Month: September 2024

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is among the finalists in this year’s Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards.

ATOP Pearl Awards is an annual recognition program that gives honor to outstanding individuals, organizations, and local government units (LGUs) for their remarkable contributions to the development and promotion of the Philippine tourism industry.

This year, Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), headed by Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, joins other LGUs in the quest for the much-coveted tourism award in the country.

PTCAO chief said LGU-Pangasinan made it to the national finals in three different areas: 1) Best Sports Tourism Event (Philippine Beach Games); 2) Best International Event Hosting (International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies); 3) Banaan Museum Souvenir Items for Best Souvenir (non-food).

It can be recalled that in April 2023, the Philippine Beach Games geared up and took place in Pangasinan with the Capitol Beachfront as its stunning backdrop.

The International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies, on the other hand, was conducted from November 27 to 29 last year. Participated by scholars and researchers, the event brought forth multi and interdisciplinary studies on Pangasinan closer to Pangasinenses and even to the global community.

Under the third category, which is the non-food souvenirs, the province takes pride in offering different One-Town-One Products (OTOPs), which are displayed at the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, which is housed in the historic Casa Real here. In partnership with local producers and craftsmen, visitors can buy delicacies and other souvenirs at the museum shop.

Announcement and awarding of winners, notably the Champion, 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up, will be held on October 10, 2024, in Sultan Kudarat during the Silver Anniversary of ATOP. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) is not just a campaign promise of Governor Ramon V. Guico III but a security blanket for the future of Pangasinense youth.

Considered among the ‘Big Ticket Projects’ of Governor Guico, the PPC is a historic first in Pangasinan as well as in the region for being the first-ever tertiary institution managed by a provincial government.

Even before his political career started, Gov. Guico had started setting his sights on providing free and quality education for the out-of-school and those less privileged but deserving youth. From there, he founded the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP), an educational institution owned and run by the Local Government Unit (LGU) Binalonan.

With the initial batch of scholars numbering 700, the PPC offers the following courses: Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Bachelor of Special Needs Education, Bachelor of Multi-Media Arts at Bachelor of Public Administration Major in Local Governance.

Aside from the Baccalaureate Program, PPC also caters to free ‘in-demand technical-vocational courses and skills training for the unemployed.

Likewise, it offers short courses for individuals who are seeking to widen or enhance their capabilities in Digital Animation, Pangasinan Studies, Indigenous Education, Videography/Photography, and Tourism Development Planning among others.

PPC, as envisioned by Gov. Guico, will offer medicine and other allied medical courses.

“Excellence demands that we make medical education available, accessible, and affordable for our future doctors of Pangasinan,” Gov. Guico said in his past State of the Province Address (SOPA).

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan was awarded as Region 1’s Best Province in Local Tourism Planning.

Given last September 20 during the Region 1 Tourism Summit 2024 in San Fernando City, La Union, the award was received by Ms. Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, Head of Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO).

The award came in grateful recognition of the province’s outstanding work and dedication to local tourism planning as a pivotal partner of the tourism department’s thrust in advocating local tourism development in Region 1.

Since July 2022, Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s marching order has been to identify and institute various programs and projects that will contribute to the resurgence of local tourism in Pangasinan.

As an initial step, the See Pangasinan Listening Tours are conducted along with the mobile accreditation caravan, which paved the way for the increase in the number of tourism enterprises from 230 in 2021 to 355 in 2022 alone.

Also, the iconic Casa Real now houses the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, where the province’s rich heritage and diverse art and culture are being showcased. Currently, the museum serves as the depository of Pangasinan’s artistic, historical, and legacy.

As part of the tourism planning, the provincial government, through the PTCAO, intensified its efforts to make Pangasinan the province of choice for local and foreign visitors.

“The Provincial Administration through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office strengthens our resolve toward the enhancement of participatory governance, especially in tourism. We play the role of an aggressive catalyst to permeate every nook and corner of the province to strengthen the tourism industry,” Gov. Guico earlier stated.

