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Provincial Sports Coordinator and Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) Head Leo C. Arnaiz disclosed that Pangasinan sports facilities were rated 10/10 by the Philippine Football Association.

The province under the stewardship of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III who, is also the Pangasinan Football Association President will play host to the Philippine Football Federation national championship slated in September and, Festival of Football for the grassroots in October respectively.

It has been the goal of the present administration to train and produce competitive athletes who can become national and international champions thus transforming Pangasinan to eventually become the best province in terms of sports development.

Sports highlights the aim to develop the technical know-how and develop the character.

This is done through the conduct of seminars to develop good technical know-how and complement the importance of character such as the recent Coach, Ref/Judge Licensing Seminar Examination.

Arnaiz bared that we already have competent coaches so, we only need to update the coaches with the proper technical aspect of the sport by communicating with the institution in the Philippines that deal with the sports.

“There are clubs all over Pangasinan that develop athletes in their own respective sport”, he added..

One of the most organized in Pangasinan according to him is swimming because there is an association of coaches of Northern Luzon that meet and share their knowledge in this sport.

“Our race is talented. Kailangan lang turuan ng tama. Character development is a very big aspect of educating our athletes.In fact, ang daming sports na malakas ang Pangasinan. As a matter of fact, out of more than 120 lgus in the Philippines, Pangasinan ranked 7th in the Batang Pinoy after the pandemic. With this, the governor hopes that we rank first in the next Batang Pinoy,” Arnaiz said.

Arnaiz even cited a boy who, after the Batang Pinoy wrote and thanked the governor for his sports program.

“Governor, thank you for allowing me to achieve my dream of winning two gold medals and one silver but my dream is to really win gold medal in the Olympics,” he said.

Another is Jojo Bigay who considers the NRSCC as his training ground in his desire to break the Guinness Book of Record in Backward Running.

We really have golden nuggets here, Arnaiz added.

Other sports activities that are underway include the Philippine Beach Games like beach volleyball, beach football and the indoor rowing which is an Olympic sport. Arnaiz considers our province as among the strongest in this field.

“A good coach can change a game, an excellent coach can change a life,” Arnaiz shared.

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) expressed their full support to the upgrading, rehabilitation and the possible transfer of the Lingayen Airport.

As manifestation of support, a resolution was approved during a special session of the provincial board on August 24.

Authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Salvador S. Perez, Jr., the resolution stated that “at present, the Lingayen Airport has not been adequately maintained nor any considerable improvement has been thereat to modernize the same as compared to existing developed airports of other provinces in the country.”

One of the main thrusts of the administration of Governor Ramon V. Guico III is the enhancement of tourism, trade, commerce and industry in Pangasinan.

The upgrading of facility, into a “fully functional and well-developed Lingayen Airport will not only attract local and foreign tourists and investors but will also serve as a symbol of growth and progress in the Province of Pangasinan,” the resolution disclosed.

The Lingayen Airport is classified as a feeder airport. It has been originally envisioned to cater to the air transportation needs of the province and the nearby provinces.

Under the present administration, plans to improve the province’s infrastructure landscape such as the construction of the Pangasinan Link Expressway, are prioritized.

Plans to establish new tourism facilities to enliven the industry are also on deck.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III will enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development 1 (CHD1) for the implementation of the Post-Residency Deployment Program (PRDP) in the province.

This develop after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved a resolution which was authored by Board Members Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and Jerry Agerico B. Rosario during a special session on August 24, for the purpose.

“Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, provides that the DOH shall deploy health care workforce under the National Health Workforce Support System to augment human resource needs in public health systems,” the resolution stated.

Provision of quality health program for the sick and less-privileged Pangasinenses is one of the priorities of the present administration. Hence, upgrading of health service capabilities and augmentation of human resources in the 14 government hospitals were among the major thrusts of the present administration.

“To augment human resource for health for the provincewide health system of the Province of Pangasinan, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) delineating the obligations and responsibilities of the province and DOH in the deployment of medical specialists in the provincial hospitals is necessary in the implementation of Post Residency Deployment Program,” the resolution disclosed.

