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LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Gov. Ramon V. Guico III led provincial officials here Thursday in the groundbreaking ceremony to start construction of two iconic projects- within the Capitol Complex.

Gov Guico, Vice Governor Mark Lambino, some members of the provincial board, and department heads officially now look forward to the start of construction of the 1,500-seater Convention Center and the 11-storey Government Center and Tower.

“We have to give credit to the people who also played a big role in making all of these happen. To our department heads and employees of our Provincial Capitol, thank you very much,” he said with FADZ Construction, Inc. President and CEO Nathaniel Mariano as witness.

The two projects are part of the Capitol Redevelopment Project, a legacy project of the Guico administration aimed to spur economic and tourism development in Pangasinan.

With the battle cry ‘Pangasinan, Ang Galing!, Guico added: ‘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.”

“When Team FADZ designed this building (Government Center/Tower), we started with the conventional foundation. Then, as we progressed, when we conducted soil testing and soil analysis, we realized that we need to change the design…the so-called spread footing or mat footing. But the structural engineers said they consulted a lot because we have to ensure the integrity and the safety of the structure,” said Gov. Guico, who wants to see Pangasinan “starting from Lingayen, the Singapore of the North.”

The provincial government in 2023 entered into a P6 billion Omnibus term loan from the Land Bank Philippines to fund priority development projects.

Of said amount,  PhP4.3 billion was earmarked for projects within the Capitol grounds.

Some PhP1.8 billion of which is earmarked for the construction of the government center that will house provincial government and national government agencies offices.

Another  PhP500 million has been allocated for additional improvements at the Provincial Capitol Complex. The province will also establish a PhP500 million corporate center to house businesses and commercial spaces aimed to stimulate local economic activity.

Gov. Guico said that  PhP758 million will be utilized for health projects and other big-ticket undertakings for the province. The remaining PhP700 million will be used for land acquisition and construction of other support facilities.

With the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, the governor assured that the historic Capitol building will remain untouched and will remain as Pangasinan’s main heritage site. (Ruby F. Rayat/Photo by Gian Carlo Milanes/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — The provincial government on Thursday paved the way of bringing in sustainable tourism projects with the groundbreaking and signing of a memorandum of agreement for the construction of the Pangasinan Tourism Rest Area at the Capitol grounds here with the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, DoT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and TIEZA Assistant Chief Operations Officer Gregory A. Oller signed the MOA after the groundbreaking ceremony of the tourism facility that will serve as a convergence point where foreign and local visitors could get information on tourism sites, attractions, how to get to those places and accommodations in Pangasinan.

Gov. Guico, in thanking the DOT and the TIEZA for the project, said that the province has already lined up several game-changing tourism projects for Pangasinan.

Gov. Guico said tourism projects are on deck, including the ongoing redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, which includes a more than 200-meter reflective pool and interactive fountain located at the back of the Capitol building.

“This will also complement the projects of our honorable congressman Mark Cojuangco, him prioritizing flooding, accessibility, and issues in this area. And the Capitol is making plans that will boost the tourism and make it more convenient for our visitors to visit the Capitol Complex,” Gov. Guico said.

Gov. Guico said that other projects in the Capitol area are the construction of the 11-storey provincial capitol plaza that will house local and national government offices, a 300-room hotel, and a convention center that had already started (Phase 1); the establishment of ferry boat rides from the Limahong Channel here to the Hundred Islands in Alaminos City; and improved parking in the vicinity of the Minor Basilica of Manaoag, which is visited by around five to eight million pilgrims annually, among others.

The MOA states that TIEZA will fund the construction, the DOT will monitor and evaluate the project, and it will turn over the same to the province once construction is finished (Ruby F. Rayat, JP De Vera/PIMRO).

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Pangasinan was named a ‘national health champion’ for its exemplary accomplishments in maintaining and promoting efficient, safe and healthy communities.

The province was one of the three local government units named by the Department of Health as “Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa mga Komunidad”. The other ‘Kampeons’ are Davao de Oro and Pasay City.

