Pangasinan News December 2013

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Pangasinan Province - Archived News
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Pangasinan Province, Philippines
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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

Sixth-grader from Pangasinan town earns spot in nationwide Pantawid search

By Allan O. Lulu (Information Officer II, Pantawid Pamilya)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Dec. 31 - Grade six pupil Caila of Bani in Pangasinan earned the sixth spot in the national search for Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya held recently.

The 11 year-old Caila, who represented the Ilocos region in the nationwide search, is now being eyed as the region’s child advocate in the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children.

She is a consistent top performing pupil in school from Grade 1 to present and a very good student leader of the Bani Elementary School.

She dreams to become a Civil Engineer someday.

Caila also facilitates “peer teaching” during her vacant period with her classmates who are hard up in class.

Together with her mother and twin brother, Caila is very active in their community’s coastal clean-up drive which is held every 14th day of the month.

At home, she also helps in household chores such as washing the dishes, gardening, getting firewood and doing the laundry of her own clothes during Saturdays.

Part of a religious family, Caila joins in the family’s nightly routine of praying the Holy Rosary. She goes to mass every Sunday and attends Bible classes during summer.

As a Pantawid beneficiary, Caila said her family’s life status improved.

“Life has been better. We are able to buy school needs through the cash grants being provided,” she said.

Asked for a wish, Caila hoped for a scholarship for her and her twin brother in order to realize their dreams.

Caila’s optimism, confidence, hard work, and faith are her own recipe of success in transforming their poverty stricken lives into a better future.

Pantawid Pamilya is a conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government which invests in human capital through health and education by providing cash grants to extremely poor households with children ages 0 – 14 years old. Allan O. Lulu / Information Officer II, Pantawid Pamilya.

6 firecracker injuries registered in Pangasinan

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 30 (PNA) -- The Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) has already registered six firecracker blasting injuries since December 25 till today.

Dr. Michael Canto, R1MC spokesperson, said the victims, all children ranging from 4 to 9 years old, are all from Dagupan with the exception of one from Malasiqui, Pangasinan.

The latest to be admitted at R1MC, said Canto, was a nine-year-old boy who was brought by his parents at 9 a.m. on Monday after suffering blasting injuries in his face.

Canto said the boy gathered all the gun powders of firecrackers in their neighborhood that did not explode and pound all these with stone close to his face.

At least 9 percent of the boy's face got burned and had to be hospitalized and injected with anti-tetanus vaccine.

Canto told the people of Pangasinan that any injuries from firecrackers, whether big or small, must be consulted with a doctor and treated as gunpowder contains microbes that will infect the body.

As a first aid after the injury, he said, the affected body parts must be washed with warmed water and soap and dried with a towel before the victim is brought to the hospital.

On this New Year's eve on Tuesday, all doctors at RIMC will be on duty and leaves are cancelled so that they can all attend to firecracker injuries that may be arriving.

In addition, all the needed medicines were also made available.

Canto recalled that in last year's New Year's Eve revelry, at least 59 persons injured by firecrackers were admitted at R1MC. Of the number, five -- mostly children--were amputated of their body parts.

He also called on the people not to explode firecrackers anymore in welcoming the New Year but if they cannot be restrained, they must use pyrotechnics responsibly.

Canto also called on people not to drive when they are drunk as most of the vehicular accidents registered on New Year's Eve last year were caused by drivers who imbibed some alcohol in their systems.

Canto is not expecting injuries caused by stray bullets in any part of Pangasinan.

Outreach program on proper nutrition launched in Dagupan City

(MCA/EMS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) – The National Nutrition Council Region I (NNC-1) in cooperation with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Pangasinan Chapter and Regional Organization on Nutrition Development Advocates (RONDA) have launched an outreach project dubbed “RONDA sa Barangay” on Tuesday at the Barangay Bonuan Gueset Gym here.

Rose Lulu Pagaduan, OIC- Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC-1, said the program was conducted to promote the importance of good nutrition among the identified nutritionally at risk groups in the barangay.

About 74 mothers of malnourished children, lactating and pregnant women, 4Ps beneficiaries and indigent people participated in the event.

Pagaduan said, the ultimate goal of the civic outreach activity is to reduce the rate of malnutrition by raising awareness of the poor women with regards to good nutrition.

‘RONDA sa Barangay’ is a program that promotes good nutrition awareness among the identified through health related activities that includes lectures on malunggay planting, orientation on livelihood from malunggay and the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.

“Bonuan Gueset was chosen as first barangay to launch the project out of the 3,100 barangays in the region because there is a high prevalence of malnutrition rate here,” Pagaduan said.

She said the council hopes to replicate the activity to other areas if the result will turn out favourable.

“We will have a close coordination with the barangay health workers to monitor the improvement of the household. We will also rely on the City Nutrition Office’s report to evaluate the effectiveness of this program”, Pagaduan disclosed.

Meanwhile, Bernie Errasquin, RONDA Chairman and DZMQ Manager, said the information drive is a support to the national government’s campaign to end hunger and malnutrition in the country.

The NNC and RONDA members distributed nutri-health kits and food product samples with Sangkap Pinoy Seals to the participants.

Pangasinan now closer to its goal of becoming country's number 1 province

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), CTB/LVMICUA/RMA]

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 28 (PNA)--Their hand signal using their forefinger to form the figure one (1) indicates their very strong obsession to make their province number one in the entire country.

Wherever one goes in the province of almost three million people, this kind of hand signal is flashed by every Pangasinense as if it is a kind of rallying sign to put all officials and the people to action so that they will work harder to push their province to the top.

It is not a long shot anyway as from all indications, Pangasinan is actually almost there.

Pangasinan today is already number four province in the whole country based on the ranking made by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) this year.

However, the province of Pangasinan led by Governor Amado Espino Jr. is not about to rest its laurels. It still aspires to go three more rungs higher up the ladder so that it could wound up on top.

From out of nowhere seven years ago, Pangasinan made a phenomenal rise in the totem pole under the leadership of Governor Espino.

This was made through hard work and sacrifice by all officials, employees and all stakeholders in practically all areas of endeavor.

Even Espino, at the helm of the provincial government for more than six years, is confident that Pangasinan is now about to realize that elusive dream possibly within his last and final term of office.

Wanting to leave a long legacy to his people, Espino rallied officials and employees to work doubly harder as the proverbial race is about to be won.

Among the strong indicators that Pangasinan is now closer to its cherished dream is when it bagged 13 national awards in 2013 besting even the bigger and more prosperous provinces.

Among these awards include those for outstanding performances in rice and corn production, fishery conservation, employment generation, accuracy of financial reports, micro-financing, best practices against squatter syndicates and tourism promotion.

It bagged the TOFARM 2012 (The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines) national award from the Junior Chamber Philippines, Inc. and the Universal Harvester Inc. in recognition of the ‘Ilog Ko, Bilayen Tan Aroen Ko,” project last January.

Other awards in agriculture received by the province from the Department of Agriculture include: Rice Achiever’s Award on March 15 during the 2nd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers award at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasig City; the “Gawad Pagkilala award for fishery conservation” given by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources during the Gabi ng Parangal sa mga Kabalikat sa Pangisdaan held in Quezon City on Oct.18; and the 2013 National Quality Corn Achievers in October during the 9th Philippine National Corn Congress in Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City.

