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LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III led the last flag-raising ceremony for the year 2023 today, December 18, at the Capitol Ground.

In his message, he expressed his gratitude to all department heads and the thousands of employees for their loyalty and dedication to the organization.

“Let us end our 2023 feeling grateful and thankful,” he said as he added that 2024 will be an exciting and more challenging year for everyone.

Expressing his desire to better serve his constituents through various programs and projects, the governor said that the province will be harvesting its first-ever salt since the provincial government under his term took charge of the management of the Salt Farm located in Brgy. Zaragoza, Bolinao town.

“We will be harvesting our first salt on December 21,” Gov. Guico happily announced, as he further stated that it is appropriate to appreciate the efforts and hard work of the men and women behind the operation of the salt farm.

It can be recalled that the 473-hectare salt farm in Bolinao town remained unproductive for two years before the Guico administration took the mantle of responsibility for operating the facility. The foreshore lease contract had expired in 2002 and was not renewed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It was formerly operated by Pacific Farms Incorporated.

In addition, Gov. Guico disclosed that the province will groundbreak the Pangasinan Link Expressway, a big-impact infrastructure project, in the first quarter of 2024.

He likewise mentioned that more programs and projects will be implemented by the provincial government, such as the Bolinao Airport, the project for Lingayen being the capital town, and Manaoag being the most visited town in Pangasinan.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

More than four thousand barangay frontline workers received their early Christmas gifts from the provincial government in recognition and appreciation for their unwavering sacrifices and services during the Christmas Fellowship Program held on December 15.

The recipients were the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs) and Child Development Workers (CDWs) from the towns of Manaoag, San Jacinto, San Fabian, Mangaldan, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Mapandan, and San Carlos City, respectively.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat kay Gov. Guico sa ibinigay niya sa amin. Ito ay malaking tulong para sa amin at makakapag-bigay din sa amin ng kasiyahan lalong-lalo na at malapit na ang Pasko,said Virgincita Gundayao, BHW of Brgy. Cobol, San Carlos City, said.

Spearheading the said activity, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III highlighted health as one of his administration’s priority programs.

Gov. Guico disclosed the province’s five-year Hospital Modernization Program to improve and develop the 14 hospitals in the province.

In line with this, the governor said the province had already purchased one MRI, seven CT scans, 19 X-ray machines, and 22 new ultrasound machines, which will be distributed in the 14 hospitals of the province.

The governor likewise disclosed that the provincial hospitals cater to about 700,000 to 1 million patients in one year.

Singing the same tune, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino also said that the province is doing everything for the good of all.

“Siyempre, huwag po nating kalilimutan na lahat ng ginagawa natin ay hindi lamang po para sa ating sarili kundi para sa ating Diyos na Maykapal dahil yan ang pinaka-importante ngayong panahon ng Disyembre. Ito ang panahon ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya at mga magkakamag-anak at panahon na kilalanin yong kapanganakan ng ating mahal na Hesu Kristo,” was part of VG Lambino’s message to the Brgy. Frontliners.

Joining the governor and vice governor in gracing and greeting the barangay frontline workers this holiday season were Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and LGU officials. (Chona C. Bugayong/Carlo Dela Cruz/Omar Cruz/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Pangasinan is the only province in Region 1 that was accorded the Green Banner Seal of Compliance (GBSC), the highest nutrition seal of compliance given to a Local Government Unit (LGU), for its exemplary performance in the implementation of nutrition programs and sustainable health governance.

The 2022 GBSC was awarded to the province for passing the minimum criteria for Green Banner with an overall Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI PRO) rating of 91.77 conferred by the Regional Nutrition Committee of Region 1 during the Gawad Parangal sa Nutrisyon held on November 23, 2023, at Hotel Ariana, Bawang, La Union.

Receiving the prestigious GBSC award for two consecutive years, CY 2021 and CY 2022, respectively, magnifies the cohesive efforts of the provincial government in implementing quality nutrition interventions to combat and address nutrition issues, especially among children.

The undertaking speaks of acknowledging the efforts of the provincial government and the PNC towards achieving what the PNC has envisioned for Pangasinan as the home of the well-nourished and healthiest Pangasinense.

