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Capitol Press Release

SP to grill DPWH Reg. 1 OIC on renewed tree-cutting at MNR

LINGAYEN –The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has called for the personal appearance of Engr. Emmanuel Diaz of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the question hour of the SP session on Monday, September 28, to determine whether all the 153 dead and 28 dying trees were already cut down without consultation with SP.

Diaz, the officer-in-charge of the 3rd District Engineering Office of the DPWH in Rosales, Pangasinan together with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) OIC Regional Director Paquito Moreno will be invited to appear before the SP to answer queries from the board regarding the issuance of a Special Tree Cutting Permit/Sanitation Cutting Permit for the cutting of the dead trees and dying trees along the Manila-North Road in Pangasinan.

Board Member Alfonso Bince, Jr. said that based on the permit issued by the DENR to DPWH, the permittee shall conduct meetings or public consultations with the local government units, private organizations and other stakeholders in the area to discuss the urgency of the tree cutting or sanitation cutting and other environmental and social aspects of the project to address any issue that may be raised.

However, Bince noticed that there has not been any consultation made by the DPWH with the SP, the biggest stakeholder in the particular problem.

Bince said he is not sure if consultations were made with the Urdaneta-Binalonan and Pozorrubio section covered by the MNR as these are bigger areas where more important consultations must be made with the SP.

In an interview with the local media, Bince said that if there were living trees that were cut, that would have been a violation of the special permit as he stressed that the act is a show of disrespect to the SP which earlier came out with a strong resolution suspending the cutting of trees whether they are dead or dying.

The DPWH and DENR have to appear before us and explain to us the basis of special tree cutting.

If they had done any violation, then they should answer to the members of SP and we will act accordingly. We will oppose any special tree cutting permit to be issued by DENR, Bince said.

Earlier, Father Robert Reyes who went to Urdaneta, Sison and Pozorrubio on September 17, condemned the resumption of the cutting of trees along the MNR despite the hold order issued by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje.

The running priest expressed disappointment over the non-fulfillment of the agreement he shared with Paje and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson never to cut trees again along the MNR as he recalled Paje’s commitment to protect and preserve the remaining century-old trees along the area.

Fr. Reyes said the girdled trees were slowly reviving and the previously bandaged trees have began to heal but as tree cutting activities resumed without any notice, even live trees have been cut down.

This was attested by Women in Development leader Yolanda Sia that some of the trees that were recently cut were not ‘dying and dead’ trees.

Affected residents who joined Reyes’ protest were angered by the sudden cutting of trees as they were shocked to find that the healthy trees in front of their houses, which used to protect them from the heat of the sun and provide freshness and coolness, are now gone.

Towards this end, Reyes hinted of plans of a bigger protest against the cutting of trees with residents of Carnavacan and Rosario.

Reyes tied a white ribbon on a tree in Barangay Caviganan along the MNR and read a prayer that posed a warning that those who will cut his tree will face the wrath of nature.

He likewise called on Pangasinenses to join the “Adopt and Save a Tree Movement” and adopt the 500 remaining live trees by tying white ribbons around them to show that they are being protected.

He said that the white ribbons with their names on it will send the personal message that “if they kill the trees, it means as if they killed us.”

He said “there is a punishment for murderers of trees and it will not come from the courts, but from nature.”

Reyes added that the massacre of trees along the MNR was caused by greed of politicians and businessmen.

 

Capitol Press Release

FEDERATED PTA OF BINMALEY TO LAUNCH SEARCH FOR CLEANEST, MOST-ORDERLY AND EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS.

To foster a conducive environment for learning of school children, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (10th from left) and officers of the Federated Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Binmaley led by Reynato Tabingo (11th from left) will launch the search for the cleanest, most-orderly and effective schools in said town. Governor Espino and Presidents of PTAs from various barangays of Binmaley flash the Pangasinan number one sign during the courtesy call held September 18 as a gesture of the commitment to make schools effective avenues for learning. TQuimson.