Encouraging corporate partnerships being the holistic approach to the resurgence of Pangasinan’s tourism, the governor engaged micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as’major drivers of the local economy.’

With the success of the Manila Fame and International Food Expo, which eventually signaled the green light to better opportunities for participating Pangasinan MSMEs, Gov. Guico sought the establishment of the Pangasinan Trade Center (PTC).

All these and more are expected to further boost the province’s plans and goals towards the realization of a different tourism strategy or perspective for Pangasinan.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, Photos: Pangasinan Tourism)

The Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) continues to reap awards and honors that give meaning to the vision espoused by Gov. Ramon V. Guico III to make Pangasinan a sanctuary for all.

Headed by retired PLTCOL. Lovell U. Dalisay, the PPJ, was awarded by the Provincial Jail Wardens’ Association as Outstanding Provincial Jail, Outstanding Provincial Warden, Best Livelihood Program, and Best Educational Program: Alternative Learning System during the first National Convention and Gawad Parangal 2024, which ran from September 17 to 19 at the Baluarte Resort, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

Also awarded were the Outstanding Provincial Jail Employees, which include PGII Joy M. Modero (Permanent); AA Antonio V. Ocampo (Casual); and AA Alvin S. Soriano (Job Order).

Earlier, PPJ was declared a drug-cleared controlled facility by the Regional Oversight Committee on Controlled Facilities.

It can also be recalled that PPJ was a recipient of a plaque of commendation as an enforcer of the drug-free workplace program during the Drug Abuse and Control Week and Regional Awarding Ceremony held in La Union.

Said excellence awards were in recognition of the PPJs exemplary performance and dedicated service in carrying out a mission of maintaining peace and order.

As the PPJ celebrates its notable accomplishment, PPJ Chief Dalisay expressed his gratitude to the governor for his continuing support.

“The aforementioned achievements could not have been obtained if not for the unwavering support of our beloved Gov. Ramon V. Guico III. Awards received by this jail facility have been a realization to its personnel, which also serves as a motivation to give our best efforts as a public servant of the province,” Dalisay added.

These accolades were indicative of good leadership and good governance of the Guico administration, working cohesively towards a common vision and mission to make ‘Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.’ (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO, Photo PPJ FB page)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan and Ilocano creative writers are encouraged to join the ‘Gawad F. Sionil Jose Literary Writing Contest’, which was officially launched on September 18 in time for the 1st year anniversary of the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum here.

The contest was introduced in honor of the Pangasinense literary genius and 2001 National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose, a native son of Rosales town.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) head Maria Luisa A. Elduayan said the literary contest envisions providing an avenue for professional and aspiring local creative writers to display their craft and artistry through their most remarkable works written in two native tongues—Pangasinan and Ilokano.

In Pangasinan, about 55% of its population is Pangasinan-speaking, while around 44% speak Ilokano. The remaining 1% belong to Binubolinao, primarily spoken in the western towns of Bolinao and Anda.

The deadline for submission of entries will be on November 15, while the awarding of winners will be held on December 3 in celebration of the centennial year of F. Sionil Jose.

Known for his five-novel epic entitled ‘Rosales Saga,’ and a dozen of socially engaged novels and countless short stories, the national artist passed away on January 6, 2022.

For more information about the literary contest, visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/GFSJGuidelinesandEntryForm.

You may also inquire at ptcao@seepangasinan.com with contact numbers 0999-883-9740 | 075-517-2141.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Gov. Ramon V. Guico III forged a partnership with EXAKT Medical Services Corporation, represented by its President, Michelle Francesca H. Groves, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of an integrated health delivery solution for the Provincial Government of Pangasinan as an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Provider.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino and Ma. Christina M. Mendoza, VP for Sales—EXAKT Medical Services Corporation, witnessed the signing held at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall on September 19 here.

EMR is now a necessity that improves efficiency and clinical effectiveness. It better manages patient health and provides better care.

