Provincial Scholars Reaffirms Love for Pangasinan.  Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III joins Pangasinan’s provincial scholars as they reaffirmed their commitment to promote “I Love Pangasinan Movement” during their post-Christmas party at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen on December 29.  The scholars are enrolled at the various campuses of Pangasinan State University in Bayambang, Urdaneta City, Lingayen, San Carlos City, Infanta, Alaminos City, Binmaley, Sta. Maria and Asingan.  /MVSadim

LINGAYEN – Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III has called on the Pangasinan youth to cherish and respect their roots, emphasizing the importance of a sense of identity as they chart the future in relation to their personal needs, their families and their province.

Espino III made the exhortation during the post-Christmas party of the Pangasinan Provincial scholars held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) on December 29.

“Don’t forget who you are, where you came from and where you belong,” BM Espino told the PSU scholars, adding that the “warm reception accorded the cultural-consciousness movement under  I Love Pangasinan, is an indication that we are helping mold the young in the right direction, where they can more positively help lead the province and its people toward advancement.”

He recalled his own development in his growing up years, when his parents led by his father, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., had early on inculcated fine family values which have become his foundation and guide as he pursued his career in public service.

“Patunayan nyo na kayo na bukod-tangi  ay kaya nyong bitbitin ang inyong mga pamilya,” noting that the scholarship they enjoyed was “an excellent beginning from which they can build upon in the future, for the good of their families and communities.”

Provincial scholars from PSU campuses in Alaminos City, Asingan, Bayambang, Binmaley, Infanta, Lingayen, San Carlos City, Sta. Maria and Urdaneta City joined BM “Pogi” Espino III in sharing the food and the merriment during the party.

Under the administration of Governor Espino, Jr. the  provincial government human capital formation program supports a total of 2,300 college scholars, as follows: Pangasinan Provincial Scholarship Assistance Program (PPSAP) scholarship grantees which includes 415 academic scholars, 60 Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) scholars, and 23 Federation of Pangasinan Muslim Association (FPMA) scholars; 1,249 Provincial Scholars enrolled at the Pangasinan State University (PSU); 22 Technical-Vocational scholars by Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO), 10 Takayan na Dayew scholars; and 521 grantees of the joint scholarship program of Governor Espino and Congressman Jesus “Boying” Celeste.

In addition, the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) has so far disbursed a total of Php22.59 million for its college scholarship assistance programs.

On hand for support to the provincial scholars’ get together were: Provincial Board Secretary Verna Perez; Dr. Eusebio Miclat, Consultant In-charge for Provincial Scholars; and Dr. Simeon Cabansag, former executive director of PSU Sta Maria.

/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. will lead the commemoration of the 71^st Anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf Landings and Pangasinan Veterans’ Day on January 9, Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Park, Capitol Complex, Lingayen.

The Governor will be joined by other key officials of the province and dignitaries which will start with a thanksgiving mass @ 7:00 in the morning and immediately followed by the Wreath Laying Ceremony at 8:00 a.m.

USec. Ernesto G. Carolina, Administrator, PVAO will be the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Gov. Espino together with Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members will present a Plaque of Appreciation to our guest.

Highlights of the celebration include the opening of the Lingayen Gulf Landings Exhibit.

The historic event will honor the heroism and greatness of the World War II veterans.

In view hereof, we cordially invite you to be one with us during the celebration.

Thank you and best regards.

Very truly yours,

ORPHEUS M. VELASCO

Provincial Information Officer

LINGAYEN – Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Regional Director Edwin Sanchez has lauded the province’s provision of a Provincial DOH Office (PDOHO) being the first time in the Philippines that a local government unit has provided a big space for office use compared with other LGUs which can only provide  a room.

ARD Sanchez proudly noted that the DOH Region 1 is very happy with the big-heartedness of Governor Amado T.  Espino, Jr.  because now, they can work comfortably and perform their office operations efficiently.

With the establishment of the PDOHO which was formally inaugurated last December 22, the promotion of quality health care promises a more intensified campaign to bring Pangasinan as the “home of healthiest Filipinos.”

The newly-renovated building which was formerly occupied by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office is located at Alvear Street, Capitol Complex here.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. represented by Provincial Health Officer Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman led the ceremonies for the inauguration and blessing of the PDOHO with Fr. Francis Posadas of the Epiphany of Our Lord Parish as the officiating priest, municipal health officers from various towns, chiefs of hospital and DOH personnel.

Dr. De Guzman said the provision of an office to the Provincial DOH signifies the commitment of the governor to foster partnership with DOH in providing health care.

With the partnership, De Guzman said the provincial government and the DOH will attain better health outcome for the province and a responsive health system thus bringing the province to attain the province’s vision of making Pangasinan as the “best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”

Gov. Espino thanks the Provincial Employees.  Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left photo) expresses his deepest thanks to the provincial officials, department heads, chiefs of hospitals, and over four thousand rank and file employees (right photo) during the employees Christmas party at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen last December 21.  The Governor lauded the employees’ “support, cooperation and love of work” that earned Pangasinan various regional and national awards in local governance, health, agriculture, environment among others.   /Photos by Teddy Quimson

BARANGAY CAPTAINS DAY. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left photo) commends all barangay officials who have set aside politics and came in drove during the Barangay Captains Day at the NRSCC Gym last December 20.  The Governor further thanked the village chiefs who have keep their faith to their Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay President, Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III. /MVSadim & TQuimson

LINGAYEN – “It’s been an honor and pleasure serving our provincial government and our people. It was the best part of my life and a big challenge.”

