Lingayen– -In line with the celebration of this year’s National Tourism Week which is celebrated in the month of September, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. created the Provincial Steering Committee of the 2015 Tourism Month Celebration to oversee the successful implementation of the different activities that will highlight the event.

The creation was made possible through Executive Order No. 0063-2015 in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 894 which stipulates that the month of September is officially declared as the National Tourism Week.

In view of this, the provincial board reciprocated via the drafting and approval of Resolution No. 401-2014 which declared the month of September as Pangasinan Tourism Month.

The executive order signed by the governor states that ”observance of the occasion is aimed at instilling national consciousness on tourism as an instrument of progress towards an accelerated national development, unity, and identity as a nation.”

With this, the executive order added that the Department of Tourism enjoins local government units, national agencies and the private sector to actively support and participate in the celebration by initiating various activities that will raise tourism awareness and promote the industry.

The Provincial Steering Committee of the 2015 Pangasinan Tourism Month Celebration are as follows: Chairman- Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr.; Vice-Chairman- Maria Luisa A. Elduayan (Prov’l. Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office); Members- Atty. Verna Nava Perez (Prov’l. Board); Orpheus M. Velasco (Prov’l. Information Office); Engr. Antonieta C. Delos Reyes (Prov’l Engineer’s Office); Dalisay Moya (Prov’l. Agriculturist Office); Col. Rolando Diaz (General Services Office); Dir. Martin S. Valera (Dept. Of Tourism-Region I); Dir. Cherrie Melanie Anchieta-Diego (Commission on Higher Education); Mayor Noel Nacar (Pangasinan Mayors’ League); Dr. Gerardo U. Acosta (Pangasinan Tourism Officers Association); Enrique Esguerra (Pangasinan Tour Guides Association); and, Michelle Lioanag (Pangasinan Visitors Bureau).

All city and municipal mayors are included as members as well as all schools division superintendents of the Department of Education. (Ruby R. Bernardino

Lingayen- – -“Amid every inevitable circumstances that will come let us remain united,” thus urged Liga ng mga Barangay President Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III before tornado vitims as he distributed financial assistance to them amounting to P920,000.00.

Attacks destroyed houses of the victims in Asingan and Bayambang last June 5 and 13, respectively.

The young Espino who sits in the provincial board representing the barangays was accompanied by Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. in the cash assistance distribution.

He said whatever natural calamity that will come, Pangasinenses must always adhere to the fact that the provincial government is ready to help and extend its support to those affected.

“The present administration is ready to help and serve Pangasinenses who need to be assisted,” he said.

The assistance will be used to help the victims reconstruct their damaged dwellings.

The provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) headed by Emilio Samson has facilitated the distribution of cash assistance under the Emergency Shelter Assistance Program on July 28.

Based on PSWDO record, there were 23 totally damaged houses in Brgy. Bantog in Asingan while three houses were partially damaged and two persons were injured in the tornado incident which took place on June 5.

Bayambang town, on the other hand, suffered more severe damage with 13 barangays directly hit by the tornado.

Families that suffered total or extreme damage on their houses received P10,000 each while P5,000 were awarded to those who suffered partial damages including those injured.

Vice Governor Calimlim expressed his support to all affected families as he urged them to be stronger in faith. “Everything is new life and new hope,” he said.

Meanwhile, Board Member Ranjit Shahani, who joined the distribution in Asingan town, commended the administration of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. for extending its helping hands to the affected families. “It only shows how much the provincial government cares for you,” he said.

For his part, Board Member Angel Baniqued, Jr., during the distribution rite in Bayambang, said that it is not the amount of cash assistance that counts but the fact that the government is ready to serve matters the most.

According to earlier reports, the tornado that took place in Sitio Aragaag in Bantog, Asingan uprooted trees and caused iron sheets to fly off houses.

The tornado also destroyed a funeral home where the roof was blown off and many caskets were blown away.

Before the awarding of cash assistance, the provincial government extended its rehabilitation assistance through the distribution of construction materials for the affected families specifically in Bayambang town.

The distribution of construction materials came after the local government of Bayambang submitted to the provincial government its post-disaster assessment report. (RBernardino)

SP opposes SSS branch transfer to Tarlac

LINGAYEN – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has asked the Social Security System (SSS) to stop the transfer of branch area of jurisdiction of the four towns in the 2nd Congressional District of Pangasinan from Alaminos Branch to Camiling Branch.

The four towns which include Aguilar, Basista, Mangatarem and Urbiztondo were originally under the functional jurisdiction of the Alaminos Branch of the SSS but were transferred to Camiling Branch in Tarlac.