Meanwhile, the aggressive manpower development schemes of the present administration was chosen by the Department of Labor and Employment as the 2012 National Best Public Employment Services Office - 1st class provincial category on Sept. 23.

The province also bagged the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit award in support to the Credit Surety Fund from the Central Bank of the Philippines or Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in July while Pangasinan Provincial Hospital’s Dialysis Training Center was named the country’s 3rd best in Nephrology Nursing in January.

For fiscal management, Pangasinan’s Provincial Accountant Arturo Soriano received the Outstanding Accounting Office award from the Commission on Audit (COA) on Oct.14 in Bacolod City.

The Provincial Accounting Office (PACO) also received a certificate of recognition in the search for government offices with innovations and best practices in internal auditing awarded by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP), Inc. on October 9 in Aklan.

Another national award was received by the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council as Best Practices Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates given by the National Housing Authority (NHA) on Oct. 25 during the Housing Fair celebration at Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Tourism development in Pangasinan was also recognized in the country as three runners-up places in “The Pearl Awards” received by the Provincial Tourism Operations Division (PTOD) last Oct.4 at the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi City, Albay.

These included two Best Tourism Events in the arts and culture category provincial level (Balitok a Tawir) 1st runner up and (Agew na Pangasinan) 2nd runner-up; and 2nd runner-up in Best Tourism Practices (Provincial Tourism Month Celebration)

DPWH bares P400-M projects in Pangasinan for 2014

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) revealed that almost P400 million worth of infrastructure projects are lined up for the second and fourth congressional districts of Pangasinan for calendar year 2014.

Highway District Elpidio Paragas said these projects were approved in the budget hearing as part of the National Expenditures Program.

"Our projects are mainly asset preservation and preventive maintenance of roads and bridges," he said.

Paragas said that about P340-million allocation for regular infrastructure projects within his jurisdiction, of which almost P200 million for the second district and about P140 million for the fourth district.

For the second district, projects to be undertaken include the reblocking and road widening along Pangasinan-Zambales and Pangasinan-Tarlac roads; replacement of bridges such as the Kiray Bridge and Bocboc Bridge in Aguilar; completion of the phase 2 of San Jose Bridge in Baay, Lingayen with its phase 1 to be finished this year; and construction of five drainage systems along Pangasinan-Zambales road with a budget of P20 million.

He said that the road widening has a budget of about P10 million per kilometer in general.

The projects for the fourth district next year, on the other hand, are the construction of drainage system worth P13 million, P75-million road widening project along Binmaley-Lucao boundary, Mangaldan-Manaoag-Binalonan, and Sta. Barbara-Mangaldan roads; replacement of Lucao No. 2 Bridge; building of an about 1.5-kilometer gravity wall or the construction and maintenance of riverbank protection along Pantal-Sinocalan, Dagupan City that will help mitigate flood.

"We will start implementing the projects once the fund is released to us," Paragas said.

He also said that his office is requesting the DPWH central office that they be allowed to use their savings from previous years to fund other vital infrastructure projects in the province.

City hall employees get 14th month pay

By Leziel C. Aquino (CIO/12/23/13)

DAGUPAN CITY – Mayor Belen T. Fernandez brought smiles to the faces of all regular City Hall employees as she announced during the Flag Ceremony last December 23 the release of their 14th month pay on the same day.

According to Fernandez, this is the first time that all regular employees will be given their 14th month pay as she thanked the majority councilors at the SangguniangPanlungsod for approving Supplemental Budget no. 4 where the bonuses of regular personnel and salaries of emergency and barangay workers are incorporated.

“I conduct meetings with the finance committee even on Saturday and Sunday just to ensure the release of your bonuses and salaries before the year ends,” Fernandez said.

City Budget Officer Luz De Guzman said that employees with a salary of below P15,000 will receive P18,500, while those who earn above will receive the full amount equivalent to their salary.

The employees were further elated when Mayor Belen said that that they will receive the full amount of their 14th month pay as no taxes will be imposed on this.

“I’ve been in the government service for 30 years but this is my first time to receive a 14th month pay. Thank you, Mayor Belen, for finding ways to give us our bonuses,” said Shirley Quirong, Project Evaluation Officer I of the City Accounting Office.

Aside from the bonus, the mayor also distributed grocery items to the employees which were purchased from her personal fund.

Christmas babies' born in Cagayan, Pangasinan

By Rod Bolivar (ABS-CBN News Cagayan de Oro) and Aldrin Soriano (ABS-CBN News Pangasinan)

MANILA -- Nine babies were born on Christmas Day in Cagayan de Oro, while five others were born in Pangasinan.

In JR Borja General Hospital in Cagayan de Oro, Gene Measco gave birth to female twins at 4:27 a.m. Wednesday.

Measco and her husband, Renato, named their twins Crissy and Crissy Jane.

Two others, Irish Joy Calderon and Johanna Baja, gave birth to baby boys at the JR Borja General Hospital at 3:45 a.m. and 3:07 a.m., respectively.

Five other "Christmas babies" were also born in Northern Mindanao Medical Center.

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City, Pangasinan recorded five births from 12 midnight until 9 a.m. on Christmas Day.

One of them, Charrie Ferrer, gave birth to her first child, baby girl Althea.

Like Ferrer, Cristina Dueña also gave birth to her first child, Jeanelee.

NM Abelgas grabs top prize in Pangasinan chess tourney

(PNA), LOR/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 24 (PNA)-- National Master (NM) Roel Abelgas emerged as champion in the open category in the recently concluded 5th Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Cup Open Chess Tournament held Dec. 21 to 22 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center and Narciso Ramos and Civic Center here.

Abelgas who hails from Manila received P25,000 and a trophy for winning 1st place in the open tournament graced by nearly 300 wood pushers from various parts of the country as part of the provincial government's Pangasinan Chess Festival.

International Master Oliver Dimakiling from Bohol grabbed the 2nd place winning P20,000 and trophy with IMs Joel Pimentel and Jan Emmanuel Garcia, both from Manila, in 3rd and 4th place with cash winnings of P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Fifth place went to National Master Onofre Espiritu, Jr. who received a cash prize of P7,000 and medal with NM David Elorta at sixth place and P5,000 cash and medal.

The 7th 15th slots were garnered by NM Ronald Llavanes, IM Chito Garma, FIDE Master Mari Joseph Turqueza, Pangasinan chess sensations Prince Mark Aquino of San Nicolas town and NM Narquingden Reyes of Bugallon, IM Ramon Salcedo, NM Jerad Docena, IM Barlo Nadera and FM Fernie Donguines who received P2,000 each.

In the kiddie category, Stephen Rome Pangilinan of Manila romped off with the first place honor and grabbed P7,000 and a trophy.

Daryl Unix Samantilla also of Manila was second with P5,000 and medal while Fernando Mendoza of Dagupan City grabbed third place with P3,000 and medal.

At fourth place is Dale Bernardo with P2,000 cash prize.

Landing in 5th place to 10th place were Israelito Rilloraza(Pangasinan), Brylle Gever Vinluan (Pangasinan), John Fleer Donguines, Lejither Paul Uy, Emmanuel Paler and Jhonel Legaspi.

Category prizes were also awarded to Prince Mark Aquino of San Nicolas, NM Narquingden Reyes of Bugallon and FM Haridas Pascua of Mangatarem for winning first, second and third place respectively as top local players.

Jedara Docena, Virginia Ruaya and Cherry Anne Mejia of San Jacinto were the Top 3 female players.

