Pangasinan News November 2013

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Pangasinan Province - Archived News
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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 fiesta ‘lively’ despite no fund from city gov't

By Leonardo V. Micu (PNA)

DAGUPAN CITY -- A historic, relevant and lively fiesta celebration reels off December 1 to end on the 30th in the spirit of Balon Dagupan, said lawyer Liberato Reyna Jr., Dagupan Fiesta 2013 Hermano Mayor.

This year's fiesta celebration in honor of St. John the Evangelist, patron saint of Dagupan, is themed: "Gali'd Dagupan, bilay tan kaliktan" (Come to Dagupan, Life and Happiness".

"It’s the first time in recent history that the fiesta hosting is given to a non-government organization, the Dagupan City People's Council, and without the local government spending a single centavo, Reyna said recalling that previous fiestas were run by the Dagupan City Government itself.

In fact, it is the fiesta itself that will raise funds for the local government, said Reyna, adding that 50 percent of the proceeds from the trade fair or baratillo and food strip will be donated to the local government.

Previously, the baratillo and food strip revenues were entirely spent for the fiesta and the City Government still supported the funds running into millions.

"This time it will be different", said Reyna, "the fiesta will provide revenue for the local government, and not use local government fund".

Aside from providing revenue, the fiesta will also raise funds for the renovation of the Dagupan plaza stage with its authentic clam design for the dome, done by a renowned Panpango artist.

It was noted that the plaza stage has been neglected, its mural painting on the inside dome already chipped in places, and the mural depicted is not the authentic reproduction of the original, thus the renovation.

The clam-design dome, which is now about to be finished, reflects the origin of Dagupan as a fishing coastal community and the white color evokes transparency and good governance, Reyna explained.

The project is a legacy of the Dagupan City Peoples Council, federation of non-government, civil society and people's organization led by Reyna as its president.

Reyna said during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas Forum on Thursday that the fiesta executive committee initiated, the transfer of the vintage head coach of the locomotive that first ran the Caloocan to Dagupan railways from the right side of the stage to the front side of the Dagupan City Museum will enable more people visiting Dagupan to see the relic and also make the plaza wider.

The fiesta hermano mayor also said that the fiesta celebration will also raise funds for the victims of typhoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas "as our own way of sharing with the people in the areas devastated by the worst climatic disaster in our history."

Although austere, the fiesta is filled with events for all ages -- children, young people, families and senior citizens.

National champion University of Luzon drum-and-bugle corps provides music for the Dec. 2 grand parade, national team boxers and karatedos slug it out at the "Bakbakan ed Dagupan" and Karatedo tournament on Dec. 6 and 7, respectively.

On the other hand, the world-famous U.P. rondalla will perform on Dec. 22 along with college and university choral groups from Dagupan. At the same time, a spectacular Christmas fireworks will light up the Dagupan night sky on Dec. 24.

GSP inaugurates new headquarters, holds 64th encampment in Pangasinan

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 29 (PNA) -- The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Pangasinan Council inaugurated on Thursday (November 28) their new headquarters located at the back of the original GSP building in the Provincial Capitol complex here.

The new building funded by the provincial government headed by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. now serves as a venue of troop leaders’ meetings and trainings of girl scouts.

“Everyone at the GSP is more inspired now,” remarked Pangasinan Council Executive Euphemia De Guzman of their new headquarters.

De Guzman disclosed that the number of their members is continuously growing, adding that “last year, we have around 65,000 members; now, we have 85,000.”

Meanwhile, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr. assured that they will strengthen scouting and other programs for the youth such as sports development and anti-drugs campaign especially now that Sangguniang Kabataan officials has no holdover capacity.

The inauguration coincided with the opening of the GSP Pangasinan Council's four-day 64th encampment with the theme “Believe, Belong, Be More” at the Capitol Beach Front.

Thousands of girl scouts from the divisions of Pangasinan 1, Pangasinan 2, Alaminos City, Urdaneta City, and San Carlos City joined the camping.

Various activities like face painting, choric speech, dance exercise, cheer dance, drawing contest, seed fair, sand castle building, eco-cultural tour, disaster preparedness and outdoor challenges are being conducted.

