Pangasinan News June 2015

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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

DOH allocates Php 9.2 M for Dagupan CHO's expansion

(PNA), RMA/LVM/LVMICUA/2014/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, June 30 (PNA)-- Mayor Belen Fernandez announced that The Department of Health (DOH) has allocated a budget of Php 9.2 million for the expansion of the City Health Office here, including the construction of One-Stop Diagnostic Center, according to Mayor Belen Fernandez.

Fernandez said the twin projects would be implemented this year under the DOH's Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

The city government is allocating a counterpart fund of Php 4.2 million for the purchase of additional health facilities and equipment.

Fernandez said the Diagnostic Center, will give free health services like free X-Ray, ECG, Ultrasound and blood tests to all Daguoenoa.

This will complement the present administration’s program "Unliserbisyo" or unlimited services to the people.

Pangasinan to mark Social Media Day on June 30

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 29 (PIA) – Pangasinenses will mark June 30 as “Social Media Day” to reflect on the ways social media and digital innovation have changed the world.

To recognize the significance of social media in the lives of Pangasinenses, Governor Amado Espino, Jr., under Executive Order No. 0058 S-2015, declared June 30 as Social Media Day in Pangasinan.

A short program is set at 1p.m. at the Capitol Resort Hotel here to gather people who are equally passionate about social media.

It will be celebrated through highlighting the contributions made by developers and social media enthusiasts, and increasing awareness on the importance of social media in government, business, tourism, and education.

Pioneered by media company, Mashable in the year 2010, Social Media Day is an annual global event that recognizes the digital revolution happening now and to celebrate social media's impact on global communication.

Road work may add to Bayambang students’ rainy season woes

By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)

The seemingly slow construction of a portion of the national road in a town in Pangasinan threatens to inconvenience motorists and students during the rainy season.

Students and residents have complained about slow traffic near the national highway in Barangay Buayaen, GMA Dagupan's Joanne Ponsoy reported on "24 Oras North Central Luzon."

Only one lane has been open to traffic as the part of the highway is still under construction, the report said.

Among those affected were students at a school along the road being constructed.

"Wala silang signage, wala silang barricade," said resident Henry Calimlim.

On the other hand, the local Department of Public Works and Highways denied the slow pace was due to frequent changes of contractors.

It said this is the last part of its project to link Pangasinan to Tarlac, though it admitted it is not sure if the project can be completed once the rainy season sets in.

‘All up to Congress’

By CATHERINE S. VALENTE (REPORTER)

A Malacañang official on Saturday said it is up to Congress to consider discussing the issue on legalizing same-sex marriage in the Philippines.

Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said that while President Benigno Aquino 3rd “wants everyone treated equally,” legalizing same-sex marriages would need congressional action.

“We leave it to Congress for that discussion,” Valte said over the government radio station Radyo ng Bayan.

Valte said there have been conflicting views on the process of legalizing same-sex marriage in the country.

“Some legal experts are of the view that you need to change the Constitution to be able to allow same sex marriages; some say that you don’t, that you just need a regular legislation to be able to incorporate it in our laws,” she said.

The US Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling on Friday, handed down its decision to legalize same-sex marriage in all of its 50 states.

Church: No discrimination Reacting to the US ruling, the head of the Catholic Church in the country said the Church will maintain its teachings on marriage.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, however assured the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders) community there will be no discrimination against them by the Church.

“The Church continues to maintain what it has always taught. Marriage is a permanent union of man and woman, in the complementarity of the sexes and the mutual fulfillment that the union of a man and a woman bring into the loftiness of the matrimonial bond. If there is an undeniable difference between man and woman, there is also an undeniable difference between the permanent union of a man and a woman,” Villegas said

“We will continue to teach the sons and daughters of the Church that marriage, transformed by The Lord Jesus and by His Church into a sacrament — a means by which the Risen Lord encounters his people — is an indissoluble bond of man and woman,” he added.

DTI to open first Negosyo Center in Pangasinan

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

DAGUPAN CITY, June 26 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will open the first Negosyo Center in the province to provide services to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in western Pangasinan.

DTI Provincial Director Peter Mangabat said that the center will be established at the City Hall of Alaminos to cater and facilitate the needs of the business sector in the first district of Pangasinan.

“The launching program is set on June 30 at 8:30 a.m. at the Alaminos City Library,” he said.

During the first quarter of the year, the DTI made a proposal to put up Negosyo Centers in the cities of Alaminos, Dagupan and Urdaneta.

Mangabat said that the local government of Alaminos has accepted their proposal for the establishment of a Negosyo Center in the area which is also a first in the Ilocos Region.

Accordingly, Negosyo Centers are established in all provinces, cities and municipalities to promote ease of doing business in accordance to Republic Act 10644 also known as the “Go Negosyo Act,” signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III in July last year.

Every Negosyo Center established will facilitate and expedite the business application process of MSMEs in coordination with the local governments and other concerned agencies and will provide assistance to MSMEs in the availment of technology transfer, production and management training programs and marketing assistance of the DTI and other government agencies.

The Negosyo Centers will likewise be responsible for the issuance of the certificate of authority for the barangay micro business enterprises to avail of benefits including reduction or exemption from local taxes, fees and charges, provided by Republic Act 9178 or the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises Act of 2002.

The DTI, in partnership with the Alaminos city government and members of the Pangasinan Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises and Development (PMSMED) Council, will assign personnel to supervise the operations of the Negosyo Center.

