Pangasinan News December 2012

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Pangasinan Province - Archived News
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Map Locator of Pangasinan Province
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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.

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Pangasinan State University, Asingan Campus
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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.
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Tondol Beach, Anda

Prioritize rehab of AFP hospital

By Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

A Pangasinan congressman yesterday moved for the urgent rehabilitation of the deteriorating Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center and adoption of a sustainable program that will address the medical needs of Filipino soldiers.

Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, author of House Resolution No. 2912, said the present unpleasant state of the hospital does not provide a good atmosphere for patients or soldiers recuperating from combat wounds.

“The hospital is in a bad condition. It has poor lighting and ventilation, crowded wards and unpleasant restrooms,” Bataoil said.

Bataoil noted the reimbursement of hospital expenses of soldiers and their dependents has reached a staggering amount of more than P60 million.

”The reimbursement suggests that soldiers have to shell out their own money for immediate treatment, hospitalization and medical care such that a soldier could be caught in a dreadful and merciless situation if one could not afford to advance the needed expenses,” Bataoil added.

Bataoil said the deplorable state of the AFP Medical Center’s facilities, infrastructure, medical equipment and supplies calls for crucial support and careful attention from the national government.

Western towns now red tide-free

By Eva Visperas

SHELLFISH from the western waters of the province are again safe to eat as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 1 has declared four coastal areas there now red-tide free.

In an advisory dated December 26, BFAR Region 1 Director Nestor Domenden said the coastal waters of Alaminos City, Wawa in Bani town, Bolinao, and Anda are free from toxic red tides based on their most recent monitoring results.

These areas were declared affected by red tide last November 23 and harvesting and trading were temporarily banned.

At the same time, Domenden reiterated his advice to local government units to require market inspectors, quarantine officers, and administrators to demand an auxiliary invoice or clearance for any fish and seashells that are unloaded from other provinces and municipalities to ensure that seashells brought in the markets did not come from areas that are positive of paralytic shellfish poisoning.

Pangasinan gets new OIC police director

By Eva Visperas (The Philippine Star)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Just a week after a “troubleshooter” was named to head the provincial police, a new officer-in-charge (OIC) assumed the post yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Franklin Jesus Bucayu, Region 1 police director, told The STAR that Senior Superintendent Marlou Chan was designated effective Dec. 26 as the new OIC police director of Pangasinan.

Prior to his new assignment, Chan, who hails from San Quintin town, served as police director of Ilocos Norte for more than two years.

He replaced Senior Superintendent Manolito Labador, deputy regional police director for operations, who was assigned as OIC and caretaker of the Pangasinan police following the untimely relief of Senior Superintendent Mariano Luis Verzosa Jr. also as OIC provincial police director.

Labador is now the OIC police director of Ilocos Norte vice Chan.

Verzosa also served as OIC provincial police director for about five months until he was removed from his post a week after Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ordered the relief of police chiefs in Pangasinan following an exposé of Bugallon Mayor Rodrigo Orduña. The revamp though has yet to happen. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Orduña alleged that Gov. Amado Espino Jr. received as much as P900 million in jueteng payola. He later filed a plunder case against the governor before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Espino has denied the allegation, saying it was politically motivated and an old issue.

Bucayu said he hopes Chan would serve longer as Pangasinan’s top cop, as Labador was only designated to avoid a vacuum in the provincial police leadership.

In January, another shakeup among provincial directors in Region 1 is likely to happen, Bucayu said.

Espino, meanwhile, thanked his supporters, especially those who rallied behind him and his family amid what he described as attempts by his political foes to undermine his political career.

In his message during a Mass at the capitol plaza on Christmas Eve, Espino said Christmas time was supposed to be celebrated with joy, but with the present crisis confronting him, he said he regretted that he could not experience pure joy in his heart.

“We are supposed to celebrate Christmas with utmost happiness but for the past 10 days so many things happened which are caused by dirty politics,” he said, adding that quality service remains the top priority of his administration.

“The entire provincial government is not shaken by the turn of events,” he said.

“We will continue what we have been doing for the progress of Pangasinan not only for our children, but also for our children’s children,” he added in the dialect.

Pangasinan’s Team Sual Corporation wins DOLE Award of Excellence

By Venus H. Sarmiento (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from DOLE)

PANGASINAN, Dec. 28 -- The Team Sual Corporation (TSC) received the Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Award of Excellence - Institutional Category from the Department of Labor and Employment for the fourth time.

The Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Award is one of the five seals of good housekeeping under the DOLE’s Incentivizing Compliance Program, with the Tripartite Seal of Excellence being the highest.

It is part of the DOLE-OSHC’s Zero Accident Program (ZAP) which gives due recognition to institutions and individuals for their exemplary efforts and best practices in ensuring occupational safety and health in the workplace.

For this year, 109 entries from various industries, namely, energy, manufacturing, water services and mining, vied for awards of: excellence, distinction and honor, said DOLE Regional Information Officer Arly Valdez.

DOLE Regional Director Grace Ursua lauded Team Sual Corporation for taking the lead in institutionalizing reforms in the area of occupational safety and health.

“This enduring commitment of the TSC of prioritizing the safety and health of its workers sets an excellent example to other companies to also adopt their respective OSHS and similar programs,” Ursua said in a statement.

Aside from the institutional award, the TSC also received another recognition through the person of Christopher Abata who was conferred the DOLE Secretary’s Award of Honor-Individual Category.

The TSC, also known as Team Energy, is the largest coal-fired thermal power station in the Philippines which has been existing for 13 years.

