Pangasinan News March 2017

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Pangasinan Province - Archived News
Interactive Google Satellite Map of Pangasinan Province, Philippines
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Map Locator of Pangasinan Province
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The Capitol Building of Pangasinan in the municipality of Lingayen

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Pangasinan State University, Asingan Campus
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Church in Aguilar Pangasinan

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.
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Tondol Beach, Anda

Secretary Piñol hails Pangasinan's agriculture

(PNA), LEONARDO V. MICUA

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PNA)-- Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel I. Piñol hailed the province's gains in agriculture which he described as “incontrovertible proofs of the will of local leaders to boost the agricultural assets of the province.”

In a speech delivered for him by Technical Director Nestor Burgos of DA Region 1, Piñol, during the opening of the 1st Pangasinan Umaani Expo at the Provincial Agriculture Center in Tebag, Sta. Barbara, said the holding of the exposition is a “solid testament to a united Pangasinan in boosting its agriculture and related industries.”

“The people of Pangasinan must be thankful for having a dynamic set of leaders who have opened the province's new doors of opportunities and progress,” said Burgos.

With the gains made and through, the Umaani expo, Burgos pointed out that Pangasinan is making a great leap from sustenance agriculture to market-oriented entrepreneurial agriculture.

The DA official stressed that the strengthened partnership between the provincial government and the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte needs to be maintained topropel Pangasinan to a greater agro-industrial growth.

The partnership bolters innovative farm systems and services of the provincial government that had led Pangasinan to become one of the country’s five rice and corn producing province.​

“The Umaani Expo has become a solid and fitting symbol of the synergy and collective will of the people of Pangasinan to contribute to the building of a strong agriculture sector and a prosperous Philippines,” Burgos said.

Governor Espino, on the other hand, underscored the unwavering support of the provincial administration to the agricultural boom of Pangasinan which started in 2007, under the watch of former Pangasinan Governor and now 5th district Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr.

"We are sustaining and expanding the successful programs already initiated by the previous provincial leadership, the governor said.

Citing the Umaani Expo as a recognition to the efforts and hardwork of the agricultural stakeholders, Governor Espino assured that the provincial government remains steadfast in upgrading agricultural facilities and integrating innovative strategies in agriculture governance.

Part of the Umaani opening program was a Thanksgiving Mass and the giving of plaques of recognition to 21 Umaani partner organizations and awarding of certificates to 1,590 graduates of agricultural trainings which include food processing, mushroom and silage production, tilapia culture and bangus processing which were held on the later part of opening ceremonies. ​

The opening program was attended by Board Members Liberato Villegas, Generoso Tulagan, Mayors Dominador Arenas of Labrador, Tyrone Agabas of Tayug, Alberto Guiang Jr. of Burgos, Infanta Vice Mayor Virgilio Vallarta, DA Pangasinan Research Experiment Center Chief Gilbert Rabara, Police provincial director Rinald Lee and several departmemt heads of th province.

Coinciding with Umaani Expo's day one activities was the celebration of Umaani Women’s Day held in the afternoon which featured events such as agribusiness forum, market matching, cooking competition and awarding the longest and the biggest fruits, vegetables and the sweetest rice cake delicacies.

Regional DRRM summit eyes stronger, more prepared disaster councils

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 30 (PIA) - Disaster council officers and members from the four provinces of Region I gathered Wednesday to upgrade their capacities and capabilities in becoming stronger and more prepared in the face of calamities and disasters.

Assistant Secretary Christopher Purisima of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the recent events in the country reflect its situation as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to hazards, thus the need to further empower the people.

Purisima, who represented Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, said the more local government units capacitate themselves, the less chance that they put other people’s lives in danger.

“Our DRRM efforts are integral to the survival of our DRMM programs. An informed populace is an empowered populace which translates to a safe populace,” Purisma said during the summit held at the Sison Auditorium.

Regional Director Melchito Castro of the Office of Civil Defense in Region I was elated of the solid partnership of all the provinces in the region and it was evident in their attendance to the event.

“The summit is a manifestation that we are serious in making our region safe and prepared for disasters,” Castro said.

Vice Governor Ferdinand Calimilm, who represented Gov. Amado Espino III, said being prepared is second nature to Pangasinenses and the Filipinos.

“As humans and responsible members of society, we have each other’s experiences to learn from. Pagbalik natin sa ating mga probinsiya, dala natin ang mas maayos na safety and security programs,” Calimlim said.

Highlights of the summit included the cascading of the national disaster response plan and the Japanese technology for Integrated Geographic information system (GIS) for the advancement of regional disaster prevention.

A ceremonial turnover of the “Ligtas at Aktibong Pamayanan” posters by the provincial government to youth representative John Mark Mangapot from the Pangasinan State University was also held to encourage the youth to become proactive in disaster preparedness.

DOST vows to help universities in Dagupan, Pangasinan on research, development

By Leonardo V. Micua (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY (PNA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is looking for universities in Dagupan and Pangasinan where it could extend help in research and development (R&D) pursuant to the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to the agency to bring down its research and development to the countryside and benefit the people.

This was stressed by DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña in his speech on Monday during the opening of the three-day Science and Technology Caravan at Main Atrium of CSI the City Mall in Lucao, Dagupan City.

Saying it is research and development that will solve most of the problems of the country if not the world, De la Peña said the President ordered the DOST to make available its services to the regions, provinces, cities and municipalities so that these can help develop products and new products needed by the people.

"We are identifying universities that have research centers whose researches devote on specific areas and even commodities, which we can infuse and strengthen," De la Peña said.

He cited that in Region 2, they have a research center for cocoa or cacao and expressed hope that Pangasinan and Dagupan can identify one commodity where researches can be focused soon.

At the same time, De la Peña said that in Region 1, there are consortium funding researches, ordinarily through the universities.

