LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan and Ilocano creative writers are encouraged to join the ‘Gawad F. Sionil Jose Literary Writing Contest’, which was officially launched on September 18 in time for the 1st year anniversary of the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum here.
The contest was introduced in honor of the Pangasinense literary genius and 2001 National Artist for Literature, F. Sionil Jose, a native son of Rosales town.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) head Maria Luisa A. Elduayan said the literary contest envisions providing an avenue for professional and aspiring local creative writers to display their craft and artistry through their most remarkable works written in two native tongues—Pangasinan and Ilokano.
In Pangasinan, about 55% of its population is Pangasinan-speaking, while around 44% speak Ilokano. The remaining 1% belong to Binubolinao, primarily spoken in the western towns of Bolinao and Anda.
The deadline for submission of entries will be on November 15, while the awarding of winners will be held on December 3 in celebration of the centennial year of F. Sionil Jose.
Known for his five-novel epic entitled ‘Rosales Saga,’ and a dozen of socially engaged novels and countless short stories, the national artist passed away on January 6, 2022.
For more information about the literary contest, visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/GFSJGuidelinesandEntryForm.
You may also inquire at ptcao@seepangasinan.com with contact numbers 0999-883-9740 | 075-517-2141.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Gov. Ramon V. Guico III forged a partnership with EXAKT Medical Services Corporation, represented by its President, Michelle Francesca H. Groves, through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of an integrated health delivery solution for the Provincial Government of Pangasinan as an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Provider.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino and Ma. Christina M. Mendoza, VP for Sales—EXAKT Medical Services Corporation, witnessed the signing held at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall on September 19 here.
EMR is now a necessity that improves efficiency and clinical effectiveness. It better manages patient health and provides better care.
Authored by 3rd district SPM Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, approved Provincial Resolution No. 868-2024 states that the establishment of Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation program dubbed “GUICONSULTA” in pursuance to the provisions of the Universal Health Care Act and Philhealth Konsulta aims to promote preventive health care of every Pangasinense, especially the underprivileged.
Relative to this, the governor ensures that every Pangasinense is registered to the program for free consultations/check-ups, laboratory and diagnostic tests, and medicines.
Thus, the provincial government of Pangasinan engaged the services of the EXACT Medical Services Corporation, which can provide technological solutions and manpower to assist the province in its objective to implement the program using medical and technology products, EMR, and electronic claim systems.
According to its website, “Exakt Medical Services Corporation, a digital health delivery solution provider, was formed to implement an efficient medical solution of providing basic healthcare for every Filipino in line with the provisions of the Universal Healthcare Law.”
Provincial Legal Officer (PLO) Baby Ruth Torre, Board Member Jerry Rosario, and Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy, Medical Officer III, were among the attendees of the MOA signing.
With healthcare as among the flagship programs and projects of the present administration, Gov. Guico said all marks of excellence must contribute to our general capacity to address the health and hospitalization needs of our people in Pangasinan.
(Chona C. Bugayong, Krizzia Mamaril, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ), in partnership with the Pangasinan State University (PSU), led the conduct of a two-day livelihood training project for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) on September 16 to 17 here.
Said undertaking formed part of the continuing efforts and initiative of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III to implement restorative and transformative justice programs through spiritual nurture, alternative learning systems, livelihood training, and anti-drug use campaigns among PDLs.
Retired PLTCOL. Lovell U. Dalisay, represented by Administrative Assistant III Antonio Del Rosario Santos, assured that PPJ is doing its best to provide training as a rehabilitation program to help PDLs attain self-development, empowerment, and reformation so that they may become productive contributors to the community in the future.
‘Salamat sa pagpapakita ng interes na madagdagan pa ang inyong kaalaman na maaring maging kapaki-pakinabang sa inyong paglaya,’ Santos added.
Dr. Presley V. De Vera, Coordinator for GAD, PSU Open University Systems, likewise thanked the PDLs for their cooperation as well as the PPJ for organizing the livelihood training aimed at empowering the PDLs economically.
“I hope you will be able to learn much from this gathering and the teachings of the speakers,” she said.
PDLs participated in the training on the preparation of dishwashing liquid, DIY all-purpose cleaner preparation, fabric conditioner making, preparation of fudgee bar cake and creamy milo pastillas, cheese pimiento sandwich spread, and making of graham balls.