Its various OSH awards are the result of its sustainable implementation of programs like the Target Zero Program, Safety and Health and Environment Walk Around (SHEWA) and Consortium Clinic during its Annual Maintenance Outage. It also implements ‘Cool Maging Healthy’ and ‘Safe Water for the Communities’ under its corporate social responsibility.

Midwifery exam topnotcher is from Pangasinan

By Venus H. Sarmiento (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from NCC)

PANGASINAN, Dec 27 (PIA) -- The topnotcher in the Midwife Licensure Examination conducted in nine key cities all over the country is from Pangasinan.

May Abigail M. Miranda, a graduate of the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF) in San Carlos City here, topped the list of passers in the exam held in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga last November 17 and 18.

The 22-year old Miranda got an average rating of 88.55 percent which catapulted her to the number one spot among 1,732 passers from the 3,481 examinees.

In a prèss statement VMUF said its entire community is rejoicing for producing the top examinee and for maintaining the 100 percent passing rate of the school, higher than the national average of 49.76 percent.

In the same statement, Miranda narrated that she first learned about her passing the exam through her review center in Baguio City. The review center officers said reviewee Miranda used to top all the pre-board and mock board examinations.

She shared her motto to her fellow students to follow: “Don’t study hard, just study well.’

The new record holder dreams to establish a birthing clinic in her hometown Mangatarem in order to serve her townmates particularly the poor and the needy.

The new batch of midwives took their oath before the board last December 23 in Pasay City.

Slain Pangasinan mayor laid to rest today

By Eva Visperas (The Philippine Star)

INFANTA, Pangasinan, Philippines – This town’s mayor who was slain last Dec. 15 will be laid to rest today amid tight security, as some important people are expected to join the funeral procession.

Senior Inspector Michael Bautista, municipal police chief, told The STAR that three teams from the regional and provincial Public Safety Battalion would augment the 28-man local police force in securing the burial of Mayor Ruperto Martinez.

Bautista said more than a hundred residents, relatives and friends of the mayor are expected to attend his burial.

Martinez was gunned down by two men in his residential compound, and two days, a certain Richard Manuel, the alleged gunman, and Ricardo Legarda who allegedly drove the getaway motorcycle, were arrested and charged.

Politics and the controversy over a mining pier project were being eyed as having something to do with Martinez’s killing.

Pangasinan sends P1-M aid to Comval, Davao Oriental

By Johanne R. Macob

LINGAYEN—The provincial government, in behalf of Pangasinenses, delivered a P1 million financial aid to the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, which were devastated by super Typhoon Pablo in the first week of December.

Part of that fund was earmarked for Christmas parties traditionally hosted by the capitol but have been cancelled for this year in consideration of the victims of the tragedy.

The financial help was sent December 17 through Provincial Assessor Nestor Quaimbao following the approval of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 1629-2012 authorizing the grant of Php500,000.00 each to the typhoon-stricken areas of the two provinces in Mindanao.

“The above-significant humanitarian endeavor of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan will greatly benefit thousands of families in the areas that were affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo,” the resolution says.

More than a billion worth of infrastructure, homes and agricultural areas were destroyed and more than 1,000 casualties have been reported with hundreds more missing.

Pangasinan town mayor dies of heart attack

By Yolanda Sotelo (Inquirer Northern Luzon)

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan – Mayor Herminio Romero died of heart attack Sunday night while speaking before a crowd at a Christmas party in San Fabian town.

Romero, who collapsed at 9:30 p.m. as he was greeting the people, was rushed to the Decena Hospital in Bonuan, Dagupan City. Doctors, however, declared him dead on arrival.

Romero was serving his third term as town mayor and was running as provincial board member of the Pangasinan’s fourth district. He was vice mayor and councilor before he was elected mayor.

Romero’s close aide said the attack could have been triggered by fatigue because he had been conducting caucuses and attending holiday activities.

Land Bank extends loans to Mountain Province, Pangasinan LGUs

(Inquirer.net)

The Land Bank of the Philippines recently approved a total of P349.2 million in loans for the Provincial Governments of Mountain Province and Pangasinan.

The P166.7-million loan for the provincial government of Mountain Province will finance the construction of a new four-storey capitol building, a gymnasium and various farm-to-market roads.

Meanwhile, the P182.5 million term loan to the provincial government of Pangasinan will help fund the rehabilitation of government centers and the construction of provincial and district hospitals.

“We, at Land Bank, recognize the key role of local government units as our partners in countryside development and as the best link between communities and the National Government. This is why we continue to further expand our credit assistance to this sector,” said Land Bank president and CEO Gilda E. Pico.

Pangasinan police chief relieved

(Rappler.com)

Vote-rich province Pangasinan will have a new police chief after Senior Supt Mariano Versoza was ordered relieved over his alleged failure to stop jueteng, an illegal numbers game.

Senior Supt Manolito Labador was named as Versoza’s replacement.

Retired Philippine National Police chief Nicanor Bartolome had ordered Versoza’s relief on December 18. Versoza will be transferred to the PNP holding unit in Camp Crame.

Jueteng network

Earlier, Bugallon town Mayor Rodrigo Orduna exposed an alleged jueteng network and identified Pangasinan Gov Amado Espino Jr as among the recipients and beneficiaries of jueteng collections. Espino denied the allegations.

Orduna filed a case of plunder against Espino before the Ombudsman. In a sworn statement, he called Espino, his former patron, the "Big Boss" of jueteng in Pangasinan. He allegedly received P800 to P900 million in jueteng money.

