Lingayen – Governor-elect Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III has assured the Department of Education (DepEd) of the provincial government’s support to the full implementation of Senior High School (SHS) in Pangasinan, a component of the K to 12 curriculum.

Outgoing Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Pogi Espino expressed his commitment to SHS implementation during  the DepEd Pangasinan I SHS Caravan and Summit held at the Sison Auditorium on May 23 that was attended by about 3,000 SHS teachers along with school heads and DepEd executives in Pangasinan.

“The transition of leadership in the provincial government will sustain and strengthen further the advocacies and programs implemented by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. in support to the DepEd in his 9-year stint as provincial chief executive,” Governor-elect ‘Pogi’ Espino said.

 The kick-off implementation of SHS for school year 2016-2017 marks a special milestone in the Philippine Educational system as it gives every learner an opportunity to receive quality education based on a globally-recognized enhanced and decongested curriculum.

The implementation of SHS will cater to the needs of students where they could choose specialization based on their aptitudes, interests and skills.

Recognizing the hard work of the teachers in their profession, the incoming governor urged them “to double efforts in instilling into the minds of the younger generation good morals to keep them away from bad influence and ill ways of living.”

The young Espino likewise reiterated Gov. Espino’s popular dictum on leadership: “All efforts done by leaders today are for the benefit of the future generations.”

About 21,000 SHS students enrolled at 130 high schools and integrated schools in 22 towns under DepEd Pangasinan 1 are expected to finish the K-12 curriculum in March 2018.

Meanwhile, DepEd Regional Director Alma Ruby Torio, on behalf of DepEd top executives, stressed that K-12 is a strategic move of Dep Ed to produce quality and competent high school graduates.

Dr. Torio also asked the incoming provincial administration to extend its support to five more DepEd schools divisions in the province which include: Pangasinan II, Alaminos City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City and Dagupan City.

The SHS summit organized by DepEd Pangasinan I led by Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Celia Fernandez was preceded by a caravan which started from various towns in Pangasinan and converged at the Maramba Boulevard in Lingayen then proceeded to the Sison Auditorium located within the Capitol Complex.

Lingayen – In his return to the House of Representatives as the newly-elected Pangasinan fifth district congressman, incumbent Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr pledges to sponsor a bill to “shape up” the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The outgoing provincial chief executive spoke to hundreds of police forces at the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) here in an awarding ceremony last May 23.

“The most important for a country to have is peace and security as well as the police that administers it,” said Gov. Espino, citing trustworthy law enforcement as key for progressive nations to achieve affluence in global circuits.

He revealed that his main agenda fueling his recent bid for the congress is to strengthen the national police, him taking to account his experience as a police officer himself and his ascent as PNP Region 1director.

Until now, the incoming fifth district representative still laments the absence of a permanent provincial police director, with 10 officer-in-charge placed instead for four straight years now, including the current Police Senior Superintendent Edgar Alan Okubo.

“As you can observe some entities here don’t bat an eyelash to resort to violence and blatantly show use of force,” he said.

Reiterating the need for an official and not an acting provincial police director, the outgoing governor said that an officer-in-charge cannot even do simple office tasks such as signing correspondences because he is not part of the office.

The newly elected Pangasinan fifth district congressman, however, thanked the provincial police force for their peacekeeping efforts this recent elections.

PSSupt. Okubo in turn expressed gratitude to the outgoing governor for gracing the event despite his busy schedule and for the provincial government’s participation to their Election 2016 scheme which capped a zero-election violence related incidence.

A total of 54 uniformed personnel ranging from PPO staff, Special Action Force, PSC, Protective Security Personnel, Special Weapons and Tactics team, Highway Patrol Group and Crime Investigation and Detection Group squad who were awarded with Medalya ng Papuri by the office for their remarkable accomplishment which led to responding to 141 vote-buying attempts that is worthy of emulation by other member of police force.

LINGAYEN – The father and son tandem of the Espinos proved to be unbeatable as they trounced the seemingly invincible Cojuangco couple in the May 9 elections here in Pangasinan.

