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Lingayen, Pangasinan- A network of marine protected areas in the City of Alaminos and the municipalities of Anda and Sual will soon be established.

Prior to the establishment of the City of Alaminos-Municipalities of Sual and Anda Marine Protected Area Network (CAMSA MPA Network), Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), and the Local Government Units of Alaminos City, Anda, and Sual.

Said MOA was formalized by a provincial board resolution, which was authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Vici M. Ventanilla and Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison during the regular session on November 6.

“The establishment of Marine Protected Areas network in some areas of Pangasinan would be a proactive step in the protection of important marine and coastal biodiversity in the province,” the resolution stated.

Aiming to preserve, protect, and conserve the coastal and fishery resources of the local government units concerned and ensure their sustainable use for the benefit of the people of Pangasinan, the resolution further disclosed that “the marine protected area will play a vital role in the formation of an alliance to strengthen community resiliency towards climate change by managing coastal habitats for the sustainable utilization of marine resources.”

“There is an essential need to establish Marine Protected Areas Networn in Pangasinan, as it would be beneficial to the province in terms of food security, sustainable livelihood and economic growth, climate change mitigation, and adaptation,” the resolution also cited.

The coastal and marine areas of the three proponent LGUs are hosts to important coastal habitats, which are considered repositories of marine biodiversity.

Hence, collaborative management between and among the three LGUs and the concerned authorities will serve as the key to effectively and sustainably attain the benefits of establishing a MPA network in the province, considering the threats of climate change, storm surges, and marine pollution, among others.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III (2nd from left) listens intently to the words of Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss (3rd from left) during his brief visit to the province on November 4. The ambassador was joined in by Consul Moti Cohen and Assistant to the Consul Ma. Luisa Arino (4th and 3rd from right, respectively). Joining the governor in welcoming the visitors were Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre (extreme left), Public Employment and Services Officer Richelle Raguindin (2nd from right), and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan

The ambassador and company who came to Pangasinan to visit the wake of Angelyn P. Aguirre, a Pangasinense OFW who was killed in Israel, were toured around the Capitol prior to the courtesy call with the governor.

(Photos by Ron Edrian Bince/RRB)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III appealed for peaceful, safe, and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be conducted on October 30.
In a press conference held on October 26 relative to the untimely demise of a barangay electoral candidate in Aguilar who was gunned down on October 22, the governor reiterated his call, stating that candidates should be fair in winning elections. “Let us not resort to crime and violence. Hindi po worth it at hindi po tama ang ganito,” he said.
The governor’s call for unity among people in Pangasinan was earlier cascaded to all local chief executives in the province. “Ako ay nalungkot sa nangyari. I was calling for a peaceful election even when I met with all mayors, sa ating flag-raising ceremony hiniling ko po ay peaceful election,” Gov. Guico added.

Meanwhile, the governor expressed appreciation to the police force for their commitment to service, which led to the apprehension of the suspects behind the murder of Arnel Adolfo Flormata.
Commending the bravery of the Pangasinan Philippine National Police led by Provincial Director Jeff Fanged,Gov. Guico disclosed that within 48 hours of the incident, the steadfast investigation led to the voluntary surrender of the suspect, who confessed his participation in the crime and revealed the identity of the gunman and the mastermind. “After filing appropriate charges, the case is now considered solved,” he stated.
Police Col. Fanged, on the other hand, stated that the PNP declared the incident in Aguilar as election-related.

“A case of murder was filed on Wednesday, October 25, at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor against the three suspects. Thus, this case is already considered solved due to the immediate and efficient response of our PNP Pangasinan team. This proves that we are committed to speedy justice and any candidate who will resort to violence will face the full force of the law. Your police will continue to maintain peace and order in the province during this political exercise. That is our commitment to our kabaleyans for this BSKE,” P/Col. Fanged said.
As a support to the family of Flormata, the provincial government, through Governor Guico, awarded a financial assistance of P100,000.
Jacquelyn Flormata, the slain candidate’s wife, filed her candidacy on October 25 as substitute for her late husband in the BSKE.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on October 25, by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for the Omnibus Term Loan Facility-Sub Loan which will fund various strategic and priority programs and projects of the province.

Amounting to over P4 billion, the fund will finance proposed constructions of 11 storey Government Center, eight storey Corporate Tower, redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, and acquisition of lot as site of the envisioned Bolinao Airport and its construction.

It can be recalled that since Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III took his oath in July 2022, plans to establish Pangasinan as” home of world-class amenities” were put on deck.