Resource speakers on the first day of the activity were Dr. Christia Marie P. Flores, Head Medical-Dental Services, along with Campus Nurse Florijean Flores Tapia; Dr. Lina T. Cancino, Chemical Engineer; TLE Teacher Beverly R. Domingo; and GFD Instructor Mary Ann C. Soriano.
Campus Executive Director Renato E. Salcedo, PSU, Lingayen Campus; Executive Director Philip G. Queroda, PSU Open University Systems; Director Romary R. Lincod, Gender and Development; and Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation Razeale G. Resultay also graced the event on the 2nd day.
Currently, PPJ has 271 inmates.
(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, Omar Cruz/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III is determined to bring the province’s ‘Preventive Health Care Program’ to the grassroots level.
Bolstered by the recent approval of the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations (GUICONSULTA) Program ordinance by the provincial board, Gov. Guico personally campaigned for preventive healthcare thrust in various villages in Pangasinan, the most recent of which were in Barangays Cacandongan, Ketegan, Palisoc, Poblacion East, Cabuaan, Nibaliw Norte, and Nibaliw Sur in Bautista town.
As an initial fund, the provincial government will allocate P300 million to implement the GUICONSULTA.
Based on the report of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO), only around 28,000 Pangasinenses were enrolled in the 14 government hospitals under the Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program.
With the minimal turnout of enrollees, Gov. Guico pushes for extra effort to achieve his sights for the enrolment of Pangasinan’s full population.
As an added assistance, the provincial government will soon grant cash incentives for residents who will avail of the program. “Wala ng dahilan para hindi tayo magpa-check up for the preventive health care program of the province dahil dalhin niyo lang po sila sa mga ospital natin at sa mga barangay health station o mga RHU ng mga munisipyo at siyudad, bibigyan po namin sila ng pangkain at ng kanilang pamasahe. Hindi na po dahilan na hindi kami pwedeng magpa-check up dahil wala akong pamasahe at wala kaming pangkain,” Gov. Guico said.
The province is targeting around 650,000 individuals to avail of the Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation (GUICONSULTA) Program.
The Konsulta program is a vital initiative aimed at providing preventive healthcare services to PhilHealth members that aim to provide preventive healthcare services under the Universal Health Care Law. This offers a multitude of life-saving benefits that ensure every enrollee access to quality health services.
Under the program, members will be given access to free medical consultations, free health risk screening and assessment, free selected laboratory and diagnostic testing, and free selected drugs and medicines in line with their pre-existing condition.
Hence, PhilHealth members must register with an accredited consult provider of their choice to be eligible and avail of various services. In the case of the province, all 14 government hospitals are accredited providers.
Registration may also be done through self-registration via the member portal at www.philhealth.gov.ph or at any PhilHealth local insurance offices in their area.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The provincial government of Pangasinan will soon grant cash incentives for residents who will avail of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) program.
With the recent approval of an ordinance by the provincial board entitled “An Ordinance Establishing the Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultation Program and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” authored by Board Member Shiela Baniqued, indigent and marginalized communities shall be granted adequate access to essential healthcare services.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who played a pivotal role in achieving the goal of pushing for the preventive healthcare program of the government, is setting his sights towards full coverage of the more than 3.3 million Pangasinenses in the offing.
“I’m very active in pushing for the full implementation of the e-Konsulta of PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.). That is to cover all of our population with health insurance through PhilHealth so that they could avail of the preventive care program of the government. Kasi ang prinsipiyo po natin diyan, it’s more expensive to cure than to prevent. So we’re giving more funds to that,” the governor earlier stated.
Recognizing the importance of health being a fundamental right and a critical component of social and economic development, Gov. Guico disclosed during the birthday celebration of President Bongbong Marcos on September 13 that his administration has embarked on expanding the health thrust of the province to include the transformation of all 14 hospitals to become “hospitals of choice,” the acquisition of various state-of-the-art equipment, and the hiring of more health practitioners, among others.
Hence, he encouraged all Pangasinenses to avail of the improved services of the various district and community hospitals in the province. “Dalhin n’yo sa provincial hospitals ang mgamay sakit pati na mga bata, makiki-coordinate kami sa mga LGU o sa mga health station maging sa barangay o munisipyo. Wala ng dahilan upang hindi tayo magpa-check up for the preventive health program of the province,” the governor said.
Gov. Guico further cited that the provincial government will coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) throughout the province to ensure the success of the program.