The top 3 senior players included Leodegario Ricana (Valenzuela), Wesley Bustillos (Alaminos) and Isagani Fernandez (Dagupan City), all winners of P1,000 cash.

The recent staging of the Pangasinan Chess Festival was described as a resounding success as it gathered a huge participation from various parts of the country.

Adding to the successful conduct of the 5th Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Cup Open Chess Tournament is the convergence of chess masters who have made it to international chess competitions which made the tournament more exciting.

The champions were pitted against champions where the chess wizards honed their talents in the mind game.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. expressed elation that chess is now a thriving sports in the province as he gave special acknowledgement to the parents who have painstakingly made the effort of letting their children become part of this sports development program of the provincial government.

The governor showed appreciation of the youth’s participation in the various chess activities of the province like the chess clinics, age group tournaments and the tournament for Pangasinan chess champions.

He said all of these aimed to harness potentials and develop and hone skills of local chess players especially the youth as he recalled that when the sports program was conceptualized with the help of the late chess master Rodolfo Tan Cardozo, they wanted to train youth chess players.

As this developed, Gov. Espino said that chess clinics will be held regularly during the summer months of April and May for the youth and for everyone at the NRSCC.

“The series of chess clinics to be spearheaded by the province through the Pangasinan Chess League signals the start of the chess academy in Pangasinan,” the governor added.

Gov. Espino also reiterated that “chess, for me, is an equalizer in our sports because it does not exempt anyone as long as a person has the patience, determination and the power of mind to play the game.”

The chess tournament was held under two categories, the Kiddie Category played by 14 years- and- under and the open tournament welcoming players from other places.

Heroes' welcome given to 120-man Tulong Leyte team

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), CTB/LVMICUA/RMA)]

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 23 (PNA)--Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. commended the 120-man team from the Pangasinan provincial government that went to Dulag, Leyte to extend relief and rehabilitation operations to the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda for 10 days.

The members of the team were given rousing welcome befitting returning heroes during the regular flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol plaza on Monday, Dec. 23.

In that gathering, the governor expressed his appreciation to the employee /volunteers who brought with them “the heart and spirit of volunteerism of the Pangasinenses.”

“You are the perfect example of what the provincial government is nowadays,” Gov. Espino said as he disclosed that Pangasinan is truly proud of what the team had accomplished in their 10-day mission in Dulag, Leyte.

Board Member Clemente Arboleda, who led the team, recounted how each volunteer did his share to fulfill the provincial government’s mission within the scheduled time-frame (December 16-20).

“It has been a life-changing experience. It has touched our lives. I am not a prayerful person but with what I saw and felt, I have learned how to pray,” Arboleda said as he prays that Pangasinan will be spared from future intense calamity like typhoon Yolanda.

On the other hand, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. said that the humanitarian mission that was rendered by the provincial government only proves how progressive Pangasinan became over the years under the leadership of Gov. Espino in terms of disaster response and management.

Calimlim said among the services brought to Leyte included distribution of relief packs to 10 barangays of Dulag town composed of food items, blankets, slippers, and some 2,000 toys for children.

At the same time, Arboleda reported that some 1,400 families or approximately 7,000 individuals were given relief goods or gift packs through the employees of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

Medical and dental missions were also conducted on December 16-20 by the doctors, dentists and nurses from the Provincial Health Office, serving about 1,300 residents who received medicine items.

Provision of medical and dental services was held at the following areas: Poblacion RHU (Dec. 16), medical-327 and dental-42; Barangay Calubian (Dec 17) medical-350 and dental-115; Poblacion RHU (Dec 18) medical-105; Brgy. Luan (Dec 19) medical-291, dental-47; and Brgy. Sabang (Dec 20) medical-107 and dental-23.

The other members of the Pangasinan contingent included Board Members Raul Sison, Liberato Villegas and Generoso Tulagan, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management OIC Chief Fernando de Guzman, Ret. Col. Mariano “Sonny” Verzosa and Col. Manny Velasco as well as Provincial Health Office Chief Ana Maria Teresa de Guzman, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Chief Emilio Samson and Provincial Information Office Chief Orpheus Velasco.

The team arrived in Pangasinan at 9:00 a.m. of December 22.

Dagupan City celebrates simple yet meaningful fiesta

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 22 (PIA) – Without public funds spent, Dagupan City, also known as the “Milkfish Capital of the World,” marked its month-long fiesta with the usual festive mood.

Fiesta organizers made the event low key unlike the previous fiestas ran by the Dagupan government.

This year, the event was hosted for the first time by a non-government organization – the Dagupan City People’s Council – leaving them on their own in managing the celebration without any financial aid from the city.

"This time it will be different. The fiesta will provide revenue for the local government, and not use the local government fund," said Atty. Liberato “Ope” Reyna, this year’s hermano mayor.

“(The non-use of public funds) is better to shun away from intrigues that fiesta earnings are not remitted or are not properly accounted for,” Reyna said.

Even without government funding, the organizing committee made the event possible by soliciting sponsorships and advertisements from business firms and secured donations from generous Dagupeños.

The fiesta hermano mayor also said that the fiesta celebration will also raise funds for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas "as our own way of sharing with the people in the areas devastated by the worst climatic disaster in our history."

He noted that proceeds from fun run activities will be donated to typhoon victims.

Although austere, the fiesta was filled with events for all ages – children, young people, families and senior citizens.

Fiesta events for the first week were Dagupan City Fiesta Fun Run (Dec. 1); Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Drum and Bugle Corps Concert (Dec. 2); Agew na Ugugaw (Children’s Day) and Binyagan na Karakelan (Mass Christening) on Dec. 3; Agew na Kalangweran (Teenagers’ Day) and Car Show on Dec. 4-5; Bakbakan ed Dagupan (Boxing in Dagupan, Dec. 6) that features boxers from the Philippine training team; Karate Tournament (with champion Karate-dos, Dec. 7); and Coca-Cola Day on Dec. 8.

Company sponsored-events are the ABS-CBN Fun Run (Dec. 14), Smart Day (Dec. 16), Globe Day (Dec. 17), SMB Night and the Ginebra San Miguel Day (Dec. 23).

Other events are the Human Rights Day (Dec. 10); Padyak para sa may Kapansanan (Dec. 11); Agew na Katayakdang (Youth Day) and AKRHO Night on Dec. 12; NGOs’ Walk for a Cause and People’s Night (Dec. 13); and Miss Dagupan 2013 Beauty Pageant (Dec. 15).

Fiesta activities also include the Senior Citizens’ Day (Dec. 16); Dagupan Cultural Show (Dec. 17); Agew na Managpasada (Drivers’ Day) and Media Night (Dec. 18); Educators’ Night (Dec. 19); Agew na Empleyado (Employees’ Day, Dec. 20); Rondalya tan Koro na Pasko (Dec. 22); Christmas Fireworks (Dec. 24); Miss Dagupan Coronation Night and Balikbayan Day (Dec. 26); Agew na Manag-sigay (Fisherfolks’ Day), Fluvial Procession, Barangay Night and the Pistay City High or Dagupan City National High School Fiesta (DCNHS) on Dec. 27; DCNHS Grand Alumni Night (Dec. 28); Rotary Night and Dalton Clan Night (Dec. 29); and the Rizal Day celebration (Dec. 30).

