Pangasinan News May 2016

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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

Dagupan now primed to be new IT hub in PHL

(PNA), FFC/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, May 31 (PNA) -– An official of the Information Technology Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has declared that Dagupan City is now at its prime to be the next Information Technology (IT) hub in the country.

Jonathan Defensor De Luzuriaga, also president of the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), spoke during an Information Technology Business Process Management (IT–BPM) Industry Forum attended the city’s ICT stakeholders sponsored by the Dagupan City Information and Communications Technology (DCITC) at CSI Stadia here.

Two of the city’s established ICT stakeholders, the PLDT and Globe participated in the forum along with the different ICT representatives of the different colleges and universities in the city, government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and the local government of Dagupan and other ICT organizations.

The council, with Mayor Belen T. Fernandez as chairman, aims to develop an IT-BPM industry in the city in a bid to create jobs to at least 500 to 5,000 IT graduates especially so that the city has been recognized as one of the top 10 next wave cities in the country.

And as such, Dagupan was adjudged as one of the best locations for Information Technology and Business Process Management Industry next to Manila, Cebu, Clark and Bacolod City.

“Dagupan must walk in cadence with the rest of the country with many urban communities and cities in mad dash to claim a share in the great promise of IT-BPM opportunities driving a new level of growth, and bringing the dreams of its people to reality that comes with an improved and better disposable income for those who will be employed by these businesses,” said Mayor Fernandez.

The mayor expressed optimism that the opportunities that is now in the city’s doorstep is an opportunity that can change the path that the city is taking.

“If I am glowingly confident about the prospects of this venture, it is because I believe what this means to the dreams of many Dagupeños and their families,” she added.

De Luzuriaga assured that in June, he will submit to the city the IT-BPM roadmap of Dagupan which if followed is expected to create employment, development and revenues.

“Once this road map is in place, this would mean more jobs and more jobs to come in the city. We just need to work for it because it would take more than the city government to make this work. If we can create job opportunities here then our graduates need not go someplace outside the city to be able to seek employment. This is not a political exercise but an economic exercise. We are creating jobs for the people,” said De Luzuriaga.

De Luzuriaga lauded Mayor Fernandez for being aggressive in bringing the IT–BPM Industry in the city and in her determination to provide jobs for the people.

Members of DCICTC had been coming to the city several times to see for themselves how much the city have progressed and has already accessed a great deal of information and assessed the core strengths and potentials of the city as an investment destination.

Pangasinan provincial board pushes inclusion of KALSADA program in 2017 national budget

By Johanne Margarette R. Macob [(PNA), LAP/LVM/JOHANNE MARGARETTE R. MACOB/RMA]

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, May 30 (PNA) -- The provincial board of Pangasinan has expressed its support for the inclusion of the Konkreto at Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran (KALSADA) program in the 2017 national budget.

Provincial resolution no. 2050-2016, approved during the last regular session of the 8th Sangguniang Panlalawigan on May 30, enjoined the national government, through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), to include the KALSADA program in the 2017 National Expenditure Program and allocate a portion of the national budget for the same.

The KALSADA is a program of the national government that provides assistance to provinces for funding of their local roads.

It is a performance-based downloading of fund program which will be distributed to provincial local government units for the rehabilitation, improvement, and upgrading of provincial roads.

“In 2016, P6.5 billion was allocated for road development projects in the country,” the resolution authored by Board Member Generoso Tulagan Jr. stated.

The Provincial Road Network Development Plan (PRNDP) for 2016-2018 of the province of Pangasinan has been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in order to serve as a development guide for more specific local road network plans of the province.

“The provincial government of Pangasinan strongly supports the advocacy of the League of Provinces of the Philippines for the implementation of a national PRNDP and for its inclusion in the 2017 National Expenditure Program and for its allocation in the national budget in order to increase the province’s ability to further develop their provincial road transport network,” the resolution further stated.

IT-BPM industry forum in Dagupan, May 30

By Joseph C. Bacani (JCB/CIO)

BALON DAGUPAN NEWS

THE Dagupan City Information and Communications Technology Council (DCICTC) will hold an Information Technology Business Process Management (IT–BPM) Industry Forum with the city’s ICT stakeholders on May 30 at CSI Stadia here in line with the city’s ongoing industry study.

The forum will bring together all the major stakeholders in the city to discuss how DCICTC can acquire a significant share of the ICT industry.

The council aims to develop its IT-BPM industry in the city that can benefit from the expected $25 billion revenue nationwide in 2016.

ICT Officer Ryan D. Castañeda said Jonathan De Luzurriaga, an incumbent trustee of the Information Technology Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and president of the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) will join the forum.

IBAP is the national enabling organization for the IT-BPM industry composed of 300-strong industry and support industry members.

The council is headed by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez as chairman of the Dagupan City ICT Council.

Dagupan was recently recognized as one of the top 10 Next Wave cities in the country and one of the best locations for IT – BPM industry next to Manila, Cebu, Clark and Bacolod City.

Dagupan workers get mid-year bonus, equivalent to month-long pay

(PNA), RMA/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, May 28 (PNA)-- Dagupan City Hall employees on Friday received their mid-year bonus equivalent to their one-month salary on order of Mayor Belen Fernandez.

This was pursuant to Executive Order No. 201, series of 2016, issued by President Benigno Aquino III on Feb. 19 this year.

The EO is entitled “Modifying the Salary Schedule for Civilian Government Personnel and Authorizing the Grant of Additional Benefits for Both Civilian and Military and Uniformed Personnel”..

Under Budget Circular 2016, government personnel to be entitled to the mid-year bonus-- must have rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four months of service from July 1, 2015 to May 15, 2016, be currently in service as of May 15, 2016, and have received at least a satisfactory performance rating in the immediately preceding rating period.

Under the administration of Mayor Fenandez, city hall employees receive 14th-month pay on top of the yearly Christmas bonus.

The mid-year bonus of the employees was drawn from Supplemental Budget No. 1 of fiscal year 2016 amounting to P97,172,341.20 in accordance with City Ordinance No. 2058-2016 passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on March 17 this year,

The amount came from surplus/savings of the city for calendar year 2015 in the amount of Php 96,072,341.20 and reversions from upgrading of PCC pavements at Tebeng in the amount of Php 400,000 and main road Tapuac, Php 500,000; and reversion from repair of Barangay Tebeng’s Barangay Hall in the amount of Php 200,000 to the appropriated account of the General Fund "to cover the cost of various expenditures including the grant of mid-year bonus".

