LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Pangasinenses root for its queen, Limgas na Pangasinan World 2023 Nikki Buenafe, in her attempt to bring home the much-coveted crown for Miss World Philippines 2024 on July 19 at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
It can be recalled that Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh from the town of Binmaley bested 24 other candidates in the 2023 Limgas na Pangasinan search, which automatically allowed her to represent the province in Miss World 2024.
Nikki is a graduate of BA in Asian Studies from the University of Sto. Tomas.
Dubbed one of the early favorites, the Pangasinense beauty was picked among the Top 10 in the Head-to-Head Challenge Preliminary on the official YouTube channel of Miss World Philippines. In this event, the candidates were given the chance to showcase their speaking and presentation skills, along with their intelligence and quick thinking.
Miss World Philippines 2024 is the 12th edition of the pageant, wherein Negros Occidental beauty Gwendolyne Fourniol is the reigning queen.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—For the longest time, the mountain village of Malico in San Nicolas town has been a recipient of various projects funded by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.
The support for the mountain villagers manifests deep concern over the welfare of the people who trace their roots to Pangasinan being their bailiwick.
Tracing back, the province, under the stewardship of then-Governor Victor E. Agbayani, has implemented a shallow tube well program to address the scarcity of irrigation water in the area.
In January 2003, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was entered into and signed by former Gov. Agbayani and the Barangay Council of Malico, represented by then Punong Barangay Joseph Tindaan.
As stipulated in the MOA, the provincial government distributed pump and engine sets through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg). This has greatly benefited the farmers.
Malico National High School and Malico Elementary School were established and have been under the jurisdiction of the Pangasinan II Schools Division of the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, in his most recent visit to the mountain village this month, Governor Ramon V. Guico III stated that Malico is part of Pangasinan.
Gov. Guico said he would answer the claim of Governor Jose V. Gambito that the mountain village belongs to Nueva Vizcaya in the proper forum.
More than the ownership, the provincial government, under the stewardship of Gov. Guico, has prioritized the well-being of the mountain villagers by extending various social services.
In a meeting at the Governor’s Office in 2022 under the present administration, Malico barangay captain Jaime Segundo vehemently said that Pangasinan was the only province to which his village belonged. Segundo shared during the meeting that he was born and raised in that mountain village and has always been proud of San Nicolas as his natal landscape.
Gov. Guico’s first trip to Malico as the provincial chief executive dates back to October 19, 2022. That time, he was able to listen to the pleas of village residents regarding their urgent need for social services and vowed to address their needs.
The governor returned to the village on March 20, 2023, and led the inauguration of the Barangay Disaster Operations Center.
To enhance the preparedness of the villagers during times of calamity, training on ‘Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation—Disaster Risk Reduction and Basic Life Support was conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) in December 2023. This was attended by some 40 barangay officials and health workers.
Aside from the barangay disaster operations center, a tourism office will soon be established along with a Philippine National Police (PNP) barracks to ensure peace and order in the community.
In his recent visit to Malico, when he brought ‘LINGAP ed Barangay or Local Initiatives: Guidance and Assistance Program last July 4, Gov. Guico pledged to earmark P200 million for the village to be utilized for various projects, including social and medical services for the residents.
The governor further stated that he welcomes development projects that will be accorded by the other province, as he emphasized that what truly matters is the improvement of the lives of fellow Pangasinenses residing in Malico.
Some 1,500 incoming freshman students took the two-day Pangasinan Polytechnic College Admission Test (PPCAT) held last July 15 and 16 at the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC).
Initially, only 400 applicants who passed the qualifying exam will receive free education for the PPC’s Bachelor of Public Administration major in Local Governance, Bachelor of Multi-Media Arts, Bachelor of Special Needs Education, and Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. However, Governor Ramon V. Guico III pleaded with PPC to accept 300 more scholars.
‘ Nakiusap ang ating mahal na gobernador kung puwedeng taasan pa. It breaks his heart that we will not be able to accept all, and we said, We are open to receiving more. Yung kagustuhan niya talaga, yung makatulong sa mas nakakarami,’ Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) President Raymundo D. Rovillos said.
Aside from the PPCAT, the 25-day training/class for the NCII Electrical Installation and Maintenance likewise started on July 15 with 50 learners throughout Pangasinan.
Dr. Rovillos disclosed that with 175 slots, there will be several batches of training to accommodate said slots until the end of the year.
