Lingayen – Reelectionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Jr. of Aksyon Demokratiko emerged victorious after a nerve-wracking vice gubernatorial race by edging his opponent by only 5,808 votes.

Vice Gov. Calimlim garnered 568,018 votes to defeat his rival, Calasiao Mayor Mark Macanlalay of Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), who posted 562,210 votes.

The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) led by Provincial Comelec Officer Joel Gines proclaimed Vice Gov. Calimlim on May 12 as re-elected vice governor, who shall serve as presiding officer of the province’s legislative branch on his third and last term.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako nang buong puso sa lahat ng nagtiwala at sumuporta  sa akin at nagbigay ng pagkakataon para magsilbi sa ilalim ng bagong liderato ,” the vice governor said in an interview.

Calimlim said that he will remain supportive of the programs initiated by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. as he vowed to support through legislation the incoming leadership of governor-elect Amado “Pogi” Espino, III.

The 10^th SP shall convene after the transition of provincial administration by July this year with eight re-elected members, namely: Napoleon Fontelera, Jr. (NPC) and Antonio Sison (NPC) of the 1^st district; Raul Sison (Aksyon Demokratiko) and Nikiboy Reyes (Liberal Party) of the 2^nd district; Angel Baniqued, Jr. (LP) and Generoso Tulagan, Jr. (KBL) of the 3^rd district; Liberato Villegas (LP) of the 4^th district; and Clemente Arboleda, Jr. (NPC) of the 5^th district.

Come-backing board members are: Jeremy Agerico Rosario (LP) of the 4^th district; and Salvador Perez, Jr. (NPC) of the 6^th district, who previously joined the SP as provincial councilors’ league federation president.

New SP members are: Chinky Perez (NPC) of the 5^th district and Noel Bince (LP) of the 6^th district.

Gines, PBOC chair, noted that Pangasinan has posted 85.11 percent voters’ turnout with 1,451,424 actual voters of the 1,705,260 registered voters in Pangasinan.

“Compared to mid-term elections, the voters’ turnout for the national elections is high because of the presidential and vice presidential elections,” Gines said.

DOUBLE VICTORIES FOR THE ESPINOS.The Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) proclaims Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. (left photo) and son, Board Member Amado “POGI” I. Espino III (right photo) as newly-elected congressman and governor, respectively. Still undefeated in his political career, Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. gained 133,381 votes while his opponent Rep. Kimi Cojuanco recieved 92,943 for the fifth district congressional seat. Claiming the gubernatorial seat, BM Pogi Espino wins with 707,925 defeating former Rep. Mark Cojuangco with 488,762 votes.  //PIOPhoto Jedidiah Ordoñez

Lingayen – The Father-and-son tandem, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and Amado “Pogi” Espino, III defeated the Cojuangco couple in the 2016 gubernatorial and 5^th congressional district races.

Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino posted an overwhelming victory, garnering 707, 925 votes, which is 219, 163 votes higher than the 488, 762 votes received by his opponent, former 5^th district representative Mark Cojuangco.

On the 5^th congressional district race, outgoing Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. received 133,381 votes to prevail over his rival, reelectionist Kimi Cojuangco, who collected only 92,943 votes.

The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) on Wednesday, May 11, proclaimed the young Espino as elected governor and the elder Espino as elected congressman.

Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino, in an interview after the proclamation, expressed gratitude for the trust, confidence and support of Pangasinenses which catapulted him to the province’s top post to succeed his father.

“We finish strong,” said Board Member Espino who called on for the unity of Pangasinenses to give a blast of support to the present provincial administration to “give credit to the man who transformed Pangasinan as a premiere province in the country today.”

The incoming governor likewise urged leaders in the province to “move forward for a better future,” adding that politics has already ended and it is now time for them to work hand-in-hand to elevate the province’s growth and development.

            Meanwhile, Congressman-elect Espino, said he would take on “reconciliation with everyone with justice” to shed light on issues thrown at them during the campaign period.

The provincial chief executive, however, assured “he will leave all things behind and move forward” as he vowed that he will remain supportive to the provincial government to promote the best interest of Pangasinenses, particularly the younger generation.

The proclamation held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall was conducted despite the absence of certificates of canvass (COC) from San Fabian town.

PBOC chair and provincial election supervisor Joel Gines said that even if the  total votes from San Fabian was given to Cojuangco it is not enough to offset Espino’s margin. San Fabian has 46, 269 registered voters.

However, winner for the tight vice gubernatorial race between reelectionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. and Calasiao Mayor Mark Macanlalay will be proclaimed as soon as all COCs will be transmitted to the PBOC.

Last Tuesday, four re-elected representatives, Jesus “Boying” Celeste (1^st district),  Leopoldo Bataoil (2^nd district), Rose Marie Arenas (3^rd district) and Marlyn Primicias Agabas (6^th district) have been proclaimed.

