Author: pixelpgsnadmin

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Pangasinense Chefs will take the centerstage as they showcase their talents for cooking in the Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge on April 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II (PTDC II) here.

Dubbed “Ponsia,” a Pangasinan term for ‘feast’ was conceptualized in 2023 to celebrate the province’s rich culinary heritage and abundant food resources.

Featuring local dishes, the cooking challenge was further conducted in celebration of the annual Filipino Food Month as proclaimed through Presidential Proclamation 469.

GMA Farm to Table Host and Pinoy MasterChef JR Royol will spearhead the culinary challenge, which serves as one of the highlights of Pista’y Dayat 2024 and will run from April 5 until May 3.

Expected to grace the occasion will be the Department of Tourism Region I and the country’s top media and content creators participating in this year’s NLEX Lakbay Norte Pangasinan Tour.

Meanwhile, the national and local media partners of the provincial government are likewise invited to the Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge.

The event will be streamed live on the Province of Pangasinan facebook page.

(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—All systems go for the opening of the Magnayon Pangasinan Agri-Tourism and Trade Expo on April 12 at 4:30 in the afternoon at the Capitol Plaza here.

The event will serve as one of the highlights of the annual Pista’y Dayat and boost local tourism as well as the agricultural sector, benefiting farmers and the province’s economy.

The Magnayon Pangasinan Agri-Tourism and Trade Expo will feature various homegrown and local products and plants from participating LGUs, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), furniture makers, and plant and garden owners.

‘Let us walk through and enjoy the tourism and trade Expo. I’m sure there will be so many products that we can promote… as part of trade initiatives and tourism initiatives for Pangasinan,” the governor said during the formal opening of the 14th Tourism and Trade Expo.

Eye-catching booths are set to be a crowd-drawer during the event, which will run until May 5. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Local and amateur bands in Pangasinan will once again take centerstage through the PangasiRock Battle of the Bands, one of the most-awaited events of the Sea Festival (Pista’y Dayat).

The Battle of the Bands, which will be staged this year in partnership with Star FM and Bombo Radyo Dagupan, shall have three elimination dates as follows: April 12 at Basista Gymnasium for Districts 1 and II; April 13 at Calasiao Gymnasium for Districts III and IV; and April 20 at SM Rosales for Districts V and VI.

Open to all aspiring local and amateur bands with a composition of four to eight members, each group is required to perform two songs as their entries. Songs can either be original pieces or covers from genres of classic rock (60’s to 90’s), alternative rock, OPM (Original Pinoy Music), pop, R&B (rhythm and blues), or reggae.

The top two winners per district will qualify for the Grand Finals on April 30 at Lingayen Beach Park.

Meanwhile, prizes at stake for the elimination rounds are as follows: PhP20,000-1st Place; PhP15,000-2nd Place; and PhP10,000-3rd Place.

For the grand finals, the championship prize will be PHP 100,000.

Alternative rock band Mayonnaise will spice up the showdown on April 30 at the Capitol Beach Park in Lingayen, Pangasinan.  (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) launched its new art exhibit on April 5 (Pangasinan Day) at the Asin Gallery, or Gallery III, in Banaan Museum here.

Entitled “Siplog: A Digital Art Exhibit,” the event’s theme revolves around the concept of Pangasinan words ‘aro’ (love), ‘kimey’ (labor), and ‘kawayangan’ (freedom), which are feelings that are commonly evoked when one visits the ‘baybay’ (seashore)—thus the “sea” as the exhibit’s primary inspiration. Siplog is a local term meaning “a soft blow of wind.”

Featuring the masterpieces of eight Pangasinense artists, namely Paulyn Albino, Vanessa Baldueza, Wel Caoile, Darla De Guzman, Mel John Terrado, Ryjane Tunac, Stepphine Uson, and the late Santiago B. Villafania, who is an advocate of Pangasinan heritage and has worked with the provincial government for many years. As mentioned by PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, the exhibit is a tribute to Villafania’s passing.

Elduayan said the provincial government is keen on stepping up art appreciation among Pangasinenses, notably the youth who are adept with technology.

“We just recognized that all of our young generation’s interest is already in technology. Tapos many of them are very exploratory, tapping their creative energy using different platforms, and this is what is available to many of our generation. Ang thrust naman din natin is to support our youth and young artists that use different technology or platforms,” she added.

The exhibit, which showcases a breath of fresh air as it pioneers as the maiden digital art exhibit in the Banaan Museum, kicked off on April 5 and will run until May 10.

