat’s roster of coaching staff include former pro-basketball players Jun Marzan, Jr., Cris Calaguio, Lordy Tugade, and collegiate basketball coach Sonny de Jesus. Basketball icons Marlou Aquino and Danny Ildefonso will serve as team consultants.

Governor Ramon V., Guico III cleared that since it’s a franchise, no government fund will be used. However, he disclosed that as Pangasinense he will extend whatever support the team needs.

MPBL is a men’s basketball professional league founded by Senator Manny Pacquiao on August 29, 2017 with 10 Luzon-based teams in its inaugural season in 2018.

Since then, the teams increased to 26 and eventually changed every season from 31 in 2019-2020, 22 in 2022, and 29 in 2023. Pangasinan Heat will be included as the newest expansion team along with Abra this 2024.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns is the current defending champion.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A greener Pangasinan is expected as the Provincial Government of Pangasinan aims to plant one million trees in three years under the ‘Pangasinan Green Canopy Project.

Launched by Governor Ramon V. Guico III in 2023 as its flagship environmental rehabilitation project, the Pangasinan Green Canopy project is a multi-sectoral approach to promote co-ownership in protecting and caring for the environment, raise community awareness and education in planting and saving trees, mobilize stakeholders, and solicit community participation.

The “joint stewardship” strategy is implemented where the departments and offices under the provincial government partner with specific local government units (LGUs) for tree planting activities throughout the province.

Based on the report prepared by the Provincial Population, Cooperative, and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO), headed by Ellsworth Gonzales, a total of 98 tree-planting activities were conducted in 36 LGUs in the province, bringing to a total of 149,964 assorted fruit-bearing seedlings planted in partnership with various towns and cities and other stakeholders.

As stated in the report, the 1st Congressional District posted the highest number of seedlings planted, with 59,994 or 40% of total seedlings planted. This is followed by the 2nd District with 42,734, which translates to 29%.

Furthermore, the PPCLDO disclosed that about 48%, or 75,210 seedlings planted, were mangroves. LGU Bolinao posted the highest number of mangroves planted, with 16,500.

LGU Mangatarem, on the other hand, has conducted the most number of tree planting activities, 12 of which were initiated by the Provincial Veterinary Office located in Malabobo, Mangatarem.

In the fruit-bearing seedlings, it was reported that LGU San Quintin has recorded the highest number of assorted seedlings planted, which totaled 18,507. Of this, a total of 6,650 narra trees were also planted in the upland areas of Districts 1, 5, and 6. Other seedlings planted include tamarind (sampalok), atis, coffee, jackfruit (langka), avocado, coconut, and bamboo, among others.

The 36 LGUs that already conducted their tree planting activities last year were as follows: Burgos, Dasol, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Mabini, Agno, Sual, Infanta, Bani, Anda, Mangatarem, Basista, Labrador, Aguilar, Bugallon, Lingayen, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Manaoag, San Jacinto, San Fabian, Laoac, Binalonan, Villasis, Pozorrubio, Alcala, San Quintin, Rosales, Asingan, Sta. Maria, Natividad, and Dagupan City.

Recently, massive tree-planting activities have been conducted in the western towns of Dasol, Burgos, Infanta, and Bolinao by the province in partnership with different provincial offices, line agencies, LGUs, and public schools.

Periodic visitation is conducted by the PPCLDO as part of its monitoring.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) on February 14 is an opportune time to address the needs of low-income Pangasinenses to acquire free and quality education.

A long-term dream of Governor Ramon V. Guico III to harness the tremendous human resources potential of the province by producing world-class talents and leaders in various fields, the establishment of PPC is expected to improve the physical, intellectual, and material well-being of Pangasinenses by acquiring higher occupational, technical, and professional instruction and training in the applied arts and sciences and learnings related to the fields of commerce, business administration, and technology, among many others.

With PPC’s vision to provide quality, relevant, responsive, inclusive, and globally competitive education and learning opportunities for deprived and disadvantaged learners, the growth and development of the Province of Pangasinan will be heightened.

