Pangasinan News May 2018

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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

PRC to conduct mobile outreach services in Alaminos City

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Baguio Regional Office will hold another mobile outreach services in partnership with the city government here on June 2.

Bernadette Bembo from the Office of the City Vice Mayor, during the flag raising ceremony here Monday, announced that the mobile outreach services dubbed as “Aldaw Ti Propesyonal” will be held at the Audio Visual Room of the city’s legislative building from 8 a.m. onwards.

She said “among the services to be offered by the PRC are: renewal of professional identification (ID) cards; released of available ID cards and certificates of registration; issuance of certificate of Good Standing; initial registration for new passers; and application for various examination.”

She, however, reminded that only those with online appointment will be accommodated by the PRC offsite team.

The city library through its Tech4Ed Center can readily extend online assistance to interested clients, she said.

Dagupan to fund street lights, new bus with budget surplus

By Ahikam Pasion (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- A total of PHP165,150,383.25 in savings and surplus from the city’s 2017 budget will be used to finance the installation of street lights, the purchase of a brand new bus, and the city’s scholarship program, among others.

This was approved by the City Council as the majority of its members voted to pass the 2018 Supplemental Budget No. 1 on Wednesday.

Councilor Jeslito Seen, author of the ordinance, in an interview on Friday, said the majority of the budget will be sourced from the city’s savings last fiscal year, amounting to PHP147,605,328.93.

“While the remainder of said budget will come from the city’s savings under City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund worth PHP7 million; surplus from various projects under the 20 percent development fund from Fiscal Year 2009 to 2017 amounting to PHP6,095,054.32; savings from personal services under various offices for the first quarter of calendar year 2018 worth PHP3.6 million; savings from the rehabilitation of Pugaro Elementary School Gym worth PHP500,000; and reversion from Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses under Sangguniang Panlungsod worth PHP350,000,” he said.

Most notable projects allotted for Supplemental Budget No. 1 would be the first phase of the installation of street lights at the city’s central business district worth PHP10 million; the purchase of a brand new 51-seater city bus amounting to PHP6.8 million; and the PHP7 million additional cost for the city’s scholarship program, said Seen.

“Majority of the projects to be funded by the supplemental budget would be spent for the upgrading of pavements and infrastructures, and improvements for the city,” he added.

Seen said that some urgent programs and projects were not included in the city’s Annual Budget, hence the preparation and approval of a supplemental budget ordinance.

Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez, in a radio interview on Thursday, commended the approval of the city’s supplementary budget, saying it would mark the start of more projects.

Pangasinan cops donate pedestrian signages made of old tires

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan -- The Sta. Barbara Police has made pedestrian warning signages from recycled tires and will repaint pedestrian lanes in three schools here, in support to the “Brigada Eskwela” 2018.

Police Senior Inspector Allan Abuan, deputy chief of police of Sta. Barbara Police Station, in an interview on Friday, said the recipients are Maningding Elementary School, Matic-Matic Elementary, and Balingueo Elementary School.

Abuan disclosed that the signages were made of used tires donated by their friends and the policemen themselves.

“We painted the tires white and the lettering (Children Crossing) red, so it would be visible. The two tires were put together with an iron rod,” he said.

Abuan said two signages will be donated to each of the school recipients. “One to the left lane and one to the right lane,” he added.

Abuan said they will also repaint the faded pedestrian lanes in the three schools.

“We have already submitted a request letter to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the repainting of these pedestrian lanes, but since the school year will soon start, we will just repaint while waiting for the response to our request,” he said.

Aside from this, they will also assist in the cleaning and repairs of the schools, said Abuan.

Pangasinan farmers get certified seeds, fertilizers

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan -- Some 2,400 farmers from the towns and city in the first congressional district of Pangasinan province have received certified seeds and fertilizers at the Don Leopoldo Sison Convention Center here Friday.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya, in her speech during the distribution, said the project has been funded with PHP10.2 million by the provincial government.

“This is a priority project of the province in support of the increasing agricultural productivity in Pangasinan under its agro-industrial program,” said Moya.

Among the recipients were farmers from the towns of Anda, Agno, Dasol, Infanta, Mabini, Bani, Burgos, Sual, and Alaminos City.

Governor Amado Espino III led the distribution, together with other government officials.

