Pangasinan News December 2017

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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

More projects implemented for children as Dagupan receives Child-Friendly City award

By Venus May H. Sarmiento

DAGUPAN CITY - For the third year in a row, the city government of Dagupan was conferred a Presidential Award as a Child-Friendly City finalist.

Mayor Belen Fernandez, together with department heads of the city government, received a plaque and P50,000 from the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) during the awarding rites held in Malacanang.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte attended the conferment ceremony.

Fernandez said it is with happiness, honor, and satisfaction that she received the award in behalf of the children of Dagupan.

“Our children are our true source of indescribable joy, and it is compassion and care that drives us to work harder for them. We are self-motivated to pursue plans, programs, policies and projects for children because we believe that a city that takes care of its children takes care of the future,” said Fernandez in a statement released by the City Information Office (CIO).

Fernandez said the city officials and department heads always put the best interest of children in their mind whenever they plan projects or pursue programs.

In a separate release, CIO has enumerated various projects for children held recently.

Early December, the City Agriculture Office and the City Accounting Office taught the school children of Lucao Elementary School on planting vegetables and on how to earn a living out of their produce.

City Agriculturist Emma Molina distributed assorted plant seeds to the children and encouraged them to plant at home, and sell the extra to earn money which will form part of their earnings to sustain their needs in school. She said CAO staff will be back to lecture on them on how to make organic fertilizer to protect their plants from pests and further improve their “Gulayan sa Paaralan” project.

“It is very important that our children learn how to earn and value their money and start developing them to become entrepreneurs,” said City Accountant Melissa Mendoza.

Public Order and Safety Office chief Carlito Ocampo conducted lectures and orientation on traffic signages to Grade Six school children of West Central Elementary School 1 on December 15.

The road safety lecture aims to teach the children important tips on what to do to ensure their safety and welfare while walking or crossing city streets in going to school.

The Civil Registry Office, on the other hand, launched its “Lehitimo Ako, Batang Dagupenyo” which seeks to provide free legitimization to young Dagupenos who were born out of wedlock to parents who are not disqualified by any impediment. This will also help ensure their successional rights under the law aside from the right to bear the surname of his father and mother and receive support from them.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office conducted leadership training for out-of-school youths to enable them to fully realize their full potentials thus becoming self-reliant, economically productive and responsible citizens.

Meanwhile, the City Health Office under Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera promoted the junior advocate health officer program in schools. Rivera also taught the children how to stay healthy and to mentor other children. The children can also get direct assistance from CHO for treatment and for medicines and vitamins.

The Public Employment and Services Office launched a mega job fair on December 16 to help young Dagupenos find jobs and employment here and abroad.

The Girls Scout of the Philippines was also tapped to train children for their sustainable community projects. (JNPD/VHS/PIA-Pangasinan)

Dagupan CHO is region’s best

(CIO/JCB, Sunday Punch)
INFECTIOUS DISEASES PROGRAM

THE implementation of infectious diseases program by Dagupan’s City Health office (CHO) has been adjudged the best in Region 1.

This was disclosed by City Health Officer Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera who added that Dagupan was also 3rd runner-up in the FLAME Award during the Pammadayaw ti DOH 2017 in San Fernando City, La Union on December 14.

Rivera said the Plaque of Recognition presented to Dagupan as the Best City in the Implementation of Infectious Diseases was in recognition of the city’s various programs against infectious diseases like dengue, the conduct of UBO patrol, rabies prevention and control programs and HIV/AIDS.

Under the Alagang Balon Dagupan program of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, the city established hotlines for anti-dengue and UBO Patrol to boost the city’s campaign, regularly issuing dengue and anti-TB alerts in the barangays. The hotlines receive text messages from patients or their relatives who cannot manage to go to the facility for check-up.

On the anti-dengue campaign, the city intensified campaign on ”Tanggal gulong sa bubong at silong”; misting operations; larvicidal treatment and lectures while distributing of leaflets and posting tarpaulins to further remind residents.

Flooded areas or sitios with stagnant waters are promptly filled with sand under Fernandez’s Operation Sitio program to destroy breeding areas of mosquitoes.

As a result, cases of dengue in the city in 2017 has decreased compared to 2016.

UBO patrol was established to monitor and treat those suffering from coughing lasting two weeks or more.

UBO patrollers, barangay nurses and health workers do regular house visits to identify patients and are promptly referred to the CHO for sputum examination and treatment.

The text hotline was also put in place so relatives can text the name and address of the person suffering from prolonged coughing, and UBO patrollers make the house visit and issue necessary referrals.

The city also implemented an extensive anti-rabies campaign and control program by augmenting vaccines from the Department of Health (DOH) to minimize costs to patients; conducted counseling and HIV testing to LGBT community, pregnant mothers, TB patients, CSWs and inmates at the city jail. These programs are conducted yearly by the CHO.

