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Lingayen, Pangasinan: Gov. Ramon V. Guico III urged the 700 first batch of PPC students to do well in their studies and embrace the opportunity of free education towards a better quality of life.

Gov. Guico made the appeal during the PPC Blessing, Ceremonial Awarding of Report on the Results of the Preliminary Assessment/RRPA (CHED), Certificate of TVET Program Registration/CTPR (TESDA), and Students’ Orientation Program.

“Ito ay binigay sa inyong prebilihiyo ng lalawigan natin na Pangasinan. Huwag niyong sayangin. Ipakita niyo yung galing niyo hanggang matapos kayo, and after your four-year stay with PPC, gusto namin na lahat kayo mag succeed sa inyong kaniya-kaniyang karera, sa inyong buhay at makatulong kayo sa inyong pamilya lalong-lalo na sa ating magulang, ” Governor Guico said.

PPC, the new state-of-the-art learning institution, served as a light of hope for the less fortunate and reflected good governance and love for the youth.

PPC was awarded the RRPA from CHED and the CTPR from TESDA, which stated that it can now operate the four programs of higher education, namely: Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business; Bachelor of Science in Special Needs Education; Bachelor of Science in Multi-Media Arts; and Bachelor of Public Administration.

Vice Governor and Chair of the Committee on Education, Mark Ronald Lambino, said that the undertaking was a celebration of the first steps of the PPC as a driver and mover of innovation, success, and prestige for the province of Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Provincial Director, TESDA Pangasinan, James F. Ferrer, and Regional Director, CHED Region 1, Christine Nabor-Ferrer, both assured their unwavering support to PPC and to the present administration towards the attainment of their aspirations, primarily quality education.

They also hailed the governor for establishing the University of Eastern Pangasinan (UEP) and, now, the PPC.

“Salamat Gov. sa pagtatatag at pagdadala ng PPC sa ating mga Pangasinense. Nawa’y patuloy ang pagyabong ng PPC bilang isang institusyong kakampi ng ating komunidad para sa makatarungan at mapag-bagong edukasyon para sa mga Pangasinese,” RD CHED Ferrer said.

PPC President Raymundo D. Rovillos reiterated that PPC was an all-of-the-province approach.

“Nangyari ito dahil sa sama-samang samahan, tulungan ng iba’t-ibang opisina at institusyon within and outside the province,” the PPC President added.

Dr. Rovillos thanked all those who braved the storms to make PPC a reality and acknowledged the faculty and staff of the institution in his belief that quality education starts with quality faculty. (Chona C. Bugayong, Krizzia Mamaril, and PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Board Member Rosary Gracia P. Perez-Tababa’s resolution urging all Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Pangasinan to fully implement Republic Act No. 11313, or ‘Safe Spaces Act or Anti-Bastos Law,” will be on the agenda in the provincial board’s regular session on Monday, August 19.

The resolution is aimed at protecting individuals from gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, online spaces, workplaces, and educational and training institutions.

As such, the resolution cited that the full implementation of the Safe Spaces Act, which was enacted into law on April 17, 2019, requires the collaboration and active participation of the LGUs to ensure safe spaces for all individuals, regardless of gender, sexual preference, and sexual orientation.

Previously, the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children (PIACAT-VAWC) passed Resolution No. 3-2024 to request the enactment of a Provincial Ordinance encouraging all LGUs to fully implement RA 11313.

“RA No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, mandates local government units to exercise local autonomy and ensure the general welfare of the people, particularly in the promotion of their health and safety,” the proposed resolution partly stated. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan: The provincial government of Pangasinan, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, spearheaded the Awarding and Distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF-OP) at the Narciso Ramos Gymnasium on August 15 here.

PAFFF, which aims to ease the economic stress of beneficiaries severely affected by El Nino, is a project of the Office of the President in collaboration with the House of Representatives and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said that a total of 1,977 beneficiaries from the 11 LGUs of Districts I, II, and III received ten thousand pesos each (P10,000), or the sum of nineteen million seven hundred seventy thousand pesos (P19,770,000.00).

