Pangasinan News April 2014

From Philippines
Jump to navigation Jump to search
→ → Go back HOME to Zamboanga: the Portal to the Philippines.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Create Name's page

Regions | Philippine Provinces | Philippine Cities | Municipalities | Barangays | High School Reunions

Pangasinan Province - Archived News
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Pangasinan Province, Philippines
Pangasinan philippines map locator.png
Map Locator of Pangasinan Province
Pangasinan capitol building 01.jpg
The Capitol Building of Pangasinan in the municipality of Lingayen

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Pangasinan State University, Asingan Campus.jpg
Pangasinan State University, Asingan Campus
Aguilar pangasinan church.jpg
Church in Aguilar Pangasinan

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
Tondol beach anda pangasinan.jpg
Tondol Beach, Anda

Sports spectacle to attract Pista’y Dayat revelers in Pangasinan

By Venus May H. Sarmiento and April M. Montes (MCA/VHS/PIA1-Pangasinan)

LINGAYEN, April 30 (PIA) – The month-long celebration of Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) in Pangasinan also featured various sports competition that left locals and visitors in awe.

Hundreds of tourists and spectators witnessed exhilarating sports action courtesy of Skim Boarding, ‘Paboksing ed Gulpo’ (Boxing competition at the Gulf), Beach Volleybelle competition and Rubik’s Cube Competition.

Provincial Information Officer Orpheus Velasco said the sports activities aim to bolster the sports development thrust of the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.

“The sports spectacle will showcase the immense skills and aptitude of Pangasinenses who are into sports,” Velasco said.

Skimboarding, a new event in the festival, started on April 26 at the Capitol beach. At least 30 young skimmers rode on a skim board, met an incoming breaking wave and glided across the water surface. The exhibition, featuring the Pangasinan Skimboarding community, left spectators inspired by the waters.

The water sports activity is similar to surfing, however, skimboarding uses a smaller board and glides on smaller waves.

Also on that day, traditional Filipino games like ’hulian ng biik’ and ‘tumbang preso’ refreshed the well-loved Pinoy games at the beachfront.

On May 1, the Paboksing ed Gulpo, an amateur boxing competition, will be participated in by 15 local boxing talents and 15 contenders from other provinces competing in weight categories that ranges from 36kg-55kg.

Volleybelle teams from the province -- Lingayen, University of Luzon, Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades, Provincial Government -- will clash with five teams from universities and colleges in Manila and teams from Benguet and Baguio City during the Beach Volleyball tourney also on May 1.

For indoor sports lovers, try joining the Rubik’s Cube competition on May 1. The Provincial Information Office said interested participants may register and join in the following contest categories: rubik’s cube; megaminx; pyraminx; skewb; blindfolded (BLD) 3x3; and one-handed 3x3, 2x2, and 4x4.

The Pista’y Dayat is the biggest summer festival in the province held annually to give tribute to the Sea which gives bounty to the province.

Pangasinan town unveils new municipal hall

(PNA), JBP/LVM/HILDA MARTIN AUSTRIA/RMA

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan, April 29 (PNA) -- The municipal government here inaugurated its new three-story municipal hall located on a 1.5-hectare lot in Barangay Maningding last Monday to replace the old one located in the Poblacion area.

Built at a cost of PHP32 million, the edifice was funded from a loan obtained by the municipal government from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Mayor Carlito Zaplan led the inauguration of the new municipal hall building with a land area of 2,400 square meters. and its adjacent legislative building built at a cost of PHP9.4 million.

Both these new public buildings are located on a land earlier purchased by the municipality at P50 million.

Sta. Barbara is a first class town in central Pangasinan bounded in the east by Urdaneta City, Calasiao in the west, Mangaldan in the north and Dagupan City in the north west.

Espino commended the town and its people for building these projects as he stressed that the town hall is "the face, the heart and the soul of a locality".

For his part, Zaplan said the new building, despite all the oppositions that it met before "is a dream come true" for the local government.

He admitted that the old municipal hall in the Poblacion area is already dilapidated and congested thus the need for a new building to accommodate visitors and the people who transact business with the municipal government.

The old town hall was built 1908 during the American regime. The municipal government will soon convert this into a museum.

“The municipal hall serves as a landmark in our town, so that people from the outside will know that this is Sta. Barbara the moment they see its grand town hall," Zaplan said.

“Some investors are already asking about the area as they are interested to put up their investments here," the mayor said.

The new municipal hall is about 1.2 kilometers away from the town proper and is located along the Sta. Barbara Expressway that connects Urdaneta City and Dagupan.

Dagupan's Bangusan Street Party expected to attract up to one million revelers

(PNA), LAM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, April 28 (PNA) -- After witnessing the crowd-drawing 'Festivals of the North' here on April 27 which was mobbed by up to 50,000 people, the Bangus Festival 2014 will continue with another big activity, the 'Bangusan Street Party' on April 30.

Set along the more than three-kilometer stretch of Judge Jose R. de Venecia Sr. Expressway Extension, the 'Bangusan Street Party' is expected to be joined by 800,000 to a million people from all walks of life coming from Dagupan City and the neighboring towns and cities.

Dr. Edwin Aguirre, executive assistant to Mayor Belen Fernandez and event chairman, said up to 1,000 grills will be spread along the highway where people will grill up to 30,000 pieces of freshly harvested 'bangus' (milkfish).

The grills were bought by private companies and individuals at P2,500 per grill and the cost includes 10 pieces of 'bangus', salt, charcoal, apron and chef's hat.

After grilling their 'bangus' allocation, the participants may next grill tilapia, oysters and other marine products, including meat, hotdogs and others.

The upcoming 'Bangusan Street' on April 30 may yet be the biggest night party ever in all Bangus Festivals as well as in the entire city if not all over Northern Luzon.

Mayor Fernandez, Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia and other invited guests will do the ceremonial lighting of the grills at 6:00 p.m. to officially kick off the street party.

Security will still be tight prompting the police to again call reinforcements from the Police Provincial and Regional Offices as well as its force multipliers to ward away troublemakers as they did earlier during the 'Festivals of the North' to ensure a trouble-free street party.

Superintendent Christopher Abrahano, chief of police of Dagupan, said no untoward incident happened whatsoever during the 'Festivals of the North' despite the estimated 50,000 people who flocked in Dagupan's downtown area during the event.

He said they will double security efforts as more people are expected to join the 'Bangusan Street Party' set along Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension which is sandwiched by acres upon acres of fishponds.

The revelers in the 'Bangus Street Party' are expected to stay till the wee hour in the morning as they will be entertained by live performances of different famous rock bands from Manila.

These include Gloc 9, Spongecola, Ebe, Silent Sanctuary, Join the Club, Parokya ni Edgar, Callalily, Grace Note, 1:43 Band and Gladys Guevarra and Band, with the participation of Rico Puno, Dingdong Dantes plus other "Kapuso" Stars.