General Aquinaldo monument to be unveiled in Bayambang

(PNA), PDS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 28 (PNA)--A 7.2 feet monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo will be unveiled Friday in front of the municipal hall as part of the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Bayambang on April 5, 2014.

Romulo Velasquez, municipal administrator of Bayambang, said the monument, etched by Napoleon Abueva, dubbed as father of modern sculpture that cost the municipality P1 million, was erected because Bayambang was one time the revolutionary capital of the Philippines.

This was on November 12, 1899 when General Aguinaldo and his troops arrived in Bayambang on horseback and on foot from Tarlac province while fleeing from the Americans during the Filipino-American War.

Velasquez said during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodcasters sa Pilipinas (KBP) forum that it was in Bayambang where Aguinaldo summoned members of the Council of War that recommended the disbandment of the Philippine Army and for its soldiers to shift to guerrilla warfare to continue their fight against the Americans .

Aguinaldo and party left by train the next day to Calasiao, Pangasinan and continued on their march to the north, thru Tirad Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos where General Gregorio del Pilar was killed during a rear guard action with the Americans.

Aguinaldo proceeded to Palanan, Isabela where he was ultimately captured by the Americans.

Velaquez said what was not written in history book was that when Aguinaldo fled to Bayambang, his wife Hilaria who was pregnant was with him and his troops. He said Hilaria suffered miscarriage and the dead fetus was buried in the soil of Bayambang.

Velasquez said the monument of Aguinaldo was installed beside the marker in front of the municipal hall whose epitaphs showed that Bayambang was one time the revolutionary capital of the Philippines.

As part of the unveiling ceremony, students of the Pangasinan State University and the Bayambang National High School will reenact the arrival of Aguinaldo and his troops in Bayambang during on that fateful Nov. 12, 1899 to establish a revolutionary capital.

At the same time, Velasquez announced that there will also be historic signing of a sisterhood agreement between Kawit, Cavite, the birthplace of General Aguinaldo and Bayambang by officials of Kawit who are coming to the town, and officials of Bayambang led by Mayor Ricardo Camacho.

Pangasinan CENRO endorses demolition of fish pens located on titled lands

(PNA), JBP/LVM/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 27 (PNA)-- The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has cleared the way for the demolition by the city government here of fish pens erected on supposed private properties that had been eroded and became part of river system.

CENRO officer-in-charge Raymundo Gayo whose office has jurisdiction over Central Pangasinan, including Dagupan City, said the law is clear that if a private property has become part of the water, then it has returned to the possession of the state for which only the national government has a jurisdiction of.

In an executive meeting called by Mayor Belen Fernandez, Gayo provided hints on what the Dagupan city government would do to the 59 fish pens earlier spared from demolition when their owners claimed the structures were built on their own properties as shown by transfer of certificate of titles (TCTs) and tax declarations they presented.

There were 205 fish pens that were targeted for demolition by the city government since July this year but only 150 had been demolished. The remaining 58 were spared from demolition pending verification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on whether their claims are valid.

The owners of these fish pens said their structures were built on former fishponds and residential lands that they owned but which have since been eroded and became part of the river.

Gayo said a fish pond essentially -- by definition -- has dikes in all four sides while a fish pen has no dike except nets anchored on bamboo poles erected in the water.

"If you see this type of structure in part of the river and you can not find any dike, we will consider this as a fish pens and not fish ponds," Gayo said responding to a a query posed by City Administrator Farah Decano.

Corollary to this, Fernandez called the attention of Gayo with regards to a fish pen owned by outgoing Barangay Chairman Lilia Yasar of Pantal located located in the middle of the Calmay River which was spared from demolition in view of her claim that it is located on her property covered by a land title in her name.

City Legal Officer George Mejia concurred citing that under the regalian doctrine, such private land that was already submerged in the water due to erosion and other natural factors, would already become part of public domain.

After hearing Gayo, Fernandez asked City Agriculture Officer Emma Molina to immediately submit to her office photo copies of supposed land titles and tax declaration submitted to her office by owners of fish pen owners for study.

Squash farmers enjoying economic turn-around from agro-enterprise project of DAR

(DARco)

PANGASINAN, Nov 26 -- Squash farmers in two far-flung barangay’s in Umingan, Pangasinan province are looking forward to greater economic opportunities after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) linked them up to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to serve as their market arm.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Maria Ana B. Francisco said that 166 members of Umingan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (UFARCO) in Barangay Luna Este and Luna Weste enlisted themselves into the DAR-CRS Partnership Project, dubbed as “Linking Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries to Corporate Supply Chains.”