A three-day open-house museum tour was held from April 5-7, 2024, in time for the province’s 444th Foundation Anniversary. However, the regular admission fee resumes on April 8, 2024.

To see the digital art exhibit, log in and book your museum visit at www.seepangasinan.com. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO with a report from Rainier James Rosario/OJT)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – The formal launch of PangaSine, the Official Film Festival of the Province of Pangasinan, anchored on the theme ‘Pangasinan through the lens of the Pangasinense’, was a resounding success.

Held on April 6 at the Sison Auditorium, the first-ever PangaSine is the brainchild of Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico.

Said event is deemed to be the precursor of Pangasinan filmmaking, aimed at enriching and highlighting the tapestry of Pangasinan culture.

Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Baby Ruth Torre, who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, stated that the province’s vision is guided by a clear mission that encapsulates the commitment to nurturing creativity, discovering talents, and producing meaningful and quality films authentically ‘Made in Pangasinan.’

“We aim to encourage creativity through filmmaking. By fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, we unlock boundless creativity by discovering the talents of Pangasinense in filmmaking,” Atty. Torre added.

The present administration envisions a Pangasinan that stands creatively preeminent as the country’s filmmaking hub—a beacon of artistic expression and cinematic brilliance.

Graced by remarkable filmmaking virtuosos, among them were National Artists for Film Kidlat Tahimik and Cinemalaya co-founding member Ed Cabagnot, who shared insights on the essence of crafting original Filipino and Indigenous cinema.

‘I think you don’t have to copy how they do it just to make money. Siguro mas importante, hanapin niyo yung genius ng indigenous. Yung lakas ng Kultura ng ating sariling mga sulok ng bayan,’ Kidlat said.

More than a hundred young filmmakers from various towns of the Province joined the 3 day filmmaking workshop dubbed HULMAAN NA PELIKULA.

HULMAAN NA PELIKULA Filmmaking Workshop on Documentary Production (Baby Ruth Villarama); Film Appreciation and Film Festival Management (Edward Delos Santos Cabagnot); Screenwiting (Moira Lang); Directing (Zig Dulay); Cinematography (Richard Dico Cawed); Film Editing (Jay Halili); and Sound Editing or Design (Jonathan Q. Hee) were likewise conducted .

PangaSine 2024 featured Short Films in Exhibition and Filmmakers to wit; NARRATIVE: Mina’s Family History (2021)- Christopher Gozum, Bayambang, Pangasinan; This Day (2021) – Red Aquino – Dagupan City; Layag (2017) – Romsky Chelle Marzan Dela Cruz – Alaminos City; Ti Bisikleta ni Arong (2024)-Branden Josh Domingo -Alaminos City; Peymus (2023) Gabriel Rodriguez – Alaminos City; Ang Huling Dingas Para Sa Damgo (2024) World Premiere – Jaybilson ‘Hayo’ Abuel -Mabini; DOCUMENTARY: Sa Layag ng Bangkang Paurong (2019) – Mark Giddel Liwanag -Alaminos City; Managsulat ya Pangasinan (2023)World Premier – Erika Tambo – Urdaneta City; Sketsa na Dagupan (2024) – Charlmagne Christian Ramoso – Dagupan City; E-Kawayaman (2023) -Lanz Dizon -Alaminos City; SPECIAL PARTICIPATION: 14 Days (2021) – Narciso N. Santos, Jr. – Samat, Bugallon; Ilalon ag Nibalikas (2022) – Charlmagne Christian Ramoso – Dagupan City; Agno, Memories of a Forgotten River (2022) – Christopher Gozum – Bayambang.

‘Sine by the Sea,’ an exhibition of films by Pangasinense filmmakers held at the Capitol Beachfront, wrapped up the opening day of the three-day PangaSine activities, which will run from April 6 to 8.

The successful launched was witnessed by chiefs of hospitals and offices and department heads of the provincial government led by Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II.
(Chona C. Bugayong, Adrian Carlo dela Crus PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III revisited the vision and mission set by his administration through the second State of the Province Address (SOPA) that he delivered in time for the 444thFounding Anniversary of Pangasinan on April 5.

Entitled, ‘Pangasinan Ang Galing! Creating a Syzygy of Excellence,’ the governor elaborated on the various gains of the province for the past year as he highlighted the big-ticket projects that are considered historic marks of his leadership, such as the establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), management of the Pangasinan Salt Center, the groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEx), the establishment of the Banaan Museum, which is the first museum of the province, and the major transformation of the Capitol Complex through the construction of the Reflective Pool and Interactive Fountain.