Gov. Ramon Guico III received the award in a simple ceremony last Monday, February 10, at the Urduja House from Dir. Dominic Maddumba, OlC-Director ll of the Health Promotion Bureau, and DOH Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco.

The Healthy Communities award 2024 (Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa Komunidad) aimed to recognize outstanding community-led efforts that improve public health and wellness.

It highlights LGUs that successfully implement sustainable programs promoting health and well-being while also improving the quality of life in their communities as it rests on two main pillars—health promoting environment [physical, social, political and economic qualities], and responsive local health system.

“Our responsibility as public servants is to pursue the balance of hard infrastructure and soft infrastructure which includes education, healthcare, social services, and moral infrastructure. That is what we are doing in Pangasinan. That is why our vision is “Pangasinan, Ang Galing!” This [award] is already an affirmation that in less than three years, we have done so much,” Gov. Guico said.

Expressing elation over the award, the governor said that public service is his main agenda in running into public office. “Alam nyo itong ginagawa po natin, somehow is a summary and culmination of my almost 18 years in public office,” he stated.

Putting emphasis on genuine public service as his priority, Gov. Guico said the most valuable things in implementing a project is not just hard infrastructure [roads and bridges] but social, moral, health and educational infrastructures as well.

“There’s also what you call social infrastructure, the moral infrastructure, the health infrastructure, and educational infrastructure,” he added.

It can be recalled that health remains on top of the present administration’s program thrust. Since assuming office in July 2022, Gov. Guico spearheaded the modernization of the 14 government hospitals in the province and the launching of Guiconsulta, a pro-poor project.

“Hindi lang puro waiting shed, hindi lang puro semento. Hindi lang yan puro monoblocks. Alam nyo pag naramdaman nyo at magkasakit kayo, how you wish, meron tayong gobyernong sasalo sa atin pagdating sa ating medical needs,” he said.
Meanwhile, the DoH lauded the province for its achievements in prioritizing health.

“Nakita ko po sa best practices ng Pangasinan, meron pong nabanggit na Capitol Redevelopment Project. Nakita ko na dito naka-focus sa open spaces, active transport, at road safety,” Maddumba said.

RD Sydiongco, on the other hand, commended the provincial government to include the provincial board as well as the municipal counterparts for passing local ordinances that support behavioral change for better health outcomes. Pangasinan bagged the award based on the following criteria: Potable Water and Food Security; Open Spaces, Active Transport Road Safety; Housing and Shelter; Efficient and quality essential health services; Accessible and Quality Education; Clean and Sustainable Environments; Income and Support; Health services accessible to all members of the community; Cultural Heritage; Tobacco- and Vape-, Alcohol-, Drug-Free Safe; Violence free and Inclusive; and, Equitable health financing.

Witnessing the ceremony were Vice Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) chair Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, SP Member Shiela F. Baniqued, various department heads and chiefs of hospitals. (Ruby F. Rayat, JP De Vera/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — Gov. Ramon Guico III wants the province as “destination of choice” with the Tourism-Related Attraction project he eyes in partnership with several government agencies and an entity.

Guico’s vision is to establish a park, with a lagoon, with boardwalk and native trees in a yet to be identified location.

The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) is eyeing a partnership with the Provincial Engineering Office, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and SMM Construction Corporation for the said project, said PTCAO head Maria Luisa A. Elduayan.
She said that a team composed of representatives from said offices will identify the location soon.

The proposed location, however, was used for the traditional venue for the annual Christmas and New Year events of the provincial government.

The PTCAO chief recommended for the postponement of the construction until the early part of this year.