Espino, in his speech, urged the farmers to establish their cooperative to avail of discounts when they purchase farm equipment, and more projects from the provincial and national governments.

“Let us join together our strengths in order to serve the members of your families,” he said.

DTI urges consumers to be vigilant, economical in buying school supplies

By Jomar Tomines and Elsha Marie Soriano (EMBS/JMT-OJT/PIA-1, Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- As the opening of classes draw near, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here advised the public to be vigilant and economical when buying school needs to avoid inconvenience.

Marjury Loresco, chief trade and industry development specialist of DTI-Pangasinan, said DTI through its “Balik-Eskwela Diskwento” program, have partnered with some retailers, supermarkets and malls in Pangasinan to provide consumers school supplies at discounted prices of up to 50 percent.

Loresco said through the program the trade and industry department have also shared some tips on how to become a smart spender in buying school supplies this year.

She said before going to stores, consumers should check for possible things to be reused or recycled before making a list of new items for school needs.

She advised the buying public to look for business firms that offer big discounts or those who conducts “back-to-school sales.”

“Set your budget and have a list of priorities to buy before going to business establishments and stick to the basic school needs and supplies to avoid making impulsive purchases,” reminded Loresco adding that consumers should also ask the retailers for possible remedies and warranty in case the products bought is defective.

She added that when buying, the public should carefully check the product label to avoid purchasing school supplies that may contain toxic ingredients or hazardous substances.

Meanwhile, Loresco warned all retailers in the province not to overprice their products and adhere to the set suggested retail prices set by DTI to become more competitive and have a better sale.

Lorezco also encouraged the buying public from Western Pangasinan to avail of marked down school supplies and other school items at the DTI’s ‘Balik-Eskwela Diskwento Cararan’ to be held in Anda town on May 25 from 7:00 o'clock in the morning to 4:00 o'clock in the afternoo.

She also urged all consumers to report complaints on labels and overpricing to DTI-Pangasinan Provincial Office located at the 2nd floor of Star Building, Arellano Street in Dagupan City, or call at telephone numbers (075)-551-3183 or 529-6177, or email at dtipang@yahoo.com.

Hundred Islands E-kawayan factory opens in Alaminos City

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan -- The Hundred Islands engineered-kawayan factory, built on a 1,000-square-meter land in MVC Techno Demo Farm at barangay Tangcarang here, opened on Tuesday.

City Agriculturist Arceli Talania, in an interview on Tuesday, said the E-kayawan factory benefits seven workers and many bamboo growers herey and from nearby towns and cities in the province.

Talania said the factory started with keychain products until they came up with more sophisticated designs like plaques, trophies, podiums, frames, toys, chairs, tables, lampshades, and anything their clients ask.

“We also have ready market in the government departments and even private organizations, patronizing our products,” she said.

In his speech, Mayor Arthur Celeste highlighted that “more than generating job opportunities, capacitating bamboo growers, and helping conserve our environment, these e-kawayan souvenir items and valuable products could be a world class product that the whole city could truly be proud of”.

Celeste encouraged everyone to continue working together in coming up with initiatives and in strengthening the city’s e-Kawayan factory that will “further drive the development of dynamic bamboo industry in the city and the whole province”.

Celeste, with other city government officials and stakeholders, led the blessing and ribbon cutting of the factory.

Talania said the project was funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

The proposal for the funding has been sent by the city government to PAGCOR since 2009, but it was approved in 2011 through a memorandum of agreement between the two proponents and the PHP31 million funds have been downloaded to Alaminos City in 2012, she said.

“The amount covered the engraving machine, human resources management and tissue culture laboratory among others,” Talania said.

However, the city government has noted an excess of PHP15 million from the PHP31 million funding, which was supposed to be used for the tissue culture laboratory, she added.

“The variety we use that is Kawayan Tinik is not suitable for tissue culture, hence we made a request to PAGCOR to allow to use the remaining fund for additional machineries” said Talania.

77 Pangasinan farmer associations get tube well irrigation projects

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan -- The provincial government on Thursday awarded shallow tube well irrigation projects (STWIP) to 77 farmer associations from 27 municipalities and cities in the province at the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGO) here.

District 1 farmers have received four STWIP; district 2 with eight STWIP; district 3 with 17 STWIP; district 4 with five STWIP; district 5 with 14 STWIP; and district 6 got 33 STWIP.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya, in her speech during the awarding program, asked the farmer groups and associations to make use of the irrigation projects, such as the STWIP, to improve their production.