Stressing the strategic plan of the province, he stated that the people or constituency are the priority. “We want to provide a wide range of services to realize this goal of uplifting the socio-economic status and well-being of Pangasinenses,” he said as he mentioned the following goals to achieve: 1) care for the Capitol workers; 2) significance of library services for the people; 3) provide scholarship for poor and deserving students; 4) provide job opportunities and gainful opportunities for unemployed Pangasinenses; 5) support for Pangasinan Cooperatives; 6) shelter for the homeless; 7) societal welfare programs for living veterans, child development workers, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.

To be able to accomplish the goals set for the constituents, Gov. Guico said his administration upholds participatory governance by implementing and evaluating programs and projects, focusing on the need to systematize the utilization of land resources, and intensifying efforts to make Pangasinan the province of choice.

On peace and order, the provincial chief executive reported that the Provincial Peace and Order Council was cited as the “Functional Peace and Order Council” and bagged a grade of 100 in the 2023 Performance Audit.

In addition, the provincial government, through the Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ), continuously implements restorative and transformative programs through spiritual nurture, the provision of an alternative learning system, livelihood training, and an anti-drug use campaign among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).

With regards to health, Gov. Guico enumerated major accomplishments such as the improvement of all health facilities, the acquisition of new state-of-the-art medical and laboratory equipment, and the hiring of more than 200 medical personnel to improve the services offered by the 14 government-run hospitals. “Our marks of excellence exceed our highest expectations; the provincial government spent P7,943,869.47 for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of hospital buildings and facilities,” he disclosed.

It was likewise reported that all 14 hospitals in the province increased their authorized bed capacity to 912, with Actual Implementing Bed at 1,632. A total of 468,122 outpatients and 111,631 in-patients were served in 2023.

Worth mentioning was the successful implementation of the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP). From 2022 up to March 11, 2024, a total of P383,816,375.51 in funds were transferred to Pangasinan, of which 14 hospitals had already utilized P316,771,657.70. This translates to an 82.53% utilization performance rate. Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City also received P500,000.00 in MAIP funds.

Citing the importance of protecting, conserving, and managing the province’s environment and natural resources, the governor said the Green Canopy program, which is his brainchild, remarkably propagated 230,326 species of forest, fruit, and culinary plants; propagated 125,021 multiple species of mangrove seedlings, of which 106,410 pieces were distributed for reforestation efforts in riverine and coastal ecosystems.

Under Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), he took pride in reporting that the provincial government facilitated the activation of the Pangasinan 911 Hotline Number through a signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Civil Defense-Region 1. He also said that the province launched the first Pangasinan One Response Command Center which is envisioned to respond to all emergency needs with three satellites to support its system.

Another remarkable achievement of the province is the efficiency of its internal management and accountability. This, the governor pointed out, can be attributed to the establishment and implementation of effective systems and processes compliant with laws and regulatory standards that adhere to the principles and practices of good corporate governance. “First, we guaranteed that we have a reliable system to ensure transparent and judicious management and utilization of financial resources,” he said as he bared that in 2023, the total tax revenue amounting to P5,245,481,733.29 exceeded the estimated income of P5,043,164,820.00 for a 103% collection performance.

For the implementation of Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 1-22, Gov. Guico stated that the province collected P32.189 million from the collection of fees on veterinary inspection and shipping permits, which translates to a 190% performance increase from the 2022 collection.

On agriculture, Gov. Guico specially mentioned corporate farming, another brainchild of the present administration, as the main driver of success for the sector. It can be recalled that corporate farming was launched in the latter part of 2022 with the pilot project during the cropping season for CY2022–2023. Four farmer cooperative associations were among the pilot beneficiaries. This covers an area of 66.03 hectares.

Aside from this, farm mechanization intensified. Some six units of hand tractors, 10 units of combine harvesters, two units of multi-pass rice mills, and one unit of walk-behind transplanter were distributed by the provincial government in partnership with the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest and Mechanization.