Fireworks called 'Splash in the Sky' will be done in the midst of the street party for all revelers to see.

Mandatory National Child Nutrition Program pushed

(PNA), SCS/PR/PJN

MANILA, April 27 (PNA) -- Worried about the growing prevalence of malnutrition among Filipino children, a lady lawmaker urges the enactment of the “National Child Nutrition Law of 2013.”

“Our nation’s children are definitely our country’s future leaders. Thus, their quality nutrition needs to be ensured by the State to provide the best opportunities at developing the potentials of the present and future generations of children,” Rep. Juliette T. Uy (2nd District, Misamis Oriental), author of HB 1548, said.

HB 1548 is entitled “An Act providing for a mandatory National Child Nutrition Program in all Public Elementary Schools and Barangay Day Care Centers.”

Uy expressed her delight knowing that her pet measure is one among various vital bills referred to and under study by a technical working group (TWG) formed by the House Committee on Basic Education chaired by Rep. Kimi Cojuangco (5th District, Pangasinan).

She said that appropriate quality nutrition is integral to children’s total development and the overall development of the nation.

Among others, the program includes: a) complementary feeding to ensure access to food supplements which will improve nutritional status via micronutrient supplementation, weighing and growth monitoring, deworming, and emergency feeding during and after disaster; and b) dietary diversification/backyard gardening to assure availability of nutritious food in the local areas.

The funds for the establishment, maintenance and operation of the mandatory program shall be sourced from ten percent of the recorded income of the general fund accruing from interest on deposit accounts and performance bonds and any forfeited amounts therefrom.

To explain her point, Rep. Uy cited Executive Order No. 128 which mandates the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FHRI) to conduct surveys every five years on the nutritional status of the population.

The resultant 2008 nutrition survey showed that: 1) the number of Filipino children who were underweight and under-height increased from 2005 to 2008; 2) the prevalence of underweight children aged 0-5 years increased from 24.6 percent to 26.2 percent (about 3.35 million children);3) The under-height rate increased from 26.3 percent to 27.9 percent (3.57 million children); and 4) the prevalence of underweight children aged 6-10 years increased from 22.8 percent in 2005 to 25.6 percent in 2008 (2.6 million children). The number of under-height children in this age group likewise increased from 32 percent to 33.1 percent.

Skimboarding set in Pangasinan Capitol beach area April 26-May 2

(PNA), CTB/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 26 (PNA)--- Skimboarding may become a regular activity at the Capitol beachfront area with the launching of this sport Saturday ( April 26) as part of the month-long Pangasinan Pistay Dayat celebration.

Revelers to the annual summer festivity in all beaches of Pangasinan are now treated to a series of skim-boarding clinics and exhibitions by the Pangasinan Skimboarding Community from April 26 to May 2 from 7-10 a.m. and 2-5 p.m.

“Skimboarding is being introduced in Lingayen as another water sports activity to stir up the interest of sports-minded Pangasinenses to try this relatively new sport,” Officer-in-Charge of Provincial Population Office Ellsworth Gonzales, said.

Gonzales said the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. sees skimboarding as a water sports activity that could attract more tourists to visit the Capitol beachfront.

Skimboarding is like surfing but a smaller board without fins is used. This sport is usually played in shallow waters with small waves. Anyone who would want to try this activity will ride on a skim board, meet an incoming breaking wave and glide across the water surface then catch back to the shore in a manner similar to surfing.

A skimboarding community based in Dagupan City introduced this kind of sporting activity in the province and its members are willing to teach anyone who would like to try this sport, Gonzales said.

Skimboarding is open to all, however, children below 15 years old should be accompanied by an adult/guardian who will sign a consent/waiver form on the child’s behalf.

Participants were advised to wear proper beach attire (shorts and shirt of any fabric except maong) and additional safety gears (goggles, elbow and knee guards, etc.)

Slots will be limited per clinic on a “first come, first served” rule. The organizers will provide skimboards duringthe clinic.

The organizers reserve the right to deny an individual from participating in the clinic if he/she is unable to comply with the guidelines.

Gonzales said personnel from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) are tasked to assure that each participant is physically fit for the activity and health concerns will be given proper attention.

On the other hand, the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) team of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Coordinating Office (PDRRMO) will oversee safety and security of the participants in the beach area.

Education exec reminds Pangasinan graduates to contribute to development

By Elsha Marie B. Soriano (MCA/EMS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan April 25 (PIA) – Assistant Secretary Jesus Lorenzo Mateo of the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded the graduates of Pangasinan State University (PSU) of their primary responsibility to contribute to the country's growth and development.

Mateo, who graced the commencement exercises of PSU Graduate School, Open University Systems (OUS) and Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), told the 255 graduates to see that the degree they have earned will not just be a badge of academic excellence but a simple intimate responsibility for others.

“It’s not about the money in bank, but the goodness of heart, the purity of intensions and love with other will show that it (education) matters. Use your gifts wisely, used them for the good, not only for yourself but for others as well,” he said.

Mateo said to the graduates: “From now on, you are responsible for empowering and enabling your fellow Filipinos to reach their full potentials and realize their rights, reminding them that they are liable for building and serving the nation and its people.

He urged the graduates to be good, decent human being in all things at all times.

Moreover, he challenged them to create wonders, miracles, arts, opportunities, solutions, tolerant atmosphere and better life for others as he emphasized that in every decision they make, “make sure that nobody is intentionally or unintentionally harmed in the process.”

Pangasinan Pista'y Dayat brimming with sports, games

(PNA), FPV/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 24 (PNA)-- This year's Pista'y Dayat (sea festival) is brimming with various sports activities, according to Modesto Operania, the provincial government's sports coordinator.

Operania said that apart from the usual sports activities conducted in previous festivals, the province prepared new and more exciting sports and games open to all persons interested.

He disclosed that the province will kick off its skim boarding clinic on April 26 and Rubik's cube competition on May 1.

Other sports and games to be held are beach parlor games (April 26), water sports activities as parasailing and banana boat rides (May 1), boxing (May 1), and women beach volleyball (May 1 and 2).

Around six teams from Manila and six teams from Pangasinan are expected to compete in volleyball, said Operania.

The province will also conduct its third triathlon competition on May 3, to begin and end at the Lingayen beachfront.

Operania said they are expecting around 200-250 participants from different provinces in the triathlon tilt.

On May 1, people may also witness a dragon boat exhibition at the Banaga Bridge in Bugallon and take part in other Pista'y Dayat activities.

Pantal village ends another's five-year winning streak in Dagupan street dancing

(PNA), FPV/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, April 23 (PNA)--Barangay Pantal in Dagupan City emerged as the overall champion in this year’s Gilon-Gilon Ed Baley Street Dancing Competition on Tuesday which signalled the rousing grand opening of this year’s Bangus Festival celebration.