PPC was institutionalized on June 26, 2023, through the crafting and passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 300-2023, and amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 314-2024.

As earlier stated by Gov. Guico, the “PPC is not a business-as-usual transition. It is a mind-altering aspiration that will soon be translated into reality.”

The four schools of PPC and their proposed baccalaureate programs are as follows:

School of Human Development

Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNED) program equips future teachers who will instruct, handle, and manage learners with additional special and diverse education needs that can be catered to in inclusive education and regular classrooms.

School of Creativity and Design

Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (BMMA) aligns itself with the rapid convergence of media technologies and practices by developing conceptual, technical, aesthetic, and professional competencies for effective, critical, and innovative storytelling across a range or combination of media forms for various purposes.

School of Agribusiness

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Program is to be created out of the need to strengthen the business side of agriculture with the basic idea of incorporating knowledge in scientific agriculture with business management or entrepreneurial skills.

School of Local Governance

Bachelor of Public Administration major in Local Governance aims to develop public servants, leaders, and agents of change with the required competencies and values to serve as professionals in government, civil society, and international development organizations. BPA prepares graduates for technical and administrative positions in governments, civil society, and development organizations.

For its initial operations, PPC, through the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL), will offer micro-credentials and other short courses such as the following: Pangasinan studies; clerical skills for community health workers; organic production of vegetable crops; dairy production principles; design thinking; videography; barangay governance; local tourism development planning; tourism product development; and indigenous education.

As a government-funded community college, the PPC will give priority to students, learners, and trainees from “low-income households and less privileged members of the different communities in Pangasinan.”

For School Year 2024-2025, the first-ever provincial government-run college in the entire Region 1, will accommodate 400 students for the baccalaureate programs (100 per degree program) and 100 students from TESDA courses (25 per training course).

PPC will have its initial campus located at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Complex (NRSCC) in Lingayen and is expected to expand and open campuses in San Carlos City and the eastern part of Pangasinan. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN― Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino has instilled in the hearts of the six thousand workers of the provincial government the core value of commitment and dedication in today’s regular flag-raising ceremony held February 5 at the Capitol grounds, here.

The Vice Governor called on the public not to judge the Guico administration nor its leadership by the journey it’s taking but, rather, at the end of the destination.

To him, it is the deliverables that they have provided that matter.

“Our dedication to public service will be measured by the things that we have done for the province,” he said.

He cited education, transportation, the economy, and agriculture as among the commitments of the present administration to improve and better the lives of Pangasinenses.

From this perspective, VG Lambino said that over the past two years, they have delivered all their efforts towards achieving those commitments.

VG Lambino likewise urged everyone to stand by the oath to public service, to deliver what is good for the people, and to make the province of Pangasinan great once again.

This is the same thing that the Vice Governor wishes all the six thousand strong employees of the provincial government should see and expect from the Guico administration these past two years.

Recalling the past, he was asked why elected officials should be re-elected. He told the public that officials should be re-elected based on their commitment to the people that they seek to serve as well as their dedication to fulfilling that commitment and delivering on it until their term ends.

He also mentioned that he was asked why he should be re-elected.

“Don’t judge me by the journey we’re taking; judge me after three years of service. Kung ano po yung binitawang salita, husgaan ninyo ako kung ginawa ko talaga yun at tinapos ko,” he said.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Jairus Bien Sibayan/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Another feather has been added to the cap of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP), spearheaded by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, after being recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its distinct and remarkable performance in administering its public funds for the year 2023.

The Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH), formerly the Seal of Good Housekeeping, cites the compliance of the local government unit (LGU) with accounting and auditing standards, rules, and regulations.

As such, the endowment of the certification by the DILG to the province aptly proves that the present administration has spent and audited its public funds completely and with full transparency.

Joining the PGP with the same feat are the LGUs in the province, which include the four cities—Alaminos, Urdaneta, San Carlos, and Dagupan—and 43 towns.

SGFH is one of the core components of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). The other core components are disaster preparedness and social protection, which are responsive to the needs of different sectors like women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The essential components, on the other hand, are business friendliness and competitiveness; peace and order; and environmental management.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)