The partnership has a primary goal of improving the livelihoods of the farming households through agro-enterprise engagements, Francisco said.

Francisco said the objective of the project is to link the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in marketing their produce to institutional buyers and centers. At present, they are marketing their produce to Dizon Farm and to other consolidators, Francisco said.

Francisco said the DAR also helps the two agrarian reform communities (ARCs) gain access to credit through the same DAR-CRS partnership. She said they were clustered to facilitate their access to credit institutions engaged in microfinance services such as Gulf Bank and GM Bank. The loans applied for would be used for their squash production.

Meanwhile, Umingan Mayor Eldred P. Tumbocon requested DAR and CRS to consider squash for the project, being its “One Town, One Product” (OTOP). In addition, the areas planted with squash are covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

UFARCO member Melecio E. Echavaria said that for 100 cavans of squash he harvested per year, he earned P100,000.

“What I earned from my harvest is more than enough to give my family a better living”, he said.

Pangasinan to give P5,000 financial assistance to each job-order employee, consultant this Christmas

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), CTB/LVM/RMA]

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov, 25 (PNA)-- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Monday passed a resolution seeking to give financial assistance of P5,000 each to job-order employees and consultants of the provincial government numbering 1,600 at the end of the year.

Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. said this is necessary because job-order employees and consultants do not receive their 13th month pay and cash gift aside from their Performance Enhancement and Productivity Incentive normally enjoyed by regular employees.

Provincial Budget Officer Ely Claveria said the last trance of the 13th month pay and cash gift was already given to the employees middle of this month.

Meanwhile, at least P27.7 million in the provincial budget for 2013 had been earmarked for Performance Enhancement and Productivity Incentive at P10,000 each.

Claveria told the SP that the same amount was given to officials and employees as performance and productivity incentive.

She said that only employees who have continuously worked in the government at least for a minimum of four months and have not left the service would be given such incentive.

On the other hand, Board Member Bince noted that the financial assistance to be given to job-order employees and consultants will come from savings of various provincial government offices.

The SP alone headed by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim has registered savings of some P1.4 million this year.

20 students get scholarship for 2D animation

(CIO)

SCHOLARSHIP grants for an eight-month course on 2D Animation were recently awarded to 20 students under a joint project of the Dagupan City government, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and TechSkills.

The scholars were screened based on qualifications set by TESDA in collaboration with the city under the Better Education and Livelihood for Employment Needs (Project BELEN) program.

The scholars are Earl Briane Callanta, Jefferson Calugay, Mark Jesson Cui, Joeboy Daroy, Alexander Dela Cruz, Siegfred Diaz, John Henry Elias, Llyod Esmeralda, John Nemesio Fernandez, Melvin Laguerta, Julone Marcellones, Jonnifer Medio, Dan Reginald Nate, Samuel Palaroan Jr., Irish Abbegayle Paulino, Marion Quebral Jr., Dranreb Quinantoto, Gerard Anthony Quitiquit, Carlo Vidal, Gie Marc Yambao, Jonathan Michael Arcega, Leandro Lo Callanta, Kenneth Eliscupides and Irene Landingin.

Joining Fernandez in awarding the scholarship certificates were TESDA Pangasinan Supervising Specialist Engr. Amelito Cardenas and TechSkills Administrator Engr. Raul P. Taminaya.

DTI reminds OFWs to send balikbayan boxes to legitimate shippers

(VHS/PIA1-Pangasinan)

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) – The Department of Trade and Industry has urged overseas Filipino workers to transact only with DTI-accredited Philippine Sea consolidators in sending their balikbayan boxes.

Director Peter Mangabat of DTI-Pangasinan said the move will ensure fast and reliable delivery of the boxes.

“It is best to transact only with legitimate firms or freight forwarders and their counterparts or agents abroad to avoid deceitful and undelivered balikbayan boxes,” Mangabat said.

He said the DTI’s Philippine Shippers’ Bureau has already conducted road shows in Hongkong, Singapore, Dubai and Riyadh to inform OFWs to be more vigilant in their transactions.

