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Lingayen, Pangasinan – Lovell U Dalisay, Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) Chief, highlights the notable accomplishments of PPJ for the year 2023, starting with the increased amount of subsistence allowance, which contributed to the peace and order situation in PPJ.

Improved care and treatment of the Provincial Jail’s Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) with the increase in meal allowance from P70 to P100 and from P100 to P120 in July 2023, as well as the provision of regular medical check-ups, was also one of the notable accomplishments of the present administration under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

In line with this, Dalisay disclosed that PPJ has the highest daily subsistence compared to the Bureau of Corrections/New Bilibid Prison (BUCOR/NBP), La Union Provincial Jail, as well as the provincial jails of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Bulacan, Albay, Negros Oriental, Benguet, and Aurora.

It is also noteworthy that during the period covered, there were no recorded cases of escapees or rioters among the PDLs.

Further, no contempt order was ever issued to PPJ due to its 100% compliance with all court orders achieved through the dedication of personnel in PPJ.

In addition, there were a series of programs undertaken, including the conduct of two (2)-day Modified Firearms Proficiency Training for PPJ at the Pangasinan PPO Firing Range in Brgy. Libsong West, Lingayen; Conduct of Quarterly Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) on the formulated PPJ Defense and Fire Plans; Conduct of Provincial Jail Information and Continuing Education (PJICE); Conduct of Information Dissemination among the PDLs on their rights and privileges, etc.; Conduct of a clean-up drive along the shorelines in Lingayen; Conduct of Assessment Test to all PPJ personnel to determine/evaluate their knowledge and awareness re: BJMP Manual 2015; and Participated in the 2023 Drug Abuse and Provincial Control Week Celebration and Regional Awarding Ceremony at La Union Convention Center, San Fernando City, among others.

Currently, the PPJ is mandated to provide humane safekeeping and rehabilitation or development of PDLs through the conduct of medical and dental missions as well as sports and religious activities. (Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III has discovered another treasure in the province of Pangasinan. This is the dairy farm in Laoac town, which earned P2 million in 2023.

With 32 milk-producing carabaos and 40 milk-producing cows, the Laoac Dairy Farm (LDF) produced at least 7.5 liters a day. It further hopes to produce other products when LDF becomes fully operational.

As this developed, the construction of 2.1 hectares of Buffalo Barn is now ongoing in Barangay Botigue, to increase production as well as increase the number of animals now under the care of the LDF, which will eventually become a breeding station.

On the same note, a milk processing plant has also been considered.

The project is expected to yield a positive impact, benefiting the people in terms of livelihood and job opportunities. Thus ensuring the revitalization of the dairy industry in Pangasinan through the Laoac Dairy Farm.

Farm Manager Nicanor Rovillos said the LDF, with an area of 3.7 hectares, has now housed about 201 carabaos, including 34 calves, as well as 50 Holstein Jersey breeds from Australia.

Rovillos also said that the carabao breed is being identified by the Philippine Carabao Center. Existing carabaos have 50% native bloodlines, and the other 50% have buffalo bloodlines.

The purpose of calves breeding is to upgrade their bloodline so that the bloodline of the offspring or calves will increase to 75% in order to have a Murrah Buffalo bloodline.

The Laoac Dairy Farm is expected to soar even higher as a dairy producer. (Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Kristene Joy V. Flores/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III vehemently denied allegations that Manila Water Company, Inc. and its subsidiary terminated their concession agreement with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) due to the latter’s “non-fulfillment of conditions.”

In a press conference at the Urduja House in Lingayen on January 9, the governor stated that, as far as the provincial government of Pangasinan is concerned, there was no awareness of such conditions, which are not complied with, nor was there any information on the part of Manila Water stating any violations of the province.

“Since it is our leadership that is put in a bad light, we are compelled to clarify things. We are not picking a fight; we just want to defend ourselves, kasi very harsh ‘yong statement, and it is contradicting to the thrust of our administration to invite more investors that could produce revenues for the province,” Gov. Guico said as he disclosed that the province is not against the project.

As stated by Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, the province received a communication from Manila Water in April 2023.

Considering that the past administration entered into the agreement, the Provincial Legal Office conducted due diligence. Several irregularities were uncovered, including the fact that the confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation came before the execution of the said certification.