Outgoing provincial board member and Governor-elect Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III garnered 736,909 votes for the gubernatorial race as he defeated his rival, former congressman Mark Cojuangco who received 513,897 votes  with a difference of  223,012 votes.

            Outgoing Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. who got 133,381 votes  defeated his opponent, outgoing congresswoman Kimi Cojuangco who settled for 92,943 votes in the congressional race for fifth district,  a known bailiwick of the Cojuangcos.

Both the father and son Espinos had an identical 59 percentage of votes that sealed their victory over the Cojuangcos who both posted only 41 percent of the total votes counted.  

 The young Espino won convincingly in all the congressional districts of Pangasinan — except in the first district — despite the well-oiled machinery, political leaders and religious-sect support and the alleged massive vote-buying activities of the Cojuangcos.

            In the second district, the governor-elect outnumbered Cojuangco by more than 60,910 votes after he posted 136,767 votes, while Cojuangco  bagged only 75,857 votes. The young Espino won in seven towns of the second district except in Binmaley.

            In the third and fourth districts comprising a total of  10 towns, the young Espino made a clean sweep garnering a lead difference of 81,635 in the third district and 29,692 in the fourth district.

            Still gaining the biggest number of votes, Governor-Elect Espino also toppled Cojuangco in most number of towns in the fifth and sixth districts with Cojuangco edging him in just two municipalities per district.

            Governor-elect Espino clobbered Cojuangco in the fifth district by gaining 129,257 votes over 71,520 with a difference of 57,737 in favor of Espino.

            In the sixth district, Governor-elect Espino received 114,412 votes over Cojuangco’s 93,079 with a difference of 21,333 votes.

            Based on election results, Governor-elect Pogi gained the upperhand right in the hometown of Cojuangco’s running mate, Mark Roy Macanlalay, Calasiao outgoing mayor, where the outgoing board member garnered 27,286 votes beating Cojuangco who settled with only 16, 640 votes.

            In San Carlos City, the young Espino had  an avalanche of votes posting 54,514 against Cojuangco who only got 21,473 votes. The non-support of Resuello brothers to BM Pogi made no significant dent on the latter’s candidacy after San Carlenians gave Espino a lead of 33,041 votes over Cojuangco.   

            On the other hand, the all-out support of prominent political leaders from fourth to sixth districts namely the De Venecias, Perezes, and the Estrellas failed to convince the people of Pangasinan from their respective turf to support Cojuangco’s ambition.

            Meanwhile, the outgoing provincial chief executive who garnered 133,381 ended Cojuangco’s reign in the fifth district as he toppled down re-electionist Cong. Kimi Cojuangco who got  only 92,943 votes, or a difference of more than 40,438 votes in favor of the elder Espino. 

Surprisingly, in Urdaneta City, the supposedly bailiwick of Ambassador and MECO Chairman Amadito Perez, Jr.,  who was the  number one supporter of the Cojuangcos, the father-and-son Espino tandem also knocked-out  the powerful power couple.

The elder Espino got 33,763 votes for congressman in Urdaneta City against 20,972 votes for outgoing Congresswoman Cojuangco with a difference of 12,791 votes while BM Pogi Espino had 33,227 votes compared with the 20,612 votes for Mark Cojuangco with a difference of 12,615 votes.

Political observers from Manila said that the 2016 gubernatorial elections in Pangasinan is one of the biggest upsets in the political history of the country as a young provincial board member, like  David who slew Goliath, defeated  the son of the country’s multi-billionaire business tycoon and founder of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, the second biggest political party in the country.

Local observers believe that the Espinos won via landslide because of their sterling performance, integrity and love for Pangasinan.   (Merly R. Tibalao and AJV)

Lingayen – Reelectionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. of Aksyon Demokratiko emerged victorious after a nerve-wracking vice gubernatorial race by edging his opponent by only 5,808 votes.

Vice Gov. Calimlim garnered 568,018 votes to defeat his rival, Calasiao Mayor Mark Macanlalay of Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), who posted 562,210 votes.