Moreover, various accolades have so far been received by the province under the stewardship of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino.

The province’s various programs relative to health reflect good governance and best practices that significantly yield positive results.

Some of the significant programs on health under the Guico administration include the newly created Hospital Management Service Office, which is focused on providing quality and speedy health services among Pangasinenses.

Among its flagship programs are PhilHealth Konsulta, Universal Health Care, providing doctors for the 14 government hospitals in the province, and currently, the MAIP, or Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients/financially incapacitated patients.

(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino lauded the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council (PMDC) officials and members for a successful and productive year during the year-end assessment meeting held on December 13 at the Pangasinan PESO Multi-Purpose Hall, Capitol Complex, here.
“A lot of things have been done, a lot more things will be done, and a lot more things can be done. Basta sama-sama po tayong nagtratrabaho at lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa Diyos at para sa Pangasinan. I see bigger opportunities and bigger stars in your outputs come 2024.”
Likewise, the Vice Governor shared some of the significant plans and programs that would improve the lives of Pangasinenses, such as the proposed construction of an OFW Academy in the province.

VG Lambino further disclosed that said program was designed to help our citizens in the labor force and aimed to train them to be ready to work locally and internationally, in particular, in preparation for the job opportunities that will open up in Asia and the Korean Penisula.
On a similar note, Executive Assistant II Ronn Dale Castillo who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the PMDC as he called for their continued support and commitment to serve even more as the governor tries to push the boundaries and limits of Pangasinan, especially in employment and migration services.

“Please do not lose your hearts; keep the fire in serving our province and in serving our people because the governor is with you. He will never get tired of serving the people of Pangasinan because he sees inspiration in you,” Atty. Castillo said.

Discussed during the PMDC Year-end Meeting include the DMW Programs and Future Plans, Ways Forward and the presentation of Highlights of Accomplishments to wit: Pangasinan OFW Desk/Assistance to OFWs (a total of 12,005 active and returning OFWs and their dependents were given various assistance); Anti-illegal Recruitment Campaign (conducted series of Pre-employment Orientation Seminars with Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons campaign benefitting 3,155 jobseekers for local and overseas employment, OFWs and their families, municipal and barangay officials and government employees from January to October 2023); Capability Building on Migration and Development Program Attendees; Recovery Programs for Displaced/Distressed OFWs; Pangkabuhayan Caravan para sa OFWs (a total of 185 dispalced OFWs were provided with financial assistance amounting to P5,000 each as start-up capital to help them engage in livelihood or small business for the year 2023); and, the first-ever Bolun Awards 2023.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Omar Cruz /PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan-In an effort to address the rising rate of teenage pregnancy in the province, SPM Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and SPM Rosary Gracia P. Perez-Tababa authored an ordinance on the Teen Pregnancy Reduction Program of the province.

During one of its committee hearings, the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program under the Family Health Cluster of the Provincial Health Office revealed that there is a steady rise in the number of recorded pregnancies in Pangasinan.

It was further noted that most recorded teenage pregnancies come from 3rd to 5th-income class municipalities.

Teenage pregnancy has been attributed to early sexual debuts,lack of access to comprehensive sex information, and education. Parents, who are identified by adolescents as one of their preferred sources of information on sexual reproductive health, have limited communication skills, lack access to family planning services, the cultural practices of early union, and a lack of adolescent sexuality and reproductive health (ASHR) policies and their full implementation.

Apparently, due to the current rate of adolescent pregnancy, this concern has been regarded as a national social emergency affecting the holistic health and total development of an individual, including profound implications for the family, community, and the country’s overall socio-economic development.

In addressing issues related to teenage pregnancy, the passage of said legislation was vital because teenage pregnancy robs a girl of a better future, not only for herself but also for her children.

However, this can be addressed by empowering young people to make informed decisions about their lives.

Thus, there is a call for collective efforts from all sectors of society, including the government, private sectors, civil society organizations, communities, parents, caregivers, and the entire citizenry, including the youth themselves.

