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Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) Chief Lovell U. Dalisay welcomed the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail (NVPJ) Team on their two-day benchmarking visit from June 29 to June 30.

Led by the NVPJ Warden and currently the National Vice President of the Provincial Warden Association of the Philippines (PWAP), Carmelo Andrada, the team chose to benchmark PPJ because of its significant achievements in rehabilitation programs for PDLs such as livelihood, skills development, and education, among others.

PPJ and NVPJ shared their respective best practices on the health, well-being, safety, and protection of PDLs.

The NVPJ lauded PPJ for its various best practices, apart from its recent declaration as a drug-free, cleared-controlled facility.

These best practices include increased food allowance for the PDLs (currently at P120.00/day); organic farming; the conduct of assessments and examinations for personnel about the rules, regulations, policies, and PAPs of the facility and the province; the formulation of a defense and fire plan; the conduct of a quarterly simulation exercise; and the quarterly conduct of medical and dental missions for PDLs and personnel.

The NVPJ also shared their commendable best practices, such as the established and functional health service section with a registered nurse on duty; computer sets (donated by the Department of Information and Communications Technology under their Tech4ed program) used for the E-Dalaw and Alternative Learning System for PDLs with elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels; and the practice of personnel and visitors taking home their trash.

The team likewise had a tour of the Provincial Capitol, the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), and the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum, leaving the entire team in a state of awe.

Moreover, the PPJ team discussed and shared the various ongoing significant projects like the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), Reflective Pool, and Salt Farm, among others, that bespeak the kind of leadership under Gov. Ramon V. Guico III.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Pangasinan Provincial Library marked its 100th Founding Anniversary through a series of activities and a Gala Night as its culminating activity, anchored on the theme ‘Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat,” at the Sison Auditorium on June 28.

Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, represented by Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, Executive Assistant III, and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino highlighted the importance of a library even in the digital age and new technologies.

Atty. Castillo said that Gov. Guico, as an educator himself, was shaped in libraries and loves learning.

‘Para kay Governor, sa library po natin makikita, matatagpuan hindi lamang po ang kasaysayan, records or memories of the past kundi, ng ating mga sarili. Doon po natin makikita ang ating mga sarili, doon po natin nakikita na lahat po tayo ay nais matuto, nais umunlad at nais mapabuti ang ating bayan,’Atty. Castillo added.

‘Importante po sa amin ni Gov. Guico yung tuluy-tuloyna pag improve ng sarili, ng society at mga kababayan, and this is where the libraries come into play. You are also a repository of the culture, history, and story of any local government units where you are residing,” Vice Governor Lambino said.

VG Lambino hailed and urged librarians to continue telling stories and to spread the history of their respective municipalities.

The 100th year of the Pangasinan Provincial Library is a testament to the commitment of the provincial government to preserving the history, story, and culture of the Province of Pangasinan, he further said.

PGADH/Provincial Librarian, Ma. Cyntia Encarnita F. Vila thanked leaders and individuals who sacrificed, supported, and served PPL for the past 100 years.

Gracing the occasion were NLP Director Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano, officials of the provincial government, and Atty. Melanie Lambino, Department Heads and Chief of Hospitals headed by Provincial Administrator MelicioPatague II, Retired Librarians, DepEd, DICT, and DOST, among others. (Chona C. Bugayong, Ron Bince, Orlan Llemos, and JP De Vera/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Officers and members of the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council convened at the Multi-Purpose Hall, PESO Building, on June 26.

Atty. Ronn Dale B. Castillo, Executive Assistant III, presided over the 2nd Quarter Meeting and disclosed that Gov. Ramon V. Guico III sent assistance for the families of two Pangasinenses who both died in a fire in Kuwait.

The bodies of the victims, Jesus Lopez of Barangay Baracbac, Umingan, Pangasinan, and Engineer Edwin Petilla of Talogtog, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, arrived in the Philippines last week.

The immediate response from the governor bespeaks the governor’s love and support, especially for fellow Pangasinense who are in need.

‘Through this Council, sana maipakita natin sa ating mga kababayan kung gaano kagaling si Governor na mangasiwa, magmahal at magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan,’ Atty. Castillo said.