“It is possible to keep on constructing buildings and facilities. But it is better to re-focus our vision on creating something that will make Pangasinan the benchmark in its master plans in urban planning, multi-dimensional tourism and diversified agro-industrial development,” the governor said in his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) last March 27.

The governor also disclosed that the Capitol Complex will not be left behind being the heart and soul of the provincial government. Hence, Twin Corporate Towers will be built to house the offices of the provincial government.

“This recreates the delivery of government services with world-class amenities! And to cap it all, world-class hotels, malls and a grandiose amphitheater,” Gov. Guico stated in the SOPA.

In his message during the flag raising ceremony on October 23, the governor disclosed that the measure of accomplishment of his administration is through big impact projects that can be achieved such as the establishment of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX).

Furthermore, he disclosed that projects like road asphalting and other infrastructure projects built by the province are regular projects of the provincial government which cannot be considered as measurement of success of the present administration.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

More than 200 gun owners flocked to the Provincial Training and Development Center 2 (PTDC 2) for the Philippine National Police License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF) and Firearm Registration (FR) which ran from October 25-26 here.

The caravan provides gun owners easier access to obtain and renew licenses vis-a-vis promoting responsible gun ownership with an end in view of ensuring a peaceful and safe community.

Initiated by the provincial government, the One-Stop-Shop activity was part of the province’s intensified campaign for unrenewed firearms and revitalized ‘katok’ to expired firearms through the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office (PPPO).

Topping the services provided by the One-Stop-Shop includes LTOPF, gun safety seminar; drug test (with a fee of P300.00) and, psychiatric examination (P900.00 fee for regular applicants and 720 for Senior Citizens).

For new LTOPF applicant, requirements include LTOPF form filled up and notarized, must undergo neuro-psychiatric test, drug test and National Police clearance. Applicants also need proof of income, proof of billing under their name and two (2) valid I.D or a valid passport.

For renewal of LTOPF, they have less requirements such as filled up and notarized LTOPF form, National Police Clearance, neuro and drug test, and affidavit of undertaking.

Meanwhile, LTOPF were classified as follows: Type one (maximum of two firearms can be possessed); Type two (maximum of five firearms); Type three (maximum of 10); Type four (maximum of 15) and Type five is more than 15.

Regina Abanales, Asst. Chief Regional Civil Security, Unit 1,urged clients to be responsible gun owners.

“Sana maging responsible gun owner sila. Bago pa po mag expire yong firearm registration at LTOPF po nila ay mag process na po sila at huwag ng antayin ang mga pulis na katokin sila to remind them to renew their LTOPF and firearm registration. At tsaka, yong paggamit po ng baril is last resort. Last resort is kung wala ng ibang means to protect yourself or to protect another citizen. Kung pwede na suntok lang siguro, suntokin na lang siguro because we value life,” Abanales said.

She added that the validity of LTOPF is five (5) years or ten(10) years at the option of the applicant.

(Chona C. Bugayong/OmarCruz/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on October 23, approved a resolution commending and congratulating Kimberly Garcia Gaela of Calasiao town for emerging as champion in the 100-kilometer Women Open Foot Race in the Magnificent Baling 100 (TMB100), held recently in Kedah, Malaysia.

Authored by SP Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and co-authored by SP Member Vici M. Ventanilla, the resolution stated that the Province of Pangasinan has consistently extended due recognition and commendation to its outstanding Pangasinense athletes for their excellent performance in their chosen sports.

“The recent achievement of Kimberly G. Gaela not only serves as an inspiration to her fellow Calasiaoeno but also to all Pangasinenses to continuously aim for their dreams and to believe in their full potential,” the resolution disclosed.

Gaela emerged as champion in the said sporting event, held last October 13–14, and finished with a record time of 17 hours and 29 minutes.

“Prior to this international feat, Kimberly G. Gaela started from humble beginnings and has relentlessly persisted to reach her trail running dreams and gradually dominated the local and international trail running scene by competing and winning several awards and breaking course records,” the resolution further cited.

The Magnificent Baling 100 (TMB100) was founded as a trail-running event to promote Baling as one of the eco-tourism locations in Malaysia.

This year’s race is the first-ever edition, which included different categories such as 10km, 25km, and 100km.

As noted in the resolution, participants were tasked with running through the beautiful trail of Baling, passing through some of the iconic landscape, paddy fields, traditional Malay villages, orchards, jungles, and wading through refreshing rivers in Kedah, Malaysia.

Photo courtesy of Kim Garcia Gaela

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO), granted over P1.3 million to some 323 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from January 2023 to September 30, 2023.