Capitol Press Release

WOMEN ORGANIZATION IN SCC TO ENGAGE IN LIVELIHOOD VENTURE.

 

pc_Samahang Kababaihan ng San Carlos

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (4th from left, seated) urges officers and members of the Samahang Kababaihan ng San Carlos City (SCC) led by Shirley Ico (5th from left, seated) and Ernesto Discipulo (6th from left, seated) to “engage in livelihood ventures for them to help more than 4,000 members of their organization. During the callers day held on September 18, Governor Espino also assured the full-support of the incumbent provincial administration on the undertakings of the women organization as he encouraged them to avail of the livelihood assistance program of the province to start their project. Assisting the governor is Provincial Sports Director Modesto Operania (standing). /TQuimson.

 

 

 

Capitol Press Release

Informal settlers near Casa Real transferred peacefully to a resettlement area

Lingayen- – -The provincial government through the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Office (PHUDCO) has peacefully resettled some 47 families that formerly resided at the back of Casa Real to give way to the rehabilitation works of the historical edifice soon.

Engr. Angelito Pedeglorio, PHUDCO caretaker, said that all 47 families who used to dwell in Sitio Lagasit are now comfortably residing at their new home in Sitio Aplaya, Brgy. Pangapisan here.

Pedeglorio said that dialogues were conducted between the provincial government and the concerned families in which a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in favor of resettlement was unanimously signed by all 47 households.

Meanwhile, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. said that the present administration wants to put things in order first before proceeding with the bigger project of restoring one of the oldest public buildings in Pangasinan which was the seat of the provincial government during the Spanish era.

It can be recalled that the Casa Real was declared as a National Historical Landmark in which the Espino administration envisioned to transform into a provincial museum to house historical and cultural relics and memoirs that can provide every Pangasinense and the future generation a visual source of information and appreciation of one’s culture.

In relation to the resettlement, the Governor further said that more families especially those who reside along coastal areas will also be transferred to Sitio Aplaya to start a new life which is hazard-free.

Pedeglorio, on the other hand, disclosed that the provincial government has assured all families who are set to be transferred to the resettlement site that there is nothing to worry because Sitio Aplaya is equipped with primary necessities like electricity and water supply.

Families should need some few adjustments with their new environment but they are assured that the resettlement area is more comfortable than their former residence.

The Casa Real restoration may soon be started as the budget for its restoration has been made available. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Capitol Press Release

BM Pogi exhorts midwives to firm up healthcare services

LINGAYEN – Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay President and Board Member Amado “Pogi” Espino III exhorted members of the Integrated Midwives Association-Pangasinan Chapter to strengthen their organization by intensifying their efforts at providing healthcare services to people in the communities.

Speaking on behalf of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.during the midwives’ congress held at the Dagupan Village Hotel in Dagupan City on September 1, BM Espino underscored the importance of healthcare and maternal care, specifically, in the promotion not only of a well-developed community but also of a well-developed nation.
As the young Espino stressed that “health is wealth,” he pointed out that the healthcare program has been one of the most rewarding thrusts of the Espino administration that earned significant achievements for the province.

“We need more efforts and initiatives from organization like yours to further boost the healthcare potentials of our province towards remarkable achievements,” Espino told the midwives, as he congratulated them for the sacrifices they have rendered in the name of public service as frontliners in the grassroots community.

We, in the provincial government, are proud to say that we have effected various developments like the upgrading of hospitals and other hospital facilities and equipment.
We are even more proud to announce that our government hospital, the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City is now at par with the private hospitals as it now boasts of its modern dialysis center, a CT scan and other modern equipment thus, earning the distinction as a “hospital of choice.”

As this developed, IMAP president Virginia del Castillo from Urdaneta City said the midwives organization now lists over 500 membership provincewide.
Del Castillo expressed pride that as frontliners of public service, they are able to provide  service to the people especially those at the grassroots level.

