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)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III has introduced a brand new leadership that veered away from traditional that is expected to break new grounds for Pangasinan’s economic development.
Since his first day in office in July 2022, Gov. Guico, an entrepreneur, has shifted the brand of leadership from the traditional to corporate function, which his detractors failed or refused to understand.
Before he even ran for governor, Gov. Guico ushered in the rise of the province’s first economic zone in Pangasinan. Established before the pandemic in his hometown of Binalonan, where he was the mayor and then Congressman, the Sumitomo Corporation, the largest Sumitomo manufacturing plant in the country, assembles wiring harnesses for Japanese electric vehicles.
He said phase one of the project operated with 3,000 employees, while phases two and three of the project will create an additional 10,000 job opportunities in Pangasinan.
A licensed pilot, the governor also owns the WCC Aeronautical School and WCC Aviation Company Inc. is driven to succeed in his goals and aspirations.
Likewise, his family owns a private hospital in Manila as well as a supermarket and mall.
The best practices he learned from all his business ventures were carried out in his career as a public official, first as a town mayor of Binalonan, then as a congressman of the province’s 5th congressional district, and now as the governor of Pangasinan.
In most of his speeches, the governor has reiterated his plan in clear directions for investors and instituted policies that will be beneficial for them and, in the end, the province. His goal, he said, is to see Pangasinan transform into an investment hub.
Equipped with entrepreneurial skills and honed by experience, he introduced a deep-rooted sense of idealism that will improve, if not eliminate, entrenched government bureaucratic processes.
Among his early achievements include the establishment of the 42.76-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) which was done in partnership with San Miguel Corporation, owned by business tycoon Ramon Ang.
Now in its technical works for Phase 1, the project will link Binalonan town to the provincial capital town of Lingayen, cutting travel time from one and half hour to just about 25 to 30 minutes. The project will also strengthen Pangasinan’s connectivity to Manila and the rest of Luzon.
Healthcare
Gov. Guico also aims to provide the best healthcare for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses. The governor sets his sights on modernizing all 14 government-run hospitals in the province by building more facilities and equip all with state-of-the-art equipment that past administrations failed to provide.
At present, the provincial government is also actively pushing for the Guiconsulta, or the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations program.
This was launched to target the registration of some two million Pangasinenses. With said number, it is expected that the province will receive about P3 to P4 billion, of which 20 percent will be distributed to the province’s 44 municipalities.
More Revenues
Under his watch, the province’s gross revenue collections tremendously soared. For instance, through a new quarrying ordinance, tax collections on river quarrying operations alone skyrocketed from P12 to P15 million net collections in the previous administration to the P235,575,494.26 net collection last year.
While it is true that there was an increase in quarry tax, the governor said it is an honest-to-goodness fair collection that goes directly to the provincial treasury with transparent records on hand.
Good fiscal management, he added, resulted in a record-high increase in collections; thus the province in 2024 earned various citations and awards.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan has also approved the 7.1 billion budget of the province for 2025.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed deep appreciation to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, as well as the department heads for their all-out support.
“Let me just highlight that this annual budget, aside from being the first time that we have reached this amount, is mostly the result of the professional management of our provincial government,” Governor Guico said.
The approved 2025 Annual Budget amounting to PhP 7,100,312,215.00 showed a significant increase compared to the P5,729,765,891.00 budget of 2024 with a remarkable difference of P1,370,546,324.00.
Historic Firsts
With the governor at the helm, he steered the province to exceptionally greater heights of progress. Historic firsts were also recorded, such as the establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which is the first of its kind in the entire region.
Currently, the province takes pride in producing the first batch of 141 graduates under the PPC Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL), a TESDA-registered technical-vocational institution that provides free training to out-of-school youth. The graduates have undergone the Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM) NC II program.
The PPC will open a school of medicine in addition to the present curriculum being offered for free for deserving scholars. This is on top of the baccalaureate courses earlier opened to its initial 700 scholars in August 2024.