“We are very excited. Today is a very historic moment; makasaysayan dahil may nagaganap na dalawa. We are receiving the first 50 learners for our NCII Electrical Installation and Maintenance under TESDA under the auspices of the PPC Center for Lifelong Learning,” Dr. Rovillos said.
PPC will start its classes on August 12.
‘Masaya dahil nagiging realidad na yung pangarap ni Gov. Mon Mon at pangarap nating lahat. We are emotional because we were able to help,’ Dr. Rovillos added.
The establishment of PPC under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III was expected to improve the physical, intellectual, and material well-being of Pangasinenses by acquiring higher occupational, technical, and professional instruction in the applied arts and sciences and learning related to the fields of commerce, business administration, and technology, among many others.
(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin/JP de Vera/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s vision to upgrade the services of the 14 government hospitals in the province will further be established with the construction of more hemodialysis centers in the province.
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 hospitals.
Currently, the province has two hemodialysis centers located in Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in Bolingit, San Carlos City, and in Urdaneta District Hospital (UDH). The other district hospitals are as follows: Bayambang District Hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH), Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH), Lingayen District Hospital (LDH), and Mangatarem District Hospital (MDH).
“Our target is to put up hemodialysis centers in all district hospitals in Pangasinan,” Dr. Ogoy said as she disclosed that so far, the hemodialysis center in WPDH has been fully constructed and is currently processing its accreditation and securing other permits like an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). The said facility will operate with 15 hemodialysis machines.
In addition, Dr. Ogoy said the province will conduct Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), to be attended by about 50 medical and allied professionals from the 14 government hospitals. This, she said, is part of the preparation for the opening of the hemodialysis centers as envisioned by Gov. Guico.
The hemodialysis center in PPH is presently operating with thirteen (13) hemodialysis machines, while UDH has 10. To cater to the needs of more patients, the province has entered into a partnership with Urdaneta Sacred Hospital, which is a private hospital, to assist the province. The latter has 40 hemodialysis machines.
Once established, the Lingayen District Hospital hemodialysis center will have 13 hemodialysis machines, while EPDH will operate with 15 hemodialysis machines.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ogoy cited that PhilHealth recently issued Circular No. 2024-0014 for the institutionalization of 156 hemodialysis sessions and coverage expansion (Revision 1) to establish the rules for availing the adjusted rates of the 156 HD sessions benefits package. The circular shall apply to “beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) who are registered in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database (PDD).”
HD package inclusions are as follows: drugs and medicines; laboratory tests; supplies (either of the following types of dialyzers: low-flux or high-flux); administrative and other fees.
Hence, the PhilHealth circular noted that “all PhilHealth beneficiaries with CKD5 undergoing hemodialysis shall have no payment or out-of-pocket for the covered services or minimum standards listed.”
The PhilHealth circular took effect on July 1, 2024. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Pangasinan is set to supply agricultural-grade salt to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) through a resolution authored by SP Member Nicholai Jan Louie Q. Sison.
The resolution, approved during the regular session on May 20, 2024, authorizes the Governor to enter and sign a MOA with PCA for the supply, handling, transport, and delivery of 4,180 bags of Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer under the PCA’s Coconut Fertilization Project for CY 2024.
Bolinao Salt Farm has an available supply of approximately 3,000 metric tons of salt; hence, it can supply the required quantity of locally produced Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer for the PCA’s Coconut Fertilization Program.
The Coconut Fertilization Project (CFP) intends to enhance coconut productivity by involving the rehabilitation of low-bearing palms through the application of Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer (AGSF).
The salt project marked significant milestones in the province’s journey toward sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic revitalization.
Gov. Ramon V. Guico earlier said that the establishment of the Pangasinan Salt Center was in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act,” which aims to strengthen and revitalize the salt industry in the Philippines.
“We need to drastically reduce our dependency on imported salt and produce 100% of our consumption needs. We must even think of becoming a net exporter of salt in the future,” the governor earlier said.
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Health Office reported that cases of leptospirosis in Pangasinan from January 1, 2024, to July 8, 2024, decreased by 100 percent as compared to the same period in 2023.
This, according to PHO, is based on the consolidated reports of the Pangasinan provincial hospitals, Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), and private hospitals.
As stated in the report, there were 10 reported cases and three deaths in 2023, while there were five recorded cases and two deaths as of July 8, 2024.
