Lingayen- – -Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III lauded the Pangasinan Provincial Chorale (PPC) for notching anew the 3^rd runner-up spot in the Philippine Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) 6^th Government Choral Competition held September 13 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

The PPC was among the eight grand finalists of the national competition and was given a special award for being the best regional entry for Luzon.

This year’s grand championship was captured by the Tagum City Chamber Chorale while Bayugan City Educator’s Chorale and PAGIBIG Fund Chorale notched the 1^st runner-up and 2^nd runner-up spots, respectively.

The following special awards were given to the following choral groups: Best Regional Entry NCR, Pagibig Fund Choral; Best Regional Entry Visayas, Guimaras Capitol Chorale; Best Regional Entry Mindanao, Tagum City Chamber Chorale; Best Conductor, Anthony Villanueva (Pagibig Fund Chorale); Best Arrangement of Competition Song, John August Pamintuan of Tagum City Chamber Chorale.

As a backgrounder, the PPC was formed by then governor and now 5^th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. purposely to help revive classical Pangasinan songs and to promote Pangasinan language via songs.

PPC, which was formed during the first term of then Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., was originally composed of 23 provincial government employees but has increased to almost 40 members since its launching.

Since their establishment, the PPC was able to perform in events in and outside the province mostly as front acts. The group was given an opportunity to perform in Jakarta, Indonesia for some series of singing engagements in seven Christian Communities /Churches there which was made possible by the Jakarta Theological Seminary under the directorship of Rev. Stephen Suleeman.

In 2014, the PPC placed 3^rd runner-up in the CSC’s national choral competition. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Lingayen – Governor Amado I. Espino, III reiterated to young Pangasinense leaders who attended the Pangasinan Youth Leaders Forum the sense of being cautious in everything that they do.

            Addressing hundreds of youth leaders from secondary and tertiary schools in the province during the opening ceremonies of the youth forum held on September 15 at the Sison Auditorium, Governor Espino asked them to not become impulsive and easily swayed by negative influence.

“Always consider and think of your parents and those people who helped raise you (Sana isipin nyo muna ang mga taong nagpapagod para sa inyo),” Governor Espino reminded the youth leaders who convened for the two-day leadership forum as he expressed concern and appreciation to their parents who exert efforts and sacrifices for their good.

“Wala pong kwenta ang utak kung hindi naman alam ng puso ang mahalaga,” he stressed.

The provincial chief executive, who spent 16 years in public service as councilor, then Mayor in Bautista town and barangay captain which led him to become a member of the provincial board being the Liga ng mga Barangay provincial president, likewise urged the youth leaders to lead by example.

“Being a leader, you must also follow and accomplish things with all your heart,” Governor Espino pointed out.

            Meanwhile, Pangasinan Youth Leaders Association (PYLA) President Anne Escano Morales, who led the implementation of the youth leaders’ forum, expressed gratitude to the provincial administration for extending support to the activity.

            “Malaki ang tulong ng  provincial government sa aktibidad na ito sapagkat tulad natin, nare-recognize nila ang magandang hangarin ng youth leadership forum para sa mga kabataan ng Pangasinan,” Morales said.

            The leadership forum includes the following lectures: “I am a Leader”; The Constitutional Change to Federalism: Are we ready? ; The New Media and Leadership; and Levels of Leadership.  /Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

Lingayen – Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III recognized the indispensable roles of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in assuring healthy communities.

            “Be patient in dispensing your duties,” Governor Espino told hundreds of BNSs and BHWs who attended the 6^th Regional Barangay Nutrition Scholars held at the Sison Auditorium on September 16.

            Citing the transformation his predecessor, former governor and now 5^th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. initiated to upgrade health care services in Pangasinan in his 9-year stint as provincial chief executive, Gov. Espino vowed that his administration will strengthen further the health care development thrust of the provincial government.

            Expressing concern to the BNSs and BHWs, the provincial chief executive said he is seeking the support of barangay captains to bat for further recognition to workers in barangays.