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2012 to 20131 Overview

MELLIE B. SORIANO
Chairman of The Board
2012 -2013 Overview
February 1, 2014
Nov. 2011 was indeed a very special year in the history of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA as 501C (3) organization.
On this day – the PB-USA held its election and elected its new set of officers and Board Of Directors.
On that day – we elected a new President who has many years of experience in the field of industry and running his own business. Someone who has a large network of professionals he has cultivated though the years.
This person is very passionate about helping other people become successful and most importantly someone who has the vision of leading PB-USA to be an organization that will enrich the lives of its members and mind you – he has the capability to do so.
Ladies and Gentlemen – the person I am referring to is non- other that the President of PB-USA Mr. Eddie Ferrer.
Then of course we proceeded  and elected the PB-USA, Inc. Board member led by yours truly as the Chairman of the Board. .
PB-USA- Inc. became a 501C(3) organization during the term of PB- USA Past President Mr. Dan Nino.
As the governing body of any non-profit organization – the Board Of Directors has to re-visit our by-laws and made sure that the PB-USA, Inc. is in confirmation with  the rules and regulations as a 501C (3) organization.
We made some resolutions and amendments, deletions and additions of the current by-laws of the PB-USA, Inc. and of course all these were presented to the general membership and was overwhelmingly approved.
The current By-laws can be requested from the PB-USA-Inc. with certain condition and criteria.
Several meetings, special meetings from both the Executive branch and the Board of Directors then followed  – emphasis on the following matters to name a few:
1. How to make the PB-USA- Inc. the best 501C(3) organization there is.
2. Fundraising, Fundraising, Fundraising and more Fundraising.
During one of the Board meeting a lot of Fundraising  suggestion were discussed – among which are the following:
1. Raffle
2. Trip  to Casinos
3. Beauty Contest
Raffle – We were very successful with this fundraising – the PB- USA, Inc. made a substantial amount to carry out our mission.
Trip to Casinos – again we were able to raise a nice chunk of dinero.
Beauty Contest – Oh what a night that was. Congratulations to all the beautiful young ladies who participated and most importantly to the parents – thank you very much. Of course – how can I forget the handsome Emcee that night – non-other than Bong Soriano – good job Bong.
Also kudos to all those who in one way or another have helped the Beauty contest a success.
1. Mr. & Mrs. Leo Arce and Family – Director of the beauty contest.
2. The parents of the beauty contestant themselves.
3.  Mr. & Mrs. Roger Cabal for the awesome and beautiful decorations.
4. Most importantly to all our patrons, donors, guests, relatives and friends -and to everyone who were present – thank you.
Of course – let us not forget that PB-USA’s main mission is to sponsor deserving students from our Province Of Pangasinan to fulfill their dreams and we will continue to do just that. With the help of each and every one of us we have sponsored scholars from different towns of Pangasinan. Some of them are now professional.
Of course- things were not as easy they seems to be- problems were encountered along the way and that is to be expected.
Problems did not stop PB-USA, Inc. to continue its mission. Our very abled and generous President – Eddie Ferrer thought of having a trade show seminars and WALLA – the 1st trade seminar (How to Start Import Export Business) was launched – at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel. Prominent guest speaker were in attendance among them were;
1. Representative from Federal Food Administration
2. Logistics and Transportation Director Of Marketing
3.  Representative  of California Board of Equalization
4. And our very own Consul General of Los Angeles Helen Barbers Dela Vega.
The 1st Trade and Product Sourcing and manufacturing seminars was created to help our Kabaleyan in our Province of Pangasinan better their livelihood & to help introduce their products in the global market. It is also established for the following reason:
1. Bring awareness to the many of one of kind product that were made in the Philippines.
2. Help establish profitable business relationship between entrepreneur and the local manufacturing companies in the town and cities of Pangasinan.
3. Bottom-line – the PB-USA, Inc. is committed to help our people in our beloved province of Pangasinan.
Sept, 21, 2013 came the 2nd phase Trade Product Sourcing and Manufacturing Seminar. This time it was held at our very own Leisure Coast resort – Bonuan, Binloc Dagupan City.
Again, prominent guest were in attendance and invited.
Among them:
1. Hon. Board Member Ranjit Shahani and Clemente Arboleda.
2. Our Friend Mr. Raffy Barraan – Provincial administrator.
3. Rev. Monsignor Sabangan
4. Mr. Roger Oriel – Owner and Publisher of Asian Journal
5. Atty. Virgil Sy – CEO of American Ranch
6. Mr. Felix Lopez- Pres. of Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce South West Corridor Cerritos, California to name a few.

