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LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A historic moment for the province of Pangasinan took place on March 21 with the groundbreaking and unveiling of the marker of the multi-billion Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) at Barangay Balligi, Laoac.

Ramon Ang, President and Executive Officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, and 5th District Representative Ramon Guico, Jr. led the activity. The event signaled the province’s commitment to further achieve sustainable infrastructure that will drive development, create more jobs, and spur economic growth.

Complementing each other with gratitude, the SMC and the province’s visionary leaders were the major players in bringing brighter hope for investments, infrastructure, and a wider range of development.

Gov. Guico expressed his thanks to all those behind the gigantic project, in particular business tycoon Ang, who personally graced the occasion.

In return, Ang thanked Gov. Guico and Vice Governor Lambino, who played a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life. ‘Your dedication reminds us that when we join hands for a common purpose, there is nothing we cannot accomplish,’ he said.

The construction of the 34-billion project was eyed as a big boost to the province’s economy and tourism and, subsequently, to the present administration’s entire thrust.

As Ang said, the unveiling of the marker for PLEX was a symbol of a monumental project that will improve the lives of Pangasinenses.

Expressing belief in the success of the project, the governor underscored the importance of PLEX in realizing the goals and objectives of his administration for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses. ‘We are given only one life, and God has given us this at, kung may nagawa tayong impact, ‘yun ang importante,’ the governor said as he added that other big-impact infrastructure projects are dependent on the construction of PLEX, such as the Bolinao Airport and upcoming seaport projects.

The multi-billion project has three main sections, including the 7-kilometer stretch from Binalonan to Manaoag, the 11.3-kilometer stretch from Manaoag to Calasiao, and the 2.1-kilometer stretch from Calasiao to Lingayen. A 2.4-kilometer spur road in Calasiao town is also included. A spur road or route refers to a short roadway that shall be formed from a longer road, such as a major roadway, and is considered an auxiliary route.

Designed to open many doors for other towns and cities, PLEX will provide ease of travel in and outside Pangasinan. It will shorten travel time from the TPLEX exit in Binalonan town to the capital town of Lingayen from 90 minutes to only 30 minutes or even less.

(Chona C. Bugayong & Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEx) Phase 1 will be held today, March 21, at Barangay Balligi, Laoac.

Spearheaded by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Mr. Ramon S. Ang, President and Chief Executive Officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), the P34 billion project, which is a historic first in the province of Pangasinan, is part of the latter’s broader initiative to enhance the road networks in Central and Northern Luzon.

In this part of the province, PLEX is a realization of an ambitious dream of the governor to bolster the province’s economic and tourism growth and a “game changer” for Pangasinan.

It can be recalled that the joint venture and tollway concession agreements between the two parties were officially sealed on October 19, 2023.

The first phase of the 42.76-kilometer gigantic project will span from the town of Binalonan to the capital town of Lingayen.

Project segments include 6.9 kilometers (km.) from Binalonan to Manaoag; 11.3 km. From Manaoag to Calasiao; 2.39 km in the Calasiao area; and 22.7 km from Calasiao to Lingayen.

PLEX is a four-year public-private partnership initiative that is expected to change Pangasinan’s inland connectivity to facilitate faster movement of people, commodities, and services.

With its establishment, travel time from the town of Binalonan to Lingayen will be reduced from an hour and 40 minutes to only about 20 to 30 minutes.

In 35 years, PLEX will be owned by the province. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Proclamation No. 498, s. 2024, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., stated that April 5, 2024 (Friday) was declared a ‘Special Non-Working Holiday’ in the Province of Pangasinan.

This is to commemorate the 444th Foundation Day of Pangasinan and to observe the significance of the historic day.

The proclamation came after Governor Ramon V. Guico III, through a letter sent to the President on February 6, requested the declaration of the said date as a holiday in Pangasinan to celebrate and observe the significance of the occasion.

The official foundation year of the province dates back to 1580, and under Provincial Ordinance No. 143-2010 crafted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, April 5 of every year was proclaimed as ‘Agew na Pangasinan (Pangasinan Day).’