Pangasinan Provincial Employment Services Office Chief Richelle Raguindin thanked the attendees headed by Atty. Castillo and Atty. Verna Nava-Perez, SP Secretary.

She also identified the focus of concerns to be discussed during the meeting, including review and approval of the previous meeting minutes, Bolun Awards Criteria Updates, and Community Education Program on Safe Migration Updates, among others.

The body discussed the Bolun Awards’ different indicators, namely the introduction (executive summary, initiatives, accomplishments, and photo documentation); functional organization; financial housekeeping; the organization’s initiated PPAs for OFWs and their families; best practices; and bonus points.

The Bolun Awards is open to all OFW family associations organized by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan through the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council (PMDC).

Moreover, special awards for outstanding Migrant Desk Officers who have continuously provided outstanding support as advisers of the OFW Family Associations will also be given.

Also, said award celebrates the exemplary volunteer efforts of OFWs and Overseas Filipinos and their families in their communities.

Further, it recognizes the significant contributions of these associations in implementing various programs, projects, and activities of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

Prizes and special prizes for the Bolun Awards were also discussed, among others.

(Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—It was a big sigh of relief for the 2,415 Job Orders (JOs) and Contract of Service (COS) employees of the provincial government after Pangasinan Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and PhilHealth, represented by Regional Vice President, Region 1, Dennis B. Adre, signed the Group Enrollment Program (GEP) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Ceremonial Hall, Urduja House, here.

With this, the five percent PhilHealth monthly premium deducted from the monthly salaries of JOs and COS employees will be shouldered by the provincial government.

PhilHealth RO1 VP Adre commended Pangasinan for being a trailblazer in the entire Philippines.

“Kasi karamihan po ng government employees in the entire country, ibinabawas lang sa mga empleyado nila ang payment of premiums. And talaga pong kakaiba ang probinsya ng Pangasinan dahil they have undertaken to pay the premiums of their JOs and COS,” Adre said.

Gov. Guico earlier said that his administration values and recognizes the unselfish efforts and sacrifices of the Capitol workforce, who paved the way for the countless accomplishments of the provincial government.

The move was a great way to help uplift the socio-economic status and well-being of employees and constituents as well.

‘Hopefully, tulad ng ginawa natin ngayon na nanguna tayo na nagsubsidized ng contribution, sana gawin din ng ibang probinsiya. Siyempre, you have to take care of your workers. Kapag hindi sila motivated e di buong organization niyo wala rin,’ the governor added.

Beyond medical and physical examinations, cash incentives to retirees and recognition of outstanding civil service heroes were provided by the present administration, benefiting Capitol workers.

Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II said, “patunay ito na malaki ang pagpapahalaga ni Governor Guico sa kalusugan ng bawat kawani ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan.”

(Chona C. Bugayong, PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The last week of May of every year has been declared as ‘Provincial Data Privacy Awareness Week’ in Pangasinan through Provincial Ordinance No. 324-2024, which was duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino.

As stated in the ordinance authored by Board Member Napoleon C. Fontelera, Jr., “the 1987 Philippine Constitution protects and guarantees a person’s right to privacy, which includes the privacy of communication and correspondence.”

Republic Act No. 10173, or the ‘Data Privacy Act of 2012,’ aims to protect personal data in information and communications systems in the government and private sector.

It can be recalled that on July 3, 2018, Proclamation No. 527 was signed by the Office of the President, declaring the last week of May of every year as a National Data Privacy Awareness Week.

“The Province of Pangasinan acknowledges the importance of implementing laws and other issuances for the protection of the basic right of privacy of communication while ensuring the free flow of communication to promote innovation and growth,” the ordinance stated.

In addition, the ordinance noted that the province recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology in nation-building as it commits its unwavering support to safeguard the privacy and security of personal information both in the government and private sectors.

The ordinance added that the provincial government gives significance to the annual gathering of data privacy practitioners and other concerned sectors in the celebration of the Provincial Data Privacy Awareness Week in Pangasinan through the conduct of various programs and activities relating to data privacy, data protection, and fair information about rights and responsibilities.