Pantal ended the five-year reign of Barangay Lucao as the yearly Gilon-Gilon winner with a score of 93.17% against Lucao’s 92.33%, good for a second place finish.

" Gilon-gilon" is the Pangasinan term which denotes the harvesting of milkfish from the fishponds.

“After eleven years of joining the street dancing competition, it is with mixed emotions that we finally bagged the top spot and we promise to give a better performance as Dagupan’s official representative to the upcoming Festivals of the North,” said village chairman Julie Perez.

As champion, Pantal received a cash prize of Php120, 000 and another Php 20, 000 for also winning Best in Musicality while Lucao bagged Php 80,000 and an additional Php 20,000 for being the Best in Costume.

The other winners include: Caranglaan (2nd runner-up), Bolosan (3rd runner-up) and Tebeng (4th runner-up) with cash prizes of Php 60, 000, Php 40, 000 and Php 30, 000, respectively.

Pantal bested 22 other street dancing groups from 31 barangays of Dagupan.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, the honorary chair person in the Bangus Festival 2014, expressed elation over the superb performance of Dagupeño street dancers compared to the previous years which according to her was the result of “ more hands-on preparations.”

These included watching the actual harvest of bangus even as early as 1:00 in the morning in order to get the right dance moves and series of seminars by the Culture and Arts Office for the street dancers and choreographers.

“I am happy with the better performance of our street dancers, the authenticity of their steps and upgrade of choreography this year which makes the Gilon-Gilon genuinely ours,” said Mayor Fernandez, who witnessed the competition with special guest Councilor and Philippine Councilor’s League Chairman Alma Moreno of Parañaque City.

Criteria for judging was based on performance, choreography, costumes and props and musicality. The panel of judges both for the mobile and focal presentations all came from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

The event was chaired by Councilor Maybelyn Dela Cruz-Fernandez, national president of the Philippine Councilors League.

Pangasinan to host BSP 6th National Venture Camp

(PNA), LAP/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 22 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan will venture on hosting another national event next month.

This is the Boy Scouts of the Philippines' (BSP) 6th National Venture Camp to be held at the Lingayen beachfront from May 5-10.

The activity was ironed out during a coordination meeting between BSP executives - both from the national and local councils - with some provincial government department heads on April 22 at the provincial capitol.

The meeting was followed by an ocular inspection of the proposed campsite and its facilities.

Atty. Wendel Avisado, senior vice president and acting secretary general of the BSP, said that the camp with the theme “Scouting for Environment” is expected to draw some 4,500 to 5,000 participants from the 118 BSP councils in the entire country.

These include those from the regions of Northeastern Luzon, Central Luzon, National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Western and Eastern Mindanao, and Ilocos.

“This is hosted by a province which we believe has the capacity and capability to host the national event.” Avisado remarked.

He added, “We are glad that the Pangasinan-San Carlos City Council has prepared well...We are happy to note that the provincial government through the Gov. Espino has really gone way ahead even of our expectations."

Avisado said the camp will be the BSP’s first to be conducted in an open campsite, in front of a beach.

“I'm sure the boy scouts coming will be elated because of the ongoing trade fair here,” he also noted.

Avisado also said that they, in coordination with the provincial engineering office, will put up additional toilet and bath facilities in the area, in consonance with the standard ratio of one toilet and bath facility to 50 scouts.

Meanwhile, the provincial disaster and risk reduction management council will spearhead the provision of security.

The Scout Venture Camp is being held once every three years to provide opportunities for senior scouts to practice and enhance their physical, social, mental, emotional and spiritual potentials.

Previously, BSP Regional Director Imelda Samson said that the camp would also help the boy scouts to discover challenging, adventurous, and experiential learning activities.

Samson added that for this year, the camp venture will focus on trainings that will help the scout members to become environmentally-conscious and always ready during disaster.

Governor Amado Espino Jr., regional chairman of the BSP, also expressed optimism that with the convergence of all local scout councils in the country, solidarity among the scouts will be more strengthened and readied for any challenges ahead.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, as president of the BSP for the past 14 years, will grace the event’s opening program in the afternoon of May 5, said Avisado.

‘Lakbay Alalay’ in Pangasinan cited

(Tempo)

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pangasinan IV Engineering Office led by District Engineer Marietta B. Mendoza and Assistant District Engineer Edith Manuel successfully held the Lakbay Alalay motorist assistance program for the Holy Week that ended yesterday.

Mendoza and Manuel said that the one-week activity rendered assistance to all motorists in five stations in Santa Barbara, Calasiao, San Carlos City, and Bayambang.

Each station had teams working in three shifts.

Mendoza and Manuel said that a roving team was instructed to go around and monitor if there are some vehicles needing mechanical services or first aid.

They thanked all their employees who joined the Lakbay Alalay activity for the benefit of motorists traveling in the district.


Pangasinan to bare cleanest river, riverbanks in Pakar Awards

By April Montes (MCA/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan with reports from PIO)

DAGUPAN CITY, April 20 (PIA) –Pangasinan’s cleanest rivers and riverbanks will be revealed during the Pakar Awards at the foot of Bañaga Bridge in Bugallon town on May 1.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said the Pakar Awards aims to recognize the noble efforts of local government units (LGUs) in the protection, management and preservation of river systems in the province. The recognition is part of the Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival) celebration.

Moya, however, said competing river and riverbank entries of local governments are those outside the project sites of the “Ilog Ko, Bilayen tan Aroen Ko” (My River, I Will Revive and Love) environmental program of the provincial government.

Now on its fourth year, the Pakar Awards has two major categories with two sub-categories each: Category A – Barangay Level has sub-categories 1 (coastal river) and 2 (inland river) while Category B – Municipal Level also comes with similar sub-categories.

Barangay Level winners will receive P 50,000 cash incentive while the winning towns will get P100,000 cash prize.

Four best practices of various municipalities and barangays in Pangasinan will also be awarded. Winners of the Best Practices Award will each get P25,000.

The team of evaluators is composed of representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office, Pangasinan State University, City Environment and Natural Resources Office based in Dagupan City and the Pangasinan Federation of Non-Government Organizations.

Government agencies such as the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police will also serve as evaluators.

Meanwhile, the provincial government invites locals and spectators from different corners of the country to join Pangasinan in its celebration of “Pistay Dayat” – the festival which honors the fishermen and the sea and celebrates the bounty of the aquaculture industry.

Up until May 1, people may enjoy the various fun-filled activities lined up for the celebration.