Agew na Pangasinan was declared to give importance to the province’s rich history and diverse culture. The birth of the province manifests the love of identity of Pangasinenses, whose hearts long for the past, value the present, and care for the future. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingyen Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III celebrated his birthday on March 19, which is uniquely different from the traditional way of celebrating life in the past by bringing his love closer to his constituents through an outreach program.

As part of his birthday celebration, the governor was joined by the entire officialdom of Pangasinan and the Capitol workforce in touching lives and making a difference, specifically through a feeding program.

All departments and hospitals simultaneously held and brought their outreach mission for a cause from the Capitol down to their identified feeding beneficiaries, which can be a school, hospital, or community.

When asked for her reaction, a teacher said, “Walong taon na akong nagtuturo dito sa Macayug Elementary School dito sa San Jacinto, ngayon ko lang naranasan na nagpa-birthday ang isang governor.”

The outreach mission was a simple yet eloquent expression of love for more than three million Pangasinenses who received positive responses and admiration for the governor.

Gov. Guico proves that only a governor with a heart can serve beyond himself for the general well-being of his people.

The activity was undertaken based on the governor’s belief that the most meaningful way of celebrating his special day is by serving God and by serving the people with the utmost love and concern. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

Calasiao, Pangasinan—Twenty stunning beauties meet and greet the media during the Limgas na Pangasinan Press Presentation and Official Sashing held at the Monarch Hotel, Calasiao, on March 17.

After a series of screenings, the official candidates were formally presented and introduced to the local and national press.

Even under pressure, the candidates showed confidence, grace, and wit, as evidenced during the traditional Q&A—very typical of what a Pangasinense woman should be.

The ladies expressed their thoughts on some substance issues and shared their nuggets of wisdom, showing their strong potential towards becoming ‘Darling of the Press, Ms. Photogenic, Limgas na Pangasinan Crown, and eventually to the national pageant.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, who represented the governor, said that the best way to present the beauty, grace, and capability of the province will be the Limgas na Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, as the ‘Limgas na Pangasinan Committee Chairperson, First Lady Maan Tuazon, said, the project aimed to encourage women to be independent, to focus on their beliefs, and more so, to give them purpose.

The event also showcases the culture, arts, and tourism of the province.

The First Lady is hopeful that after the activity, the ladies will not only have beauty but, likewise, a noble purpose in their advocacy and a heart to serve the province of Pangasinan.

During the press conference, the First Lady said that every year, they do one charity during the pageant; however, it changes depending on the availability and circumstances.

This year, they went to Pototan Elementary School in Binmaley to fix the water system of the school and provide hygiene kits and some grocery packs.

Candidates were officially sashed by their respective local executives or their tourism officers.

Limgas na Pangasinan winners will have a chance to work with the three well-known designers as well as become part of the national pageant.

Winners will receive cash prizes, while the LGUs of the winning candidates will receive financial grants from the province to support or promote certain projects.

Atty. Melanie Lambino, Vice Chairman of the Limgas naPangasinan Committee, said touching lives is an important legacy to her.

Atty. Melanie Lambino, together with 1st district Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Apolonia Bacay, pledged their support to the noble undertakings of the Ina ng Pangasinan. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orland Llemos, Joey Olimpo, Kenneth Dela Cruz, and PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico’s dream to redevelop the Capitol Complex will eventually transform Lingayen into ‘Singapore and Japan of the North’, with the establishment of the Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain as a showroom of lush vegetation and a burst of pink trumpet blooms.

This was disclosed during the second public consultation meeting for the redevelopment of Capitol Complex, which was attended by some members of the provincial board and some department heads on March 14 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC).

Provincial Housing and Urban Development Officer Alvin Bigay said planting native trees is considered by the provincial government as the best alternative or replacement for the trees that were and will be cut. “For every tree, na puputulin ay papalitan ng 50 seedlings. ‘Yong pwedeng i-earthball ay ating gagawin para ma-preserve ang mga puno, then pwedeng ilagay natin saEco-Park sa Bugallon,” he stated.

