Pangasinan News July 2012

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Pangasinan Province - Archived News

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.

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.

Tsunami drill held in Pangasinan to culminate National Disaster Consciousness Month

(PNA), LAP/lvm/lmmicua/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 31 (PNA) -- A tsunami drill was held Tuesday in the shoreline of Barangay Tobuan here as a culminating activity of the National Disaster Consciousness Month in Pangasinan.

The Tsunami Drill at Tobuan Elementary School was coordinated by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), adopting a real tsunami-like scenario.

Toboan is a coastline community in Labrador but at the back is a mountain where residents can take refuge whenever a tsunami strikes.

The participants, which include men, women and children of Barangay Tobuan were taught what to do to save themselves and their properties in case a tsunami, triggered by an offshore earthquake, strikes.

The drill assumed a scenario when an earthquake of 7.9 magnitude hit a few nautical miles away from shore.

The tsunami drill was attended by an official from Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, (Phivolcs) Joan Salcedo and Director Melchito Castro of the Office of Civil Defense in Region 1.

Mayor Ricardo O. Camacho of Labrador spearheaded his townmates in undertaking the tsunami drill.

120,000 seedlings distributed to kick off massive tree planting in Pangasinan

(PNA),FFC/LVM/rma

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan, July 30 (PNA) -- Rep. Gina de Venecia of the 4th district distributed some 120,000 tree seedlings to the towns and city in her district to start the massive tree planting in vacant lots, mini forests, parks, road sides, river banks and school lots.

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who represented his wife in the distribution of these seedlings, said this is the congresswoman's contribution to the National Greening Program launched by President Benigno Aquino III at the start of his administration.

The distribution was attended by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Leduina Co.

The 120,000 seedlings of caballero, golden shower, mahogany, narra and bamboo were purchased from P1 million of Congressman De Venecia's Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The seedlings for Dagupan City were coursed through Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, for Mangaldan to Mayor Herminio Romero, San Fabian to Mayor Irene Libunao, San Jacinto to Mayor Robert de Vera; and Manaoag to Mayor Napoleon Sales.

Former Speaker de Venecia said the campaign to cushion the impact of climate change will be made faster if all congressmen in Pangasinan and the entire country will each set aside P1 million of their PDAF to buy tree seedlings for planting in their areas.

He recalled that when he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives seven years ago, he authored the one billion trees law calling for the planting of one billion trees in all the available lands in the entire country.

De Venecia warned the threat of climate change is for real, thus the need for all to plant trees.

The solon also turned over the initial one brand new high-speed motorcycle each to the police stations in the fourth district which can be used in patrolling their respective jurisdictions 24/7 and prevent crimes, especially those perpetrated by armed men riding in tandem.

Rep. De Venecia pledged to deliver the second high-speed motorcycles for Dagupan, San Fabian, Mangaldan, San Jacinto and Manaoag in two weeks.

107 Barangays in Pangasinan receive sets of water pumps and grass cutters

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

107 Barangays in Pangasinan receive sets of water pumps and grass cutters

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) -- One hundred seven barangays in eastern Pangasinan received sets of water pumps and grass cutters from the provincial government on July 20.

The beneficiaries include the towns of Binalonan (24 barangays), Pozorrubio (34 barangays), Sison (28 barangays) and Villasis (21 barangays). This brings to 817 the number of barangays that have received the equipment from the provincial government as of July 20 this year.

Angeline Villanueva, information officer at the Provincial Information Office (PIO), said the distribution of equipment is part of the provincial government’s thrust to support programs in the barangays that boost agricultural productivity and promote environmental protection.

In the recent distribution, Board Member Amadeo Espino called on the Liga ng mga Barangay Federation members to make good use of the equipment and asked for their cooperation in the development of the province.

The recipient barangays, grateful for the assistance, vowed to render their full support to the endeavors of the provincial government.

“As a commitment, we will continue to support the endeavors of the provincial government," said Mayor Ramon Guico III of Binalonan town.

"Since I became a mayor, this is the first time that the provincial government provided these assistance to all barangays," said Mayor Artemio Chan of Pozorrubio town.

In Sison town, Vice Mayor Ben Marinas said the assistance is a perfect combination for the implementation of their programs on environment and on farming needs.

The barangay officials in Villasis town were equally happy and thankful upon receipt of their assistance, Villanueva said.

The provincial government will continue to deliver the equipment to various barangays in the province until it covers all the 1,333 barangays here, according to the PIO .

No to the privatization of gov’t hospitals - Casiño

  • Source:northwatch.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/no-to-the-privatization-of-govt-hospitals-casino/
  • Saturday, July 28, 2012 3:01 pm
by Virgilio Sar. Maganes

DAGUPAN CITY- Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Teodoro “Teddy” Casiño strongly opposes the government plan to privatize public hospitals under the public-private partnership.

He said privatizing medical services by hospitals in the country will increase costs of medicines and even the professional fees of medical practitioners.

Speaking on a phone patch interview on Abono sa Radyo aired over DZRD-Sonshine Radyo hosted by Jimrey Biosa last July 18, Casiño said the plan will make medical services more unaffordable especially to the indigent families.

“Instead of privatizing government hospitals, the government should infuse more funds to subsidize medicines and to improve medical equipment,” he said.

Casiño said he will oppose any measure to privatize government hospitals and even road constructions.

On road construction, Casiño said privatizing them under Private Public Partnership program will mean an increase of toll fees, a burden to motorists.

” Basic services should be the responsibility of the government. Since privatization is a business, the people will be shouldering the profits of the businessmen,” Casiño said.

Meanwhile, Casiño assailed the abrupt implementation of the K to 12 by the Department of Education (DepEd) without the necessary legal law to be passed by Congress.

“We have many problems under our educational system like lack of classrooms, teachers and even books. By adding two more years in basic education, this will not solve the quality of education in this country,” he said.

He further said the government should address first the perennial problems of the DepEd before going into implementing the K to12.

K to 12 is the new basic educational system imposed by the government by adding two more years in the secondary school level. K is the mandatory kindergarten for all school entrants at the elementary level

Sual coal-fired plant is boon to whole nation

(PNA), scs/lvm/lvm/rma

DAGUPAN CITY, July 27 (PNA) -- The Sual coal-fired Thermal Plant in Pangasinan is a boon to the whole nation as it delivers 18 to 20 percent of the total supply of the Luzon Grid for distribution to consumers in Luzon.