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme "Gali'd Dagupan, bilay tan kaliktan" (Come to Dagupan, Life and Happiness) which enjoins local tourists to experience a historic, relevant and lively fiesta in the spirit of Balon Dagupan (New Dagupan).

Balon Dagupan is a banner program of the present administration led by Mayor Belen Fernandez aimed at building a better neighborhood with people who value and are proud of their being Dagupeños.

Pangasinan's humanitarian efforts in Leyte town ends

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), CTB/LVMICUA/RMA]

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 21 (PNA)--The week-long humanitarian mission of the provincial government of Pangasinan to help the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Dulag, Leyte officially ended on December 20.

This was made when Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. representing Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. turned over three units of repaired/rehabilitated classrooms at Dulag Central School (two classrooms), Dulag SPED (Special Education) Center (4 classrooms) and Dulag National High School (2 classrooms).

Pangasinan Board Members Raul Sison, Generoso Tulagan, and Liberato Villegas joined Calimlim in the turnover ceremonies.

Dulag Mayor Manuel Sia Que thanked Gov. Espino for the week-long humanitarian effort that started Dec. 13 and delivered support and services to his people the past one week.

These included the relief operations and gift-giving activities in 10 barangays of Camote, San Isidro, Calubian, Luan, Sungi, Cambula, Catnogan, Comvis, Maricom and Sabang-Dagitan which served 1,400 families (7,000 persons); repair and rehabilitation of classrooms in three major public schools in the town; medical and dental services and health information drives conducted at the Rural Health Unit and several barangays which served about 1,300 residents who also received medicine items;

Cleaning and clearing operations of debris was also done within school compounds and along streets; street lights were installed at the town plaza; and Christmas lights were also provided to the Lady of Refuge church.

The Pangasinan provincial government also sponsored Misa de Gallo in Dulag, Leyte where Vice Gov. Calimlim told the people that the humanitarian activity of the province of Pangasinan in their town is "a gift of love and sharing of strength from the Pangasinenses".

At least 113 personnel from the Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, General Services Office, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Army comprised the delegation.

The team was led by Fifth District Board Member Clemente Arboleda as team leader. It was supported by Cols. Fernando de Guzman, Mariano Versoza and Manny Velasco who were in Dulag, Leyte from December 13-15 to personally deliver services to typhoon-affected residents, especially those living in far-flung and coastal barangays.

The final wave of the operations was led by Vice Governor Calimlim and backstopped by Board Members Raul Sison, Generoso Tulagan and Liberato Villegas along with Provincial Health Officer Anna de Guzman, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Emilio Samson and Provincial Information Officer Butch Velasco.

Before going home, the team made a final stop in Palo, Leyte to turnover numerous boxes of assorted medicines to Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla. The turn over was witnessed by his son, the incumbent Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla.

Gov. Petilla, parochial leader Rev. Fr. Virgilio Laurente, local leaders, barangay captains, residents, school administrators and teachers, who benefited from the humanitarian mission also expressed their gratitude to the province of Pangasinan.

Dagupan workers get 14th month pay, incentive bonus

(PNA), FFC/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 20 (PNA) -- All regular employees of the city government received Friday their 14th month pay and P3,500 additional incentive bonus in recognition of their services to the city and the people.

The distribution of the financial bonanza was made following the approval of Supplemental Budget No. 4 by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during its special session on Wednesday upon the recommendation of Mayor Belen Fernandez.

Fernandez said employees of the city government are entitled to the financial bonanza in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices in rendering transparent and efficient services to the people for a "Balon Dagupan" (New Dagupan).

SP approved the Supplemental Budget No. 4 that set aside P38.938 million to cover the cost of various expenditures in the city government, including the 14th month pay and incentive bonus of regular workers, salaries of emergency workers and technical consultants from November to December, electricity expenses from September to November, and incentives to Barangay Health Workers and other volunteers.

De Guzman said priority was given to the payment of electric bills as this is a mandatory expense and is a fixed account in the city budget.

Pangasinan's riches featured in top winning song and video

(PNA), LOR/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 19 (PNA)-- Rich history, best destinations, exciting and colorful array of festivals, and products made in Pangasinan were all featured in the three-minute song and music video that won the nod of judges in the recently-concluded first-ever Pangasinan tourism song and video competition last Dec.15.

The artistic weaving of ideas was a product not only of ingenuity but a collaborative effort of a family whose aim is to showcase all the best things that Pangasinan can offer.

“Napakaganda po ng Pangasinan (Pangasinan is most beautiful) and we held on to the competition objective to feature the province as one great package,” said Gerald Nisperos, the composer and the head of the family.

Nisperos hails from Manila but married a Pangasinense,Marvie Sanchez Nisperos, from Bani town.

In Manila, Nisperos found his way to the entertainment world through advertising and music in the mid-80s as composer-arranger where he also met his better half.

Among his popular masterpiece include “Iisang Bangka” performed by The Dawn which eventually won an Awit Award.

Nisperos hade done some projects like Balon Pangasinan (New Pangasinan) during the term of former Gov. Rafael Colet also in the 80s and also during the stint of Gov. Oscar Orbos when he did videos with other local artists.

“Importante na alam mo ang tinatarget mong objective kung gagawaka ng project. (It is important thjat you know your objective when you are targeting a project),” the composer said as he added that he believes that creativity and simplicity play pivotal role to finish a masterpiece.

For the past 10 years the Nisperos family resides in Seselangen, Sual where they farm a 600-hectare land that they converted for cassava plantation.

“We brought with us our four elder kids (the other three are in Manila) and they help us till the land,” he revealed even as he disclosed that after his children work as farmers they switch into videography during their spare time.

The musician turned agriculturist said that his career-switch is still a product of “beauty” which is the primary purpose of art.

“Pangasinan is a beautiful place. It has a lot of things to offer like its rich history and culture, picturesque landscapes, and best products. For all of these, Pangasinenses must be proud,” Nisperos disclosed.

The family brought home a total of P220,000 cash prize as their music video likewise bagged the Best Song and Best Video awards.

Nisperos said that his family is willing to work with the other finalists and come up with more songs and videos that will highlight the best things in Pangasinan.

The competition was launched by the provincial government under the stewardship of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. in September in time for the tourism month celebration with an objective to bolster Pangasinan tourism and culture.

Rep. De Venecia seeks establishment of ministry of women in all Asian countries

(PNA), PDS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA)--Pangasinan Second District Rep.Gina de Venecia (2nd District) has called for the establishment of ministry or department for women in all Asian countries.

She made the call in her speech during the 6th Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) held in Islamabad, Pakistan, last week.

These ministries or departments for women, she said, would be dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women at the national and local levels and focus on women’s special concerns in politics and development.

She cited that women possess a gentler nature and a quantum of compassion greater than men while asserting that party organizations in Asia will benefit from more women politicians in directing campaigns against mass poverty and social injustice and causes that include inclusive economic growth that leaves no one behind, primary health care particularly of child-bearing women and of infants, and basic education & employment.

De Venecia observed that many women leaders have taken positions of honor in Asia, the Middle East and the Arab world, Australia and New Zealand and the small island-states in the Pacific.

“But if we really want a quantum leap in the status of women in Asia, we must ask our respective governments to create a Ministry or Department for Women in our respective countries”, she said.

De Venecia is the head of the Association of Women Legislators, the 79-member women’s caucus in the House of Representatives.

