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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)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on December 4, approved a resolution endorsing to the Department of Health (DOH) the application of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH) for a permit to construct a three-storey building.

The said facility to be constructed is intended for the outpatient department and additional wards.

“The EPDH, one of the 14 operated by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, caters to patients coming from the different municipalities and other areas from nearby localities of the 6th District of Pangasinan,” the resolution authored by SP Member Shiela Marie Baniqued and co-authored by SP Members Salvador S. Perez, Jr., and Noel Bince partly stated as it further disclosed that as of present there is a constant inflow of patients being served by the hospital.

Health reform is one of the priority programs of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s administration. Hence, part of the projects on health include the provision of new facilities, brand new quality equipment, and improved delivery of service.

“In line with the main thrusts of the present administration to have a mass-based health care program to accommodate all people, especially the less fortunate sector of society, there is a need to support the plan of the EPDH to provide a more sufficient and higher level of medical and health services to its patients by the construction of a three-storey building,” the resolution stated.

Prior to the issuance of a license to construct, a Provincial Board Resolution is required by the health department to facilitate the issuance of the permit to construct a health facility.

Copies of the approved resolution will be furnished to Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, Dr. Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, and Engr. Annette Tan, OIC Director IV, Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau; Dr. Aurelio O. Carino, OIC-Hospital Administrator; and Dr. Maria Viviam Villar Espino, EPDH chief. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The establishment of a dialysis center located in the Lingayen District Hospital (LDH) is in the offing.

Said project will be strengthened through the partnership of the Pangasinan Provincial Government and Luzon Medical System (LMS), which will be made official through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and LMS President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Paul F. Soliman.

In a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, which was unanimously approved by the provincial board on December 4, LMS intends to put up 13 units of brand-new dialysis machines in LDH to provide necessary services to patients who are suffering from kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.

Hence, the province shall exclusively purchase from LMS consumables for the use and operation of the machines during a six-year agreement period.

“The equipment could further enhance better and more accessible ways of providing public health and medical services to the people of Pangasinan, especially the underprivileged,” the resolution stated.

As contained in the MOA, “the Dialysis Center at the LDH will be established to address the escalating mortality rate among financially challenged patients needing dialysis treatment, the cost of which is quite prohibitive, by providing the same at reasonable and affordable rates.”

With the establishment of the dialysis center, more renal patients in Pangasinan, especially those from nearby cities and towns, can be accommodated.

The project to be implemented is under the Private-Public Partnership scheme.

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

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III is set to ink a partnership with Bounty Cares Foundation, Inc. (BCFI) for the implementation of the Pangasinan Corporate Farming project, which is focused on sustainable corn industry development.

Made official through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be signed by both parties, the BCFI, which is a non-stock and non-profit corporation, has expressed its intent to support the Pangasinan Corporate Farming Project launched by the present administration.

According to a resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nicholi Jan Louie Sison and approved in the regular session of the provincial board on December 4, agriculture is the primary industry of the Province of Pangasinan; hence, programs and projects that redound to the benefit of the farmers are of vital importance.

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

Under the pact, the BCFI will not only donate the organic fertilizer requirements of the farmer cooperators of Pangasinan Corporate Farming towards sustainable corn industry development but will likewise buy the produce of the corn farmers.

Corporate farming is one of the flagship programs of the Guico administration. It aims to transform the agriculture sector as a partner in Pangasinan’s food security.

The Provincial Corporate Farming Program is implemented to enhance food production and to make farming a profitable and sustainable economic enterprise in line with the national government’s food sufficiency thrust under the Masagana Program for Agriculture. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of the Infant Jesus. Hence, it is the season to spread joy to children and to build lasting memories for them to rekindle.

With this in mind, the Pangasinan provincial government dedicated a space called the Children’s Christmas Village located at the Lingayen beach park which was formally opened by no-less than Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico on Saturday, December 2.