This 2nd seminars was an event that mark the first of its kind produced by the Pangasinan Brotherhood – USA, Inc. The event was about entrepreneurship, social responsibility and exploring possibilities.
I remember that there was entertainer from the 1950″s saying that if opportunity is not knocking – build a door.

This quotation is what the PB-USA, Inc. is exactly trying to do. PB- USA, Inc. is trying to create opportunities for the Province of Pangasinan, the people of Pangasinan and both Pangasinan and United States member to become entrepreneur – and lastly for the world to see what the Province of Pangasinan can do for the world.
Once again this event was produced by a leader who had a tremendous amount of opportunity to help many people of different level from our province of Pangasinan. – this leader is none other than the President Eddie Ferrer.

Let us give him a very, very warm of applause.
Of course there were more activities and event that had happened during our first term of office 2012- 2013 and to name a few
1. Launching of Ex President Fidel Ramos book signing.
2. Our Annual Christmas Party
3. And many More.

In conclusion 2012 – 2013 were very challenging 2 years and yet fruitful in the history of PB-USA, Inc. as a 501C(3) charitable organization.
Then come Nov. 9, 2013 and you the general membership elected the new nine (9) Board members of the PB-USA, Inc.

Being elected again as the chairman of the Board for the year 2014-2015 – I will assure you that we will not stop but only continue to do the best we can to leave – up to your expectation.
The newly elected Board have elected the new President – once again -non – other than  Mr. Eddie Ferrer and yours truly as the Chairman Of The Board.

On behalf of all the following newly elected Board members – I ‘d like to thank you for once again  giving us the opportunity to serve you – The PB-USA, Inc.
Mr. Eddie C. Ferrer – President elect and Board Member.
Mrs. Lina Cabal – Vice Chairman of the Board
Mrs. Rhenee M. Coquia – board Secretary
Mrs. Nieves Coquia – Board Member and Membership chairman
Mr. Lino Caringal – Board Member and Executive Vice President
Mrs. Lydia Ceralde – Board Member and Scholarship Chairman
Mr. Ely Turingan – Board Member
Mrs. Elie Madrid – Board Member

At this point I am sure each and every one of us knew what destruction typhoon Yolanda has brought to the Philippines – specially the Visayan regions.
President Eddie Ferrer have the following proposed resolution which were overwhemtly approved by the Board of Director:
1) Help a small Diocese in the Province of Samar – the town of Borongan in cooperation of Fr. Ven who is   from Samar. Mechanics and details of this matter are almost in its finishing stages.
2) .Disbursement quota in the amount of $ 3000.00 for the construction of one unit house for the homeless. (Be it know that the $ 3000.00 was donated by EC Ferrer CHB, Inc. owned by Pres. Eddie Ferrer) This project is in Manmana GK Villasis, Pangasinan and for your information the money was already wired last t Jan. 21, 2014.
3). Of course we will forget our deserving scholar from Pangasinan.

This is all for now and stay tuned – more to come !

Thank You and God Bless us all

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Welcome Address 01-26-2013

Mellie B. Soriano – Chairman Of the Board

Welcome Speech – Trade, Product Sourcing and Manufacturing – 01-26-2013

Mr.  Carlos Martinez Tomatis  Division – Vice President ABF Global Supply Chain Services, Inc. Consul General Helen Barber Dela Vega, Rev. Ven Amidar ,Anna Benevente ,President Eddie Ferrer, members of the Pangasinan Brotherhood USA, distinguished guests and invited guest, ladies and gentlemen –

I am very excited this morning to extend a very warm welcome to all of you to this wonderful event, here at the Long Beach Marriott. This event will give you a glimpse of the tremendous potential of doing business in the Philippines, more specifically, in the cities and Towns of Pangasinan and neighboring provinces. As chairman of the board of PBUSA and on behalf of all the board members of PBUSA, we are glad that you are all here and ready to discover the possibilities of partnering with the various cottage industries in the cities and Towns  of Pangasinan. Welcome to the Trade-Product Sourcing and Manufacturing seminar.