Pangasinense retro-runner eyes Guinness record

By Elsha Marie Soriano (MCA/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, June 25 (PIA) – A 46-year old retro-runner in Pangasinan will attempt to break the Guinness world record for 100-meter backward running at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen town on July 25.

Alfonso Bigay, a family man and native of Lingayen town, is positive to beat the Guinness world record of 13.6 seconds for 100-meter backward running shared by Roland Wegner of Germany and Ferdie Ato Adoboe of Ghana.

Bigay, who is a track runner who has started running backwards since 1991, is a new Filipino entry for the Guinness world record for 100-meter retro-running.

“In order for me to get the record, I do short run, temporary time-trial and cross trainings in preparation for the bid,” he said during a media conference held on Wednesday at Lenox Hotel in Dagupan City.

Bigay said that he already hit a 13.2 seconds in 100-meter backward running during his present trainings.

“I can run faster when I do retro-running because in forward running I can only hit 14 seconds,” he said.

Janice Hidalgo, liaison officer of Bigay to Guinness world record, said the management for the Guinness world record gave them a go signal last June 2 for Bigay to beat the record in July.

Hidalgo disclosed that Bigay will be having his official medical examination, weighing-in and other requirements on July 14 that will be administered by a government physician.

Drink water for kidney care -- NKTI

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

DAGUPAN CITY, June 24 (PIA) – Contrary to some advertisements that water has no life, the Renal Disease Control Prevention–National Kidney Transplant Institute (REDCOP-NKTI) repeatedly said that water remains the most useful of all liquids.

Dr. Susan Jorge, program manager of REDCOP- NKTI, told 300 participants from various sectors to take care of their kidneys by drinking clean water and eating a balanced diet.

“Drink up eight to 12 glasses of water daily as it helps prevent renal disease,” Jorge said during the lay forum on Renal Disease Prevention held at the Region I Medical Center on Wednesday.

The amount and frequency of food must also be watched especially if eating in restaurants or fast food chains offering unlimited rice, viand and drinks, she said.

“Eat everything in moderation at huwag abusuhin ang katawan,” she advised.

Jorge said there is also a need to undergo urinalysis as kidney disease has no early symptoms.

"Malaki na ang sira ng kidney o halos hindi na gumagana bago matuklasan ang sakit,” she explained.

People at a higher risk of having kidney problems are those suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and those with history of kidney disease in the family.

“Kahit may gamot, bakit paabutin pa natin sa gamutan? Love your kidneys and your health now,” Jorge said.

Government internship program soon to generate jobs in Pangasinan

By Elsha Marie B. Soriano (MCA/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan June 23 (PIA) – Determined to generate more jobs for youth and indigent Pangasinenses, the provincial government here will soon hire government interns in its different offices under the Government Internship Program (GIP).

On Monday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here passed a resolution authorizing Governor Amado Espino, Jr. to enter into and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Regional Office 1 for the implementation of the GIP in Pangasinan.

The resolution, authored by Board Member Generoso Tulagan, Jr., said the internship program will give an opportunity for Pangasinense-applicants, who should at least be high school or technical vocational graduates and unemployed college graduates aging 18-25 years old, to obtain work experience in government office.

Tulagan said in order to implement the internship program in the province, the board authorized the governor to enter into an agreement to set forth the duties and obligations of the provincial government and DOLE.

Espino will sign the MOA with Grace Ursua, regional director of DOLE-Regional Office 1.

Under the guidelines of GIP, DOLE will provide technical support to the provincial government, monitor the progress of the program implementation and provide forms and templates for the implementation of the internship program.

CHEd joins monitoring of boarding houses in Dagupan

(Sunday Punch)

BALON DAGUPAN NEWS

THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office 1 has joined the Bureau of Fire Protection and the city government in inspecting and monitoring apartments, dormitories and boarding houses here on June 16, coinciding with the opening of collegiate classes.

The inspection was in line with the CHED’s Oplan Balik-Iskwela 2015 program to ensure the safety and welfare of college students enrolled in various colleges and universities in the city who are living in these boarding houses.

Dr. Geraldine Flor-Casipit, under the authority of CHED Region 1 Officer-In-Charge Cherrie Melanie C. Ancheta-Diego, joined the team composed of Bureau of Fire Protection acting city Fire Marshal Inspector Romie J. Tungpalan; One Stop Business Center manager Randolph Ubando and Monette De Venecia; and officials of the Health and Sanitation Division of the City Health Office; City Engineer’s Office; and the Philippine National Police in inspecting big dormitories on Arellano and Arellano-Bani.

“Inspecting and ensuring the safety and welfare of our students is part of our preparedness program. Soon we will conduct a regular disaster drill like fire and tsunami drills in all establishments and dormitories in our city to train and prepare everyone on how to act and respond to any form of disaster that befalls the city,” Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said.

Casipit was thankful to Fernandez for the support.

In her report, Casipit recommended that dormitories should regularly refill their fire extinguishers and check on their fire escapes to ensure that they are working and fit for use in case of emergency.

Dagupan steps up declogging ops in time for rains

By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)

Workers in Dagupan City in Pangasinan are working double time in declogging waterways, before the rains come.

Teams from the city engineering office are even resorting to manual labor to get the job done, GMA Dagupan's Jette Arcellana reported on "24 Oras North Central Luzon."

Laborers removed manhole covers and removed the mud and dirt clogging the canals and waterways.

Also, they cleaned the creeks and removed water lilies and weeds, especially those near the Sinocalan River.

