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LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Veteran film makers and critics commended Gov. Ramon Guico III and wife Maan Guico for staging the PangaSine that has drawn more than 100 film enthusiasts and showcased the talents of locals in the three day event.

Atty. Maan Ferrer Villegas, PGO consultant, commended the local filmmakers for their invaluable contribution in the preservation of local culture thru their artistic platforms.

Two-time Palanca awardee for playwriting Edward Cabagnot, who is one of the jurors, hailed all participating filmmakers as he congratulated this year’s winners.

Cabagnot, who grew up in Baguio, teaches film at the De La Salle University.

Pangasine is a brainchild of Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico and Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

The three-day event was highlighted with three different workshops participated in by more than 100 film enthusiasts.

These workshops include screenwriting, acting and production design. Resource speakers are bigwigs in the industry like director Zig Dulay, Donna Cariaga.

Power of Two Films

Two films practically dominated the PangaSINE 2025 last Saturday at the Capitol Resort here.

Gina took the best film award and its main character, Elora was named best in acting, an award she shared with Iola of Ina Bulan (character name only).

Andres, however, had the most awards with three to lead the pack with best in production designer, sound and score and audience choice.

Dagiti Nalaga nga Istorya took home the Gawad Guico award, while Sa Wakas, Kasama received the Jury award.

The other awards are: Best Cinematography for Bughaw Dilaw Magugunaw; Best in Editing for Untitled; Best in Screenplay for Tambayo na Dagat; and, Best in Direction for Sa Pwesto ni Pistong.

Promising storytellers/filmmakers who participated in Pangasine 2025 had expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for the opportunity given them to showcase their talents in multidimensional art form.

The PangaSine’s second edition was held from April 10 to 12, where it converged talented local artists thru their stories that evoked emotions among a wide range of audience. Ten indie films made it to the finals. ( (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO))

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN -The 21 candidates in the Limgas na Pangasinan 2025 had their Pre-Pageant Night last Sunday at the Sison Auditorium here.

The pre-pageant was highlighted with the creative costume presentation; personal interview; talent presentation; and artists’ video featuring each candidate’s glam team.

Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico who chairs the pageant, encouraged the candidates to give their best shot and become Pangasinan’s symbolism of beauty beyond aesthetics.

“As the chairperson of this event, I am incredibly proud not just of the glitz and glamour but because it gives us a chance to celebrate the ‘ganda at galing’ of every Pangasinense. Our Limgas candidates…21 queens, 21 dreams…represent our future. Strong, beautiful and vibrant,” Mrs. Guico said.

At stake is the Best in Talent who will be determined based on the following criteria: Technical Merits (timing, style, dynamics, and projection), 40 percent; artistic Impression (concept, execution, delivery, and visuals), 40 percent and, Overall Impact, 20 percent
Artists’ video, on the other hand, were judged based on the following: Content and Execution, 50%; Number of Heart Reactions, 50% while the Beauty and Brain segment will be based on Overall Impression (beauty of face and figure, poise and carriage), 50 percent; Intellegence/Depth (communicative competence, diction and confidence), 50 percent .

The judges were Jim Ryan Ros, Business Development Manager of Aces and Queens; Nikki Buenafe, Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 and reigning Miss Multinational Philippines 2024; Glen Dizon Canlas, Pampanga’s Premier Fashion Designer & Hautte Couture Trendsetter; Michael Cacai Munoz, celebrity stylist and creative director of Mutya ng Kapampangan 2024/Miss Universe Philippines Pampanga; and, chairman of the jurors Raymond Galang, Operations Manager of Aces and Queens.

Meanwhile, the titles at stake for this year’s Pageant are Limgas na Pangasinan-World, Limgas na Pangasinan-Grand, Limgas na Pangasinan-Mutya, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up.