April 11 – Opening of Pistay Dayat 2014 at the Capitol Beachfront, Lingayen (4 pm)/Opening of Tourism and Trade Expo (Expo up to May 10) and the Opening of Photo Exhibit and Launching of Photo Contest at the Provincial Training and Development Center, Lingayen (5:30 pm);

April 25 – Limgas na Pangasinan Pre-Pageant at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen (8 pm);

April 26 – Launching of Skimboarding (7 am) and Palaro sa Tabing Dagat (8 am) at the Capitol Beachfront;

April 28 – Paboksing ed Gulpo (3 pm) and Takayan na Dayew (singing contest) (7 pm) at the Capitol Beachfront;

April 30 – Sand Sculpting Competition and Viewing (5 am), Doypuay Kalangweran (youth camp) (1:30 pm), Sayawan ed Aplaya (street dancing) (4 pm) at the Capitol Beachfront and the Limgas na Pangasinan Pageant Night (7 pm) at the Capitol Plaza, Lingayen;

May 1 – Triathlon (5 am) and Thanksgiving Mass (7 am) at the Capitol Beachfront; Banca Parada (fluvial parade) from Bantayan, Lingayen to Bañaga Bridge, Bugallon (8 am); Pakar Awards and Dragon Boat Exhibition at Bañaga Bridge (9 am); Rubiks Cube Competition (9 am), Drum and Bugle Exhibition (9 am), Beach Volleybelles Competition (9 am) and Water Sports Activities (3 pm) at the Capitol Beachfront and the GMA-7 Kapuso Night (6 pm) at Capitol Plaza.

PESO holds mini jobs fair

(PIA1-Pangasinan/AMM)

LINGAYEN–The Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) will host another special recruitment event on April 29 to hire production operators needed by Epson Precision (Philippines), Inc.

PESO Chief Alex Ferrer said applicants are advised to bring the following requirements: bio-data with recent 2×2 photo, photocopy of birth certificate, Social Security System E-1, employment history details, transcript of records and diploma.

PESO held a mini jobs fair on April 14 at its new office located at the 2nd floor formerly United Way Building in Alvear Street East here beside the Department of Education-Pangasinan I Division Office Building.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos also continues to conduct job fairs in the region and the updated schedule is regularly posted at the DOLE regional website www.ro1.dole.gov.ph and its official Facebook account: DOLE Ilocos Region.

VP Binay to Pangasinan graduates: Be Strong

(VHS/PIA-1/Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, April 18 (PIA) - Vice President Jejomar Binay has challenged the 1, 873 graduates of the Pangasinan State University to muster strength in facing challenges, in accepting their own fault and in reaching for their dreams.

Binay spoke during the 35th commencement exercises of the province’s state school. Citing himself as an example, Binay said poverty is not a hindrance to good education and pursuing one’s goal.

“Be strong and you will feel your own personal growth,” Binay said during his commencement speech on Tuesday at the Stadia.

Before he began his speech, he asked the graduates to salute and give a standing ovation to their parents and guardians who sent them to school.

“You must promise that you will give your first salary to your parents,” Binay said.

Aware of the new apprehensions to the new chapter in the graduates’ lives, Binay urged the graduates to be part of the growing opportunities for the workforce.

He said in the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines is a good investment capital and is endowed with a good labor force.

“We are a great resource, so take up the challenge to be part of the looming opportunities in the country to help improve your career and your lives,” Binay, added.

Meanwhile, PSU president Victoriano Estira said the commencement exercises this year was divided into three batches because of the huge number of graduating students. A total of of 3,890 graduating students from the nine campuses of PSU marched in this year’s graduation ceremonies.

Lenten destination: Our Lady of Manaoag in Pangasinan

By Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

Planning to go on a Lenten pilgrimage? You may want to include the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan, which is at least three hours away from Manila, in your list.

Dubbed the “pilgrim center of the north,” hundreds of people flock to Manaoag to attend mass, say a prayer, light candles and make flower offerings. The place can get easily packed on weekends, during Lent, and every October when the Feast of the Holy Rosary is celebrated.

The highlight of Manaoag is the ivory image of the Virgin Mary in the high altar of the shrine. Visitors are given a minute to touch a part of the image before proceeding to a holding area with statues of other religious figures.

At the end of the high altar is a souvenir shop where visitors can buy small images of Our Lady of Manaoag as well as rosaries, bracelets and other items. Several religious figures are on sale at the Manaoag Shrine. Photo by Karen Flores, ABS-CBNnews.com

Masses at the Manaoag church are held every hour from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and at 5 p.m. on weekdays; every hour from 5 a.m. to 12 noon and at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and every hour from 5 a.m. to 12 noon and at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Vehicles and other religious articles may also be blessed after every mass from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

TPLEX segment is opened to the public

By Kimberly Go

A new section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) runs from Moncada, Tarlac to Carmen in Rosales, Pangasinan.

That is a 27-kilometer segment of the tollway operated by the San Miguel-led Philippine Infrastructure Development Corporation (PIDC).

The company will not collect toll from motorists during the first month of operations, but after that, it's P170 for Class 1 vehicles from the start of the expressway up to the Carmen exit.

TPLEX will eventually run nearly 89 kilometers from Tarlac up to Rosario in La Union.

PIDC says it aims to finish the Urdaneta exit by December this year, and the entire expressway by December 2015.

That puts the project ahead of schedule by three years.

The company says that TPLEX, once completed, will significantly cut travel time from Manila to Baguio, Pangasinan, La Union, and the Ilocos Region.

Mark Dumol, PIDC President, said TPLEX will make it possible to drive from Manila to Baguio in just three hours, instead of six hours.

Authorities look forward to a boost in trade and tourism.

This Public Private Partnership project is estimated to cost P24 billion, with a P3-billion subsidy from the government.

Dumol says TPLEX adheres to the strictest safety standards.

Six cars and four motorcycles patrol the road daily, and there is always an ambulance on standby.

The Toll Regulatory Board, meanwhile, confirms TPLEX's compliance with prescribed safety protocols, although Alberto Suansing, the TRB road safety consultant said the expressway could use more patrollers to watch against overspeeding motorists.

Pangasinan readies integration of Pangasinan history into basic education curriculum

(PNA), FPV/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, April 15 (PNA)--Concerned teachers will undergo a workshop on the integration of the study of Pangasinan history into the basic education curriculum.

This was bared by lawyer Gonzalo T. Duque, president of the Lyceum-Northwestern University (LNU), chairman of the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission (PHCC) created by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on order of Governor Amado Espino Jr.

"There will be a seminar workshop after the Holy Week to be led by Virgie Pasalo of the Women and Development Foundation (WDF) and also PHCC commissioner; and Fe Mangahas of the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) and they will find ways to integrate it (Pangasinan history book) into the curriculum," said Duque.

Duque, ASNA awardee for the promotion of history, culture and the arts during the recent Pangasinan Day last April 5, said that the study of the province's history will be first introduced to elementary and high school students, but eventually to tertiary level as well, for everyone to appreciate the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural development of Pangasinan.

Governor Espino said they expect the integration to begin in June this year as the Department of Education already expressed its approval to the idea.

If the plan pushes through, Pangasinan will be the only province to have such program, which according to Duque, will be surely replicated by other provinces.

The Espino administration in coordination with the PHCC has been giving priority focus on culture preservation.

