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Lingayen, Pangasinan: Four towns and a city were identified as the tourism hubs of Pangasinan.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III said development projects will be implemented in the identified tourism focus areas to further improve the tourism industry in the province.

Identified by the governor as tourism focus areas are the towns of Bolinao, Lingayen, Manaoag, San Nicolas (Malico), and the City of Alaminos.

Gov. Guico said that in the western part, Bolinao and Alaminos City were already established as tourism destinations.

Bolinao, he said, was among the tourism focus areas because of its natural resources, its rich history, and its natural influx of tourists, while Alaminos City is because of its Hundred Islands.

To improve the accessibility of the western part, the provincial government will build the Bolinao International Airport.

There is also a need to develop Lingayen, the capital town of the province.

The longest reflective pool, which is part of the redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, is anticipated to be a major tourist attraction once completed.

Manaoag is the biggest tourist attraction in Pangasinan, where millions of tourists flock to the said municipality because of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag church.

“Yan ang number one natin. Million ang nagpupunta diyan, mga day tourist lang. Simba tapos uwi na. Sayang. Marami dito capable naman to spend their money but they don’t have the facilities for accommodation where they can eat, stay overnight at least, and also of the lack of parking spaces. I already talked with lgu Manaoag kasi sayang. Isaayos natin lahat kasi marami diyan pwedeng pagkakitaan. Isaayos lang natin lahat,” Gov. Guico said.

On the eastern part is the historical Malico in San Nicolas, which is the highest point in Pangasinan.

Governor Guico said there is a territorial claim from a neighboring province, but we have to insist that it is ours because that is our territory.

These identified areas for tourism will have an impact on the whole province, Gov. Guico said.

(Chona C. Bugayong/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan– A one-day orientation and updates regarding the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program and Forum on A.O. 21, series of 2024, will be conducted by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan on June 19 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II here.

The orientation forum which is facilitated by the Provincial Human Settlements and Urban Development Authority (PHSUDA) in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), will also include topics like the anti-squatting law and the proliferation of illegal residential subdivisions.

Engr. Alvin Bigay, who heads the PHSUDA, said that the event will be attended by key officials of the four cities and 44 municipalities in the province, particularly the city/municipal mayor, chairman of the committee on Housing and Land Utilization of Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan, President of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), city/municipal planning and development coordinator, and city/municipal engineer.

Said event will kick off with a program to be followed by orientation and learning sessions, updates, and an open forum on illegal subdivisions, squatting syndicates, and A.O. 21 s. 2024 (Ensuring Optimal Use of Government Lands to Support National Development Goals and Creating an Inter-Agency Coordinating Council for the Consolidation of a Master List of All Government Lands).

Governor Ramon V. Guico III is keen on addressing the housing needs of some 45,000 informal settlers all over the province.

“The 4PH Program is the flagship housing project of the national government, which aims to provide affordably-priced homes and lower monthly amortization costs through various subsidies for Filipino workers who are members of the Pag-IBIG Fund.”

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) is strictly prohibiting littering, throwing of garbage, filth, and other waste matters in open or public spaces within the Capitol Complex.

Prohibition was made official through the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 322, Series of 2024, which was crafted and approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on April 15.

Said ordinance, which SP Member Vici M. Ventanilla authored, stated that “Republic Act No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Management Act of 2000, states that there is a need for an ecological solid waste management program, creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefor, and for other purposes.”

SP Ventanilla added that through the ordinance, the public would be aware that it is their sole duty and responsibility to protect and keep the environment clean and sanitary.

Aside from the public, stakeholders within the Capitol Complex, such as all facilities and establishments under the jurisdiction, operation, and management of the PGP, as well as private institutions and business establishments in the area, are obliged to keep their respective surroundings clean and orderly.

Prohibited acts shall also include waste not properly placed in trash cans or bins.

Any person who violates the ordinance shall be subject to the following penalties: P500.00 for the first offense; P1,000.00 for the second offense; and P1,500.00 for the third offense and subsequent offenses.

Those who will be caught violating the law can settle their payments with the Provincial Treasurer’s Office within 72 hours from the issuance of the citation ticket.

The ordinance shall take effect within 15 days after its publication in a local newspaper and after posting copies of the said ordinance in conspicuous locations within the Capitol Compound in Lingayen.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III prioritizes the improvement of human infrastructure, which includes the organizational structure of various hospitals and offices in the provincial government.

