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LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN— Homegrown cagers from different towns in Pangasinan who comprised the province’s “Pangasinan Heat,” will debut in the 2024 season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) which opens on March 16.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes welcomed the team by signing the franchise agreement with the franchise owner, former Bayambang Mayor Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao on February 7 at the Urduja House, here.

As the solar power capital of the country, the name “Pangasinan Heat” was derived to symbolize the thriving solar power industry in the province.

In his statement during a press conference, Dr. Quiambao stated that he will support all projects of Governor Ramon V. Guico III that are geared to shape the future of Pangasinense youth as he added that the sports project could also be the tool to market the province of Pangasinan.

Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste, also the team manager, disclosed that most of the cagers are homegrown notably from the cities of Urdaneta and the towns of Sual and Sto. Tomas. He mentioned the possibility of scouting cagers from outside the province to form a formidable team.

Pangasinan Heat’s roster of coaching staff include former pro-basketball players Jun Marzan, Jr., Cris Calaguio, Lordy Tugade, and collegiate basketball coach Sonny de Jesus. Basketball icons Marlou Aquino and Danny Ildefonso will serve as team consultants.

Governor Ramon V., Guico III cleared that since it’s a franchise, no government fund will be used. However, he disclosed that as Pangasinense he will extend whatever support the team needs.

MPBL is a men’s basketball professional league founded by Senator Manny Pacquiao on August 29, 2017 with 10 Luzon-based teams in its inaugural season in 2018.

Since then, the teams increased to 26 and eventually changed every season from 31 in 2019-2020, 22 in 2022, and 29 in 2023. Pangasinan Heat will be included as the newest expansion team along with Abra this 2024.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns is the current defending champion.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A greener Pangasinan is expected as the Provincial Government of Pangasinan aims to plant one million trees in three years under the ‘Pangasinan Green Canopy Project.

Launched by Governor Ramon V. Guico III in 2023 as its flagship environmental rehabilitation project, the Pangasinan Green Canopy project is a multi-sectoral approach to promote co-ownership in protecting and caring for the environment, raise community awareness and education in planting and saving trees, mobilize stakeholders, and solicit community participation.

The “joint stewardship” strategy is implemented where the departments and offices under the provincial government partner with specific local government units (LGUs) for tree planting activities throughout the province.

Based on the report prepared by the Provincial Population, Cooperative, and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO), headed by Ellsworth Gonzales, a total of 98 tree-planting activities were conducted in 36 LGUs in the province, bringing to a total of 149,964 assorted fruit-bearing seedlings planted in partnership with various towns and cities and other stakeholders.

As stated in the report, the 1st Congressional District posted the highest number of seedlings planted, with 59,994 or 40% of total seedlings planted. This is followed by the 2nd District with 42,734, which translates to 29%.

Furthermore, the PPCLDO disclosed that about 48%, or 75,210 seedlings planted, were mangroves. LGU Bolinao posted the highest number of mangroves planted, with 16,500.

LGU Mangatarem, on the other hand, has conducted the most number of tree planting activities, 12 of which were initiated by the Provincial Veterinary Office located in Malabobo, Mangatarem.

In the fruit-bearing seedlings, it was reported that LGU San Quintin has recorded the highest number of assorted seedlings planted, which totaled 18,507. Of this, a total of 6,650 narra trees were also planted in the upland areas of Districts 1, 5, and 6. Other seedlings planted include tamarind (sampalok), atis, coffee, jackfruit (langka), avocado, coconut, and bamboo, among others.

The 36 LGUs that already conducted their tree planting activities last year were as follows: Burgos, Dasol, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Mabini, Agno, Sual, Infanta, Bani, Anda, Mangatarem, Basista, Labrador, Aguilar, Bugallon, Lingayen, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Manaoag, San Jacinto, San Fabian, Laoac, Binalonan, Villasis, Pozorrubio, Alcala, San Quintin, Rosales, Asingan, Sta. Maria, Natividad, and Dagupan City.

Recently, massive tree-planting activities have been conducted in the western towns of Dasol, Burgos, Infanta, and Bolinao by the province in partnership with different provincial offices, line agencies, LGUs, and public schools.

