Lingayen – The Provincial Health Office here advises the public to be mindful of health precautionary measures this summer season as heat index is expected to rise in weeks ahead.

Provincial Health Officer Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman said her office issued the health advisory at the onset of the summer season to raise public awareness regarding health issues caused by the increasing temperature which is aggravated by the El Nino phenomenon.

“Avoid direct exposure to sunlight from 10am to 3pm as heat index peaks in between these hours,” said Dr. De Guzman, who noted that, so far, no cases of heat stroke have been reported in the province.

She also advised people to stay hydrated by drinking at least ten glasses of water daily and avoid coffee, tea, soda and alcohol intake. If the need to stay outdoors cannot be avoided, hats and umbrellas should be used, she added.

Heat stroke is a medical condition where the body overheats and cannot cool down because the body cannot take off the excessive heat by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment.

Signs of heat exhaustion may include warm and flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever, rapid heartbeat, convulsion and unconsciousness.

Other common diseases this summer are: sunburns, sore eyes, jellyfish sting, skin diseases such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, chicken pox, malaria, dengue, viral infections such as cough, gastro-intestinal infection and rabies.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) launched the Oplan Summer Vacation (SumVac) last March 23 to oversee the safety of beachgoers, local and foreign tourists visiting the Lingayen gulf.

PDRRMO spokesperson Avenix Arenas said SumVac is conducted by the provincial government annually in anticipation to the large group of beachgoers and tourists who frolic at the Capitol beachfront to witness various events of Pistay Dayat 2016 revelry which takes off on April 22, Friday.

Arenas assured that there will be enough personnel who will man the Capitol beachfront during Pistay Dayat and the rest of summer period until June 5 as augmentation has been requested from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army and rescue teams from Lingayen and Bugallon local government units.

“To avoid any untoward incident on the beach like drowning and jellyfish sting, the public is advised to strictly observe the safety precautions for beachgoers,” Arenas pointed out.

Lingayen – Before deployment, the new set of 75 Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) beneficiaries from all-over the province were primed by the Pangasinan Employment Services Office (PESO) Wednesday.

The orientation held at the agency’s training hall was led by PESO Manager Alex Ferrer, briefing them on basic professional conduct and dress code observed in the participants’ workplaces.

The students will be spread out to administrative, clerical, housekeeping and maintenance posts in hospitals and other government office in Pangasinan for 20 days starting this April 18.

Per diem for each participants is fixed at the minimum provincial government rate of Php 409 /day, which is higher than the Php 253 basic rate in Region 1, which Ferrer pointed out to be of great help for the students to save up for the coming academic year.

To ensure that the grantees are saving up for school, the office requires them to submit a proof of their enrolment.

Sixty percent of the pay the beneficiaries will get is shouldered by the Capitol while the remaining 40 percent is covered by the Department of Labor and Employment.

To qualify for the program, students and out-of-school youth must come from a family with parents’ annual income falling within the annual regional poverty threshold level that is Php 110,000 for Pangasinan and must have obtained passing mark from the previous school term enrolled in.

Another set of 75 SPES grantees will be enlisted to the program on June this year, bringing the total of beneficiaries for the summer period to 150.

Lingayen – Pistay Dayat 2016 celebration kicks off on April 22 to present a spectacle of events that reflect the beauty, artistry and wealth of the province’s natural and human resources, captivating tourist destinations and local industries which are sources of ‘civic pride among Pangasinenses.’

What used to be just a simple celebration which serves as thanksgiving for the bounty of fish harvest in coastal villages in Pangasinan, Pistay Dayat merriment has evolved through the years as a ‘sight to behold,’ featuring a wide-array of activities and events that draw a big crowd of people from all over the Philippines visiting Pangasinan this summer.

Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., takes pride of the Pistay Dayat celebration which has gained prominence as the ‘Mother of All Festivals’ in the province.

Last year, Pistay Dayat was hailed by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines (ATOP) as first runner-up in the coveted Pearl awards (best tourism event – festival category).

As a Pearl awardee, the provincial government has been recognized for its stellar contributions in making the Pistay Dayat a boost to the province’s tourism sector.

Governor Espino will lead the opening program of 2016 Pistay Dayat at the Capitol beachfront on April 22 at 4PM, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo dubbed “Aliguas Turismo tan Ekonomiya” at the Provincial Training and Development (PDTC) compound.