Also in that assembly was Cagayan De Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District), who was recently chosen as a Special Rapporteur of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which represents more than 330 ruling and opposition parties from 52 countries in Asia.

Pangasinan poised to claim dominance in rice production

By Orly Guirao (Correspondent)

SAN QUINTIN, Pangasinan—With the huge, 65-hectare water reservoir of the giant hydroelectric San Roque power dam in operation, Pangasinan now has the largest rice farming area in the country.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Valentino Perdido confirmed the province’s new stature in agricultural production during the recent distribution of hybrid rice varieties to hundreds of farmers in eastern Pangasinan.

The reservoir, which can store up to 5 million cubic meters of water spilled by the hydropower generation plant, has increased to 168,00 hectares the area of irrigated farmland with two cropping seasons in Pangasinan.

Perdido said he expects Pangasinan to regain its dominance in rice production when newly planted crops for the dry season from October to December get harvested starting this January.

The province has beaten Nueva Ecija’s 158,000 hectares for the season, or a margin of 10,000 hectares over the country’s perennial top rice producer, the DA official noted.

Isabela came in far third with 134,000 hectares planted to the staple crop.

Several factors were attributed to the marked increase in the hectarage of farm lands planted to rice, the most important of which was the start of operations of the irrigation component of the San Roque dam project.

The west gate of the irrigation dam, called a re-regulating pond, was opened in July. According to Perdido, the dam has been supplying ample water during the dry months to 14 central Pangasinan towns plus the city of Urdaneta.

Gov. Amado T. Espino observed that if the national government finishes the third phase of the irrigation project, rain-fed rice farms in 14 more towns of Pangasinan, two in Tarlac and one in Nueva Ecija will get year-round irrigation water supply from the Agno River.

“Before Pantabangan [Nueva Ecija power dam] and Magat [Isabela], Pangasinan was the food basket of Luzon,” Espino said.

Second, the price of palay during the wet season jumped to a range between P20 and P22 per kilo or at least P3 per kilo higher than the P17 per kilo offer by the National Food Authority, Abono Party-list Chairman Rosendo So said.

This has made palay as a crop more profitable by at least P150 per bag, the party-list leader for the farm sector, added. With higher income from rice, farmers are inspired to devote more land to the crop, So said.

A third factor was the breaking of the back of rice smuggling syndicates last year, So pointed out.

And last, Espino credits the recent decision by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala to buy and store palay from local farmers instead of importing the grains.

Moreover, Perdido explained that the reward to farmers of a rice and corn productivity program launched by the provincial government after the national government dropped the same program in 2010 due to the fertilizer scandal and other irregularities under the previous administration, revitalized rice farming in Pangasinan.

“It is the only local government-initiated program of its kind in the country,” the farm czar for the Ilocos region observed.

Speaking before hundreds of eastern Pangasinenses at the launching of the third phase of the accelerated certified seed production and distribution program here, Espino said, “industrialization of our province remains a dream.”

“Farms we have in abundance. We must as well be the best at farming,” Espino added.

Corn production program now covers 21 towns in Pangasinan

By Elsha Marie Soriano (MCA/EMS/PIA-1, Pangasinan with reports from PIO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan Dec. 16 (PIA) – Pangasinan’s hybrid corn production program now covers 21 local governments under a new agreement.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved a ratified memorandum of agreement under Provincial Resolution No. 216-2013, entered into and signed by Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. in October

Under the ratified agreement, the towns of San Carlos City, Manaoag, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Alcala, Binalonan, Laoac, Sto. Tomas, Villasis, Asingan, San Nicolas and Balungao are now included as producers of hybrid corn.

Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. disclosed that the earlier Provincial Resolution only identified the towns of Pozurrubio, Rosales and Sta. Maria as hybrid corn producers.

“We now have 21 towns that are included in producing hybrid corn, and this would definitely give Pangasinan another award as the country’s best quality corn producing province in 2014,” he said.

The agreement likewise includes the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), Abono Partylist, and the National Federation of Hog Raisers as part of the program.

Bince said the three were tasked to provide fertilizer inputs and technical assistance to corn farmers beneficiaries and market the corn produced by the farmers.

Dalisay Moya, provincial agriculturist, said with the expansion of the program, the province now has a total coverage of 3, 000 hectares to cultivate for the hybrid corn production.

The Pangasinan Corn Production Program started in 2011 with P43-million as revolving fund and is being used to extend loan with zero interest to the farmers.

For the year 2014, the province appropriated P15-million for the program while the Department of Agriculture allotted P20-million and P8-million from the Abono Partylist, said Moya in a statement released by PIO.

Moya disclosed that Engr. Rosendo So, founding chairman of the Abono Partylist, facilitated the augmentation fund of another P10M this year.

The corn producing towns of Pozorrubio, Rosales, and Sta Maria have been benefitting from the interest-free loan scheme with a repayment rate of 85 percent as of July.

BFP conducts fire safety inspection in Dagupan City

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here has started conducting safety inspection on establishments involved in making, distributing and selling fireworks in the city.

Senior Inspector Ferdinand Formacion, city fire marshall of BFP-Dagupan, said the visitation was part of their early preparation for the holiday season.

It ensures that establishments comply with the necessary guidelines in making, distributing and selling fireworks and to protect the people from the danger of fireworks-related incidents, said Formacion.

Barangay Bacayao Norte was inspected last Wednesday to verify if manufacturers there are following the proper procedures and guidelines in making fire crackers, he said.

Formacion said that BFP Dagupan is ready to respond in any fire-related incidents that will possibly occur during the holiday season.

Fire trucks, equipment and BFP personnel are in condition to take action as soon as possible within a seven-minute given time frame in case of fire incident, he said.

Meanwhile, the BFP, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, will also inspect Christmas lights in the market to make sure that these are safe to use.

Formacion advised that it is far better and safer to buy Christmas lights with Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Product Standard (PS) Mark which signify the reliability and effectiveness of products and services that people use.

He was a guest during the "Pantongtongan Tayo" (Pag-Usapan Natin) radio program of PIA-Pangasinan aired live over DZMQ Radyo ng Bayan-Dagupan on Tuesday.

Dagupan mayor receives national award from DepEd

(PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY – After being awarded by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) for her fight against illegal drugs, Mayor Belen T. Fernandez next received a national award, this time from the Department of Education (DepEd).

DepEd cited Fernandez, in collaboration with her family-owned CSI Group of Companies, as its “Most Progressive and Dedicated Partner” in its Adopt-a-School Program.

Fernandez received the award from DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages Mario A. Deriquito and Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera during a ceremony last December 12 at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan DepEd Central Office in Pasig City.

In accepting the recognition, Fernandez said education is a priority of her administration and she will continue to be an active partner of DepEd in promoting quality and access to basic education.

She further thanked the private companies and other stakeholders for their support which greatly contributed to the success of the program.

Fernandez has been an active partner of DepEd by constructing additional classrooms, rehabilitating educational infrastructures, donating learning materials, regularly conducting feeding projects and other related activities since he was vice mayor of Dagupan.

Her significant contributions to education include the construction of five single-storey school buildings, repair of five school libraries, provision of computers, 153 kiddie laptops, books, shelves, tables and chairs to five schools, classroom repainting and elevation of classrooms in low-lying schools.

She also provided fund support for the opening of the Tebeng Elementary School by repairing its existing buildings and purchasing of armchairs, tables and school materials.

