LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial government of Pangasinan extends all-out support for the implementation of more livelihood ventures for women from Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and coastal towns.

            As an initial step, the Local Councils of Women (LCW) – Pangasinan in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and other development partners mounted on September 21-22 at the President Hotel in Lingayen the Orientation Seminar on Skills and Product Enhancement.

            The orientation seminar, which gathered 30 IP women and 10 costal women, was the training component of the 1^st Gayak Pangasinan ‘Women Leaders for a Cause’, an LCW-led fund-raising event held last April 7 at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen.

            Addressing the participants on behalf of Governor Amado I. Espino, III, Board Member Raul Sison assured the IP and coastal women that the provincial administration in non-stop with its efforts to cascade all its development projects, particularly socio-economic services, to the grassroots level.

            “Patuloy and suporta ng ating Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa mga program para sa mga Indigenous Peoples at mga kababaihan sa Pangasinan,” Sison said.

            A component of the orientation seminar, the participants was introduced to the Livelihood Assistance Program of the provincial government which gave them particulars on the pre-requisites they must comply with to avail of the program.

            Urbiztondo Vice Mayor Marilyn Sison, LCW Pangasinan Chair, said the discussions included in the orientation seminar were arranged ‘in procedure’ relative to starting a livelihood venture.

            Topics discussed by experts were: Business Registration and Entrepreneurship, Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Sanitary Operating Procedure, Awareness Seminar on Packaging and Labelling and License to Operate.

            “We are doing all these as part of our advocacy of empowering women especially the disadvantaged… to help them level up their socio-economic status,” LCW Chair Sison said.

            ‘Livelihood start up provisions’ for wine-making and fish products processing were awarded to the IP and coastal women.

            Skills demonstrations to include bangus products processing, and the briefer of the bamboo products processing of LGU Alaminos City were conducted as well along with the Crime Awareness and Prevention lecture.

            The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples – Pangasinan brought 30 women from various IP communities in Pangasinan who seeks to develop their wine-making and handicraft industries. They were from Sison, Umingan, Labrador, Sual and Dasol.

            Coastal women, on the other hand, came from Sual, Infanta, Anda and San Fabian.

            /Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

GOV. POGI DELIVERS FIRST SOPA. Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III (left) delivers his first State of the Province Address on May 11 at the Capitol plaza. In his maiden report to the people of Pangasinan, the provincial chief executive stated the various achievements of the provincial government in less than a year since he assumed his post as highest official of the province. Thanking the past administration led by his father, former governor and now the 5^th district Congressman Amado T. Espino, Jr. for laying down the foundation, the Governor vowed to continue all program thrusts and noted that enhancements and additional undertakings will be implemented to ensure that the envisioned development and progress for Pangasinan be fully achieved. (Photo by Meinard V. Sadim/RRB)

Gov. Pogi awards P2-M worth of livelihood aid

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino III awarded a total of more than P2 million worth of livelihood assistance to 17 cooperatives, farmers associations, women’s groups and micro, small and medium enterprise on May 15 at the Ceremonial Hall of the Urduja House.

The distribution which is part of the provincial government’s regular livelihood assistance program is the second batch to be awarded this year.

It can be recalled that the livelihood assistance program was launched in 2008 during the term of the governor’s father, former governor and now 5^th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr., designed to transform Pangasinense women to become self-sufficient. Since then, the program was enhanced to involve not only women but other groups like farmers and fisherfolks, among others.

Second batch of recipients for this year are as follows: Natividad Pangasinan Marketing Cooperative (Natividad), Aragaag Farmers Awisa, Inc. (Asingan), Turko Kalipi Women’s Association (Laoac)’ Grain Growers of San Felipe Central Farmers Association, Inc. (Binalonan), Rural Improvement Club Federation of Sta. Barbara (Sta. Barbara), Happy Mothers Association (Mabini), BOMADUS ARC Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Labrador)’ Muelang Kalipi Association (Mangatarem)’ Otso Tres Farmers Entrepreneur Association, Inc. (Alcala)’ Lingayen OF/W Family Association (Lingayen), Balungao Agricultural Farmers Association (Balungao), Agat Kalipi Association (Sison), Nanbagatanan Kalipi Women’s Association (Binalonan), Eastern Binalonan MPC (Binalonan), Rangtay Ti Panagdur-as MPC (Natividad), Holy Seed Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Balungao) and Mang Ador’s Frozen Foods (Mangaldan).