We hope that this event will create genuine interest in Philippine products … bring awareness to the many one of kind products that are made in Pangasinan … and help establish profitable  business relationships between entrepreneurs and the local manufacturing companies in the Cities and Towns  of Pangasinan. Imagine the possibilities. (Doesn’t that sound exciting?)

Organizing this event was not easy. Only someone who has many years of experience in the import/export industry and running his own business, someone who has a large network of professionals he has cultivated through the years, someone who is passionate about helping other business people become successful, and lastly, someone who has the vision of leading PBUSA to be an organization that enriches the lives of its members.  The individual who was responsible for bringing all of this together is none other than our very own Eddie C. Ferrer, President of EC Ferrer Custom Broker and Forwarding Company and the current president of PBUSA. Inc. We thank you, Eddie.

When I first heard of his proposal to organize this event, I knew that it was not going to be easy. Regardless, the rewards of putting up such an event would be undeniably great for all in attendance and associated with the event. The PBUSA board members gave their full support to make this event a reality. This event is timed just right. According to a major newspaper in the Philippines, an article which ran on December 12, 2012, it stated that Citibank and HSBC are forecasting a bright 2013 for the Philippines. Some of the points mentioned were increasing growth in private consumption… wise government spending and investing… and a resilient remittance industry. It was also mentioned that the investment in public infrastructure could very well be the medium-term “game changer “for the Philippines. Now is the right time to explore what could be a very profitable venture in the cities and Towns of Pangasinan.

We hope that by the end of this seminar, you too will feel the excitement. Again, on behalf of the board members of PBUSA…..WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE!

Capitol Press Release

290 Pangasinan LGU supported scholars finish Tech-Voc courses

Lingayen – About 290 provincial government-supported scholars have finished their technical-vocational (tech-voc) courses under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that was allocated by the provincial government.

Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi”  Espino, III exhorted the scholars during the mass graduation ceremony held on September 1 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center “to strive more to usher in a good future for their families.”

Citing their completion of the TWSP as “a life-changing opportunity,” the young Espino, who represented Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., conveyed the incumbent provincial administration’s all-out support to tech-voc education.

The province of Pangasinan recently was adjudged as regional winner and national finalist in the 2015 Kabalikat award (LGU category – provincial level) given by the TESDA to recognize the province’s programs, projects and advocacies that are implemented in support to tech-voc education.

BM Espino was assisted by TESDA Provincial Director Manuel Wong and Pangasinan Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager Alex Ferrer on the distribution of training certificates to the scholars from 11 tech-voc schools in the province that implemented said program.

The tech-voc schools include: Acres Professional Institute and Review Center, Inc., (Dagupan City), Marianne College of Science and Technology (Bayambang), Golden West Colleges Inc. (Alaminos City), Manila Montessori College International (Dagupan City), Development Academy for Technical Excellence, Inc. (Urdaneta City), Extendicare Training Center (Dagupan City), CMV Technical Institute (Alaminos City), Dagupan Colleges Foundation, Inc. (Dagupan City), STI Alaminos Inc., (Alaminos City), OBC Learning and Assessment Center (Alaminos City) and Instituto Centro Asia Inc. (Dagupan City).

The provincial scholars took up courses on food and beverages, housekeeping, computer hardware servicing, consumer electronics servicing, cookery and front office servicing.

The tech-voc financial assistance program, one of the scholarship programs of the provincial government, is managed by the Pangasinan PESO. Grantees of this program are those enrolled in technical and vocational or other short-term training programs like those under the TESDA. The program provides a maximum of Php7, 000 per course.