The operation of the Laoac Dairy Farm formed part of the province’s accomplishments in agriculture. From the carabao population of 118 heads in 2022 to an increased number of heads of 211 in 2023, 54 calves and 30 yearlings plus 50 pregnant cattle were acquired from the National Dairy Farm. The dairy farm produced 6,487 liters of raw milk, which generated total sales of P2,093,000. Recently, Pangasinan was cited as the country’s third among the Top 10 economic performers in terms of economies, with the largest share of National Gross Value Added of agriculture, forestry, and fishery by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Aside from the officials of the province led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and the members of the provincial board, the 2nd SOPA was graced by 1stDistrict Representative Arthur F. Celeste, Sr., and 5thDistrict Representative Ramon Guico, Jr.; former Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao; Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico; and the governor’s mother, Dr. Arlene Guico; Atty. Melanie Lambino, local chief executives, department heads led by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, chiefs of hospitals, representatives of different sectors and line agencies, and other guests. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan placed third among the top 10 economic performers in the country in terms of economies, with the largest share to National Gross Value Added  (GVA) of agriculture, forestry, and fishery (AFF).

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) disclosed under the Provincial Products Account (PPA) the results as of November 2023, based on the 2022 Economic Performance of the Provinces and Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines.

PPA is a mechanism to compile the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) using a production approach and other economic accounts at the subregional level.

With a 3.8% share, or P66.93 billion, Pangasinan came in third, next to Bukidnon and Nueva Ecija, with 7.0% (P1,783.50B) and 4.5% (P125.39B), respectively.

Inching close to Pangasinan is Pampanga with 3.5% (P62.71B), followed by Isabela with 3.3% (P58.78B), Negros Occidental with 3.0% (P54.11B), Iloilo with 3.0% (P53.78B), Davao del Norte with 2.9% (P50.99B), Batangas with 2.7% (P47.81B), and Quezon with 2.6% (P47.10B).

The country’s 2022 GVA in AFF has amounted to P1,783.50 billion.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said this means that local leadership is good and various programs and projects on agriculture are actively implemented and distributed, such as production inputs, farm machinery, technology transfer, and assistance.

Moya added that this can also be attributed to the superb linkage and coordination from the local to the national government. Local, she stated, involves the barangay, municipal, and provincial levels.

It can be recalled that Governor Ramon V. Guico III implemented the Corporate Farming Program in the last quarter of 2022 to enhance food production and transform farming into a profitable economic enterprise.

With the project, it is expected that Pangasinan can leap higher in terms of agricultural productivity, notably in rice and corn.

As defined, “GVA is the output of the country less the intermediate consumption, which is the difference between gross output and net output. It is essential because it is utilized to adjust GDP, which is a key indicator of a nation’s total economy.”

In addition, GVA is a productivity metric that measures the contribution of a corporate subsidiary, company, or municipality to an economy, producer, sector, or region.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Pangasinan Polytechnic College—Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL) President, Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, has announced the admission of enrollees for the school’s inaugural batch of scholars.

The path to greater opportunities is now waving to would-be building/commercial wiring or Maintenance Electricians.

Interested applicants for the technical-vocational course on Electrical Installation and Maintenance NCII Program (EIM NCII, 196 Hours) can grab the chance as admission starts on April 1.

Enrollees will be equipped with the essential skills for installing and maintaining electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.

This will also prepare individuals to become gainfully employed or self-employed.

The PPC-CeLL which is now officially a TESDA-registered technical-vocational institution, seeks to offer in-demand technical-vocational courses primarily in electrical installation.

To qualify, applicants must be as follows:

-at least 18 years old

-high school, senior high school graduate, or ALS completer

-must be able to communicate both orally and in writing.

-must be able to perform basic mathematical computation

-must be physically fit by the time of application

Documentary requirements include:

– High School, Senior High School Diploma, or ALS Certificate

– Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate

– Barangay Clearance

– Barangay Certificate of Indigency

– Medical Certificate

– 2 pcs. 1×1 ID picture

– 2 pcs. Passport size picture

PPC -CeLL Learner’s benefits include free training (including materials and consumables); a free assessment fee; student allowance, uniform, and accident insurance coverage; additional training on personality development, customer service, and professionalism; access to medical assistance from the provincial government community hospitals; and post-training assistance for career advancement from the Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO).

For further inquiries, applicants may visit the PPC located at Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, Alvear Street, Lingayen, or Pangasinan Polytechnic College Facebook page or call 09096320770. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Employees from various offices and hospitals of the provincial government who displayed exemplary work performance will be given due recognition through the “2023 Gawad Ang Galing! Employees’ Awards and Recognition.”

Spearheaded by the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), the activity aims to commend members of the workforce of the present administration who rendered commendable behavior and even went beyond their call of duty.