Fernandez was also cited for being very supportive to DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela where she solicits support from the private sector to prepare the schools for the opening of classes.

She is also regularly conducting feeding activities in selected schools with problems on undernourished children.

Other activities initiated by Fernandez under the Adopt-a-School program include: Children’s Congress, Barkada KontraDroga, Pagsasarili Program (school gardening), summer sports camp, campus security seminar, Science Discovery and Robotic Exhibition, Readathon (reading sessions) and provided fund support for Mathematic Fest, Say Dayew(Pangasinan cultural show), Buwan ng Wika, and Manlincorya Kalangweran (young city officials).

Pangasinan sends 102-man contingent to undertake relief works in Leyte

(PNA), JBP/LVM/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 13 (PNA) -- The provincial government led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. will extend Pangasinan’s spirit of volunteerism to typhoon Yolanda victims in the province of Leyte.

This as as some 102 personnel from the Pangasinan provincial government departed for Tacloban following a send-off ceremony in front of the provincial capitol at 4 a.m. Friday.

Espino said the team is bringing with them five dump trucks, one ambulance, two buses and one van that will be harnessed relief and rehabilitation works they intend to extent to a barangay in Palo, Leyte adopted by the provincial government.

The Pangasinan contingent travel by land up to Sorsogon province from where they will take a roll on, roll off (RO-RO) vessels for Tacloban.

The contingent is composed of 46 personnel from the engineering department to help rebuild a school. There will also be doctors and nurses to take care of the sick people.

Espino said the contingent brought with them medicines, including relief goods like blankets, food items, slippers and toys for the children.

The contingent will conduct humanitarian works for one week. Espino and Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim promised to join the Pangasinan contingent after three days.

Prior to this humanitarian activity, the provincial government donated P2million each to the city of Tacloban and the province of Leyte.

Espino said the cash donation was one way of showing to the people of Leyte and Tacloban the province’s heartfelt sympathy to the victims battered by the calamity.

“We have to show concern and care for the people who are suffering especially the children,” Espino stressed.

Bohol also received a P2-million donation from Pangasinan after it was hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake last October.

NEA's program set to energize all of Malasiqui town before year ends

(PNA), FFC/LVM/HMA/RMA

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan, Dec. 12 (PNA) -- At least 12 of 21 remote sitios here will be energized up to the end of this year under the Sitio Electrification of the National Electrification Administration (NIA).

Mayor Armando Domantay Sr. said NEA, the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Cenpelco), and the Malasiqui Local Government Unit (LGU) are racing against time so that the remaining 12 sitios that have not been lighted up ever since will be energized before the new year.

The project will ensure that by the start of 2014, all of Malasiqui, one of the biggest towns of Pangasinan, shall have been energized.

The 12 sitios to be energized are Nevado in Barangay Apaya, Purok 7 in Manggan Dampay; Samput in Bakitiw; Dusok, Bacundao, East Int., Taew and Bantil, all in Mabulitec; Inigo in Tobor, Anao in Talospatang, Leet in Nalsian Norte and Purok 7 in Palapar Sur.

Nine other remote sitios were energized early this year, the latest was Sitio Waig in Barangay Gatang comprising of 27 households.

Domantay said they are continuously working with NEA and the board of directors of CENPELCO to ensure that the deadline will be met.

SEP forms part of the NEA Reform Act of 2013 in line with the agenda of President Benigno Aquino III to provide electricity to all people living in far-flung areas.

Although the municipality and the barangay officials are working to provide the needed assistance for the poor barangay folks, the latter will still have to spend for the needed excess wiring so that power can be extended to their houses.

More workers recruited in Pangasinan

(PNA), CTB/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 11 (PNA) -More job-seekers found employment in a new jobs fair conducted by the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) here last Dec. 10.

The jobs fair at the Kalantiao Building within the capitol compound was held to fill up job vacancies in participating local companies.

Among these is Hanjin Heavy Industries and Const’n Phils, Inc. that hired on the spot nine applicants to work as general workers while 10 more will train as welders and nine others will work as ship design staff at its facility in Zambales.

On the other hand, Maxim De Humana Int’l, Inc. took in four production operators also for local employment while it scheduled 18 other applicants for final interview.

At the same time, PESO Manager Alex Ferrer disclosed that 98 nurse applicants for Middle East qualified for further interview following a special recruitment activity last December 4.

Ferrer said this is among the last jobs fairs conducted by his office this year. However, two special recruitment activities (SRA) are still to be held on December 18 and 19.

On December 18, Shaso Int’l Manpower Services, Inc. will conduct an SRA for skilled workers and household workers for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia while the company OPTIS will recruit production operators on December 19.

Livelihood and employment are among the priority programs of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr..

As of November 15, some 8,000 Pangasinenses have been placed and deployed by the province through PESO.


Pangasinan folk dances take center stage again

By Gabriel Cardinoza (INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON)

After many years, Pangasinan folk dances are beginning to breathe again, adding color to local cultural events.

This is because the provincial government had been persistent in reviving the dances in the last three years, said lawyer Verna Nava-Perez, provincial board secretary and dance director of the cultural group, Danggoan Pangasinan (Danggoan).

For the past 30 years, Pangasinan dances had been sidelined by hip hop and other modern dances and were rarely performed in local cultural events, fueling fears that this cultural heritage may soon die.

“The fact that we now see these dances are often performed in programs in the province, I think that we have already successfully brought back [to life] Pangasinan folk dances,” Perez said.

The effort to revive local folk dances began three years ago when Gov. Amado Espino Jr. organized the Danggoan.

“Its members are all employees of the provincial government. They were first trained to perform Pangasinan folk dances and sing Pangasinan songs to entertain visitors,” said Childe Libertad, also Danggoan’s dance director.

The group has since then performed in different towns and cities of the province through an annual cultural tour.

“We have a lot of folk dances. Some are not even published yet. We hope to create a literature for these unpublished folk dances,” Libertad said.

Revival

Pangasinan folk dances have been documented in the 1980 book, “Philippine Folk Dances from Pangasinan,” by Jovita Sison Friese.

As part of the folk dance revival effort, the provincial government launched in 2011 the “Balitok a Tawir” (Golden Heritage), an annual Pangasinan folk dance and song competition.

In the last two years, contestants were limited to town and city government employees. But this year, students and employees from local universities have been included.

In the competition, contestants are given a contest piece, which they will perform along with a choice piece of Pangasinan folk dance.

In April next year, Libertad said the contest piece is “Jota de Pozorrubio,” an unpublished Pangasinan folk dance. The contestant’s choice piece, he said, must have a Spanish, European and Western influence, such as fandango, polka, habanera, waltz and jota.

Perez said there is a need to revive Pangasinan folk dances because these showcase local culture.

“Dances are basically interpretations of many things, such as courtship, way of life, raising a family and even your relationships with other people within your community,” she said.

For instance, she said, “Binislakan,” a dance where bamboo sticks are used, reflects a celebration for the abundance of bamboo in San Carlos City.

“Oasioas,” which originated from the capital town of Lingayen, is a celebration for fishermen’s good catch. Dancers gracefully swing lighted lamps wrapped in a net during their performance.

“There are about 20 Pangasinan folk dances that have already been published and there are more that will be published soon,” Libertad said.

To popularize the folk dances, he said his group has trained elementary and high school teachers in the province handling music, arts and physical education subjects.