Said financial assistance is distributed to distressed OFWs or their affected families and encourages them to become self-reliant by starting their own small businesses.

In addition, PESO conducted 30 pre-employment orientation seminars with the Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Campaign in various localities, which benefited some 5,756 Pangasinenses, notably students, teachers, jobseekers for local and overseas employment, OFWs and their families, municipal and barangay officials, and government employees.

Three Capability Building on Migration and Development Programs in the western, eastern, and central parts of Pangasinan were conducted and participated in by 128 participants, which consisted of migrant desk officers (MDOs) from various local government units (LGUs) and OFW Family Association Presidents of different towns and cities.
The seminars, as reported by PESO Chief Richelle Raguindin, aimed to re-capacitate the MDOs and OFW family association presidents with regards to the province’s migration and development program.
Recently, Governor Ramon “Mon Mon” V. Guico III reiterated his call to intensify programs and projects that are geared to assist and protect the province’s OFWs, who are considered unsung heroes, amid the untimely passing of a Pangasinense OFW who hails from San Jacinto town.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—“Today, we fulfill a major item in our platform of government for the Province of Pangasinan. Today, we realize the objective of House Bill 4126 that I filed in Congress as Representative of the 5th District. Today, we actualize the partnership that our province has nurtured and treasured with San Miguel Corporation through the leadership of Dr. Ramon S. Ang.”

These are the words of jubilation stated by Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III during the historic Signing of Joint Venture and Toll Concession Agreements for the implementation of Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) Project held on October 19 at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen.

Expressing gratitude to SMC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang and his team, the governor also lauded the undying effort of the members of the Joint Venture Selection Committee chaired by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II with the provincial heads, and the unfailing support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan spearheaded by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino which he called “collective gift” to the posterity of Pangasinan.

“PLEX is one of the symbols of our connection,” Gov. Guico said as he added that the project is dedicated to the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses who dreamed of the long overdue progress of the province.

“PLEX is one of the most important game-changers of the provincial administration. Through the PLEX, we shall have a systematized, comprehensive approach in navigating through Pangasinan, creating a road map never before imagined to be possible for our beloved province,” he added.

Ang, on the other hand, lauded both Gov. Guico and his father, 5th District Congressman Ramon Guico, Jr., for taking the lead in establishing big impact projects in Pangasinan.

Referring to Gov. Guico as a “pro-people” leader, it is this quality, he said, that signaled the green light for partnership with San Miguel Corporation Infrastructure.

Ang bared that Pangasinan is a great province in the entire Luzon as he further mentioned other businesses/projects that SMC have in the province such as the San Roque Dam which they plan to expand to become a pump hydro producing 1,600 megawatt power; the construction of train terminal in San Fabian or Sual, and the construction of the integrated mega poultry factory in Sison.

In stating this, the business czar vowed to establish more joint projects for Pangasinan in the near future.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino expressed elation in the realization of the project. “The forging of the Agreements which we have all come here to witness will finally set in motion what so many of us dreamed of–a better and safer road network not only in Pangasinan, but in the entire Ilocos Region, the birth and development of new growth centers and industries in our area, and the boost and unlocking of the economic potentials for our beloved province,” he said.

The SMHC was the only company that submitted to the provincial government a complete unsolicited joint venture proposal for the expressway project, a 42.76 kilometer four-year project costing P34 billion.

Once completed, the expressway will reduce travel time from Binalonan town to the capital town of Pangasinan which is Lingayen, from an hour and 40 minutes to only around 20 to 30 minutes.

Project segments will be from Binalonan to Manaoag, 6.9 km; Manaoag to Calasiao, 11.3 km; Calasiao spur, 2.39 km; and Calasiao to Lingayen, 22.7 km.

Aside from improving mobility, PLEX will become a revenue-generating project for Pangasinan.

The Binalonan-Lingayen segment will be the first phase while Lingayen-Alaminos City will be the second phase of the project.

Witnessing the gigantic milestone in the history of Pangasinan were 1st District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Sr.; 4th District Congressman Christopher de Venecia, 5th District Congressman Ramon Guico, Jr., ABONO Partylist Representative Robert Raymund “Eskimo” Estrella, former Bayambang Mayor and businessman Cezar T. Quiambao, members of the provincial board, Local Government Unit (LGU) chief executives led by Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, department heads of the provincial government headed by Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague, line agency representatives, members of the international, national and local media, among others.