With the establishment of the TRA project and the construction of the Reflective Pool and Interactive Fountain, the Capitol Complex will soon become a site of weekend family rendezvous, a meet-up place for friends, regular venue for photo and video shoots, and the destination of choice among local and international visitors.
“We intensified our efforts to make Pangasinan as the province of choice for local tourists and foreign visitors,” the governor earlier said .
He added that the provincial government is now an aggressive catalyst to permeate every nook and corner of the province to strengthen the tourism industry.
It can be recalled that the Pangasinan Banaan Provincial Museum which is housed at the historic Casa Real has penetrated not just the local scene but the global market since its inauguration on September 8, 2023 with some 9,178 registered visitors from the period September 11, 2023 to December 29 that year. A total of 8,320 visitors, on the other hand, was served by the museum for the entire year of 2024.
Aside from these projects, the PTCAO chief reported that the expressed full support for numerous tourism endeavors such as enhancement and development of farm tourism and products which can be traced back several years ago when local farmers willingly opened their farms for travelers seeking authentic rural experience.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia- Frasco during a visit here said: “I am in full appreciation of the journey that Pangasinan has taken, that has left an imprint in history…Under the leadership of our visionary governor, Pangasinan’s direction is forward, always forward, and we’re here to manifest our full support for your plans for your province.”
Under the Guico administration, a conference among tourism stakeholders and the province which was dubbed ‘Tongtongan” was conducted.

It’s emphasis was for community involvement and responsible tourism. conference. It was coined from the Pangasinan word “tongtongan” which means to engage in conversation, aimed to bring together the key players in the province’s tourism industry mainly to plan, create and harmonize strategies and initiatives that will collectively contribute to the overall growth of the tourism sector in the province.

These strategies, Elduayan said, will further enhance and promote long-term success and sustainability not only for the province but for the region as well.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Governor Ramon V. Guico III seeks to blend traditional farming practices with lucrative methods to transform the agri-business sector into a market-driven sector.

The Provincial Agriculture Office’s Agri-business division has conducted various skills training on crops and fishery production, food processing, package and technologies, institutional and entrepreneurial training to equip Pangasinan farmers.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said the activities were meant to provide local farmers and their families with modern and appropriate technology for better yield.  They were also provided trainings in management and marketing skills that will prepare them to eventually become successful agri-entrepreneurs in the future.

In 2024, the agriculture office simultaneously conducted  trainings on food processing to 155 members of women associations from the 45 municipalities of the province.

Then the office held 18 trainings on food processing which were participated in by some 390 women from different rural-based organizations in the province.

“These trainings paved a way and become their source of livelihood and will help starting would-be entrepreneurs develop more of their products,” Moya disclosed.

Meanwhile, the province’s “Kadiwa na Kapitolyo’ project is providing regular marketing support to  various agricultural products of local farmer-entrepreneurs.

Introduced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the Department of Agriculture, the KADIWA On-Wheels project has become one of the national government’s market assistance to farmers.

The KADIWA On-Wheels na Kapitolyo, on the other hand, is a collaborative project with the DA along with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the National Food Authority (NFA).

From January to November 2024, the KADIWA On-Wheels na Kapitolyo has generated a total sales of P10,657,543.00 with  some 1,375 farmer producers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) actively trading their products.

Based on records, the KADIWA On-Wheels na Kapitolyo has served 26,657 consumers from the months of January to November last year.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, photo/OPAG)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, a legacy project of Governor Ramon Guico III, is attracting not just local but more foreign audience, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) said this week.

PTCAO head Maria Luisa A. Elduayan said the museum recorded a total of 9,178 visitors since its launching on September 11, 2023 up to December 29 last year.

In addition the museum has served some 8,320 guests to include foreign visitors from the United States of America, followed by Denmark, Korea and Indonesia.

It was also visited by guests from the small Pacific country of Samoa, France, Japan, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Britain, Thailand, Malaysia, and Germany since its opening.

Through online visitor registration, the Banaan Museum which is housed at the historic Casa Real in Lingayen, has attracted visitors to come in droves.

Elduayan reported that most of the guests in 2024 are females numbering to 5,337, while male visitors numbered to 2,983.

The age bracket, on the other hand, showed that majority of the visitors belong to the 11-20, mostly students, and 21-30 years old or the working adults age brackets.

Visitors, who came from Cebu, Zamboanga del Norte, Negros Occidental, Iloilo,Baguio City, Masbate Province, neighboring La Union Province, Tarlac, Zambalaes, Laguna, Quirino Province, Tuguegarao City, Laguna, Paranaque, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Aurora Province, Quezon City, Cavite, Kalinga, and Pasay City, also personally experienced Pangasinan culture through the visuals presented in the 11 fascinating museum galleries.