This year’s official candidates are: 1) Reign Joy C. Lim (Bayambang); 2) Kayzee Chasta P. Brillo (Umingan); 3) Leinahtan L. Sarmiento (San Carlos City); 4) Kyla S. De Leon (Basista); 5) Xyza Nicole S. Aguilar (Mangaldan); 6) Louise Anne A. Vergara (San Manuel); 7) Cheska T. Donato (Bugallon); 8) Grace Jineah C, Lumague (Pozorrubio); 9) Clarisse C. Borbe (Alcala); 10) Liannah Jermayne L. Mangosong (Asingan); 11) felicity C. Mamplata (Lingayen); 12) Krysha R. Villanues (Binalonan); 13) Marianne Jinnah F. Nandin (Balungao); 14) Chelsea Mae M. Oranza (Malasiqui); 15) Alannis Sophia Melarne F. Hiidge (Sual); 16) Ma Julianne Vernice F. Nandin (Rosales); 17) Venus B. Sawaysaway (Dasol); 18) Freda V. Rosario (Labrador); 19) Angelica Joy B. Flores (Sta. Barbara); 20) Claire Arwen V. Cacal (Calasiao); and, 21) Rosemarie O. Ernang.

The Grand Coronation Night will be held on April 25, 8PM, at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) gymnasium.

Meanwhile, the creative costumes worn by the 21 candidates are exhibited at the SM Rosales from April 14 to 16. The public can take a glimpse of the brilliant artistry and creativity of local designers through the exhibit. (Ruby F. Rayat/JP de Vera PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Ten shortlisted indie films vie for top honors as the 2nd PangaSINE kicked off last Thursday.

Now in its second year, Pangasine which is a brainchild of Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico, brings together young and potential filmmakers in one frame and where they are mentored by some of the country’s finest movie makers.

Deemed as the precursor of Pangasinan filmmaking, Pangasine aimed at enriching and highlighting the tapestry of the local culture.

The 10 finalists are: 1) Andres (2023) by Alfred Lawrenz D. Garcia; 2) Bughaw, Dilaw, Magugunaw (2024) by Gerald P. Bernardo; 3) Dagiti Nalaga Nga Istoria (Woven Stories) (2025) by Melver Ritz L. Gomez; 4) Gina (2017) by Noubikko Ray G. Tadeo; 5) Guys! Action! (2023) by Jerey J. Catabijan; 6) Ina Bulan (2024) by Melver Ritz L. Gomez; 7) Sa Pwesto ni Pistong (The Barber’s Chair) (2024) by Vincent Joseph M. Entuna; 8 Sa Wakas Kasama (2024) by John Laurian T. Pelias; 9) Tambayo Na Dayat (2024) by Carmina G. Cruz; 10) Untitled (2025) by Julian Raymond M. Kutch.

Screening of short film finalists is held from April 10 to 12 from 6 until 8PM at the Capitol Beach front while the awarding ceremony will be held on April 12.

Jurors include fimmmaking bigwigs Moira Lang, Baby Ruth Villarama and Edward Delos Santos Cabagnot.

The judges will select the winners awards in the categories: acting, editing, sound design, production design, cinematography, screenplay, direction, best film, jury, audience choice and Gawad Guico.

For this year, more than 100 film enthusiasts listed in three different workshops that started Thursday until Saturday, April 12, such as Screenwriting; Acting; and, Production Design. Resorce speakers are no-less than Director Zig himself, Donna Cariaga and Aped Santos.

The PangaSINE is spearheaded by the Provincial Information and Media Relations Office (PIMRO) led by Dhobie P. De Guzman.

The opening gala was attended by Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, Atty. Kandace Palagud of PGO, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan; Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Officer Raymundo Bautista Jr., representatives of various departments, employees and students.

The affair was highlighted with the guest performance of Sparkle artist EA de Guzman and Pinoy indie pop/rock band –‘The Edralins’.

Meanwhile, acclaimed film director Zig Madamba-Dulay in his message during the opening program said discovering and sharing one’s talent, loving one’s craft and inspiring others through excellent masterpieces are just some of what a successful filmmaker should possess.

Sharing his ordeal as an independent filmmaker, Director Zig said more than the sacrifice and hardships, the opportunity to inspire and touch people’s lives make the craft worth trekking for.

Director Zig’s better known movies are: Green Bones in 2024, Firefly (2023), Black Rainbow (2021), The Baggage (2017), Paglipay (2016), Scarecrow (2015) among others. He has received notable accolades to include a Star Award for ‘Black Rainbow’ and TOYM Award in 2024 for his remarkable contributions to Arts and Culture (TV/Film). Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The province has raised red tide alert in two western coastal towns.

This after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources detected toxic red tide from the coastal waters of Bolinao and Anda and warned the public from consuming shell products coming from said towns.

In a letter, BFAR Regional Director Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan told Gov. Ramon V. Guico III that laboratory analysis conducted by the agency proved sea water coming from said towns are positive for red tide toxin.