"We also need to emphasize your obligation after receiving these projects and that is to use it properly and to take care of this equipment," Moya said.

In his speech, Governor Amado Espino III urged other farmer groups and associations to register with PAGO for them to be accredited hence, they can avail of the province’s and national government’s programs and projects entitled to them.

"We do not have particular choice as to who will receive the projects as every farmer can avail of these provided that they are registered and duly accredited by our national government, so submit the necessary documents for your association to be accredited,” he said.

Espino also disclosed the provincial government has allotted PHP10 million as supplemental budget for additional irrigation projects for the farmers in the province.

Pangasinan to host Le Tour De Filipinas

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan--The province of Pangasinan has been chosen to host the third stage (finish) and fourth stage (start) of the 9th edition of the Le Tour De Filipinas on Tuesday (May 22) and Wednesday (May 23).

Provincial Information Officer Butch Velasco, in an interview Monday, said over hundreds of foreign and local cycling teams are anticipated to join this international race challenge.

“The stage 3 will start from Bambang, Nueva Viscaya at 9:00 a.m and will end at Mendoza St., Libsong Entrance in Lingayen, Pangasinan on May 22. It is anticipated that the cyclists will cross the finish line at around 1:00 p.m.,” Velasco said.

He added that gun start for the last stage of the race from Pangasinan to Baguio City will be on May 23 at the Capitol Plaza at 8:00 a.m.

The 9th edition of the Le Tour de Filipinas started its stage 1 on May 20 at Quezon City to Palayan City Nueva Ecija, followed by stage 2 on Monday at Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija to Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya.

There are 16 competing teams from the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, Mongolia, China, Australia, Iran and Malaysia.

Le Tour de Filipinas winners in stage 2 are Oranza Ronald (1st), Jung Hajeon (2nd) and Eyob Metkel (3rd), while Jan Paul Morales has been adjudged Sprinter of the Day and Daniel Van Carino as Best Young Rider according to its official website.

Dagupeño among first to serve aboard US first ‘stealth ship’

(PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY — A navy personnel who hailed from this city is now serving as part of the Pre-Commissioning Unit for the first US Navy stealth ship USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

Prince Apollo Tangco-Natac is a sailor assigned to DDG 116 in Bath, Maine, whose responsibility covers that of ship preservation, line handling, refueling at sea, and painting the exterior of the ship.

Natac, in an interview via Facebook Messenger, said he began serving in the US Navy in December 2017, and has since experienced ‘underway’ (short deployment) in various assignments.

“Every assignment and mission is a new experience for me, it is an opportunity to learn new things and know more people,” he said.

Natac, now 24, was born of Filipino parents who migrated to Oakland California, where he also moved in after he finished a degree in Information Technology at Lyceum Northwestern University here in 2014.

He grew up in Dagupan City, graduating from Doña Victorina Elementary School and Saint John Catholic School in high school.

In his new assignment to serve in the new-generation US Navy ship, Natac has carried lessons learned from his hometown into his military service.

“Respect is the most important thing I can show to my shipmates. It is probably the first thing I learned when I spent my childhood and adolescence in Dagupan,” he said.

He is glad to carry the family tradition of military service.

“My grandfather and uncle were both retired Navy officials, and another uncle is currently serving in Japan as a culinary specialist first class,” Natac added.

According to an article written by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, the USS Thomas Hudner’s (DDG-116) keel was laid down on November 16, 2015 and the warship was officially launched on April 23, 2017, with commissioning scheduled later this year.

The warship represents the next step in the evolution of the Arleigh Burke-class, known under the designation of "Flight III" (three total flights dot the Arleigh Burke fleet), forced upon the US Navy after the reduction-in-number of the technologically-laden Zumwalt-class destroyer group. The ship is the first in its class to boast of technology insertion.

Cops to gift 1K slippers to Pangasinan indigenous kids

By Hilda Austria

INFANTA, Pangasinan --The Infanta Police targets to donate a total of 1,000 pairs of rubber slippers to indigenous children of Igorot and Kankana-ey tribes in barangays Pita and Babuyan here this year.

PO2 Diane Catama, Infanta Asst. Police Community Relation Officer in an interview Thursday, said their station has been donating slippers since 2015 as part of their community outreach program.