The 11 galleries showcase a wide range of artifacts, artworks, installations, and interactive displays.

It can be recalled that during the museum’s first year anniversary, Governor Ramon V. Guico III emphasized the relevance of having local museums. Guico said that the structure symbolizes the identity of Pangasinan as it likewise serve as doorway to understanding the province’s culture, history, and arts.

“If there is no museum, a person wouldn’t know who they are. You would have a lost identity, with no knowledge of your culture or history. This is why museums are so important, “ the governor earlier said.

Meanwhile, visitors may also patronize the Museum Shop where local products such as blade-crafts and eco-crafts made of bamboo, buri and rattan bags, and upcycled wood and artworks can be bought.

In addition, 24 active concessionaires from different localities in Pangasinan are also available to offer refreshment.

For the period January to December 2024, the Banaan Museum Entrance Collections amounted to P616,370.00. On the same period, the Museum Shop net income was P94,137.00

Museum entrance rates are P200 for Adults/Tourists; P160 for Senior Citizens and Persons With Disability; P100 for Children/Students. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III allocated more than P698 million last year for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of provincial and barangay roads and bridges.

The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) in its 2024 accomplishment report said the amount went to engineering works for 233 provincial roads and bridges; 57 barangay roads and bridges; 978 infrastructure projects like flood control, drainage canals, and dikes; general services projects; agricultural facilities; 12 school buildings; and 15 public buildings, provincial, municipal, or barangay.

The PEO said that some PhP84.94 million was used for the improvement of provincial roads and bridges, while P256.67 million was utilized for barangay roads and bridge projects.

The PEO, meanwhile, had allocated some PhP139.52 million to infra projects like agricultural and flood control facilities, drainage canals, and dikes.

In addition, the province had implemented a total of 31 projects that improved district and community hospitals operated by the provincial government.

The PEO also undertook projects that improved public utilities and water resources, wherein 199 pump line projects were implemented; 57 maintenance or improvement of sewerage systems; 13 installation of water systems and motor pumps; and four construction of artesian/deep well/water systems and well sources.

For public buildings that include provincial, municipal, and barangay facilities as well as provincial hospitals, the province allotted a total of P177.46 million.

While the majority of the accomplished projects were funded by the provincial government, some 12 projects were sourced from the excise tax fund, amounting to P35.25 million.

An excise tax is an indirect tax charged by the government on the sale of a particular good or service.

The huge transformation of Salaan Bridge at Barangay Salaan, Mangaldan Pangasinan.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III’s innovative program, the Pangasinan Corporate Farming Program, has made significant strides in expanding the agricultural productivity of local farmers since its introduction in 2022.

Since it was started in 2022, the project now covers a total area of 1,272.47 hectares from the initial area of about 418 hectares, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) reported.

Provincial agriculturist Dalisay Moya reported that yield has increased since the dry season from 2022–2023. About 66.03 hectares were planted, which resulted in a yield of 4.93 metric tons per hectare.

The total yield in the next dry season, 2023 – 2024, which covered 418.44 hectares, went up to 5.10 metric tons per hectare.

On the other hand, during the wet season in 2024, a total of 633.40 hectares was planted and yields are expected to be robust and potentially increase in production, the OPAg said.

The OPAg said that 54 farmer-cooperative associations, which have a total of 1,448 individual farmer members, benefited from the program.

In addition, the program provided input support to farmer-beneficiaries in which 5,057 bags of organic fertilizer were distributed. Also, some 9,668 bags of inorganic fertilizer were given to enhance yield and soil health.

During the dry cropping season of 2023-2024, palay harvest posted an increase of about 13.59 percent, which translates to 12 cavans per hectare increase from the previous dry season of 2022-2023.

The OPAg said that farmer cooperators can now enjoy an increased average yield per hectare of 4.49 metric tons or 90 cavans. This would translate to more income which the OPAg pegs an average increase of 101.33 percent for each farmer or an additional P35,030.00 net income per hectare.

On corn production, a total of 740 metric tons were produced under the program in 2024 up by 18.88 percent to 32.56 percent or 6.23 metric tons to 9.177 metric tons from the previous year.