“As a precautionary measure, concerned LGUs (Local Government Unit) are advised to require their market inspectors, quarantine officers and administrators to demand traders for ‘Auxilliary Invoice’ from the point of origin or Local Transport Permit issued by BFAR for all fish and fishery products including seashells unloaded and marketer to ensure that it did not come from areas positive of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP),” the letter stated.

The BFAR has posted the red tide advisory last Thursday.

Numbered 2025-01-01, the BFAR cautioned the public to refrain from gathering, selling and eating all types of shellfish as well as ‘alamang’ coming from the affected areas to avoid possible paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Fish, squid, crab and shrimps are, however, safe to eat provided that they are fresh, the nostrils removed, and washed thoroughly with running water before cooking.

Red tide is caused by rapid increase in microscopic algae (dinoflagellates) that are often triggered by environmental factors such as warm temperatures, high nutrient levels, and changes in water salinity, as well as human activities like pollution. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III said he wants to build 20 government hospitals in the province.

In his third State of the Province Address (SOPA) during the province’s 455th Foundation Day last April 5, the governor said: “My dream is not to stop at 14 government hospitals. If you give me three terms as a governor, at least 20 hospitals should be operating in the province under the provincial government of Pangasinan.”

Gov. Guico said this will include the establishments of a training hospital, an APEX hospital and specialty hospitals.

An Apex hospital is a specialized hospital contracted by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation as a stand-alone facility that offers services for a wide range of illnesses, diseases, injuries, or deformities.

At the minimum, an apex hospital shall be equipped with an ambulatory surgical clinic, anatomic and clinical laboratory. It will also have a blood station, dialysis facility, general intensive care unit, nuclear medicine facility, physical medicine and rehabilitation facility, psychiatry facility, radiologic facilities, and surgical facility as well as maternity facility.

“For the first time, we engaged in improving medical and hospital services that were never before achieved in such a scale that we have initiated and accomplished in less than three years, including many of those that are still works in progress,” he said.

Earlier, the provincial government has started the put up of a 55-bed super community hospital in Umingan. To date, Phase 1 of the P200 million project has been completed.

The Umingan hospital is expected to be completed at year end. It will have two elevators to service senior citizens and people with disability. The facility is a 15-bed community hospital that can only service some 50 patients.

Recently, the province in partnership with the municipality of Alcala held the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 15th government hospital.

The four-story hospital which will have a P250 million budget for Phase 1, will cater not only to residents of Alcala but also to citizens of nearby towns. The town actually donated the 3,000 square meter lot where the hospital will be built on in Barangay Poblacion.

Through his legacy project — GUICONSULTA, more than one million Pangasinenses can now enjoy the benefits of the national government’s PhilHealth’s Konsulta Program.

“We want free comprehensive outpatient primary care, medical consultations, health risk screening, selected laboratory tests and medicines for all eligible and registered Pangasinenses through Konsulta,” he said.

In less than three years, Gov. Guico, has made healthcare as one of his major programs. He has also seen to the establishment of other health facilities like hemodialysis centers; purchase of various state-of-the-art equipment; the additional hiring of health practitioners and the provision of specialized trainings for doctors and nurses. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— The Pangasinan sea festival or Pista’y Dayat 2025 celebration officially kicked off last April 4 at the Capitol Plaza here with the opening of the Pangasinan Agri-Tourism and Trade Expo as prelude to the month-long celebration.

The fair features various local products of the participating localities of Pangasinan, whose booths contain the best produces of their farmers and commodities of local entrepreneurs which are expected to attract patronage.

During the opening, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III emphasized that there are many products in the province that need proper exposure and marketing. Thus, he stated that a wider market is needed.

The governor expressed full support to local entrepreneurs by staging more trade fairs and other related promotional activities to promote their products.

“If there are more challenges externally, we will be more proactive and strengthen our domestic market. With our partnership with the DTI, the province will be more motivated and aggressive in helping our MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises),” the governor said.

Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, on the other hand, commended the participants as he further encouraged other LGUs to actively join in promoting the best products of their town/city.

Guests to the event include: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) OIC-Assistant Regional Director Natalia Dalaten, Engr. Arnold Santos of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Civil Service Commission (CSC) Western Pangasinan Field Office Director II Flordeliza Bugtong.