The FLAME Award, on the other hand, was in recognition of the city government’s contributions and dynamic strategies in implementing health reforms towards the attainment of Universal Health Care.

Soon the city will open its Laboratory Diagnostic Center and Lying-In clinic with a 5-10 bed capacity. The center will also provide free ECG, x-ray and ultrasound services.

Dagupan builds center for SPED

By Leonardo Micua (Sunday Punch)

THE Dagupan City government is building a two-storey Special Education (SPED) Center for children who are blind, or with hearing impairment, or affected by autism at the West Central Elementary School 1 (WCES 1).

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said the project is part of her commitment to children of Dagupan City whose education, health and well-being are a priority of her administration since she became mayor of the city.

The city was recently adjudged a finalist in the 2017 National Search for Most Child-friendly City, an award it consistently earned for the past three years.

She said the SPED Center is intended to provide more care and attention to special children to enhance their growth and development.

Without the center, school officials are constrained to mix the children with special needs with normal children which she believes is a wrong strategy to enhance child education and development.

The mayor said that she also intends to build a covered arena at WCES1 for the children’s use.

Capitol’s 2nd LGU Unity Games set January

(PIO/MGNO, Sunday Punch)

LINGAYEN –- The 2nd edition of the Local Government Unit (LGU) Unity Games will kickoff early January next year.

This was bared by Provincial Sports Development and Management Council’s Executive Director Modesto Operania during the briefing held last week, December 20, attended by sports coordinators and consultants of various municipal and city LGUs in Pangasinan.

Tournament Director Edilberto Abalos said that aside from becoming a regular activity for health and fitness promotion, the Unity Games also helps developing the ‘discipline and maturity’ of Pangasinenses in basketball and volleyball.

The recently concluded Unity Games saw Urdaneta City and Urbiztondo town prevailing as champions in the divisions I and II, respectively while Alaminos City and Burgos town topped the games in volleyball divisions I, and II.

The Espino administration has so far launched the Governor’s Cup – Inter-Town/City Basketball Tournament, Inter-Agency Friendship Games, and the Inter-LGU Unity Games.

Operania told the participants about soft launching of the Pangasinan Sports Academy, and its formal establishment in January next year too.

Department heads launch projects for children

By Joseph C. Bacani(/CIO, Sunday Punch)

BALON DAGUPAN NEWS

THE city’s different departments initiated programs for children since they are the most vulnerable and high-risk members of the society who depend largely on adults.

Public Order and Safety Office chief Carlito Ocampo conducted lectures and orientation on traffic signage to Grade 6 school children of West Central Elementary School 1 on December 15 to ensure their safety and welfare while walking or crossing city streets in going to school.

The City Agriculture Office and the City Accounting Office through their heads City Agriculture Officer Emma J. Molina and Melissa Mendoza taught the school children of Lucao Elementary School on planting vegetables and on how to earn from their produce on December 19.

The CAO will return to the school to lecture on how to make organic fertilizer and further improve their “Gulayan sa Paaralan” project.

“It is very important that our children learn how to earn and value their money and start developing them to become entrepreneurs,” said Mendoza after Molina distributed assorted plant seeds to the children and encouraged them to plant at home.

The Civil Registry Office launched its “Lehitimo Ako, Batang Dagupenyo” by providing free legitimization process to those who were born out of wedlock to parents who are not disqualified by any impediment to ensure their successional rights under the law aside from the right to bear the surname of the father and receive support from them.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office conducted leadership training for out of school youths to enable them to fully realize their full potentials and become self reliant, economically productive and responsible citizens. They were also trained also as peer facilitators on teenage pregnancy and instill in them the importance of community volunteerism and good relationship with other members of their community.

The City Health Office (CHO) under Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera is promoting the junior advocate health officer program in schools, taught children how to stay healthy and to mentor other children. The children are advised they can also get assistance from CHO for treatment and for medicines and vitamins.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez also tapped the participation of the Girls Scout of the Philippines (led by Dagupan City Council President Zenaida L. Sinlao and Council Executive Lerma P. Nicomedez) for their sustainable community projects that won national recognition.

The Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) launched a mega job fair on December 16 to help young Dagupenos find jobs and employment here and abroad.

“I want these children, especially those belonging from indigent families to obtain their rights because I believe that those who have less in life should have more in laws. Dagupan is a haven for children,” said Fernandez.

Thousands benefit from Pangasinan mobile health caravan in 2017

By Ahicam Pasion (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Some 31,000 persons were given medical services and another 21,000, dental services by the Pangasinan "Kalusugan" caravan, a mobile team of health workers that visited different barangays or villages of the province this year.

Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer, said the caravan, spearheaded by Mrs. Carina Espino, wife of Governor Amado Espino III, brought medical and dental services to the communities, especially the poor ones.

The caravan was joined by doctors, nurses and other health professionals from the PHO as well as from the 14 public hospitals operated by the provincial government.