Mangabat urged the public to file complaints on pilferage or lost item and non-delivery of balikbayan boxes at the PBS office in Makati City or visit the DTI-Pangasinan Provincial Office in Dagupan City.

Pangasinan residents line up for overseas jobs fair

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 22 (PIA) – Droves of Pangasinan residents lined up for the overseas employment jobs fair held at the Provincial Training and Development Center here early this month.

The activity was a joint project of the provincial government and the Public Employment Service Offices (PESO) Association of Pangasinan, Inc. in partnership with the management of www.workabroad.ph.

PESO Chief Alex Ferrer said the activity is part of the province’s efforts to bring overseas employment opportunities closer to Pangasinenses.

Participating employment agencies, which had at least 200 job vacancies each, were: Al Assal Manpower, Inc., MPL International Services Corporation, Prudential Employment Agency, Inc., Rock Solid Manpower Network and Consultancy, Inc., Sacred Heart International Services, Inc. and Treasure of Hope International, Inc.

Workabroad.ph’s Sales and Marketing Officer Rhea Suiza said that aside from Pangasinenses, they also invited applicants from neighboring provinces of Tarlac, La Union and Baguio City.

Destinations for overseas employment are concentrated in Middle East countries where there is a bulk of demand for construction workers, hotel workers and in the medical field, Suiza said.

There are also job openings in some countries in Asia, Canada and New Zealand, she added.

“The first time partnership with PESO in holding this overseas job fair worked well and we’re looking forward for a continued partnership to help more Pangasinenses who wish to work abroad,” Suiza disclosed.

Workabroad.ph has about 45, 000 job openings advertised in their website by 400 POEA-licensed recruitment agencies, said Suiza.

Applicants can also submit a resume online at www.workabroad.ph.

Urdaneta City, provincial gov't libraries receive national awards

(PNA), LAM/LOR/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 21(PNA) -- Pangasinan won the top and fourth awards in the 2013 search for Outstanding Children's Services in the Philippines-Public Sector category.

The Urdaneta City Library was adjudged as the overall winner in the search conducted by the National Library of the Philippines (NLP).

On the other hand, the Pangasinan Provincial Library in Lingayen bagged fourth place in the same category.

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. expressed elation over the feat, citing the awards reflect their commitment and dedication to serve the public, especially the children.

The search was participated in by about 1,337 public libraries (provincial, congressional district and municipal/city libraries) nationwide.

Among the six finalists, Pangasinan is the only province which received two national awards. The awarding rites was held November 5 at the NLP Auditorium during the celebration of Library and Information Services Month.

Evangeline Paragas, librarian of the Pangasinan Provincial Library who received the award from NLP director Antonio Santos, said this is the second time that the provincial library received such award.

Last year, the provincial library was named “3rd Best Provincial Library in the Philippines.”

It was during the administration of Governor Espino since 2007 that the Provincial Library was transformed into a “more conducive and modern research and study place” for students who opt to spend their free time in a worthwhile endeavor.

Urdaneta City librarian Bernaline Gravela said that the overall criterion of the competition was based on the reading programs intended for children.

She named some of their 13 reading programs for children as follows: computer program (I want to be techie), internet (I want to explore the web), and library summer program. We also bring half of our children’s’ reading collection to barangays of the city, she said.

“Actually, have a summer program for 10 years already . We encourage children during summer to go to the library for them to avail of our services instead of just playing ,” Gravela disclosed.

The Urdaneta City Library, located at the first floor of the Urdaneta City Convention and Sports Center, can accommodate an average of 75-100 children per day with its 14 staff rendering services.

The libraries of the cities of Davao and Pasig came in second and third place, respectively.


Japanese-invented solar-powered aerator to be tested in Dagupan City

(PNA), PDS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 20 (PNA)--The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has tapped the Dagupan-based National Integrated Technology Research Center (NIFTDC) to test the efficiency of a Japanese-invented solar aerator, a necessary gadget for the aquaculture industry in the entire country.

Dr. Westly Rosario, NIFTDC chief, said the aerator using a solar panel to catch energy from the sun, is now being built and will be soon tested in fishponds in Dagupan or at the NIFTDC, as well as in fish cages either in Sual or Bolinao.