Last year, the PHCC was tasked by the provincial government to come up with the province's history book.

At the same time, Duque said that they are trying to delve into history specifics by pushing for the creation of a Historical and Cultural Commissions in every town.

The history of Pangasinan will form part of chapter 1 while each town's account will comprise chapter 2, said Duque.

He added that the Commission with Espino and second district congressman Leopoldo Bataoil are also working for the rebuilding of the heritage building (Casa Real), the first seat of the provincial government during the Spanish time located in Lingayen

The province has also developed the Pangasinan Hymn and is also conducting its culture and arts festival dubbed as "Balitok A Tawir" (Golden Heritage) annually.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan on Lenten Retreat

(PNA), FPV/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, April 14 (PNA)--The Sanguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has deferred its regular session Monday as its members are on an spirirual retreat in view of the observance of the Lenten Season.

The SP will resume its session by the last week of April but may hold special session whenever there is a need for it upon the call of majority of its members or of Governor Amado Espino Jr.

At the same time, the province of Pangasinan is still busy holding the Pista'y Dayat (Sea Festival) which is also being joined by some SP members.

This is the same situation in the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Dagupan where some of its members are also vacationing, some of them abroad, in view of Lent.

Dagupan City Councilor Jeslito Seen admitted that they have no session today and perhaps in the next Mondays in view of the Lenten Season.

But he said there is a need for the SP to go back to work because of many pending ordinances amd resolutions that need to be acted upon.

‘Kera kera’y Diyos,’ Pangasinan’s holy fish

By Gabriel Cardinoza (Inquirer Northern Luzon)

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines— Ask anyone at the fish market here where to find “kera kera’y Diyos (God’s leftover)” and you will likely be directed to an ambulant vendor offering it.

Kera kera’y Diyos is a flatfish, also known as “dalupani” and “isdang dapa” in Filipino. Unlike other fish species, it is asymmetrical, and its eyes are located on one side of the fish’s flattened head.

Westly Rosario, chief of the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center here, said local fishermen gave the fish this unusual name because it was supposed to be half of the fish that Jesus had eaten after the Resurrection.

“According to the story, Jesus consumed only half of the fish he was given to eat. The people considered it holy and decided to throw it back into the sea and it came back to life, even if half of its body was already consumed. It came to be known later as dalupani or kera kera’y Diyos in Pangasinan,” Rosario said.

But in a review of the short film “Ichthus” published in The Harvard Ichthus, a journal at Harvard University, it was Jesus himself who returned half of the fish to the sea.

According to the article, the short film by Ton Sison, a professor of theology and film at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, tells about a version of a story from the Gospel of John.

According to this story, fishermen gathered around Jesus one day. Soon enough, they were famished. “Who has food to share?” Jesus asked.

A small boy had a small fish. Immediately, he offered it to Jesus. Jesus took the fish and thanked Heaven. He then divided the fish into two equal parts. One of the halves, he multiplied into seven full baskets. Soon, everyone had more than enough.

The other half he blessed, “I offer this back to the sea in memory of a boy and his miracle of sharing. May it multiply so that the next generation will have a meal to share.”

Multiply, the fish did, apparently. All its offspring took the form of a half-fish, according to the tale. In due course, the poor had kera kera’y Diyos to catch. It has become their God-given portion of the Messiah’s meal.

Despite the different stories about the fish, Pangasinan fishermen believe that the fish is indeed God’s leftover.

The fish is called “dali-dali” in Cebuano, “padaoan” or “palad” in Hiligaynon, “talangkaw” in Ilocano and “palad” in Bikol.

“It’s delicious. It just has a backbone and it’s fleshy and very easy to eat,” Rosario said.

Pangasinan kicks off 'Pista'y Dayat'

(PNA), JBP/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 12 (PNA)-- The Pista'y Dayat (Sea Festival), the most awaited festival in the north, opened Friday afternoon with street dancing, lyre exhibition, concert and other activities held at the beach front and the premises of the provincial capitol here.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. was joined by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. and Department of Tourism Regional Director Martin Valera in opening the festivities which celebrate the bounty of the sea that gave rise to the growth of aqua-culture industry in Pangasinan.

"Through this, we are able to further show the products and everything else that the province can offer," said Espino during the opening program, noting the ever-growing number of participants and exhibitors joining the Pista'y Dayat since seven years ago.

He then urged Pangasinenses to unite and invest more in the province's tourism in order to promote more developments.

On the other hand, Calimlim noted the growing number of people participating in the Pista'y Dayat which only shows their love for the province.

Meanwhile, Valera congratulated the provincial government for "a very noble project" and echoed his observation that Pangasinan has the potential to be the top tourist destination in the entire country.

Espino also led in the opening of the 7th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo, photo exhibit, and the launching of a photo contest.

At least 120 exhibitors -- small and medium enterprises (SMEs), tourism-related establishments, local government units, government agencies, special interest groups as well as restaurant and food-services entrepreneurs -- from Pangasinan and other provinces even as far as Cebu, Bicol and National Capital Region (NCR) display their products and services in the expo dubbed "Aliguas ed Turismo tan Ekonomiya” (Progress of Tourism and Economy) slated from April 11 to May 10 at the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) grounds.

At the same time, the photo exhibit at the PTDC showcases scenes and activities in past celebrations of the Agew na Pangasinan (Pangasinan Day) on May 5, Pista'y Dayat, and other provincial events.

More activities are lined up in the Pista'y Dayat which include the Limgas na Pangasinan (Pangasinan Beauties) pageant and water sports events which will be on till May 1.

Feature: Cultural rebirth highlights Pangasinan Day

By April Montes (MCA/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) – Pangasinan’s founding anniversary last April 5 was about enriching the province’s heritage and cultural history.

Governor Amado Espino, Jr. said that Pangasinenses have become more conscious of their roots because of the arts and cultural preservation projects introduced by the present administration.

One of these projects is the “Kurit Panlunggaring” (literary contest) which attracted many Pangasinense writers to create literary works such as essays, poems and short stories written using the native language.

Ma. Luisa Elduayan, chief of the Tourism Operations Division, said the event intends to develop Pangasinan language and for Pangasinenses to appreciate their mother tongue in the written form.

The contest is in line with present administration’s advocacy to teach every Pangasinense the Pangasinan language and to let those in the Ilocano-speaking areas in the province learn how to speak the language.

Winners in the 3rd “Kurit Panlunggaring” were awarded during the commemorative program of the “Agew na Pangasinan” held at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen town.

Alex Romeo Fernandez, former information writer of PIA-Pangasinan, was a multi-awarded winner in the literary contest. He won first place in poetry writing and short story writing categories under adult category and bagged the second prize in the children’s story writing category.

During the commemorative program, the provincial government also presented Pangasinan’s history through an audio-visual presentation which depicted important eras from the pre-historic up to the Golden Age of Pangasinan where remarkable transformation took place and still occurs.