Gov. Espino, who launched the project when he assumed office in July 2016, directed the caravan to prioritize remote, far-flung and depressed barangays whose residents have no easy access to medical and dental care.

People suffering tuberculosis were given medicines while pregnant women were directed to give birth in hospitals where they and their infants would be given proper medical care.

Those diagnosed needing surgical operations or confinement were fetched from their respective homes by ambulances and brought to hospitals of the province.

De Guzman said aside from giving medical and dental services as well as medicines, the caravan also conducted health education that taught residents how to stay away from dengue as well as rabies.

Local residents, she said, were encouraged by nurses to clean their homes and surroundings in order to drive away mosquitoes that carry dengue.

They also distributed larvicidal solutions that could be sprayed to breeding places of mosquitoes.

Anti-rabies education was also prioritized due to the fact that 14 persons died of rabies in Pangasinan in 2016.

Pangasinan to hire more hospital personnel next year

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The Pangasinan provincial government will shift its focus from infrastructure development of all government hospitals to manpower development next year.

This was announced by Governor Amado Espino III on Tuesday, saying it will have a big positive impact on the people of Pangasinan especially the indigents seeking treatment in these medical facilities.

He bared this shift in paradigm in an earlier meeting with members of the Provincial Development Council (PDC).

This means the provincial government will hire more doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to beef up the existing manpower of the 14 public hospitals being operated by the province, led by the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City.

In previous years, and even during the administration of then Governor Amado Espino Jr., now congressman of the fifth district of Pangasinan, the provincial government focused on giving these public hospitals new and modern equipment for them to be at least at par with many modern private hospitals in the province and in the end make these "hospitals of choice" for all Pangasinenses.

Another priority bared by Gov. Espino is the acquisition of another set of asphalt pavers to be utilized for the construction and renovation of more provincial roads, school building construction and repairs.

The other major projects for next year are the construction of the Provincial Training and Development Center II as well as of the Pangasinan Coliseum at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

Meanwhile, the Governor reported that the reconstruction of the Casa Real, once seat of the provincial government of Pangasinan that was renamed as "Abongna Dayew", is now almost complete.

The project was given initial funding of PHP5 million by the provincial government, which was boosted by funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority.

Dagupan mayor vows more child-friendly initiatives

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- After becoming national finalist in the 2017 Search for Most Child-Friendly City for three consecutive years, the city of Dagupan continues to put up projects designed to enhance the welfare of children.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said on Tuesday, the city government is now constructing a two-storey building for use of children with special needs at the West Central Elementary School 1.

She also instructed City Engineer Virginia Rosario to construct a gymnasium right beside where school events may be held.

Once completed, the building for Special Education (SPED) will only be for the use of children who have hearing impairment, blind or have autism.

Fernandez said she thought of putting up a SPEd building because when she was once visiting West Central Elementary School 1, she saw the pitiful condition of children with special needs, who were mixed with the other children, thus were deprived of special care and attention that they need.

With the SPED building, “we can encourage other children with special needs to go to school,” she added.

The mayor also said the school has an old, dilapidated gymnasium which the city government intends to repair and elevate so that it would not be flooded during the rainy season.

When repaired, she expects the old gymnasium to serve as training center for the school's athletes participating in the Ilocos Region Athletic Association meets and other sports competitions.

Dagupan school eyes solar-powered classrooms

By Ahicam D. Pasion (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- After being adjudged as regional winner in the 2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly School last week, the Malued Elementary School in Dagupan City is now eyeing to have solar-powered school rooms.

This was disclosed by Jane Cajayon, school principal, who said on Monday that solar-powered classrooms will ensure big savings in electricity cost aside from being environment-friendly.

Cajayon said as most Sustainable and Eco-friendly school in Region 1, Malued Elementary School received two special awards -- the Nestle Water Leadership Award and the Meralco Energy Leadership Award.

The Nestle Water Leadership Award recognizes and promotes solutions, practices and initiatives of schools on water conservation.

On the other hand, the Meralco Energy Leadership Award recognizes schools that promote practices and initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency and conservation.

Cajayon said the school is storing rainwater which it uses in washing dishes, cleaning the rooms and watering garden plants.

She added that the school imposes strict policy on water conservation and uses a solar-powered pump that generates water for hand washing.

At present, the school has one classroom powered by solar energy for lighting and four electric fans.

Cajayon said they intend to power all the other rooms of the school using solar energy with the help of the Malued Barangay Council headed by village chief Filipinas de los Santos.

Pangasinan capitol holds anticipated 'Misa de Gallo'

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Anticipated “Misa de Gallo” masses are being celebrated 5 pm. daily at the provincial capitol to give government employees a chance to attend the “Simbang Gabi” after office hours.