"Bahagi ng maintenance ang ginagawa namin, double time lang ngayon for rainy season," said city assistant engineer Nestor de Vera.

Resident Rosita Manuel said they are hoping these efforts will prevent floods that reach knee-high levels.

Parts of the city have had to suspend classes during the rainy season when the floods hit.

The city engineering office said it will clean drainage weekly in some low-lying areas especially prone to flooding.

Pope encyclical recognizes CBCP ‘green’ efforts

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) believes Pope Francis’ mention of their pastoral letter in his latest encyclical on the environment is a recognition of their pastoral efforts on ecological stewardship.

“It is a recognition of the pastoral efforts of the Phlippine bishops for almost two decades now in the area of ecological stewardship,” Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the CBCP, said in an interview.

“It is an affirmation that we in the Philippines are in the right direction in our teaching that creation is a gift that must be cared for,” he added.

In his encyclical Laudato Si, mi Signore (Praise be to you, my Lord), the pontiff cited the CBCP pastoral letter “What Is Happening to Our Beautiful Land?” when he talked about the destruction of oceans.

“Who turned the wonderworld of the seas into underwater cemeteries bereft of color and life?” the Holy Father quoted the CBCP letter that was released in January 1988.

But Villegas said this is not the first time the pontiff cited CBCP in church documents.

He said Pope Francis also cited the Filipino bishops in his apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).

Earlier, Villegas said the Pope’s encyclical on the environment offers moral guidance and address humanity’s indifference to the earth.

The CBCP said the letter provides perspectives on the need for a better approach to ecological problems and its effects on the poor.

An encyclical is a papal letter to all bishops of the Roman Catholic Church.

Muslims in Pangasinan pray for Mindanao peace at start of Ramadan

By Joel Locsin / LBG (GMA News)

As they started observing the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim community in Pangasinan on Thursday offered prayers for peace in Mindanao.

This is aside from the prayers and fasting during the day, GMA Dagupan's Jette Arcellana reported on "24 Oras North Central Luzon."

"Dahil alam natin hindi lang kaming Muslim naapektuhan, pati rin ang taga-Luzon," said Abdulcader Dimapinto.

Special prayers were offered at night for Mindanao peace.

Reading materials near mosques included simplified versions of the Koran, and those discussing the peace process and decommissioning in Mindanao.

Earlier this week, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front held a "ceremonial decommissioning" of some of its fighters and high-powered firearms as part of the peace process.

In Dagupan City, Muslim children also joined Koran-reading sessions.

Young Dagupeños to assume gov't posts on Dagupan Day

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

DAGUPAN CITY, June 18 (PIA) – Some 52 students from private and public secondary schools in the city participated in a leadership training that would prepare them to act as city government officials for a week.

The “Manlingkor ya Kalangweran” (Youth who will serve in the government) project was conceptualized to give the youth the opportunity to experience working in the government and providing service to the people.

In a report of the City Information Office, Mayor Belen Fernandez reminded the young leaders that not everyone is given the chance to lead. She went on to stress that much is expected from them.

“That is why it is important that you have to know and learn that leading any organization requires incredible patience and strength,” she said.

“And if there’s just one piece of advice that I can give you, it is this: Stay true to this mightiest word in order to succeed – believe and it will happen,” the mayor said.

“Our work, our actions, our thoughts should be our noble effort to bring hope and inspiration so that we become positive role models to other young people in Dagupan,” Fernandez continued.

The students will elect from among themselves who will be the mayor, vice-mayor and councilors. The rest will be appointed as department heads and heads of the different national government agencies operating in the city.

Ten of these young leaders will again be travelling with Fernandez to Milpitas, California upon the invitation of Mayor Jose Esteves, a native of Dagupan.

Now on its 13th year, the “Manlingkor Ya Kalangweran” is an annual part of the city’s “Agew na Dagupan” (Dagupan Day) or charter day celebration on June 20.

Dagupan to celebrate 68th Charter anniversary on June 20

(PNA), SCS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, June 17 (PNA) -- Former Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Dante M. Velasco, now a public relations practitioner and also educator, will be the guest of honor and speaker during a commemorative program marking the 68th year of cityhood of Dagupan on June 20 at CSI City Mall Atrium.

Velasco, a native of Dagupan and an alumnus of the Dagupan City High School, was invited by an executive committee for the 68th Dagupan cityhood, called here as "Agew na Dagupan."

Mayor Belen Fernandez will lead the celebration which will start with a civic parade from Guilig St. to the city plaza on June 18, causing the rerouting of traffic in downtown Dagupan.

Fernandez was the first elected lady mayor of Dagupan since it became a city on June 20, 1947. Rosalinda de Venecia was the first appointed lady mayor after the 1986 Edsa Revolution.

Of all the past mayors who served the city, it was Mayor Fernandez who made the difference with her program, "Balon Dagupan" (New Dagupan) that brought city hall to the doorsteps of the people in the villages.

The celebration will bring fond memories of the past when Dagupan was yet a municipality of Pangasinan till its conversion into a chartered and independent component city, the only one in Region 1.

A mecca of trade and commerce as well as of higher education, Dagupan was converted into a chartered city through a legislative measure sponsored in Congress by the late Speaker Eugenio Perez Sr., congressman of the then second district of Pangasinan.

The late Speaker Perez is a revered hero in Dagupan, being instrumental in the construction of the second major thoroughfare in the city, the Perez Boulevard, and the then Perez Market, in the south side of the boulevard.