It was likewise stressed in the resolution that the DOH-Center for Health Development 1 shall facilitate the deployment of Residency Training Program graduate physicians to the province to reinforce the human resource requirement in government hospitals.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

More than one thousand nine hundred (1,900) successful learners under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) from various towns were recognized in an end-of-school year rites on August 23 at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen.

The Schools Division Office I Pangasinan spearheaded the ALS Graduation and Completion Ceremonies anchored on the theme: “K to 12 Graduates: Molded through a Resilient Educational Foundation.”

Atty. Ronn Dale B. Castillo, Executive Assistant II who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III highlighted the importance of education in achieving one’s dream as he urged completers to express gratitude to the teachers and parents for their unwavering support and guidance.

Inspiring the graduates with their words of triumph were themselves products of ALS. Among them were Vice Mayor Erwin C. Catabay – LGU Anda, Ian Jasper Coranes, ALS passer 2016 from Basista and Larry A. Soriano, ALS passer 2011 from Calasiao.

Singing the same tune were the three junior high school completers aged 74, 70 and 42 from the municipality of Anda who said that they enrolled in ALS to have good education and find better employment opportunities while a 16 year old female from Infanta said she enrolled in ALS to realize her dream of becoming an ICT.

Present during the event were the key officials of SDO 1 Pangasinan/ALS Implementers, Education Program Supervisors, Education Program Specialists II-ALS, Public Schools District Supervisors and SDO 1 Pangasinan ALS Teachers.

(Chona Bugayong/PangasinanPIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A Eucharistic Celebration (Thanksgiving Mass) and blessing of the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum will be held on Friday, August 25.

Located at the historic Casa Real in Lingayen town, the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum will serve as a storehouse of diverse collection of Pangasinan’s history, heritage, ethnographic as well as contemporary art.

As disclosed by Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) Chief Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan, the inauguration of the museum will take place on September 8, 2023 and will be open to the public on September 11 (free of charge for the month of September) via online reservation.

“For the month of September, in observance of Pangasinan Tourism Month, it will be free. No walk ins yet,” Ms. Elduayan added.

The PTCAO chief also disclosed that online reservation system will be launched on September 4, during the regular Flag Raising Ceremony at the Capitol Grounds.

“The system is incorporated in the See Pangasinan website and the link shall be promoted thru the PTCAO/See Pangasinan FB page,” she said.

Among the collections to be presented in the museum include assortment of artifacts from pre-colonial times such as ancient pottery, tools and ceremonial objects; traditional clothing and accessories, some crafts that will showcase the peculiar identity and customs of local villages; and also some contemporary masterpieces of modern Pangasinan artists. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Funds for the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients and Financially-Incapacitated Patients (MAIP) soared to P312,764,548.51 million and is expected to reach more than P400-million.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed gratitude to the generosity of some senators, congressmen, party-list representatives and board member who allocated funds for the health program. This, he said, will redound to the benefit of the sick and poor and financially-incapacitated Pangasinenses who are in dire need of essential and life-saving medicines, services and other medical products.

Pangasinan 5th District Representative Ramon “Monching” Guico, Jr. downloaded a total of P36-million worth of fund to the province for the program.

The current total MAIP fund ballooned to a gigantic amount through the resourcefulness of the governor and his father, Congressman Guico.

For his part, House Speaker Martin Romualdez also provided a total of P200-million thru Congressman Guico and another P300,000 thru Cong. Ron Salo while Sen. Bong Go downloaded a total of P29-million.

Three senators extended their hands with P1,198,000 from Sen. Cayetano; P1-million from Sen. Riza Hontiveros; and, P200,000 from Sen. Joel Villanueva.

Congressmen also contributed their share to include 1st District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste with P7,940,000 and his brother, former Cong. Arnold “Noli” Celeste who shared P1,980,000. Cong. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas of the 6th District downloaded P6,850,000 while 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia and 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco shared P1,500,000 and P1,000,000; respectively.

For the party-list representatives, Cong. Presley de Jesus of PHILRECA shared P15,000,000 while Cong. Michael Morden of API downloaded P8,800,000, Cong. Ron Salo of Kabayan with P200,000 and Cong. Arlene Brosas of Gabriela Women’s and Cong. Frannce Castro of Act Teachers contributed P100,000 each.

