Month: May 2024

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office, headed by Ma. Richelle M. Raguindin, in partnership with the PESO Association of Pangasinan, Inc. (PESOAP), spearheaded the conduct of the first-ever Pangasinan Employers’ Forum 2024, gathering some 76 participants from various line agencies on May 29 at the PESO Multi-Purpose Hall, Capitol Complex, here.

The activity was organized and conducted as part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to address employment issues, promote economic development in the province, and establish a platform that will facilitate collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders in Pangasinan’s employment sector.

A panel of experts discussed Employment Trends and Opportunities in Pangasinan, Effective Recruitment Strategies, Labor Laws and Compliance for Employers in Pangasinan, and Sharing of Insights: Successful Employer Practices in Pangasinan.

Atty. Christine Jamie Melchor of the Provincial Governor’s Office reported during the forum that 11 job fairs and 67 career seminars were conducted in 2023.

Atty. Melchor added that 3,340 applicants were placed locally and overseas, bringing the employment rate to 95.5%, or an increase of 1.1% from 2022. This is a manifestation of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s efforts and initiatives to strengthen employment and opportunities for the workforce in the province.

In closing, Atty. Melchor said, “Pare-parehas lang naman tayo ng gustong mangyari. Ang mapag-tibay ang public service, mabigyan ng trabaho ang lahat, mabigyan sila ng better opportunities at ma-uphold ang kanilang karapatan kaya, sana po, maging instrument ito para mas mapalawig pa ang mga oportunidad sa ating mga manggagawa dito sa Pangasinan.”

PESO Association Pangasinan, Inc. (PESOAP) President Arnel Arimas; Supervising TESD Specialist—TESDA Pangasinan Ronald Allan M. Sta. Ana; Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) III Panfilo Dioquino, Jr.; Regional Director Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer; Employers Confederation of the Philippines President Ed Poserio; and RMT, MBA, DBA, PMAP-Pangasinan Chapter President Odree Merl Marie M. Padios attended the event.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Renato Navata, 73, an accomplished retired regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), believes learning is a lifelong journey.

When he heard about the Microcredential course on Pangasinan Studies offered by Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL), he was ecstatic.

“Makapaliket ya walay sakey ya unit ed provincial government ya akanonot ed saya. Say makapaliket ta walay balon pinundar nen Governor ya PPC. The credit goes to the governor and also to the management of PPC ya anonotan da ya,” former DAR Regional Director Navata said.

Secondly, he wants to inspire the younger generation to see the significance of Pangasinan studies, which would interest a person like him.

Navata added that it is the right time to re-awaken the people to the goodness of our province, especially at this time when many are focused on cell phones, social media, and technologies.

“He is a lifelong learner, so every time na meron siyang time mag-aral to keep his mind active and strong para hindi mag ulyanin, continues siyang nag-aaral. Yun talaga ang objective niya sa buhay. So itong opportunity na ito, grinab niya since retired na siya. At least ito, may interaction with others, like mind na intellectuals. After the seminar, parang ginanahan mag kwento at nagkaroon ng additional reasons for living,” his daughter disclosed.

As to the PPC being put up under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Dir. Navata said, “It’s too early to come up with conclusive evidence. Kitang-kita na ang ebidensiya. Simula pa lang ay makakakita ka na ng magagandang senyales na maganda yong inisyatiba na ginawa niya.”

He likewise commended the resource speakers and added that Pangasinan Studies means inclusive.

The clarity of vision of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL) is vividly reflected in its various programs, which are vital and of significance, especially in the digital age.

Participated in by retirees, the academic community, and history enthusiasts, among others, the recent success of the Microcredential course on Pangasinan Studies was a show window of the institution’s initiatives to foster personal and collective growth through education that caters to all ages.

Former Director Navata had expressed strong interest in joining Day 2 and Day 3 activities of the PPC’s Microcredential course.

The course, which covered Pangasinan history, society, language, culture, heritage, and environment, was held at the PPC Building, Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, on May 27.

The undertaking was aimed at locating Pangasinan Studies not only as a local study but as domain knowledge that engages in the regional, national, and global production of knowledge.