Pre-feasibility on dev't of gov't center, IT/BPO hub up soon in Pangasinan

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 16 (PNA)-- A pre-feasibility study on the plan to put up a government center and an information technology (IT)/ business processing outsource (BPO) is under way in Pangasinan.

This is provided for in provincial resolution no. 1383-2015 authorizing Governor Amado Espino Jr. to enter into and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MTD Philippines, Inc. for the undertaking and development of a pre-feasibility study for the Pangasinan Provincial Government Center and Business Hub.

MTD Philippines, Inc. is an internationally-recognized corporation that provides technical and financial expertise service in infrastructure development.

In his letter of intent (LOI) to undertake the pre-investment study of the project to the Governor, Isaac David, president of MTD Philippines, cited the province's comparative advantages as rationale for the improvement of its service delivery system.

"Described as Philippines’ third biggest province in terms of population, Pangasinan occupies a strategic geo-political position in the central plain of Luzon, known as the “rice granary” of the Philippines," David noted.

"It is also considered as the gateway to northern Luzon and as the heartland of the Philippines, which is endowed with globally acclaimed tourist attractions, notably Hundred Islands National Park and the white-sand beaches of the municipalities of Bolinao and Dasol, respectively," he added.

David said there is a need to establish a new government center to be operated as a one-stop-shop, to provide investors and the transacting public alike with seamless and efficient government transactions.

This will address the creation of more jobs through the establishment of a central business hub, which will be highlighted by the construction of commercial buildings for the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, business hotel, and commercial/shopping mall for wholesale and retail enterprises.

In his response letter, Espino accepted the proposed Government Center and Central Business Hub Project "as this will enhance the development of the province, especially the host municipality."

In his State of the Province Address (SOPA) last February 16, the Governor mentioned of an ongoing negotiation with MTD Philippines Incorporated for the project.

According to Espino, the company's proposal is for the at least one-billion-peso project to be a public-private partnership venture, that will not cost the provincial government any amount.

It will be through a design, finance, build-lease-transfer-operate-and-maintain (BLTOM) scheme with the end in view of rationalizing the use of government’s land from purely institutional to mixed-use, preferably commercial.

“This would pave the way for realization of more locally-generated revenues without imposing new form of taxes to the constituents," said David.

Espino noted the IT/BPO hub plan is in accordance with the current study of the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines.

Further, the provincial resolution noted, "The province of Pangasinan is willing to accept the offer of the MTD Philippines, Inc. to pave the way for the establishment of a one-stop-shop government and business center particularly in the area of Central Pangasinan."

MTD Philippines, Inc. based in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, is a subsidiary of AlloyMtd, a leading Asian infrastructure conglomerate headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

AlloyMTD is currently operating in the global market with major investments in 16 countries, notably Australia, Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

In the Philippines, the AlloyMtd’s first infrastructure project was the South Luzon Expressway Project procured under the design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain concept of toll way operations.

More tourists are visiting Pangasinan now

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 15 (PNA)--More tourists are visiting Pangasinan now than at any time in the past.

This was disclosed by newly-confirmed head of the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), Maria Luisa Elduayan, when she spoke before the members of the provincial board on June 15.

Elduayan said there is a 37% annual average growth rate of tourist arrivals in Pangasinan for the past five years.

The data on tourist arrivals was based on records of accommodation establishments that catered to these tourists mainly from the towns of Lingayen, Bolinao, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, San Fabian, Balungao and Rosales.

These tourists visited the Capitol Complex, the Hundred Islands National Park, the minor Bsilica of Manaoag, , Balungao Hilltop Adventure, Protected Landscape in Mangatarem, Patar Beach in Bolinao, Tondol Beach in Anda, among others.

She added that there was a total of P362-million tourism receipts collected in the year 2014, as provided by a departure point survey.

The amount indicates the average expenditure of tourists who visited Pangasinan last year, which, she added, has boosted the local economy.

Meanwhile, Elduayan vowed constant coordination with tourism officers of the different towns in Pangasinan to develop and promote more tourist attractions of the province.

She said they are having regular quarterly meeting.

Also, Elduayan, noting that most tourist spots in Pangasinan are youth-oriented, disclosed they are partnering with private sector to develop more senior citizen-friendly attractions.

“The task to develop more tourist attractions for the elderly or to all types of tourists is a challenge for us,” she noted.

Further, Elduayan and the provincial board called for more investments on accommodation establishments, noting that the province lacks enough facilities to accommodate national and even international conventions.

Board Member Mojamito Libunao also noted that the “most profitable tourism program is to make Pangasinan a convention destination.”

Elduayan also vowed technical assistance, trainings, and promotional supports to the various tourism establishments in the province.

Historian says contested shoals part of Pangasinan

By Cesar Ramirez (The Philippine Star)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – A Filipino historian said parts of the disputed islands and shoals in the West Philippine Sea belong to Pangasinan province.

In presenting her books during the 117th Independence Day celebrations here, Cecilia Beltran-Daranciang said she is using ethnographic triangulation and references to folklore in proving her point that the Spratly and Paracel islands and the Panatag shoal are within the province’s boundaries.

“You will find that Pangasinan owns most of them and I will write a book about it in order to reinforce the claim of the Philippines,” she said.

Daranciang said Pangasinan folklore describes the Spratly islands as being composed of so many stones, which are like pouches and bars.

She added that the reefs in the area are named after the fishes of Pangasinan, including the siwi-siwi, alalo, bangus, lapu-lapu, hasa-hasa and ayungin.