Fernandez disclosed that with the other pronouncement from Malacanang granting Productive Enhancement Incentive (PEI) to government employees equivalent to one-month salary, city hall employees may possibly receive such amount as incentive.

“We have already appropriated Php 5,000 for every employee as their PEI but if funds would allow and if it is within the 45 percent Performance Salary cap, we will again give our employees another one-month salary as PEI,” said Fernandez.

Counting islands in Pangasinan

By Mark Conrad Salvador (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - What’s so special about a bunch of identical looking islands, even if there are over a hundred of them?

The answer to that question began at the Victory Liner Cubao terminal, where I caught the 11:50 p.m. trip – the last of the day – to Alaminos, Pangasinan. The fare is P393, inclusive of the P5 travel insurance. Fortunately, I booked a bus seat in advance so I didn’t have to join the long queue at the ticket window. I (surprisingly) enjoyed the long drive thanks to the well-maintained bus and exceptional air conditioner, plus strong Wifi connection.

We arrived at Alaminos at 4:30 a.m. I had a leisurely breakfast and by 8 a.m. took a tricycle to Lucap Wharf, the drop-off and jump-off point to the Hundred Islands. The tricycle fare is P70, but I joined other passengers and divided the fare.

At the tourism office, we rented a boat, P1,800 for six to 10 passengers. There is also a P40 environmental fee, P30 registration fee, P10 for insurance. The snorkeling fee of P250 includes snorkel, goggles, life vest and diving shoes.

We were set for island hopping. The islands – 123 in all – are actually ancient corals believed to have formed two million years ago. The lowering of the sea level revealed these mushroom-shaped islands, covered with vegetation and anchored by rock formations at their bottoms.

Because boats must be back at the wharf before 5:30 p.m., the number of islands you can visit depends on the amount of fuel on the boat – about a gallon. Some boatmen may opt for a shorter route to save on fuel, so discuss your itinerary with your boatman beforehand.

The first island we visited was Governor’s Island, the largest and the main attraction here is a view deck that provides a panoramic view of the area. I took the 123 steps up to the deck and it was worth the climb! There is also a 576-meter island-to-island zip-line that connects Governor’s Island to the neighboring Virgin Island.

Our second island stop was Marcos Island with its shallow and tiny white beach. Sought-after here is the Imelda Cave jump where the brave plunge 20 feet into the crystal clear waters below. I basked on the beach then snorkeled with the group near Lopez Island, chasing some colorful fish as they scampered around their homes in the corals. We were a bit wary though because of some jellyfish in the area.

At midday, we went to Quezon Island for lunch. We ordered boneless bangus, tortang talong and Maling. The food and drink on the islands were very expensive. Bringing packed lunch is recommended, as well as two liters of drinking water per person, especially if it’s a hot day.

After lunch we tried out the banana boat and jet ski. A ride on the banana boat costs P1,500 for seven people. It was a fun thrill, and I especially enjoyed the gush of wind and adrenaline whenever the banana boat cut an S curve on the water.

The jet ski can be pricey but definitely worth it! The ride can cost from P1,000 to P3,500 depending on how long, from 15 minutes up to an hour. Even beginners can try this, for instructors will teach the basics before letting tourists explore on their own.

Our last island was Children’s Island, where the water is very shallow and indeed perfect for children. Unfortunately, it was already 5 p.m. and I had to get back to catch the 7 p.m. bus back to Manila.

I got to visit only four of the 123 islands – definitely more than enough reason to go back!

For more information on bus trips and ticket bookings, visit www.victoryliner.com.

DAR helps Pangasinense farmers market their produce

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

UMINGAN, Pangasinan (PIA) – A partnership program between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has improved the livelihoods of farming households in this town by engaging them in agro-enterprise development.

Under DAR’s “Linking Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries to Corporate Supply Chains,” the project aims to assist agrarian reform beneficiaries and smallholder farmers to access to greater value in the market chain through collective production and marketing of their products and strengthening of business support services.

Gerardo Caniete, senior agrarian reform program technologist, said one of the project objectives is to link the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in marketing their produce to institutional buyers and centers.

“The farmers will collectively market their produce to appropriate markets and that they will be able to add value to their products,” said Caniete.

Since the municipality of Umingan was considered as the project site, the DAR in Pangasinan together with the CRS implementers had a dialogue with officials of the local government of Umingan.

He said the local government of Umingan requested that DAR and CRS to consider squash for the project, being the “One Town One Product” (OTOP) in the area.

In addition, the areas planted with squash are covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

“When the clusters were formed, DAR and CRS facilitated their access to credit institutions; hence they were linked to the Gulf Bank and GM Bank, institutions engaged in microfinance services,” he added.

Caniete said the farmers in Luna Este and Luna Weste villages who are members of the Umingan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (UFARCO) were able to access individual loans which were used for their squash production.

At present, they are marketing their produce to Dizon Farm and to other consolidators.

DSWD pushing for establishment of more 'Bahay Pag-asa'

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

DAGUPAN CITY, May 25 (PNA) -- In line with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC) is pushing for the putting up of more "Bahay Pag-asa" or house of hopes in the country, particularly in Region 1.

A "Bahay Pag-asa" is a 24-hour child-caring institution that offers short term residential care for children in conflict with the law (CICL) who are 1) above 15, but less than 18 years of age, and awaiting court disposition; 2) above 12 to 15 years of age who committed serious crimes with commitment order issued by the court; 3) above 12 to 15 years of age who are repeat offenders; and 4) above 12 to below 18 years of age who are considered to be neglected, abandoned, or abused.

According to social worker Jocelyn Mariano of DSWD Region 1, "Bahay Pag-asa" is provided for in RA 9344, as amended by RA 10630, which seeks to separate the children from the regular offenders and provide them with temporary home where they can be rehabilitated.

“Ibig sabihin, walang bata sa kulungan,(It means, no child is in prison),” said Mariano during the media forum on Tuesday at the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan office in Dagupan City.

She said that construction of houses of hopes in the country has already started last year, with priority provinces and cities being determined by the expressed intent of the respective local government unit (LGUs).

She disclosed that the national government has allotted PHP400 million for the project but LGUs can also fund the establishment of their "Bahay Pag-asa."