On top of that, production cost has been reduced by as much as P9,722.00 per hectare.

Meanwhile, Moya said under the corporate program, farmer members undergo class and technical training on the control and management of pests, specifically army worms.

Farmers are also trained on the latest pest and disease management methods, she said.

“The simple story about corporate farming is that because it is more cost-efficient, higher yield per hectare is achieved with lower cost of production,” said Gov. Guico in an earlier interview.

He further said that he is setting his sights on transforming agriculture into a sustainable economic enterprise through the so-called convergence approach among farmer cooperatives and associations, local government units (LGUs), national agencies and other line entities, the private sector, and financial institutions.

Major projects under the program outlined by the governor are rice production, corn production, high-value crop production, and fishery production.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN — The increase in revenues from quarrying pushed the province’s total revenue collection for the year 2024 to an unprecedented P6.6 billion plus whichalso meant increased incentives to all provincial employees.

The Capitol reported an overwhelming gross tax collection on sand, gravel, and other quarry products amounting to PhP235,575,494.26. The increase in collection will support vital priorities like improved education, infrastructure, public health, and public safety.

It also supported the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) forpermanent and non-permanent employees of the provincial government.

As a result, all employees, received PhP20,000 in additional incentives, twice the amount they received from last year due to the availability of funds.

It can be recalled that in December 2022, Governor Ramon V. Guico III asked the provincial board to amend the province’s 11-year-old Revenue Code wherein mineral extraction fees increased to PhP50 per cubic meter (cu, m) from PhP16.

The governor noted that previous administrations had been remiss in amending the Revenue Code which the Local Government Code requires to be done every five years.

Implemented in February 2023, the amended ordinance also imposed administrative fees ranging from PhP50 to PhP250 per cu. m., depending on the volume of minerals loaded on a truck.

Despite negative claims of his detractors, the governor stood firm that the increase in quarrying activity fees is worth it further stating that not all money goes to the province. He explained that the host barangay and the town will also benefit from the extraction fees.

Under the ordinance, 40 percent of the taxes collected will go to the host barangay, while 30 percent will go to the town or city, and the remaining 30 percent to the province.

The ordinance likewise said that illegal quarry sites and mineoperators will be charged with theft of minerals, which is punishable under the provisions of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

The ordinance also required quarry operators, after mining operations, to rehabilitate the excavated area to “a condition suitable for agricultural or other economic activities.”

Aside from this, operators are required to pay a cash bond of PhP100,000 before a permit is issued to ensure that they will comply with all the obligations the ordinance stipulated.

Otherwise, the bond will be forfeited and they will not be issued a quarry permit in the future.

“Previously, our projected income from river quarrying was only PhP12 million a year. That’s small for a province as large as Pangasinan,” Gov. Guico said. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Patients with kidney problems can now avail themselves of treatments for free at the newly opened dialysis center at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH) in Alaminos City, which opened last January 13.

Equipped with 15 dialysis machines, the facility will treat its patients for free, said hospital chief Dr. Ma. Teresa Sanchez.

She said that in cases where payment cannot be addressed by the patient’s health insurance, the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patient (MAIFIP) can be availed of to shoulder the cost of treatment.

Earlier, Provincial Hospital Management Services Office Dr. Raquel S. Ogoy said the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) issued Circular No. 2024-0014 on July 1 last year for the institutionalization of 156 hemodialysis (HD) sessions and coverage expansion (Revision 1) to establish the rules for availing the adjusted rates of the 156 HD sessions benefits package.

The circular shall apply to “beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) who are registered in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database (PDD).”

Patients with HD package will enjoy free drugs and medicines; laboratory tests; supplies (either of the following types of dialyzers: low-flux or high-flux); and administrative and other fees.

Said circular noted that “all PhilHealth beneficiaries with CKD5 undergoing hemodialysis shall have no payment or out-of-pocket for the covered services or minimum standards listed.”

Those who want to avail of hemodialysis treatment at the WPDH dialysis center must bring the following: a copy of the recent laboratory tests on Hepa Rofile: HBSAG, Anti HCV; CBC, Creatinine, BUN Na, K, Ca, PHOs, Albumin; Medical Abstract and Dialysis Prescription from attending nephrologist.