After the program, a float parade and street dancing dubbed “Parada na Dayew” (Parade of Praise) featured the unique culture, history, best products, festival and development of the cities and municipalities of the province.

The town of Mangaldan garnered the top award in the float-design competition. Its float-design was inspired by the town’s leading carabao meat industry called “pindang.” The Mangaldan float bested more than 30 floats which won for the local government unit a cash of P100, 000 for winning the grand prize.

To cap the event, seven outstanding Pangasinenses were honored in the ASNA Awards Night at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen town.

Honorees this year are: Ronald Costales (Organic Agriculture Development); J. Prospero de Vera III (Education); Gonzalo Duque (Public Service – Promotion of History, Culture and the Arts); Marrietta Primicias-Goco (Community Development); Pocholo Mallilin (Performing Arts); and Cesar Quiambao (Business); and Antonio Villar (Public Service).

“We acknowledge men and women of substance and character who are guided by various ideals of self-giving and service,” Espino said, as he thanked the fifth set of ASNA awardees “for giving Pangasinan works of excellence and for making us all a proud Pangasinense.”

“Asna” is an old form of the Pangasinan word asin (salt) that describes the good quality of a man’s character or his demeanor.

The ASNA awardees are likened to an invaluable grain of salt connoting selfless and committed service to their fellow Pangasinenses.

Aside from the impressive line-up of this year’s ASNA awardees, special recognitions were also given to Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince, Jr. and Mario Panoringan.

Bince, the longest-serving Provincial Board Member had passed various monumental resolutions in his 30 long years of service as provincial legislator while Panoringan was cited in civic leadership.


Summit set in Dagupan to determine future of milkfish export

(PNA), FPV/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Apriul 10 (PNA)-- The Dagupan Bangus Festival is not only for merry-making but also for ensuring the marketability of milkfish in the word market.

That is why on April 23, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office will lead fishpond owners and other stakeholders here in a summit at Star Plaza Hotel to discuss ways and means on how to bring Dagupan bangus to the international market.

DTI Provincial Director Peter O. Mangabat said the summit will pay particular attention to the export requirements and regulation for food, particularly milkfish to help fishpond owners comply with international standards and bring their products in the international market.

City Councilor Jeslito C. Seen, Bangus summit chairman, said the summit will help improve the livelihood of all fishpond owners in the city including ways on how to solve some problems besetting the local fishpond industry.

The summit will also be participated in by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 wherein Director Nestor D. Domenden will present the latest profile of the bangus industry in the region.

In the summit, the Bureau of Export Trade Promotion (BETP) will present an overview of the Association of South East Asian Nations Economic Community and its effect on the bangus industry while DTI’s Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO-Phl) will orient the participants regarding its ’ role in the bangus industry.

“This is to possibly patent our own Dagupan bangus against ‘alien’ bangus masquerading as Dagupan bangus,” said Mangabat.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez welcomes the summit in view of her program of bringing the Dagupan bangus to the world market.

The summit has been made an integral part of this year’s Bangus Festival, whose theme this year is ‘Bangus Festival Goes International.

Vendors undergo food safety and customer service seminar before 'Pista'y Dayat'

(PNA), FPV/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 9 (PNA)-- Almost a hundred vendors who will sell food during the Pista'y Dayat (sea festival) underwent a seminar on food safety and customer service on Tuesday at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center.

Bernadette Ramirez, tourist receptionist II of the provincial government's tourism operations division (TOD), said the seminar was geared at making the vendors "tourism-oriented and knowledgeable on food handling" in order to further promote tourism and to prevent food contamination.

Ramirez said the provincial government required the vendors to undergo the seminar before being able to join the festival's accredited list of food sellers and exhibitors.

She, however, said that though there has been no recorded incident of food contamination in the previous Pista'y Dayat, there is still a need to conduct such seminar as a proactive move.

At least 99 participants representing different stalls where they will exhibit and sell during the festival listened to lectures on food safety, food sanitation, and food hygiene conducted by officials from the Department of Science and Technology.

The vendors were also informed of the price regulations by the Department of Trade and Industry personnel.

At the same time, TOD discussed customer service to the participants.

In the past, TOD also conducted food handling seminars in Alaminos City, Bolinao, and Lingayen.

PRC holds mobile outreach service in Dagupan City

By April Montes (MCA/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, April 8 (PIA) – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)-Baguio Regional Office conducted a mobile outreach service at the Dagupan City People’s Astrodome on Wednesday to bring the agency’s services closer to its clients.

Niño Emmanuelle Celeste, PRC staff assistant, said the mobile outreach service dubbed “Araw ng Propesyonal” (Professionals’ Day) is being held regularly to decongest the regional office in Baguio City and to save clients from travel time and expenses.

Services offered during the mobile outreach service include initial registration for licensure examination passers; application for licensure examinations; renewal of professional ID/license; release of professional ID card and certificate of registration (per prior request by the professional and subject to availability); issuance (upon request) of certification of good standing; and issuance of certificate of passing and ratings for Nursing Licensure Exam, Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and Criminologists only.

The same activity will also be conducted in selected areas in Region I:

April 6 – University of Northern Philippines Guestel in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur (9 am to 4 pm)

April 10 – City Hall in Candon, Ilocos Sur (10 am to 4 pm)

April 11 – Lorma Colleges Quadrangle in San Fernando City, La Union (9 am to 4 pm)

May 8 – City Hall in Candon, Ilocos Sur (10 am to 4 pm)

July 10 – City Hall in Candon, Ilocos Sur (10 am to 4 pm)

PRC advised professionals who wish to claim their professional ID card and/or board certificate on the above schedules to send an e-mail at prcbaguio.regulations.renewal@gmail.com or prcbaguio.releasing@gmail.com or text 0921-969-3919/0916-627-9338 at least three or four working days before the scheduled date with the following information: venue where to claim; complete name; profession; registration number; and date filed.

Since 2008, the PRC has been holding its mobile outreach services to extend the agency’s services to professionals, examinees, and the general public in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region I and Region III for their comfort and convenience.

Meanwhile, PRC announces that the oath-taking ceremonies for January 26, 2014 LET passers is scheduled on April 10 from 8 am to 12 noon at the Robert B. Estrella, Sr. Memorial Stadium in Rosales town. Professional ID Cards will be issued after the oath-taking ceremonies.

Pangasinan okays Philippine Veterans Bank's offer to employees

(PNA), LAM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan. April 7 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan is taking advantage of a promotion being offered by the Philippine Veterans Bank (PBV) giving lower interest rates on salary loan for provincial government employees.

This was after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved a resolution proposed by Fifth District Board Mewmber Clemente Arboleda authorizing Gov. Amado Espino Jr. to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the PVB so that provincial government employees can apply for salary loan with the latter bank.