“We have chosen the two barangays as the recipients of ‘Isang Libong Tsinelas Handog ni Mamang at Aleng Pulis’ because these barangays are in the mountainous areas and they are far from the town proper, hence it is difficult for them to buy slippers for their children considering that they are in poverty-stricken areas,” Catama said.

She added “some parents in these barangays have opted to use their money for food instead of slippers for their children”.

Last year, the Infanta Police collected from different donors, including non-government organizations, a total of 1,010 rubber slippers that were donated to the children in the two barangays, Catama said.

“As of January this year, we have already turned-over 450 slippers to the children and we are still gathering more donations to complete the 1, 000 or more slippers,” she said.

Catama said that even the police personnel of their station have pledged part of their salary for the said project.

“We are still accepting donations as we plan to distribute again this May 23,” Catama said.

Another SSS branch to open in Pangasinan

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan -- The Social Security System (SSS) is set to open its eighth branch in the province this year to make its services accessible to more members.

SSS senior communications analyst Maureen Inocencio, in an interview on Wednesday, said the new office, with an area of 412.88 square meters located at the San Carlos Town Center here, will start serving its members on September 24.

Inocencio said some 10 to 24 personnel are expected to serve the residents from this city and nearby towns like Binmaley, Malasiqui, Basista and Urbiztondo.

“The same services offered by the other SSS branches in Pangasinan can be availed of by members in the San Carlos City branch,” she said.

Other SSS branches in Pangasinan are situated in Alaminos City, Dagupan City (with two branches), Lingayen, Mangatarem, Calasiao, Urdaneta City, and Tayug.

Meanwhile, the new SSS branch will be rent-free within the 10-year term of agreement with the local government unit, added Inocencio.

DOST introduces new technology to increase Pangasinan farmers' rice yield

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

PANGASINAN (PIA) -- At least 1, 326 farmers from five towns and one city in Pangasinan were selected by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to try the effects of a new technology that will promote growth and induce resistance to pest and diseases in rice plants.

Jenifer Fernandez, science research specialist of DOST-Pangasinan, said the new technology, dubbed as Carrageenan Plant Growth Regulator (CPGR) is a joint project of DOST, Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) that aims to help farmers increase their rice yields.

Fernandez said farmers from Balungao, Binalonan, Mangatarem, Sison, Sta Barbara and Urdaneta City will participate in the implementation of the project’s mass field trial that will cover 1,344 hectares of rice field in Pangasinan.

Funded by PCAARRD, the Carrageenan Plant Growth Regulator is an output from the research of the group of Dr. Gil Magsino of National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) in the University of the Philippines- Los Baños (UPLB), Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) that is composed of red edible seaweed called ‘guso or gulamang dagat.’

Fernandez said the red edible seaweed, which will be extracted and treated to break its particle down into very small pieces, contains essential nutrient that will be readily absorbed by plants.

“The extracted liquid from ‘guso’ can be consumed by plants as food supplement when sprayed during the early vegetative stage, maximum tillering to panicle initiation and before flowering stages of rice plants,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez said before the DOST conducted a technical briefing and farmer's survey on May 2-8 in the mentioned localities, a mass application of CPGR trials in multi-location was conducted that resulted to the increased of rice yield by 15-30%.

“During the briefing conducted last week, Pangasinan farmers as well as agricultural officers responded positively on the project and they are willing to add the CPGR liquid products to their current practices to increase rice yield,” said Fernandez.

She said each farmer participant will be given nine liters of carrageenan liquid products per one hectare of rice field for every planting season this year.

Fernandez said DOST will start distributing Carrageenan liquid products to participating farmers from this month to June this year during the beginning of the first planting season.

PRC service center opens in Pangasinan

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

CALASIAO, Pangasinan -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) inaugurated its second service center in the Ilocos region at Robinson’s Place here last Friday.

In his speech during the event, PRC Commissioner Jose Cueto Jr. said the center accepts applications for various licensure examinations; helps new passers with the initial registration; and accepts renewal of professional identification cards, as well as requests for identifications and authentications.

“We hope to bring PRC services closer to our clients,” Cueto said.

The service center is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We advised our clients to log on to www.prc-online.com to secure appointments for application for examination, initial registration and renewal of professional identification card, and to pay corresponding fees before transacting in the center,” said PRC Baguio officer-in-charge Evangeline Marilyn Vergara.