“Until now, ayungin and hasa-hasa are present according to fishermen who fish around the shoal,” she also said.

Daranciang also cited Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan explorer who called the islands “bahr arkahil,” which means a group of orange-like stones and reefs.

She said Ibn Battuta is considered the Marco Polo of the East and the one who confirmed the existence of Princess Urduja.

The 87-year-old author and University of the Philippines Alumni Association awardee for outstanding achievement in culture and the arts added that she is willing to testify on her claim if called.

Daranciang presented her books I am Princess, Princess Urduja Am I; I am Commander Limahong, Commander Limahong Am I; and Defending Carlos Bulosan to Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. during a symbolic distribution of books about Pangasinan on Friday.

Dagupan enrolls 500 college scholars this year

(PNA), RMA/LVM/LVMICUA/1405/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, June13 (PNA)--The city government has enrolled to different colleges and universities here at least 500 students from the ranks of indigent families in Dagupan City as its scholars starting the first semester of the scholastic year 2015 to 2016.

The Mayor Belen T. Fernandez Scholarship Program has initially benefited some 500 deserving students of poor families who have no chance to continue their education as their respective families are too poor to send them to school and finish a course.

"We opened the window of opportunities this year to deserving sons and daughters of poor families who have no chance to further their study after high school. With this scholarship program, they can finish their course in four years provided they maintain a grade of 80 per semester and have not failed any subject, " said Fernandez.

The city government allotted Php10,000 per student per semester till they graduate, saying the amount will go directly to the colleges and universities where they were enrolled, Fernandez said.

The mayor signed a memorandum of agreement with the owners of Lyceum Northwestern University, University of Luzon, University of Pangasinan Phinma, Colegio de Dagupan and the Pangasinan Maritime Academy (PAMA) where the students were enrolled.

The scholars were given two options to take--either a collegiate course or vocational and technical education, the mayor said.

"We hope that after graduation and after landing a job, the scholars will help their parents and their siblings," Fernandez said. Most scholars grabbed the chance to earn college degrees.

This is the first time that the city is bankrolling scholarship grants to children of poor families in Dagupan.

Pangasinan Independence Day rite marked by history book distribution

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 12 (PNA) -- The celebration of 117th Philippine Independence Day in Pangasinan led by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. underscored love and appreciation of local history and culture with the distribution of Pangasinan history book and presentation of books written by a renowned Pangasinense educator.

In a ceremonial program held today, June 12, at the Pangasinan Provincial Library here, Espino exhorted librarians from Local Government Units (LGUs) and educators from schools divisions of Department of Education (DepEd) to focus on the deeper meaning and appreciation of independence.

“Let’s be practical in our approach to freedom,” the provincial chief executive said, as he urged Pangasinenses to take steps to be free from poverty, fear, criminality and negative political influence.

Saying that positive traits of Pangasinenses must be maintained and preserved as a legacy to the young and future generations, the governor urged Pangasinenses to abhor negative traits which he branded as “unFilipino.”

Governor Espino was assisted by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., and Commissioner Virginia Pasalo of the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission (PHCC) in the ceremonial distribution of the Pangasinan history book and anthology book "Kurit Panlunggaring" to key officials from the Association of Librarians in Pangasinan (ALP) and six DepEd schools divisions in the province.

The Pangasinan history book entitled “Pinablin Dalin,” a product of an extensive research done by PHCC; and the anthology book "Kurit Panlunggaring", a collection of winning entries of writers using the Pangasinan language, were launched publicly during the Agew na Pangasinan commemoration program held last April 10 this year.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cecilia B. Daranciang, 2015 ASNA awardee who is a renowned educator and lecturer in local and international levels, presented three books that she wrote which include: "I am Princess, Princess Urduja Am "I; "I am Commander Limahong, Commander Limahong Am I"; and "Defending Carlos Bulosan".

Anyone who wishes to read Daranciang’s books could visit the provincial library where copies are made available.

PHCC Commissioner Pasalo, on the other hand, shared that “freedom comes from within.”

"Everything depends on you. You may not have the power to change everyone else but you have the power to change yourself,” Pasalo said.

She added that the essence of freedom always starts from within, as it has been implied with a statement, “what you don’t have, you can never give away.”

Indigenous peoples in Pangasinan given college scholarships

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 11 (PIA) – For years now, students belonging to the Indigenous people have been enjoying college life. Thanks to the scholarship assistance program of the provincial government.

Dr. Enrique Delos Santos, Jr. provincial officer of the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP), was grateful for the annual inclusion of IPs in the scholarship slots.

“Every year, the IPS are given eight slots for the scholarship assistance, but over the years, the government has assisted more than 30 IPs in pursuing their studies,” Delos Santos told the Philippine Information Agency.

Each scholar receives P8,000 per semester and can enroll in a school of his choice located even outside of Pangasinan.

Delos Santos’ team at NCIP informs and screens the applicants for scholarship and the province gives them the leeway to decide whom to give the slots allotted.

“The applicants come from geographically isolated depressed areas (GIDA) and one of the settlements of IPs which has a big population is in the municipality of Sison,” Delos Santos said.

But even in Sison town, IPs still live in mountainous areas because it is, perhaps, in their nature to live in far-flung sites, he added.

Delos Santos said many IP scholars are now successful in their fields like their new lawyer. The commission’s legal officer is a product of Pangasinan’s scholarship program, he said.

The IPs are part of this year’s 1,249 scholars of the Pangasinan government and have received their assistance from Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. in an awarding ceremony held in Lingayen town on Friday.