In the evening of April 22, beachgoers and revelers will find time to enjoy the I Love Pangasinan (ILP) beach rave concert/party which is a joint activity of the ILP Movement and the San Miguel Brewery, Inc.

The opening of exhibit and the PanagARTela Art Workshop at the PDTC are scheduled on the following day, April 23, at 9AM.

The Capitol beachfront will be filled with a large group of sports buffs and spectators with the staging of two sporting events, namely: Paboksing ed Gulpo (April 29) and the Beach Volleybelle competition (April 30 – May 1).

Most-awaited sand-sculpting competition which features the artistry and ingenuity of local artists takes off on April 30 at the Capitol beachfront. Public viewing of sand sculptures is on May 1.

Twenty-four ladies from various parts of Pangasinan will vie for the Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 title at the coronation night slated on April 30 at the Capitol Plaza. On April 23, the Limgas candidates will outshine each other in the talent showdown and the parade of One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) –inspired festival costumes.

A Thanksgiving Mass will be offered on May 1 at the Capitol beachfront.

The Banca Parada, a fluvial parade of a large cluster of artistically-designed bancas cruising from sitio Bantayan of Pangapisan, Lingayen to Banaga in Bugallon will serve as the main delight of the May 1 revelry. The Pistay Dayat program and awarding of Banca Parada winners follow right after the fluvial parade.

At 4PM, best booths and exhibitors will be recognized during the Tourism and Trade Expo awarding ceremony while a Night Job Market organized in celebration of the Labor day opens at the Pangasinan PESO compound at 6PM onwards.

Other May 1 sponsored activities include: Panalo Ka Pilipinas by the Smart Company at the Capitol beachfront (10am onwards); 1st Pangasinan Skateboarding competition by the Pangasinan Skateboarding Collective at the Capitol beachfront (1pm onwards); and Mitoy Yonting concert sponsored by Unilever at the Capitol Plaza (7PM).

The San Miguel Brewery, Inc. will sponsor a Battle of the Bands at the Capitol beachfront on April 25-27; and Sayawan at Musikahan sa Dagat (beach party) on April 28-30.

The 1st Pangasinan Pistay Dayat Carshow and Motorshow sponsored by the Unite Productions is scheduled on April 30 at 10AM onwards at the Capitol beachfront.

WHO WILL BRING HOME THE CROWN? Twenty-four (24) equally lovely and witty young ladies representing the different towns and city in the province will vie for the most-coveted crown of Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 on April 30. Prior to the main pageant and coronation night, the candidates will showcase their individual talents on April 21 at the Sison Auditorium. This year’s official Limgas na Pangasinan candidates are as follows:  Kristal Joy S. Larrobis (Manaoag), Kathlyn Joy P. Managan (San Quintin), Diana Rose S. Untalan (Sta. Barbara), Joane C. Ancheta (Aguilar), Lovely Lamptey (Rosales), Ma. Benigna De Guzman (Alaminos City), Karissa Anne A. Lopez (Alcala), Keesha Maye H. Abad (San Jacinto), Deneille Joie N. Magno (Bayambang), Diana Jean N. Cayabyab (Malasiqui), Jackie Lou V. Taboy (Sual), Roschelle Ciencia (Tayug), Tristan Khyle Torio (Bolinao), Reyshallen H. Rivera (Umingan), Vanessa R. Valle (Lingayen), Christelle Ivony A. Laguerta (Mapandan), Nikki Pinpino (Sto. Tomas), Ma. Fransel S. Galla (Lingayen), Vanessa F. Baraquio (Basista), Christine Joy Picardal (Sison), Riza B. Diego (Bayambang), Jill Trixia Jacinto (Malasiqui), Perla M. Peabody (Villasis), and Hannah Quezon (Bugallon). (Photo by Meinard V. Sadim/rrb)

P’SINAN HERITAGE CENTER OPENS. Bengson-Yuson House, the oldest residential unit in Lingayen, Pangasinan, was formally inaugurated as the Pangasinan Heritage Center that will lodge the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission and the Center for Pangasinan Studies during opening rites held as part of the 436^th Agew na Pangasinan celebration on April 5, 2016. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (2^nd from left) led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the edifice and is joined by former congressman Antonio E. Bengson III (left), on behalf of the property’s donee Bengson clan, Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (3rd from left) and University of the Philippines Vice Pres. for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera (right). Not in the photo is Second District Representative Leopoldo Bataoil, who also graced the event. /Photo by MVSadim

Lingayen – University of the Philippines (UP) President Alfredo Pascual commended the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for nurturing the solid foundation for re-discovering Pangasinan history, arts and culture by marking April 5, 1580 as the founding date of the province.