The revival of the salt industry in Pangasinan is another brainchild of Gov. Guico. After years of non-operation, the salt farm located in barangay Zaragoza in Bolinao, the country’s largest, has started producing salt anew. It has partnered with the Philippine Coconut Authority and now supplies some areas in Regions I and III.
Based on records, the salt farm has produced 6,400 metric tons of salt and generated total sales of P10 million for 2024.
Infra-tourism
Infra-tourism projects are among the governor’s priorities. He said the Redevelopment Project for the Capitol Complex is a result of scrupulous planning with the experts. It is expected that in a few months, locals will enjoy the largest reflective fountain and interactive pool in the country.
The redevelopment project will also widen the roads within the complex and improve parking space as well as the drainage system that will help mitigate the perennial flooding in the area.
Likewise, the Veterans Park will have a new aesthetic to give rightful respect to history and to the World War II heroes. The park will serve as one of the sites to behold in the Capitol Complex Redevelopment project that is expected to finish soon.
“Whatever I do is (will) always (be) a collective decision. If there is something about me, I always listen,” the governor reiterated during meetings with department heads, hospital chiefs, and employees.
He added that every decision he makes is intended for the welfare of the over 3.1 million Pangasinenses who need genuine care from leaders and the government. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A PhP200 million, 55-bed capacity community hospital in barangay Gonzales in Umingan town to benefit Pangasinenses from the eastern part of the province is expected to open soon.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III said the hospital found in a four-hectare property in said barangay will also have modern equipment like CT (computed tomography) scan, X-ray, and diagnostic devices.
Gov. Guico said that patients from neighboring towns of Natividad, San Nicolas, Rosales and even the neighboring province of Nueva Ecija will be served as well.
Started in January 18 last year, the project is now 80 percent complete, the governor reported.
Once completed, the building will have 50,000 square meters of floor plan. The road leading to and out of the hospital has been completed.
Governor Guico said the construction of the facility is the first township project of his administration and a realization of the provincial government’s vision to fully modernize the 14 government hospitals.
The township project shall include the construction of a transport terminal, a commercial area with modern stalls, a housing component, a daycare center, a part, and a social hall, the governer further said.
The project is in line with Gov. Guico’s main thrust to provide a mass-based health care program which will greatly help the sick less-fortunate residents of the 6th congressional district of Pangasinan.
The influx of patients is expected once the modern community hospital opens.
The existing Umingan Community Hospital near the municipal hall in barangay Poblacion is a 15-bed capacity facility that caters to about 50 patients only.(Ruby F. Rayat/ Joey Olimpo-PIMRO)
Lingayen, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s brand of leadership was again best displayed in the sound financial management of the 14 provincial government-run hospitals.
As of May 31, 2024, the province recorded a decrease in the PhilHealth Return-to-Hospital (RTH) and denied claims.
Data shows a decline in the 14 provincial hospitals Philhealth RTH and Denied Claims as follows: P109,785,115 (Total RTH) and P73,952,094 (Denied Claims) in 2021; P45,480,994 (RTH) and P59,409,670 (Denied Claims) in 2022; P49,544,505 (RTH) and P36,292,974 (Denied Claims) in 2023; P77,060,483 (RTH) and P14,928,409 (Denied Claims) in 2024, respectively.
“If we are going to compare 2021 sa 2022 and 2023, dramatically, malaki po yung binaba ng RTH and Denied Claims,” Dra. Racquel S. Ogoy, Medical Officer III of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office, said.
This only means there was a huge improvement in the processing of PhilHealth claims under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III.
Dr. Ogoy further disclosed that the 14 provincial hospitals saw a significant increase in profit or revenue in 2024.