PRC to hold mobile outreach services for new teachers

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

DAGUPAN CITY, June 10 (PIA) – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)-Baguio Regional Office will conduct mobile outreach services in Pangasinan to process initial registration of teachers who passed the recent licensure exams.

Teofilo Gaius Sison Jr., regional director of PRC-Baguio, said the mobile outreach services is intended to decongest the regional office and enable passers to save on travel time and expenses.

Mobile outreach services will be held from 9am to 4pm on June 12 at Nepo Mall atrium in Dagupan City and June 16 at the Robert B. Estrella, Sr. Memorial Stadium in Rosales town.

“The Office will process initial registration on a first-come, first-served basis; no alphabetical queuing,” said Sison.

Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly-accomplished Oath Form (downloadable at www.prc.gov.ph Online Registration System for Board Passers); 2015 community tax certificate or cedula; two documentary stamps; one short brown envelope; and payment of initial registration fee of P1, 050.

“For verification of grades/ratings, visit PRC website: www.prc.gov.ph, using registrant’s application number,” he said.

Meanwhile, PRC announced that a Pangasinense was included in the Top 10 of the March 2015 Licensure Examination for Teachers.

He is Mar Joseph Fernandez, a graduate of University of Pangasinan, who ranked 9th after obtaining a rating of 88.80 percent. Fernandez currently works as a mathematics teacher at St. John’s Cathedral School in Dagupan City.

Alaminos City assesses programs, projects

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

ALAMINOS CITY, June 9 (PNA) -- The City Development Council (CD) headed by Mayor Arthur Celeste presented and assessed the different programs and projects being undertaken by the different offices of the Local Government Unit (LGU).

The meeting held at the Alaminos City Productivity Center on Monday looked into different programs and projects and their impacts at making the city a major growth center and prime tourism hub in the region in the next 15 years, through the transparent, united, and responsive local government leaders.

Celeste said the CDC seeks to strengthen further the areas of agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.

These three major areas would significantly contribute to invigorating the economic growth of the city and spells to generate more income to facilitate the fast and efficient delivery of basic services to the city residents, he added.

Meanwhile, different department heads and section chiefs of the LGU-Alaminos presented updates on the projects and programs undertaken by their respective offices aimed at contributing to the total economic development of the city.

The Mayor expressed his gratitude to the people of Alaminos City as he urged them to continuously support the sustainable development of the City.

Representatives from the Liga ng mga Barangay, and other government and non-government agencies also graced the meeting.

UP to help in cultural preservation, promotion of Pangasinan

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 8 (PNA)--The premier state university of the country is set to provide technical assistance to the provincial government of Pangasinan in the area of cultural preservation and promotion.

In view of this potential partnership, the provincial board here, during their regular session on June 8, approved provincial resolution no. 1367-2015 authorizing Governor Amado Espino Jr. to enter into and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the University of the Philippines (UP).

The MOU, which will be signed by Espino and UP President Alfredo Pascual, involves the planning and implementation of projects in the province, particularly on preservation, promotion, and propagation of the language and culture of Pangasinan.

"The provincial government of Pangasinan has selected the University of the Philippines as its partner, having the capability and expertise in the planning and implementation of identified projects in the province," the resolution stated.

The identified projects include the creation of Pangasinan Studies Center, the historical and cultural mapping and inventory of the province and the 48 municipalities and cities, among others.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., author of the resolution, said the move is part of the provincial government's thrust to promote and enhance the linguistic and cultural heritage of Pangasinan.

More cash incentives await Pangasinan day care workers

(PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim vowed to lobby for an increase in the amelioration or cash incentive of day care workers to be sourced out from the trust fund of the Provincial Government.

"You are the ones who assist and guide our children to the right direction. In your best ways, you exert extra-efforts to do the best for the children," said Calimlim, noting the sacrifice and hard work of day care workers.

In support of the proposal, Board Member Amado I. Espino III said his father and namesake Governor Amado Espino Jr. has expressed support to give day care workers more incentives.

The present provincial administration has been supportive of thousands of day care workers in Pangasinan because, “we really appreciate the efforts and sacrifices you are doing in your respective barangays,” said Eapino, Liga ng mga Barangay provincial president.

The younger Espino thanked the day care workers for molding the minds of children in barangays whom he cited them as “future leaders of Pangasinan.”

Calimlim and Espino were among those who attended the 4th Day Care Provincial Convention, which started June 4. The convention was organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, in partnership with the Provincial Day Care Workers’ Federation of Pangasinan.

Feature: DOLE’s livelihood assistance brings jobs to housewives in Pangasinan town

By April M. Montes (MCA/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan with reports from DOLE)

SUAL, Pangasinan, June 6 (PIA) – A member of a sewers’ association in this town who benefitted from the livelihood assistance of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is now employed and able to provide for her family.

Myrna Dulatre, one of 24 women members of the Sual Sewers Association, said that before, the only source of family income was farming and they would solely depend on the paltry earning of her husband to support their daily living.

“The opportunities were already present. First, we had basic skills in sewing. Second, we had local and national governments which see both the needs and the strengths of our locality,” the 46-year-old native of Barangay Baquioen said.

With the aim of empowering them to become partners of the government in development, the local government of Sual partnered with the Nippon Foundation and the Nippon Skilled Volunteers Association (NISVA) to train housewives from the different barangays of Sual on sewing from May 2007 to April 2008.