Periodic visitation is conducted by the PPCLDO as part of its monitoring.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The opening of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) on February 14 is an opportune time to address the needs of low-income Pangasinenses to acquire free and quality education.

A long-term dream of Governor Ramon V. Guico III to harness the tremendous human resources potential of the province by producing world-class talents and leaders in various fields, the establishment of PPC is expected to improve the physical, intellectual, and material well-being of Pangasinenses by acquiring higher occupational, technical, and professional instruction and training in the applied arts and sciences and learnings related to the fields of commerce, business administration, and technology, among many others.

With PPC’s vision to provide quality, relevant, responsive, inclusive, and globally competitive education and learning opportunities for deprived and disadvantaged learners, the growth and development of the Province of Pangasinan will be heightened.

PPC was institutionalized on June 26, 2023, through the crafting and passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 300-2023, and amended by Provincial Ordinance No. 314-2024.

As earlier stated by Gov. Guico, the “PPC is not a business-as-usual transition. It is a mind-altering aspiration that will soon be translated into reality.”

The four schools of PPC and their proposed baccalaureate programs are as follows:

School of Human Development

Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNED) program equips future teachers who will instruct, handle, and manage learners with additional special and diverse education needs that can be catered to in inclusive education and regular classrooms.

School of Creativity and Design

Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (BMMA) aligns itself with the rapid convergence of media technologies and practices by developing conceptual, technical, aesthetic, and professional competencies for effective, critical, and innovative storytelling across a range or combination of media forms for various purposes.

School of Agribusiness

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Program is to be created out of the need to strengthen the business side of agriculture with the basic idea of incorporating knowledge in scientific agriculture with business management or entrepreneurial skills.

School of Local Governance

Bachelor of Public Administration major in Local Governance aims to develop public servants, leaders, and agents of change with the required competencies and values to serve as professionals in government, civil society, and international development organizations. BPA prepares graduates for technical and administrative positions in governments, civil society, and development organizations.

For its initial operations, PPC, through the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL), will offer micro-credentials and other short courses such as the following: Pangasinan studies; clerical skills for community health workers; organic production of vegetable crops; dairy production principles; design thinking; videography; barangay governance; local tourism development planning; tourism product development; and indigenous education.

As a government-funded community college, the PPC will give priority to students, learners, and trainees from “low-income households and less privileged members of the different communities in Pangasinan.”

For School Year 2024-2025, the first-ever provincial government-run college in the entire Region 1, will accommodate 400 students for the baccalaureate programs (100 per degree program) and 100 students from TESDA courses (25 per training course).

PPC will have its initial campus located at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Complex (NRSCC) in Lingayen and is expected to expand and open campuses in San Carlos City and the eastern part of Pangasinan. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN― Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino has instilled in the hearts of the six thousand workers of the provincial government the core value of commitment and dedication in today’s regular flag-raising ceremony held February 5 at the Capitol grounds, here.

The Vice Governor called on the public not to judge the Guico administration nor its leadership by the journey it’s taking but, rather, at the end of the destination.

To him, it is the deliverables that they have provided that matter.

“Our dedication to public service will be measured by the things that we have done for the province,” he said.

He cited education, transportation, the economy, and agriculture as among the commitments of the present administration to improve and better the lives of Pangasinenses.

From this perspective, VG Lambino said that over the past two years, they have delivered all their efforts towards achieving those commitments.

VG Lambino likewise urged everyone to stand by the oath to public service, to deliver what is good for the people, and to make the province of Pangasinan great once again.

This is the same thing that the Vice Governor wishes all the six thousand strong employees of the provincial government should see and expect from the Guico administration these past two years.

Recalling the past, he was asked why elected officials should be re-elected. He told the public that officials should be re-elected based on their commitment to the people that they seek to serve as well as their dedication to fulfilling that commitment and delivering on it until their term ends.

He also mentioned that he was asked why he should be re-elected.

“Don’t judge me by the journey we’re taking; judge me after three years of service. Kung ano po yung binitawang salita, husgaan ninyo ako kung ginawa ko talaga yun at tinapos ko,” he said.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Jairus Bien Sibayan/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Another feather has been added to the cap of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP), spearheaded by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, after being recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its distinct and remarkable performance in administering its public funds for the year 2023.

The Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping (SGFH), formerly the Seal of Good Housekeeping, cites the compliance of the local government unit (LGU) with accounting and auditing standards, rules, and regulations.

As such, the endowment of the certification by the DILG to the province aptly proves that the present administration has spent and audited its public funds completely and with full transparency.

Joining the PGP with the same feat are the LGUs in the province, which include the four cities—Alaminos, Urdaneta, San Carlos, and Dagupan—and 43 towns.

SGFH is one of the core components of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). The other core components are disaster preparedness and social protection, which are responsive to the needs of different sectors like women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The essential components, on the other hand, are business friendliness and competitiveness; peace and order; and environmental management.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Pangasinan Provincial Government stands firm that the establishment of the landmark Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain to be built at the heart of the Provincial Capitol Complex is a well-planned project that went through a technical and legal process.

On its groundbreaking on November 8, 2023, Governor Ramon V. Guico III said that the gigantic project is one of the significant undertakings to transpire that will spur economic growth and development  and define the vision of the present administration to make Pangasinan a premier province of great opportunities, sustained socio-economic growth, and a place where one can experience life at its best.

A product of thorough planning and deliberations of both the executive and legislative branches of the provincial government, along with multi-agencies concerned as well as grassroots leaders, the reflecting pool project, which is a historic first in the province, will define ‘meditation beyond aesthetics.’

Earlier, Gov. Guico stated that the present administration intends to create the Capitol landscape into something of cultural substance, a place where families can enjoy frolicking on weekends, iconically inspiring, intellectually engaging, and historically nostalgic.

As described by Engr. Alvin Bigay, head of the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Center, said the reflecting pool will be similar to that of The Mansion in Baguio City and the Taj Mahal in India, while the interactive fountain will have the same features as the dancing fountain in Vigan.

To kick off the project, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan accomplished various requirements to put things in order to include the cutting of 64 trees of different species, which was done through the conduct of an ocular inspection and inventory of trees by CENRO-DENR. A tree-cutting permit was approved by DENR on January 16, 2024. As a replacement for the trees that were cut, 3,200 seedlings will be planted in different areas.

Likewise, some 150,000 seedlings were planted by the provincial government under its “Pangasinan Green Canopy” program, which affirms the present administration’s commitment to protect and preserve the environment.

Prior to the issuance of the tree-cutting permit, DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) issued a Certificate of Non-Coverage on August 9, 2023.

The certification serves as evidence of the absence of any environmental threat or risk during the implementation of the project.

In an interview, Mark Angelo A. Quilon, Engr. II, DPWH Region I said that tree cutting shall commence after the permit is granted based on several requirements, including public consultation and certification from affected barangays (Poblacion and Libsong) and the Local Government Unit (LGU).

In carrying out the project, the Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority Officer cited that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has likewise approved the proposal of the provincial government to relocate the MacArthur marker along with those war relics at the Veterans Park near the baywalk, which is said to be a “fitting tribute to the veterans” without losing its historical significance since it will be transferred near the Lingayen Gulf, where General Douglas MacArthur landed in 1945.

In a letter sent by Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, who chairs the NHCP, dated January 24, 2024, it was stated that “upon evaluation of the submitted revised plans, the NHCP hereby approves the proposed relocation of the World War II historical markers at the Lingayen beach front, which would provide better contextualization and appreciation of the 1945 Lingayen Gulf Landing.”

Also, the NHCP emphasized in the letter that they are amenable to the construction of a reflecting pool, which would stretch from the relocation site of the markers towards the north facade of the Provincial Capitol building.

Provincial Resolution No. 1057-2023 was crafted by the Pangasinan Provincial Board on December 11, 2023, favorably endorsing and interposing “no objection” to the redevelopment of the Provincial Capitol Complex.

(Ruby R. Bernardino & Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

As part of Governor Ramon Guico’s efforts to provide higher-quality healthcare services, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II visited and met with the Chiefs of Hospital and employees.

Among the hospitals that he had already visited were Umingan Community Hospital (UCH), Asingan Community Hospital (ACH), and Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH) in Tayug.