In addition, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, extended fund share amounting to P1,000,000.

Other party-lists who shared were API, P2,295,000; Abono, P1,406,173; and Kalinga, P700,000.

In a recent dialogue with the chief of hospitals, department heads and some rank and file employees of the provincial government, the second batch of MAIP fund amounting to around P186-million will be downloaded to the government-run facilities.

The MAIP is a DOH program intended to provide support to indigent and poor patients seeking medical examination, consultation, treatment and rehabilitation, and patients confined in government hospitals.

Patients who want to avail of the MAIP fund are advise to seek assistance on the process and requirements from the social workers stationed in the 14 provincial government hospitals in the province. These health facilities are as follows: Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in Bolingit, San Carlos City; Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital in Tayug, Western Pangasinan District Hospital in Alaminos City, Bayambang District Hospital, Lingayen District Hospital, Mangatarem District Hospital, Urdaneta District Hospital, Dasol Community Hospital, Bolinao Community Hospital, Mapandan Community Hospital and Manaoag Community Hospital, Asingan Community Hospital, Umingan Community Hospital, and Pozorrubio Community Hospital. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

“The Governor has a keen eye in promoting the province as an investment hub,” Special Assistant to the Governor (SAG) Von Mark Mendoza said during the conduct of Board of Investments-Investments Assistance Service BOI-Lokal held at the Provincial Training and Development Center I (PTDC I), Lingayen.

The two day activity slated on August 17-18 is anchored on the theme: “Linangin ang Obligasyon at Kakayahan Tungo sa Aktibo at Lokal na Pamumunuhan.”

Special Assistant to the Governor (SAG) Von Mark Mendoza, who represented the Governor reiterated that Investment is among the flagship program of the Governor and that they are currently in the process of strengthening the investment office to become a working arm or partner of the BOI.

Citing the initiatives of the Governor towards strengthening the position of Pangasinan as investment program include the creation of a dedicated office to assist would-be investors in Pangasinan, building a PangasinanLink Expressway (PLEX) and an airport.

In this light, Mendoza said that the activity being conducted today is not just a very significant supplement towards that dream and program because it is a capacity building of all LGUs.

Dubbed as Capacity Building on Investment Promotion for Local Government Units and IP-TWG Members, the undertaking was spearheaded by the Board of Investment (BOI), the Department of Trade and Industry and, the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office headed by Atty. Raymundo B. Bautista Jr.

In his welcome remarks, Bautista said that the undertaking aimed to provide capability or knowledge on how to promote our province, towns or cities to make it investment friendly.

Said forum is integral to boost economy considering that the present administration’s main thrust is to create greater opportunities in the province of Pangasinan particularly investment promotion to spur economic development.

The forum/discussion was focused on the Philippine Board of Investments and One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI); Updates on Government Policies for Investments; Investment Priority Areas among other.

Representatives from BOI, DTI provincial office and participants from the different cities and municipalities of the province of Pangasinan attended the activity. (Chona C. Bugayong and Omar Cruz /Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—LGU-P’sinan joins the nation in celebrating the National History Month this August.

The National History Month is celebrated as a special occasion to give value to predominant things about the history of each locality in the country.

In Pangasinan, various programs and projects were initiated by the present administration through the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III. Tourism projects are undertaken to further promote the history, culture and tourism of the province.

Among the tourism projects centered on the importance of Pangasinan’s history is the restoration of Casa Real, known as the province’s first capitol. This is where significant cultural heritage from the past will be preserved.

According to a report from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) which is posted on their Facebook page, “Casa Real underwent restoration to bring it back to its original form during the Spanish era. After the restoration works were completed, its reopening was celebrated in June 2021.”

Under the current administration, Casa Real will be opened next month to inaugurate the Pangasinan Provincial Museum which is expected to amaze visitors, make Pangasinenses feel proud of their roots and provide a unique travel experience back to the past.

Casa Real was constructed in the mid-19th century and was declared a National Historical Landmark in the year 2002.