As disclosed by Vice Governor Lambino, 2023 Christmas celebration at the Capitol was made more special as the provincial government reserved a place where children can enjoy and feel the merriment of the season.

“Kung di po ako nagkakamali, this is the first time na magkaroon ng isang area na dedicated talaga sa ating mga kabataan,” he said as he stated that parents can also bring their children to the Carnival area which is adjacent to the Children’s Christmas Village.

The opening of the kids’ ville was highlighted with a brief dramatization of the birth of Christ, dance numbers, and the presence of some party mascots.

“Ang Pasko ay para po sa pagsasama-sama ng ating pamilya in celebration po sa kapanganakan ni Hesukristo,” Vice Gov. Lambino said as he further stated that the activity will not be made possible without the initiative of Governor Ramon V. Guico III along with the first lady of the province.

Moreover, families can also feast together with the various food stalls lined in queue at the Christmas Bazaar offering different kinds of food to include Pinoy specialties, popular street foods, variety of fruit juices and milk teas, burgers and pizzas, fresh fruits and salads, Persian foods like kebab, flat breads, shawarma and others, Indian foods such as tandoori, biryani, among many others.

Also present during the opening of the Children’s Christmas Village were vice governor’s wife, Atty. Melanie Lambino, Limgas na Pangasinan World Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh, Limgas na Panagsinan Grand Rona Lalaine Lopez, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ma. Luisa Elduayan, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Annabel Roque, and some representatives of provincial government offices.

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

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Thousands of spectators, including those watching online,witnessed and enjoyed the spectacular 2023 Capitol Christmas Lighting on Friday, December 1, at the Capitol Plaza here.

With Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s message, which focused on the value of unity, Pangasinenses got the chance to experience the best festive mood with their families and friends.

“Let us be united as one province and as Pangasinense,” the governor said as he further stated that his administration always emphasizes excellence in all aspects of development.

In stating this, Gov. Guico called on local chief executives to collaborate. In spite of the intricacies of work, politics, work, and other factors, he added that it is important to go back to the principle of unity to achieve all the goals and objectives set for Pangasinan.

“I take pride as your governor, who can unite all of our common goals in our united vision. Rest assured that the province will be in full support of noble and excellent programs that you would want to implement and to be done in your respective municipalities and cities,” the governor said.

With this year’s theme, “Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning,” the objective of bringing the Capitol closer to the grassroots is kept alive as the Pangasinan Spouses’ League led by First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico envisioned helping a community in Pita, Infanta town, experience a brighter Christmas this year. Said community has no electricity to date.

Last year, proceeds from the fund-raising of the spouses’ league were utilized for the re-painting of the Capitol Building to get it back to its original color, which is ‘white.’

The lighting of the 50-foot Christmas tree and nativity scene (Belen) which served as the centerpiece of the event in the presence of the first family, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino and his wife, Atty. Melanie Lambino, some members of the board with their families, local chief executives with their family members, and the different department heads led by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II. Serving as special guests were the immediate kin of the first family to include 5th District Congressman Ramon Guico, Jr. and wife Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, and Binalonan Mayor Ramon “RG” Guico IV.

Other highlights of the event include the fireworks display and the lighting of some of the structures in the Capitol Complex.

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

The ceremonial Capitol lighting and opening program of the 2023 Christmas celebration with the theme “Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning” will be held tomorrow, December 1, 6p.m. at the Capitol Plaza.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III and his wife, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino,members of the provincial board, department heads, chiefs of hospitals, and other guests will lead the ceremony.

Aside from the eagerly anticipated ceremonial ligthing of the giant Christmas tree, the public will likewise see the Capitol Complex’s buildings and the nativitiy scene elegantly lit.

With a concept that enlivens the spirit of charity, the provincial government likewise promotes other Filipino values such as bayanihan and malasakit (giving and caring).

On December 2, Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Christmas Village) will formally open at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Beach Park, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and experience the first day of Christmas at the Capitol!

