Lingayen- – -Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III awarded a total of P4.2 million worth of  livelihood assistance checks to some 31 women groups, farmers associations and cooperatives from various towns in the province on September 27 at the Urduja House.

The distribution, which is under the regular livelihood assistance program (LAP) of  the provincial government, is the first batch to be awarded under the leadership of Gov. Pogi.

It can be recalled that former governor now 5^th district representative Amado T. Espino, Jr. launched LAP in 2008 as one of the strategic projects of his administration to transform Pangasinense women or housewives into productive members of society.

Since then, the program was expanded to include other groups and associations like farmers and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

The total amount distributed by the past administration has amounted to P70.16 million.

Meanwhile, Gov. Pogi, just like his father, reminded the beneficiaries to make use of the funds productively.

The first batch of  regular LAP beneficiaries under Gov. Pogi’s tenure are as follows: Gueset Golden Harvest (Bugallon); Farmers of Buenlag Bugallon Association, Inc.; Luyan Mapandan Farmers Association; Aramal KALIPI Association (San Fabian); Alcala Onion Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Small Scale Irrigation System-Farmers Field School Barangay San Pedro III Farmers Association ( Alcala); Barangay Bersamin Farmers and Entrepreneurs Association, Inc. (Alcala); Balungao Agricultural Farmers Association; Volunteer Probation Aide Association of Pangasinan District 5 (VPA), Inc.; Agat KALIPI Association (Sison); Flores Multi-Purpose Association (San Manuel); Ataynan Farmers Association (Bayambang); Dalongue IA Credit Cooperative (Sta. Barbara); Great David Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. (Mangaldan); Inmalog Sur KALIPI Association (San Fabian); Eastern Binalonan Multi-Purpose Cooperative; San Quintin OFW Family Association; Capitan Tomas Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Rosales); Sta. Maria Mango Growers and Handlers Association ; Dasol market Vendors Association; Buer Rural Women’s Association (Buer); Rangtay Ti Panagdur-as Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Balungao); D’Highlights Agri-Business MPC (San Manuel); Dusoc Women’s Association (Bayambang); and Amamperez Women’s Association (Villasis).

Recipients under Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), on the other hand, were the following: Bajo’s Shellcraft and Souvenir Shop (Alaminos City); CBB Salt Producer (Infanta), and Cluie’s Needlecraft (Umingan).

Kadampat Goat Raisers Association of Labrador town was the lone recipient for goat production.

Amount of livelihood assistance varies from P50,000 to as  high as P180,000.

Earlier, OIC Provincial Population Officer Ellsworth Gonzales said cooperatives and MSMEs are allowed for 5-10 renewals.

He added that strict monitoring on track record of the regular livelihood program is conducted by their office to see if the recipients could meet the requirements for the Pangasinan Credit Surety Fund for them to borrow bigger amount of loan. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

LINGAYEN – The province of Pangasinan rolled off its 1^st Kalusugan Karaban to   barangay Barlo, one of the most remote barangays in Mabini  town with more than  1,000 residents benefitted from various health services including free vaccinations to the senior citizens.

The activity, which was held on September 23, has carried its theme “Pangkalusugan Serbisyo na Organisado ng Gobyerno Hatid sa Inyo,”  one of the eight series of mobile health caravan to be conducted every Friday in the most disadvantaged barangays of the province.

The health promotion activity complements  Gov. Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III’s call for a wider coverage of more effective and efficient  implementation of the continuing development thrust programs.

Pangasinan First Lady Karina Espino led the health caravan team composed of provincial health workers and the Western Pangasinan District Hospital  headed by Dra. Anna Theresa de Guzman  and Dra. Susan Merino respectively.

The United Nations Population Fund and Australian Agency International Development (AUSAID) represented by Geri Armamani also joined the team.

Mrs. Espino, speaking on behalf of the governor, has encouraged the Barlo residents to stay healthy everyday as she pointed out the efforts of bringing the health services to the most needy have always been a priority of the provincial government.