As such, the province, in coordination with data privacy practitioners and other concerned sectors, will celebrate Provincial Data Privacy Awareness Week every year with the aim to “learn more about data privacy and collaborate with experts in the field in order to share best practices, theories, and programs that boost data privacy in compliance with laws, orders, and regulations in the Philippines.”

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, in its regular session on June 24, has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Arcely G. Robeniol as Provincial Government Department Head (Provincial Veterinarian).

Sponsored by SP Member Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the resolution that supported the official designation of Dr. Robeniol stated: “After careful examination, scrutiny, and review of the qualifications, records, and experiences of the recommendee, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan finds the appointment meritorious and therefore interposes no objection to said appointment.”

Dr. Robeniol was born and raised in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, but is now a resident of Laoac, Tayug, Pangasinan, having lived there for 29 years after marrying Dr. Roger Robeniol. They are blessed with three children.

A graduate of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at Central Luzon State University, Dr. Robeniol rose from the ranks in the provincial government as a casual employee in the year 2000. She was then promoted to Livestock Inspector II from September 2003 to August 2005 and to Veterinarian I from September 2005 to August 2014. She rose to Veterinarian II in September 2014, a position she held before her appointment as Officer-in-Charge of the department under the tenure of Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

Dedicated to her profession, the newly confirmed OPVet head vowed to remain proactive in the strict implementation of border control measures for the intra- and inter-regional movement of animals and by-products and will remain an advocate of transparent leadership.

“Dr. Robeniol epitomizes the merits of a dedicated steward of livestock health in Pangasinan. For over 24 years of unwavering public service, she has tirelessly ensured the province’s defense against harmful pathogens and diseases that threaten its valuable livestock and poultry industry. Additionally, she has spearheaded community awareness campaigns aimed at rabies prevention, further demonstrating her commitment to public and animal health,” the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Facebook post read.

At present, OPVet is in close coordination with its counterparts to ensure the successful conduct of various programs and projects of the provincial government, as embodied in ‘Serbisyong Ang Galing! thrust, which the present administration is instituting.

In addition, Dr. Robeniol said programs like the anti-rabies campaign, management of animal production, and maintaining the health of domesticated farm animals were intensified to adhere to the thrust that Gov. Guico envisioned to attain in the years to come.

(Ruby F. Rayat, Joey Olimpo (photo) | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—It’s another feather in the cap of the Pangasinan Provincial Jail after it was declared a drug-cleared controlled facility on June 19.

PPJ Chief retired PLTCOL Lovell U. Dalisay said the declaration was made by the Regional Oversight Committee on Controlled Facilities headed by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Region 1 Director Joel B. Plaza, after a thorough investigation and evaluation as outlined in ‘Guidelines in the Nationwide Implementation of Drug Clearing Program in Controlled Facilities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Among the activities undertaken before the declaration are the following: formulation of the Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) Drug-Free Workplace Program Policy (DFWP); composition of the Drug-Free Workplace Committee; conduct of search and seizure; conduct of drug testing; conduct of regular intelligence coordination meetings with other law enforcement agencies; and the conduct of DFWP orientation and anti-illegal drug advocacy campaigns and symposiums.

The search and seizure operations conducted on March 13 and May 10, 2024, showed negative confiscation of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other contraband.

Drug testing conducted in February and March 2024 on both personnel and PDLs likewise revealed negative results for the presence of methamphetamine and its metabolites, as well as THC metabolites.

It’s two in a row for PPJ, as the facility was also a recipient of a plaque of commendation as an enforcer of the drug-free workplace program on November 24, 2023, during the 2023 Drug Abuse and Control Week and Regional Awarding Ceremony held in La Union.

The recognition resulted from the PPJ’s dedicated efforts in rendering and implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Program, fully supporting the Nation’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Campaign.

Meanwhile, PPJ continues to implement its restorative and transformative justice programs through spiritual nurture, the Alternative Learning System, livelihood training, and anti-drug use campaigns among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL). (Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, together with Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, led the awarding of quarry shares to the 13 municipalities and 28 barangays on June 21 at the Ceremonial Hall, Urduja House, here.