He said they have researches in the DOST that can hopefully develop new products as those churned out by the Forest Product Research Institute, one of the agencies of DOST, which recently came out with its engineered bamboo as well as resin used in many industries, the sap extracted from trees.

Saying that the Philippines is in the midst of extreme occurrences such as super typhoons on account of climate change, De la Peña said DOST, through its researches, can help make the Philippines a better place to live in.

Noting that garbage is a common problem among all local government units today, the DOST secretary said in the three-day caravan, they also want to feature proper technology in waste management.

He revealed the good news that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has adopted a new policy allowing waste-to-energy conversion, similar to the one being worked out by Dagupan to solve its more than 50-year-old garbage problem.

"This is a good development because the country has long wanted to do this but the only stumbling bloc is the clean air act which does not allow the burning of garbage," he added.

Under the Waste-to-Energy concept, there is no waste that would be burnt but merely converted into fuel, like diesel and bio-mass that can be used by homes, industries and motor vehicles.

As to the waste-to-energy project planned for Dagupan, De La Peña said he will ask Mayor Fernandez to provide him with all the documents so that he can help speed up the project.

He reiterated that research and development can bring more production in agriculture as well as in industries and other sectors.

He admitted that DOST has no institute devoted to agriculture but it has an agriculture and natural resources research council supporting researches in various institutions.

At the same time, Mayor Belen Fernandez thanked DOST for sharing with Dagupan City modern gadgets and technologies like an intensity meter, tsunami warning system, Rapid Earthquake Assessment (REDAS) software and other modern gadgets now being used by its Public Alert Response and Management Center (PARMC) where the city's E-Smart Operation Center is also located.

He said DOST is also extending no interest loans to industries that need to improve their tools of production to improve the quality and quantity of their products.

Pangasinan tourism expo starts April 5

(PNA), LVM

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 28 (PNA) -- Governor Amado I. Espino III will lead the opening of this year’s Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo (PTTE) on April 5 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC).

The expo, now on its 10th year, is one of the highlights of the annual Agew na Pangasinan (Pangasinan Day) and Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival) celebrations, to be held from April 5 to May 1 this year.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) chief, Ma. Luisa Elduayan, assured that the PTTE is more exciting this year as it is the first celebration under Espino III as governor.

Aside from its yearly display of various local products, the event is expected to lure more visitors with the addition of the new Capitol Food Park that will be located at the back of the Veterans Park, said Elduayan.

She said the food park will feature food stalls of popular restaurants of the province, in partnership with the Pangasinan Visitors Bureau (PVB), a non-stock, non-profit organization of tourism enterprises.

Another added attraction that will surely delight all art enthusiasts is this year’s Panag-Arte La Art Exhibit of paintings and photographs to be mounted at the PTDC.

The activity is presented by the “Liket Datek” Art Group in cooperation with the Pangasinan Lensmen.

Throughout the month-long expo, bonsai, garden and landscape aficionados shall be treated to an array of collections and landscaping designs.

The public is invited to visit the expo from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Vital infra to boost tourism in Dagupan

(JNPD/VHS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 27 (PIA) - Two big infrastructure projects to be co-funded by the national government are underway in Dagupan City to help boost its tourism industry.

Fourth District Representative Christoffer ‘Toff’ De Venecia identified the two projects in the city as the boardwalk along the Tondaligan Beach in Bonuan and the promenade or baywalk along the Pantal River in Barangay Pantal.

De Venecia said the twin projects have been endorsed by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo and Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“It will be the first of its kind infrastructures to be built in the city and both of these are courtesy of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte,” De Venecia told media men.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the baywalk to be constructed in Barangay Bonuan Tondaligan is a welcome breather to further entice tourists after actions to remove the illegal business structures in the area were conducted by the city government.

Fernandez said LGU-Dagupan is set to start the project shortly using its own fund while awaiting founding from the national government.

Meanwhile, Pantal village chief Julie Perez expressed her gratitude to the government for the promenade or baywalk which is now under construction along the Pantal River.

Perez said wastes from other municipalities are carried by the river’s current towards the docking area at the Pantal shoreline. The baywalk thus, will also serve as a barrier from the garbage that accumulate at the shoreline, she said.

“Manliket kami tan manpapasalamat ed gobyerno ta ginapuan da la may pangawa na bay walk diad sikami ta makatulong ya ed panlinis tan pamarakep ed barangay mi. (We are happy and thankful to the government for the start of the construction of the baywalk as this will help in the cleanliness and beautification of our barangay),” Perez told the Philippine Information Agency.

Perez said their only problem now is the relocation site of the residents who will be affected by the baywalk construction. She said, however, that the residents are willing to be relocated as they also leave the area whenever typhoons visit the city.

BIR-1 targets P1.8 trillion tax collection for 2017

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Ilocos Region officially launched its 2017 tax campaign program on Thursday at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen town.

BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay, who spearheaded the kick-off ceremony of the tax filing season in the region, said that one of the strategic programs that the agency is adopting is the “Ease of Doing Business” with BIR.

“We want the agency to be taxpayer-friendly and be service-oriented,” Dulay said.

For 2017, BIR initiates the streamlining of the requirements and process for business registration, issuance of electronic certificate, issuance of tax clearances, and certification of Importer’s Clearance Certificate (ICC) and Broker’s Clearance Certificate (BCC).

“If the procedures and the documentary requirements are lessened, then taxpayers will be inclined to pay more of their taxes,” he added.

Dulay said for 2017, their Agency is tasked to collect P1.829 trillion which is 16 percent higher than the P1.575 trillion tax collections last year.

“The BIR is tasked to collect revenue and 80 percent of the revenues of the government come from taxpayers that are collected by BIR,” he said.

Taxes paid by taxpayers are necessary for the continued operations and investment of the government, Dulay said adding “‘yan (tax) po ay ginagamit po natin pambayad ng mga public school teachers, army, to support infrastructure programs, social development programs of the government, etc.”