The 12 local government units (LGUs) participating in the month long exhibit are: Mangatarem, San Carlos City, host Lingayen, San Fabian, Binalonan, Agno, Bugallon, Bani, Pozorrubio, Basista, Asingan, and Mapandan. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO with reports from interns Jairah Mae Anca, Lovelie Almadres)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Governor Ramon V. Guico III highlighted historic “firsts” accomplishments in his first tenure during his third State of the Province Address (SOPA) on April 5 during the province’s foundation day celebration at the Sison Auditorium.

Entitled: ‘Era of First Times, Era of Lasting Accomplishments,’ the SOPA bespeaks of the spirit of an era of doing things for the first time leaving lifetime effect for the people of Pangasinan.

Gov. Guico dedicated all the accomplishments achieved in his maiden tenure to the 3.2 million Pangasinenses.

“As your public servant in the province, please accept my heartfelt gratitude to all your prayerful and unfailing support.

This State of the Province Address 2025 is not a chronicle of what the Governor has done alone. It has always been the accomplishment of the whole province,” the governor said.

Gov. Guico identified key programs that are “firsts” in tourism, agriculture, health, education, peace and order, infrastructure, environment, livelihood development, investment, employment, social services, disaster risk reduction.

Some of the significant ‘first time’ legacy projects include the conversion of the historic Casa Real into a provincial museum named Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum; the revival of the long-slumbered salt industry via the Pangasinan Salt Center; launching of Corporate Farming; active support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises; establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College; innovation of the Pangasinan Provincial Jail; redevelopment of the Capitol Complex; launching of the Green Canopy Project; the establishment of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office; establishment of the One Response Command Center in Malico, San Nicolas, among others.

Medical support giving utmost emphasis on his signature projects like the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation (GUICONSULTA), he cited that his administration included the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act or Republic Act 11223 to maximize health benefits for the Pangasinan people like never before.

The governor said the Guiconsulta is a support project of PhilHealth’s Konsulta program.

GUICONSULTA aims to fast track the enrolment of two million Pangasinenses into their preferred accredited Philhealth-Konsulta Providers,” he said.

Also, Gov. Guico reported that in 2023, under his term, a total of P495,401,375.65 for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) was downloaded to the province and benefitted 182,679 patients admitted in the 14 government hospitals throughout Pangasinan.

Under his administration, the 14 government hospitals were modernized and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment like the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine in 2024, 19 stationary X-ray and 21 mobile X-ray machines seven Ultrasonography machines, and two Computed Tomography or CT Scan machines.

Modernization of health facilities has started with the Super Community Hospital in Umingan as benchmark followed by the construction of the 15th government hospital which broke ground recently in Alcala town.

The establishments of hemodialysis centers in all provincial government hospitals have likewise started. It can be recalled that under the previous administration, there was only one existing dialysis center run by the provincial government.

Financial Management

Transparency, integrity and accountability in financial management are some of Gov. Guico’s hallmark of excellence that lead to increased revenue collections that led to various awards earned by the province.

These include Philippines’ Kampeon ng Kalusugan Sa Mga Komunidad; Outstanding Provincial Jail; Best Educational Program Implementing the Alternative Learning System; Top Performer in Highest Locally Sourced Revenues; Top 1 in Year-on-Year Growth In Locally Sourced Revenues; Most Active PPMI-I BUILD Component; Top Performing Province for Highest Average Increase in Taxable Assessed Value for Three Consecutive Years; Most Disability Inclusive Province; among other citations.

Aside from the various ‘historic first times,’ the provincial government continuously implement regular projects like employment services; construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, school buildings and public facilities; technical and financial assistance for farmers, unemployed, displaced OFWs; persons with disability, women groups, solo parents and other less-privileged sectors of society.

“There is so much more that needs to be done. We will continue raising the bar of excellence with our present achievements. And we have more legacy projects and programs that will benefit many generations of Pangasinenses long after we are gone. Three years is really short, but they are nevertheless loaded with outstanding performances from our Pangasinan Ang Galing Team!

You and I—all of us—belong to this Team!,” he said.

Gov. Guico’s SOPA serves as the highlight of the province’s 445th Founding Anniversary (Agew na Pangasinan) celebration. Pangasinan was founded in April 5, 1580. (Ruby F. Rayat, JP De Vera PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The collection fees of the Office of the Provincial Veterinary has increased by more than four fold since Gov. Ramon Guico III assumed office in 2022.