Expressing the province’s full support to the sentiments of the local chief executives in the affected towns who have asked for the return of the area of jurisdiction to Pangasinan, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has urged the SP for the immediate approval of Provincial Resolution No. 1462-2015 calling for the return of the towns under the jurisdiction of the SSS Alaminos Branch.

In a resolution approved on August 3, the SP said SSS Alaminos Branch is serving the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts of Pangasinan and based on geographical and political categorization, the four towns belong to the 2nd District and therefore must be rendered service by the Alaminos Branch.

Noting that the SSS is considered as one of the frontline services of the national government, resolution authors, Board Members Nestor D. Reyes and Raul P. Sison, said that it is mandated to provide a social security protection to workers in the private sector, wage earners and self-employed individuals.

The SP members said the transfer of the branch area of jurisdiction of said towns to other province would mean dismembering the territorial integrity of the province of Pangasinan.

The SP added SSS move to transfer the branch area from Pangasinan to Camiling would also imply that the acquisition of data will be cumbersome in the preparation of investment plan of the province considering that data has to be secured in another province.

“Avoid fanning the fire of rabid partisanship that could lead to violence and other untoward incidents.”

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., in a press statement posted recently on the official facebook of the Province of Pangasinan, made this appeal to certain radio commentators from both opposing political camps who have warned each other in their recent programs of “possible reprisals including physical harm.”

The governor said that  they may have been “incensed by fiery denunciations and licentious attacks” as they hurl charges and countercharges against each other daily over the airwaves on various issues in Pangasinan.

“As the governor of this province,” he said “I will do everything within my authority to prevent this from happening.”

He said further: “I resolve to keep Pangasinan one of the most peaceful provinces in the country, and will not allow trouble-makers to ruin our stability and new-found potential for growth that have propelled our province to a No. 1 position in the region, in governance, delivery of basic services, attaining a robust economy, reduction of poverty and now a leading destination for tourism and investments.”

The provincial chief executive said that he is aware of the danger posed by the fact that certain sectors of society, including news practitioners, “are being used to incite animosities that could erupt in violence and then put the blame on me and my administration.”

Stressing that he condemns violence, the governor who was a bemedalled military and police officer, recalled that he have seen enough of violence in his long years as an officer of the law, how it has destroyed lives, governments and leaders, deprived individuals, families and communities of a good life and future.

“I implore our friends in the media to refrain from stoking the fire of hatred and deepening animosities because of politics,” he said.

As a politician, the governor said that he have been “repeatedly vilified, slandered by outrageous charges, including murder that was only recently dismissed by the

Department of Justice, but I have kept the governorship over and above the fray of dirty politics, keeping my peace and that of my loved ones and supporters, patiently and peacefully letting justice take its course.”

He said that despite the anguish he and his family had suffered because of repeated lies and the fabricated accusations, he never lost track of his sworn duty to protect not only his followers, but always acted and functioned as a father to all Pangasinenses.

He concluded his statement with this appeal to the media: “Observe utmost professionalism by presenting the news with objectivity, truth and without malice, not allowing (yourselves) to become tools of selfish interests (by those) who want to ruin the unity and progress we have attained in the past years.”

LINGAYEN – Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. urged Pangasinan farmers to enhance their knowledge on farming technologies to further boost agriculture in the province.

The governor made his call during the distribution and turn-over of farm machineries to over a hundred farmer-irrigators from some 40 farmers’ associations who received the machineries under the Farm Mechanization Program of the DA on July 21 at the Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center (PREC) in Sta. Barbara.

The governor and officials of the Department of Agriculture led by OIC Regional Executive Director Valentino Perdido, Asst. Regional Technical Director Engr.Ed Gonzales, Center Chief Dr. Gilbert Rabara and Regional Agriculture and Council Chairman Vincent Adorna turned over the various farm machineries consisting of hand tractors, four-wheel machineries, harvesters, threshers and water pumps among others.

Said machineries will give a big boost to the agricultural activities of the Pangasinan farmers especially to the rice and corn production.

As he stressed that the province remains to be an agricultural province in the next 30-50 years, Gov. Espino has assured the continuous support of the provincial government to the agriculture department and its programs, as well as the farmers.

With agriculture as the provincial government’s priority program, Gov. Espino disclosed that the province has been doing its best efforts to provide irrigation in all areas of the province that need to be irrigated.

Towards this end, the governor took the pleasure of announcing that the P2.6 billion irrigation project for Pangasinan has been reapproved by the National Economic and Development Authority.

The governor said the project aims to irrigate an additional 18, 000 hectares that will enable the province to compete with other provinces who have a well developed agriculture.

The provincial chief executive also said that the province is looking into possible ways of how it can help as he disclosed that the provincial government is securing a P100 million loan for the repair of dams and theestablishment of shallow tube wells in areas that have no irrigation.