The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) led by Provincial Comelec Officer Joel Gines proclaimed Vice Gov. Calimlim on May 12 as re-elected vice governor, who shall serve as presiding officer of the province’s legislative branch on his third and last term.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako nang buong puso sa lahat ng nagtiwala at sumuporta  sa akin at nagbigay ng pagkakataon para magsilbi sa ilalim ng bagong liderato ,” the vice governor said in an interview.

Calimlim said that he will remain supportive of the programs initiated by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. as he vowed to support through legislation the incoming leadership of governor-elect Amado “Pogi” Espino, III.

The 10^th SP shall convene after the transition of provincial administration by July this year with eight re-elected members, namely: Napoleon Fontelera, Jr. (NPC) and Antonio Sison (NPC) of the 1^st district; Raul Sison (Aksyon Demokratiko) and Nestor Reyes (Liberal Party) of the 2^nd district; Angel Baniqued, Jr. (LP) and Generoso Tulagan, Jr. (KBL) of the 3^rd district; Liberato Villegas (LP) of the 4^th district; and Clemente Arboleda, Jr. (NPC) of the 5^th district.

Come-backing board members are: Jeremy Agerico Rosario (LP) of the 4^th district; and Salvador Perez, Jr. (NPC) of the 6^th district, who previously joined the SP as provincial councilors’ league federation president.

New SP members are: Chinky Perez (NPC) of the 5^th district and Noel Bince (LP) of the 6^th district.

Gines, PBOC chair, noted that Pangasinan has posted 85.11 percent voters’ turnout with 1,451,424 actual voters of the 1,705,260 registered voters in Pangasinan.

“Compared to mid-term elections, the voters’ turnout for the national elections is high because of the presidential and vice presidential elections,” Gines said.

PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE

Capitol Building, Lingayen, Pangasinan

May 12, 2016

ERRATUM: The Provincial Information Office (PIO) apologizes for the non-inclusion of Hon. Christopher de Venecia, son of outgoing Rep. Gina de Venecia, as duly elected 4^th district congressman who was proclaimed on May 10, in its article dispatched to media yesterday, May 11. In the same vein, PIO wishes to clarify that contrary to the previous article sent, Rep. Jesus “Boying” Celeste opted not to be proclaimed in public by the PBOC as re-elected 1^st district representative.

Below is the revised and updated press release to replace the previous article sent to you.

PRESS RELEASE

Espinos proclaimed winners

of gubernatorial and congressional elections

Lingayen – The father-and-son tandem, outgoing Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and outgoing Provincial Board Member Amado “Pogi” Espino, III of Aksyon Demokratiko defeated the Cojuangco couple of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in the 2016 gubernatorial and 5^th congressional district races.

Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino posted an overwhelming victory, garnering 736,909 votes, which was 223,012 votes more than the 513,897 votes received by his opponent, former 5^th district representative Mark Cojuangco. The percentage of votes is 58.59 – 40.86 in favor of Espino.

On the 5^th district congressional race, outgoing Pangasinan Governor Espino received 133,381 votes to prevail over his rival, outgoing Congresswoman Kimi Cojuangco, who collected 92,943 votes. The percentage of votes is 58.93 – 41.06, the ratio of which is almost identical with that of the gubernatorial race results.

The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) led by Provincial Election Supervisor Joel Gines proclaimed the young Espino as elected governor and the elder Espino as elected congressman.

Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino, in an interview after the proclamation, expressed gratitude for the trust, confidence and support of Pangasinenses which catapulted him to the province’s top post to succeed his father.

“We finish strong,” said Board Member Espino who called on for the unity of Pangasinenses to give a blast of support to the present provincial administration “to give credit to the man who transformed Pangasinan as a premiere province in the country today.”

The incoming governor likewise urged leaders in the province to “move forward for a better future,” adding that politics has already ended and it is now time for them to work hand-in-hand to elevate the province’s growth and development.

Meanwhile, Congressman-elect Espino, said he would take on “reconciliation with everyone with justice” to shed light on issues thrown at them during the campaign period.

