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The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on August 7, approved a resolution endorsing to the Department of Health (DOH) the application for a permit to construct a hemodialysis facility at the Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH) located in Alaminos City.

Sponsored by SP Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and co-authored by Board Members Napoleon C. Fontelera, Jr. and Apolonia DG. Bacay, the resolution partly stated that at present, there is a “significant increase in the number of patients being serviced by the hospital” and that the “Western Pangasinan District Hospital and its medical staff are capable in running and sustaining the operations of the hemodialysis facility.”

Moreover, the resolution disclosed that the project is a pivotal step in helping patients with kidney problems avail of the medical services in the quest to prolong and improve their health condition through affordable cost.

“The Provincial Government of Pangasinan intends to construct a hemodialysis facility through the conversion of supply storage office, motorpool and TB-DOTS building into a Hemodialysis Center and establish 15 dialysis machines and other ancillary equipment thereat,” the resolution stated.

This, according to the resolution, is in line with the main thrusts of Governor Ramon V. Guico’s administration to have a mass-based health care program and accommodate Pangasinenses especially the less-fortunate sector, and provide them sufficient and quality medical services they needed.

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

The WPDH caters to patients coming from the different municipalities and other areas from nearby localities of the 1st congressional district in the province.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Pangasinan pays homage to a Pangasinense whose dance literature research was recently included as one of the country’s new folk dances.

This developed after Jeffrey Paulo Bachar, a native of Brgy. Bunlalacao, Mangatarem, Pangasinan, introduced his research entitled, ‘Panangabalayan,’ in the 41^st National Folk Dance Workshop held in Bago City, Negros Occidental last July 26.

The 41^st National Folk Dance Workshop is a five-day event spearheaded by the Philippine Folk Dance Society (PFDS) and the CCP, which aimed to continually propagate Filipino folk dances to the people especially the youth. The event gathered around 700 dance teachers, leaders and directors from different regions in the country as well as US-based Filipino dance groups.

Bachar’s ‘Panangabalayan’ was among the 11 new dances from various regions in the Philippines which is now featured in the book and set of instructional videos published by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), entitled: “Indak Tayo: Dances of the Philippine Islands.” Said book is now distributed to various schools in the country.

For Bachar’s invaluable contribution to arts and culture, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved a resolution commending his exemplary skill and passion in dance literature.

Authored by SP Member Philip Theodore E. Cruz, the resolution stated  that “Bachar’s success is a source of inspiration among his fellow Pangasinenses to develop a keen interest in this field of dance literature and drive them to find their passion and to put a lot of effort to seize opportunities that will develop and hone their talents.”

The Pangasinense dance literature wiz  is the son of Florito and Nenita Bachar. A graduate of BS Secondary Education (MAPE) of the Pangasinan State University (PSU)-Bayambang campus, and presently a MAPE teacher at the Mangatarem National High School.

“One of the ways to  promote indigenous cultures, that include folk dances, is through Dance Literature, a form of writing that focuses on dance as an art form, particularly on the history, the different styles, the choreography, or the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of dance which is written through articles, books and essays,” the resolution disclosed.

Bachar’s other outstanding works include dance literatures namely, “Binungey” which was introduced in the 2018 National Folk Dance Workshop in San Jose, Antique, and “Bangkag,” an Ilocano word meaning ‘piece of land’ which was introduced in 2006 and was presented in the ‘Indak Tayo Short Film’ and was adjudged by the CCP as one of the six national winners in the 2017 National Music Competitions for Young Artists.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—With a total budget of P286,895,375.51, the funds for the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) and Financially Incapacitated Patients program is now available in all 14 government hospitals in Pangasinan.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed optimism that the program will go a long way in providing the health needs of indigent patients in the province.

“ We were very blessed because congressman representative ng fifth district ang father ni governor (Congressman Ramon Guico, Jr.) ang nagbaba ng pondo ng MAIP mula sa kanyang MAIP funds papunta sa probinsya. And also with the help of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, it’s a total of P286million. Napakalaking halaga,” Hospital Management Services Office administrator Dalvie Casilang disclosed.

Dr. Casilang explains, there are two groups of beneficiaries to be catered by the program. “Una, ‘yong indigent. Second, ‘yong financially incapacitated patients,” he said as he elaborated that the second group are those patients who will not be assessed by their socio-economic status but on the status of medication they will be needing to include cancer patients and those with auto-immune disease.