The 10 reported cases in 2023 were from Urdaneta City (2); Bani (1); Mangatarem (1); Mangaldan (1); and Sta. Barbara (1); Asingan (1); Manaoag (1); Sison (1); and Umingan (1). The five cases for 2024 are from Alaminos City (1); Bugallon (1); San Fabian (1); Basista (1); and Umingan (1).
On the other hand, recorded fatalities in 2023 were from Manaoag (1), Sison (1), and Umingan (1), while in 2024, the two reported deaths were from Basista (1) and Umingan (1).
The PHO warns the public to be very careful, especially during the onset of the rainy season when most areas are flooded.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that affects people and animals like rats, pigs, cows, and dogs. It is spread in the urine (pee) of infected animals. The risk often increases during floods when people come into contact with contaminated water or soil.
The most common ways to get infected are through urine or contaminated water getting into the eyes, nose, mouth, or even broken skin such as a cut or scratch.
Here are some precautionary measures to prevent leptospirosis at home:
1) avoid touching freshwater or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine;
2) Avoid touching objects that may be contaminated with animal urine, such as animal bedding.
3) Don’t wade, swim, or put your head in floodwaters or water from lakes, rivers, or swamps.
Prevention includes not walking barefoot and wearing protective clothing like gloves, closed shoes, or boots. Potentially contaminated water for drinking must be boiled or chemically treated. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)
Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Provincial Health Office (PHO) continues to intensify its monitoring and Information Education Campaign (IEC) against dengue to ensure public safety.
From January 1 to July 8, 2024, the PHO recorded 716 dengue cases. This is 4% lower compared to the 742 dengue cases recorded in the same period in 2023.
For 2024, Lingayen had the most recorded dengue cases at 155, followed by Bugallon with 50 and Mangatarem with 48, respectively.
Other municipalities and cities under the PHO watchlist include Binmaley (47); Urbiztondo (42); Labrador (39); San Carlos City (39); Calasiao (29); Bayambang (25); and Malasiqui (23).
PHO further recorded a total of five (5) dengue deaths this year in the towns of Sual (1), Mangatarem (2), Binmaley (1), and San Carlos City (1), while a single death was recorded in 2023 in the City of Alaminos.
Following the presence of dengue cases in the province, PHO headed by Dr. Anna de Guzman strictly imposed and called on the public to observe 4S Dengue preventive measures and strategies to combat dengue: search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating stagnant water and their containers; use self-protection measures such as insect repellent and the wearing of long-sleeved shirts and long pants; seek early consultation with a doctor or health worker for any symptoms; and support fogging or spraying in local hotspots or outbreak areas.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans by the bite of Aedes aegypti species of mosquitoes.
While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases and could also be fatal.
Symptoms seen in individuals afflicted with dengue are fever, muscle and joint pains, dizziness and vomiting, headaches, and skin rashes, among others. (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) reported during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on July 8 that the provincial government has earmarked funds amounting to P16 million for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccines.
On the other hand, Dr. Ana Maria Teresa de Guzman said the Provincial Health Office (PHO) allocated P1 million as a buffer fund for the same program.
Dr. De Guzman added that vaccines coming from the Department of Health (DOH) are coursed through the PHO and distributed to the 12 animal bite treatment centers that are located in the various government hospitals in Pangasinan. The DOH provided 10,376 vaccines in 2023, while 6,470 were given by the agency to the province during the first semi-annual period for 2024 (January to June).
The PHO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded nine deaths due to rabies as of July, which is 125% higher compared to the recorded cases in the same period last year (Jan. 1–July 8).
This prompted the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to conduct an inquiry regarding the increase in rabies cases.
With Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario as principal sponsor, the inquiry was anchored not only on the incidents of rabies but also on possible measures to address the said concern.
Board Members Rosario, Rosary Gracia P. Tababa, and Nicholi Jan Louie Sison encouraged all local government units to work hand-in-hand with the provincial government in addressing rabies cases in the province.
LGUs were also encouraged to come up with strategic plans such as the provision of dog pounds to enclose stray dogs in their locality and stricter laws for responsible pet ownership, among others.
Provincial Veterinarian Arcely G. Robeniol was also present in the inquiry, along with a representative from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation-Regional Office.