Now on its fourth day, the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi is part of the Filipino Christmas tradition, where the Catholic faithful attend the Holy Mass in key churches nationwide from 4 to 5 a.m. daily starting December 16 until the 24th.

Here in Pangasinan, former Governor Amado Espino Jr., now congressman of the Fifth District, started the holding of anticipated Misa de Gallo masses at the capitol building, and continued by his son, incumbent Governor Amado Espino III, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan.

On Monday, Gov. Espino invited the people of Lingayen, the capital town of Pangasinan, to also attend the devotional nine-day masses.

The Provincial Information Office said the public is also enjoined to take part in the Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, 7 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza, and the New Year’s Eve Mass or “Misa de Aguinaldo” on December 31, 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the provincial capitol was transformed into a Christmas village with the installation of vibrant lights and lanterns along Maramba Boulevard and within the Capitol Complex.

Adding beauty to the Christmas village is a 48-foot-tall Christmas tree adorned with colorful trimmings, lights, and images depicting Yuletide traditions for the public to enjoy at night.

Adjacent to the giant Christmas tree is a Nativity scene (belen) with life-sized statues that depict the birth of Jesus Christ -- a must-see for visitors.

A 12-foot-tall lantern (parol) has also been installed at the middle of the Capitol building that illuminates the Capitol Plaza at night.

The people could also view another Nativity scene placed at the Urduja House, the official residence of the Pangasinan Governor.

P’sinan, Prov’l PESO awarded as POEA’s Best Partners in the Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign

By Shiella Mae C. De Guzman (Sunday Punch)

CAPITOL NEWS

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The provincial government of Pangasinan led by Governor Amado I. Espino, III and Pangasinan Provincial Employment Services Offices were recognized by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for their collective efforts and contributions in attaining an illegal-recruitment free society.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., representing Governor Espino, and several Sangguniang Panlalawigan members received the Best Partner in Anti-Illegal Recruitment (PAIR) Award for the province of Pangasinan conferred by POEA administrator shortly after regular flag-raising ceremony held at the Capitol Plaza on December 1.

The award covers the outstanding contributions of POEA partners in terms of information dissemination, employment orientation and seminars, and other initiatives for the period January 2013 to December 2016.

Consequently, the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) headed by Alex F. Ferrer was awarded as “Outstanding Provincial PESO-Partner in Luzon” for its achievements in the nationwide anti-illegal recruitment drive and against trafficking-in-persons of the administration.

POEA Central OIC – Director of Licensing and Regulation Office Arlen Basas, said that among 694 agencies, LGUs and other private entities who forged partnership with POEA in convergence of the anti-illegal recruitment (AIR) campaign, LGU Pangasinan emerged as the best partner of the government in curbing illegal recruitment and trafficking in person in Luzon.

“This is the only province nationwide which created a database in monitoring illegal recruitment cases,” Basas added as she stressed that 28 cases of illegal recruitment were identified in the province during the evaluation period over the years.

Accordingly, this year, POEA received 132 cases of illegal recruitment and four of them had been resolved to conviction of illegal recruiters.

The Best PAIR award is also given to other POEA partners in NCR, Visayas and Mindanao who have helped to intensify the campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking-in-persons.

Furthermore, this award also aims to inspire LGUs, PESOs and other anti-illegal recruitment partners to sustain and have more vigorous undertakings to implement the objectives and purposes of the MOA on the AIR campaign and launch other activities relative to curbing illegal recruitment.

Dagupan school is Region 1's most sustainable, eco-friendly

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY – The Malued Elementary School in Dagupan was declared as Ilocos champion in the regional stage of the 2017 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly School, elementary category.

The school received the award from Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 1 Director Maria Victoria V. Abrera during the regional awarding ceremony held at the Ariana Hotel in Bauang, La Union on Wednesday.

The EMB, an agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, sponsored the search along with the Department of Education.

The school was evaluated based on its best eco-friendly works, such as the mini-mouse plastic containers in its garden made of recycled mineral water bottles, colorful plant pots made of worn-out tires, light made out of one-liter plastic bottles, and the community’s participation in making the school eco-friendly.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, who earlier this week received Dagupan’s Seal of Good Local Governance and the Plaque of Recognition as finalist in the 2016 Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities, rushed to Bauang, La Union to be with the teaching force of Malued Elementary School in receiving the award.

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Fernandez said the regional award for the elementary school is one “that will continue to inspire us”.

The award makes Malued Elementary School one of the finalists in the national search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools.

The school will serve as a model for all of schools in Dagupan and the entire region, the mayor said.

As elementary champion in the regional search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools, Malued Elementary School will receive a cash prize of PHP35,000.

Free irrigation for rice lands with maximum area of 8 hectares: NIA

By Leonardo Micua , Ahicam D. Pasion (PNA)

URDANETA, Pangasinan—The free irrigation fee from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) won’t apply to rice lands over eight hectares in area, according to John Celeste, NIA Region 1 director.

Celeste told newsmen on Thursday that farmers or corporations owning rice lands that are more than eight hectares are not exempted from paying irrigation fees.

He said the first version of the bill in the House of Representatives seeks to provide free irrigation to all farmers irrespective of the size of the areas they are tilling but when this was put through further studies, it was found out that the move could render the NIA bankrupt.

Farmers used to pay NIA at least PHP2,400 for every hectare of irrigated rice land, which is equivalent to five cavans of palay.

Celeste assured that the free irrigation fees could be availed of by most of the 200,000 farmers of Pangasinan owning an average of one hectare of rice land.

Only a small percentage of the farmers, he added, own rice lands that are more than eight hectares.

NIA is hoping that the free irrigation fees could minimize their production expenses especially during the dry season.

NIA operates several irrigation systems in Pangasinan, the biggest of which is the Agno River Irrigation System.

Sleepless in Dagupan this Yuletide season

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- Many visitors are coming to this city at night, not only to sample sizzling food in its many seafood restaurants, but because the city simply looks its best in the dark.

This Yuletide season, be prepared to stay up late if you are visiting Dagupan as it becomes stunningly beautiful at night during this cold December month.

It is at night when there is less traffic and the best time to ride a horse-drawn "caromata" around the city for PHP100 an hour.

The "caromatas" from the village of Salisay come out in droves every Christmas season, especially since the holiday coincides with the month-long Dagupan City Fiesta in honor of Saint John the Evangelist, patron saint of the city and also of fishermen.

They drive tourists wanting to see the sights around the city at night without much distraction from jeepneys and motorized tricycles that lord over Dagupan roads during the day.

Another place of interest at night is the "Paseo de Belen", a village conceptualized just a year ago to become a crowd drawer during the Yuletide season and also as a competition for barangays to show their creativity and ingenuity in using materials found in nature.

From 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., the "Paseo de Belen", a small version of Pampanga's Paskuhan Village along the Jose R. de Venecia Sr. Expressway Extension adjacent to the fiesta carnival, dazzles the crowd.

City Councilor Marcelino Fernandez, “hermano mayor” of this year's festivities, said the dioramas of 18 nativity scenes, were put up individually by barangays or by clusters of barangays.

Night visitors can do a selfie in front of the well-lighted nativity scenes to serve as their remembrance of the “Paseo de Belen, said the “hermano mayor”, whose task is equivalent to that of the executive chairman.

Each booth, measuring six meters by six meters, displays a nativity scene that is made from indigenous materials, such as rice hay and stalks, cogon grass, wood, leaves and branches of trees, including bamboo, the hermano mayor said.

Each will be judged according to durability, stability, craftsmanship and relevance. The first place will receive PHP50,000; the second PHP30,000, and the third PHP20,000.

Institutional entries like those from the CSI Group of Companies, Dagupan Electric Corp., and the Dagupan City High School are excluded in the contest, Fernandez said.

Once darkness sets in, it is also the best time to see the two iconic landmarks of the city: the Quinto and Magsaysay bridges, which were decorated this year without the local government spending a single centavo.

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Pangasinan chapter volunteered to decorate both bridges with motifs depicting the progress and development of the new Dagupan.

Mayor Belen Fernandez thanked the UAP chapter for its donation, pleased that her administration did not have to spend millions just for Christmas decors.

Pangasinan gives nod to 'Tree Library' project

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The municipality of Laoac is set to establish a “Tree Library” on more than two hectares of land owned by the provincial government in Barangay Batigue.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) authorized Governor Amadao Espino III during its regular session on Monday to sign a deed of donation over its 23,000 square meter properties in Barangay Batigue to bring the “Tree Library” project closer to reality.

The area will replace part of a 2.2-hectare property of Laoac in Barangay Batigue reserved for the establishment of the Tree Library project but had given way for the construction of a portion of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx).

A “Tree Library” is where different species of trees will be planted to form canopy-like covers to a portion of the town and where the people can take shelter on hot summer day to refresh themselves and breathe fresher air.

But 10 years after lending a placid environment to the surrounding communities, some of the initial trees planted in the municipal government property were cut down to give way for the construction of TPLEx that cut across the property.

Since a “Tree Library” project requires four to five hectares, Mayor Silveria Alarcio asked Governor Espino for help in the acquisition and purchase of lots adjacent to the property of the municipality.

The SP resolution stipulated that the provincial government will only lend the land to the municipality of Laoac to be used for the reforestation program and the establishment of “Tree Library” of the municipality.

The SP endorsed the project, saying this is consistent with the objectives of the provincial government of Pangasinan, which is to ensure that its properties are fully and effectively utilized in accordance with long- term development plans and general welfare.

Indian philanthropist made adopted son of Pangasinan

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here has passed an ordinance making an Indian philanthropist an adoptive son of the province for his various philanthropic works that benefited a lot of Pangasinenses.

Dr. Ashok Vasandani, president of the Rotary Club of Dagupan, received a copy of the resolution during the regular session of the SP on Monday.

Vasandani, a businessman and civic leader, appeared before the SP along with members of his family and other members of the Indian community in Dagupan.

He said he will continue his humanitarian works, especially for the indigent families in the city.

Through the Rotary Club of Downtown Dagupan, Vasandani has been going around Pangasinan distributing wheelchairs to persons with disabilities, indigents who are sick and senior citizens.

He said he does not know the persons with disabilities in Pangasinan and allowed members of the SP to distribute these to their respective constituents who need these most.

Thus, he allotted five wheelchairs to each of the 14 board members and 10 to Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim.

A long-time citizen of Dagupan, Vasandani was the only member of the Indian community who is a recipient of a doctorate degree honoris causa from the Lyceum Northwestern University for his philantropic works.

His son Rocky is the incumbent president of the Dagupan Bangus Jaycees.

Pangasinan PNP headquarters named Camp Antonio Sison

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

LINGAYEN -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed an ordinance on Monday naming the headquarters of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) as Camp Antonio Sison.

Second District Board Member Nestor Reyes, majority floor leader, said Antonio Sison was a former governor of Pangasinan who donated the land during his incumbency to the then Philippine Constabulary, forerunner of today's Philippine National Police (PNP).

Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario said there was another Sison who served as governor of Pangasinan --- Perfecto Sison.

But during a brief recess, he was advised by his colleagues that it was the late Governor Antonio Sison who donated the present lot occupied by the PNP headquarters to the then PC.

The PNP Provincial Office through Provincial Director and Senior Superintendent Ronald Lee recommended to the SP that the PNP provincial headquarters be named after Camp Palaris in honor of Juan de la Cruz Palaris, nom de guerre of Pantaleon de la Cruz of Binalatongan who led a revolt against Spain sometime in 1700s.

But the recommendation was turned down during a public hearing conducted by the legislative body in favor of the late Pangasinan Governor Antonio Sison.

Senior Supt. Lee noted that all the PNP camps in Region 1 were already previously named after provincial heroes of different provinces, except the PNP headquarters in Pangasinan.

2 donated school buildings inaugurated in Dagupan

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY-- A four-storey school building donated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and a three-storey building donated and built by the Department of Public Works and Highways both for the Jose de Venecia Sr. Memorial National High School were inaugurated here on Friday.

The inauguration was attended by Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Mayor Belen Fernandez, City Schools Division Superintendent Lorna Bugayong, Assistant City Schools Superintendent Lourdes Servito and City Councilor Marvin Fabia.

Both edifices were built to solve the classroom shortage of the school and in response to the needs of senior high school students.

Rep. de Venecia said President Rodrigo Duterte is bent on building more school buildings for the benefit of pupils and students.

He added that some pupils and students do not go to school because their classrooms are not in order and some, dilapidated.

In his speech, De Venecia called on students to discern all what they read in social media due to what he called proliferation of fake news, stressing that not all news appearing on social media are true.

He noted that many of the students of the school now rely more often in social media than the mainstream media like newspapers, because of their proximity to high tech gadgets like cellphones, tablets and the internet.

De Venecia said that this was only the first time in the history of the city that two high-rise school buildings are inaugurated on the same day in the same school.

Mayor Fernandez, who was the focal person of the League of Cities in helping Department of Education (DepEd) provide school rooms for senior high school students in cities nationwide, worked with Rep. Gina de Venecia so that the two school buildings would be built.

She was assured by a DepEd engineer who attended the inauguration that more school buildings will be built in Dagupan City soon.

Savemore coming to Dagupan next year

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- Savemore, a chain of neighborhood grocery stores under the SM Food Retail Group, is coming to Dagupan next year, said Mayor Belen T. Fernandez.

On the sidelines of the opening of the Paseo de Belen on Thursday, Fernandez said officials of Savemore came to her office on Dec. 5 and bared their plan to put up their latest branch in the city to the Local Investment and Development Board (LIDB), which she chairs.

Savemore, the mayor said, is among the latest investors to signify their interest to conduct business in the city.

LIDB, which was established by Fernandez to curb red tape and corrupt practices in the city government, warmly welcomes Savemore in the city.

“This would mean additional income for the city and job opportunities for Dagupeños,” said Fernandez.

With the development of the government center and the three growth areas in the city, the Board expects more investors to come and stimulate business activities in Dagupan, she added.

Fernandez said the coming of Savemore and other big investors is a big boon to Dagupan, which is transforming into the city that “we want for our children”.

The SM City Center Dagupan is already being built on the former terminal of the defunct Pantranco on MH Del Pilar St., while the City Mall of the Double Dragon Corp. on Mayombo Road is all set to open by the end of the year.