            “Kayang kaya natin if we help each other in taking care of the health concerns of our constituents in barangays,” Governor Espino said.

            The young Espino likewise bared that in his 16 years of public service, serving as councilor then mayor of Bautista town who served for three terms, and was elected barangay captain who became the Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President, he has seen the realities in serving barangays.

            Meanwhile, Nutrition Program Coordinator Ma. Eileen Blanco of National Nutrition Council Region 1 noted the gathering as a respite from the work of BNSs and BHWs in barangays to focus on updates on health and nutrition that they will later share in their respective communities.

            “This activity is a recognition of your efforts. No amount of money will pay your efforts in keeping your constituents healthy,” Blanco said.

            The BNS congress which includes talks on Pediatric Health and Nutrition, 1^st 1,000 Days of Baby, Pinggang Pinoy and Basic Financial Wellness Program was also attended by Provincial Health Officer Ma. Anna Teresa De Guzman and Assistant PHO Cielo Almoite, Nutrition Program Manager Analiza Miranda and Pangasinan BNS Federation President Carmelita Cruz.

            Officers of the La Union, Pangasinan and Ilocos BNS Federation led by Nory Estoesta were also present during the activity which bannered the theme, “LUPang Ilocos BNS: “Kaakibat at maaasahan sa serbisyong pang-nutrisyon tungo sa malusog na kinabukasan.”

Lingayen – A Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) in preparation for Typhoon “Ferdie” was conducted by the Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) last September 13 at the PDRRMC Headquarters.

PDRRMC made the assessment as part of the standard operation procedure under Code Blue alert, the second highest state of alert as of 9:00 a.m. of the same day.

This move by local disaster response officials signals readiness and preparation of the council’s 44 member agencies by executing mitigating measures such as clustering and prepositioning disaster assets, coordination of evacuation areas and stockpiling of relief goods.

Col. Fernando De Guzman, PDRRMC warning and operation head, presided over the meeting in lieu of PDRRMC executive officer Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar.

He said that through holding PDRA, the council can perform an inventory its manpower, equipment and vehicles it would use and deploy even before the adverse effect of the typhoon reaches Pangasinan.

“As we conducted PDRA, we have found Pangasinan to be well prepared for the adverse effect of the typhoon,” De Guzman said.

Based on the forecasted made as of Sept. 14 at 12;30 p.m. by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomic Services Administration, Typhoon Ferdie has already exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, moving towards Southwestern China, failing to make a landfall in the country.

During the assessment, PDRRMC reported that the typhoon, however, can bring about monsoon rains that could trigger flooding in the western and central sections of Pangasinan, especially along the Agno River basin.

As of 8:30 a.m. today, PDRRC through Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar has reverted the status to Code White alert while maintaining the Emergency Operations Center’s 24-hour standby monitoring.

Recently, PDRRMC sent rescuers to a Basic Life Support Training of Trainers in San Juan City, Metro Manila last August 31 and held a Water Search and Rescue & Water Boat Operation and Maintenance training in Burgos town last August 31-September 2.

Last August 22-27, it hosted a Rapid Earthquake Disaster Assessment Software training by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology at the President’s Hotel here.

These activities were mounted by the council to further its continuing effort to enhance its disaster response and services.

Lingayen – Two big events to be hosted by the provincial government of Pangasinan led by Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino, III in partnership with the city government of Alaminos will cap Pangasinan Tourism Month celebration this September.

            The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) enjoins tourism stakeholders, tourism enterprise owners and tourism frontliners to participate in the 3^rd Region 1 Tourism Convention on September 27-30 while members of recognized schools of tourism and hospitality management are invited to the Pangasinan Tourism Youth Conference on September 27.

            Expected to draw a big crowd of stakeholders in tourism industry, the two big events will be conducted in support to the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s World Tourism Day celebrated every September 27.