History Month was declared by virtue of Proclamation No. 339, s. 2012, and is celebrated in August since major events in the country’s history occurred in this month to include the National Heroes Day, the anniversary of the Cry of Pugadlawin, the Battle of San Juan del Monte, and the birth and death anniversaries of some heroes and presidents.

This year’s theme is,’Pagpapalaya ng Kasaysayan para sa Sambayanan’ (Democratizing History for the People).(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO with report from PTCAO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Launched in the early second quarter of this year, the present administration envisioned planting one million trees and mangroves in strategic areas in the province within a year.

Based on records prepared by the Provincial Population Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO), a total of 24,342 seedlings were planted as of August 16, 2023. Seedling varieties include narra, cashew (kasuy), sugar apple or sweetsop (atis), tamarind (sampalok), jackfruit (langka), coffee (kape) and cacao which are provided by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg.

Aside from its reforestation component, the tree planting project also aims to establish the culture of volunteerism among provincial government employees.

In his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) last March 27 of this year, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III called on the active participation of all provincial government employees, the Local Government Units (LGUs), line agencies, and various stakeholders to join hand in reclaiming homegrown values of Filipinos to include “pagtutulungan and bayanihan” or the sense of solidarity.

In July, the areas served by the Green Canopy project (Cash for Work program) include the following: Sta, Catalina, Binalonan; Brgys. Don Matias, San Miguel, Ilio-Ilio, Poblacion in Burgos; Bolinao Salt Farm and Brgy. Zaragoza in Bolinao town.

Tree planting activity for August or as of press time were held in the following sites: Dasol Community Hospital, Malasiqui Sanitary Landfill, Brgy. Doliman in Infanta, and Brgy. Bantog in Asingan.

In Bolinao Salt Farm, a total of 5,000 mangroves were planted in the area last month.

The PPCLDO, headed by Ellsworth Gonzales assured that more activities are scheduled in coordination with the Municipal/City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO/CENRO) of each town and city in Pangasinan. (Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – The establishment and activation of a Tourist Police Unit (TPU) in the province of Pangasinan is on deck.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on August 14, approved a resolution which authorized Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) for the realization of the plan.

As stated in the resolution which was authored by SP Members Marinor de Guzman and Jeanne Jinky C. Zaplan, the establishment and activation of Tourist Police Unit is an important collaboration between the Province of Pangasinan and the PPPO considering that it will enhance the “safety, security and protection” of tourists in the province.

The resolution disclosed that “the TPU shall be deployed in major tourist destinations in the province in order to provide and ensure a secured environment for all tourists and the local community in the province.”

It was stipulated in the MOU that “Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), is the primary planning, programming, coordinating, and implementing local government in the development and promotion of the tourist industry and the various cultural affairs concern in the province.”

In the MOU, roles and responsibilities of the Province of Pangasinan thru the PTCAO were enumerated as follows: collaborate with the PPPO on the identification of destinations, sites and events which are in need of PPPO personnel to ensure safety and security of tourists; provide necessary assistance and support for the set-up of Tourist Police Assistance Desk (TPAD) during special events conducted by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan; collaborate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and other training providers in conducting tourism-related training such as, but not limited to, DOT’s Integrated Tourist Police Community Order and Protection (ITOPCOP) for the police force to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills in dealing with international and domestic tourists; develop and produce information, education and communication collaterals; conduct awareness campaigns and publicize the services provided by the TPU; jointly prepare a Crisis Management Plan with the PPO.

The PPPO, on the other hand, has the following roles and responsibilities: conduct province-wide ITOPCOP training for PNP in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP), DOT and the Local Government Units (LGUs); collaborate with the PGP and other LGUs on the identification and recognition of cities and municipalities with tourist attractions or emerging tourist destinations in need of the establishment of TPU; collaborate with concerned LGU in setting-up 24-hour Tourist Police Action Centers (TPACs) in key tourist destinations for information service; establish TPAD with appropriate manpower complement; establish TPO; perform duties as patrollers, first responders, basic first aid assistance officers; conduct visits and inspections in all destination areas; provide quarterly report on tourist-related incidents.

PCol Jeff E. Fanged will sign on behalf of the PPPO.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Pangasineses will expect more development projects following the tremendous increase in the revenue collection of the provincial government from January to July 2023.

