Lingayen – A top official of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) cited Pangasinan as ‘Phillippine Cradle of Heroes’ as he recently thanked the incumbent provincial administration for upholding the welfare of Filipino World War II (WW-II) veterans in Pangasinan.

PVAO Administrator Ernesto G. Carolina, who was guest of honor and speaker during the 71^st Lingayen Gulf Landings anniversary and 9^th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day celebration held on January 9 at the Veterans Memorial Park here, lauded the provincial government led by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. for providing support services and projects which benefit WW-II veterans and their kins.

“It is our hope that the young generation of Pangasinenses and our country will continue what Gov. Espino has already started for our veterans,” Carolina said, as he pointed out that the worthy endeavors of the provincial administration must serve as inspiration in molding the younger generation as ‘future defenders of the nation.’

Under the Espino administration, valuing to Pangasinense WW-II veterans had been given with deeper emphasis with the passage of Provincial Ordinance No. 331-007 which institutionalized the annual celebration of Pangasinan Veterans’ day every 9^th of January.

Starting in 2008, Lingayen Gulf Landings anniversary was celebrated along with the 1^st staging of Pangasinan Veterans’ day.

It was in 1995 during the administration of former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, a son of Pangasinan, and former Governor Aguedo Agbayani that Gov. Espino, who was then Provincial Director of Philippine National Police (PNP), was tasked to lead the preparations for the 50^th Lingayen Gulf Landings anniversary which featured the actual re-enactment of the landings and unveiling of the Veterans’ Memorial Park at the Capitol Complex.

Carolina also said that he was surprised when he inaugurated a building that solely houses the PVAO built by the Espino administration last year.

“We only requested for a space for PVAO within the Capitol Complex, but we were surprised Governor Espino provided the biggest provincial office of PVAO in the entire country,” Carolina said.

Citing Pangasinan as ‘Philippine Cradle of Heroes,’ Lt. Gen (Ret.) Carolina bared that “the large number of WW-II veterans in the province imply that Pangasinan has the most number of heroes across the country.”

It was also learned that Pangasinan played a crucial role in Philippine and World War II (WW-II) history — the Lingayen Gulf Landings in 1945 which served as prelude to the Battle of Manila and subsequent liberations.

“Lingayen became an ideal place for the take off of liberation from Japanese invaders, and today under the present provincial administration was even more improved,” Carolina said.

“You see pieces of good evidence of good governance at the Capitol compound. Para kang nangibang-bansa, may ibang tanawin, malinis ang paligid. You feel fresh air at para kang nakawala sa masikip at mainit na Maynila,” he added.

The provincial government also extends support to WW-II veterans who hail from various towns and cities in six congressional districts of Pangasinan, granting them with Php5,000 financial assistance, regular medical check up with free medicines and vitamins.

The annual commemorative program is also followed by a medical mission for veterans sponsored by the provincial government.

Provincial Scholars Reaffirms Love for Pangasinan.  Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III joins Pangasinan’s provincial scholars as they reaffirmed their commitment to promote “I Love Pangasinan Movement” during their post-Christmas party at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen on December 29.  The scholars are enrolled at the various campuses of Pangasinan State University in Bayambang, Urdaneta City, Lingayen, San Carlos City, Infanta, Alaminos City, Binmaley, Sta. Maria and Asingan.  /MVSadim

LINGAYEN – Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III has called on the Pangasinan youth to cherish and respect their roots, emphasizing the importance of a sense of identity as they chart the future in relation to their personal needs, their families and their province.

Espino III made the exhortation during the post-Christmas party of the Pangasinan Provincial scholars held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) on December 29.

“Don’t forget who you are, where you came from and where you belong,” BM Espino told the PSU scholars, adding that the “warm reception accorded the cultural-consciousness movement under  I Love Pangasinan, is an indication that we are helping mold the young in the right direction, where they can more positively help lead the province and its people toward advancement.”

He recalled his own development in his growing up years, when his parents led by his father, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., had early on inculcated fine family values which have become his foundation and guide as he pursued his career in public service.

“Patunayan nyo na kayo na bukod-tangi  ay kaya nyong bitbitin ang inyong mga pamilya,” noting that the scholarship they enjoyed was “an excellent beginning from which they can build upon in the future, for the good of their families and communities.”

Provincial scholars from PSU campuses in Alaminos City, Asingan, Bayambang, Binmaley, Infanta, Lingayen, San Carlos City, Sta. Maria and Urdaneta City joined BM “Pogi” Espino III in sharing the food and the merriment during the party.

Under the administration of Governor Espino, Jr. the  provincial government human capital formation program supports a total of 2,300 college scholars, as follows: Pangasinan Provincial Scholarship Assistance Program (PPSAP) scholarship grantees which includes 415 academic scholars, 60 Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) scholars, and 23 Federation of Pangasinan Muslim Association (FPMA) scholars; 1,249 Provincial Scholars enrolled at the Pangasinan State University (PSU); 22 Technical-Vocational scholars by Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO), 10 Takayan na Dayew scholars; and 521 grantees of the joint scholarship program of Governor Espino and Congressman Jesus “Boying” Celeste.

In addition, the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) has so far disbursed a total of Php22.59 million for its college scholarship assistance programs.