Based on records, the Certificate of Successful Negotiation dated July 3, 2019, was entered into by the consortium and the PGP represented by then Provincial Administrator Nimrod Camba, the Chairman of the PPP-SC that time.

The former provincial administrator “does not have the authority to represent the Province and to sign the Certification of Successful Negotiation.”

“Although he is the Chairman of the PPPSC, it was stated in Section 13 of the PPP Code that all recommendations of the PPPSC shall be submitted to the Governor for his consideration and approval,” the legal officer cited.

In addition, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on June 28, 2019, issued Provincial Resolution No. 380-2019 entitled, “Confirming and Approving the Terms and Conditions embodied in the Certificate of Successful Negotiations between the Consortium of Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan in the implementation of the Pangasinan Bulk Water Supply Project in the Province, and to proceed with the other processes in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Province and Hereby granting authority to the Honorable Governor to sign pertinent documents concerning said project” confirming the terms and of the certification of Successful Negotiation dated July 3, 2019.

“The confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation came before the execution of the said certification,” Atty. Torre said.

Under the PPP Code of the province, the SP approval of the terms and conditions in the certificate should have been done prior to the issuance of the PPPSC.

Atty. Torre stated that, on record, there was no proof of publication of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Submit Comparative Proposals in reference to the PPP Provision. Also, upon inquiry from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer, there is no proof of payment of the Performance Security Bond.

“The Notice of Award was issued prior to the signing of the PPP Contract (Concession Agreement). Under the PPP Code, only after the signing of the PPP contract by the governor that the PPPSC shall issue the Notice of Award to the PSP. However, the Notice of Award was issued by the PPPSC on September 30, 2021, while the Concession was entered/executed on January 14, 2022,” the legal officer pointed out.

The legal officer further disclosed that in the joint venture agreement, no new amendments or new agreements were executed on or before December 31, 2023, which made the supposed P8-billion project died a natural death.

Gov. Guico said he is set to meet with the officials of MWCI this month.

“We want to clarify that we want the project; we believe in the project,” Governor Guico said.

Under the concession agreement, MWCI will invest P8 billion in the next 25 years for the creation of an infrastructure that will source water from the Agno River through riverbank filtration technology.

Some 14 towns and cities will benefit from the project to include the towns of Villasis, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mapandan, Manaoag, Binmaley, Lingayen, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, and the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos. (Jooy Olimpo, Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) for the latter to be an apex or end-referral hospital of the province.

In a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued which was approved in the regular session of the provincial board on January 8, it was disclosed that “Section V of Administrative Order 202-0019 (Guidelines on the Service Delivery Design of Health Care Provider Networks) mandates all health care provider networks (HCPNs) to have primary to tertiary care providers with linkages to an apex hospital and other facilities providing specialized services needed by its catchment population.”

To ensure that program objectives for health are realized, the provincial government intends to form a collaborative partnership with the R1MC. Said collaboration will ensure continuous health care from primary to tertiary, which will be delivered in a safe, efficient, and coordinated mechanism in line with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.

“Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, states that the functional responsibilities for the delivery of basic health services and other related facilities have been transferred from the Department of Health (DOH) to the local government units,” the resolution stated.

The DOH has designated the R1MC as an apex or end-referral hospital to deliver specialized services that are not expected to be provided in HCPNs.

R1MC is a health facility licensed to operate as a Level III hospital. Level III hospitals are considered tertiary health facilities that can provide all kinds of services. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, signified their full support for the Rice Industry Development Program of the province.

In the regular session of the provincial board on January 8, a resolution was authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison to strongly endorse Governor Ramon V. Guico’s letter request for the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH) to allocate funds for the provision of various farm machinery and post-harvest facilities.

“Agriculture is the primary industry of the Province of Pangasinan, its agriculture sector is important for inclusive growth and is a key driver of the province’s economy, particularly in the rural areas where farming families live,” the resolution stated, further disclosing that “to achieve sustainable food production, it is imperative to continuously address pressing challenges and constraints that may impact the productivity, profitability, and welfare of farmers.”