There will be three award categories as follows: Pag-asa ng Bayan Award, Dangal ng Bayan Award, and On the Spot Award.

The Pag-asa ng Bayan Award will be given to employees who have consistently achieved targets and displayed quality, efficiency, and timeliness in the performance of their functions and duties.

Dangal ng Bayan, on the other hand, will be awarded to employees with extraordinary efforts and behavior who exceed core values and expectations or who contribute to exceptional service delivery and who, despite the risks, respond to calls of duty or service when called.

The On the Spot Award will go to employees who have been awarded and recognized in their respective offices and hospitals for demonstrating exemplary behavior towards delivering service and demonstrating the seven (7) core principles of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

Criteria for the three awards are as follows: 1) (Pag-asa ng Bayan Award): performance measure based on the 2023 overall performance rating of the employee indicated in their Individual Performance Commitment Report (IPCR), client feedback, employees’ initiative and innovation, and employees’ productivity; 2) (Dangal ng Bayan Award): service integrity, client/citizen focus, client feedback, and employees’ performance; 3) (On the Spot Award): demonstration of the core principles of the organization, team collaboration and support, employees’ performance, and awards and recognition received from the office or hospital where the employee is assigned.

Aside from this, retirees will also be given recognition for their years of service to the provincial government.

Awarding will be held in the respective offices of the employees to be recognized. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Fifth District Board Member and PCPC Vice Chairperson Rosary Gracia ‘Chinky’ Perez-Tababa presided over the 1st Quarter Meeting of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and of the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (LCAT-VAWC).

Held on March 22, the meeting was aimed at providing regular updates on ongoing projects, initiatives, and other important concerns.

The council works to ensure that the priorities of Child 21 are mainstreamed into local development plans and policies.

Discussed by DILG representatives were: orientation and updates on child-friendly local governance and the local council for the protection of children; comprehensive guidelines for the establishment, strengthening, and monitoring of the local council for the protection of children (LCPC) at all levels for other purposes; Council Against Trafficking; Violence Against Women Functionality Audit; Guidelines on the Operationalization of the Local Committee of Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children; and other concerns.

A special meeting for the assessment and constituting of the general membership of the council was set for April 12.

The Pangasinan Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), headed by Annabel Terrado Roque, was the lead agency for the event.

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

The Federation of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina, Inc. (KALIPI)-Pangasinan Chapter and the Pangasinan Federation of Solo Parents from Districts 1 to VI were the recipients of the Livelihood Training on Mushroom Processing.

Held at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1) on March 20, the activity was conducted by the provincial government through the Pangasinan Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), headed by PGDH-PSWDO Annabel T. Roque.

This is in line with the Women’s Month celebration, aimed at empowering Filipino women and their families in economic development.

The training focused on learning mushroom processing with the assistance of the Learning Service Providers from the Provincial Agriculture Office.

Actual preparation and cooking demonstrations on mushroom chicharon, mushroom sisig, and mushroom crispy tempura were part of the training proper.

KALIPI Provincial Federation President Jocelyn Espejo from Bayambang Town expressed gratitude to Gov. Ramon V. Guico III for his support to women’s programs.

Gracing the occasion was 5th District Board Member and Chairperson on the Committee on Children, Women, Senior Citizens, Family Affairs, and Social Welfare, Rosary Gracia ‘Chinky’ Perez, Tababa.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Rafe Gabayeron/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan and Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation (CREC) laid the groundwork for the first solar power plant at Barangay Santa Catalina, Binalonan.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III and CREC President and CEO Oliver Y. Tan led the ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on March 20, 2024.

The solar facility, which will be constructed in two phases, will have a total installed capacity of 240 megawatts.

The initial phase of the project, which is expected to be completed this year, will have a capacity of 168 MW. The second phase, on the other hand, is set to add an additional 72 MW and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

When completed, the facility will generate 326 gigawatt-hours annually, enough to power 136,000 households.

CREC is also set to build five major solar and wind projects in Pangasinan, with two (2) already in the pipeline. A 270 MW solar plant and a 150 MW onshore wind power plant.

This project is part of Governor Guico’s push for greener investments in the province, aimed at creating thousands of jobs for Pangasinenses.

Pangasinan was chosen as a project site due to its stature as an ‘investment-friendly’ province, according to the CREC president.

CREC Chairman Edgar B. Saavedra, Binalonan Mayor Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, and Ms. Liza Pangilinan, OIC-Department of Energy Solar Division, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

(Kane Bernardino/PGO)