Cueto said the PRC will only pay the electricity consumption of the office as the space has been leased for free as stated in a memorandum of agreement with Robinsons.

The inauguration was spearheaded by Movie and Television Review and Classification Board Chairperson Rachel Arenas, who represented 3rd District Rep. Rosemarie Arenas in the event; Calasiao Mayor Joseph Arman Bauzon, and officials of PRC and Robinsons Place.

Arenas and Bauzon thanked the PRC and Robinsons for their initiative, noting that the service center would be a big help to their constituents and the people of Pangasinan.

PRC's first service center in the Ilocos region is located in the province of Ilocos Norte.

Pangasinan PRC regional office to be inaugurated this year

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

ROSALES, Pangasinan—The Professional Regulation Commission’s (PRC) regional office here is now on its final furnishing and expected to be inaugurated this year.

PRC Commissioner Jose Cueto Jr., during the opening of the service center in Robinsons Place Calasiao on Friday, disclosed that the 2,500-square meter lot for the regional office was donated by the Rodriguez family while the building was funded with PHP44 million by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Cueto with other PRC officials conducted site inspection here on Friday.

“PRC aims to provide the efficiency expected from government agencies through the new regional office and other service centers,” Cueto said.

He said aside from the administrative office, the regional office will also provide the regular services offered by the commission.

With the new office and centers, PRC also trains new recruits and continues to hire new employees, specifically Information Technologists and Accountants among others, said Cueto.

He added they are still processing the complete documentation for the transfer of the lot from the private donor to PRC.

Cueo said the construction of the regional office began last 2012.

DAR distributes land titles to 155 farmers in Pangasinan

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan -- Some 155 agrarian reform beneficiaries received their certificate of land ownership, or land title, from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at the Farmer’s Pavilion here Thursday.

DAR Undersecretary Karlo Bello, in an interview with newsmen, said the land acquisition and distribution, specifically on individual land ownership, aims to empower farmers.

“Before, land distribution was through cooperatives or the collective land ownership but it became a source of conflict among farmers in some regions,” Bello said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte thus mandated the DAR to distribute land ownership certificates individually “so the farmers can exercise ownership on their own property,” he added.

Aside from providing each farmer beneficiary an individual land title, the DAR also offers support services.

“After the land acquisition and distribution, we concentrate on support services to the farmers through their agrarian reform cooperatives, like providing them farm materials, micro-financing, fertilizers among others, to ensure our farmers will continue to till the land,” Bello said.

Provincial agrarian reform officer Maria Ana Francisco disclosed that the land area distributed to agrarian beneficiaries was between 0.5 hectares and 0.75 hectares.

Some 82,089.98 hectares out of the 83,694.55 total of agrarian land in Pangasinan have been distributed to 78,196 agrarian reform beneficiaries until March this year.

The distribution was spearheaded by DAR Secretary John Castriciones, Bello, and Assistant Secretary Teresita Vistro.

DPWH starts construction of Dagupan City baywalk

By Ahikam Pasion (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 2nd Pangasinan Engineering District (PED) began the construction of the three-kilometer baywalk in Bonuan Tondaligan Beach here on Monday.

In an interview with Edita Manuel, officer-in-charge of the 2nd PED, a Notice to Proceed construction was immediately given after the bidding.

Manuel said the project has been funded with PHP45 million from the Department of Tourism for its first phase.

“We hope for this baywalk to be connected to both the Lingayen Baywalk and the San Fabian Beachfront," Manuel said.

"The whole project is worth PHP75 million and will be constructed in two phases," Manuel added.

She said the DPWH expects the project to be finished within a year.

Urdaneta by-pass road to reduce travel time by 50%

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

URDANETA CITY (PIA) -- The public will soon experience seamless travel to Pangasinan with the opening of a new by-pass road in Urdaneta City by 2019.

Regional Director Ronnel Tan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region I, said the project is divided into six phases covering the construction of a four lane road measuring a total of 7.2 kilometers and four bridges namely: Macalong Bridge measuring 36.3 lineal meters; Mitura Bridge 1 and 2 that measures a total of 102.4 lineal meters; and Camantilles Bridge measuring 60.9 lineal meters.

The P1.6-billion project also involves the construction of reinforced concrete box culvert, drainage and slope protection and installation of right of way monuments, metal guardrails, and reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings.