Thus said by UP Vice President for Public Affairs Prospero De Vera, III, who delivered Dr. Pascual’s speech as guest of honor and speaker during the commemorative program of the 436^th founding anniversary of Pangasinan (Agew na Pangasinan) held at the Sison Auditorium on April 5.

In 2010, Pangasinenses commemorated the 430^th Agew na Pangasinan which featured an array of activities to spread awareness on Pangasinan culture, language and artistry enrichment and preservation; and local industries and natural resources as tourist destinations.

“It took the leadership of a student of history – Governor Espino – to recognize the importance of marking that milestone in this province’s history and it is an effort truly worthy of praise,” Dr. Pascual said.

Elated over the warm reception of Pangasinenses to the cultural renaissance of Pangasinan promoted by his administration, Governor Espino bared the developing programs and activities his administration have launched and institutionalized to celebrate the spirit of Pangasinan for cultural reawakening.

The various programs and activities implemented for cultural revival, according to Espino, are outcomes of laying a solid foundation for our province’s rebirth.

“As for me, it is my genuine love for our people and our province that inspired me to promote the culture of excellence, professionalism and hard work within the provincial government and to pursue well-defined goals for Pangasinan,” Gov. Espino said.

Citing Pangasinan’s historic role and importance to the country was deeply rooted, Pascual noted that Agew na Pangasinan is a reflection of the province’s rich history and how it developed over the centuries to become what it is today.

Pascual likewise lauded the partnership between UP and provincial government for the establishment of the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS) which was inaugurated at the Bengson-Yuson ancestral house, here, also as part of the 2016 Agew na Pangasinan.

Technical assistance will be provided by UP professors from Pangasinan to the CPS which developed as a consortium of five local-based higher education institutions (HEIs) — University of Luzon (UL), Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU), Virgin Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF), Colegio De Dagupan (CDD) and University of Pangasinan (UPang) Phinma. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was sealed between the provincial government, UP and the five local universities during the commemorative program.

“The CPS will ignite a stronger sense of pride among Pangasinenses that will reinvigorate their commitment to Pangasinan even greater than it already is,” Pascual said.

PLGP EXECUTIVE SESSION WITH ZFF AND DOH OFFICIALS. The Zuelling Family Foundation led by its president, Prof. Ernesto Garilao (3^rd from right), and Department of Health (DOH) officials led by regional director Myrna Cabotaje (2^nd from right) discuss with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (2^nd from left) and Provincial Health Officer II Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman (extreme left) about the status of the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program (PLGP) enrolment of the province. About 40 health leaders of the local government unit (LGU) Pangasinan are expected to complete the ZFF-DOH PLGP training course, which prepared them to become responsive in public health delivery and hospital services, this April or May. /Photo by MVSadim

Lingayen – Among the 81 provinces in the Philippines, Pangasinan was chosen by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as pilot province for its Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) which is designed to improve further the disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) in the region.

The JICA-funded GIS project which covers municipalities of Lingayen and Binmaley and Dagupan City was launched at the Urduja House, here, on March 31 which was attended by top executives from JICA – Philippines and partner project implementers Informatrix, PhilNITS and CTI Engineering International along with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and local chief executives and representatives from pilot areas in the province.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) chief Rhodyn Lochinvar Oro stressed that the implementation of the Integrated GIS project in Pangasinan will boost the disaster management capability of the province as information relative to disaster mitigation and response, and recovery can be easily shared among concerned local government units (LGUs).

“With this technology, now at hand, and through the active leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., we can face monitored disasters better,” Oro said.

It was learned that GIS will help pinpoint the areas considered prone to disaster, including critical infrastructure and where to find safe evacuation areas.

Meanwhile, JICA – Philippines senior representative Takahiro Morita informed the LGU beneficiaries that the Integrated GIS will help improve information sharing for DRMM activities to attain zero casualty on the ground at the peak of a disaster.

To jumpstart the project implementation, JICA’s local partner PhilNITS is tasked to design and implement the GIS using the Geo Cloud software of Informatix.

