Lingayen – The culminating program of Pasyar Pangasinan heritage tour held on March 20 at the Sison Auditorium which was participated in by almost 600 townsfolk from Villasis town became an opportunity for provincial leaders to convey their gratitude for the unwavering support of Pangasinenses to all programs of the present provincial administration which are anchored to further boost progress and development in Pangasinan.

Speaking before the elders who hail from Bacag, Caramutan, Puelay and Barangobong villages in Villasis, including some Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. bared that his administration since 2007 has maximized all its capabilities to address poverty to uplift the economic conditions of Pangasinenses as embedded in Pangasinan’s vision: “The best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”

“This is why it is necessary for us to select leaders who shall continue what we have started to further spur progress and development in our province,” Gov. Espino said.

Under the Espino administration, the implementation of various programs for health care and agriculture had been complemented by the constant upgrading and construction of infrastructures and other support facilities in community and district hospitals and in agricultural field stations owned and managed by the local government unit (LGU) of Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., noted the personal touch of the Espino administration in extending services to Pangasinenses as he regarded this as something that defines a true “Pamilyang Pangasinan.”

The gathering of Villasis elders became more festive when VG Calimlim sang his version of “Ikaw Na Nga.”

BM Espino, on the other hand, asked Umingan elders to continue serving the community by engaging in all affairs that affect the welfare of their constituents, particularly the youth.

“Huwag sana kayong magsawa na magbigay ng payo sa mga kabataan nang magabayan nyo sila,” he added.

Villasis Vice Mayor Paz Rafanan; town councillors Domingo Rafanan, Sheryl Tan and Judith Morden; Executive Assistant IV Ramon Morden and Dennis Uy, son of outgoing 5^th district Board Member Danilo Uy, were also present to signify support during the said activity.

DARLING OF THE PRESS.  Bayambang lovely and witty lass Denielle Joi N. Magno emerges as this year’s Limgas na Pangasinan ‘Darling of the Press.’ Held last March 19 at the Urduja Reception Hall, members of the media got the chance to meet and converse with the 24 ladies representing various towns and city of Pangasinan who are vying for the most-coveted 2016 Limgas na Pangasinan crown. The 22-year-old morena beauty impressed the members of the press after she eloquently answered the question from the media about her role in helping raise awareness on climate change/global warming. A graduate of Mass Communications, the Bayambang maiden is currently employed as flight attendant of an airline company. (Photo by Meinard V. Sadim/rrb)

LINGAYEN- – -The provincial government distributed anew some 3,000 bags of certified seeds to farmers from different parts of the province who were affected by Typhoon “Lando” that devastated the province in October last year.

The distribution held at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Sta. Barbara on March 21, is the third batch of distribution activity which was led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. with the assistance of Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President and Board Member Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III.

To date, about 40,000 farmers affected by Typhoon “Lando” were already served and have received assistance from the provincial government.

Giving utmost priority to the agriculture sector, Gov. Espino disclosed that the provincial government fully supports all programs and projects that could benefit all farmers as he added that Pangasinan will remain an agricultural province in the next four to five decades more.

In stating this, the Governor said the government should focus on the improvement of agricultural technology to be able to provide better yield and production for the lowly farmers.

“Kung pagagandahin natin ito at gagawin nating industriya, pagandahin natin ang teknolohiya, suportahan ang inputs, at pati patubig dapat libre na lang,” the Governor said as he added that other farming nations have lower cost of inputs unlike in the Philippines.

Aside from seeds subsidy, other agricultural support given by the present administration involves distribution of water pump and engine sets to various Small Water Irrigation Systems (SWISA) groups and farmers’ organizations. The project is part of the El Nino mitigating measures.

Last month, 100 water pump and engine sets were awarded to SWISA groups and farmers’ organizations and 600 more units will be given to the group of certified seeds recipients, as well.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. disclosed that the partnership between the provincial government and the agricultural sector manifest a strong bond that will ensure continued agricultural development for Pangasinan.

On the other hand, BM Pogi commended the farming sector for continuously providing food for every household.

In addition, the Governor’s son and namesake urged the farmers to continue seeking for new innovations as farming continues to be one of the main sources of income for most Pangasinenses.

“Pagandahin po natin ang pagtatanim,” BM Espino said as he added that agriculture remains as one of the topmost priorities of the provincial government.

The third batch of certified palay seeds that were distributed will be planted by farmers during the early main cropping season of 2016. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (right photo) commends thousands of participants (left photo) of the March for Jesus for advocating love for Jesus Christ as he also exhorts them to love their province.  The March for Jesus came from various parts of Pangasinan representing various Christian denominations who converged at the grounds of the old City Hall of Urdaneta last March 19 for a short program.