According to the DSWD, as of June 2015, there are 19 “Bahay Pag-asa” located in 18 LGUs in nine regions of the country. Of these, 13 are operational, four have been completed but not yet operational, while two have ceased operations.

Under the law, the “Bahay Pag-asa” is managed by a multi-disciplinary team composed of a social worker, a psychologist/mental health professional, a medical doctor, an educational guidance counselor, and a member of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC). The said staff will work on the individualized intervention plan with the child and the child’s family.

Mariano added that once a CICL has been successful in responding to the interventions given to him/her in the rehabilitation program, he or she can be brought back to the community.

In Region 1, the data from the Philippine National Police Region 1, disclosed that top five offenses of CICL from Jan. to Dec. 2015 were rape (125 cases), theft (69), violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (66), physical injury (59), and robbery (56).

This year, from January to March, the police recorded the same trend: rape (27), theft (17), robbery (13), physical injuries/intentional mutilation (11), violation of RA 9165 (8).

On the other hand, Atty. Mamilo Royulada, the Dagupan District Public Attorney, said once CICL completes his/her intervention program, his/her case will be dismissed and he/she will have no criminal record.

Further, Royulada expressed support to the establishment of "Bahay Pag-asa" as he noted that in Dagupan City alone, the problem with CICL who are girls is that they have to be committed in Bulacan since no center is available yet in La Union or nearby areas.

He added that "Bahay Pag-asa" supports their advocacy for “restorative justice."

He said RA 9344 provides that children 15 years of age and under are exempted from criminal liability and those above 15 (plus one day) and below 18 years of age are exempt unless they act with discernment -which is defined as the mental capacity to understand the difference between right and wrong and its consequences.

FEATURE: Developing the countryside though agrarian reform

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

UMINGAN, Pangasinan, May 24 (PIA) - Endowed with rich natural resources, Pangasinan boasts of farming lands and fishing grounds for its people’s livelihood and development.

In the eastern town of this populated province, agriculture has been its major source of income and sustainability.

The government, remaining true to its commitment to undertake land tenure improvement and agrarian justice, created the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) under the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Its mission is to collectively and effectively implement agrarian reform and sound rural development and industrialization through the provision of integrated and gender-responsive land tenure improvement and support service to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB), rural women and landowners.

DAR, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency, has been touring the country to document success stories of the agrarian reform beneficiaries. Its latest stop was in Umingan town in Pangasinan.

DAR visited the Umingan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (UFARCO) in Barangay Luna Este and obtained a first-hand story on how the beneficiaries’ lives have changed for the better because of a three-hectare lot and farm equipment support from the government.

The farmers in Luna Este and Luna Weste villages who are members of (UFARCO) were able to access individual loans which were used for their squash production. They also collectively market their produce to appropriate markets.

Holding land titles in their hands and farm equipment in the field, life in the mountains has become more comfortable for the beneficiaries.

With the equitable land distribution and ownership, men and women ARBs are empowered. They are now productively managing their economic, social and environmental development for a sustained quality of life.

Petron eyes 12 TPLEx stations

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Oil refiner and distributor Petron Corp. plans to establish 12 retail stations along the 88.5-kilometer, two-lane Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, a top executive said over the weekend.

Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang told reporters the TPLEx stations would be a part of the company’s expansion program.

“Yes, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, we think it has higher volume because it’s long distance. Those who use TPLEx go to Baguio, Ilocos, La Union,” he said.

Ang clarified that before Petron could put up any station along TPLEx, it would need to get an approval from the Toll Regulatory Board.

“Because of its length, [TPLEx can accommodate] six [stations] going north and six going south,” he said.

Petron’s parent firm San Miguel Corp., through the Private Infra DevCorp., the concessionaire in TPLEx, provides management services, toll collection, traffic safety and security management, toll road maintenance and other related services along the expressway.

TPLEx connects the central and northern Luzon provinces to Manila through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway.

Petron targets to put up over 250 new service stations in the Philippines and Malaysia in 2016. There are nearly 2,800 Petron stations combined in the two countries.

Petron expects net income to reach P15 billion to P18 billion this year, up from P6.27 billion in 2015.

Ang said the projected higher net income would largely come from the recently upgraded 180,000-barrel-per-day refinery.

“Driven by a more efficient oil refinery. The oil refinery has a liquid yield of 60, 66 to 67 percent but with the upgrade, it’s now 92 to 93 percent,” Ang said.

Petron’s $2-billion refinery upgrade started full commercial operation in January with higher utilization rate and increased production of higher-value fuel. It utilizes cost-efficient heavier and petrochemicals.

He said the company would also continue with a retail expansion program both in the Philippines and in Malaysia.

“In Malaysia, we had a massive gas station network expansion. We just completed the rebranding,” Ang said.

He said the company would also upgrade the Port Dickson refinery in Malaysia. The company rebranded to Petron some 550 stations which it acquired from Exxon Mobil.

Petron reported consolidated net income of P2.8 billion in the first quarter, up from P257 million over the same period last year.

The company’s strong performance was boosted by higher sales from local and regional operations.

“We are now experiencing the full benefits of our strategic programs and we are gaining momentum as we reach new levels of growth and profitability,” Ang said.

Consolidated sales volume hit 25.3 million barrels in the first quarter, a 9-percent increase from 23.2 million barrels last year.

“We are definitely on track to deliver a stronger performance this year,” Ang said.

Petron is the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines and is a leading player in the Malaysian market.

Tribes to help develop 15 protected areas in Region 1

By LEANDER C. DOMINGO

IN a move to promote ecotourism in the Ilocos Region, the Philippine Area Management Board (PAMB) in collaboration with tribal communities is focused on developing at least 15 protected areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan provinces.

Gwendolyn Bambalan, assistant regional director for technical services of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said the PAMB is eyeing the protected areas to develop sustainable enterprises that will benefit local communities and stakeholders.

“PAMB members from the four provinces in the Ilocos Region are currently undertaking capability building seminar to ensure they are ready to implement new innovations in protected area management,” she added.

The PAMB is an environment administrative body composed of all the local government units and tribal communities in charge of regulating the protected areas.

The PAMB-identified protected areas in Ilocos Norte are the Kalbario-Patapat Natural Park in Pagudpud; Tanap Watershed Forest Reserve in Burgos, Metropolitan Ilocos Norte Watershed Forest Reserve in Sulbec, Pasuquin; and the Paoay Lake National Park in Paoay.