Gov. Guico implemented the Pangasinan Corporate Farming Project to address major concerns of the agriculture sector in the province, as it aims to increase farmers’ yield and income, reduce production costs, and alleviate the province’s economy through shared efforts of both public and private partnerships.

The program likewise aimed to make farming a “profitable and sustainable economic enterprise in line with the national government’s food sufficiency thrust under the Masagana Program for Agriculture,” the resolution stated.

As noted in the resolution, PHILMECH, an agency attached to the agriculture department, is mandated to implement projects geared towards agriculture modernization through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

RCEF can be utilized to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local farmers through the provision of farm machinery and equipment, rice seed development, propagation and promotion, expanded rice credit assistance, and rice extension services.

“Research shows that the use of farm machinery and cost-efficient technologies will greatly reduce the cost of rice production and that post-harvest losses are minimized through the use of appropriate post-harvest technologies,” the resolution said. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – The provincial government, in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, honored the bravery, patriotism, and selfless sacrifices of the World War II veterans on the commemoration of the 79th Lingayen Gulf Landing Anniversary and the 17th Pangasinan Veterans Day celebration held on January 9 at the Veterans Memorial Park here.

To date, there are 37 Pangasinan living veterans; the oldest is Valentin Untalan, 107 years old.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III urged the public to treat the celebration as a treasure of Pangasinan and the whole country, as he called for the preservation and promotion of history for the next generation.

“Patriotism is something very important in our country, and it should be the responsibility of all leaders and all nations to promote patriotism—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,” the governor said.

In his message, Gov. Guico III called on the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) and all department heads to make the upcoming 80th celebration grander. He also disclosed that there might be a change of venue for the celebration because it is in time for the massive redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, which includes the building of a reflective pool at the back center of the Capitol building, and on the north side of the development near the beach is a Veterans Plaza with fountains and monuments in honor of the sacrifices of the Filipino veterans.
The governor hopes that said project will serve as a reminder to us Pangasinenses and Filipinos of what happened in the Lingayen Gulf during the world war.

“It would be a celebration of victory for our nation and allied forces that is worth preserving and sharing with the next generation,” he further stated.

On the part of the province, the Veterans Park and the Reflective Pool will all be made in honor of the nation’s and the province’s history and the participation of many of our provincemates in the victory of the World War.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino said that he was deeply touched at the sight of the veterans who attended the ceremony with enthusiasm comparable to that of the young soldier rising in defense of our country.

“May this day rekindle among us the commitment to rededicate ourselves to the service of our country so that we can all continue to enjoy our hard-earned freedom,” VG Lambino said.

When a short documentary film titled Pamana started to play, tears started to fall.

With this, the governor ordered the production of a documentary film about the lives of the remaining veterans, for the very reason that only they knew every detail of their experience during the war, which could not be found even in books.

Sec. of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., represented by USEC Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Administrator, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office; and PBGen Benjamin Acorda Jr. Chief, Philippine National Police; MGen Romeo Alamillo, President, Veterans Federation of the Philippines; Capt. Noel Corpus, US Naval Attache, US Embassy; Capt. Emma McDonald Kerr Ran, Defense Attache, Australian Embassy; Atty. Federico Manalo, Program Director, Philippine Veterans Bank, and other guests, including national, provincial, and local government officials and leaders, as well as Pangasinense veterans and their respective families, graced the event. (Chona C. Bugayong PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III said that 2024 promises to be a busy and exciting year for Pangasinan as major projects aligned with the province’s vision will be implemented this year.

Looking back at the province’s significant milestones in the past years, the governor said that the first salt harvest in December last year proved to be worth mentioning.

The governor also stated that there is yet another gigantic project to be implemented in partnership with some private sectors. Said project will address flooding problems at the Capitol, Lingayen, Binmaley, and hopefully even in the City of Dagupan, at zero expense to the province.

“I think we will be designing an agreement on that sooner than we expect. Of course, it’s a combination of some engineering and planning on our part,” the governor said.

Moreover, Gov. Guico thanked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approving resolutions, ordinances, and authorizations that were given to him.

Guico shared that, unknown to many, his administration was still working while many were already having their Christmas Party, as there was still a lot of work needing to be done before the end of 2023.