Admitting he himself had received jueteng money, Orduna, a former Army sergeant, described himself as the group's "trouble shooter."

While in Congress, Espino allegedly ordered Orduna to collect protection money from jueteng operators in Pangasinan. When Orduna met with the operators, they agreed to give Espino P3 million a month.

When he became governor in 2007, Espino's take reportedly increased to P10 million, receiving P2.5 million every Saturday, according to Orduna's testimony.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II praised the relief of Versoza as a “big step” in government’s campaign to stamp out jueteng. He had directed the PNP to investigate Versoza.

The relief of Versoza, according to Roxas, is “meant to send a clear message that we are going all out in the fight against jueteng.”

Hanging steel bridge finally links Pangasinan village to Tarlac border village

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

MANGATAREM, Pangasinan, Dec. 21 (PNA)-- After some months of construction, a hanging bridge that connects Barangay Cacaoiten, Mangataem and Bamban, San Clemente, Tarlac was inaugurated last December 20 with Pangasinan Second District Congressman Leopoldo N. Bataoil leading the inaugural rites.

The 65-meter long hanging bridge is very vital to the people, especially students from Barangay Cacaoiten during rainy season who need to go to . Bamban where the nearest high school is located.

Barangay . Cacaoiten Chairman Nicanor Patricio expressed the people’s gratitude to Congressman Bataoil for his fast response to their request.

In October 2011, heavy rains brought about by typhoon, Quiel devastated the newly renovated bridge that linked the two villages. Seeing the predicament of the residents of Cacaoiten , Bataoil allocated part of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to finance the construction of a steel hanging bridge that is expected to withstand calamities.

Bataoil acknowledged the appreciation of the barangay people, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members whom he dubbed as “Pol’s Angels”.. He stressed that his relationship with these young leaders “is very inspiring” as they “share the same passion for service.”

After the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, Bataoil led Barangay. Cacaoiten officials in a ceremonial walk through the bridge. Officials of Bamban led by Barangay Chairman Pachico Ragus met them halfway and welcomed them to their village.

A boodle fight lunch (eating with the use of hands) was conducted shortly after.

Others present during the inauguration were Mangatarem councilors Ramil Ventanilla and Donato Flores, former Lingayen Councilor Jose Ferrer , and former town Commission on Elections (Comelec) Officer Julian Apostol.


Pag-IBIG Fund stages 2nd Diad Puso Mi (In Our Hearts) Awards

By April Montes (ANL/AMM-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, December 20 (PIA) – The Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), or Pag-IBIG Fund, Dagupan Branch recognized the exemplary performance and unwavering support of fund coordinators, employers, organizations and individuals in Pangasinan in its 2nd Diad Puso Mi (In Our Hearts) Awards.

It is an expression of gratitude to the fund coordinators, media partners, government agencies, local government units and the provincial government of Pangasinan for their efforts which contributed to the advancement of Pag-IBIG Fund members, said Mary Jocelyn Retuya, department manager III of Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan Branch.

We have increased our membership from 92 percent last year to 99 percent this year as of November 2012 through the help of our fund coordinators. Almost 103, 000 are now active members of Pag-IBIG here, added Retuya.

Awarded as Fund Coordinators of the Year were Dionisio Solomon (City Treasurer’s Office-San Carlos City), Susan Zambrano (National Irrigation Administration-Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project), Elaine De Jesus-Estrada (San Roque Power Corporation), Madeline Biala (Local Government Unit-Mapandan), Leoncio Mangaliag, Jr. (Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation), Marilou Estrada (Team Sual Corporation), Frederick James Pagaduan (Pangasinan Electric Cooperative III-Urdaneta City) and Ress Rodriguez (Dagupan Electric Corporation).

Kenwood Group of Companies, Team Sual Corporation and San Roque Power Corporation were recipients of the Employers of the Year Award.

Adjudged as the Outstanding Media Partners for 2012 were ABS-CBN North Central Luzon, Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Pangasinan and DZMQ Radyo ng Bayan-Dagupan City.

PIA-Pangasinan OIC Manager Venus May Sarmiento is thankful for the award bestowed by Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan Branch.

“PIA will continue to be Pag-IBIG Fund’s willing and able partner in information dissemination in the name of public service,” she said.

The provincial government of Pangasinan was also given a plaque of recognition for its assistance to Pag-IBIG Fund’s programs.

Meanwhile, Lilia Anguluan, the area head for La Union and Tuguegarao Branch Operations, said that clients, members and would-be members can expect for innovations and improvements to their programs as Pag-IBIG Fund aims for Faster Operation, Better Service (FOBS) in 2013.

She added that Pag-IBIG Fund plans to put up another branch here, in addition to Dagupan City and Urdaneta City branches, or to have a service desk either in Lingayen town or in Alaminos City to cater the members in that area of Pangasinan.

The 2nd Diad Puso Mi Awards was staged during the annual Fund Coordinators Club-Pangasinan Chapter’s Christmas Celebration held at the City De Luxe here on Tuesday.

DILG forms body to probe Pangasinan Gov. Espino's links to jueteng; BIR to conduct lifestyle check

By Abigail Kwok (InterAksyon.com)

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has convened an investigating body that will look into allegations that Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. has been receiving money from operators of the illegal numbers game "jueteng".

DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas II said the investigating body will be led by the department’s undersecretary for administration, finance and legal services Rafael Santos, and undersecretary for local government concerns Austere Panadero.