He also visited Bayambang District Hospital (BDH), Mangatarem District Hospital (MDH), and Lingayen District Hospital (LDH) on January 31 and the Dasol Community Hospital, Bolinao Community Hospital, and Western Pangasinan District Hospital on February 1.

During his visit, Provincial Administrator Patague shared the good news on PhilHealth Capitation.

“Ang release na po ng PF niyo ay kada huling Biyernes na po ng buwan. Pangalawa, wala na pong deduction,” PA Patague said.

The need for additional workers and an improved processing system has been eyed as an important component in addressing the concerns of patients in the emergency ward and outpatient department.

Meanwhile, PA Patague was impressed by the cleanliness and orderliness of the MDH. The Provincial Administrator likewise hailed LDH employees who have shown exemplary service.

As this developed, he reminded the employees to do what is right based on the rules and policies of the hospital for systematic healthcare services for Pangasinenses.

On a similar note, Asingan OIC-Chief of Hospital Agnes Leored D. Rioflorido cited the significance of the referral system in using an ambulance as vital and necessary to ensure the patient’s welfare before his transfer, whether to another government or private hospital.

Tayug District Hospital Chief Maria Vivian Espino, Umingan Community Hospital Chief Tracy Lou Bitoy, Provincial Legal Officer Baby Ruth Torre, and Provincial Accountant Atty. Marlon Operana, Atty. Jay-R Baniqued and PHMSO personnel joined PA Patague.

With health as one of the priority programs of the present administration, Governor Ramon V. Guico III earlier mentioned the systematic administration of the 14 hospitals in the province through the Hospital Management Service Office. (Chona C. Bugayong with reports from Kristene Joy V. Flores and Rich Majin / PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—To conserve and sustain an adequate supply of water, the use of groundwater in the province of Pangasinan will be regulated.

In its regular session on January 29, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved an ordinance sponsored by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino for the said purpose.

“Indiscriminate drilling and excavation of wells, as well as unregulated use and excessive extraction of groundwater, not only dry up scarce water sources but also destroy the environment, resulting in contamination by toxic or hazardous materials, seepage, and chemical residues,” the ordinance stated.

The ordinance pointed out that indiscriminate drilling and excavation of wells may lead to land subsidence or a decline in land surface elevation, which can cause flooding, pipeline breakage, or even the collapse of buildings and other structures.

Based on the updated Master Plan on Water Resources Management in Two Selected River Basins (Pangasinan River Basin and Tigum Aganan River Basin) reported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), an estimated 60% of groundwater withdrawals in the Pangasinan river basin are from unregistered wells.

Saltwater intrusion, as reported by the agencies, is often observed in deep wells, and adequate underground surveys and checking of groundwater quality should be conducted before groundwater development in the Pangasinan River basin.

“The NWRB has further concluded in its Study on Integrated Water Resources Management for Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development in the Pangasinan River Basin in the Republic of the Philippines (2011) that the depletion of groundwater in the provinces of Bulacan, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija has been accelerated because of inadequate groundwater use regulation in those areas; in particular, the excessive abstraction of groundwater within the Pangasinan river basin is causing the deterioration of the quality of groundwater and lowering of groundwater level/land subsidence,” the ordinance said.

As noted in the ordinance, the provincial board of Pangasinan aims to ensure a sustainable potable water supply while preserving the environment and ecological balance by regulating and monitoring the use of groundwater within its territorial jurisdiction.

Owners and/or operators of wells without NWRB permits and the requisite Local Government Unit (LGU) permits shall be penalized. The penalty includes P5,000 or imprisonment for three months.

(Ruby R.,Bernardino/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The 3 Barracuda Energy Corp., a registered renewable energy developer undertaking the development of a 550 MW solar plant in Bugallon town, is set to give a cash donation to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) amounting to PhP10 million.

The donation, as stated in an approved provincial board resolution on January 29, is part of the corporate social responsibility of the energy developer in its desire to help the province uplift the socio-economic conditions of communities within its jurisdiction through the provision of financial assistance.

“Whereas, the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. intends to transfer and convey unto the Province of Pangasinan the amount of P10,000,000.00 by way of donation,” the resolution authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Vici M. Ventanilla stated.