(Ruby Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III met a group from Yeongju City, South Korea, which was led by Mayor Park Nam Seo and Chairman Sim Jae Youn, on November 29 at the Urduja House in Lingayen.

A wide range of investment opportunities were discussed, with a specific focus on the agriculture and tourism sectors.

The delegation also learned about the rich culture and history of Pangasinan by visiting the Banaàn Provincial Museum.

On November 28, the International Friendship and Exchange Agreement between Yeongju City and Rosales town was formally sealed.

The pact aims to improve links between the communities and create opportunities for Rosalinians and people accross Pangasinan.

(Kane Zyril R. Bernardino/PGO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino warmly welcomed contingents from the Province of Kalinga led by Governor James S. Edduba in a short program on November 29 at the Sison Auditorium, here.

The Kalinga contingent is in Pangasinan for a benchmarking activity from November 28 to 30.

Vice Governor Lambino shared that a change in management style in terms of programs, particularly health, is one of the strategies implemented by Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration.

The vice governor also stated that another concern the provincial government identified was the importance of connectivity and mobility. Hence, big-impact projects like the construction of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEx) are pushed.

Meanwhile, Gov. Edduba hailed the provincial government of Pangasinan for its remarkable achievements in various development aspects. In fact, he stated that they chose Pangasinan as the venue of their benchmarking activity to learn about the best practices of the latter in terms of investment, income and tax revenue innovation, socio-economic tourism development, and natural resource preservation.

Likewise, the Kalinga governor noted that Pangasinan is a familiar place for him since he spent a year studying at one of the universities in the province during his college years.

Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, who represented Gov. Guico, attested to the efforts the provincial government exerted from day one of the provincial chief executive’s tenure.

PA Patague cited that the governor, along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), spearheaded by Vice Governor Lambino, and the department heads, exerted all efforts to plan, prepare, and start. “For a project to prosper, we have to set a good foundation,” the provincial administrator stated as he identified various projects initiated by the Guico administration, notably health reform, stricter tax collection imposition, corporate farming, and Pangasinan Green Canopy.

As part of the Kalinga group’s itinerary, they were toured to the different facilities of the provincial government, such as the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum for their tourism site and enterprise center visit, and other provincial government facilities.

No less than Gov. Guico welcomed the group on their visit to the Urduja House, the official residence of the first family.

Aside from Gov. Edduba, the Kalinga delegates are comprised of some members of their provincial board, department heads, and representatives of local chief executives.

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

The present administration under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III continues to reap honors and pride for the province, having been awarded as Outstanding Anti-Drug Abuse Councils and, Outstanding Peace and Order Councils respectively by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The Awarding took place during the 2023 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week Celebration and, Regional Awarding Ceremony held on November 24 at the La Union Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) led by PPJ Chief Lovell U. Dalisay was also hailed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 1 (PDEA RO1) for their dedicated efforts in rendering and implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Program in support of the Nation’s Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign.
Pangasinan Provincial Jail Drug-Free Workplace Policy is in line with the Nationwide Cleansing Strategy of the National Government to ensure that workplaces are free from the detrimental effects of drug abuse such as security and health problems as well as social, economic, and psychological problems.
The awards and recognition mirror the continuing efforts and initiatives of the provincial government which did not pass unnoticed by award-giving bodies.
PPJ Chief Dalisay said PDEA found no imposition of drugs in the facility for two (2) consecutive conduct of Surprise Search and Seizure Operations, Drug Symposium for PPJ personnel, and Random Test for PDLs.

The Search and Seizure Operation and Drug Symposiums were conducted on September 2, October 18, November 17, and November 22 respectively.
Currently, the Pangasinan Provincial Jail has a total of 245 inmates and almost 50% are drug-related cases. (Chona C. Bugayong / Omar Cruz/ Pangasinan PIMRO)

Pangasinenses see brighter hope with the formal opening of the 89th Alagang Tingog Center, which will stand as a manifestation of a stronger partnership between the leaders of the province and the Tingog Partylist under the leadership of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, 5th district Congressman Ramon Guico Jr., and Binalonan Mayor Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, together with the Tingog Partylist led by Rep. Jude Acidre and Deputy Sec. Gen. Glen Rufino spearheaded the opening of the two Alagang Tingog Centers, specifically in Binalonan town and in the City of Urdaneta, on November 23.