The beneficiaries include the municipalities of Bani, Dasol, and Infanta for the 1st District; Aguilar, Bugallon, Lingayen, and Mangatarem (2nd District); and Bayambang, Malasiqui, Mapandan, and Sta. Barbara for the 3rd District.

Mangatarem town, an agricultural area, got the most PAFFF recipients with 1,094, followed by Malasiqui (301) and Lingayen (176), respectively.

Lourdes Tolentino, one of the PAFFF beneficiaries from Mangatarem, expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the DA, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, and Mangatarem Mayor Ramil Ventenilla.

“Malaking tulong po itong ibibigay nila sa aming magsasaka dahil doon sa pangyayaring El Nino na konti lang ang aming mga produktong naani. Laking pasasalamat namin dahil yung mga dinudulog namin ay nabigyan kami ng mga financial assistance tulad nito. Nagpapasalamat po ako, kaming lahat po kasi naririnig nila yong mga hinaing namin bilang magsasaka. Lagi po kasi kaming lugi sa pagsasaka. Dumaan ang El Nino, dumaan ang La Nina, hirap po talaga kami sa budget,” Toletino said.

“Kami po na inyong mga opisyales, kami po ay andito upang siguraduhin sa inyo na ang serbisyo ng gobyerno, ang serbisyo ng Kapitolyo, makakarating mismo sa inyo. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po yung tarabaho natin; maghahanap pa rin po tayo ng programa na siyang makakapag-pagaan ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan dito sa probinsiya. Yan po yung commitment ng administrasyong Guico na pagandahin ang buhay ng lahat,” Vice Gov. Mark Lambino said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Guico thanked the President as he urged the PAFFF beneficiaries to spend their financial assistance wisely.

“Gamitin natin sa tama, sa pamilya, puhunan sa ating pangingisda, pagtatanim at pagsasaka, the governor said.

Earlier, 1,491 farmers, fishermen, and families in the 4th and 5th districts benefitted from the PAFFF, while the remaining 1,408 from the 6th district have yet to receive their financial assistance.

This will bring the total number of PAFFF beneficiaries in the entire province to 4,876.

Activity attendees were Norween Cervera, Provincial Rice Program Coordinator Pangasinan; 2nd District Board Members Haidee S. Pacheco and BM Philip Theodore E. Cruz; 3rd District BM Shiela Marie F. Baniqued and BM Vici Munda C. Ventenilla; Provincial Treasurer Cristy C. Ubando; and Mangatarem Mayor Ramil Ventenilla.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, and Joey Olimpo/PIMRO).

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan: 41 OFWs completed the Tourism Kulinarya pilot training under the Balik Bayani Sa Turismo (BBST) program conducted on August 7–9 at Sison Auditorium here.

The graduates are from the municipalities of Anda, Burgos, Bugallon, Calasiao, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, Manaoag, Mangaldan, and Sta. Barbara. They were awarded certificates and cash incentives amounting to P10,000.00 during the closing ceremony.

The BBST Culinary Training is part of the national government’s reintegration program aimed at boosting livelihood and income opportunities for modern-day heroes and their families.

ASEC Maria Rica C. Bueno, TRCRG, DOT, said that the President, along with DOT Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco and DMW Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac recognizes the contributions of OFWs to nation-building.

Thus, the DOT, in collaboration with DMW, launched the BBST program.

It provides capacity building and skills training to returning OFWs and their families, offering them new opportunities in the travel and tourism industry.

“The overall objective of all the training programs of the agency is to uplift or improve the quality of tourism services and facilities in the country,” ASEC Bueno added.

Pangasinan was chosen as a pilot area for the 1st BBST Kulinarya Training Program because it garnered the highest number of respondents.

Kulinarya, or culinary, was the top choice, followed by micro-retail, tour guiding, farm tourism, and homestays.

The training program promises numerous advantages, including the creation of alternative livelihoods for families, the growth of a skilled workforce for the economy, and enriching tourism experiences through unique culinary offerings.

As such, it is with high hope that through the BBST program and Tourism Kulinarya training, Pangasinan will emerge as one of the best food destinations in the Philippines.