On hand for support to the provincial scholars’ get together were: Provincial Board Secretary Verna Perez; Dr. Eusebio Miclat, Consultant In-charge for Provincial Scholars; and Dr. Simeon Cabansag, former executive director of PSU Sta Maria.

/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. will lead the commemoration of the 71^st Anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings and Pangasinan Veterans’ Day on January 9, Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Park, Capitol Complex, Lingayen.

The Governor will be joined by other key officials of the province and dignitaries which will start with a thanksgiving mass @ 7:00 in the morning and immediately followed by the Wreath Laying Ceremony at 8:00 a.m.

USec. Ernesto G. Carolina, Administrator, PVAO will be the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Gov. Espino together with Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members will present a Plaque of Appreciation to our guest.

Highlights of the celebration include the opening of the Lingayen Gulf Landings Exhibit.

The historic event will honor the heroism and greatness of the World War II veterans.

In view hereof, we cordially invite you to be one with us during the celebration.

Thank you and best regards.

Very truly yours,

ORPHEUS M. VELASCO

Provincial Information Officer

LINGAYEN – Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Regional Director Edwin Sanchez has lauded the province’s provision of a Provincial DOH Office (PDOHO) being the first time in the Philippines that a local government unit has provided a big space for office use compared with other LGUs which can only provide  a room.

ARD Sanchez proudly noted that the DOH Region 1 is very happy with the big-heartedness of Governor Amado T.  Espino, Jr.  because now, they can work comfortably and perform their office operations efficiently.

With the establishment of the PDOHO which was formally inaugurated last December 22, the promotion of quality health care promises a more intensified campaign to bring Pangasinan as the “home of healthiest Filipinos.”

The newly-renovated building which was formerly occupied by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is located at Alvear Street, Capitol Complex here.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. represented by Provincial Health Officer Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman led the ceremonies for the inauguration and blessing of the PDOHO with Fr. Francis Posadas of the Epiphany of Our Lord Parish as the officiating priest, municipal health officers from various towns, chiefs of hospital and DOH personnel.

Dr. De Guzman said the provision of an office to the Provincial DOH signifies the commitment of the governor to foster partnership with DOH in providing health care.

With the partnership, De Guzman said the provincial government and the DOH will attain better health outcome for the province and a responsive health system thus bringing the province to attain the province’s vision of making Pangasinan as the “best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”

Gov. Espino thanks the Provincial Employees.  Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left photo) expresses his deepest thanks to the provincial officials, department heads, chiefs of hospitals, and over four thousand rank and file employees (right photo) during the employees Christmas party at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen last December 21.  The Governor lauded the employees’ “support, cooperation and love of work” that earned Pangasinan various regional and national awards in local governance, health, agriculture, environment among others.   /Photos by Teddy Quimson

BARANGAY CAPTAINS DAY. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left photo) commends all barangay officials who have set aside politics and came in drove during the Barangay Captains Day at the NRSCC Gym last December 20.  The Governor further thanked the village chiefs who have keep their faith to their Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay President, Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III. /MVSadim & TQuimson

LINGAYEN – “It’s been an honor and pleasure serving our provincial government and our people. It was the best part of my life and a big challenge.”

 This was the message of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the provincial employees Christmas party held on December 21 at the Capitol Plaza as he thanked everyone for all the cooperation they have extended since 2007.

 Now on his last term and soon to graduate as governor in a few months’ time as the 2016 election nears, the governor said he is happy that he and the members of his administration, including the officials and the employees, have reached this far after serving as the province’s chief executive for eight years, five months and 21 days to be exact.

 Gov. Espino however expressed sentiment over the various negative issues raised against him by his detractors to stain the reputation and mar the good governance he has successfully carried out to propel this province.

 The governor also lamented the loss of some personnel due to the dirty works of political rivals which he said made him very sad as he admitted this was the hardest public life he had, due to the pain caused by the negative issues made on him and the provincial government.

 Gov. Espino also took the opportunity to express his apologies and ask forgiveness to those whom he had hurt especially those whom he works with.

 The governor said the abuse of words he could have let gone against his fellow-workers in the provincial government was not meant to hurt them.

 “I want to tell you that all the impatience you have seen in me is simply because I want you to attend to small things. Let us attend to small things as small problems come from inattention to small details,” the governor said.

 Meanwhile, the Christmas party tendered by the provincial government provided fun and excitement to the provincial employees who enjoyed singing and dancing during the celebration.

 Officials from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also joined the fun by performing special numbers to give inspiration to the employees.

 Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr., and Board Members Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III and Nestor Reyes rendered song numbers to perk up the audience.  /ADV

KBP-PANGASINAN INDUCTION. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.(extreme right) inducts into office the new set of officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) -Pangasinan Chapter headed by Emmanuel Sibayan (2^nd from right), station manager of Love Radio and vice chair Jay Mendoza (3^rd from right), station manager of Sonshine Radio during the KBP Induction ceremony and KBP Night held at the Metro Plaza in Dagupan City last December 13. Gov. Espino assured the KBP members of Pangasinan of the provincial government’s continued support as he asked their cooperation to work hand-in- hand with the provincial government who remains as the media’s partner for the development of the province. (Bob Sison)