According to the Human Resources Management Development Office (HRMDO), a total of 187 employees from various hospitals and departments were promoted between July 2022 and April 2024.

Records stated that 39 employees were promoted in 2022, whereas 70 advanced to permanent positions or higher posts in 2023.

In addition, the number of promoted employees soared to 78 in the first four months of 2024 alone. 15 employees were promoted in January, 11 in February, 15 in March, and 37 in April.

Among the promoted employees is Erma Santos, a 62-year-old employee of the Provincial Assessment Office who will be retiring in three years. When she was asked in an interview about her promotion, she said “Nagkaroon ako ng disappointment since malapit na din akong mag-retire, but with our Governor Ramon V. Guico III who said once in a flag raising ceremony that this is your time to shine, nagkaroon ako ng pag-asa.”

Santos was promoted to Local Assessment Operations Officer III last April 24 after holding the position of LAOO II for more than 20 years. Prior to that, she also worked as a Local Assessment Clerk II from 1990 to 1994, then advanced to being a Local Assessment Operations Officer 1 from 1994 to 2001.

She also expressed her gratitude for her promotion by thanking Gov. Guico, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague III, and her immediate supervisor, Atty. Geronimo Abad. “Maraming salamat po for helping me realize my dream at salamat din po kasi napansin ang effort ko sa trabaho. Akala ko hindi na ako mapropromote since malapit na din po akong mag-retire. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat dahil nabigyan ako ng chance na maipakita pa ang aking kakayahan before I retire,” she stated.

Gov. Guico encouraged all the employees of the provincial government to make their best efforts and prove their capabilities during the first-ever flag raising ceremony on July 4, 2022.

“It’s your time to shine! If you have what it takes, let us know. If you know you have the talent and you can contribute to better our province, let us know.” These inspiring words of Gov. Guico further challenged the rank-and-file employees of the provincial government to work harder, show their skills and competencies, and prove their worth as genuine public servants.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A total of 2, 415 contracts of service and job order workers in the provincial government now have access to comprehensive social health insurance under PhilHealth’s Group Enrollment Program (GEP).

Under this program, Philhealth ensures that the workers, along with their qualified dependents (legal spouses and children below 20 years old without jobs or spouses), will receive healthcare benefits through monthly premium remittances and streamlined registration processes.

In relation to this, Ms. Tina Calamiong, personnel in charge of PhilHealth enrollment, stated that the premium payment of each worker covered by the provincial government increased from P400 last year to P500 this year.

The provincial board recently crafted a resolution authorizing Governor Ramon V. Guico III to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PhilHealth for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

As stated in the resolution, PhilHealth shall implement the NHIP through the Group Enrollment Program (GEP).

This significant initiative will not only expand the coverage of the PhilHealth membership but likewise ensure that individuals are included in the database to receive benefits.

The health program aligns with the priorities of Gov. Guico’s administration, particularly the provision of health protection for employees.

(Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The Provincial Government of Pangasinan expressed support for the 2024 Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Regional Roadshow held on June 3 at the Provincial Training and Development Center II, here.

‘Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas’ signifies a nation that embraces digital technology as a catalyst for progress and development.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III, who was represented by Atty. Christine Jamie Melchor described the event as coming together to embrace digitalization in every part of our lives, covering both government and public services as well as our daily activities.

“This event is a chance for all of us, both citizens and government, to unite under the principles of Bagong Pilipinas and work towards a better and digital future. The province fully supports the DICT Regional Roadshow to enhance the needs to a desirable end we all want to achieve under the ‘Bayang Digital ang Bagong Pilipinas,” Atty. Melchor said as she called on everyone to take the event as a learning opportunity, experience, and utilize it for the people.

Director June Vincent Manuel S. Gaudan, OIC Director IV, GDTB, and OIC Regional Director, Region 1, discussed government digital transformation.

Among the big projects of the agency, the primary policy body implementing all the ICT projects in the country is the eGOV under the eLGU, which will be launched on June 6.

eGOV is a citizen-centric platform that serves as a partner of the people, ensuring transparency and integrity towards improving people’s well-being, while eLGU is a one-stop system that combines all local government unit services, including permits, contributions, clearances, and payments.

Other concerns discussed during the undertaking include the Region 1 Calendar of Activities for the National ICT Month, Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) Orientation, Advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Internet of Things, How Localized Innovation Promotes Nation Building, and Phishing Defense: Staying Safe Online, among others.