“When you left the Philippines, you were all considered our bayanis, but, all the more, you are a bayani coming back to the Philippines, Governor Ramon Guico III said.

The governor commended the DOT and DMW for launching the program.

Similarly, the provincial government of Pangasinan, through the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council, has come up with the Volunteerism Awards for Outstanding OFW Associations and Overseas Filipinos (OF/Ws) Family Associations in the province entitled ‘BOLUN Awards’ aimed at recognizing the selfless service and dedication of these associations in promoting the welfare of OFWs and their families within the province as well as their exceptional and extra-ordinary contributions of OF/W Family Associations in the implementation of the province’s programs and services through volunteerism.

The event was graced by Dir. Arlene A. Alipio, OIC Director, DOT-OIMD; RD Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, Regional Director, DOT-Region 1; Labor Attache Delmer R. Cruz, OIC Director, DMW-NRCO; RD Romeo A. Jaramilla, OIC-Regional Director, DMW Region 1; Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil; PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa Amor Elduayan; PESO Manager Ma. Richelle M. Raguindin; and Chef Ellen C. Rivera, ASEAN Master Trainer Assessor, among others.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos, PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III was listed by Edurank.org as among the ‘Top 79 Notable Alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.’

The governor joins the ranks of the country’s most revered personalities, like former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, Sr., who topped the list, followed by former Vice President Leni Robredo, 6th Philippine President Elpidio Quirino, ace journalist Maria Ressa, politician Jose P. Laurel, lawyer and former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, musician Ely Buendia, broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, actor JM De Guzman, and beauty queen Venus Raj.

EduRank is a reputable independent organization that evaluates higher education institutions all over the world based on various factors like academic reputation, research output, and student reviews.

The list was sorted out by Edurank based on wiki pages popularity of the alumni.

Listed in the 11th to 25th spots were news anchor Karen Davila; Senator Cynthia Villar; Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III; former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel; Lawyer Salvador Panelo; actor-politician Herbert Bautista; young actor-entrepreneur Nash Aguas; Fil-Am chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford; beauty queen Shamcey Supsup; Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia; independent film actress Mercedes Cabral; former associate justice Antonio Carpio; Senator Nancy Binay; screenwriter and journalist Ricky Lee; and film director Jerrold Tarog.

Gov. Guico clinched the 61st spot.

UP Diliman is ranked 625th in the world, 125th in Asia, and 5th in the Philippines by aggregated alumni prominence. The university was established on February 12, 1949.

Gov. Guico obtained his degree in philosophy at UP Diliman in 1997 and earned his certificate in professional education and his master’s degree in education in 2004. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan made an assurance that executive measures would be strictly implemented to control the entry of swine into the province.

This developed after positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) were reported by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Ilocos Region in two towns and a city in a nearby province.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Arcely Robeniol stated that Pangasinan remains ASF-free.

Aside from border control, Dr. Robeniol said that Executive Order No. 0102 S. 2023, titled “An Order Extending the Temporary Total Ban on the Entry of Live Swine/Pigs, Pork, and Pork By-Products from All Cities and Municipalities Under Red Zone Into the Province of Pangasinan, signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III on October 1, 2023, remains in effect to date.

“We are proactive in ASF control measures at ito nga po ‘yong paghihigpit at pagpapatupad ng ating existing executive order,” she cited.

Hence, the provincial veterinarian stated, “We have to protect and secure our province,” even as she mentioned that strict monitoring is undertaken at all animal quarantine checkpoints in Pangasinan, which are strategically located in Mabilao, San Fabian; Asan Sur in Sison; TPLEX Pozorrubio; and TPLEX Urdaneta City.

Dr. Robeniol said traders’ documents are thoroughly assessed before a certificate of acceptance is issued.

Documents to be presented for live animals include a certificate of ASF-free status; an ASF negative result; a veterinary health certificate; a veterinary shipping permit; a livestock handler’s license; and a livestock carrier license, among others.

On the other hand, a certificate of meat inspection should be presented for swine products.

(Ruby F. Rayat/Ron Edrian Bince PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Thirty-three recipients of the Government Internship Program (GIP) received from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) the sum of P8,400.00 each for work or services rendered for 30 days.