In his message, the governor further added that Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II and Provincial Health Officer Ana de Guzman spearheaded the conduct of interviews on January 2 to fill up a lot of needed positions, expertise, and specializations at the provincial hospitals.

The governor believes that out of the more than six thousand employees who were there for the longest time, they have the potential to help and become an asset to the provincial organization.
‘Time is of the essence,’ the governor said as he urged everyone to work harder and be more motivated. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Province of Pangasinan will enter into a partnership with the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for a license to incorporate Voice of America’s (VOA) original web content from the VOA News Website into the provincial government’s online media services.

It has been one of the visions of Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration to strengthen various programs and projects on information and media relations in the province.

To realize the partnership, a resolution sponsored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Napoleon C. Fontelera, Jr., was approved on January 8 during the regular session of the provincial board.

“It is the objective of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan to reach a wider audience and disseminate information to the public as fast and accurately as possible by using modern technology,” the resolution partly stated.

In a letter addressed to Gov. Guico on January 3 by the USAGM, it was disclosed that the latter agreed to grant a “non-exclusive royalty-free license” to the provincial government’s online media services to rebroadcast VOA audio, video, and text programs available on the Internet.

“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan expresses its support for this program in order to provide the people with trusted and objective news, information, and cultural programming through the Internet, mobile and social media, radio, and television,” the resolution further disclosed.

USAGMA provided programming to be transmitted from Mondays to Fridays, which includes the following: Climate Change; VOA Connect; The Inside Story; Border Crossing; Documentaries; and Connect America: Environment, Arts, and Culture.

VOA produces digital, TV, and radio content in various languages that are distributed to affiliate stations around the world. It was established in 1942, and the VOA charter (Public Laws 94-350 and 103-415) was signed into law in 1976 by US President Gerald Ford. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan — It’s all systems go for the celebration of the 79th anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings and the 17th Pangasinan Veterans Day on January 9.

To commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of Pangasinan guerillas during World War II, the provincial government, spearheaded by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, is preparing a memorable event for the veterans, soldiers, and freedom fighters who risked their lives for the liberation of Luzon Island.

The following activities, which will be conducted at the Veterans Park along Capitol Complex, will serve as highlights of the event: Thanksgiving Mass, 7 AM; Wreath Laying Ceremonies, 8:15 AM; Commemorative Program, 8:45 AM.

USec Reynaldo Mapagu, Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, will be the guest of honor and speaker.

After the commemorative program, a medical mission will follow in front of the Sison Auditorium.

At 6:00 PM, a film showing dubbed Sine Pasipiko, a series of war movies, will take place at Capitol Beach Park.

Also, the provincial government will award financial assistance to war veterans as a token of their gallantry and heroic deeds.

There are 37 Pangasinan living veterans to date. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

 

The Pangasinan Provincial Government made major strides in 2023 by implementing massive projects in a range of development-related areas.

Since assuming office, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, have laid out lofty goals that are aligned with the province’s vision and mission.

The governor’s unwavering advocacy for sustainable development was accomplished in a short amount of time because of his creative leadership.

One such example of a dream-come-true project is the P34 billion Pangasinan Link Expressway project.

The signing of the PLEX Joint Venture and Toll Concession Agreements between Pangasinan Gov. Guico and San Miguel Corporation CEO President Mr. Ramon S. Ang yielded positive results in terms of economy, livelihood opportunities, business, and connectivity to boost the province’s tourism industry.

The ground-breaking ceremony and the laying of the time capsule for the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain Project at the Provincial Capitol in November are another manifestation that 2023 is the Golden Age of Infrastructure for Pangasinan. The project is expected to spur economic growth and development. It is one of the major projects to take place at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex.

Moreover, funds amounting to P312,764,548.51 for Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIP) have eased the burden of individuals needing medical assistance, owing to the generosity of national and local officials, which were made possible through the resourcefulness of the governor and his father, 5th District Representative Ramon “Monching” Guico, Jr. Said amount was the biggest ever downloaded to the province since the program was launched in 2021.

Data on revenue collection showed a sharp increase in revenue collection, notably in quarry collection, which reached 309.20% in the first quarter of 2023. This contributed the biggest share to the province’s revenue collection. Said achievement is attributed to the strict implementation and monitoring of collectibles.