As stated in Section 6 of the Universal Health Care Act, or RA 11223, “Every Filipino shall be granted immediate eligibility and access to preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care for medical, dental, mental, and emergency health services, delivered either as population-based or individual-based health services.
In consonance with PhilHealth Circular No. 2023-0013, entitled “Implementing Guidelines for the PhilHealth Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) Package (Revision 2), the constituents are encouraged to register and avail of the said benefit.
The approved ordinance disclosed that as a unified incentives program, PhilHealth Konsulta consists of any or a combination of the following: 1) cash incentives; 2) food assistance; 3) transportation assistance; and 4) provision of free vitamins.
For cash incentives, individuals who register for PhilHealth Konsulta shall receive a cash incentive for registration and additional cash incentives for every subsequent visit.
Food assistance, on the other hand, can be availed by individuals who avail of the program during their visit.
Aside from this, transportation assistance may be granted to individuals intending to avail of the program either through the use of vehicles owned by the Province of Pangasinan or in cash.
Provision of free vitamins will be granted based on the needs of the individuals. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO, Photo by Joey Olimpo)
Lingayen, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, along with other key officials, led the awarding and distribution of fertilizer and planting materials to 400 farmer-beneficiaries in tobacco-growing areas of Pangasinan held on September 12 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II (PTDC II).
Farmers in 22 municipalities were the recipients of 6,555 bags of fertilizer.
These towns include Bayambang, Malasiqui, Mapandan, and Sta. Barbara, Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Alcala, Binalonan, Laoac, Rosales, Sison, Sto. Tomas, Villasis, Asingan, Balungao, Natividad, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Sta. Maria and Umingan.
President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. earlier cited that farmers play a significant role in achieving sustainable food security for the country.
‘Kilalanin nating ang inyong kabayanihan at bigyang pugay ang inyong walang kapantay na kahusayan at kasipagan. Layunin naming na maihatid sa lahat ng Pilipino ang lahat ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan na makakatulong upang magsimula kayo ng kabuhayan,’ President Marcos added.
Various fishery paraphernalia, such as 34 units of thermoelectric HDPE, 31 units of cooler boxes, 44 sets of Gill Net, and four fish coolers (units) amounting to Php 305,000.00, were likewise distributed to registered marginalized fisherfolk from 10 coastal LGUs covering 35 Fisherfolk Associations in the province to provide an additional source of income.
Said distributions form part of the various assistance from the PGP through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) in coordination with the national agencies, primarily the Office of the President.
‘Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan ay masayang nakikibahagi, nakikiisa at sumusuporta sa proyektong ‘Handog ng Pangulo, Serbisyong sapat Para Sa Lahat,’ OPAG Head Dalisay Moya said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (RFO1) likewise awarded financial assistance amounting to Php 53,504,980.00.
Governor Guico assured that the province will support President Marcos’ programs, especially the goals of the Bagong Pilipinas.
‘One man cannot do it alone, so it takes all of us Filipinos to achieve the goals and aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas,’ the governor said.
Along this line, Gov. Guico strongly advocates Corporate Farming to bolster the agricultural sector through a proactive convergence approach.
Considered the present administration’s landmark project in agriculture, Gov. Guico is keen on beefing up the project to assist more farmers.
It can be recalled that on July 7, 2023, the provincial Corporate Farming and Memorandum of Agreement signing with program partners, LGUs, and Farmer Cooperative and Association (FCA) beneficiaries was held in Binalonan town. This yielded positive results for farmers, causing them bigger earnings in the long run.
“Ibig sabihin, pag mas malaki ang iyong sinasaka, mas nagiging efficient yung iyong inputs at lumalaki yung output mo, yung yield. We have now 1,000 hectares. Pag pinagkaisa mo ang mga maliliit na kalupaan at pare-parehong variety, and itinanim mo at kinukuha mo sa iisang supplier ang inyong binhi, ang inyong mga fertilizer, mas magkakaroon sila ng leverage upang bumaba ang cost naman ng pagbili ng mga inputs. At kung pare-pareho schedule, pare-pareho ang pagtanim, ang pag harvest mo, hindi iba-iba ang variety nila, naipakita namin na mas lumalaki yung yield, yung output,” the governor said.
Corporate farms, which often operate on a large scale, are considered economies of scale, which makes agricultural products affordable for consumers as well.