Tan said the Urdaneta by-pass road, once completed, is seen to relieve traffic congestion in the city proper where most government and business centers are located. Travel time from the town of Villasis to Binalonan which usually lasts for an hour traversing Maharlika Highway will also be reduced by 50 percent.

“More than the faster transport of goods and services from Urdaneta City proper to barangays, the by-pass road would also attract various business establishments that would generate more livelihood opportunities and help increase economic growth in the province,” Director Tan said in his report to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar.

District Engineer Gerardo De Guzman of Pangasinan’s 3rd District Engineering Office (DEO) based in Rosales town said the by-pass road is strategically located in the central part of eastern Pangasinan and will pass through eight barangays namely: Nancayasan, Sto. Domingo, Sta. Lucia, Nancamaliran East, Mabanogbog, San Vicente, Camantiles, and Anonas.

Four inter-regional road system will also be connected to the Urdaneta City By-Pass Road namely: Manila North Road (MNR); Urdaneta-Dagupan Road, Urdaneta-Manaoag Road, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), he said.

Engr. Narchito Arpilleda, designated public information officer of the 3rd DEO, said the Nancayasan portion has been opened last May 4 in time for the opening of a new mall in the city.

An overpass for the Urdaneta - Manaoag-Camantiles portion has also been finished and the Urdaneta-Dagupan overpass is now under construction.

Pangasinan to undertake 'Adopt-a-Mountain’ protection program’

By Ahikam Pasion (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The Pangasinan Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) will begin planting trees in Barangay Cayanga Bugallon on May 25, in line with the province’s advocacy to protect the environment.

ENRO Chief Nathaniel Pulido, in an interview Monday, said the rain has started to fall in some parts of the province, especially in the mountainous areas like Barangay Cayanga.

“The weather now is suitable for tree planting, the land is now ready for planting,” he said.

He said a water system has been put in place in the area for Adopt-a-Mountain Maintenance and Protection Program led by Governor Amado Espino III.

“There is an impounding dam in the place, so whenever it rains, it could store the rainwater,” he said.

Pulido further said different groups have been scheduled every Wednesday to visit the area and take care of the planted seedlings.

He said mountain protection program also aims to provide livelihood, as the area is planned as an agro-forestry and eco-tourism site.

“We are mandated by the governor to expand the program to other parts of the province,” he added.

Alaminos employs students in DOLE SPES program

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan—Some 30 students have been employed to work in the different departments of the city government here, under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), from May 2 to May 31 this year.

Alaminos City Public Employment Services Officer Nehemias Racho, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday, said the students have been assigned in the department related to their course or interest.

“Most of them are in the IT, tourism department and the information office,” Racho said.

He said the students are mostly in Grade 11 and 12 with ages 15 to 25 years old, whose parents’ annual income does not exceed PHP122, 000.

The students, who work from Monday to Friday 8:00am-5:00pm, will earn PHP385 per day, or a total of PHP8, 800 in a month.

He added 60 percent of the SPES funding will be shouldered by the city government while the 40 percent will be from DOLE.

“This program aims to help students earn money during their vacation for school expenses on the next school year,” Racho said.

He said the students have undergone examinations, series of interviews and only those who qualify based from DOLE’s standard were chosen for the job.

DOLE's SPES benefits 3.7K students, OSYs in Region 1

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- A total of 3,706 students and out-of-school youths (OSYs) in Region 1 have been employed under the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during this year’s summer vacation.

Field Labor Communication Officer Panfilo Dioquino Jr. of DOLE-Central Pangasinan said on Tuesday that DOLE has allotted PHP12.59-million funding for beneficiaries in Region 1.

Dioquino said some 779 young people from Ilocos Norte are part of the SPES, while Ilocos Sur registered 598.

He said La Union has the lowest number of beneficiaries with 362, while Pangasinan has the highest with 1,967 students and OSYs.

“Although, this is not yet the final count for the other regions because there are still pending applications for approval. The data gathered are up to March 28 only,” he added.

Dioquino explained that SPES is a partnership between the local government units (LGU) and some private companies, mostly fast food restaurants, in providing employment for students and OSYs during the summer vacation.

“It aims to help the young people, who wanted to study but are unable to do so due to poverty, to earn money for their school expenses for the next school year,” he said.