The Rabies Control Program will be a fully devolved program by 2025. This means that the program will be handed down to the LGU next year. (Ruby F. Rayat, Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)
The recent visit of Pangasinan delegates headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino in New York City was a step forward towards a clearer roadmap for the tourism campaign through partnership opportunities to reach a wider range of audiences.
It was also an excellent venue for fostering stronger ties, camaraderie, and recognition of Pangasinan’s rich culture and heritage, which sparked a sense of pride and identity as Pangasinense and as Filipinos.
The success of further promoting Pangasinan to become a tourism destination of choice and a place for investors bespeaks the leaders of the province’s team efforts and initiatives.
This makes the dream of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III to put the province on the global map near realization.
The province’s ‘See Pangasinan’ booth at the Independence Day Street fair featured Pangasinan’s tourist destinations and products to the Filipino communities as well as to NYC tourists.
Following the recent success of the Manila Fame and International Food Expo (IFEX), the visit was a great opportunity to showcase the best of Pangasinan while exploring the province’s tourism and investment potential.
‘Nasasabik ako sa pagkakataon na kung saan ang lalawigan ng Pangasinan ay maaaring makipagsosyo sa Consulate General sa New York, gayun din ang Philippine Center ukol sa mga kaganapang pangkultura na maaring ganapin dito,” New York Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz stated.
VG Lambino also grabbed the opportunity to thank the Deputy Consul General of New York and fellow Pangasinense, especially APAFI President Arman David, who joined them during the event.
“Tunay na isang karangalan para sa Provincial Government of Pangasinan na maging bahagi ng mga ganitong kaganapan na naglalayong mapatibay ang ating ugnayan sa mga kababayan nating naninirahan sa Estados Unidos at maisulong ang mayamang turismo, kultura, at sining ng minanahal nating probinsiya ng Pangasinan,” Lambino added.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and several department heads joined the Vice Governor.
Lingayen, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III stood firm that Malico belongs to Pangasinan and committed to allocate P200 million for its various projects.
“Huwag ninyong kukunin ang Malico sa Pangasinan. Malico is Pangasinan, not Nueva Vizcaya. Despite the territorial dispute, we have to insist that Pangasinan is ours. Bilang ama ng Pangasinan, kayo po dito sa Malico kahit 1364 ang barangay sa probinsiya, hindi naman kayo naiiba sa ibang barangay dahil special kayo. Pangasinan will never leave Malico,” the governor stressed in his speech during the Local Initiatives: Guidance and Assistance Program” (LINGAP ed Barangay).
Gov. Guico stated that he welcomes development projects that will be introduced by the other province. What matters, according to him, is the improvement of the lives of fellow Pangasinenses in Malico.
The governor earlier identified Malico as one of the five tourism focus areas to further improve the tourism industry in the province.
Governor Guico likewise committed to bring programs of the provincial government to Malico, such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“Kung aagawin pa nila ang Malico,P200 million ulit,” he added.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino assured the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through a resolution supporting all the projects of San Nicolas for Malico.
San Nicolas Mayor Alicia Primicias-Enriquez, together with Malico Punong Barangay Sandi Segundo, thanked the provincial government for bringing its services to their village through LINGAP ed Barangay.
(Chona C. Bugayong, with reports from Rich Majin|PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Malico, a mountain village in San Nicolas town, has an estimated altitude of about 1,675 meters above sea level and a land area of 1,618 hectares. The awe-inspiring landscape and cool temperature give travelers the so-called breezing ‘Baguio feel.’
Rustic as it may be, Malico’s diverse history echoes tales of beauty and grandeur that add charm to the panoramic view of the place. With such magnificence of a luscious verdant site under the clear azure sky, the environs appeared like mesmerizing hues of light and shade from a distance.
Driving along Malico road evokes the reflection that it is a wonderful world. With all these testaments of exceptional beauty, Malico was declared by the Pangasinan Provincial Government and made official through an ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) with Board Members Noel C. Bince and Salvador S. Perez, Jr. as main authors on March 20, 2023, as the “Summer Capital of Pangasinan.”
Provincial Ordinance No. 296-2023 states that “the area has been nurtured by Indigenous Peoples/Indigenous Cultural Communities (IPs/ICCs) at the heart of the Kalanguya Tribe Ancestral Domain since time immemorial.”
Said village is known for its zigzag Villa Verde trail, which was constructed during the Spanish era and is now being rehabilitated as the ‘Missing Gaps of Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya Road’ that will make the place accessible and convenient for travelers.