Speaking during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum here on Thursday, Nicanor Ramos, training officer of the Team Energy, operator of the power plant, said their station maintains two units, each one of which generates more than 600 megawatts.

Team Energy, which is operating the plant for the last five years, is a consortium of Tokyo Electric Co. and Marubini which took over from the U.S. firm Mirant Corp.

Since 1999 when the Sual Power Plant started operation, its management changed hands several times.

The plant, one of the country's Independent Power Producers (IPP) and originally owned by the British company Hopewell Holdings headed by Gordon Wu, started its operations in 1999. It then became Consolidated Power Asia (CEPA) which was later bought by Atlanta Powers operated by Southern Company.

Ramos said the San Miguel Energy Corp. (SMEC) took over the role of the National Power Corp. (Napocor) as IPP administrator and in charge of marketing the power produced by the plant.

On the other hand, the plant has an Energy Conversion Agreement (ECA) with Napocor which is in charge of delivering coal sourced from abroad to the plant.

The Sual coal-fired Thermal Plant,located in Baquioen Bay in Sual is one of the most environmentally-friendly power plants in the country, following all the rules and regulations set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Sual coal-fired plant is a base load plant operating 24/7.

Pangasinan Choir to compete in China, perform in New York

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 26 (PIA) -- The Calasiao Children’s Chorus will compete in the 1st Xinghai Prize International Choir Championships in Guangzhou, China on November 8 to 14.

Gilbert Allan Dispo, choir director and conductor, said the group, originally called St. Peter and Paul Choir after Calasiao town’s Catholic church, has gone a long way since it started in 2005 with barely 16 members.

Dispo said based on rankings of around 1,000 choirs all over the world, the Calasiao Children’s Chorus is on the ninth place.

He added that the group will have to defend their standing by joining the competition to maintain their rank.

Meanwhile, the choral group will also perform in the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) on January 2013.

Maan Parayno, group manager, said the Calasiao Children’s Chorus will be the first Filipino group to perform in the DCINY concert series at the Carnegie Hall.

“It is not just an honor for the Calasiao Children’s Chorus to represent Pangasinan and the Philippines in an international concert but an opportunity for the group to show how talented Filipinos are,” said Parayno.

She added, “The fact that the Madrigal Singers have performed in New York in the 1970s, Lea Salonga in the 1990s, and now the group which is set to capture the international audience next year is a great opportunity for talented people from Pangasinan to shine.”

The children’s choir, composed of 30 youths aged seven to 16, was the champion in the 1st Korean International Open Choir Competition (folklore category) held in Korea, 2009.

Other awards received by the group include silver diploma for children’s choir category and bronze diploma for music of the religions category in the 4th World Choir Games in Xiamen, China in July 2006; Ani ng Dangal Awardee given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in February 2010; and Notable Pinoy for Music Awardee given by SM Rosales in May 2010.

The provincial government vowed to support the needs of the group to ensure that they will win in the international competition.

Pangasinan Undergoes Validation for GawadPamanangLahi 2012

(PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)

The provincial government of Pangasinan is now geared up to covet another milestone in governance as some three validators from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 1 assessed the governance thrusts of the provincial government on July 23 for its participation in GawadPamanangLahi 2012.

GawadPamanangLahi award is conferred to a province, a city or a municipality for the exemplary performance in Administrative Governance, Social Governance, Economic Governance and Environmental Governance.

Exemplary performance information is drawn from the database on-line Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), from International Organization or National Government Agency-bestowed Awards and Acknowledged Innovations. For the Regional Category of GawadPamanangLahi participated in by four provinces in Region 1, the provincial government of Pangasinan so far posted commendable evaluation scores from the validators in these criteria: Innovation (15), Awards (15) on Governance while the remaining (70) will be drawn from LGPMS OPI validation.

Before the validation process, the provincial government presented its entry for innovation, the “IlogKo. Aroen Tan BilayenKo”, an environmental advocacy program which has already gained commendations from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1.

Seeking support and participation from Local Government Units (LGUs), Schools and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), this program also presented other efforts of the provincial government in mitigating climate change along with other activities which increases the quality and maintenance of the environment in Pangasinan. Various awards received and conferred to the provincial government of Pangasinan in the international, national and regional levels were also presented right after the presentation of the province’s innovation entry.

Supporting papers and other pertinent documents of the undertakings of the provincial government in various areas of governance and extending basic services to the people of Pangasinan were presented to the validators by the department heads.

During the exit conference where the evaluation was done by the members of the regional validating team composed of: May Ancheta, Local Government Operations Officer V – (LGOO-V) DILG R-1; Ms. SharwynSanghel, LGOOV-DILG R-1; and Mr. Vincent Adorno, Chairman of Regional Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (RANGO), collectively noted that the province of Pangasinan has so far levelled up performance in governance in various aspects and in rendering basic social services.

Under the Governance category assessed by Ancheta, she noted the good track of the provincial government in the state of legislation, development planning, revenue generation, human resources management, local health board, basic utilities and financial capability even as she said that “Walaakongmasabikasimagandaang performance nyo in these areas; in general, the performance is very good”.

Sanghel who appreciated the noble initiatives of the present administration in environmental preservation and conservation lauded the “very active participation of NGOs in all projects and activities of the provincial government for environmental protection and maintenance”.

Meanwhile, Adorno stirred up Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management saying “pre-designated evacuation centers should regularly be checked and maintained as a pre-emptive response whenever unprecedented disasters come”.

He likewise commended the laudable performance of Philippine National Police – Pangasinan in various operation efforts it has done which has resulted to a “tremendous decline” in the province’s crime incidence (from 11,000 in 2010 to 7,333 in 2011).

Provincial Planning and Development Officer Benita Pizzaro thanked the validators on behalf of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., SangguniangPanlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr. and the rest of the officials of the provincial government.

After the Validation, the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) which will be facilitated through an interview with walk-ins in government offices and hospitals along with the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Report Card Survey which shall gauge how transparency and expedite transactions are observed in the provincial government. SGH and ARTA will be done in surprise visits from July 24-27 to gauge how services are rendered by the provincial government to the clienteles.

Pangasinan is benchmark of Palarong Pambansa

By Alex Romeo R. Fernandez (ANNL/ARRF-PIA 1 Pangasinan/PIO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 24 (PIA) -- This province has definitely lived up to its promise of becoming the model of Palarong Pambansa.