Authored by 3rd district SPM Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, approved Provincial Resolution No. 868-2024 states that the establishment of Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation program dubbed “GUICONSULTA” in pursuance to the provisions of the Universal Health Care Act and Philhealth Konsulta aims to promote preventive health care of every Pangasinense, especially the underprivileged.

Relative to this, the governor ensures that every Pangasinense is registered to the program for free consultations/check-ups, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and medicines.

Thus, the provincial government of Pangasinan engaged the services of the EXACT Medical Services Corporation, which can provide technological solutions and manpower to assist the province in its objective to implement the program using medical and technology products, EMR, and electronic claim systems.

According to its website, “Exakt Medical Services Corporation, a digital health delivery solution provider, was formed to implement an efficient medical solution of providing basic healthcare for every Filipino in line with the provisions of the Universal Healthcare Law.”

Provincial Legal Officer (PLO) Baby Ruth Torre, Board Member Jerry Rosario, and Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy, Medical Officer III, were among the attendees of the MOA signing.

With healthcare as among the flagship programs and projects of the present administration, Gov. Guico said all marks of excellence must contribute to our general capacity to address the health and hospitalization needs of our people in Pangasinan.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Krizzia Mamaril, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ), in partnership with the Pangasinan State University (PSU), led the conduct of a two-day livelihood training project for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) on September 16 to 17 here.

Said undertaking formed part of the continuing efforts and initiative of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III to implement restorative and transformative justice programs through spiritual nurture, alternative learning systems, livelihood training, and anti-drug use campaigns among PDLs.

Retired PLTCOL. Lovell U. Dalisay, represented by Administrative Assistant III Antonio Del Rosario Santos, assured that PPJ is doing its best to provide training as a rehabilitation program to help PDLs attain self-development, empowerment, and reformation so that they may become productive contributors to the community in the future.

‘Salamat sa pagpapakita ng interes na madagdagan pa ang inyong kaalaman na maaring maging kapaki-pakinabang sa inyong paglaya,’ Santos added.

Dr. Presley V. De Vera, Coordinator for GAD, PSU Open University Systems, likewise thanked the PDLs for their cooperation as well as the PPJ for organizing the livelihood training aimed at empowering the PDLs economically.

“I hope you will be able to learn much from this gathering and the teachings of the speakers,” she said.

PDLs participated in the training on the preparation of dishwashing liquid, DIY all-purpose cleaner preparation, fabric conditioner making, preparation of fudgee bar cake and creamy milo pastillas, cheese pimiento sandwich spread, and making of graham balls.

Resource speakers on the first day of the activity were Dr. Christia Marie P. Flores, Head Medical-Dental Services, along with Campus Nurse Florijean Flores Tapia; Dr. Lina T. Cancino, Chemical Engineer; TLE Teacher Beverly R. Domingo; and GFD Instructor Mary Ann C. Soriano.

Campus Executive Director Renato E. Salcedo, PSU, Lingayen Campus; Executive Director Philip G. Queroda, PSU Open University Systems; Director Romary R. Lincod, Gender and Development; and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Razeale G. Resultay also graced the event on the 2nd day.

Currently, PPJ has 271 inmates.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, Omar Cruz/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III is determined to bring the province’s ‘Preventive Health Care Program’ to the grassroots level.

Bolstered by the recent approval of the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations (GUICONSULTA) Program ordinance by the provincial board, Gov. Guico personally campaigned for preventive healthcare thrust in various villages in Pangasinan, the most recent of which were in Barangays Cacandongan, Ketegan, Palisoc, Poblacion East, Cabuaan, Nibaliw Norte, and Nibaliw Sur in Bautista town.

As an initial fund, the provincial government will allocate P300 million to implement the GUICONSULTA.

Based on the report of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO), only around 28,000 Pangasinenses were enrolled in the 14 government hospitals under the Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program.

With the minimal turnout of enrollees, Gov. Guico pushes for extra effort to achieve his sights for the enrolment of Pangasinan’s full population.