As planned, Tabebuia rosea, which resembles Japan’s cherry blossom, will be planted in the area. Native trees will also be planted to achieve a verdant view and to become the sanctuary of birds and fireflies at sundown.

In the public consultation, Celso Salazar, former CENRO-Dagupan City chief and now president of Pangasinan Native Trees Enthusiasts, Inc., discussed the significance of planting native trees and plants like dillenia or katmon, narra, and ylang-ylang. All species are ideal for urban landscaping and greening.

Salazar, on the other hand, discouraged the public from planting invasive trees like mahogany and ipil-ipil. Mahogany, he said, releases chemicals that can harm its environment.

Expressing support for the project, Salazar cited that most of the 64 trees that were previously cut at the Capitol complex were invasive trees. Invasive trees affect habitats and bioregions, causing environmental and ecological damage.

Speaking for the provincial government, Atty. Geronimo S. Abad said that solar energy will be utilized for the project. He also stated that the provincial government will strictly implement proper waste management to ensure that the project will be environmentally friendly and adhere to the Solid Waste Management Act.

Enr. Bigay added that flooding within the Capitol Complex premises will also be addressed by the redevelopment.

Lingayen barangay captains Hipolito Caronongan(Libsong West) and Hiram Hidalgo (Poblacion), along with some 189 barangay residents, attended the public consultation.

It can be recalled that the first public consultation was held on October 21, 2023. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO

The 1st Gov. Ramon V. Guico III Futsal Cup Across Our Friendly Borders kicked off at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) Basketball Gym on March 16.

Football Association: Pangasinan General Secretary, and Pangasinan Sports Development and Management Council (PSMDC) Head Leo C. Arnaiz led the formal opening of the two-day tournament featuring 13 teams from various football clubs and associations.

“Ang plano ng Presidente ng Pangasinan Football Association, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, ay maging Number one tayo hindi lang sa Pangasinan kundi, sa buong Pilipinas,” Arnaiz said.

He encouraged players to dream big and thanked the Philippine Football Federation for their unwavering support.

‘Hangarin natin ang mas mataas. We are one family in the family of football. Let us do the right thing,he added.

Former football player and Head of the Tournament Roderick De Guzman described football as a game of people with discipline.

“Ang football ay nilalaro ng mga taong may tiyaga, ng mga taong kayang manalo na hindi nanakit.”

Sharing his nuggets of wisdom as a player himself, De Guzman said, “Ituloy natin ang ating pangarap at disiplina para magkaroon tayo ng maayos na karakter. Ituloy natin ang pagsisikap na aralin ang lahat-lahat na technical na bagay dahil dalawa ang importante sa football, you need to know your technical know-how and you need to develop your character.”

The football players will vie for the championship in five categories, namely: Boys 19U (player still has to be 19 years old on March 16/17), Boys U17 (born 2006), Girls U17 (born 2006), Boys U15 (born 2008), and Mixed U12 (born 2011).

Joining the competition were Binalonan Football Clubs, Sison Football Club, Pozorrubio United Football Association, Agoo Football Club, Lipit Football Club, Bahamanan Dica Football Club, Laoag City Football Club (Ilocos Norte Football Association), Central Luzon Region Football Association, Manaoag United Football Club, Dagupan City Bangus Football Club, North Central Luzon Football Club, Salaan Palua Football Club, and Mangaldan Football Club.

Trophies and medals await the winners. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orland Llemos, / PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Twenty-one (21) equally lovely and witty candidates representing different towns and cities in the province will vie for the prestigious crown of 2024 Limgas na Pangasinan.

For the first time, the 21 official candidates were presented by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) during the flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol grounds on March 11, followed by a meet and greet with provincial officials at the Urduja House.

Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, who is the pageant chairperson, vowed to transform Limgas na Pangasinan to become the mother of all beauty pageants in the province with the help of Aces and Queens, a beauty camp that provides training and coaching to pageant candidates.

“We, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, and I have a lot of advocacies here in Pangasinan that will uplift the culture, arts, and tourism of our province together with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” she said.