The activity was a way to kick off the department’s celebration for National ICT Month. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan- The Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office, headed by Ma. Richelle M. Raguindin, in partnership with the PESO Association of Pangasinan, Inc. (PESOAP), spearheaded the conduct of the first-ever Pangasinan Employers’ Forum 2024, gathering some 76 participants from various line agencies on May 29 at the PESO Multi-Purpose Hall, Capitol Complex, here.

The activity was organized and conducted as part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to address employment issues, promote economic development in the province, and establish a platform that will facilitate collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders in Pangasinan’s employment sector.

A panel of experts discussed Employment Trends and Opportunities in Pangasinan, Effective Recruitment Strategies, Labor Laws and Compliance for Employers in Pangasinan, and Sharing of Insights: Successful Employer Practices in Pangasinan.

Atty. Christine Jamie Melchor of the Provincial Governor’s Office reported during the forum that 11 job fairs and 67 career seminars were conducted in 2023.

Atty. Melchor added that 3,340 applicants were placed locally and overseas, bringing the employment rate to 95.5%, or an increase of 1.1% from 2022. This is a manifestation of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s efforts and initiatives to strengthen employment and opportunities for the workforce in the province.

In closing, Atty. Melchor said, “Pare-parehas lang naman tayo ng gustong mangyari. Ang mapag-tibay ang public service, mabigyan ng trabaho ang lahat, mabigyan sila ng better opportunities at ma-uphold ang kanilang karapatan kaya, sana po, maging instrument ito para mas mapalawig pa ang mga oportunidad sa ating mga manggagawa dito sa Pangasinan.”

PESO Association Pangasinan, Inc. (PESOAP) President Arnel Arimas; Supervising TESD Specialist—TESDA Pangasinan Ronald Allan M. Sta. Ana; Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) III Panfilo Dioquino, Jr.; Regional Director Commission on Higher Education, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer; Employers Confederation of the Philippines President Ed Poserio; and RMT, MBA, DBA, PMAP-Pangasinan Chapter President Odree Merl Marie M. Padios attended the event.

(Chona C. Bugayong/Orlan Llemos/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Renato Navata, 73, an accomplished retired regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), believes learning is a lifelong journey.

When he heard about the Microcredential course on Pangasinan Studies offered by Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL), he was ecstatic.

“Makapaliket ya walay sakey ya unit ed provincial government ya akanonot ed saya. Say makapaliket ta walay balon pinundar nen Governor ya PPC. The credit goes to the governor and also to the management of PPC ya anonotan da ya,” former DAR Regional Director Navata said.

Secondly, he wants to inspire the younger generation to see the significance of Pangasinan studies, which would interest a person like him.

Navata added that it is the right time to re-awaken the people to the goodness of our province, especially at this time when many are focused on cell phones, social media, and technologies.

“He is a lifelong learner, so every time na meron siyang time mag-aral to keep his mind active and strong para hindi mag ulyanin, continues siyang nag-aaral. Yun talaga ang objective niya sa buhay. So itong opportunity na ito, grinab niya since retired na siya. At least ito, may interaction with others, like mind na intellectuals. After the seminar, parang ginanahan mag kwento at nagkaroon ng additional reasons for living,” his daughter disclosed.

As to the PPC being put up under the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, Dir. Navata said, “It’s too early to come up with conclusive evidence. Kitang-kita na ang ebidensiya. Simula pa lang ay makakakita ka na ng magagandang senyales na maganda yong inisyatiba na ginawa niya.”

He likewise commended the resource speakers and added that Pangasinan Studies means inclusive.

The clarity of vision of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL) is vividly reflected in its various programs, which are vital and of significance, especially in the digital age.

Participated in by retirees, the academic community, and history enthusiasts, among others, the recent success of the Microcredential course on Pangasinan Studies was a show window of the institution’s initiatives to foster personal and collective growth through education that caters to all ages.

Former Director Navata had expressed strong interest in joining Day 2 and Day 3 activities of the PPC’s Microcredential course.

The course, which covered Pangasinan history, society, language, culture, heritage, and environment, was held at the PPC Building, Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, on May 27.

The undertaking was aimed at locating Pangasinan Studies not only as a local study but as domain knowledge that engages in the regional, national, and global production of knowledge.