Around 12 officials from Marikina City visited the province Friday to gain insight into the preparation and procedures done by the province when it hosted the national games in May.

Dr. Angelito Yabes, chief administrative officer of Marikina City, said the city intends to bid to host the event next year, adding that it needs the standard set by the province as a model.

“We have witnessed how the provincial government of Pangasinan posted new standards in Palarong Pambansa,” he said.

Lawyer Verna Nava-Perez, who was the head of the Task Force Palaro Secretariat, advised the delegation to maintain their sports facilities, playing venues and to constantly monitor the billeting quarters of participants.

Pangasinan hosted the event in 1995 and again this year by outbidding the provinces of Laguna and Occidental Mindoro, including Marikina City.

Pangasinan became the first host to stream the events live over the Internet.

PDRRMC reminds: Protocol in place for release of water from San Roque Dam

(PNA), lvm/lmm/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 23 (PNA)--The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here said that a protocol is to be observed by all stakeholders in the release of water from the Roque Multi-purpose Dam Project (SRDMP) in San Manuel town.

Avenix Arenas, PDRRMC spokesperson, said the protocol was signed about three years ago after Typhoon "Pepeng" by Governor Amado Espino Jr. with officials of the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC), operator of the dam; National Power Corporation, National Water Resources Council (NWRC) and the Philippine Atmospheric Geo-physical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The protocol fixed the spilling level of water from SRMDP at 280 meters above sea level (masl), which means that when the water reaches this level, the dam must open its spillway gates to release water downstream.

This will ensure any over-topping of the water that could wash-out the rock-filled dam, considered as the highest in Southeast Asia and the second highest in Asia.

Arenas mentioned this protocol to remind people in the downstream areas not to panic because to date, the SRMDP's reservoir water level is just more than 253 masl, still too far from the dam's spilling level.

This despite the fact that the Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet, located in the upper stream of the Agno River, already opened one of its gates by one meter Thursday due to continuous monsoon rains in Northern Luzon. .

Water released by Ambuklao Dam flows downstream to the Binga Dam in Itogon, Benguet which to date has not opened any of its gate that would have conveyed the water down to the bigger SRMDP.

Arenas said in case the water of SRMDP reaches the spilling level, there must be sufficient warnings few hours before to give the people living downstream enough lead time to evacuate to higher grounds.

Dagupan bakeries, pastry shops survive despite stiff competition

By Yolanda Sotelo (Inquirer Northern Luzon)

DAGUPAN CITY—In Pangasinan’s major commercial center, homegrown bakeries and pastry shops have been surviving amid competition from commercial chains by relying on their loyal clients and unique products developed by their families.

Among these shops are the Eats by Ella, which specializes in pastries, and Rebecca’s Cassava Cake and Bake House, which sells native rice cakes perfected in the family’s kitchen. The city government has included these in the list of local products that it would support and market under the label “Dagupan’s Best Products.”

Estrella Andaya, 74, owner of Eats by Ella, found success in her butterfly- and rose-shaped pastries, pastillas de leche and pecan tarts that have attracted even top government officials and entertainment personalities.

“I even got orders that were given as gifts to [former] President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and even the late [Manila Archbishop Jaime] Cardinal Sin,” she says.

She uses a recipe her mother Azucena Melecio, 97, developed.

“I used to watch my mother bake butterfly-shaped pastries as a young girl. I learned how to make them myself and gave them out as gifts to friends and relatives during special occasions. Soon after, many were asking where they could buy these,” Andaya says.

Her friends and relatives loved her pastries and encouraged her to turn her hobby into a business.

By word of mouth from satisfied customers, Andaya’s pastries gained a client base. She never sells her pastries in stores or supermarkets, and makes them only when orders are placed.

“This could be the reason why many customers buy my products because if they give them away as gifts, they are unique as they can’t be bought in supermarkets or other places,” she says.

Andaya plans to expand her products’ designs by looking for unique pastry molds in the United States.

Photo By Yolanda Sotelo, Inquirer Northern Luzon

“Some customers are looking for other designs so I am buying molds in the shapes of angels, hearts, Christmas trees and teddy bears, especially for children,” she says.

While she considers her pastry business to be on a commercial scale, Andaya has only two workers helping her produce the sweets.

She regrets that none of her four children want to take over the business. But her workers, she says, know the recipe and she hopes they could continue what she has started so the business would flourish.

Mother’s touch

Like most successful food businesses, Rebecca’s Cassava Cake and Bake House started with a mother preparing snacks for her growing children.

Rebecca Mamorno, 68, remembers baking cassava cake for her children in the mid-1980s. Friends who came for visits were also served with the native cake.

“They liked my cake and asked me to bake some for their families. They encouraged me to bake more and make it a business. On weekdays, I would prepare one or three trays after office hours, then bake in the early morning and bring the cassava cake to the office,” says Mamorno, a former government employee.

On weekends, she baked more trays of cassava cake and went around the public market to sell to market vendors and friends, food establishments in the city and employees of a gasoline station near the family’s sari-sari store. Soon, she added glutinous rice cakes to her products.

Her son, Matthew, who is now running the business, says his mother started the business with a few kilograms of cassava and rice.

It was in 1988 when Mamorno decided to avail of early retirement from government service and focus on making her business grow. It flourished when in 1993, she put up a bakery that also offered ensaymada, cinnamon bread, hopia, Spanish bread and polvoron cookies that earned a loyal following.

“I did not expect that it will be successful. When I started to bake, it was just for my family and friends,” she says.

While the bakery’s production grew bigger, Matthew says they continue to bake just enough—around 50 cassava cake boxes on ordinary days and more on special occasions like Christmas and local fiesta celebrations.

Since there are no preservatives added to their cakes, those who order to bring to other provinces and even abroad are asked when they are leaving so these would be baked before they leave. The products have a shelf life of only two to three days, or four if refrigerated.

Mamorno may not be directly in control of the business now, but she still continues to bake egg pies and cupcakes. Major decisions are done through consultations among her children, she says.

Learning the intricacies of any business, ensuring product quality and passion would lead to success, she adds.

“Start small and learn lessons along the way. If you start big, you may commit big mistakes and it would be financially painful,” Mamorno says.

PhilHealth clarifies renaming of 'charity ward' to 'PhilHealth ward'

By Venus H. Sarmiento(ANL/VHS-PIA1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, July 21 (PIA) -- The renaming of "Charity Ward" in public hospitals to "PhilHealth Ward" is just a change in name, PhilHealth said.