Dioquino further said students and OSYs will receive daily basic pay of PHP285 when they work in fast food restaurants, and minimum wage rate of government employees for those who are assigned in LGUs.

He said the 60 percent of the wage will come from the LGU or the private company. while the 40 percent will be the counterpart of DOLE.

In Central Pangasinan, six LGUs and three Jollibee fast food restaurants have partnered with DOLE for the SPES.

The LGUs are Calasiao, Malasiqui, Sta. Barbara, San Carlos City, Dagupan and San Jacinto, he added.

Espino awards P4.5-M kits to fisherfolk

By Liezle Basa Iñigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government of Pangasinan recently awarded gill nets and fish processing kits amounting to P4.5 million to 73 fisherfolk associations in 12 localities of the province.

Gov. Amado Espino III led the distribution of the fishing equipment to the beneficiaries from the towns of Agno, Anda, Bani, Infanta, Dasol, Sual, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador, San Fabian, Rosales and Alaminos City at a ceremony held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center gymnasium.

Espino told the beneficiaries to take care of their livelihood and encouraged them to exert more effort in engaging in other income-generating activities in order to uplift their income and establish other opportunities to ensure better future for their family and for the fishing industry.

The governor also thanked the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) led by Regional Director Nestor Domenden for the support it has been extending even during the previous administration when the project was launched two years ago.

Dagupan City to install more traffic lights

By Ahikam Pasion (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- The city government here is set to add more traffic lights to eliminate gridlocks in the city, especially during rush hours.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said on Friday that the bidding for the additional traffic lights has begun as part of the second phase of installation.

Fernandez said the second phase of the project will cover the intersection of the Dagupan-Binmaley highway, Arco St. and Judge Jose de Venecia Expressway, Perez Blvd. corner Zamora St., Nueva St., and in front of the University of

Pangasinan. She said the city government funded the first phase of the installation of traffic lights, consisting of 36 sets of traffic signal lanterns and 26 sets of pedestrian lanterns, worth PHP8,594,560.80.

Meanwhile, Fernandez reminded motorists and commuters to follow traffic rules and regulations in the city to avoid penalties.

NFA opens 8 ‘Bigas Tulong sa Bayan’ outlets in Pangasinan

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- The National Food Authority (NFA), with the cooperation of the Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON), has opened eight “Bigas Tulong sa Bayan” outlets in the province to supply the market with alternative affordable commercial rice.

Lita Catabay, NFA Western Pangasinan senior enforcement and inspection officer, on Thursday said this move was initiated by the agency while waiting for the imported rice to arrive in the country by end of this month.

Catabay, at the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas-Pangasinan chapter forum, said commercial rice is sold at PHP39 per kilogram in the outlets located in Alaminos City, Sual, Lingayen, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Calasiao, Bayambang and Mangatarem.

She said customers are allowed to buy maximum of three to five kilograms per person per day depending on the demand in that particular area.

She added that there was no more rice stocks in NFA Western Pangasinan’s warehouses and commercial rice’s price ranges from PHP38 to PHP40 for wholesale and PHP40 to PHP44 for well-milled rice.

Catabay, however, said that there is enough supply of commercial rice in Western Pangasinan’s market, thus no need for the public to be alarmed.

“A total of 271, 594 bags of commercial rice stocks and 709,778 household rice stocks that are good for 75 days,” Catabay said.

“Our concern is in times of calamity, wherein we cannot provide relief goods to be distributed by government agencies if there will still be no stock in the NFA, so we hope there would be no calamities while we are waiting.”

Best Center goes to Pangasinan, Cebu, Lucena City

(Manila Standard Sports)

YOUTH basketball activities heat up in three provinces beginning tomorrow as the Best Center (Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center) brings its multi-awarded sports clinics to Pangasinan, Cebu and Lucena City.

The clinics will be from May 7 to 12 with the Divine Word Academy offering classes in Preparatory Level, Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Organizer Sonny de Jesus can be reached through telephones 0915-906-3915 and 0925-802-1274.

Also on May 7-12, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Avenue Campus in Cebu City will host students in Preparatory Level, and in Levels 1, 2 and 3. Organizer is Rico Navarro (0908-818-7747, 0923-342-8193 and 0923-534-0030).

The Lucena City clinics will be at the Iñigo Sports Complex. They will be for students in Preparatory Level and Levels 1, 2 and 3.