The protected areas in Ilocos Sur are the Libunao Protected Landscape in Sinait, Bigbiga Protected Landscape in Mazoro, Narvacan; Northern Luzon Heroes Hill in Magsaysay, Santa; Bessang Pass Natural Monument in Malaya, Cervantes; Lidlidda Protected Landscape in Lidlidda and Banayoyo; Santa Lucia Protected Landscape in Salcedo; and the Tirad Pass National Park in Gregorio del Pilar in Quirino, Sigay, Cervantes and Suyo.

Other protected areas are the Manleluag Spring in Malabobo, Catarataraan, Pacalat, Lawaklangka and Calomboyan Sur in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; Hundred Islands in Alaminos City; Agoo Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape in Agoo, Santo Tomas and Rosario, La Union; and the Naguilian Watershed in Casilagan village in La Union.

With the passage of Republic Act 10629 in September 2013, 75 percent of the income generated by PAMB protected areas can now be used by stakeholders to develop and sustain its eco-tourism potential, while 25 percent will go to the national treasury for the utilization of other national parks in the country.

Bambalan said income generated comes from entrance fees by tourists, payment for the lease of areas used by tourism concessionaires, contributions from industries and facilities directly benefitting from the protected area.

DILG joins ‘One Million Lapis’ campaign

By Joseph Bacani (CIO)

TO help uphold children’s rights to education, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is collecting new and old pencils for the ‘One Million Lapis’ project of the Council for Welfare of Children (CWC) in celebration of the National Children’s Month in November.

“Lapis” is a symbolic representation of the child’s needs to express one’s ideas and feelings.

DILG City Director Rhoderick M. Dawis said the project aims to collect a million pencils for the underprivileged pupils in the country who lack the opportunity to pursue schooling and necessary materials for writing.

A documentary report in 2012 revealed that in far-flung villages, pupils divide one pencil into three to be able to write and learn.

The campaign is also being envisioned to enter the Guinness World Record this year for the longest line of pencils.

To support to the project, a drop box for donation of new and old pencils will be installed in all DILG offices. The final count and official declaration of the number of ‘lapis’ collected will be on November 5 during a kick-off activity of the 2016 National Children’s Month celebration.

DENR to plant 1 million seedlings in Pangasinan forests

y Elsha Marie Soriano (VHS/EMBS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, May 20 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to plant one million seedlings of forest and fruit trees on 1,184 hectares of forestland in Pangasinan to replace the trees that burned due to high temperature this year.

Celso Salazar, community environment and natural resources officer in Dagupan City, said the seedlings, set to be planted in forest areas of Labrador, Aguilar, Mangatarem and Bugallon towns, will cover the forest areas in the province affected by fire from the month of January to the first two weeks of May.

Salazar said DENR will plant seedlings of forest trees, fruit-bearing trees and fast growing trees such as narra, mahogany, molave, bakawan, mango, acasia and ilang-ilang.

He encouraged the public to join the DENR in forestry planting from June to August and help replace the trees burned and reduce the effects of climate change.

“I-develop natin sa sarili natin yong pagmamahal natin sa kalikasan, gawin nating seryoso ang pagtatanim dahil ngayon, tayo ay nasa kalagayan ng climate change at isa lang ang solusyon dyan -- plant trees,” Salazar said during the “Pantongtongan Tayo” radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Pangasinan aired on Tuesday.

Likewise, Salazar urged the public and local community to report any sightings of illegal activities and irresponsible acts to help in protecting and preserving the environment.

He cited among others the illegal cutting of forest trees as well as bakawan in riverside, irresponsible garbage disposal and kaingin farming.

APSCU to launch Youth Awards in Region I

By VENUS MAY SARMIENTO (VHS/PIA-1Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, May 19 (PIA) - The Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (APSCU) Region 1, in partnership with the University of Luzon, is set to host the regional launch of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Youth Award, a recognition for young people who practice CSR.

Dr. Carmelo Vidal, director for the Extension Services of the University of Luzon, said the CSR Youth Award is a national initiative of the Benita & Catalino Yap Foundation in collaboration with Delloite.

“The award recognizes outstanding young people, 18-39 years old, who practice CSR or who have initiated projects anchored on citizenship, sustainability or social responsibility,” Vidal said.

APSCU President Aurora Reyna said the activity is also endorsed to all networks of socio-civic and humanitarian youth groups, youth-led organizations and individuals aged 39 years old and below engaged in CSR and other related fields in Pangasinan and in Region I.

The regional launch will take place on Friday, May 20 at the University of Luzon grounds.

More information about the award, can be accessed through http://awards.bcyfoundation.org

Young Dagupan swimmer earns kudos

(PNA), LGI/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, May 18 (PNA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has passed a resolution congratulating a young swimmer from the Oakridge International School of Young Leaders who won four medals, including a gold medal, in the recent YMCA Novice Competition, besting swimmers from other parts of the country.

In a resolution authored on Tuesday by Councilor Redford Christian Erfe Mejia,the SP in its very first session after the election congratulated Luke Angelo Aldrich De Vera Gerogalin, a member of the Oakridge Orcas Swimming Team for being a recipient of various awards in that competition.

Aside from his gold medal which he won in 20 x 4 free style, Gerogalin, a Grade III pupil, won silver medal in 20 x 4 breast stroke, and also won bronze medals in 20 x 4 back stroke and 20 x 4 butterfly.

These feats, the resolution stated, brought immense honor not only to the immediate family and friends of Gerogalin but also his coaches, Alexandra T. Corilla and Alexander C. Corilla, and other pupils and faculty members of International School of Young Leaders.

Pangasinan to hold Health Governance Colloqium

(PNA), RMA/LVM/LVMICUA/1940/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, May 17 (PNA)--The provincial government of Pangasinan, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Zuellig Family Foundation, will hold a Provincial Leadership and Health Governance Program Colloquium, coinciding with the graduation rites of the Provincial Health Officer and Chiefs of Hospitals on Wednesday (May 18) at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen starting at 2 p.m.

The course on health leadership is a significant endeavor that addresses the essential needs on health reforms to achieve excellent hospital management -- making Pangasinan the first province in the country to be granted such graduation rites involving the Governor and selected provincial health officials, said Butch Velasco, information officer.

"This signifies our strong determination to further scale up the health sector of the province by enhancing the capability of health leaders in providing quality public and hospital delivery of health services geared towards sustaining our present status as number one Province in Health Governance," said Velasco.