“Our governor have always wanted to have healthy Pangasinenses and  this is the very reason why we are reaching out to you by way of giving the health services that you and your family needed,” Mrs. Espino told the residents in Ilocano dialect.

The activity started with the feeding of more than 500 students of Barlo Integrated School and Surod Elementary School   in which  they were given bowl of lugaw with egg dispensed with  nutrient supplements  to boost their immune system. School supplies have also been distributed to the preschoolers and Grade 1 pupils.

One of the features of the health caravan activity is the   fully equipped and air conditioned dental mobile bus where it served more than 100 students. It was donated to the province by the Department of Health last year.

Other services offered during the one-day activity include x-ray services, medical and skin disease consultations, random blood sugar test, blood typing, and provision of flu vaccine for senior citizens.

Free medicines were also given to adults   who were diagnosed of having   hypertension and  skin diseases  while underweight  children were given vitamins.

However, referrals for further monitoring and hospital care were given to  three special children suffering from ‘marasmus’ , a severe condition of malmutrition.

Showing compassion to the health conditions of the children, Mrs. Espino advised the pregnant women to breastfeed their children saying that mother’s milk keeps the baby from any illnesses in the future.

As such, the pregnant women were given a Dignity Kit courtesy of the UNPF and AUSAID for their use before and after giving birth. It contains handy book on pregnancy and lactating mothers, ‘skirt’, diaper, toothpaste and toothbrush.

In addition, the health team promotes the province’s health services to the mothers and pregnant women through a lecture about the maternal and neo-natal health care, facility-based deliveries, child health, nutrition and family planning, and dengue and rabies awareness.

Village chief Rowena Salas thanked Gov. Espino and his wife including the health team for choosing her barangay as the first to be visited by the province’s Kalusugan Karaban.

“First time din namin na mabigyan ng serbsiyong ito at malaking tulong ito –sa aming barangay  dahil napakalayo talaga ng aming lugar sa bayan para magpa-check up,”she said in an interview. (Merly Ramos)

Lingayen – Pilot trips of two more industry immersion tours arranged by the provincial government of Pangasinan in partnership with local tour operators and various local government units (LGUs) in the province will soon be offered in Pangasinan.

Highlighting the must-see natural wonders and valued industries in the western part of the province, the Burgos – Dasol and Bani – Anda industry immersion tours kicked off as a component activity of the 3^rd Regional Tourism convention hosted by the City of Alaminos in partnership with the provincial government.

The regional tourism convention which is participated in by tourism sector key players in the region formed part of the Regional Tourism Week celebration hosted by the province of Pangasinan.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) Chief Malu Elduayan bared that the two new industry immersion tours, aside from the Heritage tour, Bolinao tour and Alaminos City tour, feature Pangasinan’s best attractions for ecological adventures, and industry and farm tours.

Prior to the opening ceremonies of the regional tourism event, the delegates were toured around the province, particularly in five immersion sites.

Tours administered by tour guides in the province who have been accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) include:

The Heritage tour brings visitors to the Sts. Peter and Paul Church and Senor Divino Tesoro Shrine in Calasiao and at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag; the Capitol Complex (Capitol Building, Veterans’ Memorial Park, Urduja House, Sison Auditorium, Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center and Pasalubong Center), bagoong factories in barangays Maniboc and Pangapisan and the Casa Real edifice which are located in the municipality of Lingayen.

The Alaminos City tour treats a group of tourists in main attractions of the city proper and outskirts which include: St. Joseph Parish, Plaza’s Old Houses, City Hall and People’s Park, MCV Techno Demo Farm in barangay Tangcarang, Materials Recovery Facilities, Children’s Park, Bolo Beach and the Hundred Islands National Park.

A visit to the century-old St. James Church, University of the Philippines Marine Science Laboratory, Balingasay River, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse and Patar Beach are included in the Bolinao tour.