Roxas said the body has already asked Espino to comment on allegations made by Bugallon town mayor Rodrigo Orduna that the governor has already received an estimated P900 million in jueteng money, and has consequently been a protector of illegal gambling operators in the province.

The DILG has also tapped the assistance of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and other government agencies, to help in investigating the accusations against Espino.

Roxas said the AMLC and the BIR will be asked, among other things, to conduct a lifestyle check on the Pangasinan governor. This, even as the DILG secretary stressed that Espino will be accorded due process in the investigation.

"Dadaan ito sa proseso. Hindi basta-basta i-suspend," Roxas said. (This will go through the proper process. We will not arbitrarily suspend him.)

Pangasinan mayors condemn slaying of their colleague

(PNA), PDS/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/1230/NZ/LVM>

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 18 (PNA)-- The Pangasinan Mayors League (PML) headed by Dasol Mayor Noel Nacar on Monday passed a resolution condemning the killing of Infanta Mayor Ruperto Martinez last Saturday.

Twenty-six of the 44 mayors held an emergency meeting at the Capitol Resort Hotel to express their sentiment and at the same time to call on authorities to speed up the investigation of the case so that the perpetrators, including the mastermind could be put behind bars.

Sr.Supt. Mariano Luis Versoza, officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan police, is the leader of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) tasked to look into the fatal shooting of the Infanta mayor by two unidentified gunmen riding in tandem on a motorcycle.

Martinez, on his third and final term of office and was a vice mayor aspirant, was succeeded by Vice Mayor Virgilio Vallarta, who is now running for mayor of Infanta. .

Investigators are looking into the construction and operation of a mining port in Barangay Cato which was protested by some Infanta residents, as well as politics, as the possible motives behind the slaying..

Mayor Nacar, a good friend of Martinez, revealed that the late mayor did not tell him about any threat against his life.

But Nacar said it was a close friend of Martinez who confided to him during the the victim's wake that the latter received number of death threats.

Meanwhile, Infanta’s new Mayor Vallarta said that the municipality will continue to operate the mining port despite what happened to Mayor Martinez , pointing out that operation of the pier alone earned the municipality P500,000 monthly.

Task force created to probe Pangasinan mayor's slaying

(PNA), PDS/LVM/HILDA MARTIN AUSTRIA/1540NZ/LVM

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 17 (PNA)-- Sr. Supt. Mariano Luis Verzosa, officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan police, on Monday created a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), which will investigate the killing of Mayor Ruperto Martinez of Infanta town on Saturday.

Verzosa installed himself as head of "SITG Martinez" which also include law enforcers from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG),the Scene of the Crime Investigation operatives and those from the Infanta Police.

Martinez, who is on his third term as mayor of Infanta and a vice mayor aspirant, sustained three gunshot wounds in the chest and two on his neck and died on the spot.

Initial investigation said the gunmen who were riding in tandem on motorcycle with no plate number opened fire on Martinez from the road using a .45 caliber pistol as evidenced by empty shells found from the crime scene.

Witnesses said one of the suspects was wearing a crash helmet while the other had his face covered by a piece of cloth.

The slain mayor was promptly replaced by his vice mayor, Vir Vallarta.

Investigators are now checking whether the slaying of Martinez has something to do with the the putting up of a mining port in Barangay Cato which he reportedly approved without any consultation with his constituents.

Infanta is the last town of Pangasinan before Zambales province.

Pangasinan employees skip Xmas party to help ‘Pablo’ victims; LGUs donate funds, clothings

By Venus H. Sarmiento (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

PANGASINAN, Dec. 15 -- The provincial government here decided to skip this year’s celebration of the traditional Christmas Dinner and Fellowship of local government unit elected officials scheduled on December 17 and Employee’s Christmas Party on December 20 to donate the funds earmarked for the activities to the thousands of victims of super typhoon Pablo.

In a Memorandum dated December 11, Gov. Amado Espino ,Jr. asked for the understanding and support of all provincial employees and elected LGU officials for the cancellation of the annual activity to provide assistance to the victims in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and neighboring provinces.

Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan, in a radio interview, said that aside from merriment, the spirit of Christmas is giving thus the province is very happy to share and donate financially to the needy Filipinos especially those hardest hit by the recent havoc.

In Dagupan City, city government employees were asked to donate used clothes and other materials that could help the victims, according to Information Officer Anna Velasco.

The city government of Urdaneta also sympathized with the victims and cancelled its Christmas Party. Instead, it donated the amount of P100,000 to typhoon Pablo victims thru ABS-CBN’s Sagip-Kapamailya drive.

San Carlos City, for its part, also pledged to support the victims with donations.

Dr. George Calugay, team leader of the Department of Health -Center for Health Development said each employee was asked to donate P300,P500 and P1,000 depending on the individual salary range.

Over 600 Dagupan children baptized

By Eva Visperas (The Philippine Star)

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – More than 600 children here were baptized yesterday by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas in the annual “Binyagan ng Bayan sa Dagupan (Mass Baptism in Dagupan)” program of Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez held at the St. John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral.

Villegas, assisted by some priests in the archdiocese, presided over the baptism rites, telling parents that baptism is the door to all sacraments.

“Your children will become children of God, their sins will be cleansed and thereby, we all become brothers and sisters,” he said.

Villegas thanked Fernandez for helping children from poor families to be baptized to become children of God. Fernandez served as godmother to all of the baptized children.

Like in previous years, the children’s families received Noche Buena packs for something to partake of after the event.