The Provincial Adolescent Health Development Council (PAHDC), headed by Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, will be the overall coordinating body for the formulation and implementation of the Adolescent Health Development Program Strategy and Plan of the province, with emphasis on the reduction of unintended teen pregnancies and adolescent childbirths.

(Chona C. Bugayong / PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Comprehensive transformation and a modernized version of the Provincial Capitol Complex will take place in 2024.

A significant landmark of the province, the Provincial Capitol Complex has long served as a mecca for different governmental activities and a hub for various public services.

In line with this, the Pangasinan Provincial Board has approved a resolution, which was authored by Board Member Salvador S. Perez, Jr., on December 11, favorably endorsing and interposing no objection to the proposed redevelopment of the said area.

Aiming to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility, the project will include the revitalization of existing buildings, the construction of new facilities, the implementation of green spaces, and improvements to infrastructure, public amenities, and the war memorial.

“The benefits of this redevelopment project extend beyond mere physical renovations,” the resolution stated as it further disclosed that the new edifices will be better equipped to accommodate the increasing demands of government services, fostering effective decision-making processes and improved service delivery for the constituents.

To realize the big-impact infrastructure project, a public consultation was held on November 21 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC)-1, involving various stakeholders.

As this developed, the provincial government coordinated with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines relative to the relocation of historical landmarks and relics at the War Memorial. New locations for historical landmarks and relics have been integrated into the redevelopment plan.

It can be recalled that in November of this year, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, along with some members of the board, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office headed by Engr. Amelia M. Zamudio and Engr. Edita L. Manue of DPWH 2nd Provincial Engineering District led the groundbreaking ceremony and the laying of the time capsule for the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain Project, a component of the redevelopment of the Provincial Capitol Complex.

“Due to changing times and evolving needs, it is essential to adapt and modernize the infrastructure to better serve the public,” the resolution also stated.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III is set to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding 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.

This developed after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on December 11, approved a resolution authored by SP Member Philip Theodore E. Cruz for the purpose.

Said MOU will seal and formalize the partnership of the provincial government with Zeta World Realty, Inc., and Sheirman Construction Consolidated, Inc. Both companies, which signified their intention to participate in the housing program, possess extensive experience in property development as well as expertise in the fields of housing construction and community development.

The resolution stated that the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, in support of the 4PH flagship program, commits to assist in identifying and allocating to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) potential housing sites for the development of housing sites in partnership with reputable real estate developers.

The DHSUD was created as the primary government agency responsible for the management of housing, human settlements, and urban development. The 4PH program, on the other hand, is a flagship program of the national government that aims to address the more than six million housing backlog by the year 2028.

“Section 17 (b) (3) (viii) of Republic Act 7160 known as the Local Government Code of 1991 mandates Provinces to provide programs and projects for low-cost housing and mass dwellings, including socialized housing, settlement and relocation facilities,” the SP resolution stated.

Moreover, the resolution further disclosed that “RA 7279 also explicitly seeks to improve the capability of Local Government Units (LGUs) in undertaking urban development and housing programs and projects and underscores the critical role of the LGUs, such as the Province of Pangasinan, which is undisputably in the best position to initiate, execute, implement, and monitor comprehensive housing policies, programs, and plans for its homeless constituents.”

Zeta World Realty, Inc. and Sheirman Construction Consolidated Inc. will be represented by Mr. William Russell M. Sheirman, Jr., chairman and president.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Pangasinan Provincial Government, through the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO), is set to provide opportunities to other human resource practitioners, leaders, and learners from across various organizations through a learning arm.

Thus, an ordinance authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Jerry Agerico B. Rosario was approved by the provincial board on December 11 to institutionalize the organization, establishment, and operation of the Provincial Learning and Development Institute (PLDI).

The PLDI will be the learning arm of the provincial government in developing the competencies of leaders and employees through carefully crafted training programs that will provide participants with full-proof technologies. Some of its functions are the following: provide competency-based learning and development programs; conduct continuous learning planning, design, monitoring, and evaluation of various training programs, seminars, and workshops that will be offered; conduct competency-based assessment; and adopt a continuing professional development program and technology.