PPC-CeLL likewise hoped that it would translate into the economic progress and cultural development of the province and its people. (Chona C. Bugayong, Ron Bince/PIMRO)

The Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL), headed by President Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, spearheaded the conduct of three (3) microcredential courses on Pangasinan studies.

The course, which covered Pangasinan history, society, language, culture, heritage, and environment, was held at the PPC Building, Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, on May 27.

The undertaking was aimed at locating Pangasinan Studies not only as a local study but as domain knowledge that engages in the regional, national, and global production of knowledge.

PPC-CeLL likewise hoped that it would translate into the economic progress and cultural development of the province and its people.

Prof. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores, PhD, Philippine Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman, among the esteemed Resource Speakers of the Day, discussed Introduction to Pangasinan Studies, History, Geography, and Environment.

It includes Defining Pangasinan Studies, Scope and Limitations of Pangasinan Studies, and Defining Culture, History, and Heritage; Tracing Our Roots: The Pre-Colonial Pangasinan and Los Pueblos de Pangasinan, among others.

Other speakers were John Joseph Isaiah Orpilla (MA History, University of the Philippines Diliman), Jan Marlon S. De Vera (MA History, University of the Philippines Diliman), and Kevin Conrad A. Ibasco (MA History: Ethnohistory and Local History, University of the Philippines Baguio), who discussed Western Pangasinan and Alaminos Local History; Geronima Pecson and Anacbanuas (Child of the Land) of Pangasinan; Pedro Calosa and TayugLocal History, respectively.

The topic for Day 2, which is slated for June 1, will be Understanding and Speaking the Pangasinan Language, while Day 3 will be Pangasinan Culture and Heritage and Contemporary Issues.

The PPC’s mission is to produce world-class talents and leaders in science, technology, culture, and the arts and to create social impact through transformative and inclusive education.

The institution envisions that ‘By 2031, Pangasinan Polytechnic College will be the nexus for change, creativity, and community. (Chona C. Bugayong, Jairus Sibayan, PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Delegates from the Sangguniang Panglungsod of the City of Baguio paid a courtesy call to Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino during their benchmarking and team building in Pangasinan on May 22.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Verna Nava T. Perez and Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Officer (PIMRO) Dhobie P. De Guzman welcomed some 60 visitors at the Capitol.

They were given a quick tour of the Governor’s Office, Vice Governor’s Office, Session Hall, SP Lounge, and the Rooftop to provide them with a bird’s-eye view of the entire Capitol complex. SP Baguio City also had the opportunity to see the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum.

They were amazed, in awe, and very grateful that they had the chance to see the museum. 

‘Ang lapit lang namin, pero ngayon lang naminito nakita. Ang Ganda po! ‘ they said.

SK Federation President John Ray Mananengsaid that Pangasinan is a place near their hearts.

Coun. Mananeng added that Pangasinan never failed to share its beauty and grandeur not only through nature or the beaches but with the people of the province as well.

On behalf of their group, Mananeng expressed gratitude to the entire officialdom of Pangasinan for the warm welcome.

‘We were welcomed with the heat and warmth of love, and we are looking forward to future partnerships. We just discovered that Pangasinan and Baguio have the same historical background from the American period,’ he said.

‘We can say that Pangasinan and Baguio have a lot of things in common that we can also adopt, especially because our mayor is also from Pangasinan, particularly San Carlos City. Also, a lot of students from Pangasinan are studying in Baguio, so I think this can be the start of a greater and stronger partnership between two local government units,’ Mananeng added. (Chona C. Bugayong, Ron Bince, Rafe Gabayeron/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan: The Provincial Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Pangasinan (PGEMOCOP) new set of officers took their oath of office before Gov. Ramon V. Guico III on May 20 at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall, here.

“Let us be loyal to the institution first because we all pass here. At least for the time we have served, you did it truthfully and with your heart, something you can be proud of eventually. When you retire and decide to look for greener pastures, at least at one point in your life, you have served our province well,” Gov. Guico, who administered the oath, said.