Sheryll J. Bringas, SWO II, DSWD Field Office—I said GIP is one component of the Unlad Kabataan Program exclusively for in-school youth.

As such, this will allow them to work for the government with subsidies that they can use for educational and family needs.

The GIP is conducted every summer to enable students to participate for 30 days.

During the GIP evaluation held on August 6, GIP beneficiaries shared their testimonies about their learning experiences.

Michael Angelo C. Cardano, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics student, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be included in the GIP.

“For the past 30 days na nagtrabaho kami sa MSWDO-LGU Anda, ang dami naming natutunan. Dapat habaan mo yong patience mo. You should not only be mentally stable and ready but also emotionally ready. The 30-days na experience became so soon kasi, super supportive ng MSWDO-Anda. Hindi mo mapi-feel na GIP ka lang bagkus, isa kang member ng office na yun,” he said.

Other GIPs shared that they have learned how to interact with others, the value of patience and understanding, improved knowledge and confidence, the importance of confidentiality, and enhanced their communication skills, among others.

‘Very thankful ang MSWDO ng Calasiao sa DSWD sa binibigay nilang GIP slot. Thankful din kami na may program na ganito na nagbibigay ng opportunity sa ating kabataan na iniinvolve natin sila sa work experience sa ating government agencies. We are looking forward to more activities na kasama ang ating GIPs,’ King Arrvi Gaspar, Social Welfare Officer III/Youth Focal Person from LGU Calasiao, said.

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Annabel T. Roque likewise conveyed her gratitude to the DSWD Field Office I.

“We are happy and blessed kasi naging part po kayo ng GIP this year. Kung ano po yong natutunan ninyo, we believe na mababaon niyo yan as you journey pa throughout your school years. Enrich more of what you’ve got, samahan ng tiyaga, samahan ng maraming dasal, and enjoy na lang ang life kasi, life is beautiful, especially sa mga edad niyo na napaka-challenging ng mundo pero alam ko na napaka-vibrant ninyo. Tulad ng laging sinasabi, kayo po ang pag-asa ng ating bayan,” Roque added.

Roque added that preparations are being undertaken for the Linggo ng Kabataan celebration this month of August.

She also shared the good news about the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which is the very first college institution in Pangasinan that is operated and managed by the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

“This is all for the love of the governor for the youth,” she further said.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—In achieving the provincial government’s thrust to deliver the best health care services for more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses, the improvement of all health facilities, the acquisition of new state-of-the-art medical and laboratory equipment, and the hiring of more medical personnel were directed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

Thus, on August 5, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved a resolution endorsing to the Department of Health (DOH) the application for a Permit to Construct (PTC) a three-storey building for Level II Hospital with a 100-bed capacity at the Lingayen District Hospital (LDH).

Dr. Aurelio Carino, during the regular session, said the bed capacity for LDH is 40, but the recorded number of patients per day is about 100 to 110. Hence, the need to increase the facility’s bed capacity is needed to accommodate more patients and cater to the medical needs of the sick and less-privileged Pangasinenses.

“The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the LDH, intends to construct a 3-storey building for Level II Hospital with a 100-bed capacity to provide the people with a sufficient and higher level of medical and health services,” the resolution, which SP Member Dr. Shiela Marie F. Baniqued stated.

LDH is one of the 14 hospitals operated by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan which caters to patients from the different municipalities and nearby localities of the 2nd District of Pangasinan. Aside from leveling up, a hemodialysis center is being built in the hospital.

Earlier, Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy, Medical Officer III, Provincial Hospital Management Services Office, said the provincial government intends to put up hemodialysis centers in all district and community hospitals in the province.

The provincial government likewise continues to allocate funds for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of hospital buildings.

It can be recalled that in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in 2023, the governor cited that all 14 hospitals run by the province increased their authorized bed capacity, bringing the total outpatients and inpatients served last year to 468,122 and 111,631, respectively.

Aside from the improvement of facilities, another worth mentioning was the successful implementation of the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) from 2022 to March 2024, wherein a total of P383,816,375.51 in funds were transferred to Pangasinan during that period.