(Ruby R. Bernardino & Chona C. Bugayong/Pangasinan PIO)

Finally, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Festival of Football (FOF) after three years of no activity in football is back.

Hosted by the province, the two-day weekend FOF held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) on October 14-15 was spearheaded by Provincial Sports Coordinator/NRSCC Head Leopoldo C. Arnaiz together with the PFF key officials.

Supported by the Japan Football Association led by PFF Consultant for Youth Development Tetsuya Tsuchida, the event was a developmental competition designed to identify talents in all parts of the Philippines for ages 12-16 years old boys and girls.

Dave Javellana, Head of the Grassroots of the Philippines hailed Gov. Ramon V. Guico III who, is also the President of Pangasinan Football for his support to football and to sports in general.

“I know the governor is pushing sports not only to develop good athletes but also athletes with character and good values in and outside the pitch,” he said.

On a similar note, Javellana finds the host facilities excellent for football.

He likewise commended Pangasinan to be the best venue and host.

“I think, I would say, we are on a very good start, especially with your hosting, and, it sets the standard of what football should be in the entire country,” Javellana further added.

Ending the brief interview, he urged athletes to continue working hard, continue dreaming and aspiring to be the best player you can become, to get good education in the future, to get scholarship and to be part of the national team or even play professional.

During the opening, Arnaiz reminded the players and coaches to give their best but play as one family in football.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Orland Llemos / Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A resolution, entitled: “Endorsing to the Department of Health (DOH) the application of the Umingan Community Hospital, Province of Pangasinan, for a permit to construct a new health facility,” was approved during the regular session of the provincial board on October 16.

As disclosed by Board Member Sheila Marie Baniqued, the author of the resolution, the construction of a new health facility will help cater the medical needs of more patients in the area.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tracy Lou T. Bitoy, said the hospital is operating under a 15-bed capacity as of present but the current admission, she disclosed, is 48 to 50 patients.

BM Baniqued, on the other hand, stressed that the project which is in line with the main thrusts of Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration to have a mass-based health care program, will greatly help the sick and less-fortunate sector of society specifically those from the different municipalities and nearby localities of the 6th district of Pangasinan.

“There is a need to support the plan of the Umingan Community Hospital to provide a more sufficient and higher level of medical and health services to its patients through the construction of a new health facility in the recently acquired lot intended for the purpose,” the resolution partly stated.

In addition, the resolution cited that the project will serve as a great step to further enhance the delivery of health and medical care services to the patients under the catchment area of the said hospital.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

The province through the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) welcomed participants of The Great Philippine Overland LOOP to Pangasinan on October 14.

They were on an epic-20-day overland adventure that circumnavigated the Philippines from September 24 to October 13.

The trip covers a total distance of approximately 6,500 kilometers, passing through more than half of the provinces of the country.

The journey highlights the stunning uniqueness of each destination in an aim to share and show the beauty of the Philippines and the hospitality of the Filipino.

It will be compiled and presented via a coffee table book, a website and a 4-part YOU TUBE(20 min. episode) series.

Moreover, they want to inspire enthusiasts, future adventurers including local and foreign tourists to explore and experience the Philippines through overlanding.

Pangasinan, as one of the expedition route, the overlanders were treated to a tour at the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum with Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil personally welcoming them to the province’s Capital town.

The group also had a glimpse of the pride of every Pangasinense — the province’s historic Capitol building and the world class Sison Auditorium. They also had the opportunity to see the bagoong factories, one of the province’s prime local products.

“Pangasinan is very relaxing. In terms of what you guys did for us, sobrang perfect siya na ending sa biyahe namin,” a publicist member of the group said.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Pangasinan PIO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO) holds the first-ever Community-Based Skills Training Project Basic Electrical Troubleshooting and Basic Carpentry Repair for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) on October 13 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Provincial Jail, here.

Fifty (50) out of 246 PDL participated in the one-day activity in convergence with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Pangasinan Provincial Jail. They were provided with livelihood starter kits and will be given Certificate of Completion.

The undertaking which forms part of the National Statistics Month celebration is a special training and livelihood assistance program designed by the provincial government through PESO.

Provincial Director – TESDA Pangasinan Rolando V. Dela Torre urged the PDLs to always live by the 4Cs namely: competence, confidence, character and Christ.

Apart from the said training, Pangasinan Provincial Jail Chief Lovell U. Dalisay disclosed that various upcoming activities have been lined-up such as the Familiarization of Firearms Proficiency, Drug Symposium and Prison Awareness Month among others.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Omar Cruz/ Adrian Carlo Dela Cruz / Pangasinan PIO)