Inducted were the PGEMPCOP elected officials, to wit: Ms. Janette C. Asis, General Manager; Ms. Maria Virginia Jaile G. De Leon, Assistant General Manager; Ms. Felicitas N. Tomelden, Treasurer; Maria Lorraine B. Ferrer, Bookkeeper; Laarni C. Macam, Sales Clerk; and Laffayette C. Carantes, Encoder.

Also sworn into office were Clarisa V. Basco, Chairperson; Alex T. Sevilla, Vice Chairperson; and the Board of Directors, Violeta M. Laforteza, Mirafe A. Macaraeg, Jennifer D. Cruz, Edwin B. Sison, and Rowel U. Malogan; and the Board of Secretary, Nikki A. Sanchez.

Joining them were chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and secretaries of the different committees: Sonia G. Yao, Jennifer C. Melendez, and Christopher L. Dioquino (Audit Committee); Melanie C. Fernandez, Mirasol M. Magalong, and Joan Paulyn M. Patron (Election Committee); Atty. Baby Ruth F. Torre, Atty. Novy Marie S. Cruz and Jeanne R. Evangelista (Mediation & Conciliation Committee); Marissa M. De Vera, Harietta V. Hernando, and Wilfreda A. Vicente (Ethics Committee); Leilani F. Bolivar, Michelle Anne R. Baniqued, and Jennifer V. Garcia (Gender & Development Committee); Barbara E. Edralin (Vice Chairperson Education & Training Committee); RamilynN. Saumat, Lyndon P. Felix, and Charmaine V. De Leon (Marketing & Sales Committee); Florence N. Berba and Fedeliza DC Santos (Credit Committee); Peachy P. Lozada, Jesusa DC Lagota, and Eduardo Sorio Jr. (Health & Wellness Committee); Helen Grace M. Ramirez and Jayson C. Torio (Social Media Committee);.

In her accomplishment report, PGEMPCOP Chairperson Clarisa V. Basco said that PGEMPCOP has a total of 1,430 active members.

Based on her report, there was a total capital build-up of P16,675,730.78 through payroll deduction, including interest share capital and patronage refund.

A total of P22,088,200.00 was the total amount of loans released to 458 members (permanent and non-permanent members).

Basco likewise disclosed that PGEMPCOP was recognized by the BIR as one of the newly included Top Withholding Agents (TWAs).

In closing, Janette Asis, General Manager, said that Gov. Guico has expressed interest in becoming a member of PGEMPCOP and further invited all the board members to hopefully become members of PGEMPCOP.

The induction and oath-taking ceremony was graced by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, Chairman, Committee on Cooperative, Micro, Small, and Medium Business and Entrepreneurship Development, some department heads, and Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, ROI CDA Regional Director. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orland Llemos, Omar Cruz/PIMRO)

25 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) of the Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) are now applying their knowledge and skills from their 29-day training on ‘Organic Agriculture Production NC II’ by planting various vegetable seedlings.

Planted within the PPJ lots and plastic mineral water containers are tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, bitter gourd (ampalaya), pechay, malunggay, and kangkong, among other vegetables.

‘Yong mga produkto na yan ay ibebenta ng PDL kung may dadalaw dito. Sila din ang kikita galing sa mga tinanim nila,’ Antonio Santos, PPJ Administrative Assistant III, said.

He added that the training was conducted from February 16 to March 27 through the joint effort of the PPJ headed by Jovell U. Dalisay and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Provincial Training Center (PTC) Administrator Romeo C. Pandio, under the supervision of Regional Director, Region 1, Joel M. Pilotin.

Aiming to strengthen the PPJ’s advocacy and commitment to helping inmates, each PDL trainee received a National Certificate II (NC2) and a training support fund amounting to 160 pesos per day, or Php 4,640.00, for the entire duration of the training.

Topics discussed and learned by PDL trainees were natural farming concoctions and the use of natural pesticides, among others.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Gov. Ramon V. Guico at kay PPJ Chief Lovell Dalisay dahil sila po ang naging daan upang kami ay mapansin ng ating gobyerno na bigyan kami ng opportunity na makapg-aral at makapag-bagongbuhay kung saan ay magagamit namin ang aming natutunan. Higit sa lahat ay upang maging kapaki-pakinabang kami sa lipunan, a message shared by Daryll, a PDL recipient and graduate of the aforementioned training.