The town of Tayug, under the leadership of Mayor Tyrone D. Agabas, received the biggest consolidated 30% share for the first quarter of 2024 alone, amounting to a huge P2,598,935.51.

Next to Tayug was the municipality of Sison, headed by Mayor Danilo Uy, with a total share of P1,944,796.94 for the 4th quarter of 2023 and the 1st quarter of 2024, respectively.

Other recipients were the towns of Umingan, Natividad, and Sta. Maria, San Fabian, Sto. Tomas, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Mabini, Burgos, San Jacinto, and Villasis.

Meanwhile, Barangay Guzon, a component barangay of Tayug, also got the biggest consolidated 40% share on quarry, amounting to P2,808,791.12 for the 4th quarter of 2023 and P2,882,364.94 for the 1st quarter of 2024, for a total of P5,691,156.06.

‘Kami po ay natutuwa sa amin pong natanggap na award na share namin sa Quarry. Pinopropose po namin namakagawa kami ng Day Care Center, multi-purpose para sa mga senior citizens at evacuation center,’ Punong Barangay of Guzon Tedy Canaveral said.

Other awardees on the barangay level include Brgy., Cauplasan, and San Vicente (Municipality of Sta. Maria); Brgy. Dungon, Agat, Cauringan, Cabaritan, Esperanza, Artacho, Tara-Tara, Pindangan, and Amagbagan (Mun. of Sison); Brgy. Lipay, Villasis, and Brgy. Colisao, San Fabian, Brgy. Amistad, Tayug, and Brgy. San Jose, San Jacinto, Brgy. San Vicente, San Manuel, Brgy. San Agustin, Sto. Tomas; Brgy. Casaratan, San Nicolas; Brgy. Barangobong, Tayug, and Brgy. Sapa Pequena, Burgos, Brgy. De Guzman, Mabini, and Brgy. Caramutan, Villasis.

During the activity, the governor stated that there is no excuse not to comply with the implementation of innovative ordinances, which bear positive results.

We have to impose what we need to impose, the governor said.

Gov. Guico congratulated the Treasury, headed by Acting Provincial Treasurer Cristy C. Ubando, and PG-ENRO, headed by OIC Vivian U. Oamil, as well as the partner LGUs and barangays, for the efficient collection of fees, with high hopes that all these fees will be put to good use by the barangay and municipal leaders.

‘Kasama po ang ating mga SP Members, asahan niyo po na tuloy-tuloy po yung ganitong klase ng serbisyo ng mga opisyales natin dito sa probinsiya sa pamumuno niGov. Guico na, kung ano po ang para sa bayan at sabarangay ay siguradong matatanggap ninyo,’ Vice Gov. Lambino further added.

Sta. Maria Mayor Julius C. Ramos, Mabini Mayor Colin A. Reyes, Sison Mayor Danilo C. Uy, barangay officials, treasurers, and representatives of other towns and barangays attended the undertaking. (Chona C. Bugayong, Sydney Soriano, and JP De Vera/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan is keen on finding solutions to address the flooding problem in the Capitol Complex.

Engr. Alvin Bigay stated that flooding in the area worsened through the years. “Ang mga dating catch basin natin ay natabunan na. Yong mga supposedly napupuntahan sana ng floodwaters umapaw na,” he said as he enumerated three lagoons, including one at the back of the Urduja House, one at the Pangasinan State University (PSU), and one at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

He stated that accretion aggravated flooding, further citing that siltation and the construction of the baywalk, which is higher than the existing level, can also be contributory.

“Although they already put up a drainage system in the Baywalk area, kung titignan po natin ngayon ay heavily silted na ang drainage system kung kaya hindi na po umaagos yung tubig na nagko-cause ng baha,” he emphasized as he mentioned that the last time LimahongChannel was dredged was during the term of former Governor Oscar Orbos, which was around 1996 or 1997.

As seen on the Google map, a sand bar was formed, which is said to prevent the flow of water from upstream to the mouth of the Limahong Channel. Engr. Bigay said this caused floodwater in the Capitol Complex to backflow and affected some portions of nearby villages like Brgy. Poblacion, Maniboc, Pangapisan Norte, and even portions of Libsong West.