Daniel de Leon, PhilHealth regional vice president, clarified in a press conference on Friday that no substantive change is going to happen. The implication is that poor population will now be part of PhilHealth and if they get sick, PhilHealth is going to pay for their confinement expenses.

“It’s basically just a change in nomenclature. Kasi kung charity ward ang tawag (Because if it is called charity ward), the poor population are treated as charity patients while in fact, they are no longer charity patients because government is paying their contributions for PhilHealth,” de Leon said.

However, de Leon is aware that not all poor or indigents are members of PhilHealth. “We are still in the process of integrating them into the system,” he said.

While integration is being processed, there is no reason for hospitals not to accept indigent patients who are nonmembers of PhilHealth in the so-called PhilHealth ward.

De Leon said the move is in line with President Aquino’s goal to provide universal health care for all Filipinos by implementing the highest possible good for the highest possible number.

“Ang pagkalinga sa maysakit is a government concern. Uunahin natin ang obligasyon sa ating bayan (Taking care of the sick is a government concern. We will prioritize our obligation to the nation)," he said.

Pangasinan observes National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 20 (PIA) -- The observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week this year focuses on the right of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to full employment.

Anchored on the theme “Mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities in Economic Development,” this year’s celebration seeks to contribute and promote extensive utilization of PWDs.

It also aims to tackle barriers and gaps, facilitate stakeholders’ cooperation, develop innovative approaches and support human rights-based initiatives for their economic development.

The celebration which opened here on Monday, included activities such as an advocacy campaign, distribution of wheelchairs to identified beneficiaries and wheelchair assessment orientation.

Emilio Samson, chief of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) said the provincial government encouraged employers to observe equality and non-discrimination in hiring PWDs in a quest for equitable progress for everyone.

He added that several qualified PWDs are presently working in various departments of the provincial Capitol, receiving the same compensation and privileges like able-bodied provincial employees do.

Meanwhile, the PSWDO held exhibition games, literary contest and livelihood fair for PWDs at SM Rosales today.

On July 26, the Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO), in partnership with PESO managers in all local government units and Area-1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center, will hold an Employers and PESO Managers’ Forum at the Capitol Café in this town.

The National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week is celebrated every third week of July based on Proclamation No. 1870 issued on June 22, 1979 to encourage PWDs to take pro-active roles in nation building.

Governor enacts Pangasinan’s environment, health codes

(PNA), LAM/LVM/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 19 (PNA) — Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. signed into law Wednesday two major regulatory ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) that would bolster the provincial government’s campaign to ensure a balanced ecology and a healthier life for residents.

Signed in the present of SP members led by Vice Governor Jose Calimlim Jr. was Provincial Ordinance No. 159-2012, otherwise known as “Pangasinan Environment Code of 2012;” and Provincial Ordinance No. 162-2012, or the “Health and Sanitation Code of the Province of Pangasinan.”

After six years in the legislative mill, the Environment Code was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last July 2 this year following a series of public hearing that drew mass support from local leaders and residents.

Authored by 2nd district board member Von Mark Mendoza who chairs the SP environment committee, the environment code was first introduced by then board member Alice Pulido and Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, now a congresswoman representing the province’s sixth district.

The code delineates the limits and extent on the use of the province’s natural resources and provides the specific guidelines in “preserving the resilience of nature through a management system that will foster human dignity and enable people to provide for their economic, social and physical well-being.”

Mendoza said the code strengthens the capability of the various local government units (LGUs) in protecting the environment as it reconciles the modes of implementation of programs and activities aimed at promoting a sustainable and balanced ecology.

As approved, the code facilitates the adoption and implementation of environment protection measures agreed upon by the national government and LGUs of the province under an inter-LGU arrangement for greater uniformity and effectiveness in environmental protection.

On the other hand, the health and sanitation code authored by SP Members Jeremy Agerico Rosario, Angel Baniqued and Mendoza, serves as the guidepost in regulating food-based industries, especially agricultural and marine products, livestock, swine, poultry, and water, among others.

The code enacted on July 16 also covers hospitals, hotel and recreation facilities, beauty clinics and parlors as well as burial grounds, sewerage and other establishments and commodities catering to the public.

Any person who wishes to work in the said establishments is required to secure health certificate first from the Local Health Office before employment.

Likewise, owners of food establishments and food manufacturers are required to secure Sanitary Permit by submitting the following requirements: vermin abatement program, receipt for payments of Sanitary Permit Fee; microbiological examination of water source and health certificate of employees. The code requires that sanitary permit must be posted in conspicuous places.

The code further prohibits smoking in all food and food manufacturing establishments.

Among the environment code’s objectives include: the promotion of principles of accountability, involvement, awareness and responsibility for sustainable development and protection of the environment among the province’s LGUs.

The code, according to Mendoza, shall allocate the cost of environmental protection and restoration equitably.

“This is a monumental piece of legislation,” said 6th District Board Member Alfonso C. Bince Jr., the longest serving lawmaker of Pangasinan.

As a regulatory measure, the code provides for a solid waste management plan that will address the problem on the use of plastic, especially by those in the retail business.

“The enactment of the twin ordinance clearly buttresses the initiatives of the governor on sustainable environment and healthy public life,” Rosario said.

First aid first, says Dagupan mayor on earthquake preparedness

By Alex Romeo R. Fernandez(ANL/ARRF-PIA1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, July 18 (PIA) -- Administering first aid to victims should take top priority as emergency response during earthquake.

Mayor Benjamin S. Lim made this suggestion after the earthquake drill conducted at the Dagupan City National High School on Monday.

“My major concern, really, is that people get injured during earthquakes,” he told volunteers who were evaluating the drill consisting of students and faculty members.

He said doctors might not be able to come to school campuses nor can rescuers bring the victims to the hospital immediately after an earthquake.

Education supervisor Alma Ruby C. Torio, relating her experience as a teacher during the July 16, 1990 earthquake, said most students were too dizzy to go home alone that getting volunteers to accompany them became a problem.

Everybody has to be treated here, Lim said, suggesting to the schools to designate at least three trained rescue personnel in every campus.

He said the personnel should be trained how to administer first-aid and how to coordinate rescue if there is a need for one.

Noting that earthquake rarely causes fire or collapse of structures in this city, he said most injuries are caused by stampede.