Gov. Espino, however, assured “he will leave all things behind and move forward” as he vowed that he will remain supportive to the provincial government to promote the best interest of Pangasinenses, particularly the younger generation.

Earlier, re-elected representatives, Leopoldo Bataoil (2^nd district) and Marlyn Primicias Agabas (6^th district), who both ran unopposed; and Rose Marie Arenas (3^rd district) had been proclaimed.

Rep. Gina de Venecia’s son, Christopher de Venecia, had also been proclaimed as 4^th district representative.

First district representative Jesus “Boying” Celeste, however, opted not to be proclaimed in public by the PBOC.

Lingayen – Reelectionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Jr. of Aksyon Demokratiko emerged victorious after a nerve-wracking vice gubernatorial race by edging his opponent by only 5,808 votes.

Vice Gov. Calimlim garnered 568,018 votes to defeat his rival, Calasiao Mayor Mark Macanlalay of Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), who posted 562,210 votes.

The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) led by Provincial Comelec Officer Joel Gines proclaimed Vice Gov. Calimlim on May 12 as re-elected vice governor, who shall serve as presiding officer of the province’s legislative branch on his third and last term.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako nang buong puso sa lahat ng nagtiwala at sumuporta  sa akin at nagbigay ng pagkakataon para magsilbi sa ilalim ng bagong liderato ,” the vice governor said in an interview.

Calimlim said that he will remain supportive of the programs initiated by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. as he vowed to support through legislation the incoming leadership of governor-elect Amado “Pogi” Espino, III.

The 10^th SP shall convene after the transition of provincial administration by July this year with eight re-elected members, namely: Napoleon Fontelera, Jr. (NPC) and Antonio Sison (NPC) of the 1^st district; Raul Sison (Aksyon Demokratiko) and Nikiboy Reyes (Liberal Party) of the 2^nd district; Angel Baniqued, Jr. (LP) and Generoso Tulagan, Jr. (KBL) of the 3^rd district; Liberato Villegas (LP) of the 4^th district; and Clemente Arboleda, Jr. (NPC) of the 5^th district.

Come-backing board members are: Jeremy Agerico Rosario (LP) of the 4^th district; and Salvador Perez, Jr. (NPC) of the 6^th district, who previously joined the SP as provincial councilors’ league federation president.

New SP members are: Chinky Perez (NPC) of the 5^th district and Noel Bince (LP) of the 6^th district.

Gines, PBOC chair, noted that Pangasinan has posted 85.11 percent voters’ turnout with 1,451,424 actual voters of the 1,705,260 registered voters in Pangasinan.

“Compared to mid-term elections, the voters’ turnout for the national elections is high because of the presidential and vice presidential elections,” Gines said.

DOUBLE VICTORIES FOR THE ESPINOS.The Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) proclaims Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. (left photo) and son, Board Member Amado “POGI” I. Espino III (right photo) as newly-elected congressman and governor, respectively. Still undefeated in his political career, Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. gained 133,381 votes while his opponent Rep. Kimi Cojuanco recieved 92,943 for the fifth district congressional seat. Claiming the gubernatorial seat, BM Pogi Espino wins with 707,925 defeating former Rep. Mark Cojuangco with 488,762 votes.  //PIOPhoto Jedidiah Ordoñez

Lingayen – The Father-and-son tandem, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and Amado “Pogi” Espino, III defeated the Cojuangco couple in the 2016 gubernatorial and 5^th congressional district races.

Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino posted an overwhelming victory, garnering 707, 925 votes, which is 219, 163 votes higher than the 488, 762 votes received by his opponent, former 5^th district representative Mark Cojuangco.

On the 5^th congressional district race, outgoing Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. received 133,381 votes to prevail over his rival, reelectionist Kimi Cojuangco, who collected only 92,943 votes.

The provincial board of canvassers (PBOC) on Wednesday, May 11, proclaimed the young Espino as elected governor and the elder Espino as elected congressman.

Governor-elect “Pogi” Espino, in an interview after the proclamation, expressed gratitude for the trust, confidence and support of Pangasinenses which catapulted him to the province’s top post to succeed his father.