“Performance of Pangasinan folk dances is a dying tradition that’s why we really have to work hard to revive them,” he said.

Pangasinan history to be included in the province's curriculum

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 9 (PNA)-- Pupils and students may soon have an additional subject where the province's history will be learned.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. in an interview confirmed that Pangasinan history will soon be included in the school curriculum.

Calilim said that last year, the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission was tasked by the provincial government to write the province's history book."

He added that upon the completion of such book is its integration to the Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum to enable the youth to study the history and background of being a 'Pangasinense.'

"Through an informal communication, Sec. Luistro expressed that he welcomes such idea and even thanked the governor and the rest of the provincial government for initiating the matter, which is part of the K-12 program," the vice governor said.

The provincial government will soon meet up with the DepEd regional and division officials to plan out the project's implementation.

Calimlim said that hopefully by January or February next year, the provincial government and DepEd will proceed to the signing of memorandum of agreement (MOA).

DepEd will determine the medium of instruction to be used.

Calimlim also said that the Pangasinan history book, unlike other materials that focus on certain subject, tackles the province in its entirety

Meanwhile, he said that the provincial government is trying to go into history specifics by creating a Historical and Cultural Commission in every town.

The province, under the leadership of Governor Amado Espino Jr., has been giving focus on culture preservation.

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

"The Governor has a different kind of love for the province and it is very infectious," concluded Calimlim.

BTF wants barangay budgets for senior citizens, PWDs

(Sunday Punch)

DAGUPAN Mayor Belen Fernandez has asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to pass an ordinance mandating barangays to allocate funds from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of each barangay for programs and projects of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) as mandated by law.

In a letter to the SP through Vice Mayor Marc Brian, presiding chair of the council, dated November 15, 2013, Fernandez said some barangays have not been allocating the fund due the senior citizens and PWDs in their regular annual budgets.

The mayor said that in support of the Philippine Plan of Action (PPAs) for Older Persons for 2005 to 2009, the cost of implementing plans, programs and projects intended to address the concerns of senior citizens and the differently-abled shall be at least one percent (1%) of the agency’s total annual appropriation.

In addtiion, Local Budget Memorandum No. 67 of the Department of Budget and Management provides that the FY (Fiscal Year) 2014 Annual Budget of local government units “shall likewise include PPAs that can be attributed and built-in within the budget level: Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities pursuant to R.A. No. 9242 amending RA 7277″.

The fund can only be released to an established Barangay Senior Citizens Association and PWDs Barangay Association for proper representation, including in the recommendation of programs and projects.

A resolution is also required from the Barangay Council for the release of the allotted budget.

The fund is subject to the standard accounting and auditing rules.

Shrine for Pangasinan leaders to be created

By Dexter A. See

LINGAYEN—The Sangguniang Panlalawigan will take up the creation of the Governors’ Park and Legislators’ Circle at the capitol gounds following two measures with the committee on Tourism, History and Culture.

“Let us have one common yet special place for them—like the monuments of two past Pangasinan governors, Daniel Maramba and Aguedo F. Agbayani,” Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim told Manila Standard.

Board Member Nestor Reyes, author of resolutions 264 and 265, said the recreational area is designed as landmark destination for foreign and local visitors to showcase the history and heritage of the province made possible by its leaders.

He said the Legislators’ Park ios dedicated to the accomplishments of the Vice Governors and provincial board members in passing ordinances, resolutions and other measures to further Pangasinan’s groth and development.

Lawyer Gonzalo Duque, Historical and Cultural Commission chairman, has been tasked to oversee the physical plans including design and layout for the placement of the commemorative busts.

Unemployment rate in Pangasinan drops to 8.5% in 3Q

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 6 (PNA)--Pangasinan registered an significant increase in employment rate this year as more and more Pangasinenses were absorbed into various job placements conducted by the provincial government.

Based on the 2013 Labor Force Survey for Pangasinan conducted by the Provincial Employment Service Employment Service Office (PESO), the employment rate in April which was listed at 90.6 percent climbed to 91.5 percent in July, hence, decreasing the unemployment rate from 9.4 percent in April to 8.5 percent in July.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. this year noted that “the province is moving forward gradually, but steadily even with our economic indicators invariably projecting a rosy picture.”

Provincial Employment Services Office chief Alex Ferrer revealed that as of November 15, the provincial government had placed and deployed some 7,900 job applicants since 2007.

Ferrer attributed the development to the series of jobs fair conducted by the province this year.

Three job fairs which gathered almost a thousand applicants for local and overseas employment were held on November 8, 14 and 26.

The most recent recruitment activity was held on November 26 by four companies, two for overseas employment and two for local employment.

The Red Dragon Farms disclosed that with the holiday seasons fast approaching, their company has increased its demand for manpower in their branches in Zambales and Bulacan.

Victor Ducuyanan, recruitment officer, said the Red Dragon Farms needed additional personnel for their Fresh Options Meat Shop such as marketing manager, brand management officer, area marketing officer, front liners and merchandisers, cashiers, riders and management trainees.

The Red Dragon Farms has so far hired 23 people on the spot, Ducuyanan bared, as he noted that Pangasinense workers are patient and hard working.

Maxim De Humana Int’l, Inc., another local company, has scheduled 18 applicants for final interview who will be hired as production operators and sewers.

Bayambang all set to break world record in barbecue grill

(PNA), LOR/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 5 (PNA)-- The town of Bayambang seeks to establish new world record in barbecue grill when it will hold its fifth Malangsi Fishtival as a final activity of the 400th anniversary of their town on April 5 next year.

Mayor Ricardo Camacho, speaking on Dec. 5 before the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas (KBP) chapter forum, said preparations are now in full swing for this activity aiming to break the six-kilometer world record in barbecue grill set by a city in Turkey.

Grilling fresh water fish such as hito (catfish), mudfish (dalag) climbing fish and others produced in the town's Mangabul Lake, the town of Bayambang is set to assemble more than seven-kilometer barbecue grill to write new Guinness book record.

The word "malangsi" in Pangasinan dialect denotes the odor of fresh water fish that thrives abundantly in Bayambang.

The Mangabul Lake, a natural body of water in Bayambang near the Tarlac border under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), gets its water all-year round from the Tarlac River and the Agno River.

Comprising some 2,000 hectares, part of the Mangabul Lake is however planted to corn, onions and other crops during the dry season. Others are fresh water fish ponds.

Camacho said Governor Amado Espino Jr. who comes from the adjacent town of Bautista, a former village of Bayambang, is supporting the initiative to put Bayambang in the world map through the more than seven-kilometer barbecue grill.

As part of the 400th anniversary of Bayambang, the town last Friday unveiled a 7.2 foot- high monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo in front of the municipal hall as it was he who made Bayambang as the fifth capital of the republic in 1899.

The unveiling was done by Governor Espino, Mayor Camacho and members of the Bayambang Quadri-centennial committee headed by Dr. Henry Fernandez.

The unveiling coincided with the signing of a sisterhood agreement between the the town of Bayambang and Kawit, Cavite led by its mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo, a great grand nephew of General Aguinaldo.

UPLB bt eggplant proposed to SP Pangasinan

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Dec. 4 (PNA)--The University of the Philippines, Los Baños (UPLB), Laguna- Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members, last Monday during their regular session, their project that promotes biotech (Bt) eggplant.