The drill was conducted in observance of the National Disaster Month and the commemoration of the killer quake that hit the city 22 years ago.

Pangasinan mayors support ban vs meat importation

(PNA), LDV/lvm/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 17 (PNA) - The Pangasinan Mayors League (PML) has passed a resolution asking the government to finally stop the importation and smuggling of frozen meat into the country.

Mayor Noel Nacar of Dasol, PML president, said 26 mayors -comprising more than half of the 44 town mayors of Pangasinan- signed the resolution.

The resolution asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to stop the importation of frozen meat and the Bureau of Customs to finally stamp out the reported rampant smuggling of meat through alleged misdeclaration by importers.

The mayors supported the resolution because they know that if the importation of frozen meat as well as smuggling of meat will continue, the local animal industry will die, affecting their constituents, Nacar said.

He stressed that the mayors are aware that the flooding of frozen meat from abroad by importation as well as smuggling had already adversely affected the hog and cattle industry from whom many Filipinos earn a living.

The league has thrown its support behind the Abono party list headed by Engr. Rosendo So that earlier called on the DA to finally put an end to importation of frozen meat which are being sold in many wet markets at much lower price in direct competition with the local meat.

Abono said due to the flood of frozen imported meat, many backyard raisers had been displaced and deprived of their livelihood.

So maintained in an earlier interview that the importers are declaring good meat as offal and therefore commands lesser import duties.

Because they are frozen as they originate from foreign shores, the imported or smuggled meat may not even be good for the health of the consumers and should be avoided, Nacar said.

Anti-kidnap satellite unit to hold base in Dagupan City

(JCR/VHS-PIA1 Pangasinan, with reports from CIO)

DAGUPAN CITY, July 16 (PIA) -- The newly-created Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) of the Philippine National Police is establishing a satellite office here to deal with kidnapping incidents in Pangasinan and nearby provinces.

P/Senior Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, PNP- AKG director, said the AKG would be the primary unit of the PNP in handling all kidnapping and hostage negotiation cases in the country.

He said the AKG will be operating in the whole province of Pangasinan and nearby provinces in close collaboration with the Police Regional Office 1, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office and the Dagupan City Police Station.

The AKG has replaced the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER), which had been deactivated by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

As for protection from becoming a kidnap victim, Nerez advised the public to be always on alert and to maintain a good relationship with neighbors. He said kidnappers usually act on tips given by the victim’s maid, the security guards or even close friends. It is wise, he added, to always travel on lighted areas in the company of another.

Nerez and Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin S. Lim signed a memorandum of agreement allowing the PNP-AKG to use the building which formerly served as the headquarters of the Dagupan City PNP situated at the Perez Market site.

Lim gladly welcomed the PNP-AKG in the city, saying "it is significant that the city was chosen to be the home of AKG as the city is the center of activity in the north.”

PNP-AKG Luzon will be under the leadership of P/Supt. Amando Lagiwid.

OCD-Region I opens photo and rescue equipment exhibit

By Alex Romeo R. Fernandez (JCR/AMM-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

ROSALES, Pangasinan, July 15 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Regional Center I organized a photo exhibit and rescue equipment showcase which opened at SM Rosales, this town on July 12 to highlight this year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month.

“It is just one way of letting the general public know or rather determine the initiatives and activities of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the OCD particularly in Region I,” cited by OCD Undersecretary Proceso Domingo.

In his message, Domingo emphasized the focus areas to be rolled out by the national government agencies, the civil society organizations and the local government units (LGUs) in the Ilocos Region in order to manage disaster and reduce risk for every citizen.

These include strengthening community-based early warning systems in order to assure the security of vulnerable populace living in coastlines and riverbanks; reviewing and enhancing contingency plans for multi-hazard scenarios by the local disaster risk reduction management council; and planning a concerted pre-disaster recovery so that mechanisms are already in place in the event of sudden disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis.

This will take the cause of disaster risk reduction and management a step towards a stronger culture of safety and resilience for sustainable development, Domingo asserted.

He added that LGUs, as frontline of disaster preparedness, response and rehabilitation, must enhance the awareness of communities to the looming challenges of multiple disasters and climate change impacts for continued vigilance and resilience.

The photo exhibit and rescue equipment showcase will run until today, July 15.

Local flooding needs national intervention, says Dagupan dad

By Alex Romeo R. Fernandez (ANL/ARRF-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY -- National government intervention may also be needed to solve the persistent flooding in this city.

Councilor Brian C. Lim said flooding is caused by local and global factors such as land subsidence and climate change.

Land subsidence, as defined by Encarta dictionary, is the sinking down of land resulting from natural shifts or human activity. Lim said that in Dagupan City, this may be attributed to exhaustion of underground water due to use of deep well by some communities. Rising sea level brought about by climate change aggravates the situation.

Seven communities or about 40 percent of city’s land area get flooded even during high tide, Lim said.

The councilor quoted his father, Mayor Benjamin S. Lim, as saying that most areas in the city might be permanently flooded within 15 years if the problem is not addressed.

The younger Lim, who is the chairman of the committee on environment, expressed hope that the problem can be still be solved.

“Does it have a solution? Yes it does, but it is very, very expensive. That is the truth. I expect it to the point that the city budget cannot possibly cover it. There really has to be a national intervention,” he said.

Lim added that he is going to propose before the sangguniang panlungsod the creation of a climate change committee, which will make more extensive studies on the problem and provide possible solutions.

Once solutions have been drafted, the committee may make recommendations to concerned national agencies for financial support, he said.

Lim was guest during a KBP Forum at the Philippine Information Agency office on Thursday.

Pangasinan gov seeks effective disaster prevention plan

(PNA), LAP/lvm/lmmicua/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 13 (PNA) - Governor Amado Espino Jr. called for the adoption of an effective disaster prevention plan since no one can prevent natural calamities from striking.

The call was made by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council’s rescue equipment showcase and photo exhibit which opened July 12 at the Activity Center of SM City in Rosales town.

Speaking thru his brother Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Amadeo Espino, the governor disclosed that while the province suffered the wrath of typhoon "Peping" two years ago, the sad experience taught Pangasinenses an important lesson to become constantly aware of the weather and exercise vigilance at all times especially during times of disaster.

In the same forum, Department of National Defense Undersecretary Proceso T. Domingo, who represented Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, urged the people to develop a stronger culture of safety consciousness.

Local government units, Domingo said, must strengthen their community-based early warning system and further enhance their plans and programs on disaster management.