With all these setbacks, he said, Governor Ramon V. Guico had efficiently thought of solutions with the help of urban planners. Hence, the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex will include the construction of a wider and bigger drainage system.

“Ang proposal diyan is to construct a wider and bigger drainage system, and we will no longer allow floodwaters to be drained, dito po sa tabing dagat. Bawal po ang magtapon ng wastewater diyan sa tabing dagat. So ang naisip po ng ating mga urban planner is to make the drainage pass through dito sa may Maramba Blvd, and then it will terminate dito sa may San Jose River (Maramba Blvd. bridge),” he added.

A retention pond, which will serve as the first line of defense against floodwater, will also be constructed to help minimize flooding in the area.

Looking at the bigger perspective of the Capitol redevelopment project, the provincial human settlements and urban development authority chief stated that it is natural that some trees will be affected. However, contrary to some claims, not all trees will be cut.

“Hindi po totoo na lahat daw ng namarkahan ay puputulin. The reason we put some markings is for us to conduct an inventory to determine the trees to be affected. Kapag sinabing affected, it doesn’t mean napuputulin,” he said, mentioning that the inventory of trees was conducted with the help of CENRO (Community Environment and Natural Resources) and DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) being the lead agencies.

Except for the mahogany trees that will be cut, some trees will be earth-balled, relocated, or transferred.

Based on the inventory, there are a total of 208 mahogany trees at the Capitol Complex. Said species that are considered “invasive trees” will be cut down. It can be recalled that in June 2020, the DENR banned the use of mahogany, an invasive alien species of tree that kills plants near it.

Coconut trees will return to the eco-tourism site located in Estanza, Lingayen, while some trees will possibly be relocated to the Eco-Park located in Bugallon.

Native trees will then be planted to replenish the trees affected by the project. Earlier, the Pangasinan Native Trees enthusiasts, led by former CENRO chief Celso Salazar, committed to help look for suitable trees that would be planted at the Capitol Complex. Said activity will contribute to the Green Canopy Program of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, two units of earth-balling equipment are set to arrive in the province. These are intended to save trees affected by the Capitol Complex redevelopment project. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Governor Ramon V. Guico III seeks the establishment of the Pangasinan Trade Center following the recent success of the Manila Fame and International Food Expo (IFEX), which opened the door to more opportunities for various local entrepreneurs.

The governor has expressed eagerness and is optimistic about pushing the project, which will eventually further bring economic prosperity and sustainability to the province.

For this dream project to be realized, Gov. Guico sought the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino.

Let us coin the term Pangasinan Trade Center, the governor told SP together with the department heads.

He also called on PEDIPO, an investment promotion office, to further promote or market the province as a place for investors.

“Kasi yung ating Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO) is an investment promotion office. Yun naman ang magdadala dito ng mga malalaking investors like San Miguel, Aboitiz,” the governor said.

A Pangasinan Trade Center will be integral to boosting the province’s economy, considering that the present administration’s priority thrust is to create greater opportunities that will fuel economic growth, benefiting Pangasinenses.

The initiative and plans from the governor were welcomed with great optimism and gratitude, as this will demonstrate the province’s potential in terms of investments, businesses, and development.

With the rise of the Pangasinan Trade Center, the province will be able to further support MSMEs in introducing and promoting their products in the global market.

‘More than the financial returns is the exposure and the fact that we have reached the milestone of being participants. That’s already a breakthrough for all of us because most of us do not know how to get there, but I believe that we are on the right track. This is the first phase of what we should do in the longer term to promote our products and businesses,’ the governor said.

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

San Jacinto, Pangasinan: Villagers warmly welcomed Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino during their first courtesy visit to the five barangays (Sta. Maria, Imelda, San Roque, Casibong, and Guibel) in San Jacinto town on June 17.

Dubbed ‘Kumustahan 2024, The Governor’s Visit,’ it was envisioned to bring the provincial government and its services closer to the people, especially those in far-flung areas.

Benjamin De Guzman, Punong Barangay of Casibong, San Jacinto, disclosed that the visit was the first in the history of said barangay.