“We finish strong,” said Board Member Espino who called on for the unity of Pangasinenses to give a blast of support to the present provincial administration to “give credit to the man who transformed Pangasinan as a premiere province in the country today.”

The incoming governor likewise urged leaders in the province to “move forward for a better future,” adding that politics has already ended and it is now time for them to work hand-in-hand to elevate the province’s growth and development.

            Meanwhile, Congressman-elect Espino, said he would take on “reconciliation with everyone with justice” to shed light on issues thrown at them during the campaign period.

The provincial chief executive, however, assured “he will leave all things behind and move forward” as he vowed that he will remain supportive to the provincial government to promote the best interest of Pangasinenses, particularly the younger generation.

The proclamation held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall was conducted despite the absence of certificates of canvass (COC) from San Fabian town.

PBOC chair and provincial election supervisor Joel Gines said that even if the  total votes from San Fabian was given to Cojuangco it is not enough to offset Espino’s margin. San Fabian has 46, 269 registered voters.

However, winner for the tight vice gubernatorial race between reelectionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. and Calasiao Mayor Mark Macanlalay will be proclaimed as soon as all COCs will be transmitted to the PBOC.

Last Tuesday, four re-elected representatives, Jesus “Boying” Celeste (1^st district),  Leopoldo Bataoil (2^nd district), Rose Marie Arenas (3^rd district) and Marlyn Primicias Agabas (6^th district) have been proclaimed.

Lingayen – Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas has openly endorsed and expressed his all-out support for the gubernatorial bid of Amado ‘Pogi’ Espino, III, son and namesake of outgoing Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.

The endorsement of Roxas for ‘Pogi’ Espino with his tandem, re-electionist Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., and the entire line up of local party Partido na Pangasinan (PnP) was made public during a leg of his campaign sortie held on May 30 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) Gymnasium, here, which was attended by stalwarts of PnP, hundreds of re-electionist and come-backing LP members and allies vying for various elective positions from provincial down to municipal and city level, and barangay leaders.

“Ituloy ang mga programa. Ituloy ang pag-arangkada ng Pangasinan. Nandito po ang ating kasama — si Amado ‘Pogi’ Espino, III,” said Roxas, as he noted that the Espino administration has truly delivered excellent leadership for its constituents.

Roxas went further, saying: “Kayo mismo ang nakaranas sa pag-unlad ng Pangasinan… sa pagbangon ng Pangasinan mula sa mga baha na dulot ng bagyo. Kayo mismo ang nakakita sa mga imprastraktura at mga irrigasyon na naiparating ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan sa inyong mga kabarangay… sa inyong mga bayan.”

Roxas likewise urged political bigwigs and leaders in the province to strengthen further LP’s call to continue the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ brand of leadership initiated by President Benigno S. Aquino’s administration.

Meanwhile, unopposed 2^nd district Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil, LP provincial chairperson, assured Roxas of the all-out support of the PnP, a local political party which Bataoil also serves as president.

PnP is a coalition of political leaders who are affiliated in various political parties, but share the same vision and principles for leadership in Pangasinan .

Cong. Eric Singson of Ilocos Sur, LP regional chairman, was also present during the campaign sortie.

The endorsement of Roxas boosts further the campaign of ‘Pogi’ Espino, who is leading the gubernatorial race based on a survey conducted by the polling firm Data Advisor last March 18-22 in all of the 44 towns and three cities of Pangasinan.

The survey revealed Espino getting more votes at 72 percent while nemesis candidate, former 5^th district Congressman Mark Cojuangco earning the nod of just 27.5 percent of respondents.

LIMGAS NA PANGASINAN 2016 SPECIAL AWARDS. Two Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 top winners amaze spectators with their confidence and aura in presenting themselves in two most-coveted minor awards during the Limgas pageant and coronation night held at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen on April 30. Limgas na Pangasinan 2016 Karissa Anne Lopez of Alcala (right) was awarded best in evening gown while 1^st runner-up Denielle Joie Magno of Bayambang (left) received the best in swim wear award. /Photos by Jinver Perez