MAIP is a national government program that aims to provide medical and financial assistance for patients seeking consultation, rehabilitation, examination or confinement in government hospitals.

In June 19 of this year, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved Provincial Resolution No. 527-2023 which authorized Governor Ramon V. Guico III to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health Center for Health Development 1 (DOH CHD 1) for the implementation of the said program.

The breakdown of the fund for the government hospitals is as follows: Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, P93,159,000.00; Urdaneta District Hospital, P40,683,588.00; Bayambang District Hospital, P28,215,000.00; Western Pangasinan District Hospital, P22,374,000.00; Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital, P21,871,038.05; Lingayen District Hospital, P14,850,000.00; Mangatarem District Hospital, P14,355,000.00; Pozorrubio Community Hospital, P9,900,000.00; Mapandan Community Hospital, P6,930,000.00; Umingan Community Hospital, P6,930,000.00; Asingan Community Hospital, P6,930,000.00; Bolinao Community Hospital, P6,930,000.00; Dasol Community Hospital, P6,930,000.00; and, Manaoag Community Hospital, P6,837,749.46.

Based on DOH Administrative Order No. 2020-0060 which was amended last March 30 of this year, MAIP program fund shall cover essential and life-saving medicines, services and other medical products as prescribed by a licensed physician or health professional. Indigent patients are the primary recipients of the program.

Indigent patients are those who have no visible means of income or whose income is insufficient for family subsistence as identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) based on specific criteria.

In the amended AO, however, the definition of the term ‘financially incapacitated patients’ was included.

As such, this refers to “a patient who is not classified as indigent but demonstrates inability to pay or spend for necessary expenditures for one’s medical treatment such as but not limited to patients with catastrophic illness or any illness, which is life or limb-threatening and requires prolonged hospitalization, extremely expensive or other special but essential care that would deplete one’s financial resources, as assessed and certified by the medical social worker,” the amended AO stated.

To avail of the program, patients who are admitted to the hospital should seek the assistance of a social worker.

Documentary requirements to be presented by the in patients include: guarantee letter, certificate of indigency, any valid ID, point of service assessment slip, clinical/medical abstract certificate and statement of account/final bill.

Outpatients, on the other hand, need to submit the following: guarantee letter, certificate of indigency, any valid ID, point of service assessment slip, prescription duly signed by the physician, and laboratory/radiology request.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

The province takes pride in commending a Pangasinense for winning the Southeast Asia Mathematics Teaching and Learning Model (SEA-MTLM) Sam Ratulangi Award 2023 held last July 17 to 20 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

For this, a resolution was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session on July 31.

Dr. Mary Lucena De Guzman Tagama, a native of Alcala town, is a Master Teacher II at Cipriano P. Primicias National High School, Schools Division Pangasinan II, and a talented and devoted Mathematics teacher who has proven her high standard quality education through active involvement and commitment to various learning activities.

“SEA- MTLM competition serves to stimulate and inspire other mathematics teachers to invent more creative and innovative mathematics lessons,” the resolution partly stated.

In recognition of her feat, Dr. Tagama was invited as one of the speakers to share her best practices at the International Seminar on Mathematics Education Yogharta, Indonesia last July 20.

Prior to her winning, Dr. Tagama was as one of the Top 20 selected participants at the SEA-MTLM which was one of the programs of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Quality Improvement of Teachers and Education Personnel. Said program, held virtually from May 16-23 of this year, serves as a platform for mathematics teachers to compete in creating innovative mathematics lessons.

“The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan extends its congratulations and recognition to Dr. Mary Lucena de Guzman Tagama as she truly epitomizes a dedicated teacher committed to the highest ideals of public service and quality education for all,” the resolution said.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during a regular session on July 31, approved a resolution authored by Nicholi Jan Louie Sison commending Special Program in Mathematics (SPM) students and teacher-coaches of Don Ramon E. Costales Memorial National High School (DRECMNHS) for bagging various medals in different competitions organized by Math Olympiads Training League, Incorporated (MOTLI).

The SPM students have participated in different competitions organized by MOTLI to include the following: Thailand International Math Olympiad (TIMO), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Mathematical Olympiad, Philippine International Math Olympiad (PHIMO), and Hong Kong International Math Olympiad (HKIMO).