PhilNITS President Ma. Corazon Akol said the GIS project will be operational by October this year. However, a 10-month period will be consumed for the preparation and testing of the GIS hardware and software components and for the training of system operators before the Integrated GIS becomes fully-operational.

On behalf of Governor Espino, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. thanked JICA and its partners for selecting Pangasinan as pilot area of the Integrated GIS.

VG Calimlim noted that the advancement of disaster management through the employment of modern technology is a bold move of the Espino administration to level up DRMM activities to mitigate the effects of disasters in Pangasinan.

LGU – Pangasinan being a recipient of ‘Gawad Kalasag’ regional award in recognition to its exceptional disaster management capability is expected to further boost its DRRM with the installation of Integrated GIS products.

LINGAYEN – The province of Pangasinan is up for another breakthrough if it successfully passes the strict scrutiny of the evaluators following the conduct of the evaluation and assessment of the Regional Assessment Team from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).

Pending results which will be announced later, the assessment held on March 31 at the Capitol Resort here was headed by DILG Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Roger Daquioag.

The SGLG, conferred by the DILG, is the highest award given to local government units which is a proof of an LGU’s excellent performance.

The evaluation and assessment was based on the three core areas including Financial Administration, Disaster Preparedness and social Protection and three essential areas enumerated as Peace and Order, Business Friendliness and Competetiveness and Environmental area where Pangasinan passed all criteria required of an LGU to become a passer for the SGLG.

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Benita Pizarro said that in 2011 to 2012, Pangasinan received the Seal of Good Housekeeping from the DILG.

In 2015, it was cited as among the 15 percent of the total number of LGUs    in the country to receive the Seal of Good Local Governance for meeting the criteria set by DILG.

Pizarro expressed hope that for 2016, the province continues to sustain and meet the criteria set by the DILG to qualify anew as awardee or passer for the SGLG.  /ADV

Lingayen – About 40 health leaders of the provincial government will soon finish a training course on health leadership offered by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and the Department of Health (DOH), making Pangasinan as the first local government unit (LGU) in Northern and Central Luzon to finish said program.

The enrolment of the provincial government to the Provincial Leadership and Governance Program (PLGP) of ZFF – DOH forms part of the continuing efforts of the provincial administration led by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to further scale up the health sector in the province through enhancing the capability of health leaders to become more responsive in public health delivery and hospital services.

PLGP enrolees from the province include: key officials and program managers of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), chiefs of hospitals and representatives from offices of the provincial government who are responsibe to plan, manage human resource and to implement sound fiscal administration. The PLGP enrolees which also include representatives from the PhilHealth are expected to graduate by April or May, this year.

In an executive session, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. met with ZTT president Ernesto Garilao and DOH representatives led by regional director Myrna Cabotaje at the Urduja House, here, last March 22 where Provincial Health Officer Anna Maria Teresa De Guzman presented the activities undertaken by the PLGP enrolees to fulfil the requirements of said program.

            The PGLP, according to Dr. De Guzman, was designed for one and a half year (1 1/2) enrolment to be completed, but the provincial government may be able to finish it in 12 months or as soon as final requirements will be accomplished.

De Guzman added that the series of discussion and practicum which include coaching and monitoring in modules 1 and 2 of the PLGP empower health leaders to become ‘bridging leaders’ to look into the welfare of the community, especially the poor.

Coaching and mentoring to the provincial government hospitals were done by the ZFF and DOH representatives on the progress of implementation of different interventions.

The hospital scorecard which has six building blocks – leadership and governance, information, service delivery, human resources, medicines and technology and financing was also introduced to measure the compliance of a hospital in certain indicators under each component.

Meanwhile, ZFF President Ernesto Garilao, lauded the provincial government for its health care delivery system, but pointed out “the need to revitalize further health care delivery in hospitals through change of mindset of health service providers.”

“If you fix Pangasinan, you fix the whole regional performance in terms of health care promotion,” Garilao said as he noted that Pangasinan constitutes half of the region’s population which implies that there are more people needing health care attention.

Under the Espino administration, the health sector received tremendous support in terms of budget as evidenced by an increase of 26 percent from 275 million in 2007 to 712 million in 2014, surpassing the prescribed budget of DOH.

It is also under the Espino leadership that ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifications were awarded to the province – the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (May 2014); and the PHO, which is the first and only health office of a provincial LGU in the entire country that became ISO-certified (January 2014).