            It can be recalled that in 2014 the previous provincial administration had institutionalized via provincial board resolution no. 401-2014 September as Pangasinan Tourism Month which sought to constantly instill consciousness among Pangasinenses the role of tourism as an instrument of progress and development in the province.

            The regional tourism convention serves as a common ground for tourism practitioners to exchange ideas, discuss issues and challenges confronting the industry; and seeks to strengthen cooperation among tourism stakeholders towards the development, promotion and sustainability of tourism in the region.

            Component events for the regional tourism convention will be held in Lingayen and Alaminos City. These include: final judging of R1 music and video contest (Sept. 27; Capitol Resort, Lingayen); governor’s night and regional tourism week celebration kick-off ceremonies (Sept. 28; Sison Auditorium, Lingayen); industry and immersion tours in western and central Pangasinan; grand opening and mayor’s night (Sept. 28); convention proper (Sept 29; Alaminos City).

            Mangrove and island tours and tourism industry appreciation and awards night to be conducted at the Hundred Islands Lucap Wharf in Alaminos City are also scheduled on September 29 while the following day, September 30, the city government will launch the Hundred Island National Park Mangrove and Paraw tours.

            Four sets of immersion tours are up during the regional tourism confab. Interested participants, however, are advised to register ahead of time due to limited slots offered.

            Packages of immersion tours include: (A) Heritage tour at Capitol grounds, Bagoong factory, Sweet Deli (Bucayo and Pastilyas factory), Manaoag Church, and Calasiao Church plus free accommodation on the 27^th; (B) Bani and Anda tour at Bangrin Marine Protected Area and Mangrove Park in Bani and Tondol beach in Anda; (C) Burgos and Dasol tour at Opifices Christi, Carmelite Monastery and Cabongaoan beach in Burgos, and Tambobong beach and viewdeck in Dasol; (D) Bolinao tour at St. James Church, University of the Philippines Marine Laboratory and Research Institute, Balingasay river, Bolinao Lighthouse and Patar beach.

             For inquiries on the upcoming events, interested participants may contact the Department of Tourism Region 1 via (072) 888-2411, (072) 888-2098 or email at dotregion1@pldtdsl.net; or the PTCAO at 0995-967-6804, 0999-883-9740 or email at pangasinan_tourism@yahoo.com.

Lingayen – Now on its fourth year, the Lingayen District hospital (LDH) sets another leg of its advocacy drive against cigarette smoking, alcohol, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy to be participated in by select public school communities and facilities in Pangasinan’s Second District towns from Sept. 20-October 20.

Dr. John Ferrer, resident dentist and public health coordinator at LDH, said that the campaign is in line with the Family and Youth Development Program of Gov. Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III, which seeks to empower the next generation of Pangasinenses against the societal problems.

Aside from the four core topics, also to be discussed in the program are: leptospirosis and dengue prevention, climate change mitigation and how-to’s of avoiding hyper-tension, diabetes mellitus and venereal disease.

Also to be presented is the “Pangasinan Go 4 Health”, which comprises: Go Sigla, for more physical activity; Go Sustansya, for proper nutrition; third, Go Smoke-Free and; Go Slow sa Tagay.

The advocacy campaign is set to take place in 11 venues, 9 of which are public schools and two are public facilities.

Among the schools to be visited are: Malawa Integrated School in Lingayen, Sept. 22; Labrador National High School, Sept. 27; Polong National High School in Bugallon, Sept. 29; Salumague National High School in Bugallon, October 4; Tampac Integrated School in Aguilar, October 6; Mangatarem National High School, Oct. 11; Urbiztondo Catholic School, Oct. 13; Binmaley School of Fisheries, Oct. 18 and; Pangasinan School of Arts and Trade, Oct. 20.

The team will also bring the program to the Provincial Jail and Management Penology on Sept. 20 and LDH on Sept. 28, both events focusing on the welfare of prisoners and commercial sex workers respectively.

LDH teams up with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan particularly the Provincial Governor’s Office, Provincial Health Office and the Provincial Information Office together with the Department of Education and Pangasinan Provincial Police Office to make this event possible.