In total, the Pangasinense Math wizards pocketed 18 gold medals, 23 silver medals, and 21 bronze medals. Aside from this, five outstanding teacher coach awards were garnered by the team as well as two outstanding school awards. DRECMNHS of Villasis, Pangasinan ranked 7th and 5th in PHIMO and HKIMO, respectively.

The math wizards team is composed of the following 33 students: Virginia C. Balolong, Karl Santino F. Penuliar, Diether B. Abrina, Ranee Randi Regua, Govind Kurstie F. Ellorin, Abenson, Q. Botuyan, Aljun Alejandro, Michelle Mae Libao, David Lanz O. Mairina, Tyler I. Cemanes, Daniella Claire S. Obillo, Chloe D. Verceles, Blessing Joy B. Madriaga, Rhiane Jane N. Rapajon, Arwin James M. Nozuelo, Valerie Pauleen G. Ragasa, Mikaela Jade Menor, Jon Nathan D. Ladimo, Jean Michelle M. Flores, Glyzl R. Sanchez, Athena Greycielle B. Evangelista, Eliza Jelyn G. Comora, Gari Andrew G. Calaus, Lady Julianna G. Corpuz, Charles Noel M. Abrena, Ezra Victoria Alao, Kathleen Erika D. Nagano, Rufa Fe B. Honrado, Mark Klarence F. Penuliar, Rizajane T. Quirona, Shayne Angel M. Lopez, Felix Francis B. Sison, and Harold B. Abrina.

Teacher-coaches who were behind the SPM team are as follows: Mr. Charlie M. Sison, Mr. Rusty C. Rabara, Mr. Aries R. Pangingbatan and Ms. Olivia S. Ibay.

The SPM team is bound to compete in the PHIMO Final Round to be held from September 22-25 at Jose Maria College Foundation in Davao City.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The provincial government through the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has intensified its relief and rescue operation efforts after Typhoon Egay lashed Pangasinan.

This developed after Gov. Ramon V. Guico III through Acting Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, issued directives on July 25 to concerned agencies to provide needed assistance to municipalities affected by Egay to ensure the safety of the public.
In his message during the regular flag raising ceremony on July 31, PDRRMO Chief Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro hailed the various line agencies especially the First Responders for working alongside with them.

Oro said that they are closely monitoring the Pantal-Sinocalan which has affected some 52,000 families in Sta. Barbara, 82,000 in Calasiao and 90,000 in Dagupan City respectively.

As of press time, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) already distributed a total of 7,030 food packs while the province distributed a total of 2,825 food packs and 550 hygiene kits in different municipalities of the province.

Moreover, the provincial government likewise provided assistance to nearby provinces particularly Ilocos Norte by sending its Search and Rescue Team composed of eight 😎 personnel from PDRRMO WASAR Team and two (2) AFP to help its residents.

The Search and Rescue team brought with them two (2) rubber boats and 150 hygiene kits among others.

Meanwhile, the province recently received P15 Million pesos from Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr as government assistance to Pangasinan.

Vice Gov. Lambino attended the ceremonial turnover of cheque and situation briefing on typhoon Egay in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

PDRRMO continue to issue public advisories, informations and updates.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Pangasinan PIO)

The Health and Wellness Club(HWC) in partnership with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)spearheaded the 49th Nutrition Month celebration on July 28 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1), Lingayen.

The event is anchored on the theme: “HEALTHY DIET gawing affordable FOR ALL.”

Aimed to engage consumers to support improvement in levels of diet quality towards sustainable health, this year’s nutrition month celebration also geared to generate participation of stakeholders at various levels on actions towards enabling access to affordable sustainable diets and call support for the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023 to 2028 as the framework for action to improve nutrition security.

Despite typhoon Egay, the provincial government through the HWC continue to provide essential health services.

“Sa panahong ito ay kailangan natin ang tamang nutrisyon dahil nagbabadya ang mga sakit lalong-lalo na ngayong tag-ulan,” Internal Auditor IV Louie F. Ocampo said.

In line with the Nutrition Month celebration, Ocampo took the opportunity to invite and encourage employees in all offices and hospitals through their respective focal persons to make every Thursday as ‘vegetable eating day.’