As stated in the ordinance, “the institutionalization of the organization, establishment, and operation of the PLDI shall further skills development, improving knowledge, skills, and attitudes of participants; support systems; sharing of best practices, programs, and processes with other organizations to help improve their human resource and organizational systems; synergy, building networks and partnerships with various local government units, agencies, and organizations to improve ease of doing business; and sustainability, generating income from course offerings and training programs to sustain human resource management and development programs.”

Learning and Development (L&D) is a continuous process of encouraging the professional development of employees. It involves analyzing skill gaps in the organization and designing training programs that empower employees with specific knowledge and skills that drive increased performance.

“The Civil Service Commission (CSC) aims to integrate competencies in the human resource systems of government agencies, not only in recruitment but also in training and employee development,” the ordinance likewise stated.

Manpower development is one of the priority thrusts of Governor Ramon V. Guico. Hence, the provision of innovative, effective, and integrated training programs that promote continuous learning growth for almost 6,000 provincial employees is essential.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Provincial Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The presentation of the Certificate of Recognition to Members of the Provincial Nutrition Evaluation Team (PNET) highlighted the conduct of the Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) 4th Regular Consultative Meeting cum Program Implementation Review (PIR) held on December 7 at the PHO Conference Room, Palaris Building, here.

Analiza D. Miranda, Nutrition Program Manager and Presiding Officer, awarded said certificates to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Department of Education SDO I Pangasinan, Department of Education SDO II Pangasinan, and Provincial Agriculture Office for their invaluable support and commitment in the conduct of the 2023 Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) Pro during the 13th Provincial Health and Gawad Parangal sa Kalusugan held at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen.

Moreover, Special Recognition awarded to the province during the ‘Gawad Parangal ng Nutrisyon sa Rehiyon Uno’ held at Hotel Ariana, Bauang, La Union on November 23 includes the following: First 1000 Days Program LGU Adopters in the Region; LGU With Established Nutrition Office; Consistent Reduction On Their Prevalence Rates From 2021-2023 Based on the Operation Timbang (OPT) Plus Results On The Following Indicators, namely: Combined Stunting & Severely Stunting, Combined Overweight and Obesity, and Combined Wasting & Severely Wasting.

Also discussed during the PNC year-end meeting were the Review of Agency Accomplishments Reports based on the Agency Plan (January-September 2023) PPA risk/opportunities through Situational Gap Analysis; Updating of Capacity Map of PNC members related to Nutrition; Deworming Program (1–19 years old); Status of Agency Accomplishment Reports; Adoption of National Nutrition Laws and Policies such as the ASIN Law (RA 8172), Food Fortification Law (RA 8976), RA No. 11148, EO 51, and DepEd Order No. 13 Series, 2017; and the Finalization of the 2024 Pangasinan Nutrition Action Plan (PNAP).

The Provincial Nutrition Program envisions Pangasinan as the home of the well-nourished and healthiest Pangasinense.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Orland Llemos PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Christmas shows and competitions participated in by provincial government heads and employees will serve as the icing on the cake for the 2023 ‘Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning’ celebrations.

Parol-making, building decoration, and the best Christmas presentation per group are some of the events to look forward to by the public.

The parol and building decoration competition is open to provincial government offices, which were grouped by sector and assigned specific buildings as follows: the Urduja (Governance Sector); the Finance Building (Finance Sector); the Palaris Building (Social Sector); the Malong Building (Economic Sector); the Legislative Building (Infrastructure Sector); and the Back of the Capitol Building (Legislative Sector).

Based on the contest guidelines, the main icon for the competition is the parol, in which 40% of the whole decoration (the entire facade) should be made of recycled materials.

Criteria for judging include the following: creativity and originality (40%), use of recycled materials (20%), adherence to the theme (20%), overall appearance (10%), and online engagement (10%).

Online engagement, which is part of the criteria, started with the posting of photos on the official Facebook page of the province and will end at exactly 12:00 p.m. on December 15.

For the Christmas presentation competition, the schedule of performances is as follows: December 10: Economic Sector (Malong Building); December 11: Finance Sector (Finance Building); December 12: Infrastructure Sector (Legislative Building); December 13: Governance (Urduja House); December 14: Legislative Sector (Back of the Capitol Building); and December 15: Social Sector (Palaris Building).