JICA chose Dagupan and Pangasinan for the pilot testing of solar powered aerator being the biggest producer of milkfish throughout the country.

He said the gadget, which is set to be operational in January next year, can increase the dissolved oxygen level in fishponds and cages when it is low, thus greatly preventing the occurrence of fishkill that can result in big loss of investments.

The study on the efficacy of solar power aerator here may take one year and if successful, the Japanese company behind this innovative gadget will set up a factory that will manufacture this right in the Philippines so fish farmers can buy it at lesser cost.

This means additional investment to the country and jobs for qualified Filipino workers, Rosario said.

Initially, Dr. Rosario endorsed the use of solar aerator at a time when dissolved oxygen in fishponds and river is little bit low to prevent the occurrence of fish kill and consequently reduce their expenses, instead of using aerators connected to an electrical outlet or a generator set.

He said from the briefing conducted by JICA officials who visited Dagupan recently, he gathered that the aerator together with the solar panel can also be installed in mid-sea where a mariculture project is located.

The gadget, he said, is conducive to fishponds that are also far from an electricity source, thus a big boon to fish farmers as they can stop fishkills which can diminish their resources and investments.

Pangasinan set to release P2.5-M livelihood assistance

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 19 (PNA) -- The provincial government vowed to release P2.5 million as its livelihood assistance to 19 organizations in separate towns of the province before the year ends.

This is in addition to the P4.47 million already released by the province since January this year from the Pangasinan Credit Surety Fund (PCSF) that earlier benefited 34 organizations and three small enterprises.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. said that since the program was launched in 2008, the provincial government has been getting high repayment rate from beneficiary organizations.

As reported by the Provincial Population Office (PPO), repayment is extremely satisfactory.

Thus, the provincial government has set its sight on providing more assistance to assist various organizations in order to raise the income of the marginalized sector and become self-sustaining in the long run.

The governor has assured that the project will be sustained to assist more poor families especially the unemployed heads of families.

“We have at least seven or eight women groups in far-flung barangays of the eastern and western Pangasinan who became recipients of the program and they are now into goat-raising business,” Gov. Espino said.

He stressed that it is heartwarming to know that unemployed housewives are now helping their husbands earn a living.

Meanwhile, Ellsworth Gonzales, Population Program Officer II of the PPO, said the livelihood assistance program is one of the priority thrusts of the present administration of Gov. Espino.

This aims to enhance the lives of the marginalized sector to include women entrepreneurs, farmers and fishermen.

Gonzales said that since the PCSF was established in 2008, a total of P35.7 million has been released to 105 organizations and nine small entrepreneurs.

“This does not stop here, we have even endorsed four active local cooperatives to the PCSF to help them acquire additional capital,” Gonzales said.

Pangasinan was earlier cited by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as the Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in the implementation of Credit Support Fund (CSF).

The CSF is one of the priority projects of the present provincial administration to address poverty incidence by enabling household heads to have a viable livelihood activities to support their families.

The project is a credit enhancement scheme developed by the BSP which aims to increase the credit worthiness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It also taps the economic potential of cooperatives and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Dagupan City strengthens drive on solid waste disposal

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 18 (PIA) – The Waste Management Division (WMD) here has intensified its campaign against solid waste disposal by educating Dagupenos in the communities on important provisions of Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.”

The education drive was in line with the city government’s program to ensure that Dagupan remains clean and free from harmful levels of pollutants that may cause illnesses.

Mayor Belen Fernandez has engaged Engr. Romeo Rosario, city planning and development officer, and officer-in-charge WMD Head Ronaldo de Guzman to create community organizers who will conduct lectures and re-educate the public on the concept of R.A. 9003 and existing city ordinances on solid waste disposal.

The program seeks to increase the level of awareness of the community on existing laws and ordinances to attain a high level of cooperation and active community support; to minimize or reduce waste at source; and to instill the values of cleanliness and ensure the safety of every individual, De Guzman said.

It also includes giving lectures in all public and private schools in the city which will teach students about mandatory segregation at source, which is one way to minimize and reduce the waste generated at source, he said.

“This will reduce and control the city’s waste diversion in Dagupan’s disposal facility,” he added.

At present, the WMD continues to maintain a round-the-clock street sweeping operation at the central business district and collects the waste of 31 barangays for disposal at the controlled dumpsite in Bonuan.