She said this is her yearly Christmas gift to children so they would become Catholics as they grow up. Nation ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

The Binyagan ng Bayan was organized by Fernandez and the CSI Group of Companies in December 2007.

Since then, more than 3,800 children have been baptized through this project.

Pangasinan awards its best health care providers

(PNA), FPV/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/PJN

LINGAYEN, Dec. 13 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan headed by Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. recognized the excellent commitment of inter-local health zones (ILHZ), local government units (LGUs), and individual health workers in providing quality health care to their respective component areas.

The awarding was held at the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) on December 12, 2012.

The evaluation was based on the scorecard which was institutionalized through Provincial Ordinance 165.

As Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario, also the Chairman on the Committee on Health said, the LGU scorecard’s main goal is “to challenge each and everyone of us” to make the province’s health care the best in the entire country."

Indeed, the scorecard is “the tool to track progress of health reform implementation”. It has color indicators such as green (excellent), yellow (good), and red (fair).

The Scorecard has 17 indicators such as the annual parasite incidence, initiated breastfeeding, fully immunized child, prevalence of underweight, facility-based delivery, contraceptive prevalence rate, households with access to safe water, households with access to sanitary toilet, % of municipal budget allocation for health, midwife to population ratio, and accreditation among others.

According to Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Pangasinan-for the third year now- is the only province in the Philippines that conducts such kind of evaluation.

De Guzman also shared that all municipalities as indicated in their scorecards improved their performance with regards to quality health care provision.

However, the province as a whole has some red marks particularly in the fully immunized child, facility-based delivery, and contraceptive prevalence rate indicators.

Meanwhile, the governor recalled the improvements of the health care state of the province. He even shared a joke when some hospitals were called “medikill” instead of “medicare” years ago.

Espino also asserted that Pangasinan is the only province in the entire province that allocates as much as one-fourth of its entire fund to the health care sector.

Thus, “Pangasinan is a consistent awardee of different areas of governance…especially in the aspect of health,” Rosario expressed.

Further, Dr. George Calugay, the Provincial Health Team Leader said that the Scorecard system is in accordance to the national government thru Department of Health program “Kalusugang Pangkalahatan” and thus ensured that the DOH is in support to the health programs of the province.

He added that Pangasinan is the number one province in the region when it comes to health care.

Indeed, as Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. exclaimed, “…with concerted effort…we are putting the health care of the province of Pangasinan on the right track… We are much a healthier place to live in now.”

THE AWARDEES

The ILHZ awardees for various categories were the following- Best Disease Surveillance Implementer: Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH); Most Improved ILHZ in Public Health Program Implementation: Bayambang District Hospital (BDH); and Best Performing ILHZ in Public Health Program Implementation: WPDH (first), BDH (second), and Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (third).

Meanwhile outstanding LGUs in different categories were the following (first to succeeding placers order) : for Garantisadong Pambata Champs: Burgos, Basista, and Pozzorubio; Outstanding LGU in Nutrition; Burgos, Basista, Mabini, Laoac, Binmaley, Mangaldan, Agno, Natividad, Villasis, Bolinao, San Fabian, and San Jacinto;

Most Outstanding LGU in Child Health Program Implementation: Burgos; Most Outstanding LGU in Maternal Health Program Implementation: Binalonan; Most Outstanding LGU in Enviromental Sanitation Program Implementation: Villasis; Most Outstanding LGU in Public Health Program Implementation: Basista; and LGU Performer: Pozzorubio, Binalonan, Burgos, Alaminos City, Dasol, Infanta, Sta. Barbara, San Quintin, San Nicolas, and Bautista;

Also, the Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars were Lourdes Ginez , Lourdes Frias, Fely Andres, Nelly Larana, and Nazarena Tibar.

The awardees were selected by a committee composed of PHO program managers with the following considerations, for ILHZ: performance coverage, functionality, and best practices; for LGU: performance coverage, health policies, best practices, and public-private partnership; for health personnel: individual performance and program management. They took home plaques as well as cash prizes.

800 new teachers take oath in Pangasinan

By Venus H. Sarmiento (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

PANGASINAN, Dec. 12 (PIA) -- At least 800 passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) took their oath on Sunday, December 9 at the Estrella Memorial Stadium in Rosales town.

The number comprised the passers from Pangasinan and Region 3 who took the exam September 2012, said Arly Valdez, Region 1 Labor information officer.

Other passers from Region I had already taken their oath in Baguio City December 8. Region 3 passers took their oath here as Rosales town is nearer than Baguio City, Valdez explained.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Professional Teachers (BPT) announced in September that 25,136 elementary teachers out of 50,997 examinees (49.29 percent) and 20,834 secondary teachers out of 47,892 examinees (43.50 percent) successfully passed the LET.

The event is a joint activity of DOLE and the PRC.

4 Pangasinan LGUs receive tourism, information kiosk

(ANL/AMM-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from PIO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, December 11 (PIA) – Four Pangasinan towns were recipients of tourism and information kiosks delivered by the provincial government on December 4.

The towns of Natividad, San Quintin, Sta. Maria and Umingan were awarded with tourism and information kiosks composed of a movable panel equipped with 42-inch LCD TV, DVD player and CDs, and one unit of computer set which will be placed in the lobby area of their respective municipal halls.

The provincial government will give all Pangasinan towns a tourism kiosk to provide public access to information regarding the province and their town, the Provincial Information Office reported.

Each barangay or school in the municipality could also create their own informational videos to feature the beautiful scenery, culture and activities in their communities as well as to promote their tourism to visitors and local residents.