“If we achieve more than our goal, we will be able to share more and try to reduce the poverty incidence in the country,” he said appealing to all taxpayers in the region to help BIR in their campaign and pay their correct taxes on time.

Likewise, Dulay appealed to all BIR employees not to participate in any cycle of corruption.

He said with the cooperation of everybody, corruption in the government will stop and the country will be able to achieve the activity’s theme “Tunay na Pagbabago Para sa Bayan, Para sa ating Lahat.”

53 PWDs graduate from year-long training

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

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Fifty-three persons with disability (PWDs) from Regions 1, 2, 3, and the Cordilleras proudly marched in the 54th graduation rites held Wednesday in Dagupan City.

Elizabeth Manuel, training center superintendent of the Area I Vocational and Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) based in Dagupan City, said the annual graduation marks another milestone for PWD citizens and creates opportunities for them as partners for change.

“After a year of training, we share the joy with you as you feel renewed hopes for a brighter tomorrow and we are happy that we are instrumental in making your rights real,” Manuel told the graduates.

Purita Cueto, senior manpower development officer, presented to the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) the graduates who finished the comprehensive social and vocational training courses on dressmaking (6), tailoring (7), cookery (10), massage therapy (18), beauty care and hairdressing (7), men’s hair cutting (6), and social rehabilitation (1).

Miguel Limon, regional program coordinator of the (NCDA) who represented Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, said he felt the excitement of the graduates to spread their wings and look for their place to maximize their learning and skills.

Limon said NCDA is happy whenever they learn of PWDs who become successful in their chosen endeavors because it is an indication of the Council’s success in pushing for programs and policies for PWDs.

“You have fought battles beyond compare and you have proven that disability is not in anyway a deterrent to succeed in life,” Limon said.

Two former graduates of AVRC also gave their profound gratitude to the institution as they are now relishing good jobs.

Grace Balbin (visually-impaired) is now an online-teacher and Annie Rose Rumbaua (orthopedically-handicapped) is now a chef in a university cafeteria and has represented the Philippines in an international competition in France.

DILG-R1 to showcase Dagupan village in barangay assembly

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

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Region I is set to showcase a village in Dagupan City in the simultaneous nationwide Barangay Assembly set on March 25.

Derick Dawis, chief local government operations officer of Dagupan City, said DILG has chosen Barangay Pantal, one of the most populated villages in the city, to showcase in the assembly.

Dawis urged the public to take part in the assembly in every barangay as it is open to all Filipino citizens 15 years old and above who have been residents of the barangay for at least six months.

“The Barangay Assembly is the proper venue to discuss community concerns and it is also here where the residents will know how barangay officials are spending their barangay funds,” Dawis told the Philippine Information Agency.

The Saturday event will comprise two parts. The first will be the opening program with messages from Mayor Belen Fernandez and DILG Regional Director James Fadrilan and an introduction to the Philippine hosting of the Association of South East Nations (ASEAN).

This will be followed by the second part where Barangay Captain Julita Perez will deliver her State of the Barangay Address and financial report followed by a discussion on national laws and issuances, Federalism, barangay issues and concerns, and the MASA MASID, a barangay-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption and anti-illegal drugs program of the DILG.

MASA MASID stands for Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga.

Dawis said this year’s theme is “Sulong Barangay Kontra Droga, Krimen at Katiwalian: Makialam, Makilahok, Makiisa!”

Republic Act 7160 of the Local Government Code of 1991 and Proclamation No. 260 declares the last Saturday of March and second Saturday of October as Barangay Assembly Days.

'Gilon-Gilon' street dancing to spice up Bangus Festival on April 21

(PNA), LVM

DAGUPAN CITY, March 23 (PNA) -- Street dancers from 31 barangays, clustered in six groups, will take center stage in Dagupan City on April 21 with the holding of "Gilon-Gilon ed Baley" as part of the Dagupan Bangus Festival 2017.

"Gilon-gilon" is a dance step introduced in the city 25 years ago simulating the actual movements of fishermen while harvesting their milkfish (bangus) from their fishponds which is why the street dancers, garbed in fishermen's clothes and gears, look as if they are catching fish.

Bangus Festival 2017, the biggest summer come-on in Dagupan, opens on April 2 with the ceremonial opening of a carnival and a flea market (baratillo) in Lucao near the Jose R. de Venecia Expressway.

This year’s Gilon-Gilon will be chaired by Pantal Barangay Chairman Julie Ann Perez as this year's competition now excludes her barangay on this year’s competition being already the hall of famer for winning the title of the Gilon-Gilon Street Dancing for three consecutive years.

The Bangus Festival 2017 Executive chairman is balikbayan Epee Rafanan who disclosed that the clustering aims to provide opportunities for the different villages to be able to showcase a bigger and better street dancing presentation.

These are Cluster 1: Salisay, Mangin, Bolosan, Tebeng, Mamalingling and Tambac; Cluster 2 – Bonuan Gueset, Bonuan Binloc, and Bonuan Boquig; Cluster 3 – Calmay, Carael, Salapingao, Lomboy and Pugaro.

Cluster 4 – Caranglaan, Bacayao Sur, Bacayao Norte, Mayombo and Herrero-Perez; Lasip Grande, Pogo Grande, Pogo Chico, Malued, Lasip Chico and Lucao; and Cluster 6 – Tapuac, Poblacion Oeste, Barangay 1, Barangay 2 and 3, and Barangay 4.

Winner in the Gilon-Gilon tilt will earn the right to represent the city in the Festivals of the North, a battle of Festivals’ All-Star Street Dancing winners from different provinces and municipalities on April 28.

To date, eight participants have already signified their intent to join the Festivals of the North 2017 competition.