Lingayen, Pangasinan: “Let us be vigilant.” This was the call made by Provincial Legal Officer (PLO) Atty. Baby Ruth Torre during the Cybercrime Awareness Seminar held at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center I (PTDC I).
The provincial government, through the PLO, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), organized the event to create awareness of the laws against cybercrimes.
Cybercrime is a criminal activity committed by cybercriminals or hackers that either target or use a computer network or a networked device.
Atty. Torre said with the advent of modern technology, the event theme ‘A Safer Cyber Environment’ is very relevant and timely, especially in this digital age.
The lecture covers various topics such as Cybercrime Landscapes; Laws governing Cybercrimes (PLT Sharmaine Jassie D. Labrado, Team Leader Pangasinan Provincial Cyber Response Team); Most Prevalent Cybercrime in Pangasinan (PEMS Archimedes Fernandez, Cyber Investigator/OIC, Ilocos Sur PCRT); CyberSecurity Tips (Pat Rizaldy Balaoing/Pat Joe Matthew Suratos-Cyber Investigators, Pangasinan PCRT); and Handling/Use of Electronic Evidence in Court Proceedings (Atty. Emmanuel E. Laforteza, OIC Provincial Prosecutor), respectively.
PLT Labrado said many are lured through online scams through social media.
Relative to this, she urged Pangasinenses to be vigilant and practice due diligence before investing their money.
Officials and staff of the anti-cybercrime unit, department heads, and administrative officers of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan attended the seminar.
The seminar was purposely in consideration of the mission of the province, which states that ‘we are committed to accomplishing good governance; we must be unified to perform our mandate with excellence, dynamism, and innovation. To serve with love and inculcate in our hearts and minds a sense of commitment as officials of the premier province of Pangasinan. We are bound together by our mission.’
PCOL Jeff E. Fanged, Director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, and PCOL Larry D. Buansi, Chief of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (II), graced the activity.
Lingayen, Pangasinan—- “Rest assured that the province of Pangasinan is supportive of the projects of the President, especially all of the thrusts and goals of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.”
This was stated by Governor Ramon V. Guico III during the conduct of the “Handog ng Pangulo Sebisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program, which forms part of the 67th birthday celebration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. On September 13 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) II here.
In stating his gratitude for the president, Gov. Guico cited that the advocacy of Bagong Pilipinas is worth commending.
“Napakaganda po ng panawagan na ito at adhikaing ito upang ma-develop ang buong bansa nating Pilipinas. It has to take all of us, Filipinos, to achieve the goals and aspirations of Bagong Pilipinas,” Governor Guico added.
Grateful for the various support from the national government, notably in the conduct and funding of the Department of Health’s MAIFIP (Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients); the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita); and the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers), the governor vowed to lead the province in playing its role towards nation-building.
“Kailangang-kailangan po namin ang ganitong mga tulong at kami naman po ay ginagampanan namin ang aming mga role, ang aming mandato upang isulong din ang pag-angat ng ating mga kababayan gaya po sa health care ang mga ospital namin,” Gov. Guico said.
Expanding on the health thrust of the provincial government, the governor cited that aside from transforming all government hospitals to become hospitals of choice via the establishment of new facilities, acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, and hiring of additional medical practitioners, the present administration, he said, is currently pushing for a new provincial ordinance dubbed ‘Pangasinan Government Unified Incentives for Medical Konsulta.’
“We are anchoring this on the PhilHealth Konsulta Program at ang Universal Health Care Act na kailangan lahat po ng mga Pilipino ay may medical insurance,” Gov. Guico stated as he encouraged Pangasinenses to go to government hospitals and avail of free medical examinations.
During the program, farmers from the 22 tobacco-growing towns in Pangasinan received 6,555 bags of fertilizer funded from the provincial share in the previous year’s tobacco excise tax. Various farm machineries were also distributed to various fisherfolk associations. These are as follows: 34 units of thermochest HDPE, 31 units of cooler boxes, and 44 sets of gill net.
For TUPAD, Pangasinan received a total of P37.5 million distributed to beneficiaries from different localities.
DOLE, on the other hand, conducted simultaneous jobs fair activities specifically in Robinson’s Calasiao; CSI Stadia in Dagupan City; and Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center in Alaminos City.
Meanwhile, Pres. Marcos delivered his inspirational message directly from Guimba, Nueva Ecija, via livestream.