“Hindi po naming makakamit ito kung hindi po sa kanila, sa kanilang pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit sa aming mga PDL. Malaking tulong po ang naibigay nila sa amin na bukod sa nalilibang kami, ay meron pa po kaming kaalaman,” Daryll further added.

(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin and Jairus Sibayan/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Along with the big-ticket projects that the present administration has been undertaking since Governor Ramon V. Guico III assumed office in July 2022, various regular infrastructure projects were completed as of May 6, 2024.

These projects include provincial and barangay roads, bridges, and other facilities such as classrooms, provincial government buildings, and various health facilities.

The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) reported that P546,383,645.35 was funded for 131 projects.

The number of projects per district is accounted for as follows: District 1, 14 projects (P56,171,246.98); District II, 14 (P92,019,830.02); District III, 31 (P96,270,825.33); District IV, 9 (P21,638,327.20); District V, 20 (P82,184,036.54); and District VI, 30 (P149,269,178.01). Of the total number of projects, 13 are buildings or facilities with a contract cost of P48,830,201.27.

The completed projects covered routine maintenance work for provincial roads and bridges, including concreting, asphalting, graveling, and maintaining barangay roads and bridges.

Most projects for concreting, asphalting, and blocktopping of farm-to-market roads, provincial and barangay roads, and bridges were in the towns of Agno, Bani, Infanta, Burgos, Anda, Dasol, Bolinao, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, Lingayen, Bugallon, Malasiqui, Mapandan, San Carlos City, Bayambang, Manaoag, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Binalonan, Urdaneta City, Pozorrubio, Villasis, Bautista, Sison, Umingan, Asingan, Rosales, Balungao, San Manuel, and Laoac.

Further, 10 multi-purpose buildings and a legislative building, which cost 40.8 million, were constructed in Balungao, San Quintin, Urdaneta City, Malasiqui, Bayambang, and Bani.

Meanwhile, the PEO reported that a total of 25 projects with contract costs of about P440,743,013.44 are currently ongoing, including the construction of monuments and a connector bridge at Ramos Island in Hundred Islands National Park, the repainting of government hospitals, the conversion of the Youth Development Center into Pangasinan Polytechnic College, the construction of covered courts and farm-to-market roads, the reconstruction of some bridges and road networks, and the construction of water systems.

Governor Guico vowed to pursue the completion of various infrastructure projects to enhance productivity across all sectors of the province. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Clad in colorful costumes, contingents of street dancers from eightmunicipalities in Pangasinan displayed their festive moves to the strong beats of instruments on May 1.

Gayaga: Pangasinan Festival Street Dance Exhibition was one of the much-awaited activities of the Pista’yDayat 2024 celebration.

Unmindful of the scorching heat, hordes of audience members enjoyed the festival dance exhibitions, which are living proof of what Pangasinan is and how rich and diverse the local culture has transcended through the years.

With the Capitol building as a backdrop, the eight local festivals featured in the exhibition were as follows: 100 Island Festival (Alaminos City); Balligi Festival (San Manuel); Bagoong Festival (Lingayen); Talong Festival (Villasis); Karabasa Festival (Umingan); Mango and Bamboo Festival (San Carlos City); Pakwan Festival (Bani); and Kankanen Festival (Asingan).8

Governor Ramon V. Guico III commended the participating groups as he hailed the LGU heads for extending their full support to the provincial government by joining the exhibition.

He cited that the event highlights the best culture of each town or city, as it shows how beautiful Pangasinan is.

“Pista’y Dayat being the’ Mother of All Festivals’ in Pangasinan aptly shows the diverse culture of the province”, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino said after welcoming the contingents and guests.

Gracing the event were actor-politician Lito Lapid, Mark Lapid, and Kapuso Sparkle artists Juancho Trivino and Lianne Valentin. (Ruby F. Rayat,Omar Cruz /PIMRO)