Records show that from the PhP11,485,619 collected in 2022, that increased to a whopping PhP48,3003,194 in 2024.

OPVet chief Dr. Arcely Robeniol, attributed the increase to the excellent management style of Governor Guico.

Despite the executive orders issued and the provincial tax ordinance enacted during the previous administration aimed to increase revenues, Robeniol said it was only under Gov. Guico’s term that strict and honest to goodness implementation was done.

“Those executive orders (issued) and provincial tax ordinance (enacted), were already in effect, but it was only this time, under our good governor, that these were implemented properly,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Based on records, the OPVet had a collection of PhP10,130,761 in 2020; slightly increased to PhP11,407,417 in 2021; and, PhP11,485,619 in 2022;.
But in 2023, after a year in office of the current governor, this ballooned to PhP32,191,217 or almost three fold, and last year, it further increased to PhP48,003,194.

She added that the significant increase may also be the result of ‘change of work attitude among the department’s employees.

“There was a change of behavior, our employees showed more concern of their work,” she noted adding that they were inspired by the governor’s words and actions.

“We were then able to implement properly (the measures) our collection process and remit same to our provincial treasury office. (The added collection) now helps the provincial government in implementing projects,” she added.

OPVET is mandated to enforce all laws and regulations in all veterinary-related functions and quarantine activities toward a healthy animal populace by providing measures in the prevention and control of contagious and zoonotic diseases.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III remains steadfast in his goal to transform Pangasinan as the next ‘tourism mecca’ in the North in the next few years.

Gov. Guico is optimistic due to the significant increase in day visitors in 2024.

Although, overnight tourist arrivals have remained the same compared to 2023, the governor is upbeat as the tourism sector is a promising industry due to the infrastructures introduced by the provincial government to support efforts.

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) reported the province recorded a total of 8,685,980 day tourists in 2024, up from the 5,597,867 number of tourists in 2022.

This surge in day visitors is attributed to Pangasinan’s growing popularity as a weekend getaway destination.
That makes Gov. Guico optimistic saying that with more accommodation facilities, the province can attract a substantial number of tourists.

The PTCAO noted that the peak season for tourism in Pangasinan remains from March to May, coinciding with the summer months and the various town fiestas and provincial events, including, of course, the Pista’y Dayat.

Said trend was evident in 2024, with both overnight and day visitor arrivals peaking during this period.

Full Government Support

Other efforts done by the provincial government to support boost tourism include the establishment of the 11-storey Government Center and Tower as well as the 1,500-seater Convention Center which are both located within the Capitol Complex and broke ground recently.

These as the provincial government hopes to make Pangasinan as a venue of national and maybe even international conventions.

In addition, the on-going construction of the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain is another historic landmark project of Gov. Guico who has set his sights in making Pangasinan truly the destination of choice in the coming years.

The province likewise inked partnership with the department of Tourism and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for the groundbreaking and construction of the Pangasinan Tourism Rest Area located at the Capitol beach front here.

The Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, a legacy project of Gov. Guico, meanwhile, has become an integral part of tourism development in the province as it welcomed 8,320 visitors in 2024, the largest attendance came from visitors within Pangasinan.

The Museum also attracted a diverse international audience including visitors from the USA, Denmark, Korea, Indonesia and many other countries, further establishing its importance as a cultural landmark.

In coordination with local government units throughout Pangasinan, the provincial government through the PTCAO actively promotes the province’s tourism attractions by highlighting local tourism products, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment, implementing a reporting system to monitor tourism data, providing an accessible banking system, improving accommodation availability, and enhancing Wi-Fi access.

Pangasinan, Ang Galing!

With the battlecry ‘Pangasinan, Ang Galing!, the governor earlier stated, “we are laying the foundation and planting the seeds for the near future and for the far future. So, I think this administration will make it smart as the builder of the excellent and new Pangasinan. That’s what we want to happen.”

Capitalizing on the growing popularity of Pangasinan as a travel destination, the province continues to offer unique natural beauty and experiences that attract both local and international tourists.

As such, Pangasinan is well-positioned to continue its growth as a leading tourism destination in the Philippines as envisioned by Gov. Guico.