Lingayen – Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas has openly endorsed and expressed his all-out support for the gubernatorial bid of Amado ‘Pogi’ Espino, III, son and namesake of outgoing Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.

The endorsement of Roxas for ‘Pogi’ Espino with his tandem, re-electionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., and the entire line up of local party Partido na Pangasinan (PnP) was made public during a leg of his campaign sortie held on May 30 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) Gymnasium, here, which was attended by stalwarts of PnP, hundreds of re-electionist and come-backing LP members and allies vying for various elective positions from provincial down to municipal and city level, and barangay leaders.

“Ituloy ang mga programa. Ituloy ang pag-arangkada ng Pangasinan. Nandito po ang ating kasama — si Amado ‘Pogi’ Espino, III,” said Roxas, as he noted that the Espino administration has truly delivered excellent leadership for its constituents.

Roxas went further, saying: “Kayo mismo ang nakaranas sa pag-unlad ng Pangasinan… sa pagbangon ng Pangasinan mula sa mga baha na dulot ng bagyo. Kayo mismo ang nakakita sa mga imprastraktura at mga irrigasyon na naiparating ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan sa inyong mga kabarangay… sa inyong mga bayan.”

Roxas likewise urged political bigwigs and leaders in the province to strengthen further LP’s call to continue the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ brand of leadership initiated by President Benigno S. Aquino’s administration.

Meanwhile, unopposed 2^nd district Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil, LP provincial chairperson, assured Roxas of the all-out support of the PnP, a local political party which Bataoil also serves as president.

PnP is a coalition of political leaders who are affiliated in various political parties, but share the same vision and principles for leadership in Pangasinan .

Cong. Eric Singson of Ilocos Sur, LP regional chairman, was also present during the campaign sortie.

The endorsement of Roxas boosts further the campaign of ‘Pogi’ Espino, who is leading the gubernatorial race based on a survey conducted by the polling firm Data Advisor last March 18-22 in all of the 44 towns and three cities of Pangasinan.

The survey revealed Espino getting more votes at 72 percent while nemesis candidate, former 5^th district Congressman Mark Cojuangco earning the nod of just 27.5 percent of respondents.

LIMGAS NA PANGASINAN 2016 SPECIAL AWARDS. Two Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 top winners amaze spectators with their confidence and aura in presenting themselves in two most-coveted minor awards during the Limgas pageant and coronation night held at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen on April 30. Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 Karissa Anne Lopez of Alcala (right) was awarded best in evening gown while 1^st runner-up Denielle Joie Magno of Bayambang (left) received the best in swim wear award. /Photos by Jinver Perez

LIMGAS NA PANGASINAN 2016 BEAUTIES. Nineteen-year-old Karissa Anne Lopez of Alcala (center), reigning Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 is flanked by the runners-up during the Limgas pageant and coronation night held on April 30 in front of the Capitol building in Lingayen. Runners-up include: (from left to right) Christine Joy Picardial of Sison (3^rd runner-up), Denielle Joie Magno of Bayambang (1^st runner-up), Perla Peabody of Villasis (2^nd runner-up) and Dianna Rose Untalan of Sta. Barbara (4^th runner-up). /Photo by Jinver Perez

9^TH BANCA PARADA CRUISES ALONG LIMAHONG CHANNEL. A large cluster of 123 artistically-fashioned small sea vessels dubbed Banca Parada cruises along the historic Limahong Channel of the Agno River during the Pistay Dayat celebration on May 1. The fluvial parade started at the staging area in sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen, passed underneath the Domalandan Bridge in Lingayen and ended at the riverside in Banaga Bridge in Bugallon where the Pistay Dayat commemorative program and awarding ceremony took place. Banca Parada, a component activity of Pistay Dayat, showcases the clean rivers in the province and serves as a significant gesture of the unity of Pangasinenses for the protection, preservation and conservation of natural resources in the province. /Photo by Jinver Perez.

Lingayen- – -Twenty-year old Karissa Anne A. Lopez from the town of Alcala emerged as this year’s fairest young lady during the grand pageant and coronation night of Limgas na Pangasinan held on April 30 at the Capitol Plaza.

Lopez bested 22 other equally lovely and witty candidates representing various towns and one city in the province in the most prestigious beauty tilt in Pangasinan with her irresistible charm and winsome smile.

Her poise and confidence on stage also gained her the Best in Evening Gown award.

Finishing with the first runner-up spot, on the other hand, is 22-year-old morena beauty Denielle Joie N. Magno from the town of Bayambang who bagged four minor awards such as Miss Cream Silk, Miss Social Media Award, Darling of the Press, and Best in Swimsuit.

Other ladies who made it to the runner-up slots are Perla M. Peabody (Villasis)- 2nd runner-up; Christine Joy F. Picardal (Sison)- 3rd runner-up; Diana Rose S. Untalan (Sta. Barbara)- 4th runner-up.