Thanking his countrymen, the president notably said his birthday celebration marked not only the successes of Filipino farmers but also a celebration of new hope and change, as envisioned by his administration under Bagong Pilipinas.
“Kaya po ako, ako mismo ang pumupunta rito, hindi lamang para makapagbigay at makita ang aming mga programa, aming mga proyekto at magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga magsasaka,” the President said.
Joining Gov. Guico in holding the momentous event were Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino; heads and representatives of various national line agencies like DILG, DTI, DOLE, and TESDA; chiefs of offices, department heads, and employees.
Standing as representative of President Marcos was Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Ventura-Remigio of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III signed a Memorandum of Agreement with San Miguel Global Power (SMGP BESS Power Inc.) for the establishment and administration of trust accounts in accordance with DOE DC2018-08-0021 on the accrued financial benefits from the commercial operations of Battery Energy Storage System Facility at San Manuel Municipality.
Enrico dela Torre, Stakeholder Management and Community Relations Manager, represented SMGP BESS Power Inc. in a ceremony held on September 11 at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall here.
Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino, Carlo Fernand M. Fabia, and Exequel D. Madrid, both MCC operators for the SMGP, witnessed the signing.
As stated in the agreement, on August 7, 2018, DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2018-08-0021 amending the purpose of Rule 29(A) of the EPIRA-IRR to accelerate socio-economic development, have a more effective and efficient utilization of the funds, and enforce the immediate provision of benefits to host communities.
Before the signing of the MOA, SMGP, through Dela Torre, presented their project known as Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
The AVP presentation showed that SMGP is energizing a sustainable future through BESS.
BESS facilities contribute to San Miguel Global Power’s commitment to expanding the country’s energy mix and paving the way for sustainable energy.
It further stated that BESS is a safe, clean, and scalable technology that can help support and address energy demand in the country.
Quoting what the President said during the inauguration of the 50 MW San Miguel Global Power Battery Energy Storage System Facilities in Limay Bataan, ‘This technology (BESS) is carving a distinct path towards a more energy-secure and sustainable future for the country. Indeed, it promises great rewards for the country; not only will we be able to generate sufficient reliable and clean energy, leading to more affordability of energy and, of course, generating jobs for the people.’
Gov. Guico earlier said Pangasinan is going to play a key role in contributing to the country’s power requirement.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre was also present during the signing. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, JP De Vera/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinan will join the other 81 provinces in the country for the simultaneous distribution of government assistance nationwide on September 13.
Dubbed “Handog ng Pangulo Sebisyog Sapat Para sa Lahat,” the activity forms part of the 67th birthday celebration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., will highlight the various projects of the national government, such as the awarding of various farm equipment and inputs to local farmers and associations; the distribution of work pay via TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers); and the conduct of KADIWA ng Pangulo, among others.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who expressed his full support for all national government undertakings, will lead the activities together with other local officials, heads of offices and chiefs of hospitals, and the more than 6,000 employees of the provincial government.
Registration will start at 7 AM to 8 AM, while the program proper will kick off at 8:30 AM at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II (PTDC II), located within the Capitol Complex here.
For the first part of the program, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino will deliver the welcome remarks, while Gov. Guico will inspire the audience with his message.
In the second part of the program, the overview of assistance and services will be delivered by various speakers, including Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya for agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Assistant. Regional Director Honorina Dian-Baga for labor and employment; TESDA Specialist II Carmencita DG. Lopez for skills development; and DTI Provincial Director Natalia B. Dalaten for trade and industry.
The program will end with the speech of President BBM, which will be aired via live stream.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan: “Ang Pangasinan ay isang pamilya at sa pamilyang ito, wala pong maiiwan. Ang AKAP po ay hindi lamang pera o ayuda, higit sa lahat, isang simbolo ng pagkakaisa at pag-asa tungo sa magandang buhay. Patuloy po kayong humawak sa pananampalataya. Kasama po ninyo ang Pamahalaan ng Pangasinan sa pag-abot po ng isang magandang bukas.”
This message of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III was conveyed by Atty. Novy Marie Cruz of the Provincial Legal Office (PLO), representative of the governor during the Ayuda Para Sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP) held at the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) on September 7 and 8, respectively.
AKAP, a program of Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), headed by Sec. Rex Gatchalian, along with Speaker Martin Romualdez and Cong. Mark Cojuangco, in partnership with the provincial government of Pangasinan, aimed to provide financial aid to minimum wage earners falling under the low-income category.