These are Tinungbo Festival of Pugo, La Union; Dinamulag Mango Festival of Masinloc, Zambales; Pamulinawem of Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Pindangan Festival of San Fernando, La union; Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; Abel-Iloko Festival of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Goat Festival of Balungao, Pangasinan; and Damili Festival of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

Biggest, longest farm products in Pangasinan at 1st Umaani Expo

(PNA), LVMICUA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PNA)-- The 1st Umaani Expo in Pangasinan set March 28 to April 1 at the Provincial Nursery in Sta. Barbara town will showcase the biggest and the longest fruits, vegetables, other crops, farm animals and fish produced by the durable farmers of Pangasinan.

The agricultural exposition is a brainchild of Governor Amado I. Espino III to promote Pangasinan agricultural products that catapulted it as the breadbasket of Region 1, if not in the whole of Luzon.

A top feature of the exposition, said Dalisay Moya, provincial agriculturist officer-in-charge, is the “pinaka” contests which will search for the biggest fruits, vegetables, other crops, farm animals and products to be feted according to their ‘'superlative degree of classification.

Moy said in the "pinaka" contests, farmers, fisherfolks, farm animal raisers, and entrepreneurs will showcase their biggest, longest and sweetest agricultural products.

In the most delicious rice product contest during the (Farmers Day) on March 29, an array of native rice cake delicacies which include the native "nilatikan", "binuburan" and "suman" will take center stage.

During the Fruits and Vegetables Farmers Day, on March 30, participants will see the biggest (for fruits) mango, papaya, banana, water melon; for vegetables-- the longest eggplant, biggest tomato, longest string beans, biggest patola and biggest squash; other garden vegetables--biggest cassava and ubi, biggest red and white onions, biggest ginger and biggest yellow corn.

On the other hand, the contests will find out the fastest one to eat green mango, fastest to eat red and white onions, glutinous corn, fastest to eat chili and fastest to shell corn.

During the Fisherfolk and Farm Animal Raisers Day on March 31, there will be a search for the largest fish which include tilapia, bangus, carps, mudfish, catfish, climbing perch, gourami, shellfish, and prawns.

The other contests include: the fastest to catch fish from the pond, Fastest to sort out male and female Tilapia, Fastest to estimate the number of Tilapia fingerlings, fastest to sort out and debone bangus, and fastest to weave nets.

There will also be crab race to determine which one is the fastest.

Best herds of cattle which include carabao, goat, will also be featured on March 31, to be followed by a dog show.

Dagupan to host DOPST's S&T Caravan, March 27-29

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA

DAGUPAN CITY (PNA)-- The city of Dagupan will host the S&T (Science and Technology) Caravan of the Department of Science and Technology (*DOST) on March 27-29.

Alexa Apostol. science and technology specialist of DOST in Pangasinan, said the opening program of the caravan to be attended by DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena Jr.is set at the Main Atrium of CSI the City Mall.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, who wants to make Dagupan a smart city in a few years, will welcome all the participants as she encouraged students to attend.

Apostol said the DOST secretary will also lead in the ribbon cutting of the Smart-Geo Cloud Operations Center at Dagupan City Hall and also inspect its facilities.

She said a technology forum is slated at the VIP room of CSI Stadia to discuss topics like Cyber Security, Software/Game MINECRAFT for United Nations Habitat Project, Game Development-Disaster Imagination Game (Geocloud General Radio Communications Officers Training, licensing and radio network

There will also be information drive on DOST Scholarship Programs, DOST Starbook and poster-making contest.

Ms. Apostol said there will also be fish processing seminar and seminar on calibration.

Participants will also be shown science magic film, science centrum interactive exhibit and rxBox demonstrations.

Day 2 starts with the viewing of S&T Exhibits at Main Atrium of CSI the City Mall and Technology Forum on the best Practices of the Dagupan City Smart Operation Center, Dengue Surveillance System, Emergency/Nutrition Food Products and Emergency Food: Flour-based, salt technology for processors , basic baking 101 and others.

The other topics in the technology forum are Ecosep, Bioreactor and Biogas/Plastic Densifier.

The livelihood training are those for meat processing and making of fish buro, meat management and food handling. candle-making.

Apostol said DOST already brought S&T Caravan in San Fabian town last year.

Dagupan's water district leads river clean-up for World Water Day

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

DAGUPAN CITY, March 16 (PIA) - A riverside clean-up drive was led jointly by the Dagupan City Water District and Barangay Pantal residents here in observance of this year’s World Water Day.

Marge Navata, public relations officer of DCWD, said the celebration is anchored on the theme “Water and Waste Water.”

“We highlighted here the symbiotic relationship ng water and waste water in development. Kung ‘yung ating mga kailugan ay contaminated, magkakaroon ng effect ito sa ating kalusugan,” Navata told the Philippine Information Agency.

When pollutants, wastes, and contaminants abound, people and even marine life become unhealthy and thus, development goals of the community will not be achieved, she added.

Navata said DCWD has chosen to clean the Pantal River as it is a significant river in Dagupan City where the River Cruise and other water activities take place.

Village chief Julie Perez said although regular clean-up drives are conducted at the Pantal River, wastes from other municipalities are carried by the river’s current towards the docking area at the Pantal shoreline.

“Gusto namin malinis ang Pantal River kaya panay ang linis namin. Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa gobyerno na ginagawa na ang baywalk dito sa amin para hindi na pasukan ng mga basura ang ilog,” Perez said.

Perez said the baywalk project of the Department of Public Works and Highways has started and will hopefully be finished this year.

Aside from DCWD employees, the Barangay Pantal family and members of the Philippine Guardian Brotherhood International participated in the clean-up activity.

Sto. Tomas town sets sight on 2 new Guinness world records

(PNA), CVL/LVM/LVMICUA/1100/

STO. TOMAS, Pangasinan (PNA) -- After etching its name in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 for having the longest barbecue, the town of Sto. Tomas is eyeing two more world records on April 2 when it celebrates its fiesta.

Mayor Timoteo “Dick” Villar III said with the cooperation of the townspeople, Sto. Tomas would hopefully set a new world record for the "Longest Line of Tables" and the first world record for the "Longest Boodle".