Gov. Guico is set to enter and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the DOH-Center for Health Development-1 for the implementation of the MAIFIP program in all 14 government hospitals.

With Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Bolingit, San Carlos City, receiving the biggest bulk of more than P7.6 million, all 13 hospitals will get a share of P2 million each.

(Ruby F. Rayat | Photo by Omar Cruz)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—In preparation for the upcoming Manila FAME, a product presentation and product development activity was conducted on August 5 at the Provincial Training and Development Center 1 (PTDC 1) here.

The undertaking was aimed at finalizing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) who will join the Manila FAME 2024 and briefing them on the possible product design development with the help of the Design Center of the Philippines (DCP).

As such, the DCP team assisted some 13 MSMEs in the evaluation and assessment of their products and will conduct factory visits of identified MSME exhibitors, product development, as well as booth designs and construction, scheduled from August 6–8.

The 13 participants include Crafter’s Joy Cornhusk Products; Kawayan Nature Eco-Friendly Products Training; Ilokana Handicraft; Deswordzman Metal Crafts; Bandulf Industries; DOREVI Industries; Cassidy’s Souvenirs; Laoang Loofahcraft; Denmark Candle; CSFirst Green Agri Industrial Development Inc.; Aguinaldo Interiors; E-Kawayan Factory; and the Farmers Development Agricultural Association.

This is Pangasinan’s second participation in the global trade show. The awesome potential of Pangasinan’s artisans was initially unleashed through the World Trade Expo in 2023, while the local culinary pioneers made their mark during the International Food Expo 2024.

Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Founding President of Project Abound, the project’s prime mover, said that they are looking forward to an even more fruitful collaboration this year after the resounding success of Manila FAME last year.

As her piece of advice to MSMEs, Dr. Guico was quoted saying, “As you embark on your venture, always remember to have our Lord, Jesus Christ, with you by keeping Him in your heart and seeking His guidance. He provides everything—even ideas, skills, knowledge, wisdom, and more—to success, so start rightly your story now.”

Wrapping up her message, she congratulated and thanked the consolidated force of government and non-government agencies for standing in solidarity to empower the artisans and food technologies in Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino assured the provincial government and the governor’s commitment to ensure that Pangasinenses will be provided with the opportunity to improve their lives.

“Kami po na inyong lingkod bayan, andiyan po yong obligasyon naming magsilbi, mag provide ng mga programa at proyekto sa ating mga kababayan, pero hindi natin pwedeng kalimutan na hindi lamang po puro ayuda o infrastructure projects and ibinibigay sa kanila kundi, tayo rin po dapat ay nagbibigay ng suporta upang sila mismo ang makatayo sa kanilang sariling mga paa,” the vice governor said.

On the other hand, Gov. Guico, who was represented by Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth F. Torre, conveyed the province’s support for the engagement of MSMEs as major drivers of the economy.

It can be recalled that after the success of the Manila Fame and International Food Expo, which signaled the green light to brighter opportunities for various local entrepreneurs, the governor sought the establishment of the Pangasinan Trade Center (PTC).

Through the PTC, Gov. Guico foresees not only success for MSMEs but economic prosperity and sustainability for the province, leading to the realization of becoming an investment hub.

DTI Provincial Director Natalia Basto-Dalaten, 3rd District BM Sheila Baniqued, DCP Project Manager Nicole Carmel D. Obong, and department heads from the various provincial government offices, among others, graced the undertaking.

(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on August 5, approved a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation with the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMECH) for the provision of various farm machinery and post-harvest facilities in support of the province’s Corporate Farming Program.

Authored by SP Member Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, the resolution stated that agricultural mechanization and adoption of post-harvest technology will improve farm work efficiency, help maximize yield, reduce post-harvest losses, and maintain product quality, resulting in increased yield and profitability.

Corporate farming is the brainchild of Gov. Guico. It was implemented to enhance food production and make farming a profitable and sustainable economic enterprise in line with the national government’s food sufficiency thrust through the Masagana Program for Agriculture.