PPC-CeLL likewise hoped that it would translate into the economic progress and cultural development of the province and its people. (Chona C. Bugayong, Ron Bince/PIMRO)

The Pangasinan Polytechnic College Center for Lifelong Learning (PPC-CeLL), headed by President Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, spearheaded the conduct of three (3) microcredential courses on Pangasinan studies.

The course, which covered Pangasinan history, society, language, culture, heritage, and environment, was held at the PPC Building, Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, on May 27.

The undertaking was aimed at locating Pangasinan Studies not only as a local study but as domain knowledge that engages in the regional, national, and global production of knowledge.

PPC-CeLL likewise hoped that it would translate into the economic progress and cultural development of the province and its people.

Prof. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores, PhD, Philippine Studies, University of the Philippines Diliman, among the esteemed Resource Speakers of the Day, discussed Introduction to Pangasinan Studies, History, Geography, and Environment.

It includes Defining Pangasinan Studies, Scope and Limitations of Pangasinan Studies, and Defining Culture, History, and Heritage; Tracing Our Roots: The Pre-Colonial Pangasinan and Los Pueblos de Pangasinan, among others.

Other speakers were John Joseph Isaiah Orpilla (MA History, University of the Philippines Diliman), Jan Marlon S. De Vera (MA History, University of the Philippines Diliman), and Kevin Conrad A. Ibasco (MA History: Ethnohistory and Local History, University of the Philippines Baguio), who discussed Western Pangasinan and Alaminos Local History; Geronima Pecson and Anacbanuas (Child of the Land) of Pangasinan; Pedro Calosa and TayugLocal History, respectively.

The topic for Day 2, which is slated for June 1, will be Understanding and Speaking the Pangasinan Language, while Day 3 will be Pangasinan Culture and Heritage and Contemporary Issues.

The PPC’s mission is to produce world-class talents and leaders in science, technology, culture, and the arts and to create social impact through transformative and inclusive education.

The institution envisions that ‘By 2031, Pangasinan Polytechnic College will be the nexus for change, creativity, and community. (Chona C. Bugayong, Jairus Sibayan, PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan—Delegates from the Sangguniang Panglungsod of the City of Baguio paid a courtesy call to Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino during their benchmarking and team building in Pangasinan on May 22.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Verna Nava T. Perez and Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Officer (PIMRO) Dhobie P. De Guzman welcomed some 60 visitors at the Capitol.

They were given a quick tour of the Governor’s Office, Vice Governor’s Office, Session Hall, SP Lounge, and the Rooftop to provide them with a bird’s-eye view of the entire Capitol complex. SP Baguio City also had the opportunity to see the Banaan Pangasinan Provincial Museum.

They were amazed, in awe, and very grateful that they had the chance to see the museum. 

‘Ang lapit lang namin, pero ngayon lang naminito nakita. Ang Ganda po! ‘ they said.

SK Federation President John Ray Mananengsaid that Pangasinan is a place near their hearts.

Coun. Mananeng added that Pangasinan never failed to share its beauty and grandeur not only through nature or the beaches but with the people of the province as well.

On behalf of their group, Mananeng expressed gratitude to the entire officialdom of Pangasinan for the warm welcome.

‘We were welcomed with the heat and warmth of love, and we are looking forward to future partnerships. We just discovered that Pangasinan and Baguio have the same historical background from the American period,’ he said.

‘We can say that Pangasinan and Baguio have a lot of things in common that we can also adopt, especially because our mayor is also from Pangasinan, particularly San Carlos City. Also, a lot of students from Pangasinan are studying in Baguio, so I think this can be the start of a greater and stronger partnership between two local government units,’ Mananeng added. (Chona C. Bugayong, Ron Bince, Rafe Gabayeron/PIMRO)

Lingayen, Pangasinan: The Provincial Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Pangasinan (PGEMOCOP) new set of officers took their oath of office before Gov. Ramon V. Guico III on May 20 at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall, here.

“Let us be loyal to the institution first because we all pass here. At least for the time we have served, you did it truthfully and with your heart, something you can be proud of eventually. When you retire and decide to look for greener pastures, at least at one point in your life, you have served our province well,” Gov. Guico, who administered the oath, said.

Inducted were the PGEMPCOP elected officials, to wit: Ms. Janette C. Asis, General Manager; Ms. Maria Virginia Jaile G. De Leon, Assistant General Manager; Ms. Felicitas N. Tomelden, Treasurer; Maria Lorraine B. Ferrer, Bookkeeper; Laarni C. Macam, Sales Clerk; and Laffayette C. Carantes, Encoder.