He said 2,470 tables, each measuring 2.43 meters, are being readied to be lined up along the entire stretch of the provincial road from the Welcome Arc at the boundary of Rosales and Sto. Tomas, all the way to the boundary of Sto. Tomas and Alcala, for a total distance of 6 km.

Villar said they will try to eclipse the existing world record owned by Alexandria, Egypt for assembling 4.3 km. of tables.

Meanwhile, in its attempt to set the first world record for the longest boodle, Sto. Tomas is preparing 3,600 kg. of pork and 3,600 kg. of vegetables to be cooked into what they call the "Adobong Sto. Tomas con Maiz".

Together with steamed rice that could reach 60 sacks, the dish will be laid on the 6-km. line of tables for the people of Sto. Tomas to enjoy in a "boodle fight".

The mouth-watering "Adobong Sto. Tomas con Maiz" is an original recipe from the town, which is famous for its corn.

Corn is Sto. Tomas' "One Town, One Product", Villar said.

In 2008, Sto. Tomas bagged the world record for the "Longest Barbecue" when the townspeople, led by then Mayor Vivien Villar, an aunt of the present mayor, grilled 93,540 ears of glutinous corn over hot charcoal placed in 1,559 meters of inter-connected grills, each measuring 2.4 meters.

Villar said he is confident that they can set up the new world records after successfully conducting a dry run for these two activities on March 12.

Pangasinan to observe special, non-working holiday on April 5 to mark foundation day

(PNA), LAP/LVM/RSM

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PNA) -- It will be a special non-working holiday in Pangasinan on April 5 this year when the province commemorates its 437th founding anniversary with elaborate ceremonies and the holding of a commemorative program at the provincial capitol to be led by Governor Amado Espino III.

This was contained in Proclamation No. 179 issued by Malacanang at the request of the Pangasinan provincial government.

The celebration, marked as Pangasinan Day, will be highlighted by the giving of ASNA awards to outstanding Pangasinenses here and abroad who excelled in their respective professions and calling that made their province and people proud.

The province of Pangasinan was made an administrative province of Spain on April 5, 1580, one of the first few provinces in the country that was given such status.

The name of the province was derived from the word "asin" (salt), hence the name "Pangasinan" (salt pan).

Dagupan's water district leads river clean-up for World Water Day

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

DAGUPAN CITY, March 16 (PIA) - A riverside clean-up drive was led jointly by the Dagupan City Water District and Barangay Pantal residents here in observance of this year’s World Water Day.

Marge Navata, public relations officer of DCWD, said the celebration is anchored on the theme “Water and Waste Water.”

“We highlighted here the symbiotic relationship ng water and waste water in development. Kung ‘yung ating mga kailugan ay contaminated, magkakaroon ng effect ito sa ating kalusugan,” Navata told the Philippine Information Agency.

When pollutants, wastes, and contaminants abound, people and even marine life become unhealthy and thus, development goals of the community will not be achieved, she added.

Navata said DCWD has chosen to clean the Pantal River as it is a significant river in Dagupan City where the River Cruise and other water activities take place.

Village chief Julie Perez said although regular clean-up drives are conducted at the Pantal River, wastes from other municipalities are carried by the river’s current towards the docking area at the Pantal shoreline.

“Gusto namin malinis ang Pantal River kaya panay ang linis namin. Malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa gobyerno na ginagawa na ang baywalk dito sa amin para hindi na pasukan ng mga basura ang ilog,” Perez said.

Perez said the baywalk project of the Department of Public Works and Highways has started and will hopefully be finished this year.

Aside from DCWD employees, the Barangay Pantal family and members of the Philippine Guardian Brotherhood International participated in the clean-up activity.

2 outstanding young Pangasinenses commended

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 13 (PNA) -- The Pangasinan provincial board passed two resolutions on Monday (Provincial Resolution No. 584-2017 and 585-2017) commending two young Pangasinenses for their outstanding feats in their respective fields.

They are 2nd Lt. Sheila Marie C. De Guzman, who who graduated No. 7 in her class in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and Arnold Joseph Octaviano Geronimo, who was No. 5 in the recent Medical Technology board examination.

Both are natives of Manaoag town.

De Guzman is the daughter of Ret. Col. Fernando De Guzman of the Philippine Air Force who was the former Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).

A consistent honor student in her elementary and secondary education, de Guzman graduated Cum Laude in her tertiary years with the degree of Bachelor of Arts major in Financial Management in 2013. She entered PMA after her college graduation.

Meanwhile, Geronimo made it as 5th placer in the 2017 Medical Technologist Board Examination.

Just like De Guzman, Geronimo is an alumnus of Manaoag National High School and is the son of Engr. and Mrs. Arnold Raul Geronimo.

For their achievements, the two Pangasinenses were cited in the approved resolutions authored by Board Member Jeremy Agerico Rosario and co-sponsored by all members of the board, as “excellent examples and role models to younger Pangasinense generations.”

As such, De Guzman and Geronimo will personally receive their plaques of recognition duly signed by the members of the board and by Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino III on March 20, during the regular flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza.

Dagupan's Bangus Festival kicks off April 2

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/

DAGUPAN CITY (PNA) -- Dagupan's biggest summer spectacle, Bangus Festival, will reel off on April 2 to May 1 with new and exciting events awaiting visitors and the locals.

Among the the new events are the holding of a “Fun, Fun, Fun ed Tondaligan” set in the newly re-launched Tondaligan Beach by the Lingayen Gulf, rich with its famous sands.

However, prior to the festival's grand opening, the Bangusan Village will be opened on March 31 at the New De Venecia Extension Highway to host a carnival and a flea market called "baratillo", and a food court for native delicacies, an activity seen to last till June 30 in time for the celebration of Dagupan City's Platinum Year on June 20, marking Dagupan's 75th year as an independent component city.