“The natural vicinity of stunted and slow-growing trees due to the cool year-round climate condition added to the beauty of the place that attracts both local and international tourists, especially during summertime,” the ordinance stated.
As such, the ordinance added that “the cold climate cocooned by Mother Nature, as cold as Baguio City, and the creeping clouds and gentle winds with fogs allow plants such as pitcher plants, endemic shrubs, and trees that do not survive in warm or hot places to thrive and produce temperate crops like strawberries and other upland vegetables in the province.”
In Section 2 of the Ordinance under the Declaration of Policy, it was disclosed that the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, in pursuance to Section 16 of the Local Government Code, shall adopt measures to promote and protect, within its respective territorial jurisdictions, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.
“It is the objective of the Provincial Government to declare Barangay Malico of San Nicolas, Pangasinan, as ‘Barangay Summer Capital of Pangasinan’ for the development of tourism and other socio-economic activity and facilities in the area,” the ordinance emphasized.
In his recent visit to Malico, together with Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and other provincial officials, Governor Ramon V. Guico III disclosed that the provincial government will earmark an amount of P200 million as a special fund exclusively for Malico to be utilized on various activities, including social and medical services for the residents.
“Ang Malico, hindi iiwanan ng Pangasinan yan…kahit ano pong mangyari.” This was the assurance made by the governor, further stating that more programs and projects will be brought to Malico in the offing, being the “Summer Capital of Pangasinan.”
LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN–“Ang Malico, hindi iiwanan ng Pangasinan yan…kahit ano pong mangyari.”
This was the assurance Governor Ramon V. Guico III made in his visit to the mountain village of San Nicolas on July 3.
Governor Guico and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino brought basic assistance closer to the people of Malico through ‘LINGAP (Local Initiatives: Guidance and Assistance Program) ed Barangay.’
“Itong LINGAP ed Barangay, pag-aaruga sa barangay ito,” Gov. Guico said. He likewise mentioned that the provincial government has another similar program called ‘Kumustahan: The Governor’s Visit,’ that also aims to establish closer ties to the grassroots.
Pledging more assistance to Malico, the governor cited that the provincial government will bring more equipment to the village, like a backhoe loader, to assist the residents in case of landslides.
Expressing full support for the welfare of the villagers, Gov. Guico said the provincial government will allocate an amount of P200 million exclusively for Malico to fund various activities, including social and medical services for the residents.
LINGAP ed Barangay, organized by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), held its pilot opening in Brgy. Estanza, Lingayen, in June 2024. Said program involves free medical services, a feeding program, the distribution of books to children, a basic orientation on disaster preparedness, and an orientation on cooperative formulation, among others.
Based on the record, the total number of beneficiaries who benefited from various services is as follows: Barangay Malico (174); Barangay Sta. Rosa (29); and Barangay Sta. Fe (27). Family food packs numbering 178 were also distributed.
The Provincial Hospital Management Services (PHMSO) and the Provincial Health Office were responsible for providing beneficiaries’ medical care.
The breakdown of the tally for residents served includes the following: medical consultation: 144 (38 pedia; 103 medical); total patients served for laboratory: 63; total exam done: 164; urinalysis: 41; blood sugar: 51; uric acid: 26; hemoglobin: 44; cholesterol: 2; dental extraction: 42; ECG: 65; Operation Tuli: 12.
Some 23 children were given school supplies and gift packs under the ‘Pagbibigay ng Libro at Storytelling samga Bata activity initiated by the Pangasinan Provincial Library.
To transform the residents into self-sufficient members of society, the Provincial Population Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) conducted an orientation about cooperative formation. Lectures dealt with the requirements of cooperative formation, documentary requirements for Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) registration, and steps and processes in CDA registration.
Meanwhile, the Vice Governor assured the residents of Malico that the activity is just the start of the many projects that the provincial government intends to undertake.
Joining the governor and vice governor during the activity were Board Members Noel Bince and Salvador Perez, Jr., San Nicolas Mayor Alicia Primicias-Enriquez, along with Vice Mayor Alvin Bravo, Malico Punong Barangay Sandi Segundo, and Pangasinan PNP led by PCol. Jeff Fanged and some department heads of the Pangasinan Provincial Government, led by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II. (Ruby F. Rayat, Photos: JP De Vera, Joey Olimpo|PIMRO)