Organizer is Ompong Segura (0927-492-4516, 0917-816-1106 and 0929 598 7399).

SM to open second mall in Pangasinan

(ABS-CBN News)

MANILA - SM Prime Holdings on Thursday said it would open its second mall in Pangasinan.

SM Urdaneta Central will start operations on Friday, SM Prime told the stock exchange. SM City Rosales is the first SM mall in the province.

"As Pangasinan is at the heartland of the Philippines and the gateway to Northern Luzon, SM is a committed partner in further building on this strategic and dynamic province through SM City Urdaneta Central," SM Prime president Jeffrey Lim said.

The group is set to open 5 malls in the provinces this year. SM Prime opened SM Center Imus in Cavite last February and will open SM City Telabastagan in Pampanga, SM City Legazpi in Albay and SM Center Ormoc in Leyte.

Pangasinan's Pistay Dayat will be ‘festival of nature’ next year

By Hilda Austria (PNA)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Governor Amado Espino III has said Pangasinan’s annual celebration of Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival) next year will not only focus on thanksgiving for the sea but will be a ‘feast of nature’.

Espino, speaking before a crowd during the commemorative program of Pistay Dayat 2018 on Tuesday at the Capitol beachfront, said next year’s celebration will be repackaged and the involvement of all coastal towns and cities in Pangasinan will be needed.

Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan, in an interview Wednesday, said the repackaging of the “Sea Festival” to “Festival of Nature” is a new announcement from the governor and they are yet to discuss in a meeting which department will lead as well as the details of the inspired project.

However, it was emphasized that next year’s festival will no longer be just a “thanksgiving” for the bounties of the sea.

The governor said the sea festival is a manifestation of Pangasinenses love for the environment.

“Let us then continue loving and taking care of nature to the best of our ability in order that the younger generation may enjoy in the future the fruits of their labor today,” Espino said.

Espino said “Banca Parada” and “Pakar Awards” will resume on a bigger scale in next year’s celebration, which were temporarily skipped this year due to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“Banca Parada and Pakar Awards were not included this year because barangay officials who are the main participants of the two events are busy preparing for the forthcoming barangay election this May,” he said.

Elduayan said the two regular events have been replaced with Boat Painting Contest and Dulang (boodle fight).

For the boat painting contest, 14 coastal municipalities and cities in the province except for Anda, took part.

Pistay Dayat 2018 opened last April 20 and will conclude on May 12 with the Tigasin Triathlon.

Other activities in the Pistay Dayat are search for Limgas na Pangasinan; Sand Sculpting Competition; Paragliding event; Philippine Beach Games; among others.

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. urged all Pangasinenses to keep uniting and continuously work together to make the sea festival successful as ever.

Pangasinan's Pistay Dayat was first held in 1970, according to the province press information office.

Four HEIs in Pangasinan to implement free college law

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

DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) -- Students and out-of-school youths in Pangasinan have more reasons now to pursue their college education in the coming academic year as higher educational institutions (HEI) which include three universities and one college in the province will implement the free college law.

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, one of the principal sponsors of the free college law, said students and out-of-school youths who wish to study on the coming school year may enroll in Pangasinan State University (PSU), University of Eastern Pangasinan, Urdaneta City University and Binalonan Community College.

Angara said under Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the government subsidy, with the initial funding of P40 billion, will cover the tuition, miscellaneous and other school fees of students enrolled in 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs), 78 local universities and colleges (LUCs) and all technical-vocational education and training (TVET) center accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Kung dati and pangarap ng bawat lower-income families ay magkaroon ng kahit isang graduate na siyang tutulong mag-ahon sa pamilya sa kahirapan, ngayon lahat na ng ating mga anak ay may pagkakataon nang makapagtapos sa kolehiyo,” said Angara on Friday as he visited Pangasinan to attend the Bangus Festival here.

Angara noted that a lot of students drop out of college because they do not have the ability to pay for tuition fees and other fees for all four years.

“Making college tuition fees and all other fees free would eliminate this reason for not graduating,” Angara added.

Based on the 2016 survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), 3.8 million Filipinos are out-of-school children or youths.

More than three million or 87 percent of the above mentioned data are 16-24 years old, eight percent are 12 to 15 years old and five percent are 6-11 years old.

At least 53 percent of out-of-school children or youths belong to the country’s poorest families.

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