“Disaster management is everybody’s business,” the undersecretary noted even as he added that the national government is contemplating on a more serious effort to launch an innovative plan to disaster risk reduction.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and turnover of rigid hull inflatable rubber boat with trailer and 40 HP outboard-motor with complete accessories.

It can be recalled that the provincial government recently purchased two rubber boats in addition to the old equipment.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) also donated the following equipment: 2 sets of electric generator; 10 portable searchlights; 4 megaphones; 2 machetes; 2 chainsaws; 8 handheld radios with batteries and base-antenna; 3 portable stretches; 2 waterproof tents; 5 shovels; 40 safety vests and 3 pick mattocks.

Gov gives nod to initiative seeking to reapportion Pangasinan into 8 districts

(PNA), LAP/lvm/lvmicua/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 12 (PNA) - A proposal in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) seeking the reapportionment of the province into 10 congressional districts considering its present population size, received support from Governor Amado Espino Jr.

However, though the governor gave the green light, he wants the province to be parceled out into eight congressional districts as he finds the proposed 10 congressional districts a bit too many.

The proposal for the reapportionment of Pangasinan into 10 legislative districts was made last week by Sixth District SP Member Alfonso Bince Jr., who said that the present population of Pangasinan is now 2.7 million and is expected to increase to more than 2.8 million next year.

Bince said Article 6, Section 5 of the Constitution provides that each city or province with at least 250,000 population and comprising as far as practicable contiguous and adjacent territories may constitute one legislative district.

He agrees, however, to the suggestion of Governor Espino that there should be only eight congressional districts in Pangasinan, two more districts than the present six congressional districts.

The third district is the biggest district in Pangasinan with more than 664,000 population which can be divided into two congressional districts, said Bince.

The SP members asked the governor to arrange a meeting between them and the six congressmen of Pangasinan on the proposal for the reapportionment of Pangasinan, hopefully to take place at least before Congress opens its session on June 23.

Bince said consultation with the congressmen is necessary because it is them who can propose to the House of Representatives the reapportionment of the province.

In his resolution in the SP, Bince asked the committee on laws of the legislative body to now conduct public hearings to determine the pulse of the people on the proposed reapportionment of Pangasinan.

A previous move to reapportion the province in 2008 under House Bill 41267 sponsored by three of six congressmen of Pangasinan namely Victor Agbayani, Arthur Celeste and Rachel Arenas fizzled out because it was not backed up by the people of Pangasinan.

HB 41267 set the creation of a seventh legislative district in Pangasinan to be carved out from the second, first and third districts, allowing the fourth, fifth and sixth districts of Pangasinan intact.

Thus without the backing of the people of Pangasinan and with strong opposition of Governor Espino and the SP, the Senate rejected the bill when it was elevated to the upper chamber five years ago.

Pangasinan villagers give go-signal to golf course

(pangasinan.gov.ph)

(A Reprint from the Philippine Daily Inquirer) Residents of four coastal villages here have given the provincial government the go-signal to start construction of an 18-hole golf course in their villages.

The Lingayen golf course project was suspended in January by the Environmental Management Bureau for lack of an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

The golf course spans 38 hectares and will cover the coastal villages of Sabangan, Estanza, Malimpuec and Capandanan here.

Five hundred residents of these villages voted in favor of proceeding with the golf course at a public consultation in Guesang Elementary School here, which was the last of a series of meetings started in March to fulfill the prerequisites for obtaining an ECC.

Sabangan village chief Hector Fabiana said there were people who opposed the project, which was supported by Gov. Amado Espino, but he described them as “a handful.” He said their concerns had been adequately explained at the forums.

“They were opposing the project because they were fed wrong information about it. But now, it’s very clear to them, especially the benefits that our barangay will get from it,” Fabiana said.

Residents have feared that their water supply would be depleted once the golf course operates. A golf course needs a steady supply of water for its fairways, tees and greens.

But an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study conducted by the Ajanta Consultancy and Technical Services Inc. (Actsi) said the golf course would require only about 1,000 cubic meters of water a day.

Gregorio Palis, Actsi president, said three lagoons, which can store 30,500 cubic meters of water, would be built to meet the water demand of the golf course.

Cesar Siador Jr., chief of EMB’s EIA management division, said the dialogue would serve as reference when the agency deliberates on the golf course’s ECC application.

He welcomed the “outpouring of support” for the project from residents and officials of the four villages. “This is a manifestation of the people’s acceptance of the project,” he said.

The golf course, which is estimated to cost P202.2 million, is part of an ecotourism zone proclaimed by President Fidel Ramos in 1997.

Immigration office to use modern technology to monitor foreigners

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

DAGUPAN CITY, July 10 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is bent on using modern technology like the biometrics system to monitor the entrance and exit of foreigners, tourists and alien residents in the country.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David said this during his visit to the immigration office in Pangasinan on Friday.

“Due to the influx of tourists, it is very difficult to monitor foreign nationals who have almost the same names,” he said adding that the biometrics will help distinguish the fingerprints, facial features, birth dates and other identification marks of every foreigner.

The system will also help ensure that the aliens comply with the status they applied for and that they do not violate immigration laws.

“Kung tourist lang ang status, dapat hindi nagtatrabaho (If the status is only a tourist, he should not be working)," he explained.

David said this monitoring is necessary to keep up with the vision of President Benigno Aquino III to increase the number of tourists by making the country attractive to them, which could be achieved if employees will be respectful, courteous and helpful to tourists upon their arrival at the airports and all throughout their stay in the Philippines.

He said BI employees and even the office itself should be clean and presentable because they cater to foreign nationals who will bring the impression on what they saw here back to their country.

David was in town to personally look into the operations of the Pangasinan office, which he found very efficient in their report and collection duties.

Pangasinan hospital acquires digital X-ray machine

(The Philippine Star)

Lingayen, Philippines – Pangasinan sets the pace in health care delivery in Region 1 with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art X-ray machine capable of sending X-ray results through the Internet to radiology centers worldwide.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. led the unveiling of the digital X-ray machine at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Bolingit, San Carlos City last Thursday.

Dr. Jackson Soriano, chief of hospital II, said the new medical equipment was acquired by the provincial government through public and private sources to provide quality and better services to Pangasinenses.

The state-run hospital in Bolingit is now the first and only province-owned medical facility in Region 1 to have such a sophisticated X-ray machine.