A total of 2,580 Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) from Lingayen were the chosen beneficiaries of the AKAP program distribution held at the Provincial Training and Development Center.
Each beneficiary received three thousand pesos (P3,000.00), or the sum of seven million seven hundred forty thousand.
2nd district, Cong. Mark Cojuangco, who spearheaded the undertaking along with some key officials of the province, said that TODA has always been his chosen beneficiary for AKAP.
‘Matagal ko na pinili na TODA ang matulungan dahil alam ko na nagtratrabaho kayo, nagbibigay kayo ng lingkod sa ating mamamayan ng Lingayen ngui’t kulang ang inyong kita. Magagamit niyo talaga kung matulungan kayo ng ating gobyerno, dagdag capital, pangtawid sa problema at kung anu-ano pang paggagamitan ng tulong,’ Cong Cojuangco said.
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino assured that all programs of the government, of the province, and the LGUs will reach the public.
“Anggapoy pinili, anggapoy bawasan tayo. Amin ya sarag min gawen para ed sikayo, basta walad legal, walad lugar insan anggapoy nadehado, eter mi ed sikayo. Say promisa mi labat, serbisyo’y munisipiyo, Kapitolyo tan Kongreso, sigsigurado, onleksab ditan ed barangay yo,’ VG Lambino added.
The two-day activity exemplified a higher standard of service and mirrored the cohesive efforts and initiatives of leaders for the common good of all.
Attendees of the event were 2nd district SPM Philip Theodore E. Cruz, 2nd district SPM Haidee S. Pacheco, former Lingayen Mayor Josefina ‘Iday’ Castaneda, Lingayen Municipal Councilors, barangay captains, and officials present, as well as TODA Presidents, among others.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—”I’m prioritizing healthcare right now in light of the full implementation of the universal healthcare law,” Governor Ramon V. Guico III said.
As such, the governor stated his administration had pushed for various projects on health for the last two years to cater to the needs of the sick and less privileged Pangasinenses.
Citing his experience when he had a major operation early this year, Gov. Guico disclosed the agony and hardship he went through during that period.
“Ang hirap po talaga magkasakit. Personally, naranasanko yan,” he stated as he further said that if hardship can knock him down, what more in the plight of the less fortunate members of society? “Dumaan pa ako sapaghihirap, meaning the pain, the agony. And siyempre, undergoing surgery is so hard for me. Now, paano yungmga kababayan nating walang-wala, pag nagkasakit sila, saan sila pupunta,” he further cited.
Hence, the provincial chief executive revealed that he is actively pushing and promoting the full implementation of the e-Konsulta of PhilHealth, or the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation. Through this, he explained, Pangasinenses can avail of the preventive care program of the government.
For the past two years of his tenure, the improvement of the 14 government hospitals in the province became one of the priorities of the provincial government.
In the early part of his term from July to December 2022, intensive planning was done to include the creation of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO), which was created to standardize the operations of the hospitals and to improve the quality of health services offered to the over 3.3 million Pangasinenses through careful regulation and monitoring.
Along with the improvement of all government facilities, the provincial government is continuously purchasing more state-of-the-art equipment, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging); seven brand new CT (computed tomography) scans; 19 X-ray machines; and 22 ultrasound machines, which were spread across the 14 hospitals of the province.
Disclosing that the provincial government has given priority to the physical power plant of the hospitals, Gov. Guico cited that the province purchased a four-hectare property to build a modern community hospital in Umingan.
Once completed, the 55-bed capacity community hospital in Umingan, with a total funding of P200 million, will not only serve the populace residing in the 58 villages there but can cater to other patients from neighboring towns of Natividad, San Nicolas, and Rosales and even the neighboring province of Nueva Ecija as well.
In addition, the province also acquired a two-hectare lot in Tayug to augment the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH).
Recently, Gov. Guico led the groundbreaking in Lingayen District Hospital for a new building to be constructed.
To complement all these, the provincial government hired 471 medical staff to be deployed in various hospitals. These consist of doctors, nurses, medical technologists, and pharmacists, among others.
The establishment of a genome center in the province is likewise in the offing. “We’ve put budget for it for next year. And it’s going to be—if not the first—it’s among the first three in the country,” the governor added.
Genomics is the study of all a person’s genes (the genome), including interactions of those genes with each other and also with the person’s environment. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