City Tourism Officer Sharon Maramba said all the activities during the grand opening day will be held at the Tondaligan Blue Beach where people will have a chance to enjoy watching the sand sculpture contest, kite flying, “Galaw na Ogogaw” (Children's Games) and “Sayawan ed Tondaligan”.

Also at the beach is the volleyball clinic of the Beach Volleyball Republic on April 7 to 9 to help facilitate the holding of a local beach volleyball tournament among local players.

In this activity, beachcombers will have the chance to watch their favorite national beach volleyball players in the flesh who will compete in the Beach Volleyball Exhibition Finals.

Local skateboard fanatics will also compete with each other in the 4th Wave Skateboarding Competition dubbed as "Skate the Tides" set on April 8 at the Dagupan City Plaza while slalom enthusiasts will have a chance to watch their favorite players play the game at the CSI Helipad on April 9 in the 2017 Slalom Event.

Part of the festival celebration would be the giving of employment opportunities to local job seekers in a job fair set on April 20 starting at 9:00 a.m. at the CSI Atrium.

April 21 would be the day slated for the "Gilon-Gilon ed Baley", a street dancing competition among the city's 31 villages to select which team will represent the city in the much awaited Festivals of the North, an all star street dancing competition on April 28.

After the Gilon-Gilon ed Baley, the Bangus Rodeo, a bangus beauty pageant and games will be held the next day at the city plaza.

On April 22 to 23, there will be the Philswim at the Dagupan City poolside. In the evening of April 22, the UP North Music and Arts Festival will be held at the CSI Helipad.

At 5:00 in the early morning of April 23, the Bangus Festival Fun Run at the New De Venecia Extension Highway will be held, to be followed by an open golf tournament at the Dagupan Golf and Beach Club in Bonuan and the Mistisang Bangus Gay Beauty Pageant at the Dagupan City Plaza starting at 6:00 p.m.

The different ways to cook bangus called the Bangusine, a Bangus Culinary Showcase, will be held on April 25 at the city plaza from 4:00 in the afternoon.

On April 26 at 5:00 p.m., hip-hop dancers will compete against each other in the Dance Philippines Hip-hop Battle at the city plaza.

The Bangusan Street Party at the New De Venecia Extension Highway will be held on April 30 while on May 1, on the occasion of the Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival), there will be Beach Bodies Party at Tondaligan Blue Beach.

Well-known bands like Sponge Cola, Itchyworms, Rocksteddy, Silent Sanctuary, SUD, Jensen and the Flips, Lunarlights, Brisom, Up Dharma Down, Giniling Festival and more will perform during the Bangusan Street Party.

1st Gayak Pangasinan Show set April 7

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA

LINGAYEN Pangasinan (PNA)-- Preparations are now underway for the holding of the 1st Gayak Pangasinan ‘Women Leaders for a Cause’ on April 7, starting at 7p.m. at the Sison Auditorium as part of activities for the Pangasinan Pistay Dayat 2017.

The Filipino word Gayak’ literally means "to dress up" and bears relevance to "gearing up for a certain cause" as it is a fundraising activity organized by the Local Councils’ of Women (LCW) Pangasinan Chapter.

This is in partnership with the provincial government of Pangasinan and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Lingayen Liberation II.

LCW Provincial Chairperson Marilyn Sison, vice mayor of Urbiztondo town, said the Gayak event signifies that “women leaders in Pangasinan are united to carry out pioneering advocacies that seek to reach out women in the grassroots.”

Expressing support to the "Gayak" event, Governor Amado Espino III noted that the activity seeks to help level up women empowerment and serves as a good opportunity to make women leaders in Pangasinan, who are members of the LCW, "more solid and intact to engage them in advocacies benefiting the women sector."

Showcasing a socio-cultural and tourism perspective, the event will also feature women leaders from various localities in the province with diverse cultural backgrounds, donning their Filipiniana gowns designed by local designers.

Women leaders of Pangasinan are also being branded as modern-day Urdujas of Pangasinan who immortalize the refine character, strength and brilliance of the legendary warrior princess of the province.

To be held as part of the Pistay Dayat revelry, "Gayak" is also packaged as a tourism attraction as nationally-acclaimed Pangasinense talents in the performing arts will be seen on stage during the Gala Show.

Cultural performance will also be presented by the "Danggoan" Pangasinan Cultural Group of the provincial government.

Tickets are sold at PHP1,000 each which is inclusive of a dinner for one.

TESDA eyes more scholars in new tendering system

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 9 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) eyes more scholars to take up technical - vocational (tech-voc) courses with the launch of its tendering system for scholarships.

Deputy Director General Diosdado Padilla personally handed the scholarship certificates to some 200 tech-voc schools in Region I during the launch of the new system for Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen town.

Padilla said that with the tendering system, all Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) with registered Tech-Voc Educational Training (TVET) programs can submit their Tender or Form 1 to TESDA offices.

“Magkakaroon ng pantay-pantay na karapatan ang bawat TVI na makabahagi sa scholarship allocation na ipinagkakaloob ng TESDA sa ating mga kababayan,” Padilla said during the launching program on Tuesday.

With the tendering system, barangay captains would lead the listing of their constituents who would want to go into training as scholars and eventually land a livelihood opportunity. Enrolees would then enter in an accredited school of their choice that offers Tech-Voc courses, Padilla said.

An important component of the TWSP is actual employment after the training, which is why it is open to everyone who wish to train and garner employment, he added.

“Sa guidelines ng scholarship, puwede lang makapag-participate muli ang TVI kung makapagbibigay ito ng mataas na antas ng employment,” the official said.

Regional Director Cenon Querubin said about P65 million is allocated for the TWSP scholarships in Region I with 15,000 slots available.

Querubin said the regional performance of TVIs and employment is higher than the national average of 62 percent.