“Sa administrasyon po ni Gov. Guico, meron po tayong tinatawag na Medical Assistance for the Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patient (MAIFIP). Pag sinabi nating RTH, pwede pa nating ere-file or ere-submit kung may mga deficiencies. So may chance pa po na mabayaran ito. Pag denied, hindi na po natin masisingil pero, ang ginagawa nating actions sa 14 government hospitals natin, pina-file po natin siya sa MAIFIP para masingil pa rin po natin siya. Technically, hindi na po siya makokonsider na losses po ng province natin kasi mababayran po siya through the MAIFIP program ng DOH,” Dr. Ogoy explained.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan offered a fitting tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II who fought valiantly and risked their lives in pursuit of freedom.
In a simple rite that commemorates the 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings and 18th Pangasinan Veterans Day on January 9 at the Capitol Beach Park, Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark de Guzman Lambino welcomed the war veterans along with their families and special guests, notably Undersecretary Pablo Lorenzo, who represented National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
“This day is more than just a moment of remembrance. It symbolizes the commitment, dedication, and patriotism of our dear veterans, who fought so bravely for the liberation of our country. The celebration forms an essential part of our identity as Pangasinenses and Filipinos,” Gov. Guico said.
As he reiterated his call for unity, he mentioned that the site for this year’s celebration is where the ‘Reflective Pool and Interactive Fountain’ will soon be unveiled.
“This project holds significant relevance to our celebration, as it includes the construction of a reflective pool at the rear center of the Capitol building. Additionally, on the north side of the development near the beach, the Veterans Plaza will feature fountains and monuments to honor the sacrifices of our Filipino veterans,” Gov. Guico disclosed.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Lorenzo thanked the governor for the invitation as he likewise lauded the war veterans.
According to the undersecretary, there are 950 living veterans throughout the country, 25 of whom are from Pangasinan.
“Great is a nation that honors its veterans,” Usec. Lorenzo said further, citing that the national government, through the stewardship of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., has lined up several programs for the country’s veterans, such as the improved veterans’ medical services, among many others.
On the other hand, Vice Governor Lambino stated the significance of the celebration.
“80 years ago, the shores of Lingayen witnessed not just the devastation of war but also the spark of liberation and war,” he said as he cited that Filipinos and Pangasinenses owe an unpayable debt of gratitude to the brave soldiers of WWII.
The commemorative program was attended by some representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the ambassador of Australia to the Philippines, the Philippine Veterans Office, and other national/provincial line agencies.
The celebration was highlighted by a medical mission and wellness activity for the war veterans and their families.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan pays its deepest respect to the 25 remaining living World War II veterans. With this, a fitting tribute for their bravery, patriotism, and heroism will serve as the centerpiece of the 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings celebration on January 9.
The oldest living testament of WWII in the province is a 108-year-old veteran from Calasiao, Pangasinan, named Valentin Mamanta Untalan.
Joining Lolo Valentin are eight other centenarians who, like him, braved WWII valiantly. Six veterans are aged 99; two are aged 98; seven are 97; and one is aged 94.
On the 80th year of commemorating their heroism, the provincial government will award them with financial assistance. It has been a tradition that these Pangasinan heroes received an annual financial gift. They are treated with free medical checkups as well.
Aside from this, the provincial government also awards cash incentives of P20,000 to centenarians with the support of the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO). Six of the war veterans have already received their cash grants, while the other three have just submitted their required documents and will be scheduled to receive their cash incentives.