As an added assistance, the provincial government will soon grant cash incentives for residents who will avail of the program. “Wala ng dahilan para hindi tayo magpa-check up for the preventive health care program of the province dahil dalhin niyo lang po sila sa mga ospital natin at sa mga barangay health station o mga RHU ng mga munisipyo at siyudad, bibigyan po namin sila ng pangkain at ng kanilang pamasahe. Hindi na po dahilan na hindi kami pwedeng magpa-check up dahil wala akong pamasahe at wala kaming pangkain,” Gov. Guico said.

The province is targeting around 650,000 individuals to avail of the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation (GUICONSULTA) Program.

The Konsulta program is a vital initiative aimed at providing preventive healthcare services to PhilHealth members that aim to provide preventive healthcare services under the Universal Health Care Law. This offers a multitude of life-saving benefits that ensure every enrollee access to quality health services.

Under the program, members will be given access to free medical consultations, free health risk screening and assessment, free selected laboratory and diagnostic testing, and free selected drugs and medicines in line with their pre-existing condition.

Hence, PhilHealth members must register with an accredited consult provider of their choice to be eligible and avail of various services. In the case of the province, all 14 government hospitals are accredited providers.

Registration may also be done through self-registration via the member portal at www.philhealth.gov.ph or at any PhilHealth local insurance offices in their area.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The provincial government of Pangasinan will soon grant cash incentives for residents who will avail of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program.

With the recent approval of an ordinance by the provincial board entitled “An Ordinance Establishing the Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” authored by Board Member Shiela Baniqued, indigent and marginalized communities shall be granted adequate access to essential healthcare services.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who played a pivotal role in achieving the goal of pushing for the preventive healthcare program of the government, is setting his sights towards full coverage of the more than 3.3 million Pangasinenses in the offing.

“I’m very active in pushing for the full implementation of the e-Konsulta of PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.). That is to cover all of our population with health insurance through PhilHealth so that they could avail of the preventive care program of the government. Kasi ang prinsipiyo po natin diyan, it’s more expensive to cure than to prevent. So we’re giving more funds to that,” the governor earlier stated.

Recognizing the importance of health being a fundamental right and a critical component of social and economic development, Gov. Guico disclosed during the birthday celebration of President Bongbong Marcos on September 13 that his administration has embarked on expanding the health thrust of the province to include the transformation of all 14 hospitals to become “hospitals of choice,” the acquisition of various state-of-the-art equipment, and the hiring of more health practitioners, among others.

Hence, he encouraged all Pangasinenses to avail of the improved services of the various district and community hospitals in the province. “Dalhin n’yo sa provincial hospitals ang mgamay sakit pati na mga bata, makiki-coordinate kami sa mga LGU o sa mga health station maging sa barangay o munisipyo. Wala ng dahilan upang hindi tayo magpa-check up for the preventive health program of the province,” the governor said.

Gov. Guico further cited that the provincial government will coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) throughout the province to ensure the success of the program.

As stated in Section 6 of the Universal Health Care Act, or RA 11223, “Every Filipino shall be granted immediate eligibility and access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for medical, dental, mental, and emergency health services, delivered either as population-based or individual-based health services.

In consonance with PhilHealth Circular No. 2023-0013, entitled “Implementing Guidelines for the PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package (Revision 2), the constituents are encouraged to register and avail of the said benefit.

The approved ordinance disclosed that as a unified incentives program, PhilHealth Konsulta consists of any or a combination of the following: 1) cash incentives; 2) food assistance; 3) transportation assistance; and 4) provision of free vitamins.

For cash incentives, individuals who register for PhilHealth Konsulta shall receive a cash incentive for registration and additional cash incentives for every subsequent visit.

Food assistance, on the other hand, can be availed by individuals who avail of the program during their visit.

Aside from this, transportation assistance may be granted to individuals intending to avail of the program either through the use of vehicles owned by the Province of Pangasinan or in cash.

Provision of free vitamins will be granted based on the needs of the individuals. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, Photo by Joey Olimpo)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, along with other key officials, led the awarding and distribution of fertilizer and planting materials to 400 farmer-beneficiaries in tobacco-growing areas of Pangasinan held on September 12 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II (PTDC II).