GATE WITH PMA’S 2016 TOP GRADS FROM PANGASINAN. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (center) flashes the Pangasinan number one sign with three top members of the 2016 Gabay-Laya Class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who hail from Pangasinan, PMA mentors and under class members of the PMA who are also from the province during a courtesy call on the Governor held at the Urduja House on March 17. The PMA graduates from Pangasinan are led by 2Lt. Christine Mae Calima (6^th from right) of Arnedo, Bolinao who ranked second among the 63-member PMA Gabay Laya class; top 9 – 2Lt. George Bernard Garcia (6^th from left) of Bongalon, Labrador; and top 12 – 2Lt. Albert Junio (7^th from left) from Lumayao, San Quintin. Joining them are: Col. Carlo Resurrecion, (3^rd from right) Col. Ryan Celina, (4^th from right) Major Ryan Igama (5^th from left); Col. (Ret.) Rhodyn Lochinvar Oro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief (3^rd from left); and Mr. Edward Calima (4^th from left), father of Christine. /Photo by MVSadim

Lingayen – Three top graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Gabay-Laya Class of 2016 who hail from Pangasinan led by 2Lt. Christine Mae Calima of Arnedo, Bolinao paid a courtesy call on Governor Amado T. Espino (GATE), Jr. on March 17, Thursday, at the Urduja House, here.

Calima, ranked second among the 63-member PMA Gabay Laya class; 2Lt. George Bernard Garcia (top 9) of Bongalon, Labrador; and 2Lt. Albert Junio (top 12) from Lumayao, San Quintin were accompanied by Col. Carlo Resurrecion, Col. Ryan Celina, Major Ryan Igama; Col. (Ret.) Rhodyn Lochinvar Oro, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief; and Mr. Edward Calima, father of Christine, during the caller’s day.

Proud of the latest feats of Pangasinenses in the PMA, the provincial chief executive expressed confidence that they will soon become successful in instilling positive changes on their chosen branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Twenty-two year old Calima, who was Bolinao School of Fisheries (BSF) high school valedictorian in 2010, spent two years at Saint Louis University in Baguio City, where she was a consistent dean’s lister taking up accountancy prior to pursuing her military career at the PMA.

Asked on what she feels for being the sole female in top 10 of her batch, Calima said that Pangasinense women must always be inspired to chase for their dreams. “Kung nakaya ko nga, kaya rin ng ibang mga babae. Kailangan natin (ng mga babae) na magtulungan para ma-uplift ang moral para sa ating mga sarili,” she added.

Calima likewise thanked the provincial government for the all-support it extended the PMA cadets during their community immersion held last year in Pangasinan and said that Gov. Espino is a figure that everyone must look up to.

Gov. Espino, an adorned member of PMA Class 1972 received the rare second Cavalier Award given by the PMA Alumni Association, Inc., last February in recognition of his “sterling leadership and professional competence in public administration” being the provincial chief executive of Pangasinan from 2007 to 2016.

In 1977, Espino – who was then the Captain of the Philippine Constabulary –received his first cavalier award as Military Professional in Police Operations, particularly for the capture of elusive CPP-NPA leaders like Bernabe Buscayno aka “Kumander Dante,” Satur Ocampo, Father Ed Dela Torre and other top officials of the leftist and rebel groups.

Gabay Laya or “Gintong Anak ng Bayan, Alay sa Buhay Para sa Kalayaan” (Golden children of the nation, who offer their lives for freedom) is the smallest PMA class to graduate in 40 years, which include seven female cadets.

The PMA was topped by Kristian Daeve Abiqui (San Pablo, Isabela), a turnback from Sinag Lahi Class of 2015, followed by: Calima (salutatorian); Cdt. 1CL Arby Jurist Cabrera (Cauayan, Isabela), top 3 and Secretary of National Defence Saber awardee; Joseph Stalin Fagsao, top 4; Jayson Jess Tumitit (Baguio City), top 5; Mark Joseph Daria (Bangar, La Union), top ); Ace Clarianes, top 7; Prince Aday, top 8; Cdt. 1CL George Bernard Garcia (Labrador, Pangasinan), top 9; and Gerald Gasacao (Meycauayan City, Bulacan), top 10.

Of the 63 PMA graduates, 33 of them will be joining the Philippine Army, 13 to the Philippine Air Force, and 17 will be enlisted in the Philippine Navy.

The PMA cadets graduated last Sunday, March 13.

Lingayen – “Panunuten tayo iti pagsyaatan iti probinsya tayo ken ituloy tayo iti panag-ayat iti Pangasinan,” (Let us always think of how we can make our province a better place to live in as we keep on loving Pangasinan) thus stressed by Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III during the ‘Pasyar Pangasinan’ heritage tour sponsored by the provincial government through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) on March 15.

Addressing about 200 elders from San Andres village in Umingan town led by barangay captain Danilo Balmores, Jr. in a short program held at the Sison Auditorium, the young Espino, son and namesake of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. thanked them for being supportive of the programs and projects of the provincial government implemented in Umingan.

Reiterating the popular verse on leadership of Governor Espino —“All things that we do as leaders today are not for us anymore, but essentially for the benefit of the future generations,” — BM Espino pointed out, as the verse implies, that the present provincial administration since 2007 has endeavored to translate the clear vision for the province: “The best place to invest, work, live and raise a family” into concrete proofs of transformative governance.

From major rehabilitation works of the Capitol building regarded as “among the best architectural wonders of the Philippines,” the Sison Auditorium branded as “Cultural Center of the North” and the Urduja Palace, official residence of Pangasinan governor, to the beautification of the environs of the Capitol Complex, the degree of dedication to public service of Capitol employees is constantly harnessed through various employee development programs, BM Espino said.