The Capitol Yuletide celebration, which officially kicked off on December 1 with the lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree and the Nativity Scene (Belen), has attracted hordes of visitors with the launch of several other activities, notably the opening of the Children’s Christmas Village located at the beach park area.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan named Outstanding OF/Ws Family Associations and Migrant Desk Officers through the first-ever “BOLUN AWARDS” held on December 5 at the Pangasinan Training and Development II (PTDC II) here.

Organized by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan through the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council (PMDC), the BOLUN Awards/Volunteerism Awards are in recognition of the OF/W Family Associations’ selfless services and dedication in promoting the welfare of OFWs and their families.

Moreover, the awards not only manifest their remarkable contributions to the implementation of programs and services but also inspire others to engage in volunteerism.

“We are very grateful for your sacrifices and the sacrifices of your loved ones who are outside the Philippines right now. We are very grateful for the things you have done, and we are very thankful for the things that you will do in the future,” Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino said.

Meanwhile, 4th district Board Member and PMDC Vice Chair Marinor B. De Guzman said that the undertaking is a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment of the OFW organizations, MDOs, and PESO managers in the province.

“Your dedication and relentless pursuit of making a difference have uplifted the lives of many, inspiring us all to continue working towards a more supportive and compassionate society,” BM De Guzman said.

BOLUN Awardees were Burgos OFW and Family Association as Champion, while Sto. Tomas OFW Family Association (1st Runner-up) and Mangaldan OFW Returnees and Their Dependent Organizations (2nd Runner-up).

At the top 4 to 10, there were the OFW and Family Associations of Calasiao, Lingayen, Villasis, Alaminos City, Manaoag, and Sta. Barbara and Anda, respectively.

Other awardees were the OFW Family Associations of Asingan, Dasol, Labrador, San Nicolas, Sual, San Carlos City, and Natividad in the top 11 to 17.

Gracing the occasion were members of the Provincial Board, PMDC Head of Secretariat, and Provincial PESO Manager Ma. Richelle Raguindin, OWWA Region 1 OIC Regional Director Gerardo C. Rimorin, TESDA Pangasinan Acting Provincial Director Joel Pilotin, NBI Dagupan Head of Agent Darwin A. Lising, Pangasinan OFW Family Federation President Eddie Angeles, MDO Association President Rogelio Montoya II, other PESO Managers, Migrant Desk Officers, and OFW Family Associations.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Jairus Sibayan/ PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Pangasinan provincial government, in partnership with law enforcement and other line agencies, will join hands in building a better community for drug surrenderees in the province.

Collaborative efforts will be strengthened through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on December 7 at the Pangasinan Drug Reformation Center in San Vicente, Burgos town. This will serve as the requirement for the accreditation of the facility as the province’s “Balay Silangan Reformation Center.”

Earlier, Governor Ramon V. Guico III said the implementation and strengthening of a community-based plan of action through the Balay Silangan Reformation Program is a welcome opportunity for the province to help reform drug offenders as self-sufficient and law-abiding individuals.

“Balay Silangan” is a program launched by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) that aims to build temporary shelters for drug offenders. Reformatory in nature, the program is an alternative intervention for drug personalities who are not users and are not eligible to undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation in facilities supervised by the health department.

A community-based rehabilitation program is a holistic approach that aims to focus on the healing of the body, mind, and soul of drug surrenders through counseling and other therapeutic sessions.

As contained in the Dangerous Drugs Board regulation, the Balay Silangan Reformation Program shall have various components such as: education and health; psychosocial and physical activities like counseling and consultative sessions; livelihood or employment education, which may be determined by local government units to include a green revolution program; soap making; massage training or reflexology; basic carpentry; basic welding and electrical; basic haircutting; food processing; and mushroom culture.

Along with Gov. Guico, the MOU will be signed by the heads of the PDEA-Region 1, PNP-Pangasinan Police Office, Burgos Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Burgos, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Interior and Local Government-Provincial Office, Department of Education (DepEd)-Division Office, Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Provincial Office, religious sector from Burgos town, and Rural Health Unit (RHU)-Burgos.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)