Acting Provincial Treasurer Cristy Ubando disclosed that the increase in revenue collection are attributed primarily to the province’s various impositions namely the Real Property Tax; Tax on sand and gravel and other quarry products; Professional Tax; Amusement Tax, Franchise Tax; Tax on delivery trucks and vans and the Printing and Publication.

As of July 2023, the revenue collection of the province exceeded the estimated income to wit;

Revenue collection data shows that there was a sharp increase on quarry collection which has already reached 309.20 %. It is one of the sources of income that contributes the biggest share to the province’s revenue collection.

With strict implementation and monitoring, quarry revenue collection is expected to soar even higher in the next few months.

In coordination with the Provincial Assessment Office (PAssO) headed by Atty. Geronimo Abad, tax collections have greatly increased.

Ubando cited that the updated revenue code this year as well as the monitoring of trucks, NRSCC & Training Center collections and, rent of stalls are also sources of the province’s increase in income.

Likewise, she commended ENRO and OPVET and, the enforcers assigned at checkpoints who are working hard for their efforts and strict implementation of collections on delivery trucks and vans. In fact, stickers with QR code are issued at checkpoints to identify trucks and vans that have paid their dues.

Currently, ENRO has 22 checkpoints with two (2) or one (1) enforcer for every checkpoint depending on the area.

Apart from this, there are 12 established and maintained animal quarantine checkpoints and 27 animal quarantine guards. To note, three (3) animal checkpoints are located in the towns of Bayambang, San Fabian and Infanta.

Other income sources of the province includes Permit Fees; Clearances and Certification; Rent Income; Income from hotels and dormitories (Capitol Resort Hotel) and Miscellaneous Income (accountable forms, OPVET, testing fees, sale of seedlings from OPAG, rice production, corn production and sale of pateurized and raw carabao milk as well as unserviceable equipment among others.

“Actually po, dahil sa mga revenue collection ay nakabili na rin po tayo ng ating mga equipment sa PDRRMO na siya po nating ginagamit sa panahon ng kalamidad. Meron na rin po tayong nabili na lupa sa Umingan na siyang pagtatayuan po natin ng panibagong hospital at nalipat na rin po ito sa pangalan natin. Andiyan din po ang mga farm to market roads at iba pang mga proyekto,” Acting Provincial Treasurer said.

Ubando further stated these were all made possible through the collective efforts of the provincial government officials and employees led by Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and SP Members along with the hard work of Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II and Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre to include the Municipal Treasurers who served as the collecting arm of the Provincial Treasurers Office (PTO).

The present administration envisions to make Pangasinan a premier Province in revenue generation, Ubando said.

(Chona C., Bugayong / Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Another Pangasinense displayed exemplary achievement after graduating as Class Valedictorian of the Philippine Army Officer Course “Gaigmat” Class 58-2023 last July 7.

In a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on August 7, 2Lt Jhun Lyndon C. Zamora of Barangay Catablan in Urdaneta City, was commended for his feat.

Authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison, the resolution stated that Gaigmat Class 58-2023 was composed of 106 members.

Gaigmat means being watchful of everything at all times.

“The achievement of 2Lt Zamora highlights the potential, capabilities and excellence of Pangasinenses and also serves as a beacon of inspiration to the younger generations wishing to enter the military service,” the resolution stated.

2Lt Zamora was the designated Brigade Adjutant and Program Officer of the Officer Candidate Corps, Philippine Army and was awarded the Presidential Saber which is traditionally given by the incumbent President of the Philippines to the Phil. Military Academy (PMA) Class Valedictorian..

As highlighted in the resolution, the Philippine Army Officer Candidate Course is a rigorous and comprehensive training program designed to select and train individuals who aspire to become commissioned officers for the Philippine Army. It aims to develop the officer candidates’ leadership abilities, character, physical fitness and tactical proficiency.

Born to Joven and Haydee Zamora on January 23, 1999, 2Lt Zamora finished his BS Criminology degree in 2019 and completed the Probationary Officer Training Course at Camp Riego de Dios, Tanza, Cavite in 2022.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)