For the past three years, this collaborative advocacy campaign has already served thousands of Pangasinenses in 60 public school and facilities.

Lingayen – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan together with the Pangasinan Visitors Bureau (PVB) mounts the Pangasinan Tourism Youth Conference on September 27, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sison Auditorium here.

Headlining the event are talks from country’s leading personalities on Travel Blogging, Event Organizing, Entrepreneurship in Tourism and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Participants will also hear from speakers of the Department of Tourism, the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and sponsor Northern Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB).

Other highlights of the conference are the creation of PVB Youth Sector Group (PVBYSG) and election of its officers and an invitation to participate in the Region 1 Tourism Convention’s Governor’s Night at the same venue, 7 p.m.

To take part in the event, one must be an officer or a member of a recognized school Tourism or Hotel & Restaurant Management association, group or club or at least a student duly enrolled in any tourism or hospitality-related course securing his or her dean’s endorsement.

Student leaders should pre-register using the conference’s official Registration Form signed by the school dean or equivalent representative on or before Sept. 23.

A registration fee of Php 300 must be paid on the conference proper, which already includes PVBYSG membership, PVB and and sponsors’ conference kit freebies and certificate.

Lunch, dinner and morning and afternoon snacks will be served during the event and free accommodation will be made available at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center Dormitory on Sept. 27.

A maximum of three slots is allotted to every school; however, upon withdrawal or non-participation of invited schools, the secretariat may accept additional participants from other interested universities on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested participants may send filled up registration form through fax or email to the PVB Secretariat located at 1^st Floor Malong Bldg., Capitol Complex, Lingayen Pangasinan or at pangasinan_tourism@yahoo.com. They could also call or text 0995-967-6804 or 0999-883-9740.

Helming the event is PVB, an NPVB-affiliated, private sector-led, non-stock group of tourism-related stakeholders established to promote local tourist destinations in the province through different activities.

Lingayen – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) rallies behind former Pangasinan Governor and now 5^th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr., Board Member Raul Sison and former Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan who were tagged as alleged subjects in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) ‘drug matrix’ released by President Rodrigo Duterte at the wee hours of August 25.

The SP convened a special session to pass Provincial Resolutions Nos. 114, 115 and 116 – 2016 to express full faith, trust and confidence in the integrity and competence of prominent sons of Pangasinan, Cong. Espino, Jr., BM Sison and former PA Baraan who were allegedly involved in the ‘drug matrix’ which includes former Justice Secretary now Senator Leila de Lima.

Maintaining its full-support to Gov. Espino, the SP underscored that during his nine years of good governance as provincial chief executive, “There is no iota of doubt that he had been involved in such an illegal drug trade operation inside and even outside the political jurisdiction of the province.”

            “The SP is of firm belief that any insinuation of Rep. Espino’s involvement to the NBP drug matrix would not at all affect his integrity as former governor of Pangasinan and his competence in the performance of his duties and responsibilities as 5^th district representative,” Provincial Resolution No. 114-2016 states.

Evident with Espino’s relentless war against illegal drugs, he authored the monumental piece of legislation – Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 when he was a congressman a decade ago.

Saddened by the alleged involvement of one colleague to the drug trade, the SP puts on record that the august body has been a witness to the political career of BM Sison who has not been tainted with any controversy.

Sison joined the provincial board first as representative of the Pangasinan Councilors’ League and now he is completing his third and last term as second district board member.

SP members have also expressed full trust and confidence to former PA Baraan who served under the terms of the former governor, attesting that the former provincial official performed his job in good faith and not in any manner of self-service.

“The 6^th to 8^th SP including the present 9^th have found an ally with the former provincial administrator for he has been cooperative, approachable and of great assistance to its legislative works, endeavors and concerns,” Provincial Resolution No. 116-2016 reads.

Rep. Espino denied yesterday, August 25 noon his alleged involvement in the NBP drug matrix.