“We are laying the foundation and planting the seeds for the near future and for the far future. So, I think this administration will make it smart as the builder of the excellent and new Pangasinan. That’s what we want to happen,” he earlier stated. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO with report from Diane Sison, PSU intern)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The second edition of the PangaSINE Film Festival is on, and organizers are calling on all Filipino filmmakers to submit their entries for both narrative and documentary.

With the theme, “Our Hopes and Dreams Across the Regions,” the film festival this year is open to all Filipino filmmakers. Interested filmmakers can now submit their entries.

Entries must not exceed 15 minutes and could have dialogues in any language.

Entries must also have English subtitles if the dialogue is not in English. Films should be original and not in violation of any copyright.

From the entries, organizers will shortlist only 10 films, and selected filmmakers will be required to provide a high-resolution copy of their film, trailer, poster, and other pertinent requirements.

The filmmakers of the 10 shortlisted films will be notified on March 28 via email.

The PangaSINE is a brainchild of Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico and was officially launched on April 6, 2024.

A culture and arts project that aimed to transform the province into a film hub, the PangaSINE Film Festival also features filmmaking workshops that will help enrich local talents.

More than 100 filmmakers from the various towns of the province joined the three-day workshop last year.

Prominent personalities from the film industry, like National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik as well as Baby Ruth Villarama, Edward Delos Santos Cabagnot, Moira Lang, Zig Dulay, Richard Dico Cawed, Jay Halili, and Jonathan Q. Hee, were guests during the maiden staging.

‘Sine by the Sea’,  an exhibition of films by Pangasinense filmmakers was held at the Capitol Beachfront, culminating last year’s edition.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN An executive of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. or PhilHealth, commended the province’s GUICONSULTA (Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations) and urged other provinces to emulate it.

PhilHealth Vice President for Region 1 Dennis B. Adre said in an interview recently that GUICONSULTA is a commendable program that other provinces should replicate and make it as a model project.

“We have been coordinating with our head office to study and evaluate the Pangasinan Business Model and probably adopt and turn it into a policy,” Adre said.

Adre said that Philhealth has been trying to influence policy with actual good practice.

“What we see in Pangasinan, we hope, will be replicated by all the other provinces,” he said adding that Pangasinan is the first to provide counterpart services.

The GUICONSULTA, a legacy project of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, was launched in 2024 and aimed to initially enroll at least two milion Pangasinenses.

“The intention is to seek out the 3.2 million population of Pangasinan, get them enrolled into Konsulta and get them to avail of the free services of PhilHealth-accredited facilities, “ Adre stated.

He added that the province’s GUICONSULTA is indeed a welcome development for PhilHealth as it complements the latter’s program by helping them promote the availment of actual services by the members.

Konsulta is an outpatient program of the PhilHealth which started in 2020.

“In Pangasinan, we have started negotiating with the province to engage as a whole provincial health network. But we started out by accrediting individual rural health units of the 48 municipalities. Now, they’re organized as one provincial health network,” he said.

Moreover, Adre said that the capitation worth P1,700 is being paid to the partner accredited facilities to include the 14 hospitals operated by the provincial government for actual services or outpatient services rendered.

The Philhealth VP said the P1,700 capitation goes to the members’ laboratory fees. It is also used for maintenance medicines of the members to include antibiotics, anti-diabetes, and hypertension medicines which is in contrary to what detractors claimed about reimbursements
“In the case of Pangasinan, they have come up with an 80-20 sharing scheme which is provided for in a memorandum of agreement signed by and among the 48 municipalities and cities,” he said.

He added that 80 percent is being held in trust by the province in a special health fund as contained in a resolution. On the other hand, the 20 percent goes directly to the LGUs.

In lauding the scheme, Adre said : “What’s striking about the plans of what we call the Pangasinan Business Model is the intention to invest in infrastructure among others.

They intend to invest it into an Apex Hospital. And they intend to upgrade the existing facilities the province to meet the needs of all our members.”

As to the P300 being given by the provincial government to enrollees, Adre said it did not come from PhilHealth but from the coffers of the province.

“As of now PhilHealth has not been able to pay for that purpose. Our engagement with them as one whole provincial health network, we have not been able to give even a peso,” he stated.

GUICONSULTA was launched by the province as a counterpart service to Philhealth’s Konsulta program.

Expensive diagnostic procedures like mammogram, for example, is included in the free services along with other laboratory services.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)