Here is the complete list of the WWII veterans that are still with us to date:
Name Town/City Age
1. Valentin Mamanta Untalan, Calasiao, 108
2. Adriano Sinlao Salomon, San Carlos City, 104
3. Hospicio Ninobla Mallari, Mapandan, 103
4. Pedro Fernandez Fernandez, Sta. Barbara, 102
5. Serapio Medrano Placido, Bayambang, 102
6. Victorina Garcia Urmaza, Binmaley, 101
7. Eduardo Gabiola Caerlan, Bayambang, 100
8. Adriano Gabiola Herrera, Bayambang, 100
9. Federico Carbonel Villon, Alcala, 100
10. Raymundo Manaois Cabrera, Dagupan City, 99
11. Gabaldon Castil Cacho, Anda, 99
12. Candido Marzan Fabia, Urdaneta City, 99
13. Ricardo Cariaga Manzano Sr., Sto. Tomas, 99
14. Santiago Defunturum Nonay, Sual, 99
15. Andres Nipales Ramirez, San Quintin, 99
16. Adelaida Gabrillo Iglesias, Bayambang, 98
17. Efren Valentino Nivera, Agno, 98
18. Ernesto Cabaes Cantillo, Agno, 97
19. Godofredo Valencerina Dela Cruz, Labrador, 97
20. Daniel Mondok Drapete, Tayug, 97
21. Narciso Bugayong Fabiculanan, Bugallon, 97
22. Constantino Jose Palos, Natividad, 97
23. Juan Malubay Santiago, Rosales, 97
24. Fernando Divina Sison, Asingan, 97
25. Pedro Nayan Corpuz, Agno, 94
Giving emphasis to patriotism, Governor Ramon V. Guico III stated during the 2024 celebration that it is something essential in us, Filipinos. Hence, he earlier said, it should be the responsibility of all leaders and all nations to promote the love of one’s country, being the driver and lifeblood of any nation.
“Our veterans are the most important example of patriotism. We will not be enjoying the freedom that we have today if not for the sacrifices and patriotism of our dear veterans,” he previously said. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
Lingayen, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino will spearhead the celebration of the 80th Lingayen Gulf Landings and the 18th Pangasinan Veterans Day tomorrow, January 9, at the Capitol Beach Park here.
The twin event will be held in a new venue following the completion of the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, which includes the reflecting pool and the development of the Veterans Plaza in honor of the sacrifices of Filipino veterans.
This came after the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) approved the proposed relocation of the World War II historical markers at the Lingayen beachfront.
Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. of the Department of National Defense will grace the occasion which will formally start with a Thanksgiving Mass to be officiated by Rev. Fr. Allan Morris T. Abuan of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan at 7:00 in the morning.
The wreath-laying ceremony will immediately follow, and the Commemorative program concludes with a Commemorative Photo Session.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Under the stewardship of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, 2024 is a fruitful year of significant strides, accomplishments, successes, and numerous awards for Pangasinan.
As one of the top priorities of the present administration, Gov. Guico led the province in intensifying hospital management and improving health facilities to include the construction of new buildings and purchased of new equipment such as MRI, Xray machines, CT scan, ultrasound and dialysis machines to realize the goal of transforming all 14 government health facilities into ‘hospitals of choice.’
The launching of the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations or Guiconsulta program which aims to register two million Pangasinenses, is a shining example of genuine care and protection for poor and sick Pangasinenses.
Determined to bring the province’s ‘Preventive Health Care Program’ closer to the people, especially those from the grassroots level, the pro-poor program was intensified through an ordinance duly approved by the provincial board.
Before the launching of the program, the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) reported that only around 28,000 Pangasinenses were enrolled in the 14 government hospitals under the Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program of PhilHealth.
This pushes Gov. Guico to spearhead an intensified campaign to support the program of the state health insurance. As an added assistance, the provincial government grants cash incentives for residents who will avail of the program.
In addition to this, a district hospital in Brgy. Gonzales, Umingan, and the hospital extension of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital in Tayug are under construction.
The provincial government likewise prioritized giving free education to deserving Pangasinense youth from low-income families. Thus, the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) opened its doors to some 700 freshman students last August.
A landmark project of the Guico administration, PPC serves as a gift to Pangasinenses. Following its initial batch of students, the governor disclosed that expansion is in the offing with establishment of more campuses to accommodate more deserving youths throughout the province. This, he previously stated, will be further pushed to realize the goal of producing at least one professional in every Pangasinense family.
The first batch of PPC scholars are currently enrolled for free in courses like Bachelor of Special Needs Education, Bachelor of Multi-Media Arts, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, and Bachelor in Public Administration with a Major in Local Governance.