“Pangasinan’s Corporate Farming Program Convergence Strategy endeavors to demonstrate food production cost efficiency through a farm consolidation approach, increase production yield by optimum utilization of production inputs, farm machinery, and the adoption of a package of technologies (POT), and rekindle the Bayanihan spirit among agriculture stakeholders, particularly LGUs and farmer cooperative associations (FCAs),” the resolution disclosed.

The agricultural provisions included in the Deed of Donation include one unit of a four-wheel tractor; one unit of a rice combine harvester; two units of riding-type mechanical transplanters; six units of walk-behind transplanters; two units of rice mills; and two units of a mechanical recirculating dryer.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said 23 municipalities are now involved in corporate farming. At present, about 685 farmers and 25 farmer cooperatives are benefiting from the program, which now covers about 650 hectares of agricultural land.

PHILMECH is an agency attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA), which is mandated to implement projects geared towards agriculture modernization and post-harvest technology development through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

(Ruby F. Rayat, Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Binmaley beauty Miss Patricia Anne Nichole Bangug, who was crowned “Heritage Ambassador 2024’ during the recently concluded Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines Beauty Pageant held at the Tanghalang Pasigueno last July 27, was awarded a plaque resolution by the Pangasinan Provincial Board on August 5.

“The Province of Pangasinan takes immense pride in celebrating the exceptional achievements of its representatives in the world of pageantry, who exemplify beauty, intelligence, and cultural heritage on both the national and international stage, the resolution, authored by Board Member Haidee Pacheco, partly stated.

Miss Bangug, who was previously crowned Bb. Binmaley 2019 and Limgas na Pangasinan Turismo 2019 is the daughters of Diosdado and Mirasol Bangug.

Expressing her gratitude to Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, and the entire provincial board, the beauty queen stated that it is her advocacy to promote the ‘cultural tourism’ of Pangasinan at the national level.

Miss Pearl of the Orient Philippines is a platform that represents the values and culture of the Filipino people through pageantry and charity initiatives, organized and produced by Oriental Beauty Philippines Charities Incorporated.

(Ruby F. Rayat, Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Province of Pangasinan’s commitment to excellence in health services and the healthcare system was again vividly reflected following its recognition as among Northern Luzon’s Best Newborn Screening Facilities in Region I in the 2nd Quarter of 2024.

Newborn Screening Facilities (NSFs) are the health facilities conducting sample collections for newborn screening.

Newborn screening is a special test that helps identify babies at risk for certain conditions. Before every baby goes home from the nursery, the baby’s blood sample is collected in five circles on the newborn screening card, called a dried blood spot (also called DBS) sample. The DBS is used to test for a specific group of conditions.

The top performing newborn screening facilities were Don Mariano C. Verzosa Memorial Hospital and Western Pangasinan District Hospital for Northern Luzon’s Best in Collection Age Levels 1 and 2 (Government Category); Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital and Mangatarem District Hospital for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot Levels 1 and 2 (Government Category), respectively.

These are achievements or recognitions that reflect the team efforts of the provincial government, serving as an inspiration to push for quality health services for the well-being of more than 3 million Pangasinenses.

In addition to the province’s accolades, the following RHUs were likewise recognized for their significant contributions to newborn screening efforts in different categories:  Rural Health Unit (RHU)—San Nicolas and City Health Office—Alaminos City for Northern Luzon’s Best in Collection Age Primary Care—Government; Bani Birthing Home and Angeles Birthing Home in the town of Rosales for Northern Luzon’s Best in Collection Age Primary Care—Private; Senor Sto. Nino Hospital-Bayambang Branch for Northern Luzon’s Best in Transit Time Levels 1 and 2 (private); Region I Medical Center for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot Level 3 (government); Nazareth General Hospital and Medical Centrum Dagupan for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot Levels 1 and 2 (private); RHU-Asingan, RHU-Infanta, RHU-San Quintin, RHU 1-Bayambang, and RHU-Malasiqui Birthing Facility for Northern Luzon’s Best in Dried Blood Spot, respectively.

Gov. Guico earlier stated that his administration sets its sights on investing in health to make Pangasinan a healthy province.

(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO | Photos: Omar Cruz)