“Isipin natin na ang Huwebes ay araw ng gulay at magbigay tayo ng pagpupugay sa pagkain ng gulay para sa ikakalakas natin,” Ocampo further added.

Topics on healthy lifestyle for hypertensive and diabetic individuals were discussed.

Ligene T. Neri, Registered Nutritionist Dietician (PHO); Bea Freda L. Ramos, Nurse I, Healthy Lifestyle for Hypertensive and Diabetic Patient (PHO) and Roxanne C. Aquino, Nutritionist/Dietician of the Mangatarem District Hospital were among the Resource Speakers.

Zumba highlighted the activity.

In closing, Human Resource Management and Development Officer Janette C. Asis thanked the attendees. (Chona C. Bugayong/Pangasinan PIO)

To achieve a ‘safe and secure public order and emergency first response in the province,’ the Pangasinan provincial board in its regular session on July 24, approved a resolution for the integration of Pangasinan 911 and One Response Command Center.

Said project is supported by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Philippine Army, Philippine National Police-Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Fire Protection Provincial Office.

Authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Vici Ventanilla, the resolution disclosed that the previous passage of Provincial Resolution No. 189-2023 established the Pangasinan Safety and Emergency Response, Command, Control and Communications (PASER C3) Center as the province’s “emergency 911 hotline center” is designed to ensure public safety and security, maintain public order and respond promptly to emergency situations in the province.

As such, the PASER C3 expanded its service to the community through the 1Response Command Center (1RCC) team composed of Pangasinan Hospital Management Service Office (PHMSO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgO) and Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO).

To fully implement its mandate, the resolution stated “the Provincial Government of Pangasinan deemed it necessary to establish strategical checkpoints and to create 1st Responder Team” composed of multi-sectoral offices as identified.

The MOA to be signed and entered to is in harmony with the laws, rules and regulations mandated in Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

To address the flood risk in Pangasinan, Governor Ramon V. Guico III is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Center for Disaster Preparedness Foundation, Incorporated (CDPFI) for the implementation of the ‘Scaling Across Integrated Risk Management at National and Local Levels (SAIL) Project.”

This developed after the provincial board led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino approved in its regular session on July 24 a resolution binding the partnership of the provincial government and the CDPFI.

As stated in the approved resolution, the CDPFI has chosen the province as the strategic starting point to introduce the ridge-to-reef approach in disaster risk reduction and management.

“Using the ridge-to-reef approach and landscape-wide/river basin modelling, the project will put focus on comprehensive and integrated risk governance through conservation, sustainable management, and restoration of natural ecosystems to increase the resilience of the Agno River Basin communities against the impacts of climate change and natural hazards common and affecting the localities,” the resolution said.

The municipalities of Alcala, Bautista, Bugallon, Lingayen, Mangatarem, Rosales, Urbiztondo, and San Carlos City are the main partners of the provincial government and the CDPFI in the implementation of the SAIL project.

“It is more important than ever for the province to invest in disaster risk reduction management like the SAIL project in order to have a safe, resilient and developed communities,” the resolution which was authored by Board Member Vici Ventanilla stated.

The Agno River which has one of the largest river basins in the country, runs across a catchment area of 5,952 square kilometers within the province. The lower basin runs through several flood prone municipalities including San Manuel, San Nicolas, Tayug, Asingan, Sta. Maria, Rosales, Villasis, Sto Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, Bayambang, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, part of San Carlos City, Aguilar, Bugallon, Lingayen , and Labrador.

Schedule of activities for the implementation of the project is from October 2022 to September 2025.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan–Governor Ramon V. Guico III inducted on July 14 the new set of officers of the Health and Wellness Club composed of provincial government employees.

This year’s composition of the inducted officers was led by Sonia Yao as President and was joined by Jemma O. Fernandez and Joenard E. Manuel – Vice President; Melanie C. Fernandez – Secretary; Eduardo “EJ” L. Sorio – Treasurer; Jennifer Lamsen- Auditor; Leilani C. Torio – P.R.O; Jennifer C. Melendez – Business Manager; Jerome U. Joves – Immediate Past President; and the Council of Advisers Janette C. Asis,Human Resource Management and Development Officer (HRMDO); Louie F. Ocampo, Internal Auditor; and Janet S. De Vera (PPDO).

Gov. Guico urged the club officers to take the lead by setting good examples in promoting healthy lifestyle in their respective offices. “Ako, ang gusto ko malusog ang workforce natin. Let’s go healthy for the next several years so we can all be productive,” the governor said.