Attended by health leaders and personnel, the activities will be spearheaded by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., Carlos Jericho Petilla, as well as Dr. Enrique A. Tayag, Director IV of the DOH-Bureau of Local Health System Development and other key officials of the province.

2 vital projects set to open in Dagupan

(PNA), FFC/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, May 16 (PNA) -- Two vital projects funded by the city government are due for inauguration in the next few days, according to Mayor Belen Fernandez.

These are the Library Hub and the adjacent Women's Center, both along Bonifacio Street whose finishing touches were delayed a little bit because of the election.

Mayor Belen Fernandez inspected these projects before leaving for Spain on a short vacation.

The Library Hub is a joint project of the city government with the Department of Education (DepEd), which will provide all the needed books for use of pupils and students in both public and private schools.

The women center shall promote wellness for all women to enhance their health and welfare.

Other city projects that are ongoing are elevation of low-lying street that are often underwater during the rainy season, including when tidal water rises.

The elevation of Nable Street fronting the Pangasinan Medical Center already started but was delayed for a while because of the election.

Another project is an evacuation center in Barangay Salapingao funded under the Bottoms Up Budgeting (BUB) program with counterpart from the city government

Fernandez said next on the line is the new government center in Dagupan which would have already been started had the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) was already approved.

Peaceful polls in Pangasinan – Okubo

By Tita Roces

LINGAYEN— Very peaceful, no reported election-related violent incidents in Pangasinan, the top police officer here said.

P/Senior Supt. Edgar Allan Okubo, officer-in-charge as police director, said no untoward or violent incident has been reported so far in all the 44 towns and four cities in Pangasinan.

Okubo said he’s pleased with the outcome notwithstanding the fact that the province was listed among the provinces under election watch list areas.

He added that the quick reaction teams (QRTs) assigned in areas where there perceived intense rivalries were anticipated succeeded in neutralizing potential violent situations.

“Our QRTs immediately responded so perhaps these were pre-empted,” he added.

He said there were reports on alleged vote-buying from different camps and the police responded quickly but no cases could be filed against arrested persons because no one was willing to file the complaints.

He said despite the lack of policemen assigned in polling precincts, wherein some only had one policeman instead of two, the conduct of the polling places was peaceful.

He said their policemen assigned in polling precincts reported only matters concerning malfunctioning vote counting machines which were promptly corrected.

“We hope this peaceful situation seen during the conduct of election will continue,” Okubo added.

2,408 students in Pangasinan benefit from SPES

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan with reports from DOLE)

DAGUPAN CITY, May 14 (PIA) – Some 2, 408 poor but deserving students in Pangasinan will benefit from this year’s Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES).

Regional Director Grace Ursua of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos said that for the region, a corresponding budgetary allocation of P17.5 million has been earmarked for the labor agency’s 40 percent share in the student-workers’ salaries who started working last month.

The 60 percent will be shouldered by the program’s participating employers, namely, local government units, educational institutions and private companies.

Of the data, the three field offices of DOLE in Pangasinan have recorded significant number of beneficiaries as follows: Eastern Pangasinan, 771; Central Pangasinan, 674; and Western Pangasinan, 963.

“Through the SPES, we continue to expose beneficiaries to actual work to help them develop and improve both hard and soft skills, the right attitude and values while they earn for their school needs,” Ursua said.

Ultimately, the student-workers become more ready for future employment, she added.

An employment bridging program, the SPES helps students and out-of-school youth finish their education by employing them during summer and/or Christmas vacations.

Bolinao Tigasin Triathlon rolls off today

By Jean Russel V. David (Reporter)

Bolinao, Pangasinan: The 2nd edition of Tigasin Triathlon titled Ang Tagisan ng mga Tigasin will roll off today at the El Pescador Resort and Hotel in Bolinao, Pangasinan.

“This edition of Tigasin Triathlon is exciting since we have a new venue and at the same time, this is the biggest number of participants in any TriSports events,” TriSports marketing communication head Carlo Sampan told The Manila Times.

Sampan said close to 300 participants would join the Sprint (32.5-kilometer) and Standard (51.5-km) categories led by elite riders Monica Torres and Elsie Langit.

The Sprint will have 750m-20km-5km swim-bike-run while the Standard features 1.5km-40km-10km race.

Tigasin Triathlon is the first local triathlon event to be held in Bolinao. It aims not only to promote multisport awareness in the province but also to showcase the beauty of Pangasinan.

“We are delighted because what happened here is we tap the local communities to help us stage this event. It somehow creates sports and wellness campaign among them,” said Sampan.

Tigasin Triathlon was envisioned to be at par with international triathlons. With its launch last year, Pangasinan proved to be an elite level racecourse that only “tigasin” or tough athletes could conquer.

The racecourse, according to organizers, will past through rolling hills and plains that stretch along Bolinao and Anda, Pangasinan.

Last year, the launch of the Tigasin Triathlon was affected by inclement weather that resulted in the cancellation of the open water swim segment. In this year’s race, the organizers chose the Guiguiwanen beach for the open water swim phase, which is the best that Pangasinan could offer.

DTI hosts mobile training for Pangasinan entrepreneurs

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has rolled out its mobile training program this year to promote the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Pangasinan.

Natalia Dalaten, chief trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Pangasinan, said her agency has set entrepreneurial, managerial and skills training in 2016 under the SME Roving Academy which will be conducted in the different cities and municipalities in the province.

“The SME Roving Academy is a continuous learning program the DTI provides for the development of MSMEs so that they become competitive in the domestic and international markets,” Dalaten told the Philippine Information Agency.

She said the program hopes to contribute to the government’s core strategies to achieve inclusive growth by ensuring that all sectors across the country participate in the economic development by engaging local stakeholders in the development of programs and establishing provincial, regional and national entrepreneurship development networks.

“Through the SME Roving Academy, a series of entrepreneurship briefing and sessions are conducted to assist entrepreneurs in making meaningful progress toward business success and sustain business growth,” she added.

The list, schedule and venue of SME Roving Academy trainings are as follows: Seminar on Pricing and Costing – May 20 (Alaminos City) and June 15 (Dagupan City); Accounting for Non-Accountants and Organizational Development and Work Values and Ethics – July (Dagupan City); Skills Upgrading Training on Fish Processing – August (Anda); Current Good Manufacturing Practices Seminar and Packaging and Labeling Seminar – August (Rosales); Entrepreneurship Seminar and Basic Bookkeeping and Recording – September (Dagupan City); How to Participate in Trade Fair – October (Dagupan City); and Business Financing Forum – November (Dagupan City).