The other documents are: record of the last three dialysis treatments; vaccination record if available; PhilHealth certification of remaining dialysis treatment, PhilHealth Membership Data Form; patient dialysis database; confinement record if any for the same year; PCR test result (swab test) within five (5) days; updated chest X-ray result; and, check-up with Dr. Angielyn C. Asuncion, Fellow Phil Society of Nephrology, prior to treatment with new patient/transferee patient.

Clinic days of Dr. Asuncion are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8AM onwards at ADVH Door #6, 2nd floor, Dialysis building.

To date, the WPDH dialysis center has 29 listed patients, 11 of them are regular patients undergoing treatment.

Before the January 13 opening, about 50 medical and allied professionals from the 14 government hospitals underwent rigid training on Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to prepare them for the operation of the dialysis center.

It can be recalled that the establishment of dialysis centers in all district and community hospitals in Pangasinan is part of the hospital modernization thrust of the provincial government under Governor Ramon V. Guico III. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The first batch of 141 students have graduated from the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) recently and are now armed with the knowledge and skill that will make them competitive enough to be employed.

The school founded through Gov. Ramon Guico III aims to provide free education where students are armed with skills, making them competent enough for in-demand jobs.

By establishing the school, the governor hopes to inspire and empower the youth by providing opportunities for self-discovery.

Gov. Guico firmly believes that PPC is not just an idle dream but an attainable reality for professional as well as personal growth.

With the governor’s strong support for PPC and the strengthened partnership with TESDA, Pangasinan now has a pool of skilled graduates who have undergone the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II program.

More opportunities await Pangasinenses since PPC-CeLL is a TESDA-registered technical-vocational institution that provides free training.

Meanwhile, trainees who wish to pursue employment in the provincial government offices are being helped by the said institution for their applications.

Apart from these, there are plans to expand courses offered by PPC-CeLL through TESDA (automotive servicing) this year.

With the collaboration of the provincial government and the PPC-CeLL, more trainees will be trained and eventually find jobs for a brighter future.

As of this writing, one of the graduates, Cesar Arcelona, has been hired by the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), and more are expected to apply.

(Chona Cuaresma / Danna Laureano- PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Christmas was a season of awards for the province under the stewardship of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

Recently, Pangasinan received numerous significant awards for its efforts and accomplishments of Provincial/Municipal Project Management and Implementing Unit (P/MPMIU’s) in the implementation and compliance to guidelines and processes of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) sub-projects.

The more notable awards received include the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) as Most Active PPMI – 1 – BUILD Component; as the well as the Most Active PPMIU.

The province also has the highest number and cost of 1-BUILD approved subprojects under the Philippine Rural Development Project Scale-Up.

The province’s sub-project titled “Construction of Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery” as the first highest cost of approved Value Chain Rural Infrastructure sub-project under the PRDP Scale-Up.

Pangasinan also obtained a “Pass/Outstanding” rating for the 3rd Operation and Maintenance Audit System (OMAS) from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 for the sub-project “Production and Marketing or Processed Bangus in Binmaley, Pangasinan.

The province received a similar “Pass/Satisfactory” rating for the OMAS from the DA – RFO 1 for its “Salad Tomato Contract Farming and Support Service Facility Enterprise in Bani, Pangasinan.

Other awards include: the highest number of Non-PRDP Funded Intervention in the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan; the highest number of approved 1 – BUILD subproject from the PRDP Original Loan up to the Scale-Up; its 10 years of partnership with Philippine Rural Development Project; and, a “Pass/Satisfactory” rating for the 5th Operation and Maintenance Audit System (OMAS) of the DA-RFO 1 for the sub-project Rehabilitation of Gonzales – San Juan Farm to Market Road” in Umingan, Pangasinan.

The awarding was held during the PRDP – Regional Project Coordination Office 1 Year End Assessment held on December 16 to 18 last year at the Kabaleyan Cove Resort in San Carlos City.

Project Development Officer IV Bernard Barrozo received the awards on behalf of the province. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)