Farmers in 22 municipalities were the recipients of 6,555 bags of fertilizer.

These towns include Bayambang, Malasiqui, Mapandan, and Sta. Barbara, Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Alcala, Binalonan, Laoac, Rosales, Sison, Sto. Tomas, Villasis, Asingan, Balungao, Natividad, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Sta. Maria and Umingan.

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. earlier cited that farmers play a significant role in achieving sustainable food security for the country.

‘Kilalanin nating ang inyong kabayanihan at bigyang pugay ang inyong walang kapantay na kahusayan at kasipagan. Layunin naming na maihatid sa lahat ng Pilipino ang lahat ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan na makakatulong upang magsimula kayo ng kabuhayan,’ President Marcos added.

Various fishery paraphernalia, such as 34 units of thermoelectric HDPE, 31 units of cooler boxes, 44 sets of Gill Net, and four fish coolers (units) amounting to Php 305,000.00, were likewise distributed to registered marginalized fisherfolk from 10 coastal LGUs covering 35 Fisherfolk Associations in the province to provide an additional source of income.

Said distributions form part of the various assistance from the PGP through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) in coordination with the national agencies, primarily the Office of the President.

‘Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan ay masayang nakikibahagi, nakikiisa at sumusuporta sa proyektong ‘Handog ng Pangulo, Serbisyong sapat Para Sa Lahat,’ OPAG Head Dalisay Moya said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (RFO1) likewise awarded financial assistance amounting to Php 53,504,980.00.

Governor Guico assured that the province will support President Marcos’ programs, especially the goals of the Bagong Pilipinas.

‘One man cannot do it alone, so it takes all of us Filipinos to achieve the goals and aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas,’ the governor said.

Along this line, Gov. Guico strongly advocates Corporate Farming to bolster the agricultural sector through a proactive convergence approach.

Considered the present administration’s landmark project in agriculture, Gov. Guico is keen on beefing up the project to assist more farmers.

It can be recalled that on July 7, 2023, the provincial Corporate Farming and Memorandum of Agreement signing with program partners, LGUs, and Farmer Cooperative and Association (FCA) beneficiaries was held in Binalonan town. This yielded positive results for farmers, causing them bigger earnings in the long run.

“Ibig sabihin, pag mas malaki ang iyong sinasaka, mas nagiging efficient yung iyong inputs at lumalaki yung output mo, yung yield. We have now 1,000 hectares. Pag pinagkaisa mo ang mga maliliit na kalupaan at pare-parehong variety, and itinanim mo at kinukuha mo sa iisang supplier ang inyong binhi, ang inyong mga fertilizer, mas magkakaroon sila ng leverage upang bumaba ang cost naman ng pagbili ng mga inputs. At kung pare-pareho schedule, pare-pareho ang pagtanim, ang pag harvest mo, hindi iba-iba ang variety nila, naipakita namin na mas lumalaki yung yield, yung output,” the governor said.

Corporate farms, which often operate on a large scale, are considered economies of scale, which makes agricultural products affordable for consumers as well.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan: “Let us be vigilant.” This was the call made by Provincial Legal Officer (PLO) Atty. Baby Ruth Torre during the Cybercrime Awareness Seminar held at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center I (PTDC I).

The provincial government, through the PLO, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), organized the event to create awareness of the laws against cybercrimes.

Cybercrime is a criminal activity committed by cybercriminals or hackers that either target or use a computer network or a networked device.

Atty. Torre said with the advent of modern technology, the event theme ‘A Safer Cyber Environment’ is very relevant and timely, especially in this digital age.