The Espino leadership, he added, has also instituted reforms and innovations for the delivery of affordable and quality healthcare services for Pangasinenses, and introduced new programs and modern strategies to level up agricultural production in the province, which also include the construction of health care and agricultural support facilities.

Meanwhile, barangay chairman Balmores assured the provincial government of the continuing support of his constituents to strengthen the partnership for the betterment of Pangasinan and their barangay.

“Iti progreso iti Pangasinan ket progreso met iti barangay tayo.” (The progress of Pangasinan is also the progress of your barangay), Balmores said.

Your town is considered as the food basket of Pangasinan as most agricultural projects of the provincial government and the Department of Agriculture are implemented in Umingan and its nearby towns in the fifth and sixth districts which benefit farming communities,” BM Espino said.

Executive Assistant III Ramon Morden was also present during the Pasyar Pangasinan.

PANGASINAN DUO CAPTURES GOLD IN TABLE TENNIS – WOMEN’S DOUBLES. Team Pangasinan’s Sherilyn Soriano (2nd from right) and Jamela Prestoza (extreme right) bested their opponents from Far Eastern University (FEU) at the championship match of the table tennis – women’s doubles held last March 9 at the Health and Wellness Center located within the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) in Lingayen. Table tennis is among the 20 sporting events played during the Philippine National Games – National Championships hosted by the province of Pangasinan from March 7-11. /Photo by MVSadim

Lingayen – Homegrown athletes of Team Pangasinan have proven their supremacy in various sports as they seized 27 gold, 25 silver and 42 bronze medals to secure the over-all 4th spot in a field of 150 participating delegations at the recently-concluded 2016 Philippine National Games (PNG) – National Championships held here from March 7-11.

Conceptualized and formed by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to serve as the official delegation of the province in regional and national sporting events, ‘Team Pangasinan’ harvested most of its gold medals in contact sports – wrestling (8 gold) and karatedo (7 gold).

Local athletes also racked up three gold medals apiece in arnis, muay thai and athletics; two gold in table tennis; and one gold each in badminton and dancesport.

As expected, the Philippine National Team won the over-all top spot with medal harvest of178 gold, 72 silver and 49 bronze. Baguio City (40, 25, 21) and Cebu City (31, 32, 51) placed second and third, respectively.

Ranked fifth to 10th were: University of Sto. Tomas (21, 15, 13); Zamboanga City (19, 34, 30); Karate Development Arts and Sports (14,9,14); Philippine Karatedo Traditional and Sports (12,11,23); Davao City (11,11,11) and University of Baguio (10,9,5).

Gold medalists of Team Pangasinan in eight sporting events include:

Arnis – Frederick dela Cruz (junior men lightweight); Jesus Mortera (junior men cruiserweight); and Unique Valentino (junior women cruiserweight).

Athletics – Sairah Jihan de Vera (girls high jump); Lany Cordova (women1500m) and (women 5000m).

Badminton – Nica Songcuan (junior girls singles).

Dancesport – Jhommel Molina and Gyann Garcia (grade c latin)

Karatedo – Angelo Brito (boys kata novice – 10-12 y/o); Ezekiel Saliba (male kata novice – 18y/o); John Enrico Vasquez (boys kata advance – 13-15 y/o, 52kgs.) and (boys cadet kumite – 14-15 y/o, 52kgs.); Francis Augustine Zabala (junior boys kumite – 16-17y/o, 61kgs.); John Marc Claveria (junior boys kumite – 16-17 y/o, 68kgs.); and Rheila Francesca Duya (girls kumite – 10-11 y/o).

Muay Thai – Lovely Joy Cruz (female waikru 16 y/o) and (junior female combat 16-17 y/o, 38kgs.); Princess Karen Taliba (junior female combat 16-17 y/o 51kgs).

Table Tennis – Jamela Prestoza and Sherilyn Soriano (women’s doubles); Fernando Docusin, Jr. (men’s liha event).

Wrestling – Jerome Dolim (junior men’s greco roman 50kgs.); Jhungie Framil (junior men’s greco roman 54kgs.); John Michael Ponceja (junior men’s greco roman 69kgs.); Fredeliza Caoile (junior women’s freestyle 43kgs.); Bea Rosario (junior women’s freestyle 46kgs.); Grace Anne Villareal (junior women’s freestyle 60kgs.); Mari Jhungie Framil (junior men’s freestyle 54kgs.) and Michael Ian Ponceja (junior men’s freestyle 69kgs.).

BM BINCE CITED FOR HIS ‘SOLID PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION’  Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) member Alfonso Bince, Jr., regarded as the “eternal board member of Pangasinan,” has been cited by the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines (PBMLP) for his solid provincial legislation in his 25 years of service as provincial board member. In his privilege speech during the SP regular session held on February 29, the 80-year-old Bince, an alumnus of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law who placed 8^th in the bar exams, took the opportunity to thank his fellow provincial legislators, the whole officialdom of the provincial government and his constituents in the sixth district. /PIO file photo