Pangasinan II retains title, Dagupan City 2nd place in R1AA Meet

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA

BANTAY, Ilocos Sur, March 8 (PNA)-- With the results of only three ball games yet being awaited, defending champion Pangasinan II is now in the threshold of retaining its crown in the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet (R1AA) which ends Wednesday afternoon at theQuirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

On Wednesday morning, only four gold medals separate Pangasinan II with second-running Dagupan City, last-year's R1AA second placer.

Officials said granting that Dagupan wins in all three games still being played, it will not be enough to topple the defending champion.

As of 6:33 p.m. of March 7, Pangasinan II leads in the partial unofficial standing among 14 delegations participating in the meet being hosted by Ilocos Sur with 52 gold, 50 silver and 36 bronze medals, with Dagupan City in close second as it amassed 48 gold, 39 silver and 38 bronze medals.

Pangasinan II and Dagupan City made a 1-2 finish in the 2016 R1AA meet held in San Carlos City where the latter delegation trailed the former by the proverbial mile.

In this year's meet, Pangasinan II earned 16 gold medals in the elementary division and 36 in the secondary division while Dagupan City retained its second place overall finish by winning 14 gold medals in the elementary division and 39 golds in the secondary division.

Urdaneta City is in third place with 36 gold, 29 silver and 39 bronze medals while Pangasinan I placed fourth overall with 34 gold, 32 silver and 42 bronze medals.

La Union is in fifth place by bagging 27 gold, 37 silver and 31 bronze medals while Ilocos Norte is in sixth with 25 gold, 31 silver and 54 bronze medals. Laoag City had 25 gold, 31 silver and 54 bronze medals for seventh place.

On the other hand, Batac City was in eighth place with 24 gold, 21 silver and three bronze medals, followed by San Fernando City in ninth place with 16 gold, 10 silver and 17 bronze medals.

San Carlos City won 15 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze medals, good for 10th place while host Ilocos Sur was in 11th place with 11 gold, 18 silver and 24 bronze medals.

At the same time, Alaminos City had nine gold, three silver and 16 bronze medals for a 12th place finish, followed by Candon City with two gold, four silver and seven gold medals while Vigan City is in the cellar with one gold, two silver and 11 bronze medals.

Pangasinan buying 2 ATV

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, March 7 (PNA)-- The provincial government is buying two units of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV ) for use of the General Service Office (GSO) in its daily operations within and outside the provincial capitol compound here.

This was provided for in Provincial Resolution No. 572-2017 approved on Monday by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on motion of Third District Board Members Angel Baniqued Jr. and First District Board Member Napoleon Fontelera Jr.

Board Member Baniqued here said the ATVs shall be used primarily by provincial security guards in patrolling `the premises of the provincial capitol and the environs.

An ATV is a small quadri-cycle off road vehicle, usually for leisure purposes but can also be used in patrolling parks such as the capitol premises and the beach.

The GSO to date is in dire need of vehicles to be used for its basic daily operations within or outside the capitol compound, the SP added.

Relevance of P’sinan Studies cited

(PIO/ MGNO)

LINGAYEN –The second installment of its lecture series of the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS) on February 27 held at the Sison Auditorium cited the relevance of Pangasinan Studies in the locale, national and international setting.

The CPS lecture “Pangasinan Studies: The Locale, National and the Global” by Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Commissioner Ma. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores was attended by educators who specialize in research and community development and students from higher education institutions, elementary and secondary schools and employees from the provincial government.

Addressing the participants on behalf of Gov. Amado Espino III, Provincial Administrator Nimrod Camba cited the CPS for steering the research work on Pangasinan to help in the efforts to attain the development thrusts set by the provincial administration.

Camba said the CPS inaugural lecture in July 2016 which had Commission of Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Prospero De Vera, former University of the Philippines (UP) Vice President for Public Affairs, as the resource speaker was a good opportunity for Pangasinenses to connect with the current issue: “Challenges and Opportunities of a Federal Philippines.”

CPS Director Perla E. Legazpi said “Pangasinan Studies connects people on the set-up in the locale, national as well as to the world and global setting,” she added.

Dr. Flores, a UP professor, lauded the provincial government for continuing the extensive promotion and preservation of the Pangasinan language which was undertaken under the administration of former Pangasinan governor and now 5th district Representative Amado I. Espino Jr.

She noted the intervention activities initiated by the provincial leadership that include institutionalizing Pangasinan Hymn, enrichment of Pangasinan Orthography and the launching of literary contest in Pangasinan language ‘Kurit Panlunggaring’ as monumental efforts to protect the Pangasinan language from the threat of oblivion.

Citing all these intervention strategies, she denied speculations that Pangasinan language is dying to note the fact that there are still over a million Pangasinenses who speak the dialect.

Scholarships in five state universities

(Manila Standard Lifestyle)

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) has launched a program that will provide full scholarship grants to select graduating students in five state universities nationwide.

The five state universities include Pangasinan State University in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan; Central State University in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in Intramuros, Manila; Batangas State University in Batangas City, Batangas; and Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

The GSMI Scholarship Program will provide full scholarship grants to students of B.S. Mechanical Engineering and B.S. Chemistry who are in their final year. Upon passing their board examinations, scholars are also considered for employment opportunities in the company’s facilities.

“GSMI has always been committed to helping secure a better future for the youth by providing free education and employment opportunities. The scholarship program combines the company’s corporate social responsibility thrust of building better communities and the goal of developing a talent pool for the company’s cadetship and traineeship programs. With the company’s numerous plants and facilities located in different regions of the country, opportunities for our scholars are countless,” says GSMI Human Resources Manager Roxanne Millan.

GSMI is the producer of the world’s no. 1 selling gin Ginebra San Miguel and other quality liquor products including Vino Kulafu, Ginebra San Miguel Premium Gin, GSM Blue, GSM Blue Flavors, Antonov Vodka and Primera Light Brandy.

FEATURE: Salt industry in Pangasinan: More than business, it’s a family enterprise

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

DASOL, Pangasinan (PIA) - Travelling from the big city in Manila going up north, one would undoubtedly pass through the northern gate of Region I - the province of Pangasinan.