Dalaten invited would-be and existing local entrepreneurs in Pangasinan to attend these trainings and seminars.

For training registration and inquiries, visit the DTI-Pangasinan office at the 2nd Floor of Star Building in Arellano Street, Dagupan City or call (075) 515-3183 or text 0947-497-7889.

MX3 in Dagupan: Savoring the ‘Bangus Festival’

(PR)

DAGUPAN prides itself with a unique fusion of activities in its Annual Bangus Festival. It has consistently drawn people from different places for the past 11 years that it has been commemorated.

This celebration centers on the Dagupan’s most prized produce which is the tasty Bangus.

What started as a humble festival has now grown into one of big festivity. It now has the Gilon Gilon ed Dalan that depicts the bangus gathering activity. The city gets busy as it comes alive with the Bangusan Street Party and the Kalutar as Dalan.

The food laden streets are filled with various bangus products, stages were also set for the live music and nonstop entertainment. GMA partnered with MX3 to bring the Kapuso stars Derrick Monasterio, Bea Binene, Andrea Torres, Mike Tan, Kristoffer Martin, Rafael Rosell, Carla Abellana and Joyce Ching. On stage games and activities also added more fun and excitement to the event held at the Judge De Venecia Highway, Dagupan City.

MX3 is always happy to go around and see places. The country is blessed with wonderful sights and equally beautiful people. Through traveling MX3 is able to introduce its products in a different platform.

A festival like this allows MX3 to touch base with its users and future MX3 patrons.

Alpha, Beta and Gamma Mangosteen is known for a long list of benefits that help people maintain good health.

It has potent anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can be of help for the young and the young at heart. Alpha, beta and gamma mangosteen comes from the exocarp of mangosteen; coming from a natural source, there is no harm of contamination and exposure to chemicals.

Espino son soon to be new Pangasinan governor

(PNA), LAP/BNB/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, May 10 (PNA)-- Though six more election returns from as many towns of Pangasinan are still being awaited by the Provincial Board of Canvassers here, Board Member Amado "Pogi" Espino III already appeared to be the run-away winner in the race for governor of Pangasinan with insurmountable 700,488 votes to his credit.

The son of outgoing Governor Amado Espino Jr. clearly looked like he is going take over the legacy built by his father for almost nine years as head of the province when he erected more than 200,000 lead over his lone rival, former Congressman Mark Cojuangco of the fifth district of Pangasinan.

Cojuangco, son of business tycoon Eduardo Cojuangco, garnered 489,442 votes while a third candidate, Zaldy Salvador, an independent, accounted for 6,442 votes.

The race for vice governor is close between Espino's teammate Jose Ferdinand Calimlim who has 539,720 votes so far and Cojuangco's running mate Mark Roy Macanlalay with 535,520 votes.

Meanwhile, independent candidate for vice governor Myrna Torralba accounted for 17,629 votes.

COMELEC assures 'express lane' for PWDs, seniors, pregnant voters

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has established express lanes for disabled, elders and expectant mothers in polling centers in this city to provide better accessibility on the concerned sectors on Monday’s national and local elections.

One of those who availed of the special lane is Rafael Tandoc Sr., 70, a senior citizen and orthopedically disabled resident of Barangay Malued here.

“This privilege made the voting experience convenient and hassle-free for us who have special needs,” he told the Philippine Information Agency.

Tandoc is just one of those who continue to exercise their right to political participation despite old age and physical disability.

He trooped to his polling precinct at East Central Integrated School this morning with a desire to take part in the elections without discrimination or restriction.

He said that he prepared a “codigo” so he could easily shade the names of the candidates in his ballot, adding that he picked his candidates based on their platforms that could benefit the people.

On the other hand, Sheila Benitez said casting her vote went smooth and easy in her precinct because of the priority lane given to pregnant women like her at the West Central Elementary School.

“The voting process happened in just a span of five minutes and I don’t have to endure the long queue of voters just like when in supermarkets and stores,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Comelec also instructed the Board of Election Inspectors to give due priority for inmates in the polling queues.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) arrived at around 6:30 a.m. at North Central Elementary School in Barangay Bonuan Gueset here to bring inmates to their respective polling precincts, individually escorted by uniformed guards with sidearms.

This did not cause any panic as this is a normal thing during elections in Bonuan Gueset village, where the BJMP district jail is located.

Based on the data of Comelec in Pangasinan, at least 1, 014 inmates in the province are expected to cast their votes in today’s election.

Section 23 of Comelec Resolution No. 10057 provides that “persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, heavily pregnant women and detainee voters shall be afforded an express lane and be allowed to vote as soon as they arrive.”

NGCP facilities now election-ready

(PNA), ZST/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY. Pangasinan (PNA)--The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has committed an election-ready power grid on Monday.

This was contained in a report released two days before the election by by Lilibeth Goydowen, NGCP North Luzon public affairs and communications officer.

Speaking earlier during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum here Thursday, Goydowen said that long before the elections, they started to implement its contingency plan to ensure that the country’s power transmission network is geared up for the nationwide polls.

As early as February this year, the company has been in close coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) to monitor the power outlook on the day of the elections.

"We are aligning our efforts with the Department of Energy and the rest of the power industry to ensure a blackout-free May elections, she said.

As system operator, NGCP is closely coordinating with generators to ensure sufficient power supply and reserves.

The continuous flow of electricity from generators to distributors through the power grid facilities will benefit customers who depend of these power services.

At the same time, NGCP has also been preparing its facilities and deploying its resources to be responsive to any incident that may affect transmission services during the election period.

Some of the contingency measures put in place were the suspension of line and equipment maintenance and testing activities two weeks before and one week after election day to make sure that all facilities are on-line and available from casting to counting of the votes.

In case of power interruption, the grid operator will be ready to deploy its strategically placed aircrafts, emergency restoration structures, and spare parts for faster line inspection and restoration.

NGCP will also activate its Over-all Command and Control Center in its headquarters, regional and district offices 24/7 a day before and after the elections.

These command and control centers will also serve as the energy sector’s main monitoring and information centers.