The lecture covers various topics such as Cybercrime Landscapes; Laws governing Cybercrimes (PLT Sharmaine Jassie D. Labrado, Team Leader Pangasinan Provincial Cyber Response Team); Most Prevalent Cybercrime in Pangasinan (PEMS Archimedes Fernandez, Cyber Investigator/OIC, Ilocos Sur PCRT); CyberSecurity Tips (Pat Rizaldy Balaoing/Pat Joe Matthew Suratos-Cyber Investigators, Pangasinan PCRT); and Handling/Use of Electronic Evidence in Court Proceedings (Atty. Emmanuel E. Laforteza, OIC Provincial Prosecutor), respectively.

PLT Labrado said many are lured through online scams through social media.

Relative to this, she urged Pangasinenses to be vigilant and practice due diligence before investing their money.

Officials and staff of the anti-cybercrime unit, department heads, and administrative officers of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan attended the seminar.

The seminar was purposely in consideration of the mission of the province, which states that ‘we are committed to accomplishing good governance; we must be unified to perform our mandate with excellence, dynamism, and innovation. To serve with love and inculcate in our hearts and minds a sense of commitment as officials of the premier province of Pangasinan. We are bound together by our mission.’

PCOL Jeff E. Fanged, Director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, and PCOL Larry D. Buansi, Chief of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (II), graced the activity.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—- “Rest assured that the province of Pangasinan is supportive of the projects of the President, especially all of the thrusts and goals of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.”

This was stated by Governor Ramon V. Guico III during the conduct of the “Handog ng Pangulo Sebisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program, which forms part of the 67th birthday celebration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. On September 13 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) II here.

In stating his gratitude for the president, Gov. Guico cited that the advocacy of Bagong Pilipinas is worth commending.

“Napakaganda po ng panawagan na ito at adhikaing ito upang ma-develop ang buong bansa nating Pilipinas. It has to take all of us, Filipinos, to achieve the goals and aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas,” Governor Guico added.

Grateful for the various support from the national government, notably in the conduct and funding of the Department of Health’s MAIFIP (Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients); the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita); and the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), the governor vowed to lead the province in playing its role towards nation-building.

“Kailangang-kailangan po namin ang ganitong mga tulong at kami naman po ay ginagampanan namin ang aming mga role, ang aming mandato upang isulong din ang pag-angat ng ating mga kababayan gaya po sa health care ang mga ospital namin,” Gov. Guico said.

Expanding on the health thrust of the provincial government, the governor cited that aside from transforming all government hospitals to become hospitals of choice via the establishment of new facilities, acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, and hiring of additional medical practitioners, the present administration, he said, is currently pushing for a new provincial ordinance dubbed ‘Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Konsulta.’

“We are anchoring this on the PhilHealth Konsulta Program at ang Universal Health Care Act na kailangan lahat po ng mga Pilipino ay may medical insurance,” Gov. Guico stated as he encouraged Pangasinenses to go to government hospitals and avail of free medical examinations.

During the program, farmers from the 22 tobacco-growing towns in Pangasinan received 6,555 bags of fertilizer funded from the provincial share in the previous year’s tobacco excise tax. Various farm machineries were also distributed to various fisherfolk associations. These are as follows: 34 units of thermochest HDPE, 31 units of cooler boxes, and 44 sets of gill net.

For TUPAD, Pangasinan received a total of P37.5 million distributed to beneficiaries from different localities.

DOLE, on the other hand, conducted simultaneous jobs fair activities specifically in Robinson’s Calasiao; CSI Stadia in Dagupan City; and Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center in Alaminos City.

Meanwhile, Pres. Marcos delivered his inspirational message directly from Guimba, Nueva Ecija, via livestream.

Thanking his countrymen, the president notably said his birthday celebration marked not only the successes of Filipino farmers but also a celebration of new hope and change, as envisioned by his administration under Bagong Pilipinas.

“Kaya po ako, ako mismo ang pumupunta rito, hindi lamang para makapagbigay at makita ang aming mga programa, aming mga proyekto at magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga magsasaka,” the President said.

Joining Gov. Guico in holding the momentous event were Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino; heads and representatives of various national line agencies like DILG, DTI, DOLE, and TESDA; chiefs of offices, department heads, and employees.

Standing as representative of President Marcos was Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Ventura-Remigio of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)