“An advancement in diagnostic radiology, this modern health care equipment will improve the diagnostic capability of our hospital as results of this radiology system can be sent to radiology centers for interactive discussion through the Internet. In addition, this filmless system is cost-effective because it does not require processor and reagents, and has less manpower requirements,” Soriano said.

Other new health care equipment housed at the provincial hospital include an ultrasound machine, 10 cardiac monitor machines for patients with heart diseases, four ventilators for patients suffering from respiratory failure, and four dialysis machines.

International group commends Pangasinan ITax system

(PNA), RMA/lvm/lmmicua/1525/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 8 (PNA)– Gessellschaft for Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), an international group based in Dumaguete City, commended the Pangasinan provincial government for its no-nonsense implementation of the Integrated Tax Management System (ITax).

The group, composed of 20 personnel, visited the ITAX Data Center at Kalantiao Building at the Capitol Compound here as part of their two-day educational tour and team building last July 3 and 4.

Headed by their team manager, Juergen Seelman, the group hailed the provincial government for fully supporting the project, which is now about 93 percent accomplished.

The GIZ team manager expressed optimism that the computerization scheme is useful and a welcome development to the province, which is now ranked as the fifth best local government unit in the country especially in areas of real property collection.

The system uses the Real Property Module, which is a computerized version of processes and transactions.

Modesto Singson, Management Information Service Officer, said that instead of using manual labor, LGUs now use a more comprehensive computerize scheme to eliminate time-consuming service hassles that taxpayers often experience every time they hold transactions.

Singson said that the province has just finished with their payment posting of three LGUs (Labrador, Rosales and Mapandan) while tax payments of the LGU of Dasol is now also currently being posted.

Integrated tax is an incorporated software which is bundled with taxpayer module as the focal module, and thematic modules such as RPT, business permits and licensing among others.

Proposed world-class golf course to make 4 host villages most progressive in Pangasinan

By Leonardo V. Micua (PNA), FPV/lvm/lvm/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 7 (PNA)--Host barangays of a world-class 18-hole golf course planned in western Lingayen are foreseen to become the most progressive communities in Pangasinan.

This was disclosed by Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan, speaking Friday during a final consultation-dialogue conducted by the provincial government on the proposed mega-project held at the Guesang Elementary School in Barangay Domalandan West, Lingayen.

“Before the end of term of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. four barangays in Lingayen will become the most progressive places in Pangasinan,” Baraan said, referring to the four villages that will host the golf course.

The consultation-dialogue, the second one held by the provincial government in three months, is one of the many steps prescribed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be undertaken before it will issue Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to the project.

Baraan said that if the project finally gets ECC , this will become a joint venture under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme, the first of its kind in Pangasinan.

He told newsmen that interested parties to partner with the provincial government in undertaking the project are investors from Korea, Taiwan and from the Philippines.

The entire project will cost P202.2 million.

Once the project is completed, it will create a multiplier effect specifically in terms of livelihood and economic activity, benefiting mostly residents from the project site, Baraan said.

“Job opportunities will be made available for qualified local residents both unskilled and skilled,” he added.

Some 200 workers, he said, will be needed during the construction phase of the project and 50 others during the operational phase.

On the other hand,Cesar Siador, Jr., chief of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)- Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR, explained that the result of the consultation- dialogue will serve as among the basis for the approval of an ECC.

He said the issues raised there will become the reference points that will be addressed by project proponents to ensure adequate protection of the land, air and water in the project site.

Siador was elated over the outpouring of support from barangay leaders of the four western coastal areas of Lingayen, namely Estanza, Sabangan, Malimpuec and Capandanan, and local residents.

He said this clearly manifests the people’s acceptance on the project.

Pangasinan’s Healthy Habit Club holds free medical check-up

By April Montes (ANL/AMM-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from the Provincial Information Office)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 6 (PIA) -- The provincial government held a free medical check-up for members of the Healthy Habit Club at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center in this town.

Dr. Anna Maria Teresa De Guzman, provincial health officer, said the program seeks to keep every employee physically fit and healthy.

She added that they can perform better and render quality service to Pangasinenses if they are free from any sickness.

The team of health personnel from the Provincial Health Office assessed the employees’ vital signs such as body temperature, pulse rate or heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. They also conducted Doppler test to measure the employees’ blood flow in the feet and lower leg.

Additional medical services included blood sugar test, body massage, cholesterol test, and vision therapy. Smokers took the lung function test to evaluate their respiratory system and identify the severity of pulmonary impairment.

Janet Asis, officer-in-charge of the Human Resource Management Office encouraged other employees to be part of the Healthy Habit Club and avail the same medical benefits given for free to its members.

Pangasinan wants sisterhood relationship with Laguna

(PNA), LAP/lvm/lvmicua/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 5 (PNA) – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) passed a resolution on Monday declaring the province’s intent to establish a sisterhood relationship with Laguna.

The resolution proposed by SP Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario returned the complement when Laguna earlier manifested its interest to establish a sisterhood relationship with the province of Pangasinan.

That intent was personally conveyed by Laguna Governor ER Ejercito when he came during the opening of the Palarong Pambansa on May 7 where President Benigno Aquino III was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.

In that visit, Governor Emilio Ramon “ER” Ejercito hailed Pangasinan as a classic example of a province for other provinces to emulate in terms of delivery of basic and health services, maintenance of peace and order, infrastructure development, cleanliness and cultural enhancement.

Rosario said the sisterhood of Pangasinan with Laguna is a welcome advantage for the province of Pangasinan.

He said this affinity will bring Pangasinenses closer to Laguna which is adjacent to the nation’s urban center Manila where most local and internationally-managed multi-national industrial and manufacturing companies are located.

Having commonalities in terms of vision, goals, aspirations in pursuing local good governance, the sisterhood relationship of the two provinces shall promote cultural exchange, eco-tourism, agri-business, and mutual technical assistance in various fields, Rosario said.

“With the sisterhood relations, employment opportunities for our provincemates will be very much open in the area, thereby opening the gates for other investors to consider Pangasinan as their extension province for their investments,” he added.

During the Palarong Pambansa, BM Rosario was tasked by Gov. Espino to oversee the accommodation of Laguna Governor Estregan and his delegation.