On the issue of right-of-way, which has been a major problem for the company in recent months, NGCP reported “We are also expediting our right-of-way clearing operations. We want our lines to be cleared of illegally planted trees before the elections for more reliable transmission service.

"We are doing this with COMELEC Resolution 10067 as legal cover and assistance from the AFP, PNP, and LGUs, " Goydowen said.

The company also recently conducted its annual Table-top Blackout Drill to simulate blackout scenarios, and review its protocols and procedures during such cases.

412 applicants hired on-the-spot in Region I’s Labor Day job fairs

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan with reports from DOLE)

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – Some 412 jobseekers in the region were hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) after trooping to the four jobs fairs conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Ilocos on May 1.

Four job fairs in various venues were held on that day to highlight the 114th Labor Day celebration: SM City Rosales, Calasiao Sports Complex and Public Employment Service Office in Pangasinan and at the Robinsons Mall in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

A total of 135 local and 40 overseas employers converged at the different job fair areas that offered 47, 532 vacancies to jobseekers.

Regional Director Grace Ursua of DOLE in the Ilocos said the total number of HOTS is about 22.35 percent of the 1,843 jobseekers who registered.

“Congratulations to all who participated in and lent their support to our job fairs. Once again, we were able to facilitate the employment of jobseekers and provide various services to our workers,” Ursua said.

She said more are expected to get employed even months after the job fairs as some 2,493 job applicants have qualified for further interview.

“We will follow up the reports of our participating employers to know how many of those who have been scheduled for further interview will be eventually hired,” she added.

The job fairs in Rosales and Calasiao in Pangasinan and in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte also featured one-stop-shop services from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, and National Labor Relations Commission for both jobseekers and workers.

Officers and representatives of the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund likewise offered enrolment in social security, medical insurance and in shelter security membership.

In the Rosales jobs fair, free pampering services were provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, while the Professional Regulation Commission brought its complete services at the Calasiao jobs fair venue.

Moreover, the jobs fair in Lingayen was the first-ever to be held at night time, making it another first in the history of the labor agency.

It was able to lure 503 job applicants who were given access to 10,525 vacancies from local and overseas employers.

DA cites farmers' group in Pangasinan

By APRIL M. MONTES (VHS/AMM/PIA-1, Pangasinan with reports from DOLE)

SUAL, Pangasinan, May 6 (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture has recognized the Logolog Baybay Sur Farmers Irrigators Association of Sual town for its outstanding delivery of service to Philippine agriculture.

The farmers’ association received its award as the Most Outstanding Small Water Impounding System Association during the recognition rites held at the Resorts World Manila. The association received a plaque and P500,000 cash prize.

Before, farmer-members of the association have endured low production and were only able to have one cropping to produce two tons per hectare in a year due to the lack of proper water system and modern farm technology and equipment.

In 2004, Gabriel Borbon took the initiative of gathering his fellow farmers at Sitio Logolog in Baybay Sur here to tackle the problems that beset their common source of livelihood.

After their first meeting, they decided to seek the assistance of the Municipal Agriculture Office, which later on helped them organize. They pooled their resources to raise an amount needed to register officially with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2008.

The association was formed initially by 55 members who contributed P100 each for the start-up capital.

The group was able to establish networks with the municipal and provincial governments, non-government organizations and national line agencies for both financial and technical support.

On January 12, 2012, the DOLE-Alaminos Field Office awarded the association with P379,850 worth of livelihood assistance for the acquisition of a four-wheel Kubota tractor. The assistance came with trainings on basic management, human relations, occupational safety and health and access to social protection scheme.

The association devised a renting scheme for the farm equipment from DOLE to generate capital and augment the individual income of the members.

Using the capital generated, it also ventured into a loan program with minimal interest to help the members with their input needs.

Due to its good track record, the association received P3.8 million from the DA's Bureau of Soil and Water Management for a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP), providing a solution to its problem on lack of sufficient water which prevented the farmer-members to maximize the use of their farm lands.

With the SWIP, the association was eventually able to have two to three croppings in a year and increased production from two tons per hectare to 4.5 tons.

It has also ventured into other related livelihood activities such as vermicomposting, duck and native chicken raising and native swine production.

By actively participating in the DA’s programs such as the season-long Integrated Pest Management-Kasakalikasan and Farmer Field School on Vegetable, the association has earned the reputation of being “the most active organization in the municipality of Sual” which gave them access to more assistance. They also received a multi-purpose solar dryer, fertilizer assistance, multi-purpose building and many others.

At present, the association earns around P520,000 in a year.

“Looking back to where we started, it is totally humbling to be where we are today. Our hard work, cooperation and determination are bearing fruits. But we could have not achieved all of these without the support of the provincial and municipal LGUs of Pangasinan and Sual, the DA, BSWM and the DOLE. We know we cannot thank all of them enough, but we hope to pay it forward by continuing to be the government’s partner in development,” Borbon said.

Luzon Grid has 2,000 MW reserve for May 9 elections

(PNA), LAM/LVM/FMA

DAGUPAN CITY, May 5 (PNA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Luzon Grid will have up to 2,000 megawatts as standby power before, during and after the election on May 9.

Efren Balaoing, a DOE official in Northern Luzon, said this is being reserved to ensure that there will be no power interruption when the Filipinos go to their respective polls to exercise their right of suffrage.

At the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum here on Thursday, he said the power reserve is on top of the available power in the Luzon Grid totaling at least 800 megawatts, aside from the 100 megawatts and 415 megawatts produced by various small generating plants.

Of the 800 megawatts available, he said 75 percent are being distributed to the Meralco franchise areas.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) as well as the power distributors in Pangasinan assured that there will be no electric interruption before, during and after the elections.

Lilibeth Gaydowen, NGCP corporate communications officer in Northern Luzon, assured that there will be no electric interruption in Norfhern Luzon, two weeks before and two weeks after the election.

She said all the facilities of NGCP, particularly in Pangasinan, are now ready for the elections following line inspection conducted by NGCP line patrols.

Gaydowen said on May 8 to 12, six line crews -- each composed of eight men -- will be mobilized to immediately respond in case of emergency.

Meanwhile, the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Cenpelco) has formed quick response groups in case of any untoward incident before, during and after the election. Its preparation is being monitored by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The Dagupan Electric Corporation (Decorp) has checked all its lines as well as transformers on electric poles, especially those going to different polling centers.

On May 9, Decorp has groups with standby generator sets that will be mobilized to their franchise areas.