 This was the message of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the provincial employees Christmas party held on December 21 at the Capitol Plaza as he thanked everyone for all the cooperation they have extended since 2007.

 Now on his last term and soon to graduate as governor in a few months’ time as the 2016 election nears, the governor said he is happy that he and the members of his administration, including the officials and the employees, have reached this far after serving as the province’s chief executive for eight years, five months and 21 days to be exact.

 Gov. Espino however expressed sentiment over the various negative issues raised against him by his detractors to stain the reputation and mar the good governance he has successfully carried out to propel this province.

 The governor also lamented the loss of some personnel due to the dirty works of political rivals which he said made him very sad as he admitted this was the hardest public life he had, due to the pain caused by the negative issues made on him and the provincial government.

 Gov. Espino also took the opportunity to express his apologies and ask forgiveness to those whom he had hurt especially those whom he works with.

 The governor said the abuse of words he could have let gone against his fellow-workers in the provincial government was not meant to hurt them.

 “I want to tell you that all the impatience you have seen in me is simply because I want you to attend to small things. Let us attend to small things as small problems come from inattention to small details,” the governor said.

 Meanwhile, the Christmas party tendered by the provincial government provided fun and excitement to the provincial employees who enjoyed singing and dancing during the celebration.

 Officials from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also joined the fun by performing special numbers to give inspiration to the employees.

 Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr., and Board Members Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III and Nestor Reyes rendered song numbers to perk up the audience.  /ADV

KBP-PANGASINAN INDUCTION. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.(extreme right) inducts into office the new set of officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) -Pangasinan Chapter headed by Emmanuel Sibayan (2^nd from right), station manager of Love Radio and vice chair Jay Mendoza (3^rd from right), station manager of Sonshine Radio during the KBP Induction ceremony and KBP Night held at the Metro Plaza in Dagupan City last December 13. Gov. Espino assured the KBP members of Pangasinan of the provincial government’s continued support as he asked their cooperation to work hand-in- hand with the provincial government who remains as the media’s partner for the development of the province. (Bob Sison)

SIMBANG GABI AT THE CAPITOL. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (center) assisted by Pangasinan First Lady Priscilla “Mely” I. Espino (right) lights the candle that signifies the 3^rd week of Advent during the first day of the 9-day Simbang Gabi held at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) last December 15. The anticipated nine-day mass at the Capitol, which was launched under the Espino administration, is traditionally held every 5 p.m. at the Capitol grounds from the 15th day of December up to 23^rd. Due to inclement weather, the mass was held at the PTDC with Archbishop Socrates Villegas (not in photo) who administered the mass assisted by Rev. Fr. Francis Posadas (partly hidden). Meanwhile, the midnight mass for Christmas in celebration of the Nativity of the Lord, will be held on December 24, 8 p.m. at the Capitol grounds while the anticipated mass for New Year that gives honor to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, is scheduled on December 31, 8PM also at the same venue. (Photo by MVSadim)

Lingayen – Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. honored barangay health workers (BHWs) and day care workers (DCWs) in Pangasinan as “health care heroes” as he recognized their important roles for the promotion and implementation of health care programs and services by the provincial government in barangays.

During a series of amelioration assistance distribution to about 13,510 BHWs and  1,451 DCWs from 44 towns and three component cities of the province held from December 8 to 18 in different venues from first to sixth districts, Governor Espino along with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and provincial board members expressed gratitude to the sacrifices and hard work of BHWs and DCWs who serve their respective communities with commitment and dedication.

“Kayat ko nga maikarit tayo amin nga ar-aramiden tayo para kadagiti an-nak tayo,” (Gusto ko na maipagmalaki natin and lahat ng ginagawa natin para sa ating mga anak), Governor Espino stressed to the BHWs and DCWs as he pointed out that all things done by the present administration of local leaders are for the benefit of future generations.

Calling the workers as “frontline service providers,” Gov. Espino said the amelioration pay, which used to be in the amount of Php500 and was doubled this year, is still not enough to compensate their services in their communities.

             “The amelioration might be a small amount, but this comes as a simple gift to show that the province is always here for you,” the provincial chief executive stressed.

Furthermore, Gov. Espino appealed to barangay service providers to “shun politics and to stay focused on helping the people in the community” as he poured sentiments that while the provincial government is doing its best to serve the people of Pangasinan, a group of detractors continues destroy the momentum by mixing politics.

Vice Governor Calimlim, who serenaded the barangay workers with his “Ikaw na Nga” rendition said that the activity was more of a renewal of vows and a testament to the good relationship between the community service providers and the provincial government, saying: “Kayo ang pamamaraan para mailapit ang Kapitolyo sa mga barangay.”

             Meanwhile, Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III vowed to continue working towards the progress and development of Pangasinan which was started by his father, particularly the programs that help ease the plight of the poor in barangays.

            “Haan kayo kuma nga maum-uma nga tumulong kadagiti Pangasinense nga makasapol iti tulong yo,” (Huwag sana kayo magsawa na tumulong sa mga Pangasinense na nangangailangan ng tulong ninyo), BM Espino, a three-term Mayor of Bautista town, added.

BM Espino also took pride of various developments that the present provincial administration has carried out for the past year years, stressing that the amelioration pay is an acknowledgement of all the sacrifices BHWs and DCWs have been providing to people in communities