Also sworn into office were Clarisa V. Basco, Chairperson; Alex T. Sevilla, Vice Chairperson; and the Board of Directors, Violeta M. Laforteza, Mirafe A. Macaraeg, Jennifer D. Cruz, Edwin B. Sison, and Rowel U. Malogan; and the Board of Secretary, Nikki A. Sanchez.

Joining them were chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and secretaries of the different committees: Sonia G. Yao, Jennifer C. Melendez, and Christopher L. Dioquino (Audit Committee); Melanie C. Fernandez, Mirasol M. Magalong, and Joan Paulyn M. Patron (Election Committee); Atty. Baby Ruth F. Torre, Atty. Novy Marie S. Cruz and Jeanne R. Evangelista (Mediation & Conciliation Committee); Marissa M. De Vera, Harietta V. Hernando, and Wilfreda A. Vicente (Ethics Committee); Leilani F. Bolivar, Michelle Anne R. Baniqued, and Jennifer V. Garcia (Gender & Development Committee); Barbara E. Edralin (Vice Chairperson Education & Training Committee); RamilynN. Saumat, Lyndon P. Felix, and Charmaine V. De Leon (Marketing & Sales Committee); Florence N. Berba and Fedeliza DC Santos (Credit Committee); Peachy P. Lozada, Jesusa DC Lagota, and Eduardo Sorio Jr. (Health & Wellness Committee); Helen Grace M. Ramirez and Jayson C. Torio (Social Media Committee);.

In her accomplishment report, PGEMPCOP Chairperson Clarisa V. Basco said that PGEMPCOP has a total of 1,430 active members.

Based on her report, there was a total capital build-up of P16,675,730.78 through payroll deduction, including interest share capital and patronage refund.

A total of P22,088,200.00 was the total amount of loans released to 458 members (permanent and non-permanent members).

Basco likewise disclosed that PGEMPCOP was recognized by the BIR as one of the newly included Top Withholding Agents (TWAs).

In closing, Janette Asis, General Manager, said that Gov. Guico has expressed interest in becoming a member of PGEMPCOP and further invited all the board members to hopefully become members of PGEMPCOP.

The induction and oath-taking ceremony was graced by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, Chairman, Committee on Cooperative, Micro, Small, and Medium Business and Entrepreneurship Development, some department heads, and Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, ROI CDA Regional Director. (Chona C. Bugayong, Orland Llemos, Omar Cruz/PIMRO)

25 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) of the Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ) are now applying their knowledge and skills from their 29-day training on ‘Organic Agriculture Production NC II’ by planting various vegetable seedlings.

Planted within the PPJ lots and plastic mineral water containers are tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, bitter gourd (ampalaya), pechay, malunggay, and kangkong, among other vegetables.

‘Yong mga produkto na yan ay ibebenta ng PDL kung may dadalaw dito. Sila din ang kikita galing sa mga tinanim nila,’ Antonio Santos, PPJ Administrative Assistant III, said.

He added that the training was conducted from February 16 to March 27 through the joint effort of the PPJ headed by Jovell U. Dalisay and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Provincial Training Center (PTC) Administrator Romeo C. Pandio, under the supervision of Regional Director, Region 1, Joel M. Pilotin.

Aiming to strengthen the PPJ’s advocacy and commitment to helping inmates, each PDL trainee received a National Certificate II (NC2) and a training support fund amounting to 160 pesos per day, or Php 4,640.00, for the entire duration of the training.

Topics discussed and learned by PDL trainees were natural farming concoctions and the use of natural pesticides, among others.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay Gov. Ramon V. Guico at kay PPJ Chief Lovell Dalisay dahil sila po ang naging daan upang kami ay mapansin ng ating gobyerno na bigyan kami ng opportunity na makapg-aral at makapag-bagongbuhay kung saan ay magagamit namin ang aming natutunan. Higit sa lahat ay upang maging kapaki-pakinabang kami sa lipunan, a message shared by Daryll, a PDL recipient and graduate of the aforementioned training.

“Hindi po naming makakamit ito kung hindi po sa kanila, sa kanilang pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit sa aming mga PDL. Malaking tulong po ang naibigay nila sa amin na bukod sa nalilibang kami, ay meron pa po kaming kaalaman,” Daryll further added.

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