FEATURE: Not your ordinary employment activity

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) - As the whole nation celebrated the 114th Philippine Labor Day on May 1, a new, exciting and quite unique job hunting activity took place in Pangasinan.

Jobseekers flocked to the Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in the first ever Night Jobs Fair that officially opened at 6:00 in the evening until 12 midnight.

The first-of-its-kind evening employment activity in the country was organized by employment office and its technical partners to cater not only to jobseekers but also to career-changers who were not able to avail of past regular job fairs because of their daytime commitment

As if adjusting time was not enough, the provincial government offered to accommodate job seekers for the night from far flung areas at the Narciso gym lodging for free to ensure their security and safety.

The Department of Labor and Employment encouraged jobseekers to take advantage of the opportunity to land a job without incurring too many expenses as when they have to go to Manila or other provinces. Together with its partners, DOLE brought the vacancies and employment services to them in a one-stop-shop fashion.

Multi-awarded Pangasinan PESO officer Alex Ferrer said the out-of-the-box employment activity is in response to the clamor of the working public as an avenue to bring down the unemployment rate and reduce underemployment rate.

In 2014, underemployment was pegged at 27 percent. It slid to only 15 percent in 2015 and is hoped to have more significant changes with activities such as the Night Job Market.

Some 15 local companies and five overseas agencies were present in the fair to bring more than 3,000 jobs to applicants.

More than 500 applicants responded to the activity and some 53 of them were hired on the spot.

The Night Job Fair is a fitting opportunity to underscore the government’s role in fulfilling inclusive growth by facilitating the employment of jobseekers in decent and productive jobs.

Pangasinan continues to think of extraordinary ways to cater to the job seekers and maintain its reputation as the m0st sought after manpower in the country.

DPWH improves road access to the 'Boracay of the North'

(PNA), FFC/PR/EBP

PANGASINAN, May 3 (PNA) -- Tourists visiting Tondol Beach in Anda, Pangasinan will be surprised not only by the fine and long stretch of wide white sand beach but also by the paved roadway leading to the tourism destination.

Department of Public Works and Highways–Pangasinan 1st District Engineer Smile D. Fermin reported the completion of the PHP43-million concrete paving of Poblacion-San Jose-Namagbagan-Imbo-Tondol Road leading to Tondol Beach located at the northern tip of Anda, Pangasinan.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the road project funded by the Department of Tourism under convergence program will make travel to Tondol White Sand Beach convenient as perfect place of summer escapade for people from Luzon who need not to go far nor spend much to experience white sandy beach.

The pure white sand, crystal water that reflect the skies, calm waves and sand bars of Tondol Beach, often called by the locals as the “Boracay of North”, is an enjoyable place for families to build white sand castle of dreams ala Boracay.

According to Engr. June Miguel Ramolete Sr., Planning Section Head of Pangasinan 1st District Engineering Office, the improvement of the concrete access road involves replacement works for the deteriorated existing concrete pavement and construction of stone masonry slope protection structure along the roadside.

To further increase the tourism potential of Agno, Pangasinan, the DPWH is also undertaking the construction of access road leading to Umbrella Rocks and Abagatanen Beach.

The white sand Abagatanen Beach and colossal boulders known as “Umbrella Rocks” and the clear Sabangan Beach are gems of Agno.

The initial improvement of the Poblacion-Sabangan Road was already completed by the Pangasinan 1st District Engineering Office in the amount of PHP46.6 million.

News Feature: Over 50 new hires in PH’s first night job market

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, May 2 (PIA) – At least 53 jobseekers in Pangasinan were able to find employment and were hired-on-the-spot during the 1st Pangasinan Night Job Market organized by the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) here on Sunday.

The activity, the first ever night jobs fair in the Ilocos region and in the country, started at 6 p.m. to 12 midnight and gathered at least 503 Pangasinense applicants for employment locally and overseas.

PESO-Pangasinan Manager Alex Ferrer said the night jobs fair is one of the province’s activities in line with celebration of Labor Day and Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) that aims to bring job opportunities to applicants especially to those who have daytime commitment and were not able to avail regular jobs fair.

Ferrer said the night job market, which provided free overnight accommodation to job applicants coming from far-flung areas, also aims to spare the applicants from the heat and warm weather during daytime.

“At least five overseas employers and 16 local companies participated in the jobs fair fielding over 3,000 job vacancies,” Ferrer said noting that their the event was a combined effort and idea of PESO staff together with the provincial government.

Likewise, he disclosed that for January to April this year, almost 1,000 applicants were able to land jobs locally and abroad through the PESO organized job fairs.

Meanwhile, Grace Ursua, regional director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Region 1, commended PESO-Pangasinan for its innovation in conducting the first ever night job market in the Philippines.

“Hindi naman na ako nagtataka na ang first ever night job market ay nandito sa Pangasinan dahil ang manager ng PESO Pangasinan ay awarded bilang Most Outstanding PESO Manager in the Philippines for the past years,” Ursua said.

Ursua said that aside from PESO-Pangasinan jobs fair, DOLE Region 1 has also organized job fairs that were simultaneously held at the SM Rosales, Calasiao Sports Gym in Calasiao town and Robinsons in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte on May 1.

DOLE holds jobs fair at Calasiao Sports Center

(PNA), SCS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

CALASIAO, Pangasinan, May 1 (PNA) -- Thousands of job seekers packed the Calasiao Sports Center to try their luck in the day-long jobs fair sponsored by the Department of Employment (DOLE) Region 1 as part of the commemoration of Labor Day on Sunday.

DOLE Regional Director Grace Ursua said over 3,000 job vacancies were offered in the jobs fair that started at 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.

The jobs fair was participated in by 25 local and 10 overseas employers that offered 1,500 and 2,086 vacancies, respectively.

Among the local job vacancies are those for professionals, business process outsourcing jobs and skilled workers, as many of the participating employers are from the service, manufacturing, communication, retail and financial sectors.

Overseas jobs are for nurses and allied professions, engineers, accountants, skilled and non-skilled workers, Ursua added.

The jobs fair featured one-stop-shop employment services by the DOLE as well as other government agencies.

“I thank our partners for their usual support in bringing the goal of inclusive growth closer to our job seekers and workers through decent and productive jobs. Our collaborative efforts are heralded through this year’s theme, 'Kinabukasan Sigurado sa Disenteng Trabaho',” the regional director said.

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