Capitol Press Release

DILG distributes 44 Patrol Cars for Pangasinan

Lingayen- – -Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. through his son and namesake Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay president Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III expressed thanks to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the leadership of Secretary Mar Roxas for the awarding of 44 patrol cars to Pangasinan towns as part of the national government’s PNP Modernization Program.

In the awarding ceremony held at the Pangasinan PPO on September 1, BM Pogi said that the Mahindra patrol cars, which were awarded to each of the 44 local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan, will serve as a welcome development that will further boost the peace and order program at the local level.

Negros Occidental Representative Jeffrey Ferrer, who came in lieu of Secretary Roxas said that the national government wants to fully implement the Daang Matuwid program via different endeavors to include the modernization of the police force.

Ferrer, who chairs the committee on public order and safety and is one of the authors of the PNP modernization program along with Pangasinan 2nd district representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil disclosed that after long years of oblivion it is rightful to modernize the police force.

Stressing that peace and order ranks among the topmost priorities of the present administration, BM Pogi said that the PNP Modernization Program is truly noteworthy.

It can be recalled that in 2013, the national government has released a total of P2.86 billion to cover the hiring of 7,439 non-uniformed personnel, the procurement of 1,400 patrol jeeps, 13,597 long firearms and 4,997 mobile radios among others.

Out of the 1,400 patrol cars, a total of 500 were already turned over to various LGUs in the country while 900 more are scheduled to be distributed.

The blessing and turnover program was attended by DILG Undersecretary Edwin
Ragus Enrile, regional police officers led by PCSupt Benjamin T. Hulipas, and the chiefs of police and mayors of the 44 Pangasinan towns.

Meanwhile, PSSupt Rolie Saltat, OIC-Pangasinan PPO, said that the distribution of patrol cars is part of the PNP’s Oplan Lambat Sibat project that was launched to lower crime rates throughout the country. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

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Message ( 02 -14-2012 )

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
 MELLIE B. SORIANO

 MESSAGE

Feb. 5, 2012 1: 00 PM –  First Meeting – Marriot Courtyard, Garden Grove, California

Thank You for your presence

As this is our first meeting – it will be short one.

I am sure that we all heard  President Eddie Ferrer  who cannot emphasize enough that our main mission during his administration is to raise funds and follow the rules and procedure of the 501 C (3).

As your Chairman, I will try to adhere with the mission. This mission will not be possible without your help and cooperation – not only are we going to help the PB- USA but we will be helping some less fortunate individuals.

Also, as you’re Chairman – I would like to emphasized transparency amongst us. It is also important to me your attendance when a meeting is requested or as scheduled. San-aagi tayo – so let us help each other. I f for no valid reason you were not able to attend meetings – I will take it personally.

As you know we are all working voluntarily? We were nominated, accepted the nomination and finally got elected as board member without any hesitation or objections. So – with that said – I hope that we will do our responsibilities as board member without any reservation and hesitation. Let us keep the PB_USA attain its mission and goals.

As a governing body and policy maker of the organization we should adhere or practice the Good Governance of the 501C(3) organization which I just handed to you.

If we will follow this practice – we are going in the right direction and at the same time our organization will be legally and fiduciary in compliance with the Federal and State laws.

As a member of the board, we have the duty to exercise reasonable care when we make decision for the organization. Reasonable care is what an “ordinary prudent” person in similar situation would do. A board member never uses information gained through our position for personal gain. We must always act in the best interest of the organization. We must be faithful to the organization’s mission. We cannot act in a way that is inconsistent with the organization goals.

We, as board member are trusted by our members and the public to manage donated funds to fulfill the organization’s mission. We want to make sure we follow the law and approve all major projects. We are required to attend most board meetings – thus indicating our dedication to the organization.

We the member of the board are expected to set an example by donating to the organization whatever we can – to open the door to other contributor – and finally board member should be comfortable with fund raising.

Last, but not least – let us not ask what PB- USA can do for us but rather- what we can do for PB- USA

Thank You