The awarding of tourism and information kiosks is part of the innovative approach of the provincial government towards improved tourism and cultural awakening, bringing back the Pangasinense’s love for their arts and culture.

The provincial government already awarded the tourism and information kiosk to the towns of Agno, Anda, Bolinao and Mabini.


Bautista tops in Pangasinan Culture and Arts Festival

(PNA), LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 10 (PNA)-- The town of Bautista topped this year's Culture and Arts Festival, dubbed as “Balitok A Tawir” (Golden Heritage), held at the Sison Auditorium on Friday.

Marife P. Acerit, event chairperson, presented the judges from different cultural organizations/institutions who evaluated the contestants in the three events, namely, Kansiyonan (chorale competition), Sayawan (creative dance competition), and Sarsuela (zarzuela competition).

“Balitok A Tawir” seeks to preserve Pangasinan culture and arts.

Bautista mayor Amado Espino III, son of Governor Amado Espino Jr., earned the nod of the board of judges to win both in the kansyonan (singing) and zarzuela categories performed by its municipal official and employees. <>Bautista also produced the best conductor in Kasyonan, Best in execution repertoire, best female actor in zarzuela; and best interpretation.

Urdaneta City won in the Sayawan category and was adjudged best in costume.

Seven LGUs battled in the chorale competition, eight in creative dance and two in zarzuela.

The other LGUs that saw action in the festival were from Agno, Burgos, Laoac, Mabini, Natividad, Umingan, San Manuel, and San Nicolas.

Governor Espino Jr. expressed his gratitude to all the people who supported the event as he emphasized that the preservation of the province’s culture is mainly for the next generation and for Pangasinenses abroad.

Pangasinan election registrars face reshuffle

By Eva Visperas

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – About 19 election registrars and their assistants from different towns and cities in this province will be reshuffled in preparation for next year’s elections. Marino Salas, Pangasinan provincial election supervisor, said he sent a list of those to be affected by the reorganization to the Commission on Elections central office last week. Salas said those who have served a particular area for four years will be affected by the reshuffle. Last month, Remarque Ravanzo, election officer of Dagupan City, swapped posts with Lingayen election registrar Ericson Organiza. Salas said Pangasinan election officials who are related by up to fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity to any candidate in their area would be assigned to other towns or cities. “This is to ensure impartiality,” he said.

San Carlos folk train to earn

By Brando Cortez

SAN CARLOS CITY-Abono Party-list 3rd District Coordinator Leo de Vera encouraged the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) graduates of San Carlos City to face the world with a smile because they are now armed with the capacity to earn.

The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) of the city government of San Carlos in cooperation with Tesda held its graduation ceremonies the Bulwagan ng San Carlos after conducting a five-day livelihood training program for jobless constituents.

De Vera, as guest speaker, congratulated the participants for giving their personal time, effort and resources to become productive members of society.

He said the skills acquired on manicure-pedicure, basic haircutting, or massage therapy is a positive asset in starting an income generating activity.

De Vera said there is always room for Tesda-trained and certified people in personal hygiene and aesthetics, to improve their income generating capacity.

He said he was happy to meet people who participate in trainings that are designed to empower the jobless to earn, adding that nail care, hair care or massage therapy are high earning jobs in other countries like Singapore.

PESO Manager Nady Garcia challenged the graduates to be proud of their newly acquired skills and start earning individually or as a group.

Garcia said she herself has put up her own spa and salon and that the financial reward is gratifying.

TESDA Supervising coordinator Francis Rugnao bared that he is a product of a Tesdaa livelihood training program.

He put up his own business, became a Tesda accredited trainer and was able to employ others.

Rugnao practiced his trade on home service basis until he could not personally accommodate all calls from his customers.

He decided to put up his own beauty salon to cater to his growing customer base and hired graduates from Tesda trainings.

Maricar Merong, a graduate of the training said she was happy and excited about the prospect of having her own business.

Merong said she does not have the capital to start big but has faith that God will guide her through her practice of the trade.

Also present during the graduation were city councilors Vici Ventanilla and Amelia Cayabyab.

7 nabbed for butchering 49 dogs in Pangasinan; 22 canines rescued

By Gabriel Cardinoza (Inquirer Northern Luzon)

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines–Seven people were arrested for butchering 49 dogs in a vacant lot in Malasiqui town, Pangasinan Thursday, police said.

Supt. Policarpio Cayabyab, Malasiqui police chief, said among those arrested were Rino Montano, 50, the group’s financier who is a resident of Baguio City, and Roger Maravilla, the group’s buyer, 47, of San Pedro, Laguna.

Cayabyab said he sent a team of policemen to Barangay Taloy after Melchor Alipio, a member of the Philippine Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA), reported the butchering of dogs in Sitio Dinacuan at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

Cayabyab said the team was only able to save 22 of 71 dogs that they found in the area. Forty-nine dogs had been butchered, he said, and 26 of these had been scorched in an open fire.

Cayabyab said Maravilla bought the dogs, which came from different areas in Laguna, for P100 to P200 each.

The dogs were taken to Malasiqui for butchering and were to be sold in Baguio City, where some restaurants and eateries serve dog meat dishes.

Cayabyab said the suspects are facing charges for violation of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 (Republic Act 8485) and the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 (RA 9482).

Maps and assessments , MGB ‘s response to geohazards

By Venus H. Sarmiento (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 6 –- Geohazard mapping and assessment programs are the responses of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to the various environmental hazards like flooding and landslides besetting the country.