In a press conference held in Dagupan City, Rep. Espino said he has never been associated with Sen. de Lima as he stressed that the former Justice Secretary was instrumental in pursuing the investigation of a fabricated murder case against him at the height of the campaign period for 2013 mid-term elections.

Espino said the drug issues hurled at him disregards the fact that he devoted his military and police service and his career as a politician being a former congressman and governor in seriously pushing for the eradication of illegal drugs.

Pangasinan, under Espino’s term saw the full-activation of the provincial anti-drug abuse council in cooperation with the police force and eventually the municipal/city anti-drug abuse council and the barangay anti-drug abuse council.

Lingayen – World-renowned Italian-Iranian film artist Antonio Gellini visited the province of Pangasinan on August 23 to 27 to see the beautiful tourism attractions and historical sites of the province where participants of the Olympia awards he is considering to hold in the Philippines could visit and enjoy as part of their rest and recreation.

Escorted by Pangasinan Brotherhood – United States of America (PB-USA) president Jun Caringal and Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast corridor President Felix Lopez, Dr. Gellini was welcomed to the capitol building on August 23 by some department heads led by Sangguniang Panlalawigan secretary Verna Nava-Perez, on behalf of Governor Amado I. Espino, III.

Gellini, founder of the World Film Institute, The Family Film Awards on the CBS TV Network, Olympic Arts Institute and the Olympia awards, in a briefing held at the governor’s office told the provincial government department heads that he is travelling with his companions to search for places that could possibly serve as the host venue of the 2017 Olympia awards.

Part of Gellini’s travel to Pangasinan included trips to the Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, Lingayen airport, Sual seaport and other tourism attractions in Bolinao, Binmaley, Laoac and Urdaneta City.

Citing Pangasinan as a beautiful place to host an international gathering of artists, Gellini stressed that the opportunity of hosting the Olympia awards would help spur tourism and the economic aspect of a place.

The Olympia awards, much like the Olympic Games, is held every four years. It is composed of a pool of 250 artists and a panel of notable entertainment experts and film critics who will choose the top three choices in all 15 contest categories.

“In these changing times where the creation of visual images throughout the world can be shared through powerful media that cut across all boundaries, I believe that filmmakers have an important responsibility because what we can do can affect the entire world,” said Gellini who expounded his view on the role of an artist in the world today.

Gellini said that through visual stories that take viewers on an adventure, the humanity can eliminate the barriers of race, age, gender and religion.

Meanwhile, PB – USA president Caringal, bared that the visit of Gellini to Pangasinan would see prospects for investment and tourism promotions; and trade cooperation.

Lopez, on the other hand, said he encouraged his friend, Gellini, to visit Pangasinan, believing that the vast natural wonders of Pangasinan would captivate the attention of the international artist and urge him to bring his Olympia awards to the Philippines to highlight Pangasinan as a premiere tourism destination.

Notable winners of the Olympia awards include Tom Hanks (outstanding actor, feature film), Sandra Bullock (outstanding actress, feature film) and Ron Howard (outstanding director, feature film).

Other distinctions given during Olympia awards are related in the fields of music, dance, film, theatre, painting, sculpture and literature.

Chief Administrative Office Irmina Francisco, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Benita Pizarro and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malou Elduayan were also present in welcoming the international icon.

INT’L FILM ARTIST VISITS CAPITOL. Pangasinan Brotherhood – United States of America (PB-USA) president Jun Caringal (4^th from left) explains to some department heads and employees of the Capitol the purpose of visit to Pangasinan of world renowned Italian-Iranian film artist Antonio Gellini (5^th from left) which is anchored on investment and tourism promotion and trade cooperation. Gellini toured several top tourism attractions and historical sites of the province, including the famous Hundred Islands National Park, where participants of the Olympia awards he is considering to hold in the Philippines could visit and enjoy. Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce Southeast corridor President Felix Lopez escorted Gellini in visiting his home province. /Photo by RPGutierrezIII/MGNO