Another historic project to reckon with is the Pangasinan Salt Farm located in Zaragoza, Bolinao. From several years of slumber due to non-operation, the provincial government revived the facility bringing in job opportunities for more than a hundred locals in the area thereby providing revenue for the province.
In 2024, the salt farm was able to produce 6,400 metric tons. As a result, a total sales of over P10 million was generated. Said accomplishment rooted in the provincial government’s tie-up with the Philippine Coconut Authority for the latter’s Coconut Fertilization Project for CY 2024.
“We need to drastically reduce our dependency on imported salt and produce 100% of our consumption needs. We must even think of becoming a net exporter of salt in the future,” Gov. Guico earlier said.
On job placements, the provincial government, through the Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO), facilitated the employment of thousands of job seekers during the regular job fair and caravan in different localities in Pangasinan.
On agriculture, the present administration continuously supports the plight of marginalized farmers in the province.
For the Corporate Farming program, another trademark project of the Guico administration, some 600 hectares of farmlands are now under said program that aims to increase farmers production and uplift the lives of local farmers.
“The simple story about corporate farming is that because it is more cost-efficient, a higher yield per hectare is achieved with a lower cost of production,” the governor stated.
Aquaculture, on the other hand, made a significant stride with the Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project located in Brgy Arnedo, Bolinao at the frontline. The program aims to produce 100 million bangus fry and more than 48 million bangus larvae each year.
Among other continuous projects are various infrastructure projects, such as the big-impact project Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), which broke ground in March 2024, and other regular projects under the engineering office. Social services such as financial and medical assistance to Pangasinenses are also actively carried out with the assistance of the First Spouses League of Pangasinan.
The tireless efforts of the provincial government team (both executive and legislative) for the entire year paid off as numerous awards were given to the province to wit: Seal of Good Local Governance Award; Gawad Kalasag Beyond Compliance Award; Top 1 Highest Locally Sourced Revenues in Nominal Terms; Top 1 in Year-on-Year Growth in Locally Sourced Revenues; Region 1’s Top Performing Province in Local Revenue Generation; SubayBAYANI Awards Exemplars (National); Gawad Parangal 2024 Outstanding Provincial Jail, Best Livelihood Program and Best Educational Program:Alternative Learning System; Northern Luzon’s Best Newborn Screening Facilities in Region 1; Region 1 Best Province in Local Tourism Planning; 1st runner-up for Best Tourism Souvenirs (Banaan Museaum Souvenirs); 2nd runner-up for Best International Event Hosting (2nd International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies).
On top of all these, Pangasinan was listed as the 7th highest contributor in terms of share to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) among the 82 provinces in the Philippines and the 14th wealthiest province nationwide with a total asset of P18.36 billion.
Capping all awards and citations, Gov. Guico was listed by Edurank.org as among the Top 79 Notable Alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman for his untarnished feats.
“We did this together. Indeed, competence in professional and commitment to public service enrich the defining character of our Team Pangasinan! And with your unfailing support, our journey continues, improving lives and transforming communities in the whole province,” the governor said. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
Lingayen, Pangasinan—Pangasinan was conferred the ‘GAWAD KALASAG Seal of Excellence Beyond Compliant,’ a prestigious recognition for LGUs in the country aimed at promoting excellence in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and humanitarian assistance.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico III said this is an affirmation of his administration’s commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction in the province.
The province scored 2.68 in the 24th Gawad Kalasag Seal Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and Offices (LDRRMCOs) Category for CY 2024.
To be considered “Beyond Compliant” for the Gawad Kalasag award, an LGU must score between 2.5 and 3 in the rigorous evaluations, indicating that the LGU has exceeded the basic compliance criteria and is implementing innovations.
Thus, the province was found to have exceeded the standards for the establishment and functionality of the LDRRMCOs as prescribed in the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 of RA No. 10121.
Pangasinan was also an awardee of Beyond Compliant in 2022 and Fully Compliant in 2023, and again earned the Beyond Compliant award this year for meeting the parameters or exceeding the standards required by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Along with Pangasinan, 10 component LGUs were likewise conferred with the Beyond Compliant Gawad KALASAG seal as follows: Alaminos City; Anda; Bani; Bayambang; Bolinao; Calasiao; Manaoag; Mapandan; San Fabian; and Villasis.
Meanwhile, 34 LGUs were conferred for being fully compliant.
Vincent Jun Chiu, Operations Chief/LDRRMO III, said Pangasinan has become a frequent choice for benchmarking activities by LGUs outside the province, including Cagayan and Mindanao.
Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, Executive Assistant III, and Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar O. Oro, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief, received the award during the 24th Gawad KALASAG Seal and Special Awards for DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance Awarding Ceremony held at Vista La Vita, City of San Fernando, La Union, on December 17.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—With Gov. Ramon V. Guico III as the ‘pilot’, Pangasinan’s performance in terms of its share in the overall Philippine economy continues to soar higher.
Recently, Pangasinan was listed as the 14th richest province in the country for the year 2023, according to last year’s Commission on Audit’s (COA) Annual Financial Report on Local Government Units (LGUs).
Pangasinan has assets totaling P18.36 billion.
The country’s richest provinces are:
Cebu P309.897 billion
Rizal P39.71B
Camarines Sur P33.522B
Batangas P32.522B
Davao de Oro P23.379B
Cavite P22.989B
Ilocos Sur P21.951B\
Bukidnon P21.643B
Negros Occidental P21.068B
Pampanga P20.778B
Iloilo P20.75B
Isabela P18.67B
Leyte P18.667B
Pangasinan P18.36 billion
Palawan P17.956B
Tarlac P17.047B
Zamboanga del Sur P16.653B
Surigao del Norte P16.431B
Negros Oriental P15.307B
North Cotabato P14.843B.
Earlier in February this year, Pangasinan placed 7th among the 82 provinces in the Philippines in terms of share of national gross domestic product (GDP).
The province contributed 1.8 percent to the national GDP in 2023.
Pangasinan also ranked 3rd top contributor to national Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AFF) in 2023, contributing 3.8 percent to the total AFF of the country.
During the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) Dissemination Forum held last December 11, Edgar M. Norberte, Chief Specialist, PSA Provincial Statistical Office, presented the 2023 Economic Performance of Pangasinan.
In his report, Norberte highlighted that the economy of Pangasinan in 2023 grew by 6.3 percent from its level in 2022. This represents an increase in the value of GDP from 352.90 billion in 2022 to 375.31 billion in 2023.
Through the PPA, the GDP of provinces and HUCs are compiled, which can be used in strengthening local-level planning and policy making.
The composition of Norberte’s presentation includes the economic performance of Pangasinan, the performance of the three major industries, as well as the performance of 16 production industries, among others.
Meanwhile, Engr. Rowena V. Ignacio (Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator) Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) discussed the highlights of the province, stating the vision and mission of the province.
In more than two years under the guidance of a visionary leader, the province shared high in terms of economic growth, Engr. Ignacio said.
During the forum, LGU Bolinao received a certificate of recognition for its exemplary commitment and outstanding compliance in providing comprehensive data for the compilation of the 2021-2023 PPA of Pangasinan.
The forum was participated in by representatives of some national agencies, various government line agencies, academe, and LGUs among others (Ruby F. Rayat & Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO).
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Cognizant of the value of the rich history and heritage of Pangasinan, Governor Ramon V. Guico III has set sights on showing a much-improved presentation of the role of Lingayen Gulf landings and the importance of the war veterans being shining examples of patriotism.
With this in mind, the present administration endeavored to include preserving World War II artifacts in the new Capitol Complex Plan (CCP).
As an initial step, the Provincial Government sought the approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to relocate WW II historical markers at the Lingayen beachfront through a letter dated January 8, 2024.