As he called for the enhancement of knowledge and farming technology among the farmers, the governor, urged them to better send their children to other jobs instead of adding another farmer to the family.

Gov. Espino instead advised the farmers to just increase their knowledge by learning new farming technologies. /AVillanueva

GOV. ESPINO RECEIVES GSP TRIENNIAL CITATION

AWARD FOR PROMOTING SCOUTING MOVEMENT

LINGAYEN – Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. was recently conferred a Triennial Citation Award by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) for helping advance the scouting objective of instilling the right values among the youth and preparing them for good citizenship and the responsibilities of adulthood and nation-building.

The award was presented to Gov. Espino by GSP officials led by National Council President Susan Locsin during the installation of the GSP Council Board Members for Triunnium 2015 to 2018 held July 10 at the President hotel here.

Locsin was assisted by Judge Maybelle D. Marinas, GSP regional chairperson, Laila Morales, GSP regional executive director, GSP Pangasinan council president Dr. Perla T. Cornel and other council members.

Espino was cited for his continuing support of GSP programs, projects and

activities, most notably the construction of the new GSP Pangasinan Council

headquarters within the sprawling Capitol grounds in Lingayen.

In his response, Gov. Espino said his administration, which places the highest

priority on youth development, is always “prepared” to lend its support in promoting

the scouting movement, especially in the task of inculcating in the young the highest

standards of morality and service, crucial elements needed in creating a strong,

responsible and patriotic citizenry.

The girl scouting movement reached Philippine shores in 1939 through famous

suffragist Josefa Llanes Escoda, first Filipina leader to complete basic scouting lessons in the United States. The GSP is the female counterpart of the Boy Scouts whose origins are traced back to as early 1907 when it was first started by Lord Baden Powell at the Crystal Palace in London.

Baden-Powell had adopted “Be Prepared” as the scouting movement’s motto, which meant “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty.”

Similarly, the girls scout aim is to “empower girls to help teach values such as honesty, fairness, compassion, character, siserhood, confidence and tizizenship through activities including camping, community service, learning first aid, and earning badges by acquiring practical skills.”

Girl Scouting achievements are recognized through rank advancement, its most coveted awards being the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold.

In 1994, the “Chronicle of Philanthrophy” poll showed that the Girl Scouts had ranked among the highest in the undertaking of charity work all over the world, including the Philippiness. (PIO/R. Bernardino)

GOV. ESPINO, JR CONFIDENT OF TEAM PANGASINAN’S

STRONG SHOWING IN 2015 BATANG PINOY LUZON LEG

LINGAYEN – With rigid training and proper conditioning under the watchful eyes of established sporting names and training experts provided by the provincial government, Pangasinan entries are given excellent chances to place prominently in the Batang Pinoy-Luzon Leg scheduled July 17-22 in Malolos City, Bulacan.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. and other provincial officials were on hand in according Team Pangasinan, composed of 231 fifteen-year-old-and-above athletes, coaches and delegation officials, a warm send-off ceremony last July 15 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) gymnasium.

In an inspiring pep talk, Gov. Espino exhorted the Pangasinan young athletes to “bring back the bacon” that will equal, if not surpass, their excellent showing in Batang Pinoy competitions, Team Pangasinan having emerged second over-all runner-up in the annual meet during the past two years.

Gov. Espino rallied the young athletes to “Go for Gold” by exerting their best, saying “… it is not only for the prestige and glory of your beloved province, but more so keeping the faith, you being role models for your fellow young people as vanguards of the provincial ideal of developing strong and well-motivated citizens who will one day hold the torch in our collective duty and responsibility to nurture and advance the interests and well-being of our province and people.”

For his part, provincial sports coordinator, Modesto Operania, reminded the delegation that their provincemates place high expectations on the Pangasinan Batang Pinoy team by proving equal to the trust and confidence given them by the Pangasinan officialdom, especially Gov. Espino who had repeatedly described the young Pangasinan athletes as the “official delegates” of the province.

Over the past four years, Team Pangasinan have figured well in the Batang Pinoy competitions, their performance steadily showing a marked improvement.

Team Pangasinan had romped off with the over-all team championship in the 2012

Batang Pinoy regional/Luzon leg and placed back-to-back 2nd runner-up in 2013 (held in Iba, Zambales) and in 2014 (held in Naga City).

Team Pangasinan has climbed up the Batang Pinoy national games leader board by placing 18th in 2011, 15th in 2012, 11th in 2013 and 9th place in 2014 in over-all ranking.

The local young athletes will vie for dominance in Arnis, Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Futzal, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Karatedo, Lawn Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Swimming, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball (3/3) and Wrestling.

/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca