Pangasinan News January 2017

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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

Kalusugan Karavan visits ‘distant’ villages in P’sinan

(MGNO)

Lingayen – The ‘I Love Pangasinan’ Kalusugan Karavan of the provincial government seeks to reach out more rural communities in the province, particularly distant villages.

Pangasinan First Lady Karina Padua-Espino, during a leg of the mobile health caravan held in the outlying village of San Juan in Agno town on January 19, showed concern on the plight of the residents living in distant villages in the province as she stressed that the provincial leadership intends to bring the mobile health mission to remote barangays in the province.

Mrs. Espino noted that Governor Amado I. Espino, III is focused to extend the services of the provincial government in barangays of the province to fulfill his promise when he served as a barangay captain and provincial president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Owing to the show of love from the provincial government, local leaders and residents who availed of the services offered by the Kalusugan Karavan team expressed gratitude to Governor Espino.

“Kahit po napakalayo ng aming lugar, maraming maraming salamat po at hindi iyon naging sagabal upang marating ninyo at makita ang totoong sitwasyon sa aming barangay,” San Juan Elementary School Principal Aurora Navida said.

Marion Joseph Napata, a public health nurse at Agno Rural Health Unit, on the other hand, expressed hopes for the governor and the first lady to extend the mobile caravan in more localities so that more people will benefit from the program.

Reiterating that the provincial government is unwavering on its vision ‘To make Pangasinan the home of healthiest Fiipinos,’ Mrs. Espino pointed out that the Provincial Health Office remains keen and inspired in bringing health services closer to barangays.

“The joy in helping others warms the hearts of Capitol employees,” the first lady said as she expressed thanked the local government units and barangay councils for their warm reception on the provincial government team.

Services offered to residents during a health caravan include: supplemental feeding program, medical consultations, dental and laboratory services, malaria control program, tuberculosis control program, skin diseases consultation, flu vaccination, RCA, hygiene kits distribution, dengue control program, potable water access and rabies control program.

Gov. Espino distributes mangrove seedlings, gill nets to various sectors in central and western Pangasinan

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PNA) -- In line with the province's continuing coastal resources management, (CRM) Governor Amado I. Espino, III distributed on Friday some 26,500 mangrove seedlings to various sectors, particularly stakeholders, in central and western Pangasinan.

The CRM is part of the thrusts of his administration, Espino said, as he personally led in the planting of mangroves at the Bolinao Fish Farm and Provincial Mangrove Information Center in Barangay Arnedo, Bolinao.

In the same occasion, he distributed 1,950 gill nets to marginalized fisherfolk so that they can increase their catch and earn higher income for their families.

Capping his activities was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the provincial government, Local Government Units (LGUs), barangay councils, civic organizations and other institutions for a more comprehensive implementation of the mangrove reforestation project of the province.

Present during the signing were Mayors Arthur Celeste (Alaminos City), Arnold Celeste (Bolinao), Aldrin Cerdan (Anda), Alberto Guiang, Jr. (Burgos) and Dominador Arenas (Labrador).

Also in attendance were Board Member Rene Sison and Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya.

Recognizing the importance of a solid partnership to ensure the success of the province’s mangrove reforestation, Governor Espino urged stakeholders to continuously undertake environmental projects in order to help mitigate climate change.

“It is our obligation to protect and preserve our environment," he said, pointing out that since elementary grade, children were taught to take care of nature.

At the same time, the governor announced that more "greening" projects will be implemented by the provincial government in the coming days.

All these will be started as soon as the Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office has already identified areas to be reforested, he said.

Recipients of about 26,500 mangrove seedlings include: DepEd – Bolinao School of Fisheries (3,500); Mal-Ong barangay council - Anda (3,500); Bangrin Federation - Bani (3,500); Samahan ng mga Mangingisda at Magsasaka tungo sa Kaunlaran – Infanta (3,500); DepEd – Eguia National High School - Dasol (2,000); Sabangan Rural Workers Association – Alaminos City (3,500); Laois Fishermen Association – Labrador (3,500) and Talogtog barangay council – Mangaldan (3,500).

Fisherfolk organizations and Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Councils (FARMCs) of city and municipal LGUs, that received 1,950 gill nets were from coastal towns of Anda, Bolinao, Bani, Agno, Dasol, Infanta, Burgos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley and San Fabian, city of Alaminos, and inland towns of Bugallon and Mangaldan and city of San Carlos.

LTO pushes win-win solution for e-bike owners and dealers

By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO (JPD/VHS/PIA-Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, January 27 (PIA) - Light electric vehicles (LEV) plying public roads are a no-no but drivers of these vehicles cannot be apprehended just yet, as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pushes for a win-win solution for LEV owners, dealers, and the government as well.

Daniel Martinez, chief of LTO based in Urdaneta City, said the recent national meeting of LTO chiefs all over the country tackled the review of issuances that do not conform to the present system to be able to give the right service to the public.

One of these issues is the use of LEVs like electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trike) whereby, Martinez said, a guideline has been disseminated in 2006 but these were not followed by manufacturers and dealers.

“Under the law, all vehicles that are propelled by power other than muscular power, must be registered with the LTO. To register these vehicles, these must bear the engine number, chassis number, and body number,” Martinez said during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas Forum on Thursday.

Unfortunately, Martinez lamented that one of the three required numbers is not present in an electric vehicle and therefore cannot be considered a motor vehicle which consequently cannot be registered with LTO.

“As it is not yet considered a motor vehicle, wala rin itong karapatan na dumaan sa government o public roads, parang ‘yung kuliglig,” the LTO chief explained.

In the event of an accident, drivers of these vehicles therefore, could not win in any case as LEVs are prohibited in public roads but cannot be apprehended by law enforcers yet.

Martinez said the LTO is looking into all possibilities, so that owners of LEVs would be protected and all dealers and manufacturers could still go on with their businesses without putting the buyers at risk.

LTO is also looking into how the transport office could conform to the program of the Department of Energy (DOE) in promoting the use of electric vehicles to save on energy and fuel.

If and when LTO, DOE, and the Department of Trade and Industry come up with a win-win solution for the registration of electric vehicles, then owners must be ready with their driver’s license, Martinez said.

63 Pangasinan students qualify for DOST-JLSS scholarship

By Elsha Marie B. Soriano

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan January 26 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here announced that 63 Pangasinense third year college students have qualified for the Junior Level Science Scholarship (JLSS) program offered under the DOST’s Science Education Institute (SEI).

Alexa Apostol, science research specialist of DOST-Pangasinan, said among the 386 examinees who took the qualifying exam on November 13, 2016, only 63 of them qualified and will get to enjoy two to three-year Science and Technology scholarships.

Apostol said the JLSS program is divided into three scholarship program categories such as the Republic Act 7687 or the Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship program, Republic Act 10612 or Act expanding the coverage of S&T scholarship, and DOST-SEI Merit Scholarship program.

Of the total passers in the province, 14 qualified under RA 7687, three qualified for the Merit program, while 46 passed the RA 10612.

“Qualifiers under RA 7687 and 10612 will be given subsidy in tuition fee and other school fees, monthly living allowance and book allowance in the last two or three years of their undergraduate studies while passers under the Merit scholarship program will receive the same benefits except for the pro-rated monthly stipend based on the scholar’s family socio-economic status,” Apostol said.

She added that upon graduation, the S&T scholars in the province will be required to render service to the country, preferably in Region 1, for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship.

The RA 7687 and Merit scholars are expected to work along their fields of specialization while those under RA 10612, which supports the K to 12 program, shall serve as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers in any public or private high school in the country, Apostol said.

All new JLSS scholars will get to enjoy the scholarship effective the first semester of school year 2016-2017.

Likewise, Apostol called on all JLSS passers to report at the El Jardine Restaurant in Lingayen town on January 31 (for the passers coming from the first, second and third congressional districts in the province) and DOST Satellite Office in Urdaneta City on February 1 (for the qualifiers from fourth to sixth districts) for the orientation and signing of scholarship agreement.

She said qualifiers, together with their parent or a legal guardia, should report at the designated venue on the scheduled date at 8 a.m. and must bring with them the following:

• photocopy of 2 valid ID cards (back and front)
• four pieces 1” X 1” colored picture (with white background wearing semi-formal attire)
• 2017 community tax certificate or current passport of Parent/Legal Guardian
• notarized affidavit of guardianship or special power of attorney (if accompanied by legal guardian)
• notarization fee of P200
• black ballpen;
• clear photocopy of Certificate of Enrolment/Registration for the First and Second Semester of AY 2016-2017;
• certified true copy of grades for the First Semester, AY 2016-2017; and
• original copy of the official receipt for payment on tuition and other school fees for reimbursement. (JNPD/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

Dagupan City council okays Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 25 (PNA) -- The Dagupan City council passed an ordinance on Tuesday approving the Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan of Dagupan City up to year 2024.

Authored by Councilor Jeslito Seen, the ordinance is in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act.

This Act states that it is the declared policy of the State "to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program".

In proposing the ordinance, Councilor Seen said that Dagupan City is currently taking measures in order to comply with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 through segregation and source reduction, and has plans to close its existing open dump site as mandated in the said law.

In the case of Dagupan, its open dumpsite located in Bonuan is the subject of a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office.

Seen said anent the ordinance, the purpose of local planning mandated by Republic Act 9003 is to effectively plan and adopt a systematic and comprehensive management and regulation of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated within the areas.

He explained that the rationale for the Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan is to make Dagupan a clean and environment-friendly city with empowered citizenry who help in the management of the city's solid wastes.

Dagupan clearing Tondaligan Park of eyesore beach sheds

(PNA),LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RAM

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 24 (PNA) -- The City Engineering Office on Tuesday began clearing the Tondaligan Park of illegal structures, comprising makeshift beach sheds in a bid to kick off the redevelopment plan of the park for it to attract more tourists, both local and foreign.

The redevelopment plan is a brainchild of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez with the backing of Pangasinan Fourth District Congressman Christopher De Venecia, who intends to build a bay walk where park visitors can frolic in the morning and afternoon, till dusk.

City Engineer Virginia V. Rosario said that after they had removed the illegal structures along with their extended canopies, comfort rooms and sari-sari stores that have become eyesore for years, the area will be developed according to the approved plans.

Under the plan, there will be 50 beach sheds that will be allowed but must conform to the standards set by the city.

This means that the sheds must have no walling and open through and through so that from the road, one can clearly have an unobstructed view of the blue sea.

There are now more than 200 beach sheds in the area, from only about 60 before. Most of the owners of these sheds are not paying their dues to the city government although they are earning through rents paid to them by those using these sheds.

What is even worse was that the operators made their sheds their permanent residence. Others were used for some dubious activities, Rosario said.

With the bay walk to be built soon, more people will go to the Tondaligan Park, she added.

Pangasinan set to build/rehabilitate irrigation systems

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- In a bid to further improve crop production in Pangasinan, the provincial government under Governor Amado Espino III is set to build more irrigation facilities and rehabilitate the existing ones this year.

This was provided for in Resolution No. 477-2017 approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Monday (Jan. 23) authorizing the governor to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with irrigation project beneficiaries for the implementation of rehabilitation and construction of various irrigation systems all over Pangasinan.

Passed was a resolution entitled: “Authorizing the Provincial Governor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Irrigation Project Beneficiaries concerning the implementation of rehabilitation and construction of Communal Irrigation System (CIS)/Pump Irrigation System (PIS)/Installation of Shallow Tube Well Irrigation Project (STWIP), Small Impounding Project (SWIP) and Small Farm Reservoir (SFR) in the province".

The resolution is expected to benefit the agricultural sector which is considered as less privileged among other sectors of the society.

As indicated in the resolution authored by Board members Noel C. Bince and Liberato Z. Villegas, the MOA will serve as a “vehicle for collaboration efforts between the provincial government and the Irrigators’ Association, and Farmers Association and Fisherfolks project beneficiaries to promote and develop the sustainability of irrigation projects of the province.”

Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya encouraged all farmers’ associations to strengthen their organization as she clarified that the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) is tasked only to validate the requests for help sent by the various farmer-fisherfolks groups but does not decide which association should be granted stating further that “objective prioritization” is being implemented.

Based on the approved resolution, local government units are vested with the power to apply their resources and assets for productive development or welfare purposes.

Aside from productive development or welfare purposes, the resolution stated that the project will be implemented “in line with the development program of the province of Pangasinan to generate additional irrigated area and to intensify agricultural productivity of our farmers and as mitigating measures to the effects of climate change.”

Under the MOA, the provincial government shall administer, manage and disburse the fund in accordance with existing government auditing rules and regulations.

Periodic monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to ensure the progress and accomplishments of the project in accordance with the specification, the proper utilization of the fund and compliance with provision of the agreement.

The provincial government through the agriculture office will then implement rice/corn/high-value crops production program and provide support and agricultural technology to increase agricultural productivity and food security on its locality.

On the other hand, the irrigator's association and farmers groups shall be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project after it is completed and will submit periodic report to the OPAg on the operation and maintenance of the system.

In addition, the association will support and adopt Rice/Corn/High-Value Crops Production Program and other agricultural technology and extension support provided by the OPAg for higher crop production and profitability.

In this Pangasinan town, they wear what they eat

By Yolanda Sotelo - Correspondent (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

VILLASIS, Pangasinan—This farming town known for its bountiful eggplant harvest has also caught up with the Miss Universe mania.

At the 11th Talong Festival here this week, women donned gowns and wore headdresses decorated with the town’s main farm produce. Called “pinakbet gowns,” the dresses were embellished with fresh vegetables like ampalaya (bitter gourd), tomatoes, okra, peppers, black and white beans, squash and string beans, typical ingredients of this dish seasoned with fermented fish paste (bagoong).

The attires showed that the woman here did not just eat their produce but wore them, too. ADVERTISEMENT

“[The gown] was heavy,” said Ermalyn Bajit, 28, who wore a dress made from fishnet and 3 kilos of vegetables. Aside from a headdress done with beans, squash flowers and ampalaya leaves, she also carried a delicate bouquet of yellow squash flowers.

April Obedoza, 15, wore a banig (handwoven mat) gown painted in gold and lashed with peppers, the same organic material on her headdress and neckpiece.

Highlight of the festival

“It was a challenge to attach fresh vegetables to the gowns. But we could not use dried vegetables as they look withered and would defeat our purpose of showcasing the town’s produce,” said Ferdinand Austria, the festival coordinator.

The highlight of the festival was cooking “pinakbet sa kawa,” with the local government providing each of the 21 competing villages with 30 kilos of eggplants, 10 kilos of ampalaya, 10 kilos of tomatoes, 4 kilos of okra, and 2 kilos of pepper.

After the contest, the dish was served to the residents and their guests.

Another feature of the festival was the yearly search for dishes that used eggplant as an ingredient, with traditional dishes given a twist, like “bibingka talong,” “talong lasagna,” “leche eggplant,” “ginataang talong” and “eggplant ice cream.”

Mayor Nonato Abrenica said the yearly festival was meant to show how eggplants and other vegetables are crucial to the the town’s economic life.

Roberto Padilla, who oversees the town’s high-value crops, said 400 hectares in Barangay Lipay, San Blas, Caramutan and Pias are devoted to eggplant farming, notably the long purple variety that can grow up to a foot long.

Eggplants here sell at P20 a kilo and can give a farmer a gross income of P600,000, Padilla said.

Pangasinan provincial gov't buying 24 brand new vehicles

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 20 (PNA) -- In its bid to improve its service to the people of Pangasinan, the provincial government under Governor Amado "Pogi" Espino III is set to buy 24 units of motor vehicles this year for use of different offices.

This was contained in a resolution passed by the provincial board last January 16 authorizing Gov. Espino to buy these vehicles provided that it will comply with all the requirements of the Department of Interior and Local; Government (DILG) as well as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

To be purchased among others are six brand new tourist buses, each of which is 47-seater; two coasters and two vans, all for the provincial tourism office; five service vehicles for the General Service Office (GSO) to be used by it in delivering medicines purchased for different provincial government-run hospitals; two pick-ups for the provincial engineering officer; two pick-ups for the provincial agriculture office.

Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario said the money to be used in the purchase of these vehicles will be drawn from part of the P250 million still unreleased loan of the province applied for with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

He said before the vehicles can be bought, it must comply with all the rules and regulations in accordance with the new guidelines promulgated by the DBM as well as DILG.

He said the brand new tourist buses will boost the six old tourists buses purchased under the administration of former Governor and now Fifth District Congressman Amado Espino Jr., which were fully used to help enhance tourism in the province.

Pangasinan is now number one in tourist arrivals among all provinces in Ilocos region.

On the other hand, the service vehicles will be used by GSO as Governor Espino does not want them to use ambulances in delivering the medical supplies of hospitals provincewide.

42 Dagupan schools join Tech4ED program

By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO (JNPD/VHS/PIA-1,Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, January 20 (PIA) - Some 42 elementary and secondary schools here are now officially part of the Technology for Economic Development (Tech4ED) program of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

The Tech4ED launch on Wednesday was specifically for the Department of Education Dagupan City Schools Division and a memorandum of agreement was inked to formalize the collaboration.

Director Cheryl Ortega of DICT Luzon Cluster II said the education sector is one of the creative areas that will be helpful in bridging the digital divide which poses a great challenge.

“What is connectivity and technology if there is no meaningful content and service? This is where Tech4ED comes in and serves as a catalyst of change so that the way we do things is enhanced,” Ortega said during the launch held at the City Library.

The DICT director said Tech4ED addresses different sectors of the community like women, senior citizen, persons with disabilities, and out-of-school youths. Partnering with DepEd in promoting the use of ICT in education is very vital, she added.

“We are now partners, all existing ICT-based facilities will be equipped with learning management system which will give them (the students and teachers) unlimited access in terms of education, financial literacy, and other relevant trainings,” the director said.

Dr. Froserfina Bravo, schools division superintendent, lauded the partnership saying Tech4Ed is a “God-sent surprise” to the schools.

“Tech4ED is a laudable project would both enhance the performance of our students and would assist them to get better jobs and better future,” Bravo said.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said she has seen many changes for Dagupenos and that Tech4ED has an important role in the development of the students and in making Dagupan attuned to its goal of being a smart city.

DICT’s Tech4ED was created to develop ways and means to improve various sectors to produce become digitally-abled citizens. It has four areas that include: eLearning and demand, special content, market place, and job portal.

Dagupan council sets Dec. 23 every year as 'Victorio Edades Day'

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA/RAM

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PNA)-- In fitting memory of its son who was hailed as "Father of Modern Arts" and declared as one of the country's national artists in 1976, Dagupan City, through its council, passed an ordinance on Wednesday declaring every 23rd day of December as "Victorio Edades Day" in the city.

The ordinance was sought by the executive committee of the last Dagupan City fiesta that conducted an arts contest and exhibit in honor of Edades, which will soon become a yearly fiesta activity.

Officials said this yearly contest seeks to encourage more youth in the city to paint and hopefully discover new ones who will take the place of Edades.

Incidentally, some of Edades' most famous works and bibliography are now on display at the Dagupan City Museum in a hall exclusively named after him.

In moving for the passage of the ordinance,Councilor Jeslito Seen said because of Edades' extraordinary achievements, highlighted by his extraordinary courage against the usual style of painting, he continues to bring honor and pride to his place of birth--Dagupan, even after his death.

Born on December 23, 1895 to Hilario and Cecilia Edades in the little barrio of Bolosan, Dagupan in Pangasinan, Edades carved his name when he introduced modern arts in the Philippines during the time of Amorsolo when paintings then were said to have similar themes.

This was after returning from the United States where he took up architecture and his Master of Fine Arts in Paintings at the University of Washington in Seattle, through a one-man show on modern arts he put up at the Philippine Columbia Club in Ermita, Manila.

Despite the shock he caused in the arts circle by his introduction of a different style, Edades remained with his artistic creativity against the usual arts he put up to this day which continues to bring honor and pride to the place of his birth.

Edades helped organize the University of Pangasinan Department of Architecture in 1930 and became its acting head.

In 1935, he was appointed as director of the UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts. As head of the College, he was able to steer UST as the forerunner of Modern Art.

In 1938, Edades opened up the Atelier of Modern Art at M.H. del Pilar, Manila together with Diosdado Lorenzo and Galo Ocampo. In 1940, he also organized the School of Design with Juan Nakpil.

Edades spearheaded the formation of the "Thirteen Moderns", which included Carlos Francisco, Galo Ocampo, Diosdado Lorenzo, Vicente Manansala, H.R. Ocampo, Anita Magasaysay,Legaspi, Demetrio Diego, Ricarte Purugganan, Jose Pardo, Bonifacio Cristobal, Arsenio Capili and himself, in order to form a cohesive unit of artists who were in search of a modern style.

Among Edades' famous artworks are The Sketch (1928), The Builders (1928), Interaction with Carlos Francisco and Galo Ocampo 1935) and Kasaysayan (1979).

Before his death on March 7, 1985, Edades won various awards such as Pro Patria award during the Rizal Centennial Celebration in 1961, Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan Award during the Araw ng Maynila in 1964, and the National Artist Award in Painting in 1976.

Seen said it is but fitting for Dagupan City to pay homage to Edades, a Dagupeño who has done great service to his country through the arts.

Pangasinan soon to operate GeoCloud GIS technology in disaster management

(PNA), CVL/LVM/LVMICUA/1925/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 18 (PNA) -- Pangasinan will soon be the first province in the country to operate the GeoCloud Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS), a pioneering tool for the advancement of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).

Provincial DRRM officer, Rhodyn Lunchinvar Oro, has recently returned from a study tour under the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) GeoCloud Knowledge Co-Creation Program, held in the cities of Kawasaki and Yokohama and the Shizuoka Prefecture.

“The idea of being able to generate and access real-time, relevant data with the efficiency of retrieving information is in line with the vision of Governor Amado Espino III of good governance through accessible knowledge,” Oro said upon his return here Monday.

Oro said the GIS in Pangasinan will be operational by August.

He explained that the Japanese tri-local government unit immersion tour was an eye-opener, as it showed how the GeoCloud Technology is a good investment for disaster preparation, response and rehabilitation.

Through the program, Oro said, representatives of various Philippine government agencies will be able to have a hands-on know-how of the actual operation of the system to ensure its smooth launch in the province and the country.

He said that this is a great start to forge a good bilateral DRRM relationship with Japan.

In Kawasaki City, the participants visited the headquarters of the GIS solutions provider company, Informatix, and later attended a workshop. They were greeted by Informatix chairman Masanori Nagashima and chief executive officer Shoichi Mihara.

They went to Kawasaki City GIS to study its application of the technology on system management, family registry and residence service, crisis management and urban planning.

They then moved to Shizouka Prefecture to take a peek at its utilization of the system in wide-scale services and information generation.

In Yokohama City, they toured the Disaster Risk Reduction Learning Center, a state-of-the-art simulation center for people to learn to reduce and prevent disaster damage.

The field study culminated at JICA's headquarters in Yokohama.

Other recipients of the GIS technology are the towns of Lingayen and Binmaley and Dagupan City.

Fastfood chain Jollibee hires PWDs as part of its workforce

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 17 (PNA)-- The Dagupan Multi-Bee Corporation of the Jollibee Food Corporation has committed to hire Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) as part of its workforce.

This after the fastfood chain franchise holder and the city government signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday, to help employ PWDs, particularly the deaf/mute get stable jobs with the Dagupan Multi-Bee Corporation.

The Dagupan Multi-Bee Corporation of the Jollibee Food Corporation operates the Jollibee East Junction and its other branches in the city

Reagan Lim, managing director of the Dagupan Multi-Bee Corporation signed the MOA with Mayor Belen T. Fernandez at the City Museum.

“We signed a partnership with the city to give the deaf/mute an equal opportunity to earn a living,” said Lim.

Lim disclosed that initially, Dagupan Multi-Bee Corporation will employ two PWDs who will do cleaning jobs like dishwashing and floor cleaning.

“If the project is successful, we will be hiring more of the city’s PWDs,” added Lim.

He assured the PWDs that they can be employed in his company for as long as they can work.

The program, the first in Pangasinan and in the entire Region 1, was coordinated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office with Josephine De Vera as its focal person.

The PWDs will receive the same salary as the other Jollibee employees.

The signing of the MOA was witnessed by Senior Group Manager Iza Gemeniano Vargas, Restaurant Manager Jannie Gonzales, and De Vera.

BaLinkbayan to be launched in Pangasinan

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 16 (PNA) -- A novel project called Balinkbayan, an exclusive portal for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will soon be launched in Pangasinan to link OFWs and their families.

Provincial Resolution No. 353-2017 passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Monday authorized Governor Amado Espino III to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) for the implementation of the Oversea Filipinos' One-Stop Online Portal for Diaspora Engagement, an e-governance project.

Provincial Employment Service Officer Manager Alex Ferrer said implementation of BaLinkbayan will boost further the province's migration and development initiatives, as he pointed out that the database system for the e-governance project will be maintained by a unit in PESO specifically designated for OFW affairs.

Ferrer said that under Gov. Espino, the Migration and Development council of the province is strengthened to cater the extensive promotion of socio-economic development among Pangasinenses, particularly the Overseas Filipinos and OFWs.

BaLinkbahan (www.balinkbayan.gov.ph) features include: start a business, donate and volunteer, access government online services and view interactive maps.

With the BaLinkbayan, Filipinos all over the world can now stay connected and get involved in diaspora-driven initiatives in entrepreneurship, investments, philanthrophy, technology and skills transfer, said Ferrer.

The CFO, through the e-project, endeavors to provide mechanisms to effectively mainstream migration and development initiatives specific to local areas (province, cities and towns).

This project was pilot-tested in 2013 in Cagayan De Oro, Ilocos Norte and Naga.

This year, BaLinkbayan is expanded to 10 other local government units including Pangasinan.

Gov. Espino leads unveiling of renovated PVB-Lingayen Office

(RMCL)

Lingayen, Pangasinan – Governor Amado “Pogi’ I. Espino, III led the unveiling of the renovated Philippine Veterans Bank-Lingayen Branch last January 9 here.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony coincided with the 72nd Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and 10th Pangasinan Veterans Day, which earlier in the day was celebrated by the Provincial Government of Pangasinan with the annual wreath-laying rites.

In his speech, the provincial chief executive said that the establishment of a PVB branch in the provincial capital town is an indicator of economic development in the province.

The immense progress initiated by his predecessor and now Fifth District Congressman Amado T. Espino, Jr., whom he said has started the transformation of the Capitol Complex into a prime tourist destination.

This was even noted by PVB Chief Operating Officer Nonilo Cruz, who was quoted by the governor as saying that financial spurt in this area of the province has become evident since the first term of the former governor in 2007.

“Since then, the business establishments have flourished and tourists are coming in droves. Our townspeople are making money and they need to deposit this is in a bank. That is why PVB has chosen to have another branch here,” he added.

Gov. Espino then acknowledged his fellow guest of honor and speaker to the occasion Second District Cong. Leopoldo Bataoil, Jr. for his valuable support to the rehabilitation of the Capitol Complex and for his service to the congressional district.

The governor also thanked PVB for the great help they have been extending to the war veterans.

An added feature unique to the remodeled PVB-Lingayen Branch is the World War II memory wall, where photos and history of the heroic struggles of the veterans during the war are chronicled on a glass wall.

Also present during the program were PVB Vice President Miguel Angelo Villareal and PVB-Lingayen Branch Marketing Head Esmeralda Halal.

American nationals visit Pangasinan to train on Asian aquaculture

By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO (JNPD/VHS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – At least seven American nationals are in Dagupan City for 20 days to train and engage in a first-hand experience on the aquaculture technology managed by the National Integrated Fisheries Technology and Development Center (NIFTDC) under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Dr. Westly Rosario, chief of the NIFTDC, said this is the second year that Americans from the University of Rhode Island visited the city which their instructor described as a “complete venue for aquaculture training.”

“Our office here in Dagupan and Pangasinan is a show-window on Asian aquaculture technology, basically dahil andito na lahat ng aquaculture species na cinu-culture sa Asia,” Rosario said during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas Forum held at the Philippine Information Agency office .

The students are college graduates who are taking up their Master’s Degree. Dr. Michael Rice, their professor, was a peace corps volunteer who got married to a lass from La Union province. He is now an aquaculture professor with specialization in shellfishes, Rosario explained.

The NIFTDC chief said the students tour the sprawling BFAR grounds in Brgy. Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City and the aquaculture projects in the town of Sual during their training.

After their exposure, the American nationals are expected to come up with a proposal on aquaculture development.

BFAR-NIFTDC is a government office located in a 27-hectare coastal area along Lingayen Gulf in Dagupan City. It boasts of state-of-the-art culture and hatchery facilities and experienced technical staff. A fish cemetery is also put up in the area.

Dagupan to adopt septage and waste management program

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 13 (PNA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) conducted a public hearing on a proposed ordinance seeking to establish a first of its kind septage and sewage management program in the city on Friday, Jan. 13 at the city museum.

The proposed ordinance is in compliance with Republic Act 9275 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act.

This Act imposes on local government units the responsibility in the management and improvement of water quality within its territorial jurisdiction.

The public hearing was attended by officials of the Dagupan City Water District (DCWD), whose officials presented its Septage Management Program for Dagupan.

The city is concerned on degradation of water quality in the river including effects such as sewage fungus and algal growths which pose risk on people’s health especially those using the river and some residential areas during floods.

Based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Water Quality Monitoring Report in September 2016, four of the seven rivers of the city, namely Calmay, Pantal (Magsaysay), Dawel and Bayaoas were reported to have registered a high fecal coliform level, which is beyond the Most Probable Number (MPN) per 100 milliliter of 200 MPN.

The report stated that Dawel registered 900 MPN; Calmay, 2,600 MPN; Pantal River (Magsaysay), 11,000 MPN; and Bayaoas River, 17,000 MPN/100ml.

DCWD reports that 3,739 residences in the city have no toilet facilities and most people are defecating directly into the rivers.

Other residential, commercial, trade and industrial establishments continue to use septic tanks which are not properly designed, improved or updated through the years or even for decades and continue to discharge into the sewers that further degrade many waterways and the rivers.

It was recommended that every septic tank must be constructed in consonance with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and the MWSS Designs, that such must be designed by a Sanitary Engineer or Master Plumber, and that the covering shall be done only in the presence of the building inspector under the Septage management Unit.

The proof or certificate of inspection shall be part of the requirements in the issuance of the Occupancy Permit.

In the case of those already existing septic tanks, it was recommended that this be made to undergo upgrading in conformity with the requirements and specifications of the law.

If the ordinance is approved, DCWD will be the implementing agency under the law.

Pangasinense students in UP give back to home province

By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO (JNPD/VHS/PIA-1,Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The University of the Philippines Subol Society (UPSS), the premier organization of Pangasinan students in UP, hosted the "Padunungan 2017", an academic and literary contest which showcases the talents of Pangasinense students.

Mary Angeline Cabal, UPSS President for Diliman Campus, said the annual activity that started in 1977, aims to give back to their home province and to showcase the greatness of Pangasinan to elementary and high school students.

“We wish to instill to the students and the youth the love for the Pangasinan language and culture through various avenues,” Cabal told the Philippine information Agency.

Elementary students from various schools in the province competed in poem recital in Pangasinan, poem writing, poster making, folk dance, essay writing, singing, and quiz show contests.

High school students, on the other hand, competed in the same areas with the addition of a mixed campus scheme for the quiz show.

This year, 33 elementary schools and 40 secondary schools sent their representatives in the various contest categories which revolved on the theme “Dynamics: Highlighting Competence in the Midst of Social Change”.

UPSS, which also has a president from the UP Baguio campus, also undertakes environmental protection activities like tree planting in various municipalities.

Dagupan's Gen. MacArthur Park set for renovation

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA

DAGUPAN CITY (PNA)-- Mayor Belen T. Fernandez has outlined a plan to renovate the General Douglas MacArthur Park in Barangay Bonuan Gueset here and make it one of the tourist destinations in the city.

She bared her plans following the commemoration of the 72nd General Douglas MacArthur landing in what is now known as Bonuan Tondaligan on Monday, attended by World War II veterans and members of the Knights of Columbus of the Msgr. Henry C. Schmitz Assembly CAN 2995.

She vowed to use part of more or less PHP100 million cash surplus of the city last year to finance the renovation of the park with additional financial assistance from 4th District Congressman Christopher ‘Toff’ de Venecia who earlier committed to help improve the park.

“We already have plans to renovate the park and intend to connect it by a short road to the bigger Tondaligan Park and to be lined up by some sculptures depicting MacArthur and his troops landing in the beach of the city," the mayor said.

Fernandez added that they will also upgrade the statue of the General and put it in a lower elevation so that people will have a closer look of him and appreciate his historical landing in our city,” said Fernandez.

The mayor called on the members of the Knights of Columbus and the living veterans for a meeting at her office so they can map out plans on how to renovate or remodel the park before she will leave for Washington D.C. in the U.S. as a member of a Philippine Mission to be headed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueño in late January.

She vowed that on her trip to Washington D.C, she will connect with Americans well versed on the subject in a bid to finally settle the issue on where MacArthur really first set his foot when he came to liberate Luzon island from the Japanese Imperial Army.

"Once we have settled this, we will make a representation with the National Historical Commission and Congress to recognize the claims of our own veterans that indeed, the General first landed at the Bonuan Blue Beach,” said Fernandez.

The development of the MacArthur Park, she said, will enforce plans to boost the city's tourism program, which is among the many activities and programs lined up during the city’s celebration of its platinum (75th) year of cityhood

“We are what we are today because of the great sacrifices of our American friends and our own fellow freedom-loving Filipino war veterans,” she said as she lauded the veterans for risking their lives so the Filipinos will be free.

Rare WW II photos on display in newly renovated PVB branch in Lingayen, Pangasinan

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 10 (PNA) -- Veterans and their dependents will now see a slice of history in capsule through rare World War II photographs now on display on the wall of the renovated Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) branch in Lingayen, which was inaugurated Monday night.

The inauguration coincided with the commemoration of the 72nd anniversary of the Lingayen Gulf landings in the morning at the Pangasinan Veterans Park near the seashore, behind the provincial capitol here.

The inauguration of the branch located at RBP Building on Avenida Rizal West in Poblacion, Lingayen was led by PVB president and chief executive officer Nonilo Cruz with Governor Amado Espino III and Second District Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil as special guests.

Also present were some of the World War II veterans of the town who co-owned the bank based on its charter.

Gov. Espino and Rep. Bataoil lauded the bank for renovating all its branches in Pangasinan, a sign of its growth and stability and its willingness to help develop the province and its people.

Meanwhile, the centerpiece of the renovated branch is its World War II History Wall-6 panels that tell the story of World War II in the Philippines with several of the panels dedicated to World War II events that have happened in Lingayen and other towns of Pangasinan.

The history wall is a standard attraction in every PVB branch to remind the public that the bank is owned by the veterans, numbering some 300,000 all over the country, who did not hesitate to risk their lives so the Philippines would gain freedom.

"It's a tribute to the blood, sweat and tears of the veterans who risked their loves so that we will all be free," said Cruz during a program after the inauguration.

In addition to the history wall, the branch has also two display cases that contain artifacts, paraphernalia, and memorabilia from the war, which, combined with the history wall, make clients as well as visitors of PVB Lingayen almost like they were making a trip to the museum.

The history wall has also a great panel with a display monitor that continuously screens WW II documentaries and photos.

At the same time, PVB Lingayen also sports a new facade with a large "V" that is not only considered a nod to the bank's stockholders, the veterans, but also a symbol of the aggressive outlook that the bank has of the town.

Other PVB top officials who attended the inauguration were Atty. Federico Manalo, corporate secretary; and Mike Villa-Real, vice president and head for corporate and consumer relations.

‘Kapitana’ remembers laundry days with ‘darling’ MacArthur

By Eva Visperas (The Philippine Star)

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – Every time the city commemorates the Lingayen Gulf landing, laundrywoman Julita Vallejos, now 86, remembers how jolly and sweet the late Gen. Douglas MacArthur had been to her.

MacArthur and his troops camped at the West Central Elementary School here near the end of World War II.

Vallejos, fondly called Kapitana Juling by her constituents in Poblacion Oeste where she has been a barangay captain for 26 years, told The STAR that she remembers MacArthur every time the city celebrates the landing on Jan. 9.

She recalled that the general stayed inside the Home Economics building of the West Central Elementary School, where his bathtub remains to this day.

“We, including my two aunts, Nana Consing and Nana Silang, washed his clothes,” Vallejos said.

Of the three, she is the only one still alive.

Her task then was to get the dirty clothes of MacArthur, count them, turn them over to the actual laundrywomen, count the clean clothes and give them back to him.

Vallejos said she was often the one who talked with the general because her colleagues were shy and she was the only one who could speak a little English.

The general, she recalled, would give her and her colleagues candies, milk, corned beef and other imported goods sent to American soldiers.

She described MacArthur as very jolly and sweet, at times even calling her “darling,” aside from being handsome and generous.

He gave them milk every morning. “He was a very good person,” Vallejos added.

At times, MacArthur would also bring her on trips like the one they had in San Fabian town, which the general described as a place “where you ride and see the underground water.”

“It was like a submarine,” she excitedly narrated.

MacArthur did not join the local baile (dance), preferring his wine.

Aside from the school, which became the headquarters of the American troops, some US soldiers camped in Bonuan and in the present pool site in Poblacion Oeste.

MacArthur asked her to teach him the Pangasinan dialect.

She would say, “Magangana ka kwanmo (Say I am beautiful)” and MacArthur would try to repeat but ended up saying, “Gang gan gan gana,” which made her laugh.

“He was funny,” Vallejos said.

Their friendship started by accident.

She recalled she was taken inside the soldiers’ camp for treatment when her foot got injured in the process of hiding her relative, the late Don Luis Samson, in barangay Ambuetel, Calasiao town.

“He gave me a medicine box which I brought home. He even gave me candies,” Vallejos said.

It was also then that MacArthur asked her to look for laundrywomen to wash his clothes. She said she volunteered to do the job but MacArthur did not approve as she was barely into her teens then.

Vallejos said she and her aunts cried when MacArthur and his troops bid them goodbye. He left them with goodies.

“We respect them (American troops) because they saved us,” she said.

Now with grandchildren of her own, Vallejos said she never forgets to narrate to her children and their sons and daughters her interactions with the famous general.

General Mac Arthur's monument confirms Dagupan was it

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), BNB/LVM]

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) -- The presence of the statue of General Douglas MacArthur, towering majestically near the seashore of what was first known as Dagupan Blue Beach, may have already settled the issue as to where the American general who commanded the allied forces that liberated the whole of Luzon from the Japanese first landed on Luzon soil.

Historians argue that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) could not have chosen Dagupan as host of the MacArthur statue if it was not convinced of the city's big role in history as the first landing place of the American general when he came to Luzon with his troops during an amphibious operation that began at dawn of January 9, 1945.

This amphibious operation involved over 875 warships from the US and one heavy cruiser from the Royal Australian Navy, all comprising of 203,000 soldiers who landed on a 20 mile (32 kilometer)-wide beachhead from Lingayen to San Fabian.

Of these warships, 24 were sank and 67 were damaged by Kamikaze suicide pilots and by big shore batteries set up by the defending Japanese forces in the hills of San Jacinto, some 20 kilometers east of Dagupan.

Coming with his troops after the second day of the landing, MacArthur established his first command post on Luzon at the West Central Elementary School in Dagupan and from where he plotted to retake Manila from the Japanese and free Americans and other foreign nationals detained by the Japanese at the University of Sto. Tomas.

Built sometime in the 1980s during the administration of then Mayor Cipriano Manaois, the MacArthur statue is the first and only monument of the American general in Luzon, a solid testament that he was indeed part of Dagupan's colorful history.

Though this old granite monument now shows signs that it now needs immediate face-lifting, this lone memento of Mac Arthur must be preserved to constantly remind the next generations of Dagupan's important role in the liberation of the Philippines.

One of the bet known authorities on the subject, historian Restituto Basa, now 82, once told this writer that it was just right that the MacArthur monument was built in Dagupan City where the general actually first landed, but lamented that his statue was erected on the wrong part of the beach.

He said the MacArthur Park where the monument stands is inside part of the property of the late Major Moises Maramba, a veteran of World War II, and a former director of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB).

It was just logical that Maramba recommended that the statue be built inside his property, which is adjacent to another World War II marker located in another private property where the soldiers of US 6th Army under the command of General Walter Krueger landed and grouped following the beachhead.

But Basa contended that MacArthur was not with this group and landed a day later in another area, some one kilometer east of the monument which was near the place that is now called Ayusip Road, based on eye witness accounts of residents of Bonuan who welcomed Mac Arthur and his troops.

In affirming that MacArthur landed in Dagupan and not in Lingayen, Basa once cited in his book 'Story of Dagupan' black and white photos he successfully obtained from the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia, that more or less confirmed his claim that the American general first stopped in Dagupan on his way to liberate the capital Manila and the whole of Luzon.

Claiming that those insisting that MacArthur first landed in Lingayen could not present any documentary evidence whatsoever to back up their argument, Basa brought out one rare photo in his possession showing the general walking with his staff in the sand dunes teeming then with what he called crawling cantaromas plant.

Cantaromas is a thorny vine then growing wildly in Dagupan during the war years and some could still be found in that beach till now, claimed Basa after closely examining the photograph, in an earlier interview by this writer.

At that time, the Dagupan beach was also teeming with coconut trees, which were in the background of a black and white photo taken when residents of Bonuan happily greeted the allied troops, which explained why at one time, "bucayo" (coconut candy) became a popular household industry in the town.

Basa confessed that these rare photos which he considers treasures in his own trove were taken by Mac Arthur's official photographer and these were believed shot by him in the afternoon of Jan. 10 when the liberation forces were already in effective control of the beach.

But because he can not proceed to Poblacion, Dagupan in the absence of a bridge spanning across the Dawel River, he waited and went back to spend the night in his flagship "Boise".

As soon as his construction battalion finished a pontoon bridge, he returned the next day on board a military jeep and rolled to downtown Dagupan amid cheers of "Victory Joe" along the way by overjoyed residents.

Noting the historical value of the Home Economics building where Mac Arthur briefly stayed in Dagupan , Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Christopher de Venecia now wants the structure placed under the NHCP, especially after learning that the utensils, blankets, bed and other implements used by the general were still intact and preserved.

One photo on display at the Dagupan City Museum that confirmed that Mac Arthur was in Dagupan was during an inspection of the partly razed commercial district where the general was shown in his khaki uniform still wet till the knees, a clear sign he had just waded in the shore of Bonuan.

Meanwhile, as to the issue on the MacArthur monument being located on a private property, Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez is taking care of that and exerting utmost effort to persuade the Marambas to donate to the city government the lot occupied by the Mac Arthur Park.

However, the drawback is most of the members of the clan have already migrated to the US though one of their relatives--Councilor Joey Maramba Morante Tamayo and also their lawyer -- is now contacting them to seek their imprimature on the donation.

It was learned that when the Maramba patriarch died, his remains were entombed within his property that was once called Villa-MacArthur site, a mix of Villa Milagrosa and MacArthur.

It was once called Villa Milagrosa because Maramba built there a shrine of the Virgin Mary that was soon visited by Catholic pilgrims from various parts of Pangasinan and the country.

However, the Marambas know that they cannot keep the Mac Arthur statue for themselves and would have to share it with the rest of the people of Dagupan.

That is why, anyone wanting to visit the monument will have to wait till the gate of the property opens at 6:00 a.m. until it is closed at 6:00 p.m.

On the other hand, the claim of former Governor Conrado Estrella III quoting MacArthur himself when he and Mrs. Jane MacArthur made a sentimental journey to Pangasinan in 1961 when he was still governor, that he (Mac Arthur) first landed in Lingayen, drew the ire of local historians.

They brushed this aside, saying Lakay Condring (nickname of Estrella) may just be as usual in jest when he said this in a speech sometime in 2012 especially because he was speaking before veterans during another Lingayen Gulf Landing anniversary, a claim instantly picked up by journalist who covered that event.

"Lakay Condring may have said this as he might have only wanted to please his audience when he was speaking during the 2012 Lingayen Gulf Landing anniversary as guest of honor and speaker," said historian Basa, one of those who expressed awe on Estrella's alleged unfounded claim.

Many questioned why did it take Estrella more than 50 years to open up and tell (only that time) what General Mac Arthur confessed to him that he first came to Pangasinan through Lingayen then went back to his flagship "Boise" before landing in Dagupan, when he could have done this when he was yet the governor of Pangasinan.

Estrella, once an appointed mayor in his hometown of Rosales, was elected governor of Pangasinan for two terms and after that became a member of Marcos cabinet. He died in 2013.

New year marks new opportunities for Pangasinan fishers

By Carlos Baldosa (DA-AFID)

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol visited the Fisherman’s Center of the newly-completed wharf and causeway in Sual, Pangasinan to meet local fisherfolks and local leaders of Pangasinan and La Union on December 29, 2016 for the last Biyaheng Bukid for 2016.

Piñol announced that the fishery sector of Pangasinan will be tapped as an alternative source of fish supplies for Metro Manila as fish pens in Laguna De Bay will be dismantled by 2018.

“To fill the big gap on the needs from the urban areas Sual and the province of Pangasinan will definitely comes into place because of its strategic location and its reputation for high quality produce,” Piñol said.

“When you say Dagupan Bangus, people love it. Even foreigners look for it because it made its name not only here but also abroad.” the aggie chief added.

Piñol further encouraged the people present in the consultation to come up with a roadmap for the fisheries sector so that the government can provide the assistance needed.

During the consultation titled “Tapatan: Gobyerno at Mamamayan”, fisherfolks as well as local leaders reported to the agri chief the current status of their sectors as well as the challenges they face in agri-fisheries.

“These face-to-face dialogues enable the government to come up with appropriate solutions,” Piñol said.

During the event, DA also granted 70 fiberglass boats complete with fishing equipment.

“This is part of the 700 boats with implements to be granted to the 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan,” Piñol announced.

He added that once fully operational, the P3 million-worth Community Fish Landing Center will also be turned over.

Following the confirmation of illegal fishing activities in the whole of Region I, Piñol offered the fisherfolks livelihood programs and interventions in exchange of a commitment to stop illegal fishing activities.

“We will also set up other income generating activities to compensate for your livelihood during nil season,” he added.

“Its either you take my offer of providing you livelihood programs which will also ensure that good catch will be available for everyone or gamble with illegal fishing activities and suffer the consequences of violating the law,” Piñol added.

U.S., Australian officials expected in Lingayen Gulf landing rites

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Jan. 6 (PNA) -- Officials from the United States and Australian embassies will represent their respective countries when Pangasinan commemorates the 72nd Lingayen Gulf Landings and the 10th Pangasinan Veterans' Day at the Pangasinan Veteran Memorial Park here on January 9.

The commemoration will be led by Governor Amado Espino III to be participated in by Pangasinan veterans who saw action during World War II and perhaps witnessed the landing in the Lingayen beach of allied liberation forces led by General Douglas Mac Arthur during that fateful day on January 9, 1945.

The activity is being observed yearly in Pangasinan to honor the veterans who participated in the Lingayen Gulf landings that ultimately led to the liberation of Luzon from the enemy.

Guest of honor and speaker during the occasion is Dr. Vivencio Villaflor of Dagupan City.

Also to give his inspirational message to the veterans is retired General Ernesto Carolina, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO).

The wreath-laying ceremony to the fallen World War II veterans will commence at 8:30 a.m. following a commemorative program in honor of the veterans.

Prior to this, at 7:00 a.m., a thanksgiving mass will be held to be officiated by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

SoKor firm pulls out from Pangasinan golf-course project

By Orly Guirao

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Leaders of a pro-environment group here are bracing to pull out the snags that have stalled the development of an 18-hole world-class golf course within the 300-hectare ecotourism zone here.

A South Korean business consortium, JJGPK Co. Ltd., headed by Kang Hee-jung, had offered to invest in the golf-course project, but it backtracked as a result of a series of bad reports.

One major snag in the project, as pointed out by the Aroen Mo AK Sambayanan (Aromas), a movement on protecting and preserving the environment, is the repeated bad publicity about black sand, a big volume of which was allegedly extracted to allow the needed turf grass to grow in the golf-course area.

The grass now crawls on a wide swathe of land on both banks of a man-made lagoon built as an “obstacle” in a golf game.

Aromas is led by Vicentge Oliquino, a barangay kagawad of Sabangan of this capital town which is host to the project. The group, along with the provincial government, said the whole 300-hectare development zone is covered by Proclamation 1258, issued by then-President Fidel V. Ramos which “empowered the provincial government to pursue development in the area”.

The South Korean businessman had clarified, however, in an interview that his firm will come back and renegotiate once the issue is settled.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources later issued an environment compliance certificate for the golf-course project.

Oliquino is one of the eight original complainants in the alleged black-sand mining project, but had long stopped pursuing the case before the Office of the Ombudsman, as they realized the case was being used as a political issue. “The hill of black sand remains intact in the area where the extracted minerals were unloaded,” the Aromas leaders said in a joint affidavit. The group’s testimonies were corroborated by Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera, who inspected the area, a provincial government property where the extracted mound of black sand was stockpiled.

“Based on our observation during the inspection, there was no activity of any earth movement,” Abrera said. “The stockpile is intact, and is now under the care of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.”

Pangasinan eyed as alternative source of fish supplies for Metro Manila

By Leslie D. Venzon [(PNA), CVL/LDV]

MANILA (PNA) -- The fishery sector of Pangasinan will be tapped as an alternative source of fish supplies for Metro Manila, said Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol.

Piñol said fish pens in Laguna De Bay will be dismantled by 2018.

“To fill the big gap on the needs from the urban areas, Sual in the province of Pangasinan will definitely come into place because of its strategic location and its reputation for high quality produce,” he said.

"When you say Dagupan Bangus, people love it. Even foreigners look for it because it made its name not only here but also abroad," the agriculture chief added.

During his recent visit to the Fisherman's Center of the newly completed wharf and causeway in Sual, Pangasinan to meet local fisherfolk and local leaders of Pangasinan and La Union, Piñol also said there is a need to come up with a roadmap for the fisheries sector so that the government could provide the assistance it needs.

The agriculture department also awarded PHP54 million worth of fishery projects to the fisherfolk of Pangasinan and La Union.

Turned over were 381 units of fishing gears and 70 new fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats to more than 500 fisherfolk beneficiaries from the said provinces.

“This is part of the 700 boats with implements to be granted to the 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan,” Piñol announced.

A total of 10 Community Fish Landing Centers (CFLCs) were also awarded to 10 local government units (LGUs), while local budgeting projects for a fish port, mariculture park, and another CFLC were awarded to the LGUs of Agoo, Anda and Infanta.

Pangasinan to observe 72nd anniversary of Lingayen Gulf landings

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan will commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of the Landing of the Allied LIberation Forces in the Lingayen Beach on January 9, an observance which coincides with the celebration of the 10th Pangasinan Veterans' Day.

Governor Amado Espino III will lead the activity to start off with a Thanksgiving Mass at 7:00 a.m. and wreath-laying as well as a commemorative program at the Veterans' Memorial Park behind the provincial capitol honoring the sacrifices and heroism of World War II veterans.

The event will commemorate the fateful day on Jan. 9, 1945 when allied liberation forces led by General Douglas Mac Arthur, stormed the beaches of the Lingayen Gulf from San Fabian in the north east to Sual in the west, to begin the final liberation of Luzon from the Japanese.

Among those making a sentimental visit to Pangasinan for the Lingayen Gulf landing are Filipino, American, British, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand veterans who saw action in that historic landing and participated in the liberation of Luzon from the enemy.

City to form body to rehab rivers, esteros

By Leonardo Micua (Sunday Punch)

SOON, the quality of water and development of Dagupan City’s rivers and tributaries will be directed by a new body other than the City Agriculturist Office.

City Mayor Belen Fernandez said she will issue an executive order shortly creating a commission that will oversee the rehabilitation and sustainability of all the rivers largely patterned after the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).

Among its tasks will include clearing of esteros, relocation of informal settlers and development of easement areas along river banks where people can walk and enjoy the sights.

Fernandez said she invited PRRC led by Executive Director Ramil Tan last week to assess the condition of city rivers and to recommend ways for their rehabilitation and sustainability.

The proposed Dagupan City River Rehabilitation Commission (DCRRC) will be composed of department heads.

Like the PRRC, the proposed body will be mandated to seek domestic and foreign grants to support its activities that will help provide and improve fisher folk’s livelihood.

Fernandez expressed confidence that envisioned commission can duplicate the accomplishments of PRRC in Metro Manila, like the clearing of esteros and creeks that were formerly swarming with garbage, and the recovery of easement areas beside rivers from informal settlers.

She said the adoption of PRRC’s ‘power convergence’ system – working on many projects through a system where various agencies of the government and stakeholders freely help for a common objective – can work as well in the city.

Pasig River rehabilitation is an original idea of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez although the commission was created through an executive order issued by then President Joseph Estrada.

Fernandez said the city government has already been doing some of its activities and cited the preparation of a resettlement site where some 400 families living in danger zones like bank of rivers and seashore will be moved soon.

The area which is now being backfilled is owned by the city, the Department of Social Welfare and Development screens the beneficiaries while the National Housing Authority builds the low-cost housing project for the beneficiaries.

The mayor added, the Island Tours uses three customized flat boats donated by different private companies; the ongoing drilling of the city rivers is being done with by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

She said her government had removed 690 illegal fish pens.

Fernandez believes the rehabilitation of the city’s rivers can be completed in five years with all stakeholders lending their hand to this project.

Heritage or adventure

By Gabriel Cardinoza

Beyond the Hundred Islands, this largely agricultural province in the Ilocos region has more to offer its visitors

Aside from its good-tasting “bangus” (milkfish), Pangasinan has always been known for its Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City and the Minor Basilica of the Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Manaoag town.

But as a province of “more than a hundred wonders,” it has much more to offer for tourists to see and experience, according to Ma. Luisa Elduayan, provincial tourism officer.

With shorter travel time now from Metro Manila because of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), tourists would have more time to visit other places of interest in Pangasinan.

Heritage tour

But they should first decide whether their visit is a cultural-heritage tour or an ecotourism adventure trip, or a combination.

A heritage tour begins at Minor Basilica of the Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag. It should be a breeze to catch any of the morning Masses with only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Balintawak in Quezon City to Manaoag.

On weekdays, Masses are held every hour from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., and at 5 p.m. On Saturdays, one Mass is added at noon and another at 4:30 p.m. On Sundays, two more Masses are offered at 3 p.m. and at 5 p.m.

After Mass, tourists can visit the basilica museum, drop by its candle gallery and offer a prayer, take a short tour of its rosary garden and buy some religious items from its store.

The next stop is Saints Peter and Paul Church in Calasiao town. Rebuilt in 1753, it is one of the most preserved baroque churches in Pangasinan, declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2001.

At Señor Divino Tesoro Shrine, a statue of Jesus Christ nailed on the cross is displayed on an altar. Devotees claim the image is miraculous.

About a hundred meters away, drop by the Calasiao puto stalls, where they can buy bite-size rice cakes that come in assorted colors and flavors.

To cap the church tour, an option is to visit St. John Metropolitan Cathedral in nearby Dagupan City, the episcopal seat of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, where one may obtain papal blessings and plenary indulgence. The cathedral has been given a bond of spiritual affinity with Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

Bonuan bangus

For a taste of the famous Bonuan bangus cooked in different ways, Michelle Lioanag, president of the Pangasinan visitors’ bureau, suggests lunch in any of Dagupan’s reputable restaurants, such as Matutina’s, Patio Elmina and Kuya Max along De Venecia Highway and Ciudad Elmina in Barangay Bacayao Norte and Dagupeña in nearby Calasiao. Ciudad Elmina also offers fishing and boating activities, and in tour packages, bangus cooking demonstration.

Cultural tour

From Dagupan, the cultural tour begins with the 30-minute drive to Lingayen town, seat of the provincial government. Visitors can go on a guided tour to the capitol, Urduja House (official residence of the governor) and to a bagoong (salted fish) factory in a nearby village. The capitol, one of the oldest in the country, was restored in 2007 and has since become one of the most visited places.

Part of a tour package is a mini-cultural show at the Sison auditorium, Pangasinan’s cultural center.

“The capitol tour can take three to four hours, including photo-ops. Tourists can end it with a refreshing sunset walk by the baywalk before checking in at a hotel,” Lioanag says. Dinner may be at Papa Dong’s Restaurant, with its gigantic projector screen in the al fresco area while eating. Be sure to also order buttered oysters.

An overnight stay in Lingayen is always “restful,” Elduayan says. “You can even stroll on the capitol grounds at night and on the beach because of the well-lighted baywalk. In Lingayen, you have sunset and sunrise,” she says.

The following morning, tourists may opt to go kite-flying or wakeboarding in the public beach or join a Zumba session that begins at 5:30 a.m.

After a short rest, travel to Urdaneta City for lunch, drop by the bagsakan vegetable market in Villasis town, and head to Hilltop Adventure in Balungao town, where one can take a dip in the resort’s hot springs or try its more than a kilometer-long zipline. Balungao is just a 30-minute drive to the TPLEx exit at Barangay Carmen that would take them to Metro Manila in two hours.

Adventure tour

For the adventurous and nature lovers, Hundred Islands National Park is a perfect starting point. From the SCTEx exit in Tarlac City, the place can be reached in three-and-a-half hours, including a 30-minute boat ride from Barangay Lucap to the islands.

Tourists may opt to enjoy the islands the whole day or just stay there for as short as two hours. Enjoy a zipline connecting two islands, helmet diving, snorkeling, trekking and island hopping.

Accommodation facilities are available and some of the islands are solar-powered.

Thirty minutes from Alaminos, the town of Mabini offers its caves. Elduayan says tourists must ask for a cave guide from the municipal tourism office. They can spend the whole day exploring the Cacupangan caves.

Another option is the Cabongaoan beach in Burgos town, about 45 minutes from Alaminos. The place is ideal for snorkeling.

Elduayan says many more options for adventure tours can be taken on weekends and tourists can make their own itineraries.

On Dec. 6, Gov. Amado Espino III launched the province’s tourism website (www.visitpangasinan.com), which was created in partnership with Xplorra, a web hosting and design company. The website features tourist attractions found in every town, as well as accommodation facilities, contact details and their rates.

- OPTION 1

(Eastern and Central Pangasinan)

Day 1

Manaoag – Our Lady of Manaoag Minor Basilica

Calasiao – Calasiao puto and native sweets and cake shops, Saints Peter and Paul Church and Señor Divino Tesoro Shrine

Dagupan City – Lunch at city restaurants to savor the “tastiest bangus”—cooked in many ways

Lingayen – Heritage tour, beach, bagoong making

Day 2

Urdaneta City – Lunch

Villasis – “Bagsakan” of vegetables and fruits

Balungao – Hilltop Adventure (ziplining, ATV drive and other adventure activities)

- OPTION 2

(Western Pangasinan)

Day 1

Alaminos City – Island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, helmet diving, banana board ride, cliff jumping, etc. (Other options: Visit to a salt farm, bird watching at Bued Mangrove area)

Day 2

Mabini – Cacupangan caves (30 minutes from Alaminos)

- OTHER OPTIONS:

Burgos – Cabongaoan beach (pristine and almost deserted white sand beach; 30 minutes from Alaminos)

Agno – Umbrella rocks (1 hour from Alaminos)

Hundred Islands fees:

Entrance/environmental fee/insurance fee – P80 per head (day tour); P120 per head (20 percent discount for senior citizens/PWD)

Boat rental – Day tour service boat: Small (5 passengers) – P1,400; medium (6-10 passengers) – P1,800; large (11-15 passengers) – P2,000

Guest house – P5,000 overnight

Gazebo rental – P600 (good for 10 passengers (day tour); P1,000 (overnight)

Pavilion – P3,000-P5,000 (day tour); P4,000-P7,000 (overnight)

Rent for picnic tables and chairs – P200-P500

Tent space/pitching fee – P200

Zipline (546m at Governor’s Island) – P250/jump

Zipline (120m at Quezon Island) – P100/jump

Banana boat for seven passengers – P1,500/ride

Helmet diving – P400/head/dive (20 minutes)

Snorkeling – P250/gear set rental

Kayaking – P250/hour

- GETTING HERE GETTING THERE

Travel time

From Manila (via Rosales, Bayambang, or Mangatarem): 3-4 hours

From Clark, Pampanga: 2-3 hours

From Baguio City (via Sison or San Fabian): 1.5 – 2 hours

From Olongapo, Subic: 3.5 hours

Bus liners

Victory Liner: Daily trips from Pasay and Caloocan terminals and two stations in Cubao. Has direct route to Lingayen, Dagupan, Alaminos City and Bolinao

Five Star Bus: Daily trips from Cubao and Pasay terminals. Has direct routes to Dagupan, San Carlos and Alaminos cities

Pangasinan Solid North: Daily trips from Cubao to San Manuel and Binalonan

Dagupan Bus Co.: Daily trips from Cubao terminal to Dagupan City, Anda, Agno and San Carlos City

Viron Transit: Daily trips from Cubao terminal to Dagupan and San Carlos cities and Tayug

Bus fare: P300-P450

Van rental: P7,000-P8,000 per van (Manila-Pangasinan)

BEST BUYS

Food: “Kakanin” (rice cakes), “bocayo,” “tamales,” “tupig,” Mangaldan’s “tapa” and peanut brittle, Calasiao’s “puto” and “kutsinta,” Lingayen’s “bagoong,” Alaminos’ “longanisa,” Bayambang’s “buro,” Dagupan’s “bangus” and “pigar-pigar,” and Bolinao’s “binungey,” seafood and dried fish

Handicrafts and products:. San Carlos bamboo handicrafts, Alaminos and Bolinao shell crafts, Binmaley’s woodworks, Basista’s corn husk handicrafts, Pozzorubio’s sword and metal crafts

Pasalubong centers: Capitol Tourist Assistance and Pasalubong Center (Lingayen), Valleden’s Pasalubong House (Lingayen), Lucap Wharf Souvenir Shops (Alaminos), Pasalubong Center (Urdaneta), Best Pasalubong Center (Rosales), and Pangasinan’s Best (Dagupan)

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