Glen Magbuhos, manager of the PVB branch, said the salary loan can be availed of by permanent and co-terminus employees of the provincial government who may be extended salary loan of from a minimum of P5,000 a month to P300,000 maximum, depending on their salaries,

PVB imposes 0.69 percent interest per month or 8.24 percent per annum for salary loan as compared to 12 per cent per annum being charged by Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and 14 per cent per annum being charged by Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB).

The promotion offered by PVB lasts only up to April 25 this year and after which it will impose its usual interest rate of .99 percent per month as compared the LBP's one percent interest rate per month.

Magbuhos said if a provincial employee has an existing salary loan with other banks, the latter may ask the Veterans Bank to buy out his or her existing salary loan in order to avail of lower interest rate.

9 Pangasinenses honored in 2014 ASNA Awards

(PNA), SCS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 6 (PNA) -- Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Antonio Villar Jr. led the list of nine distinguished sons and daughters of Pangasinan who were conferred the prestigious ASNA Awards during the awards night on April 5 at the Sison Auditorium, capping the 434th celebration of Pangasinan Foundation Day.

Asna is the old name of "asin" (salt), from which the province of Pangasinan derived its name.

Villar, former undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) before heading the Presidential Anri-Smuggling Group (PASG), was conferred the award for his distinguished public service.

Before holding national positions, Villar was also former mayor of his native town of Sto. Tomas where he also held the position of president of the Pangasinan Mayors League.

Sharing the limelight with Villar was veteran film star Gloria Romero, a native of Mabini, Pangasinan, whose movie career spanned since the 1950s and continued till today as she still does some supporting roles in the movies and in television soap operas.

Also awarded was businessman Cesar Quiambao of Bayambang who distinguished himself in business; Mrs. Marietta Primicias Goco of Alcala and Sta. Barbara who was chosen for her community development service being at one time in the Cabinet of former President Fidel V. Ramos.

Also awarded was Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque, president of Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City, also for public service, for promotion of history culture and arts, having headed an ad hoc body created by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. to conduct a comprehensive research on the day, month and year Pangasinan was founded and eventually succeeded in fixing the date of the province's foundation day.

Another famous awardee was Dr. Guillermo de Venecia of Dagupan and San Fabian who was honored for his enviable career in medicine and humanitarian service who is identified with a humanitarian foundation that continues to provide eye operations for free to indigent patients so that they can see the light again.

Also recipients of the ASNA Awards are Ronald C. Costales, for organic agriculture development; J. Prospero E. de Vera III, for education; and Pocholo B. Malillin, for performing arts.

Pangasinan's historic town marks 400th year with a Guinness Record

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob [(PNA), CTB/LVM/JMRM/RMA]

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan, April 5 (PNA)-- The historic town of Bayambang, a first-class municipality in central Pangasinan, celebrated its 400th founding anniversary on April 4 by breaking the world record in the barbecue grill in the Guinness World Record (GWR)Book.

GWR official adjudicator Seyda Subasi from London, United Kingdom issued the announcement shortly after the people laid out barbecue grills on an 8.016 kilometer stretch that "Bayambang made it" as the new record holder of GWR longest barbecue grill.

The activity called "Kalutan ed Dalan" (Grilling on the Street) served as the major event of Bayambang’s month-long Malangsi Fishtival (Freshwater fish festival), which is the most awaited part of the province's quadri-centennial founding anniversary, that gathered around 500,000 people.

"We are very happy and I couldn't thank enough the teamwork done by everyone that has made this feat possible," said Bayambang Mayor Ricardo Camacho of the town's achievement.

The town broke the record for the world’s longest barbecue posted by M1 Shopping Centre in Gaziantep, Turkey which put up the then longest grill record on November 8, 2009 with around 6.16 kilometers (6,166 meters) of meat grilled in a sish kebap style.

Provincial governor Amado Espino Jr. together with Mayor Camacho and other officials led the ceremonial lighting of the more than eight-kilometer long grills containing around 60,000 kilograms of freshwater fishers, mainly tilapia or St. Peter’s fish.

“I am very proud of this achievement by Bayambang. This is also an achievement of our province and our country," Espino remarked.

Some 50,000 kilograms of the fish were provided by the provincial government of Pangasinan while the remaining 10,000 kilograms came from the municipal government of Bayambang.

Spectators who lined up along roads in 10 villages-- Wawa, Telbang, Buayaen, Poblacion, Zone III, Zone V, Tamaro, Tambac, Nalsian Norte and Nalsian Sur-- had a chance to sample the mouth-watering grilled fish traditionally roasted with wood charcoals over an improvised grill made from steel and aluminum.

Malangsi Fishtival which started only in 2009 has been put up to bring further merriment in the celebration of the town’s founding anniversary. The festival is also a way to give tribute to the town’s aquaculture industry which has helped majority of its over a hundred thousand people.

The town’s Mangabul Lake produces fresh water fishes like tilapia, pla-pla, hito, mudfish, gurami and fresh water prawns, among others.

Bayambang was founded as a town by the Spaniards on April 5, 1614. It was also then declared by General Emilio Aguinaldo as the Pangasinan capital and the seat of the fifth short-lived Philippine Republic in 1899.

Other events geared at giving joy to the citizens of all the municipality’s 77 barangays in its 143.94 square-kilometer land area are the Mutya ng Bayambang pageant, search for the Most Distinguished Bayambangueno, street dancing competition, cycling competition, nights of different sectors, exhibits, and cultural shows, among others.

Today, April 6, a grand float competition and float parade is scheduled in the morning and the quadri-centennial grand ball and awards night will be held in the evening to wind up the town’s year-long activity, which started last February 23.

Proclamation No. 131- Office of the President of the Philippines on March 24, 2011 declared every 5th day of April as a non-working day in Bayambang.

Dagupan artists top in 2nd Nat'l Performing Arts competition

(PNA), FPV/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, April 4 (PNA)---The Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS) scored double victories, one in Song Composition and Interpretation and another in Chorale Competition in the secondary category in the Second National Performing Arts Festival Fun Fiesta sa Pilipinas 2014 that kicked off the Dagupan Bangus Festival 2014 at the CSI Stadia and CSI the City Mall last April 1 to 3.

Meanwhile, the East Central Integrated School in Dagupan also bagged the championship medal in folkdance in the secondary category while the West Central Elementary School likewise snared the championship in the song composition and interpretation in the elementary category.

At the same time, the Urdaneta I Central School in Pangasinan went home with the championship in folkdance in the elementary category with the Sinait National High School bagging the One-Act Play (secondary); and Salotsolot National High School in San Juan, Ilocos Sur in contemporary dance (secondary).

The other winners are Bernabe Elementary School in Pasay City in One-Act Play ( Elementary); the Banga Central Elementary School in South Cotabato in Chorale Competition (Elementary); and Binaciud Elementary School in Ilocos Sur in Contemporary Dance ( elementary).