With the exception of Mang Ador’s Frozen Foods which is classified as MSME and engaged in the production of frozen foods and meat products, all other groups/associations are into farm inputs and commodity trading.

Meanwhile, Provincial Population Officer Ellsworth Gonzales noted that 10 of the recipients are newly formed groups thus it is their first time to avail of the soft loan. Amounts of loan varies from P50,000 (for the MSME), P100,000 for the first-timers, and P150,000 up to P180,000 for renewed loans. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

BBM-POGI OATH-TAKING. Bayanihang Bayan Movers – Pangasinan Organization of Genuine Inhabitants (BBM-POGI) flash the Pangasinan number one sign with Governor Amado “Pogi I. Espino III (center) after the provincial chief executive inducted them as BBM-POGI officers on April 19, 2017. The inducted officers are Philip G. Terry (President), Rufino G. De Vera (Vice President), Angelita B. Sison (Secretary), Liza M. Terry (Sub-Secretary), Rogelio A Padua (Auditor), Rameil E. Olinares (Sub-Auditor), Apolonia S. Amor, Flordeliza F. Naniong, James D. Butay (Business Managers), Violeta M. Valdez, Dominador L. Totaan, Ursula T. Liberato (PRO), Jessie C. Lantano, Melquiadez S. Ignacio, Sherwin G. Terry and Arthur B. Tolete Jr. (SGT. At Arms). (Photo by MVSadim/KMR and DRPC)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III has been conferred with “Honoris Causa” Doctor in Public Administration by US-based International Academy for Leadership and Management (IALM) during the AIE College’ 13^th Joint Commencement Exercises on April 20 at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City.

Honoris Causa is a title granted to an individual of high moral qualities in recognition of the individual’s outstanding and notable contribution in his/her field of expertise.

Bishop Hernando C. Bruce, IALM Coordinator and Incoming Commissioner of Values Formation, said the provincial chief executive possessed unquestionable integrity, remarkable and exemplary leadership as public servant which made him worthy of such title and award.

Bruce added that the exemplary leadership award was made possible through the recommendation of Dr. Aveleo Fuentes, AIE College Chairman.

Prior to the conferment of Honorary Degree, Gov. Espino was also presented with Dangalang Bayan Award from the Alliance of Chaplains for Transformation of Society (ACTS) and Philippine Christian College based in Dasmarinas Cavite for his outstanding performance as a public servant.

Unaware of the conferment, Gov. Espino thanked the institution for the honor accorded to him. He likewise urged all the graduates to carve their destiny and their lives not only for themselves but for their family and community, as well.

He emphasized that although each graduate envisions a better future, they should never forget to look back and acknowledge those who helped them in their journey.

The awarding rite was witnessed by 2^nd District Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil and over 500 graduates of AIE College along with their parents/guardians. (Krystle Mae Reamon/RRB)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- – -The 437^th Agew na Pangasinan celebration on April 5 will be marked with various activities that will highlight the province’s rich and colorful history.

Pangasinan’s founding anniversary will start with a thanksgiving mass at 8 AM to be held at the Sison Auditorium.

After the mass, a commemorative program will be held where Gov. Amado I. Espino III together with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and members of the board will award prizes for this year’s winners of Kurit Panlunggaring Literary Contest.

The commemorative program’s guest of honor and speaker will be Ms. Rebecca Bustamante-Mills, President of Chalre Associates who is also an ASNA awardee.

Immediately after the program, the governor will open the Pangasinan Trade and Tourism Expo at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC). Various local products will be on display until the Pistay Dayat celebration.

Street-dancing in Parada na Luyag will make the event festive with the performances of contingents from different towns and cities in Pangasinan, enlivening the province’s history, festivals and culture.

A live concert dubbed Konsyerto ed Kapitolyo will feature the performances of Mitoy and the Draybers Band along with some local talents to include Banda ni Pogi, Renz Ruther Robosa, Arah May Robosa, John Paul Dimaculangan, among others.

Meanwhile, April 5 has been declared as a special non-working public holiday in Pangasinan by President Rodrigo R. Duterte through Acting Executive Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra who signed Proclamation No. 179 on his behalf.

Earlier, a measure to institutionalize the holiday was made by former governor now 5^th district Congressman Amado T. Espino, Jr. and 2^nd district Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil.

House Bill No. 2794 entitled “An Act Declaring April 5 of Every Year as the Pangasinan Day and A Special Non-Working Public Holiday in the Province of Pangasinan,” will soon be a law.