The NHCP, on January 24, 2024, responded and approved said request.
“We are amenable to the construction of a reflecting pool that would stretch from the relocation site of the markers towards the north facade of the provincial capitol building,” the letter signed by Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo stated.
“The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) has been a partner of the Provincial Government and the NHCP in establishing the WW II outdoor exhibit at the previously named Veterans Memorial Park. When the Capitol Redevelopment Project included the relocation of the site of war artifacts for further improvement of the Lingayen Gulf Landings marker and exhibits, we advised them of the plans and sought their permission as well, just as we did with NHCP,” Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) Chief Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan disclosed.
Furthermore, the PTCAO reported the PVB through Mr. Mike Villareal vowed that their office shall provide technical assistance to the province for the new presentation of the Lingayen Gulf landings in the Liberation of Luzon during WW II in the Capitol Redevelopment Project.
In addition, the PVB recommended that consultation be held with Mr. Tony Feredo, a WW II historian/restoration worker and likewise an advisory board member of the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation.
An inspection was conducted last November 26. It was found that the two anti-aircraft guns (single and double barrel) were generally intact and are due for repainting only.
In time for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings this January 9, 2025, the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) was tasked to do the repainting works under the supervision of Feredo.
Restoration works for the two M24 Chaffee Light Tanks and the WW II aircraft shall also be undertaken.
The provincial government assures that all artifacts will be appropriately preserved and will be strategically located within the new Capitol redevelopment site with various refurbishments to make the area an ideal tourism site with a vibe of Pangasinan’s rich history and culture.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III has once again proven its excellence in local governance after receiving the province’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award along with 29 local government units (LGUs).
Gov. Guico, who received the award with Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II on December 10 at the Tent City, The Manila Hotel, expressed elation over the award as he commended the various LGUs who were likewise accorded the distinction of being excellent in governance.
“We all did this together. Indeed, competence in professional work and commitment to public service enrich the defining character of our Team Pangasinan! And with your unfailing support, our journey continues, improving lives and transforming communities in the whole province,” Governor Guico said.
SGLG is an institutionalized recognition-based program that uses various parameters to assess the LGUs. It was launched in 2014 after evolving from the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) in 2010.
According to the DILG, this year (2024) holds the highest number of awardees in the history of SGLG, with 714 LGU recipients, of which 41 are provinces, 96 are cities, and 577 are municipalities.
Awardees received the SGLG marker and SGLG Incentive Fund, which will be utilized to finance local development initiatives to bolster national goals and strategic thrusts.
Based on the DILG report, this year’s assessment was upgraded as it included more outcome-based criteria to fully distinguish good performance that meets the demands of the so-called ‘public accountability and reform.
Parameters used in assessing the LGUs are as follows: financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; social protection and sensitivity; health compliance and responsiveness; sustainable education; business-friendliness and competitiveness; safety, peace, and order; environmental management; tourism, heritage development, culture, and arts; and youth development.
Anchored on a performance management system that focuses on three salient features, specifically LGUs’ capacity to deliver basic services; governance principles like transparency and accountability; and performance such as accomplishment of plans, fund utilization, and frontline service delivery. Leadership plays a crucial role in determining the passers, the DILG reiterated.
Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla called on all local chief executives to unite in aid of good governance. “Good governance should unite us all. Politics divide us but good governance should put us all together,” he said.
The other LGUs in the province that were accorded the SGLG award are as follows: Alaminos City, San Carlos City, Anda, Asingan, Balungao, Bani, Basista, Bayambang, Bolinao, Bugallon, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangatarem, Mapandan, Pozorrubio, Rosales, San Fabian, San Manuel, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Sta. Barbara, Sto. Tomas, Sison, Tayug, Urbiztondo, and Villasis. (Ruby F. Rayat/Jairus Sibayan, Adrian Carlo dela Cruz PIMRO)
(Ruby F. Rayat/JP de Vera PIMRO)