The move underscores the government’s support and makes the people an integral part of the present administration’s plans, programs, and projects.

“Ito po ay programang Kumustahan. Kami po ay dadalaw sa mga barangay upang ipaalam po ang mga programa ng probinsiya,” Gov. Guico said.

Vice Gov. Lambino added that “Kumustahan 2024, the Governor’s visit, will bring the provincial government’s services closer to the villages of Pangasinan.

Some 8,350 residents received gifts from the provincial government.

The governor was joined by 4th District Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario, Board Member Marinor De Guzman, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II, Acting Provincial Treasurer Cristy Ubando, and San Jacinto Mayor Leo De Vera.

The meet and greet was a manifestation of the collective efforts of a government that genuinely cares and serves.

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

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—“Quality is very important. Hindi pwede ‘yong pwede na. Kaya nga ang thrust ng Pangasinan ay ‘Ang Galing’ or excellence . We need to imbibe in us the value of excellence, that’s the only way we can make it.”

Governor Ramon V. Guico III disclosed this during a simple thanksgiving ceremony at the Urduja Hall in Lingayen by various Micro Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) representatives on June 14.

Through the recent staging of Manila Fame and International Food Expo (IFEx), the door of opportunities opened up to various local entrepreneurs.

A brainchild of the governor’s mother–Dr. Arlyn Grace V. Guico, Founder of Project ‘Abound,’ it was through her initiative that MSMEs in Pangasinan successfully reached the global market.

“The measure of success for MSMEs is the number of contacts gained and sales we generated,” she stated.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Natalia Basto-Dalaten reported that local MSMEs that participated in IFEx 2024 have managed to increase their contacts and booked orders not just from local but international buyers.

The activity has generated booked sales of about $81,370 and total cash sales of P274,031.

Thankful of the support given by the provincial government, Jocelyn Ong Perez of Crafter’s Joy PH, expressed his appreciation to Gov. Guico. “Napakahirap po na wala akong masabi na suporta way back. There are so many Pangasinense na talagang magagaling and we can really go international but the government has been sleeping for a long time. Now, masayang-masaya kasi napakarami po natin dito and I know that with the provincial government magkakaroon tayo ng fruition into going international,” she lamented.

Rocky Doctor of Nutridense Food Manufacturing, on the other hand, stated that “lack of opportunity and support” from the government has become a setback in the past. “Nais ko pong magpasalamat sa ngalan ng kapwa ko MSME sa ating provincial government led by our passionate and visionary leader, Gov. Ramon V. Guico III,” he said.

Also expressing their support on behalf of the provincial board was Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino who cited the successful participation of the MSMEs in the two recent activities that ignited the fire.

“The two activities are just the beginning of what we can expect in the coming years,” he stressed.

In addition, Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II hailed the local MSMEs as he said that the call of the governor to support the opening of a new era for the sector is an appreciation for them being one of the backbones of the province’s economy.

Manila Fame was launched in 1984 under the Center for International Expositions and Missions of the DTI  to introduce non-food products of local MSMEs and artisans to consumers both local and international.

IFEx Philippines, on the other hand, is the country’s largest food exhibition which gives business to business platform for local food companies to launch their products in the global market.

The following MSMEs participated in Manila Fame 2023: Crafter’s Joy PH; Rach Arts and Crafts; Herwitanyo Art Studio; Kawayan Nature PH; Blessed Six; Women Empowerment and Livelihood Association of Binalonan (WELAB); Alma’s Handicrafts; DM Blades Metalcraft; Sword Rubio Enterprises; Ilokana Handicrafts; and, Erastus.

Ten MSMEs who joined IFex Phils 2024 include Freshious Inc.; Mama Cili Enterprises; Elisha Bay Dagupan Bangus & Seafood; Juris Bay Foods Inc.;Hou Yang Food Corp.;D &G Food Products Mfg.; Abundance Agri Tourism & Training Center; Bernal Bagoong; JNS Fish Processing; Nuridense Food Mfg. Corp.;Bantog Samahang Nayon MPC.

(Ruby F. Rayat, Orlan Llemos /PIMRO)