The trained sewers – among them Myrna – organized themselves into the Sual Sewers Association and availed of a P10,000 interest-free loan from the LGU of Sual for their initial venture of summer hat making. In the first months of project operation, they noted a considerable product demand among farmers, fishermen, tourists and beach goers not only in the town but also in neighboring areas.

“We wanted to expand our products, but we knew it would entail the upgrading of skills and additional capital,” Dulatre said.

Again with the help of the LGU of Sual, the association sought the assistance of DOLE-Regional Office 1 through its Dagupan District Office.

It was in 2008 when the DOLE-RO 1 granted the association P500,000 worth of livelihood assistance for the purchase of 16 sewing machines, raw materials and other tools; while the LGU provided P100,000 for the training costs to be entailed for the skills upgrading of the association members.

The training included topics on Human Relations and Confidence Building, Productivity Enhancement, Occupational Safety and Health, Business Management and lectures on SSS and PhilHealth coverage to give them greater access to government social protection schemes.

From the making of summer hats, the group of Myrna has ventured into a bigger project called “Miscellany Production.” Now, their products include bags, curtains, pajamas, shorts, aprons, pillows and pillow cases, purses, pouches, table runners, tissue holders, book covers and many others.

“Our markets include Sual, Labrador, Alaminos, tourists and Japanese nationals who frequently visit our locality,” Dulatre shared.

She said the LGU provides marketing assistance to the association by giving them a display area at the Sual Public Market for free. Their products are also displayed at the Pangasinan Pasalubong Center in Lingayen town.

Asked about what she gained from being part of the livelihood endeavor, Dualtre said, “Bilang babae, masaya sa pakiramdam na katuwang ako ng asawa ko sa paghahanapbuhay at nakakatulong sa pag-unlad ng komunidad.”

Two of Myrna’s children are currently pursuing their college courses, while the youngest is still in grade four.

Myrna is among the 25, 671 marginalized workers in the region who benefitted from the P113,373,802.87 worth of livelihood assistance disbursed by the DOLE-RO 1 since 2008.

Pangasinan ships three agri products to Socor, Indonesia

(PNA), RMA/LVM/LVMICUA/1725/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, June 5 (PNA)--Three agricultural products of Pangasinan, namely corn, onion shallots and okra have made it to the international markets.

Eduardo Gonzales, regional technical director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 1, speaking during the 9th Bright Leaf Roadshow for agricultural journalists at Star Plaza Hotel last Friday, said a local exporter actually ships up to 1,000 metric tons of corn silage from Pangasinan every month to Busan, Korea.

More of these will be exported once the Php 50 million modern facility for corn silage production is set up by the DA in Bayambang town, one of the biggest corn producers in the province.

He said in order to enhance the production of corn silage for export, the DA has approved the construction of the facility with the money now released through the DA regional office.

Gonzales said if the corn is 75 days old after planting, it could be chopped and put in plastic bags and exported to Korea which ordered for this product from the Philippines.

Gonzales also announced that onion shallots (last a in Ilocano) of the red variety from Bayambang, Alcala and Bautista had been accepted for export to Indonesia, one of ASEAN member countries.

This is a big opportunity for onion farmers from these towns for them to recoup their losses when the price of commodity plunged to a record low early this year.

He said that okra is now being exported to Japan by farmers in Tarlac who are set to expand their planting in Pangasinan in tie up with local farmers.

At least seven exporters of this product are now bringing okra to Japan daily through Fedex at Clark.

However, to ensure easier access of these products in the international markets, farmers must adhere to good agricultural practices.

This means they have to limit on the using pesticide, herbicide and synthetic fertilizers in their plants.

All products going to the export market pass through the residue analysis test in order to be accepted by foreign buyers, Gonzales said.

He urged farmers to adopt sound agricultural practices in their farms, noting that even five days before harvest, they are still spraying insecticides to their plants.

On the other hand, he frowned on some farmers still dipping their eggplants on water treated with chemicals to make their product look sleek and shiny.

9th Bright Leaf agriculture journalism awards now open

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

DAGUPAN CITY, June 4 (PIA) – The best published agriculture stories, photos and broadcast reports of media practitioners in the country are now accepted in the 9th Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards.

The Bright Leaf Awards are given to the most outstanding and relevant agriculture stories in print, radio, and television. It will also honor the most compelling photos that capture the essence of tobacco farming and the agriculture industry.

It acknowledges as well the efforts of the Filipino journalists to bring to the forefront the current issues, new best practices, safety issues, crop sustainability and many other subjects relevant to one of the country’s most important industries.

Paula Nucum, secretariat, said that in order to collect a larger crop of entries in this year’s competition, the Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards Team is holding a series of road shows to reach out to tri-media practitioners from more agricultural provinces to invite them to submit their articles and photos.

In Pangasinan, Nucum said that a road show is scheduled at the Star Plaza Hotel in Dagupan City at 12 noon on Friday, June 5.

“This event will provide a venue for the discussion and clarification of all the details regarding the competition,” she said.

The categories for the Bright Leaf Awards are: Agriculture Story of the Year; Agriculture Photo of the Year; Tobacco Story of the Year; Tobacco Photo of the Year; Best Agriculture Television Program or Segment; Best Agriculture Radio Program or Segment; Best Agriculture News Story-National; Best Agriculture News Story-Regional; Best Agriculture Feature Story-National; Best Agriculture Feature Story-Regional; and the Oriental Leaf Award.