Candidates who were awarded with other minor awards are as follows: Vanessa Baraquio (Basista)-Texters’ Choice Award and Best in Festival Award, Perla M. Peabody (Villasis)- SMART People’s Choice Award, Diana Rose S. Untalan (Sta. Barbara)- Miss Photogenic, Keesha Maye H. Abad (San Jacinto)- Miss Friendship, Tristan Kyle Torio (Bolinao-Miss Personality, and Riza B. Diego (Bayambang)- Best in Talent.

The crown holder was awarded with P100,000 plus trophy while the runners-up were given P70,000; P50,000; P30,000; and P20,000 respectively.

Ma. Luisa A. Elduayan, in an interview, said that aside from the honor of being crowned as the Limgas na Pangasinan, the titleholder gets the chance to participate in a special task given by the provincial government specifically in the promotion of tourism and environment protection by reaching out to the community for the specific advocacies.

This year’s Limgas na Pangasinan pageant was chaired by the Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) headed by Alex F. Ferrer. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Lingayen – Second district congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil recently commended the brand of leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, (GATE) Jr. which led to the effective implementation of pioneering environmental advocacies that catapulted the province to the hall of fame awards and citations in environmental governance.

“It takes a positive and inspiring leadership that made everyone cooperate and work together to make rivers in Pangasinan clean and green,” thus said by Cong. Bataoil, who was invited as guest of honor and speaker during the commemorative program and awarding ceremony of Pistay Dayat 2016 held on May 1 at the riverside in Banaga, Bugallon shortly after the staging of Banca Parada.

Bataoil further noted that the massive clearing and dredging of river systems initiated by the Espino administration brought back the natural beauty and grandeur of the rivers in the province.

Citing the positive transformation of the Agno River, the unopposed re-electionist solon said that the department of the environment and natural resources has even recognized the Agno river as among the cleanest rivers in the country today.

Meanwhile, Governor Espino thanked Pangasinenses for the all-out support he received which contributed to the over-all efforts to propel development initiatives in the province since he assumed the province’s top post in 2007.

Gov. Espino likewise bared that the Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko advocacy, a component of the multi-awarded coastal resource management (CRM) program of the provincial government, united Pangasinenses to protect, preserve and conserve natural resources of the province.

Multi-awarded province of Pangasinan under the Espino administration was adjudged regional hall of famer in CRM in 2010, for three years in a row of winning the CRM (2008, 2009 and 2010).

“All that we did to protect and preserve the natural landscapes of our province are not for us anymore, but for the benefit of the future generations,” Espino said.

At the peak of Pistay Dayat celebration, revelers witnessed the grand spectacle of hundreds of artistically-fashioned motorized bancas cruising along the Limahong Channel from sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen to Banaga, Bugallon.

The Banca Parada, a display of the beauty of Pangasinan river and appreciation of its historical relevance, was participated in by 123 contingents from local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (         NGOs), national government agencies (NGAs), private business sector (PBS), including 89 barangay entries.

The parade is divided into two categories: category A (barangays) and category B (NGAs, LGUs, NGOs, PBS and various stakeholders).

Winners for category A are: Brgy. Dulag, Binmaley (Champion); San Isidro Sur, Binmaley (1^st runner-up); and Brgy.Gueset, Bugallon (2^nd runner-up). Category B winners, on the other hand, include LGU Binmaley (Champion); LGU Bugallon (1^st runner-up); and CENPELCO (2^nd runner-up).

Winners received Php. 25,000 (champion); Php 20, 000 (1^st runner-up); and Php.15,000 (2^nd runner-up).

Lingayen – Twenty-three-year-old Riza Diego, one of the 23 candidates vying for Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 crown, emerged as the most-talented candidate in the talent showdown held at the Sison Auditorium on April 25.

Diego, who hails from Bayambang, delivered a catchy performance of her portrayal as “Pinkaw,” a mistreated and ill-fated individual in a society ruled by greed and power.

Despite technical glitches with her lapel, she still nailed a smooth performance which captivated the attention of the crowd.

“Actually po wala akong masyadong preparation. Nagkaroon lang ako ng script and then ako na po ‘yong bahala sa gagawin ko,” Diego said in an interview.

The oldest among the 23 candidates for Limgas na Pangasinan, Diego, reigning Miss Galicayo Camilliana, dedicates her feat to her family and supporters, as well as to all Pangasinenses.

The performances of Limgas candidates were judged on the following criteria: mastery and style (40%), level of difficulty (30%), relevance and message (20%), and overall impression (10%).

Aside from the talent competition, the candidates donned festival costumes depicting their respective One-Town, One-Product (OTOP). The winner for this category will be announced during the pageant and coronation night at the Capitol Plaza on April 30.

Limgas na Pangasinan is annually held as a component activity of Pistay Dayat revelry.

The talent showdown and OTOP-inspired festival costume parade was graced by Pangasinan first lady, Mdme. Priscilla I. Espino; Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan, Pistay Dayat 2016 over-all chairperson; and Provincial Employment Services Officer Alex Ferrer, Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 committee chairperson.