The revival of Pangasinan’s salt industry, which is expected to produce 15,000 metric tons of salt, is another outstanding accomplishment. Recently, the project marked its historic ceremonial harvest at the salt hub in Barangay Zaragoza, Bolinao.

‘The province has regained the management of the salt farm, which is attached to the identity of Pangasinan—a place where salt is made. Andiyan na ang identity natin. Hindi mo mabayaran ito, hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga, because this is who we are as Pangasinenses, the governor said.

Gov. Guico introduced ‘Corporate Farming’ as one of its signature projects to transform the agriculture sector as a partner in Pangasinan’s food security.

Further, the governor is set to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of a mixed-use integrated infrastructure for housing and sustainable communities in the province under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pamilyang Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Within the next five years, Governor Guico hopes to see the construction of 20,000 new homes in the province.

Likewise, the province pushed for the construction of a Reformation Center/Balay Silangan for drug users in Burgos town that served as a more holistic approach to the province’s war against drugs.

Pangasinan has established one response command center and its own 911 emergency hotline in order to effectively handle emergency situations.

Another gigantic project that is expected to take off in 2024 is the Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facilities, a World Bank-assisted project worth P238 million.

Relative to this, the province has launched the construction of three units of provincial warehouses with multi-purpose drying envisioned to reduce post-harvest losses.

Advocacy for environmental protection and preservation is one priority project to be reckoned with by the Guico administration. Hence, the Pangasinan Green Canopy Project was launched.

As of December 18, Pangasinan’s Green Canopy Project, which aims to grow 1 million trees, has recorded a total of 150,000 seedlings planted by different offices, departments, hospital personnel, volunteers, and local leaders.

These and other priority programs for the general welfare in areas of education, shelter, employment, peace and order, and cultural affairs showed a great impact on the province’s relentless efforts and initiative in its commitment to good governance and for the welfare of more than 3.3 million Pangasinenses.

2024 will be an exciting and more challenging year, the governor stated. This year will see the realization of big-impact projects, which are long-term commitments made for Pangasinan’s future rather than just campaign promises. (Chona C. Bugayong/ PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Pangasinan outshines competitors from the different provinces of Region 1 in the recently concluded Regional Skills Competition (RSC) held at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1) on December 19.
The province bagged six (6) golds, while two (2) golds were garnered by Ilocos Norte in the different trade areas, respectively.
Winners from the Pangasinan who will advance to the Philippine National Skills Competition include Joana Lyca Mae C. Obra of the Maxima Technical and Skills Training Institute Inc. (Beauty Therapy); Mark Carlo V. Laroco – Technical and Skills Training Institute Inc. (Cooking); Timoteo B. Galima, Jr. – Provincial Center-Urdaneta (Electrical Installations); Jerald G. Mercado – Maxima Technical and Skills Training Institute Inc. (Hairdressing); Yori Angela O. Tabucol – Maxima Technical and Skills Training Institute Inc.(Restaurant Service); Rolly M. Danoli -Provincial Training Center, ; Pangasinan ( Welding) while the two (2) competitors from Ilocos Norte were Jerico S. Raquiza (Fashiopn Technology and Rhenier L. Miguel – Ilocos Norte (Graphic Design Technology).
Winners were chosen to best represent Region 1 in the National Skills Competition.
Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, who graced the culmination rites, said that the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is one of the closest institutions in his heart because he is aware that the growth of the country is dependent on the kind and quality of skills that it will render for the country.
“I believe that the knowledge that we learn in the different institutions, colleges, and universities should be coupled with these particular outstanding skills that our country needs most,” Bataoil added.
Moreover, Bataoil cited that TESDA should be expanded because said institution is the answer to the country’s development.
“Today, with you and us together, we will be able to make our country great again,” he said.

Ruth E. Dayawen, La Union Provincial Director, was among the TESDA dignitaries present during the event.

Highlighting the culmination rites were the awarding of winners, the flags and banner retreat by RD Joel M. Pilotin, and an AVP on the CY 2023 RSC.
The two-day RSC ran from December 18 to 19.

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