Some 2,000 beneficiaries from the 5th district received cash in the amount of P3,000.00 each from Tingog Partylist, as well as food packs containing rice, sardines, and noodles.

Apart from this, the Alagang Tingog Center aims to provide medical assistance, livelihood programs, educational assistance, and burial assistance to Pangasinenses.

During the opening, Gov. Guico personally expressed his thanks to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez for their assistance and support for Pangasinan.

The governor said that the biggest problem in Pangasinan is the lack of doctors and equipment in its 14 hospitals.

This prompted Gov. Guico and his father, Cong. Guico to seek assistance from Speaker Romualdez. Immediately, they got the nod to their request, and in less than two months, funds were provided for the provincial hospitals benefiting the underprivileged through the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients and Financially Incapacitated Program (MAIP).

Likewise, Mayor Guico thanked Tingog Partylist for choosing Binalonan as an avenue to help and share their collective responsibility as members of society—the imperative to give voice to the voiceless—which, to the mayor, is what Tingog is all about.

Meanwhile, Rep. Acidre said that the undertaking is an act of reciprocating the good deeds extended to them by the province when super typhoon Yolanda devastated Tacloban, Leyte, 10 years ago.

“Noong panahon ng aming pangangailangan, kami ay inyong tinulungan. Ngayon, kami naman ang magsusukli sa kabutihan na inyong inabot sa amin. Ang binubuksan natin ngayong umaga ay hindi lang basta tanggapan. Sana ay maging simula ito ng mas matibay na ugnayan at pagsasamahan na sa bawa’t pagkakataong makatulong, asahan ninyong magiging katuwang ninyo ang Tingog Partylist,” Acidre added.

Present during the significant undertaking were 5th district BM Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, 5th district BM Rosary Gracia Perez-Tababa, mayors of the 5th district, vice mayors, and barangay captains.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Mark Sydney Soriano/Jairus Sibayan, Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—It’s all systems go for this year’s Christmas celebration at the Capitol complex, with a kaleidoscope of events highlighting the season.

With the theme “Paskong Ang Galing, Sa Pusong May Ningning,” all roads will surely lead to the Capitol for the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and opening program on December 1 at 7 PM at the Capitol Plaza.

On December 2, spectators can walk through a festive scene via Christmas Village with the adorned and decorated structures at the Capitol Complex. The fireworks display will light up the sky at Capitol Beach Park at exactly 9 p.m.

Giving importance to deep-rooted Filipino culture, notably bayanihan and malasakit, the celebration is expected to bring communities closer together in the spirit of charity that will redound to the benefit of the less fortunate Pangasinenses.

Prior to the Christmas tree lighting, the opening of the Christmas bazaar and carnival will be held today, November 24, at 4:30 in the afternoon at Capitol Beach Park, followed by a concert at the Gulf featuring Insekto Pares at 6 p.m.

Spectators will also be treated to different nighttime activities as part of the pre-Christmas and post-holiday celebrations. These include concerts with various bands to perform, social activities courtesy of different groups, and performances of the various offices and hospital employees by sectoral groups for the Galikin: The Capitol Christmas Shows. Competitions for parol-making, best in building decoration, and best in Christmas presentation will also be held.

Meanwhile, the traditionally anticipated nine-day Simbang Gabi will start on December 15 at 5 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza and will end on December 23. The Capitol Christmas Eve SMass, on the other hand, will be held on December 24 at 6 p.m.

For the information of the public, a schedule of activities will be announced or posted on the official Facebook page of the province.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)