Part of the promotion of healthy lifestyle among employees are various activities conducted regularly such as free medical consultation/check-ups, beauty healthcare, zumba among others.

Others who also took their Oath of Office were the Chairpersons of the different committees, Jovelyn Nazarita and Maria Catalina Judy C. Martin – Social Works and Outreach Program; Madonna C. Mendoza – Partners & Exhibitors; Romeo Montemayor, Jr. -Physical Activities/Sports; Karen Ler Tandoc – Ways & Means; May Roly Clarise Tadeo – Medical and Physical Check-up; Joan Paulyn Patron – Beauty Care and Wellness; Evelyn Jimenez – Health Education; Helen Grace Ramirez – Social Program and Activities; Louie F. Ocampo, Jesusa Lagota, Alberto Escano Jr., Francis Soriano, Emmanuel Cruz Jr and Winda Tamondon – Administrative and Support.

Meanwhile, Human Resource Management Development Officer Janette Asis disclosed that the newly-elected officers will continuously implement and improve the services of the club.

Joining the governor in the oathtaking rites were Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, Provincial Administrator Milecio Patague II and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre. (Chona C. Bugayong/Pangasinan PIO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan-The provincial government of Pangasinan through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist conducted the KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) on July 17 at the Capitol Compound in Lingayen with some 43 participating exhibitors.

This is in support to the simultaneous conduct of KNP in 81 provinces and 16 cities nationwide.

Despite the unfavorable weather condition, employees and consumers trooped in to avail of various agri-fishery products which were sold at a cheaper price. This includes the NFA rice priced at P25.00/kilo limited, however, to three kilos per consumer.

Bernie G. Trinidad, Market Specialist II of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Regional Field Office I expressed gratitude to the provincial government headed by Gov. Ramon V. Guico III for supporting the advocacy, programs, projects and activities of the Department of Agriculture for the betterment of the Agriculture sector and fisherfolks.

The KNP is part of the Marcos administration’s campaign on food security which serves as a market linkage facilitation that enable farmers to sell directly to consumers in an aim to make agri-fishery products accessible at affordable prices.

“We have invited the NFA upang ang kanilang murang bigas ay maihatid sa ating mga consumers for today,” Trinidad said.

Said activity was held in collaboration with different agencies like the DSWD, DTI, DOLE and DILG.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Pangasinan PIO).

LINGAYEN–The Provincial Government of Pangasinan extended the temporary total ban in the entry to the province of live swine and poultry products from all cities and municipalities declared under red zone from July 1 to September 30.

Said extension of temporary total ban were officially declared through two separate Executive Orders (EOs)– EO No. 0058 and EO No. 0059 which were signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III on June 23.

Recent data of the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that there were reported cases of African Swine Flu (ASF) in the province, specifically, in the towns of Anda and Bolinao and in Alaminos City.

This prompted the provincial government to immediately address the issue by extending the temporary total ban for three months of live swine/pigs, pork and by-products.

Along with this, an order extended the temporary total ban on the entry of all ducks, quails, spent hens (culled), hatching eggs, pigeons, gamefowls, ready to lay pullet (RTL), and the restrictions on the movement of other poultry birds and by-products from the provinces of “ Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, Sultan Kudarat, Benguet, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Isabela, Quezon, Kalinga, Aurora, Ilocos Norte, Capiz and Batangas” was issued.

This measure, the EO said, will prevent the entry of the Avian influenza virus after reported cases in some nearby provinces were confirmed.

Under Section 1 of both EOs, it was disclosed that various necessary documentary requirements should be presented in the Animal Quarantine Checkpoints located in strategic areas in the province. This includes veterinary health certificate, BAI shipping permit, animal welfare registration certificate, certificate of disease-free status, handler’s license certificate of registration, transport carrier registration certificate, certificate of acceptance, among others.

It was also stated in both of the EOs that “all transhipments going to Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Abra, and Benget shall take the TPLEX Urdaneta Exit.”

“The State is mandated to protect and promote the right to health of the people under Article 2, Section 15 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and LGUs are empowered to exercise necessary, appropriate and incidental powers for its efficient governance in promotion of general welfare, as provided by Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,” the EO disclosed.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/Pangasinan PIO)