Correspondingly, the Pangasinan provincial board approved Provincial Resolution No. 603-2017 on its regular session on March 20 endorsing the passage of the bill filed by the two congressmen. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Left: Cagers from the local government unit of San Carlos City (in yellow jersey) and Sual (in black) jump for ball possession at the start of the 1^st Governor’s Cup Unity Games on March 16 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) gymnasium. At right photo women employees from LGU Sta. Barbara (in yellow) storm rival team Sual (in white) at the opening minutes of the volleyball game. The Unity Games, a brainchild of Gov. Amado I. Espino III, features two sporting events—basketball for men and volleyball for women. It aims to unite all LGU officials and employees in Pangasinan as it geared to enhance sports and tourism thrusts of the province. (Photo by MVSadim / Regine B. De Guzman/RRB)

Lingayen – The provincial government of Pangasinan on March 10 led the inauguration of a P3.4-M building it constructed as headquarters of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Region 1.

          Executive Assistant IV Ramon Morden, who represented Governor Amado I. Espino, III during the inauguration of said building, which is located at the Maramba boulevard corner Sto Nino St., bared that the provincial administration sustains its full-support to the undertakings of the BSP.

          The reassuring support of Governor ‘Pogi’ Espino, Morden said, manifests his recognition of the pivotal role of BSP in nation building, particularly in shaping well-rounded personality of the youth. 

          “The provincial administration recognizes the role of BSP in instilling in the minds of the youth proper norms, conduct and the values they need as they grow old,” he added.

          Unveiling of the BSP regional headquarters building and ceremonial turn-over of office key was led by Morden, along with BSP executives  — Asst. Secretary General Rogelio Villa, Jr.; Regional Vice Chairman, DepEd Schools Division of Pangasinan 1 Superintendent Ma. Celia Fernandez, Regional Scout Director Imelda Samson and other scout executives in the region.

          Morden pointed out that during the nine-year stint as governor of now 5^th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr., who also serves as the BSP regional chairman, the scouting movement is given priority as avenue to enhance the leadership skills and camaraderie among the scouts.

          It can be recalled that the provincial government under the elder Espino built two edifices which serve as headquarters of BSP Pangasinan and Girl Scouts of the Philippines – Pangasinan Council, respectively.

          Blessing of the regional BSP headquarters officiated by Rev. Fr. Hernan Caronongan of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish – Lingayen was held prior to the inauguration rites.

DARLING OF THE PRESS. Anie Uson, Labrador town’s bet for this year’s Limgas na Pangasinan, was chosen by members of the media as “Darling of the Press” during the press presentation held on March 6 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center. The 19-year-old witty and charming lady is a B.S. Architecture student of St. Louis University in Baguio City. She will vie for the much-coveted title along with the other 24 lovely ladies during Limgas Pageant Night on April 30. (Photo by Meinard Sadim/RRB)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan- – -National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr. commended the Pangasinan provincial government for its implementation of housing program specifically the 2^nd phase of the Maniboc socialized housing for employees/teachers and Aplaya West Resettlement Project which is intended to shelter the ‘poorest of the poor.’

Escalada, who visited the two housing sites located at Barangay Maniboc and Sitio Aplaya in Barangay Pangapisan Norte of Lingayen town on February 24, said the projects are concrete manifestation of how the national government and the local government units (LGUs) are cooperating.

The housing general manager said that the NHA is doing its best to redirect its thrust and focus by capacitating all LGUs. Thus, he stressed that the project is an obvious manifestation of empowerment and cooperation of the provincial government.

“If we are able to replicate this project, we will be able to address problems on illegal settlers,” Escalada said as he specifically pertained to the resettlement project.

In lauding the provincial government Escalada also commended the housing designs noting that it meets certain standards like gender-sensitivity, flexibility and comfort of the design. “Hindi lang siya bahay but it is a home where people can live and children can participate,” he said.

Land clearing and development for the housing project which consists of 317 units started last year during the term of former Governor now 5^th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. Physical accomplishment to date is about 70 percent.

Meanwhile, PHUDCC officer-in-charge Angelito Pedeglorio said the project is intended as resettlement site to accommodate families living along danger zones like the Agno River bank.

As such, he said the project cost is over P12 million of which the NHA will shoulder more than P9.3 million while the province’s fund share amounted to P3.4 million.

Meanwhile, the provincial government under the stewardship of Gov. Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III has started its clearing of site operations two weeks ago for the 2^nd Phase Villa Maniboc socialized housing. Target date of land development completion is 180 days.  (Ruby R. Bernardino)