The Oriental Leaf Award is a special award given to those who have won a Bright Leaf Award in any category for five consecutive years. The Oriental Leaf Awardees become part of an elite group of individuals that comprise the Bright Leaf Hall of Fame.

For more information, visit the website: www.thebrightleafawards.com or contact the Bright Leaf Awards Secretariat through e-mail: secretariat@thebrightleafawards.com or call: (02) 697-8110, 0915-550-8301 or 0918-413-0797.

4th Day Care Provincial Convention set June 4-5

(PNA), FFC/LVM/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 3 (PNA) –- Some 600 day care workers from various parts of Pangasinan are expected to attend the 4th Day Care Workers Provincial Convention from June 4 to 5 at the Sison Auditorium here hosted by the provincial government led by Governor Amado T. Espino Jr.

The convention organized by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWDO) in partnership with Provincial Day Care Workers’ Federation of Pangasinan (PDCWFP) is anchored on enhancing the capabilities of day care workers for them to better cater to the holistic development of children.

Invited resource speakers during the two-day convention will tackle Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act", Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers, Your Health! It Really Matters, and Department of Education (DepEd) orders and related laws for pre-schoolers.

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr. has been invited to grace the convention’s opening ceremonies on June 4 as keynote speaker while Board Member Amado I. Espino, III, Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial president, will join the day care workers as guest of honor and speaker in the evening of June 4.

Meanwhile, Myrna Celeste, PSWDO Focal Person on Child Welfare Programs, said that the present provincial administration fully supports the promotion of child care and development as she cited that the Provincial Child Care and Development Center (PCCDC), caters to children of provincial government employees aged 2-4 years old.

“We mainly provide child care and conduct socialization activities for the children and at the same time, we also teach them (for their development) while their parents are at work,” she added.

The PCCDC is housed at the PSWDO Crisis Intervention Center or Bahay Pag-asa located beside Lingayen Communi Hospital, Celeste said.

Celeste stressed that with the support of Governor Espino, a new building for Bahay Pag-asa was constructed, and trainings for various sectors in the community have been given priority attention.

The Bahay Pag-asa provides shelter, assistance and counseling to abused women and children.

Pangasinan cops set up assistance centers near schools

(PNA), RMA/LVM/LVMICUA/1730/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, June 2 (PNA)-- The Pangasinan Police Office has established Police Assistance Desks (PADs) and Traffic Assistance Centers (PACs) near schools as part of its continuing efforts to secure pupils and students under "Oplan Balik Eskwela"

Supt. Ferdinand de Asis, police-community relations chief, said the police and traffic assistance desks were put up to ensure a smooth and organized opening of classes for all public and private schools in the province.

These initiatives will continue as students from private schools are trooping to their classes on June 8 yet, the police said.

Corollary to this, Mobile and foot patrols are also being conducted along major routes leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises. At the same time, the PADs are also giving out flyers to students regarding crime prevention.

On order of Pangasinan Police officer-in-charge Sr. Supt. Belli Tamayo, the police provided safety reminders and tips to prevent crime and accidents in schools. Parents were likewise advised to have constant communication with the teacher or security guard of the school, and to let their children know who will fetch them at the end of the class

De Asis said students were cautioned from talking with strangers by keeping their distance away or not talking to them at all; and to avoid wearing jewelry, bringing large amount of money, or using expensive phones while in the streets.

Tamayo said that to ensure the operational readiness of all Police Stations in responding to traffic directional control, peace and order concerns and also threats from criminal elements who may take advantage of the situation the Police advised the public to immediately report or go to the nearest Police Assistance Desks, Police Stations, or through PPO,

The public is advised that for any untoward incident or suspicious person or group that they notice they may call thru hotline: (075)542-7185 or social media: Facebook: pangasinanpolice@yahoo.com and @PANGPPOPRO1 for Twitter.

PSA gears up for mid-decade population census

(PNA), LAP/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA

CALASIAO, Pangasinan, June 1 (PNA) -- The Philippine Statistics Administration (PSA) office in Pangasinan, located in this town, is now preparing for the conduct of the mid-decade census of population that will start in two months.

Provincial statistics officer Dante Pescador, said PSA will soon be hiring census enumerators and supervisors for the project.

"We have been coordinating with the different barangays, through the local census boards, to inform the Barangay Captains that we will be hiring census staff from their area," he said.

Pescador said priority applicants for the census supervisors and enumerators positions are out-of-school-youth and unemployed village residents.

In Pangasinan, a total of 3,500 enumerators, supervisors, and team supervisors are needed for the census of population this 2015.

Census of population is regularly conducted every 10 years since 1980, by virtue of Batas Pambansa Bilang 750, Pescador cited.

Regular census is conducted during summer time, with teachers as enumerators and supervisors.

However, Pescador noted that since the internal revenue allotment (IRA) for each local government unit (LGU) is based on the census data on population and land area, local chief executives requested for a mid-decade census or in-between regular census years for an updated data.

For this year, the nationwide simultaneous census will start on August 8 and will last for 25 days.

After which, "The results will be proclaimed by the President in December," said Pescadof.

Asked of his projection of Pangasinan population, Pescador said the provincial population might reach almost three million this year.

The 2015 mid-decade census of population will count population as of 12:01 in the morning of August 1, 2015.

As of 2010 census data, there were 2.8 million people in Pangasinan, making the province the third most-populous province in the country.

"We are encouraging all the people to cooperate and participate in the census, because this is for us," remarked Pescador.

The data will be used primarily for planning purposes of programs for the people, he said.

He added that census data are the bases of development plans of the government.

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