Regional Director Carlos Tayag said the geographic and geologic setting of the Philippines (as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and Earthquake Belt) and with around 20 typhoons a year entering the Philippine area of responsibility, make it prone to various hazards including typhoon or rain-related such as landslides and flooding; earthquake-related including tsunami and volcano-related.

“The main objective of the national geohazard mapping and assessment program is to identify areas in the country that are susceptible or vulnerable to various geologic hazards and increase public awareness in order to lessen or mitigate the negative impacts of these events,” Tayag said during the media forum in Dagupan City recently.

Geologist Vilma Viceno said some of the major activities of the program include the Geohazards Mapping at 1:50,000 scale and detailed Geohazards Mapping at 1:10,000 scale; conduct of province- and municipal-wide information and education campaigns; issuance of advisories to LGUs identified as prone to geohazards and identification of relocation sites/establishment of community-based early warning system.

“For Pangasinan, we have finished the mapping for the cities of Dagupan, Urdaneta, San Carlos and Binmaley town at 1:10,000 scale,” Viceno said.

Viceno added that geohazard risks to environment include economic potential like land devaluation; damages to infrastructures and properties; negative impacts to agricultural sector; discourage potential investors; decrease efficiency of basic social services; displacement of communities; temporary land use; budgetary constraints and; destruction of the environment.

All 1:50K geohazards (landslide and flood) maps can now be downloaded for free at the following website: Mines and Geosciences Bureau (www.mgb.gov.ph);DENR (www.denr.gov.ph);Philippine Information Agency (www.pia.gov.ph) and Environmental Science for Social Change (www.essc.org.ph ), said Viceno.

LGUs in Pangasinan alerted over attempt to transport shellfish from red tide affected towns

(PNA), FFC/HMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Pangasinan authorities have intensified their vigilance over another possible attempt to transport shellfish harvested from the coastal areas of Bolinao and Anda which were declared last week positive for red tide organism.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has asked local government units (LGUs), including the police to be vigilant, as producers and traders severely affected by the shellfish ban may attempt to bring their products to the market.

BFAR Regional Director Nestor Domenden advised the public to refrain from eating shellfish gathered from Anda and Bolinao.

Domenden said all types of shellfish and acetes sp. or “alamang” harvested from the two towns are not safe for human consumption.

Last Sunday, the police and municipal officials of Bolinao intercepted a shipment of mussels and oysters along the highway while it is being transported by a passenger mini-bus to Dagupan City.

Domenden asked all LGUs and the police to strictly implement the shellfish advisory issued by his office to protect consumers and end users from the fatal paralytic shellfish poisoning due to eating red tide contaminated shellfish.

“This advisory is based on the results of red tide monitoring of BFAR, wherein shellfish samples collected from the waters of Bolinao and Anda were found positive for red tide toxin as it exceeded the regulatory limit of 60 micrograms per 100 grams of shellfish meat,” he said.

However, he assured that fish, squids, shrimps and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

The BFAR said the red tide contamination is still limited in the coastal waters of Anda and Bolinao. The organism has not yet reached the neighboring Barangay Wawa in Bani and Alaminos City.

Power plant revenues to fund hospital upgrading, reforestation in Pangasinan

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob {(PNA), CTB/LVM/JMRM/LVM|}

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 4 (PNA)--—A number of developmental projects that include the upgrading of hospital facilities, among others, will be funded by the revenues set to be collected by the province from the Team Energy Corporation in Sual and San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC), two independent private power producers (IPPPs) based in the province.

This was spelled out in Resolution No. 1573-2012 approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) during its 83rd regular session last Monday as one of the requirements for the withdrawal of the funds.

The resolution authorized Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. to enter into, and sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Team Energy for the implementation of a development project in the province entitled "Upgrading Hospital Facilities.”

As gleaned from the resolution, some Php16 million, which is the second tranche of fund expected from Team Energy, will be used to upgrade hospital facilities of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH)in San Carlos City and the Dasol and Urdaneta District Hospitals.

This project includes the construction of an out-patient department building at the PPH; and supply building, morgue building, elevated water tank, ambulance garage, hospital canteen, security guard outpost in the other two hospitals.

Meanwhile, the fund expected from SRPC will bankroll a reforestation project worth P2.5 million and a Provincial Employment and Skills Development Center project worth P2.515 million.

200 Pangasinan athletes off to Batang Pinoy national finals in Iloilo

(PNA), LAM/LVM/JMM/LVM/JNC

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 3 (PNA) -- Some 200 athletes will represent Team Pangasinan in the 2012 Batang Pinoy National Championship Games to be held from December 5-9 in Iloilo City.

Team Pangasinan, the champion in the Batang Pinoy North-Luzon Leg held last October, comprises of athletes coming from different school divisions in the province who made remarkable records in winning gold medals.

In the recent send-off ceremony for Team Pangasinan at the Pangasinan Fiesta Restaurant at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center complex here, Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, who represented Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., urged the young athletes to keep the spirit of Pangasinense fighter alive when they vie for the gold in the national championships.

Mendoza said the province has set its sight to further improve its sports development thrust to hone the sports prowess of every local athlete in the province.

Mendoza also appealed to all athletes to aim for the gold and give glory to Pangasinan.

Modesto Operania, Executive Assistant III and head of the delegation, said that members of Team Pangasinan have undergone a 10-day in-house training prior to their departure.

Operania said the athletes are well prepared and properly motivated for the national games.

The opening ceremony of the national games will be on December 4 and game proper will start from December 5 to 8.