At the same time, the Pindasan Elementary School in Compostela Valley also won in the Dance Drama (Secondary), Almanza Elementary School in Dance Drama ( Elementary) and Andres Bonifacio Elementary School of Manila, Folk Dance (Elementary).

A total of 33 secondary and elementary schools participated in the three-day event. These were from the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Soccskargen, Davao City, Zamboanga City, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan and Dagupan.

The theme of the competition “Kabataang Pilipino, Dangal ng Lahi’t Bansa Ipagdiwang…IpagmalakiNatin Ito,” aims to promote, revive, re-invent and strengthen the Filipino culture.

The event highlighted the unique Filipino culture and traditions by showcasing different cultural presentations such as folk dance, one act play, theatre arts, song composition and interpretation, dance drama, chorale competition and contemporary dance.

A Parade of Costumes which featured hundreds of students in their traditional costumes also wowed the crowd which filled the entire stretch of major streets in the city last April 2.

Event chairman Councilor Jeslito Seen said that the holding of cultural presentations sought to encourage the young generation to appreciate the rich Filipino culture and arts.

“It is very important for the youth of today to know about culture and arts especially that we have two national artists,” Seen said.

Pangasinan Day: A celebration of history, arts and culture

(PNA), LGI/LVM/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 3 (PNA) -- A celebration of Pangasinan's glorious history, rich and diverse culture and arts.

This is actually what will happen when Pangasinan celebrates its 434th founding anniversary on April 5 with various activities lined up showing how the province metamorphosed into one big and prosperous province from the time it was created as an administrative province by Spain.

The celebration will be kicked off in Bayambang on April 4 with the holding of the "Kalutan ed Dalan" (Roasting of Fish in the Street), using an eight-kilometer barbecue grill where native fishes will be roasted set at 2:00 p.m.

The effort aims to break the Guinness World Record for longest barbecue grill now held by Turkey, measuring six kilometers.

April 5 which is Pangasinan Day will be highlighted with symbolic activities which depict genuine identities of Pangasinense starting with a thanksgiving mass at 7:30 a.m. at the Capitol Plaza.

The mass is a gesture of thanks to the Almighty for the bounties showered on the province through centuries.

Nine Outstanding Pangasinenses whose works and accomplishments have given great contributions in their respective fields will be given recognition during the ASNA Awards night to be held at the Sison Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

Asna is the old name for the Panagsinan world "asin" (salt).

The yearly award recognizes the best of Pangasinan achievers who will be named and honored to serve as role models for Pangasinenses especially the youth.

Simultaneous with the awards night and ball is a musical novelty show dubbed "Paliket ed Aplaya" (Fun at the Beachfront) which highlights Pangasinan and Ilocano songs in light comedy stage act.

Natividad: Alternative pilgrimage, ecotourism site in Pangasinan

By Gabriel Cardinoza (Inquirer Northern Luzon)

Lying at the foot of the Caraballo mountains, Natividad has become Pangasinan province’s fast-emerging pilgrimage site and ecotourism destination.

The town features Sky Plaza, a park built on top of a hill in Barangay Batchelor East, and a waterfall, which is 2 kilometers away.

Sky Plaza has a two-story octagon-shaped multipurpose hall, a chapel, a 120-meter zip line, picnic tables and wide parking spaces. It also serves as base of a 287-step concrete stairway that leads to a grotto of the Virgin Mary in the upper side of the hill, and a little higher behind it, to a 30-foot Holy Cross.

From the cross is a winding trail leading to the mountaintop, where a 40-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer, called “Ayat ni Apo Jesus” (God’s Love) stands.

Jesus Christ’s fiberglass statue, which was erected in June last year, is 1,108 meters above sea level, overlooking the town (population: 22,713 as of 2010 census).

According to Mayor Rodrigo Rafael, except for the P50 fee for the use of the zip line, no other fees are collected. Parking and the use of picnic tables are free.

“Last year, the Maundy Thursday Mass for the Diocese of Urdaneta was held here. So, thousands of people from 24 parishes were here,” Rafael said.

At that time, he said, only the grotto and the Holy Cross were at the hilltop. “I’m sure this Holy Week, thousands of pilgrims will be coming here,” Rafael said.

Liza Pugal, the municipal tourism officer, said since 2010, when the development of Sky Plaza began, tourists, including foreigners, have been arriving here every day.

“Tourists have always enjoyed coming here, appreciating the park’s ambience and nature. In December alone, we had an average of 1,000 tourists a day,” Pugal said.

A TOURIST enjoys a refreshing dip in Maranum Falls. WILLIE LOMIBAO/CONTRIBUTOR

From Sky Plaza, tourists may also visit and swim in Maranum Falls and enjoy its clear, cool water.

The waterfall can be reached through a 2-km paved road along the Viray River. At the end of the road, where a trail to the waterfall begins, is a wide parking space.

Even at noon, one can take a leisurely hike to the falls under the cool shade of thousands of alibangbang (Iloco for “butterfly”) trees lining the hillside.

Pilgrims and tourists who want to stay overnight in Sky Plaza will have to rent rooms in resorts along the Viray River, Pugal said. “They should also bring their own food because we do not have restaurants yet in the area.”

Houses around the town hall have been offering bed and breakfast accommodation at reasonable prices. “We are a small town but we are ready for tourists,” Rafael said.

A hotel is being built in Sky Plaza to prepare for the influx of pilgrims in the future.

Rafael said Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas has also been helping him secure funds from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) for the improvement of the road and trail to Maranum Falls.

Pugal said she sees the full development of the area in the next five years, with the completion of the hotel and other tourism structures in the park.

“I hope that by then, our place can already be a part of the tourism itinerary in Pangasinan,” Pugal said.

2014 search for Cleanest River in Pangasinan launched

(PNA), LGI/LVM/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 1 (PNA) -- The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) announced a province-wide search for the “Cleanest River and Riverbank” in 47 towns and cities of the province.

Known as "Pakar Awards 2014," which was first launched in 2009, the competition forms part of the "Pistay Dayat" (Sea Festival) celebration.

The Pakar search is a brainchild of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. which is now on its fourth year.

The search seeks to recognize noble efforts of Local Government Units (LGUs) in the protection, management and preservation of river systems in Pangasinan, said Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya.

"Pakar" is a kind of mangrove specie teeming in rivers near coastal waters of Pangasinan which not only serves as good shelter of fishes but also helps stabilize banks of fishponds and rivers due to its spreading roots.

Competing river and riverbank entries of LGUs, however, are those outside the project sites of the “Ilog Ko, Bilayen tan Aroen Ko” (My River, I will Make it Live and Love It) environmental program of the provincial government, Moya added.

The awarding rites of Pakar awards to winning LGUs is usually held in the first day of May, the peak of Pistay Dayat merriment, at the Banaga bridge area in Bugallon town right after the fluvial parade dubbed “Banca Parada.”

The search was earlier conducted in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

Retrieved from "https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Pangasinan_News_April_2014&oldid=713062"