Furthermore, it was disclosed in the resolution that “the Province of Pangasinan, as the recipient of the aforecited donation, undertakes to utilize the financial assistance granted by the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. solely and exclusively for official use, such as related to education, health, disaster response, and the like, and shall accrue to the General Fund of the Province.”

Hence, a Deed of Donation will be executed to be signed between the province, represented by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, and the 3 Barracuda Energy Corp. through its authorized representative.

“The amount donated can be used by the province to cater to and respond immediately to the various necessities of the people, especially in times of calamities and emergencies,” the resolution cited.

(Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Almost 400 runners from the province, Quezon City, Cavite, Pampanga, and Laguna joined the first-ever Pangasinan Marathon held at the Capitol Plaza on January 28, here.

The event aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, good mental and physical fitness and, strengthen camaraderie and sportsmanship.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orland Llemos/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—After Governor Ramon V. Guico III cleared the air on the termination of the concession agreement worth PhP8 billion, which died a ‘‘natural death,” Manila Water Philippine Ventures (MWPV) rolled up its sleeves and reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore avenues for the revival of the project.

In a press statement dated January 26, MWPV stated that it reached out to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) to explore the revival of the botched concession agreement.

“PGP and the consortium of MWPV remain open to explore partnerships on water supply for the province even after the concession agreement has been deemed mutually terminated at the close of 2023. This presents an opportunity to revisit the conditions precedent of the old contract and renew partnership for the benefit of Pangasinenses,” the press statement added.

Earlier, the PGP through Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Baby Ruth Torre uncovered several irregularities concerning the project, including the confirmation and approval of the Certification of Successful Negotiation that came before the execution of the certification, the non-publication of the Invitation to Apply for Eligibility and to Submit Comparative Proposals in Reference to the PPP Provision, and no proof of payment of the Performance Security Bond, among others.

As disclosed by Governor Guico, his administration is not against the project, as the PGP’s thrust is to invite more investors that could produce more revenues for the province.

Under the concession agreement, MWPV will invest PhP8 billion in the next 25 years for the establishment of an infrastructure that will source water from the Agno River through riverbank filtration technology.

A total of 14 towns and cities will benefit from the project. These are the towns of Villasis, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, and Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mapandan, Manaoag, Binmaley, Lingayen, San Jacinto, and San Fabian, and the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos.

Currently, the company has an operation unit in the town of Calasiao through a 25-year joint venture agreement with the Calasiao Water District. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Pangasinan Polytechnic College, the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos region, will open on February 14.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III announced the good news during the regular flag-raising ceremony on Monday, January 29.

The governor expressed gratitude to the team members who were part of the establishment and the inception of PPC. He said the province is keen on pushing for quality and accessible education for Pangasinenses.

Offering free college education and vocational courses to qualified students in the province of Pangasinan, the establishment of PPC signifies the fulfillment of the current administration’s commitment to provide and secure a brighter future for Pangasinense youth.

The establishment of PPC was supported by Provincial Ordinance No. 300-2023, passed by the provincial board on June 26, 2023, and amended through Provincial Ordinance No. 314-2024, based on consultations and standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on January 22 of this year.

Gov. Guico stated that aside from academics and athletics, the value of spirituality should be given importance.

“I believe, as one of the rulers of the province and as a person, we should also give much weight to spiritual development,” he said.

It can be recalled that in his first year as provincial chief executive, the governor felt optimistic that with the institutionalization of local universities and colleges, or LUCs, many LGU-sponsored education institutions would succeed from their beginnings, just like what happened to the University of Eastern Pangasinan, which made Binalonan the “hub of education” in eastern Pangasinan.

“The Pangasinan Polytechnic University is not a business-as-usual transition. It is a mind-altering aspiration that will soon be translated into reality,” Gov.Guico earlier said.

Qualified students of PPC will receive a full scholarship, covering tuition and miscellaneous fees, provided they adhere to the terms of the contract.

Under the governor’s direction, three campuses will be established in the towns of Lingayen, San Carlos City, and in the eastern part of the province.

Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, former chancellor of the University of the Philippines Baguio, was named the inaugural president of the PPC, the first college fully owned and run by a provincial government in the Ilocos region.

(Ruby R. Bernardino & Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)