The thickly populated province of Pangasinan, with 2.65 million residents, derived its name from salt or ‘asin’ in the vernacular. Pangasinan or PanagASINan literally means ‘where salt is made’ owing to the rich and fine salt beds or ‘banigan’ which were the source of livelihood for the province’s coastal towns sans fishing.

Setting off from Dagupan City, a two-hour drive will lead one to the ‘Home of Quality Salt’ — the western town of Dasol. Once in the vicinity, vast stretches of salt beds will greet every visitor and the welcome sign of quality salt will surely catch a traveller’s attention.

Municipal Agriculturist Vilma Nifas explains why Dasol prides itself with good quality salt. This salt town boasts of 114 hectares of mangrove rehabilitation area which will soon be declared as a marine protected area.

“Mangroves, as we all know is a natural filter. Water is filtered even before it reaches the rivers and salt beds of Dasol, kaya malinis and tubig,” Nifas said.

To protect the municipal waters, Dasol remains firm in its staunch stand against mining and the proliferation of fish cages and fish pens, making sure that no impurities enter the waters.

“Protecting the waters and the environment means protecting the salt industry and the livelihood of Dasolinians,” she added.

Agricultural Technologist Frieda Briz explained that salt beds, measuring 18 x 22 feet, are made of tiles that resemble bricks.

Small ponds and water depositors are also built around them. Salt farmers usually start their chore in October. Each brick is carefully laid out one by one. One farmer can tend to at least 25 salt beds. Each ‘banigan’ is patiently watered to a certain depth at least every week, until watering becomes three times a week, until it is time for a daily checking.

By mid-February, salt farmers start to do the ‘kayod’ or raking of the salt produce. Peak season, where salt is at its best quality, is usually in March or April. The longer the dry spell, the more salt is produced.

Briz said salt generally yield good money if harvest is good. Dasol produces around 300, 000 cavans (or 18 million kilograms) of salt from its 10,000 salt beds during peak season. With one cavan pegged at P100, production translates to some P30 million in gross income.

But more than the monetary claim, salt making industry is more of a family enterprise.

Nine of its 18 barangays are active in the salt business. While one father farmer can tend to at least 25 salt beds, he cannot do it alone. His wife and elder children help in the industry during peak season. He even hires a laborer to help in the chore. The families, altogether, tend to their banigans. A pond maker, water depositor maker, and brick layer are also needed, thus more employment are elicited.

During harvest, hundreds of baskets or ‘kaing’ are needed giving livelihood to basket weavers. Bris said a big farm owner has come to their place to buy all the salt beds and make the residents as ‘laborers’. The local government and the residents did not heed this proposal as the industry is a livelihood source loved by the Dasolinians and passed on from generation to generation.

“As laborers, salary is fixed. But if they tend to their beds and put their hearts into it, they produce more, they share more. And by being industrious and patient, there will be more chance uplifting their lives,” Briz said.

With the innate love for the industry, the public can be sure that the crystal white, good quality salt of Pangasinan will continue to reach the dining tables of every home.

Dagupan's Music Summit benefits children

(PNA), CVL/LVM/LVMICUA/1630

DAGUPAN CITY, March 2 (PNA) -- Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez has lauded the Music Summit held here from Feb. 27 to March 1, saying it is the city's own way of expressing its love and affection to children.

Thousands of children from various elementary and high schools in the city joined the summit, which was graced by members of the University of Sto. Tomas Conservatory of Music and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, both of whom inspired the children with their performances.

Dagupan City Schools Superintendent Froserfina Bravo also attended the closing of the three-day event.

“This is the heart of our agenda for the children of Dagupan, with the end in view that we must welcome the people we want our children to be,” Fernandez said.

During the summit, the students stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the finest artists of the country who taught them music and shared what they know to the children of Dagupan.

This was the second Music Summit to be held in Dagupan.

The mayor said she believes that the positive influence of music artists could change a child’s life. She thanked the children and their parents and guardians for attending the summit, and the artists for their efforts.

“It is our great fortune that we share this conviction and commitment with our dear friends from the UST Conservatory of Music and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra,” said Fernandez.

Dagupan sends 427 athletes, coaches to R1AA meet

(PNA), FPV/LVM/LVMICUA

DAGUPAN CITY, March 1 (PNA)-- A total of 427 athletes and coaches will represent Dagupan City in this year's Region 1 Athletic Association (IRAA) meet in Vigan, Ilocos Sur from March 4 to 8.

Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said the city's athletes will seek to preserve, if not improve, their runner-up finish in the 2016 edition of R1AA meet then held in San Carlos City.

The opening program of R1AA meet will be on March 4 at 2 p.m. at the newly-renovated Quirino Stadium in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

The city delegation will compete with 13 delegations in more than 20 different game categories.

In this meet, Dagupan will compete in more events than last year's.

The events include billiards, goal ball, wushu and bocce, archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, chess, boxing, football, futsal, gymnastics, lawn tennis, sepak-takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball and wrestling.

The city government granted its athletes financial support amounting to PHP960.00, aside from their uniforms and gadgets.

In her talk with the athletes on Wednesday, Mayor Fernandez urged them to bring home gold medals so they can equal if not exceed their runner-up finish last year and 7th in 2015.

But before this, Dagupan was always nowhere in the top standing among the 14 R1AA delegations.

"I remember when I held my first school board meeting with DepEd as mayor of the city three years ago, when I asked the sports coordinator Edil Abalos about the strength and weakness of the Dagupan athletes, he wryly told me that we won only for having the best uniform," Fernandez. said.

In its historic second place finish in the R1AA in San Carlos City last year, Dagupan trailed champion Pangasinan 2.

“Aim for gold. Aim for number 1,” said Fernandez as she assured the athletes that an incentive awaits those who will bring home gold medals. (PNA)

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