Students join Walk Against Drugs

By Eva Visperas

SOME 8,000 students from public and private schools in Dagupan, joined by their teachers and principals, took part in the Walk Against Drugs held last week.

The activity was a organized by the Private Schools Principals League of Dagupan and the Adventist Community in collaboration with the Department of Education, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Students also took center stage to talk about their views on becoming productive citizens instead of getting involved in drug use.

Assistant Schools Superintendent Danilo Sison urged the students to think about their future and have the strong will to reject illegal drugs.

Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, a strong advocate of anti-drugs abuse projects, said she is happy to see young Dagupeños take part in Walk Against Drugs.

“Today, we march against drugs that corrupt the youth. On May 2013, I urge you to march against those who corrupt our local government. Today we march against drugs that rob the youth of their future. On May 2013, I urge you to march against those that rob our city of its honor and heritage. And united, we will succeed,” Fernandez told the young participants.

DDB Secretary Antonio Villar Jr., meanwhile, lauded Fernandez and other cooperating agencies for their sustainable anti-drugs campaigns.

“I hope we could have more of their kind so that our combined forces and actions would send a very strong message that drugs have no place in our society,” Villar said.

Representatives of each school, together with education and local officials led by Fernandez signed a pledge of commitment to campaign against use of drugs.

Pangasinan chess players shine in national games

(PIO)

LINGAYEN–Three young Pangasinenses have been making waves in the 2012 National Primary and Secondary Schools Chess Championships being held from November 27 to December 3 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) complex here.

Fernando Mendoza scored 3 points in the secondary boys category along with Manila’s chessers Paulo Bersamina and Vince Medina.

Danica Alexis Ablang, on the other hand, posted 3 equal points with Bacolod’s woodpusher Natori Biazza Diaz.

Another Pangasinense who topped the secondary girls category is Cristhina Ann Medenilla alongside Cavite’s Marie Antoinette San Diego who both scored 2 ½ points.

Modesto Operania, executive assistant III and sports coordinator, said the province is honored by the performance of the Pangasinan players and validated the Espino administration’s intensified sports development program, particularly chess with the launching of regular chess clinic activities.

Operania said the province is intent on producing future International Masters and Grand Masters in the future.

“Laro ng utak ito at naniniwala si Governor na matatalino ang mga atletang Pangasinense kaya lalo pang pinaiigting ng present administration ang training ng ating mga manlalaro,” Operania said.

The national championships, participated in by some 81 woodpushers from elementary and high school levels in the country, is a joint project of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and the Department of Education spearheaded by Asst. Secretary Tonisito Umali and hosted by the provincial government.

Awarding rites is scheduled on December 3.

Pangasinan’s sports academy opens next year

By Percy D. Della (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

PANGASINAN Gov. Amado Espino Jr. led a dog and pony show Tuesday for a planned golf course on the shores of Lingayen Gulf.

The guv greeted everyone with a smile while mixing with a horde of his province’s mayors, tourism and police brass, barangay leaders and media types milling around color picture panels of the proposed championship course in Lingayen’s Barangay Estanza.

The 30-hectare layout, featuring four par fives, the longest at 514 yards, will be carved out by Filipino course designer Cris Pascual from a 300-hectare ecotourism zone.

Patches of the proposed Lingayen Golf and Country Club—Pangasinan’s first 18-hole course—have been cleansed of black sand. The alleged extraction of the commercially valuable magnetite from coastal villages in the capital town sparked controversy recently.

Espino denies there is black sand mining in his neck of the woods, that waterways pollution feared by detractors is inconceivable since Pangasinan is a hall-of-famer among local governments when it comes to clean rivers.

“The only black sand removed will make way for grasses to grow into turf and for native plant varieties to prosper and line the layout’s fairways,” chimed in provincial administrator Raffy Baraan.

A public and private partnership, the golf and country club will employ over 200 during construction and a permanent workforce of 40 when it is up and running, said provincial urban development officer Alvin Bigay.

Drumbeaters say the club will be a boon to the local economy and will ostensibly become part of a provincial sports program, a step in nation building.

A major component, a much-awaited sports academy, will finally swing its doors open to local athletes in January, says Baraan.

The academy will maximize facilities of the ultra-modern Narciso Ramos Sports Complex—the main venue of the Palarong Pambansa and recent Batang Pinoy regionals—that ring Lingayen’s government center. Initial emphasis will be on Olympic sports like track and field, swimming, boxing, karatedo and cycling.

There’s been an exodus of Pangasinan cyclists lately. Without support from home, they fanned out to several provincial and commercial teams to prepare for next year’s Ronda Pilipinas bike classic.

As he headed to another public engagement, Espino tapped Baraan to talk to me about the academy. The straight shooting Baraan said the school, which would have pushed Pangasinan front and center as a leader in grassroots sports development, has been delayed by politics.

In May, the re-electionist Espino faces Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza, a former press secretary, one of the House of Representatives famous Spice Boys and a relative of golf enthusiast and former President Fidel Ramos.

Espino’s running mate, incumbent Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, son of the late Gen. Jose Calimlim, will go up against ex-national police chief Arturo Lomibao.

  • * *

A grassroots group led by Fr. Lloyd Nepomuceno, the youthful Catholic parish priest of Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, meets today to map out moves to force the town council and the provincial board to recall their imprimatur for a landfill project in Barangay Simimbaaan.

My birthplace is in a tizzy emotionally over the approval without public input of the regional garbage dump, espoused by Gov. Oyie Umali and Mayor Jong Corpus, that will make Cuyapo the Payatas of the central plains and the mountain provinces.

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