“Like a train, our speed of progress is unstoppable, and no force, no opposition and no evil scheme is so strong to stop the inevitable to keep us off the tracks," Fernandez said.

Pangasinan town aims for world's biggest rice cake record

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

CALASIAO, Pangasinan -- Tourists are expected to flock to this town on Friday (December 8) when the municipal government attempts to break a world record by putting up a more than 200-square meter rice cake mosaic at the town plaza.

Melanio de Vera, who was designated by Mayor Arman Joseph Bauzon as chairman of the executive committee of this year's “Puto Festival”, called on all the townsfolk to help the municipality of Calasiao put up the new world's largest rice cake mosaic record in the Guinness World Records.

A Google search showed that the existing biggest rice cake world record of 12 feet in diameter is currently being held by Mapo-Gu, South Korea, which it garnered during the 12th World Rice Food Festival on Oct. 7, 2007.

More than 100 traditional "puto" makers of this town were mobilized this year by the Calasiao municipal government to prepare the world's largest rice cake mosaic to be spread at the town plaza and to be served to the residents and guests who will attend the event after the official documentation has been made.

Representatives of the London-based Guinness World Records were invited to witness the record-breaking feat.

Calasiao, a first class town of Pangasinan seven kilometers away from Dagupan, has adopted "puto" as its One-Town, One Product (OTOP).

Dubbed as the "white gold of Calasiao", the small, round rice cakes here have made the town famous all over the world and across the years.

"Puto" changed the lives of many local residents, especially of Barangay Dinalaoan, whose children finished their education through their rice cake earnings over the years.

The main ingredients for rice cake are ground rice and sugar or molasses.

Meanwhile, other activities as part of the Puto Festival include a parade, the search for Calasiao Festival King and Queen and variety and talent shows.

1st Pangasinan Duathlon Challenge set Dec. 10

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – More than 200 multi-discipline sports enthusiasts along with their supporters from all over the Philippines will converge in Lingayen on December 10 to see action in the 1st Pangasinan Duathlon Challenge.

Fully supported by the provincial government headed by Governor Amado Espino III, the duathlon challenge was organized by Metro Dagupan Cycling Club Incorporated (MDCCI).

It is expected to attract hundreds of spectators around the Pangasinan Capitol grounds, and the Baywalk by the Lingayen beach where the 5km run-45km cycling-5km run loop will be held starting 6 a.m.

MDCCI president Gerry Lorica said the 1st Pangasinan Duathlon Challenge, in partnership with the provincial government through Pangasinan Sports Development and Management Council (PSDMC), seeks to promote the province of Pangasinan, specifically the Capital town of Lingayen, as the best multi-discipline sports destination in the region.

Lorica said foreign triathletes, duathlon elites representing team "Go for Gold", among others, have already confirmed their participation to the Duathlon Challenge.

PSDMC executive officer Modesto Operania said the people of Pangasinan are again expected to enjoy the action-packed multi-discipline sports – duathlon- just like how Pangasinenses supported the earlier 3rd Tigasin Triathlon held May this year as part of the "Pista'y Dayat".

The duathlon challenge will showcase a total 13 categories for the Mountain Bike/ Road Bike as follows: All; Men - (18-24 yrs old; 25-29 yrs old; 30-34 yrs old; 35-39 yrs old; 40-44 yrs old; 45-49 yrs old; 50-54 yrs old; 55-59 yrs old; 60 years old and above) Women's Open, Relay, and Mixed as well as Folding Bikes Category.

Governor Espino and other officials of Pangasinan will award trophies to the winners in the afternoon of that day at the Capitol Beach Front.

Month-long Dagupan fiesta opens

By Leonardo Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY--The Daniel Maramba National High School of Sta. Barbara town won the Drum and Lyre Competition at the city plaza here Tuesday night as part of the opening salvo of the month-long Dagupan City fiesta.

Mayor Belen Fernandez and Councilors Marcelino Fernandez and Jose Netu Tamayo handed the cash prize of PHP50,000 to the winning group during a program held right after the ceremonial lighting of a giant Christmas tree in front of the city museum.

Before the competition, Fernandez told newsmen they invited drum and lyre groups from various towns of the province to enliven the opening of the city fiesta and in order to reestablish Dagupan's status as the center of arts and culture in Pangasinan.

"We have to also learn the music and styles of different groups from various parts of Pangasinan," Fernandez said as she revealed that the city government is constructing an arts and culture building at the Dagupan City National High School dedicated for young artists and musicians.

First runner-up in the drum and lyre competition was the San Nicolas National High School which received a cash prize of PHP30,000; the Lobong National High School in San Jacinto was second runner-up and received PHP20,000.

Adjudged as top performer in street dancing during the opening parade along Dagupan’s major thoroughfares is the Carael National High School of Dagupan which won a cash prize of PHP10,000.

All the other entries in drum and lyre competition were awarded consolation prizes.