Newly featured Bani-Anda tour brings visitors to the Bangrin Marine Protected Area in Bani which is a 42-hectare mangrove forest situated in the middle of the Tambac Bay where             nine rivers meet, and at the famous white sand Tondol beach in Anda.

The Burgos-Dasol tour, on the other hand, highlights pilgrim sites in Burgos to include the Opifices Christi Seminary and Carmelite Monastery in barangay Tambacan and the fast-rising beach destination, Cabongaoan, in barangay Ilio-Ilio. Tourists will also get to see the postcard-perfect Tambobong beach and viewdeck of Dasol town

Lingayen- – -Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III urged all dog owners in Pangasinan to cooperate with the government to reduce if not eradicate rabies cases in the province.

In the Health Leaders Summit on Rabies Prevention and Control held on September 28 at the Sison Auditorium, the governor said that rabies eradication cannot be done overnight but it can possibly be attained with the concerted efforts of various sectors and the people themselves.

The summit was organized by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan through the Provincial Health Office with funding from the Department of Health.

Specifying that health care service tops his administration’s program thrust, the provincial chief executive noted that all local government units in Pangasinan must do the same.

Based on record, the Philippines ranked 10^th in the world with most number of rabies cases. Pangasinan, on the other hand, ranked 4^th in the entire country in 2014 and eventually went number one in 2015.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, who heads the committee on health, said  it is very alarming for Pangasinan to post the most number of cases nationwide.

Rosario noted that the present situation serves as a challenge to each Pangasinense as he added that information dissemination should be heightened to raise awareness on what responsible pet ownership is all about.

Full enforcement of laws with the cooperation of other line agencies like the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Education must be implemented.

In terms of legislation, the 4^th district board member said that despite the existence of  RA 9482 otherwise known as Responsible Pet Ownership Act, only 34 out of 47 LGUs in Pangasinan have existing local  ordinance.

Meanwhile, Irene Madonna Almeida, Nurse IV,  DOH Region I Infectious Diseases Program Coordinator, reported that there were 25 human deaths in the region in 2015. The province of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte has zero fatality while Pangasinan recorded 19 and La Union has 6.

Provincial Health Officer Anna Ma. Teresa De Guzman,  attributed the human death cases in Pangasinan to non access on Animal Bite Center or lack of awareness among people as a majority of  people still believe in resorting to quack medicine.

Other possible reasons why cases of rabies in Pangasinan is high, De Guzman said, was lack of vaccine in the previous years.

De Guzman disclosed that this year, the PHO manages the vaccination so that it can monitor the cases and find solutions in controlling the rabies virus.

Furthermore, De Guzman stated that Pangasinan has 16 animal bite centers. Thus, she encouraged patients bitten by rabid dogs to avail of the free vaccinations of four doses.

On the other hand, Dr. Eric Jose Perez encourages dog owners to have their pets castrated. In this way, he said, dog population can be controlled.

Perez revealed that Pangasinan has a total dog population of 381,351. Out of this number, the OPVet is targeting at least 70 percent of the total dog population to be vaccinated which translates to about 266,946 canines. So far, the OPVet has recorded some 66,821 dogs vaccinated.

In terms of human rabies cases in Pangasinan this year, DOH regional office has posted 50 positive cases with human deaths recorded in the following towns and cities: Lingayen, 6; San Fabian, 5; San Carlos, 5 and Dagupan, 4.

A Pledge of Commitment, which was read by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. was signed by the regional and provincial officials present as well as the participants from various local health zones in Pangasinan. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS  LEAGUE – PANGASINAN CHAPTER. Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino, III (8^th from left) flashes the Pangasinan one sign along with the new set of officers of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) – Pangasinan Chapter after he administered their oath-taking at the Urduja House, located within the Capitol Complex in Lingayen on September 27. The councilors league is led by PCL Provincial Federation President Sheila Marie Perez-Galicia, who sits as ex-officio member of the provincial board. (7^th from left). /Photo by JPOrdonez/MGNO 

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.