Pangasinan bags Best LGU-Initiated Environment Project

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

DAGUPAN CITY, July 4 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Pangasinan bagged the 2012 Likas-Yaman award for its mangrove reforestation projects where it was dubbed Best LGU- Initiated Environmental Project for the provincial category.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional executive director Samuel Peñaflor handed the award to Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr. during the Environment Month Awarding and Culminating program at Oasis Country Resort in San Fernando City, Friday.

The province earned its award through massive implementation of a province-wide mangrove reforestation project, establishment of mangrove information and learning center, construction of a mangrove nursery and the promotion of Coastal Resource Management advocacy.

This is the second time that Pangasinan bagged the Likas Yaman Championship award.

The province also was the recipient of the award last year for its “Ilog Ko, Aroen tan Bilayen Ko” Program (My river, I will love and give life to) that succeeded in clearing 182 km of rivers and waterways in the towns of San Fabian, Binmaley, Lingayen, Bugallon, Labrador, and San Carlos City.

Also present during the event were 2nd district Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, NEDA Regional Director and concurrent Acting Regional Development Council Chairman Juan B. Ngalob, and DENR Regional Technical Director Carlos Tayag.

Pangasinan environment code finally passed

(PNA), LAP/lvm/lvmicua/rma

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 3 (PNA) — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved Monday a landmark legislation that seeks to regulate the exploitation of natural resources of the province, extending maximum protection to it from abuse by any person, firm or entity.

SP Member Von Mark Mendoza, chairman of the committee on environment and author of the ordinance, heaved a sigh of relief that finally after six long years, Provincial Ordinance No. 14-2012 or the Pangasinan Environment Code of 2012 was finally passed after six years of study.

He said the code was a collaborative work of different line government agencies like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Public Works and Highways, National Water Resources Board and by various departments of the provincial government.

Mendoza said among the salient features of the ordinance is a provision that proponents of environmentally critical projects, such as in mining, excavation, land filling and others must first get a Provincial Environment Compliance Certificate (PCEC) on top of the ECC being issued by national government agencies.

In this way, he said, the proponents of such projects would first go through the requirements of the province which has at stake in the preservation of the environment before starting their projects.

The code provides the creation of a Provincial Environmental Office in the provincial government and all Local Government Units for that matter which will be tasked with the duties of issuing the PECCs after the proponents of projects shall have conformed with all the relevant laws of the province vis-à-vis on the need to preserve and protect the environment.

In the past, he said, officials of the province are often surprised that an environmentally critical projects are rising in their areas even without a scant knowledge on these projects without regard whether these projects affect the environment in the place.

In other words, they will now have a say on whether they will let these projects through if they can see that these projects will not affect the environment of the province.

At the same time, he said, a provision for accountability was incorporated in the code in order to penalize all violators of environmental laws in the province.

As to the question of SP Member Alfonso Bince Jr. as to which will prevail, Mendoza said that in case of conflict, the environmental ordinances of the LGUs will prevail over the provincial environmental code, being a general law while the former are special laws.

Bince, a lawyer, agreed that the environmental code is a monumental ordinance of Pangasinan while another SP Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario lauded Mendoza for painstakingly pushing it.

Mendoza asked all the SP members to co-author the provincial environment code and to be all present when Governor Amado Espino Jr. signs it into law.

PRC's 143 Million Volunteer Run set on Feb. 9, 2013 -- Gordon

(PNA), scs/lvm/lvmicua/rma

DAGUPAN CITY, July 1 (PNA) -- The 2013 Million Volunteer Run aiming to generate up to 20 million or more people running at one time and hopefully create a world record will be held on Feb. 9, 2013, under the auspices of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon formally launched next year's volunteer run in Dagupan City in a meeting with over 2,000 PRC volunteers at CSI the City Mall Atrium in Dagupan City on Saturday, attended by Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim and Dr. Vivencio Viillaflor, PRC Pangasinan-Dagupan-San Carlos City chapter chairman.

He said next year's "143" million volunteer run will be a run for humanity to show to the world that the Filipinos care for their fellowmen who are sick and suffering, more so in times of disasters.

"That is why when you join the Red Cross 143 Million Volunteer Run, we are showing to the rest of the world that we are part of humanity that tries to save other people," Gordon, a former senator, said.

Gordon said "143" actually stands for "I love you," which one will show to his or her fellowmen if he or she volunteers with PRC.

All runners will wear red, the color of the PRC.

Thus, he called on students, teachers, professionals, adults and all PRC volunteers to join the run that intends to make the Philippines the number one volunteer humanitarian nation of the world.

In launching the 2013 PRC million volunteer run in Pangasinan, Gordon expects the province to field the biggest number of runners all over the country, considering its big population of close to three million, on Feb. 9.

He said though that not all will run along the highways as the senior citizens may just run in their respective plazas and the pupils in their respective school campuses.

"We run for humanities. We run to save lives, to make a principled nation and a nation with values," Gordon echoed.

At the same time, Gordon showcased to Pangasinan volunteers the PRC's hotline "143" which can be called up any time to report a disaster or accident that happened in a certain area where one may request for timely assistance from the Red Cross.

Stressing that in disasters or accidents, seconds of time matter, Gordon said that through "143," people even in the rural areas may know the number of blood available all over the country and at certain PRC chapters at any given time, which may be tapped if there is massive need for blood.

He said the number can be accessed by all cellphone users numbering 95 million all over the country.

At the same time. Gordon announced that the Pangasinan-Dagupan-San Carlos Chapter of the PRC headed by Administrator Florame Magalong is now a regional blood center where all kinds of blood being collected in Region 1 will be processed.

Pangasinan bags 2nd Likas Yaman Award

(Sunday Punch)

LINGAYEN—Pangasinan bagged the 2012 Likas Yaman Award in Region 1 for the second time in a row, this time for its mangrove reforestation project.

The award was received by Acting Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim from Department of Environment and Natural Resources Executive Director Samuel Peñafiel during the culmination program of the Environment Month held Friday in San Fernando City, La Union.

The mangrove reforestation project, adjudged as the region’s Best LGU-Initiated Environmental Project (provincial category), involved massive implementation of a province-wide mangrove reforestation projects, establishment of mangrove information and learning center, construction of a mangrove nursery, and the promotion of Coastal Resource Management advocacy.

Last year, the province bagged the Likas Yaman championship award for its “Ilog Ko, Aroen tan Bilayen Ko” program that succeeded in clearing 182 kilometers of rivers and waterways in Binmaley, Lingayen, Bugallon, Labrador, San Fabian and San Carlos City.

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