Meanwhile, the Balon Dagupan Children Choir, the national champion in the recent National Music Competition for Young Artists (NMCYA), entertained the crowd during the formal opening of the city fiesta by singing Christmas carols.

The fiesta opening was graced by the contestants of the Mr. and Miss Dagupan, the winners of which would be crowned on December 26 at the city plaza.

The activities of the city fiesta will shift to the Jose de Venecia Expressway Extension in Barangay Lucao with the opening of the Paseo de Belen, featuring different nativity scenes (Belen) and the Dagupan City Carnival on Thursday night.

Fernandez said the month-long festival forms part of the celebration of Dagupan's Platinum Year, that would last till June 20, 2018.

The theme of this year's fiesta is "Our City, Our Home, Our Pride Beyond Platinum".

Pangasinan, 4 cities, 28 towns receive Seal

(PIO,Sunday Punch)

2017 GOOD GOVERNANCE AWARDEES

LINGAYEN– The Espino provincial administration acknowledged the accolade extended by the Department of the Interior and Local Government when it was cited as a recipient of the Seal of Good Local Governance award.

Gov. Amado I. Espino, III received the Seal of Good Local Governance award for his government’s performance during the National Awarding Ceremony for North Luzon cluster at the Manila Hotel on November 27.

It was the second citation for the Espino administration under the watch of the young governor who sustained the tradition of excellence in good governance set by his predecessor, former governor and now Fifth District Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr.

The Espino administration in Pangasinan was one of only 28 provincial governments cited in the country.

Aside from LGU-Pangasinan, the DILG also presented SGLG awards to all the four cities of Pangasinan and 28 towns in the province.

The awardees from Pangasinan are: Alaminos City, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City, Dagupan City, Aguilar, Alcala, Asingan, Balungao, Bautista, Bayambang, Binalonan, Bolinao, Bugallon, Burgos, Calasiao, Dasol, Infanta, Laoac, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Mangatarem, Rosales, San Fabian, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Sta. Barbara, Tayug, Umingan, Urbiztondo and Villasis.

The SGLG 2017 list shows Pangasinan has the most number of towns and cities that received the Seal.

The Seal was presented by Political Adviser, Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, incoming DILG Secretary Eduardo Ano and DILG officer-in-charge Usec. Catalino Cuy.

Tolentino said that the SGLG awardees are the “best leaders in Northern Luzon”, even as he urged the local government executives in attendance to practice “servant leadership.”

In his welcome remarks, Usec. Cuy, a former SAF commander, said SGLG awardees are the cream of the crop among local government units that “went through the eye of the needle” to earn the Seal.

Out of 81 provinces, 145 cities and 1,488 municipalities, only 448 local government units were cited this year for the award.

TPLEX extended to Pozorrubio, Pangasinan

By Julie M. Aurelio (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The Department of Public Works and Highways will launch another segment of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway (TPLEX) this month, extending it to Pozorrubio, Pangasinan.

Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the 10.10-kilometer segment from Binalonan to Pozorrubio will be opened to traffic on Dec. 6.

“The additional 10-km road will ease traffic and significantly reduce travel time from Tarlac to Pozorrubio from two hours and 30 minutes to just 45 minutes,” he said.

In a statement, Villar said the work for the said segment was almost complete.

Sto. Tomas bags National Quality Corn Achievers Award

By Eva Visperas (Sunday Punch)

STO. TOMAS—This town was presented the National Quality Corn Achievers Award (Municipal level) during the 13th National Corn Congress on Nov. 23 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

The local government led by Mayor Timoteo Villar III received a plaque with P1-million prize for projects to further boost corn production.

Maiz (corn) is Sto. Tomas’ ‘One-Town, One-Product’ that earned for it a Guinness world title in 2008 for its Longest Barbecue when townsfolk set up its 3,803.96 meters long barbecue grilling its white glutinous corn using 93, 540 corn ears.

Crisanto Balila, municipal agriculturist, said this was the first time their town joined the search.

The other Pangasinan town that received the award was Alcala.

The provincial government also received its National Corn Achievers (Provincial category) award and received P3-million prize and plaque. It was the province’s fourth award.

Balila said the town’s 790 hectares of farmland planted to corn has a corn yield of 6.5 metric tons per hectare of high quality.

“We have food agricultural practices and the major driving force here is the support of the local government under Mayor Villar to corn programs,” Balila said.

The P1-million prize will be used for the enhancement of corn production, more inputs like seeds, fertilizer or farm machineries based on their submitted proposal, Balila added.

The town primarily produces yellow corn used for animal feeds. These are planted from December to March and it takes about four months before they are harvested.

There are also white corn planted from January to February and is harvested earlier at 60 to 70 days, Balila said.

A farmer here normally spends P50,000 per hectare for corn production but the income is doubled during harvest when price is good, Balila said.

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