Aside from the title of Limgas na Pangasinan World, two other titles are at stake: Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya and Limgas na Pangasinan Grand. The three title holders will represent the province in the national pageants: Miss World, Mutya ng Pilipinas, and Miss Grand International.

This year’s roster of candidates are as follows: Camille Angela Suratos (Mangaldan), Rhein Nacynete M. Valdez (San Carlos City), Kathleen Jane M. Andaya (Villasis), Kayzel B. Nacion (Rosales), Jenesse Viktoria D. Mejia (Malasiqui), Lyha Yzihienne M. Laylo (Pozorrubio), Rebecca Rose P. Ayudan (Urbiztondo), Alyssa Jeneveve Padillon (Urdaneta City), Reeven L. Sabado (Umingan), Yra May M. Secretario (San Manuel), Ruth Mae S. Artates (Sual), Jay Ann Zarate (Manaoag), Andrea R. Cayabyab (San Fabian), Pearline Joy M. Bayog (Lingayen), Izzy Nina V. Bernardino (Sta. Barbara), Tonette Alexandrea G. Mendoza (Mangatarem), Paulie Alexa F. Camat (Binalonan), Irish Ann D. Caido (Asingan), Danica N. Maglalang (Mapandan), Jary L. Padica (Balungao), and Diana Mae B. Pangan (Calasiao).

The 21 official candidates will be presented before members of the media on March 17 at the Monarch Hotel in Calasiao. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—To establish Pangasinan as a preeminent creative hub of the country, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) will hold the first-ever film festival in Pangasinan.

Dubbed ‘PangaSINE Film Festival 2024,’ the activity will serve as one of the highlights of Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) this year.

As an initial step, Governor Ramon V. Guico III will sign a contract agreement with Mr. Narciso N. Santos, Jr., for the conduct of the activity.

A resolution was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Marinor B. de Guzman and approved by the august body on March 12.

“For this year’s celebration of the Pista’y Dayat, Mr. Narciso N. Santos, Jr., shall be the strategic partner of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan in the presentation of PangaSINE 2024: Official Film Festival of the Province of Pangasinan, with its festival theme: “Pangasinan Through the Lens of the Pangasinense,” the resolution partly stated.

Film-making workshops will be held primarily to encourage creativity through filmmaking, discover and nurture Pangasinenses to have the talent and skill in filmmaking, and produce meaningful and quality films that are exclusively made in Pangasinan.

Based on the project proposal presented by Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Officer Dhobie P. de Guzman, the event hopes to “source, curate, and exhibit 10 outstanding short films by homegrown filmmakers; conduct short courses (for students or individuals) in story writing, screen/scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography/principal photography, sound editing and design, film/video editing, and film appreciation.”

There are four essential elements the festival hopes to see. These are as follows: 1) narratives from the past that greatly influenced the present-day Pangasinense; 2) the vibrant and ever-changing culture of Pangasinan today; 3) storytelling techniques that fuse the traditional and modern; 4) the hopes, dreams, triumphs, and challenges of the modern Pangasinense, particularly of the youth.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan: The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), headed by Annabel T. Roque, spearheaded the conduct of training on Camp Coordination and Camp Management—Internally Displaced Persons Protection Training of Trainers held at the Provincial Training and Development Center 2 (PTDC 2), Capitol Complex, Lingayen.

In collaboration with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1, the activity was aimed at training some 75 participants belonging to the Disaster Response and expanding the pool of experts in the province. The five-day activity will run from March 4 to 8 at the Provincial Training and Development Center 2 (PTDC 2).

Following the five-day training, said undertaking was likewise aimed at enhancing capacities and preparedness to respond to displacement as certified camp coordination and management trainers.

Part of the training was a simulation or functional exercise specifically focused on the familiarization of reporting tools, referral systems, and action planning.

By immersing participants in realistic scenarios on the ground, simulation training is vital to equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in their respective roles.

Participants were representative LGUs from the six districts of Pangasinan with the highest number of affected individuals during the disaster, namely: Mabini, Agno, Bani, San Carlos City, San Manuel, Mangatarem, and San Fabian.