The project aims at increasing the yields of eggplant farmers as well as safeguarding the farmers and environment’s health from harmful exposure to insecticides.

“We would like to increase awareness of the lawmakers of the problem of Pangasinan eggplant farmers, the prolonged exposure to hazardous insecticides against the number one pest in eggplant - eggplant fruit and shoot borer; and the potential benefits of Bt eggplant in reducing insecticide use, economic benefits to the farmers and safe eggplant for the consumers,” said Dr. Lourdes Taylo of Crop Science Cluster-IPB.

In her presentation, Taylo explained that their group has chosen to develop Bt eggplant because eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the most if not the most important vegetables in the country.

As cited in the presentation,“Total production area as of 2011 is estimated at 21,377 hectares, with volume of production of 207,994.01metric tons valued at 2,436.53billion pesos at current price (BAS, 2013)” with Region 1 being the top region-producer with 23% share.

However, as it has been noted, eggplant production suffers yield losses mainly from pests, diseases and extreme environmental conditions.

Eggplant Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB) damage reduces marketable yield by as much as 50 to 75 percent. Most farmers still use insecticide sprays to control such pest.

“This is a widespread practice that causes serious environmental and health hazards to farmers (including their family members who help in the farm) and consumers,” thus stated in the presentation.

“Let me emphasized that with the growing population, limited land resource for cultivation, adverse weather conditions, pest problems needs to be addressed in order to meet food security, poverty alleviation and self sufficiency,” Taylo remarked.

Taylo said that biotechnology offers an alternative to the traditional control methods by introducing FSB-resistance in eggplant.

She underscored that farmer adoption of Bt eggplant could potentially provide additional income of up to Php50,000/hectare due to increased marketable yield and lowered input costs.

She added that biotech crops have been in cultivation since 1996 in other countries like United States and Canada and 2003 in the Philippines and there has been no scientifically proven adverse effects on human animals and environment.

“Filipino farmers should not be denied access to these technologies which were developed in the most strictest possible ways and have the potential to provide economic benefits,” she said.

Meanwhile, Taylo cited that various farmers’ groups have already manifested their support to the said agricultural BT project.

“We need to gain (more) support from different stakeholders for the continuation of the Bt eggplant research and development,” she concluded.

The project is being developed by the UPLB in partnership with the Indian Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company Limited (Mahyco)- first to developed the first Bt eggplant- and Cornell University, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II (ABSP II), the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) and the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines.

Apart from BtTalong or the insect-resistant eggplant by the UPLB, other biotech crop product being developed in the country is the Golden Rice, a betacarotene-biofortified rice by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

City gov't mulling over franchising dealers of tasty Dagupan bangus

(PNA), SCS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 3 (PNA)-- The city government of Dagupan is mulling over the idea of franchising dealers of the tasty Dagupan bangus to protect consumers, especially in Metro Manila and other provinces, who usually make it appear that the milkfish they are selling come from Dagupan but actually are not.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said she suggested the idea, noting that many consumers are being hoodwinked by unscrupulous vendors who label the milkfish that they are selling as Dagupan bangus although they come from Bulacan, Batangas or even Bataan.

Fernandez said the city government is now working with members of the Dagupan City Consignacion Association which has piloted the new schedule of buying milkfish in the city's fish market which is daily for the home-grown bangus as compared to the the milkfish coming from western Pangasinan which is only every other day.

The new schedule in selling milkfish in Dagupan City, said Fernandez, is set to be covered by an ordinance to be enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to make it permanent.

She said under the plan, there will be identified franchised dealers in Manila, Baguio City and other areas so that the public can be assured that the milkfish that they are buying come from the fishponds of Dagupan and are fed with the aquatic organism called "lablab."

This is corollary to the branding of Dagupan bangus which the Dagupan City government is now working with the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Development Center (NIFTDC).

Fernandez said the city has to finds ways to identify the Dagupan bangus from the other milkfish produced in other areas, otherwise the home-grown bangus will lose its big market demand.

The Dagupan bangus definitely commands bigger prices than the milkfish produced in other areas as it tastes better and its meat more palatable than those being raised in the fishponds and cages of Bulacan, Laguna, Bataan, Pampanga and other provinces.

Town eyes 7.7-kilometer long barbeque

By Liezle Basa Inigo

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan– How much barbeque can you handle? If you find yourself in this town on April 5, 2014 brace yourself for a barbeque feast as the municipality tries to roast a 7.7-kilometer long barbeque to make it to the Guinness World Records.

The event will mark Bayambang’s 400th founding town anniversary. Mayor Ricardo Camacho said they will barbeque as much as needed to break Turkey’s record of 6.2-kilometer long barbeque in 2010.

The 7.7-kilometer grill will take place along the national road, spanning eight barangays but all 77 villages have also committed their unconditional support for the upcoming event. The event is officially called Malangsi Fishtival that is why the villages will grill freshwater fish species like catfish, mudfish, tilapia and “gurami” in a bid to shatter existing barbeque world record.

Malangsi in Pangasinan means fishy. The Malangsi Fishtival is an annual event participated in by at least 65 percent of those involve in aqua culture or fresh water industries from the province.

Mayor Camacho conceptualized the festival in 2009 to promote livelihood for his constituents who were encouraged to produce the best tasting “buro” (raw preserve) and mouth-watering dishes of catfish and mudfish.

DOLE offers jobs for 'Yolanda' survivors who want to relocate in Pangasinan

By Freddie G. Lazaro (Philippines News Agency)

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos region has tied up with a local company to provide 100 jobs to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas who may want to relocate and work in Pangasinan.

DOLE Region 1 Director Grace Ursua said her office and the Kenwood Holdings (Group of Companies) in San Vicente, San Jacinto, Pangasinan have put a project called “Tulong Trabaho Para Sa Mga Biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda” or “Tulong Trabaho.”

The project seeks to provide job opportunities to the super typhoon victims as a means of putting them through economic recovery and social rehabilitation.

“Beyond emergency relief, people from the devastated areas need assistance which will help them rebuild their lives and their communities; they need jobs, they need sources of income to get them back on track,”she said.

Ursua said Kenwood Holdings will hire truck drivers and helpers, office personnel, checkers, quality control technicians, processing crew, cashiers, and maintenance mechanics for its San Vicente Dressing Plant or SVDP located in Barangay San Vicente, San Jacinto, Pangasinan.

Owned by George Li, the SVDP is a contracted toll plant for San Miguel Foods Incorporated’s poultry and meat business and a supplier of chicken products to big companies in Luzon.

Ursua said DOLE 1 and the human resource management team of Kenwood will directly coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for the identification of survivors and possible applicants.

“The team will conduct recruitment and selection at identified relocation sites, and those who will be hired will be transported for free by the company from the relocation site to their workplace,” she said.

To be employed, applicants must be survivors of typhoon Yolanda as duly certified by the DSWD or NDRRMC, must be 18 years old and above, and must meet the educational requirement of the position applied for.

Ursua said the applicants should show certification that they are indeed survivors of typhoon Yolanda. “They should also present valid IDs, 2x2 picture, birth certificate issued by the NSO, NBI clearance, and other available credentials such as training certificates, diploma, transcript of records, among others,” she added.

“As part of the assistance, those who will be hired will enjoy not only mandatory wages and benefits. They will be given meal subsistence until their first salary, free boarding, company uniform and extra clothing and medical assistance if necessary,” she said.

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