Other participating agencies include the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Pangasinan Reformation Center, Civil Society Organizations and Youth Organizations, PDRRMO, Provincial Engineering Office, General Services Office, PSWDO, Provincial Health Office, and Provincial Governor’s Office. (Chona C. Bugayong, Omar Cruz, Joey Olimpo, and PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— “We will be the lamp that lights the path to learning.”

This is the motto inscribed on the Lotte Scholarship Foundation’s (LSF) official website.

Its official website further states that LSF “selects outstanding foreign students who strive diligently to learn amidst difficult circumstances, provides biannual scholarships, and also supports scholarships for elementary, middle, and high school students who show excellent talent and scholastic performance.”

This time, LSF carried its lamp in the province of Pangasinan.

“Lotte Foundation has been providing 3.8 billion to foster global talents. Now we want to support the Filipino students,” Chang Haesun, Chairwoman of the LOTTE Scholarship Foundation, said in her speech.

On March 8, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LSF and four educational institutions in the province was signed.

Forging partnerships with the established Korean foundation were Binalatongan Community College (BCC), Pangasinan State University (PSU), the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP), and the newly-established Pangasinan Polytechnic College, which is the first college run-by a provincial government in the entire Region 1.

Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino said the generosity of the Lotte Foundation is a testament to the power of collaboration and philanthropy in paving the way for educational excellence.

LSF was established in 1983 by the founder and honorary chairman of Lotte Group, Shin Kyuk Ho, in Seoul, South Korea.

Named the Lotte Shin Kyuk-ho Scholarship (Outstanding Talent Scholarship in Southeast Asia), the project aims to provide a scholarship fund of USD 450 per semester to qualified recipients for the school year 2024. Covered recipients are those enrolled in the four schools.

Expressing gratitude to the foundation, Governor Ramon V. Guico III further set his sights on soliciting more organizations and foundations to extend their generosity through the provision of scholarships to Pangasinense youth, notably those whose families are from lower income brackets, or the 4Ps.

“We believe in the power of education as a great equalizer. Once you are equipped with the knowledge, the attitude, and the understanding, we feel and know that our youth and all Pangasinenses and Filipinos could have the opportunity to alleviate themselves from poverty and the miseries of society,” Governor Guico said.

It can be recalled that the present administration, under the leadership of Gov. Guico, recently established the PPC to provide free education to poor and deserving students.

Signing the MOU with the foundation are the following college presidents: Dr. Macrina V. Cajala (BCC); Dr. Elbert M. Galas (PSU); Dr. Evelyn Abalos-Tomboc (UEP); and Dr. Raymundo D. Rovillos (PPC). ( Ruby R. Bernardino, Photo by Joey Olimpo /PIMRO)

The Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) Interim Governing Board convened and approved, on its first meeting, the curricula of the four (4) academic programs that will be initially offered to its first batch of enrollees.

The PPC will offer Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, Bachelor of Multimedia Arts, Bachelor of Special Needs Education, and Bachelor of Public Administration major in Local Governance.

The PPC Interim Governing Board likewise approved the designation of the Board Secretary, Director of the PPC-CCenter for Lifelong Learning (CELL), Program Chairpersons, and the NSTP Coordinator.

Also discussed during the meeting were the faculty, student, and research manuals under which the college shall operate.

Attendees of the said meeting were Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, PPC President Raymundo D. Rovillos, Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog, DOST Region I, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, and Agricultural Center Chief II Marvin G. Quilates, Department of Agriculture, Regional Office 1 representative.

With barely more than a month after the MOU signing with the colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), the PPC, along with three (3) other chosen local colleges and universities, are again set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Lotte Scholarship Foundation of South Korea on March 8 at the Provincial Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1).

The collaboration is envisioned as a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities and cultural exchange.

The PPC Center for Lifelong Learning (CELL) stands as a landmark project of the Guico administration that gives meaning to the province’s vision to make ‘Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.’

Photo courtesy of Pangasinan Polytechnic College
(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)