Meanwhile, the City Information Office reported that plan on closing the controlled dumpsite is underway.

Fernandez said during her first 100 days report that negotiations are on the way with Procter and Gamble to locate a fully integrated waste conversion plant which can be functional not later than two years from the start of construction.

Preserving Pangasinan’s cultural identity

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 17 (PIA) – A multi-sectoral body engaged in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage has provided support to Pangasinan’s preservation efforts of its historic cultural structures and identity.

The provincial government earlier created the Pangasinan Historical and Cultural Commission (PHCC) to oversee programs geared at preserving the province’s rich cultural heritage.

The commission got the support from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the government’s policy-making body for the promotion, development and preservation of Philippine Arts and Culture.

The NCCA organized Pangasinan’s stakeholders in cultural preservation from the Pangasinan Tourism Officers Association (PTOA), representatives and engineering offices of the cities and municipalities and the PHCC to map out the province’s action plan on preserving the province’s structures.

Lawyer Rose Beatrix Cruz-Angeles, NCCA legal counsel, said the activity was a convergence of different people who are called to promote, protect and preserve heritage.

Provincial administrator Rafael Howard Baraan said Pangasinan takes pride in its historical identity which has helped define Pangasinenses.

“Cultural heritage is a result of the people’s struggle in search of their own identity,” Baraan said.

Some of Pangasinan structures declared as cultural heritage include: Veterans Memorial Park in Lingayen; Cacupagan Cave in Mabini; Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Bolinao; Casa Real in Lingayen; St. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Calasiao and the St. Joseph Patriarch Church in Aguilar.

The Veterans Memorial Park in Lingayen was built to remind the people how the ancestors fought to free our country in the hand of Japanese invaders.

Cacupagan Cave located in Mabini is multi-entrance cave with many windows from the ceiling.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse is a hundred and eight years old lighthouse located in Barangay Patar in Bolinao town. This lighthouse was classified as one of the five major lighthouses in the country.

A building constructed as royal house during the Spanish period where the Alcalde Mayor resided and held office as the Provincial Governor and the Judge of the Court of First Instance is called Casa Real.

St. Peter and Paul Parish Church is a 17th century old church in Calasiao which was constructed as among the 30 Spanish-era churches that are registered as “National Cultural Treasures” while in Aguilar, St. Joseph Patriarch Church was the first church constructed by the friars through the initiatives of Fr. Bernardo Torre in its foundation in year 1808.

Provincial Tourism Officer Malou Elduayan said the body is mandated to unify and integrate services and resources of both the government and private sectors in charting the province’s cultural and historical preservation.

Meanwhile, Giovanni Bautista, NCCA’s museum researcher and archeologist encouraged the local government units to put up historical galleries and cultural museums as facilities to promote their respective cultural heritage, especially among the younger generation.

100 workers hired in Pangasinan jobs fair

(PNA), SCS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 16 (PNA) -- Over 100 job seekers from Pangasinan were hired in a jobs fair held here coordinated by the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) last Nov. 14.

PESO Manager Alex Ferrer said the workers were hired by the House Technology Industries Pte. Ltd. (HTI), Magic Group of Companies, and Makati Finance Corporation (MFC).

HTI, which was in need of 1,000 workers for immediate employment, hired some 100 applicants who will be working as production operators in Rosario, Cavite.

“However, the applicants need to pass medical examination to ensure that they will be taken in by the company after passing the qualifying exam and the interview," Ferrer said.

If all the HTI applicants pass the medical examinations, the company will take all of them.

HTI is involved in the manufacture of prefabricated materials such as bath tubs, balcony, wall panels, windows, tiles and other house materials.

Trixie Tampes, HTI Human Resource staff, said the products manufactured by her company are being exported to Japan.

Tampes said the new recruits who passed the exams and final interview will be deployed to HTI office in Cavite on Nov. 25 for free medical examination and a three-day orientation.

After the orientation, work will start on Dec. 6 where the new recruits will be provided with a free lunch per day and free uniform aside from their basic pay.

Ferrer said Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. has instructed the PESO office to assist the new recruits when they go to Cavite for their medical examination and orientation.

The workers will be transported to their workplace in Rosario, Cavite through the provincial government’s shuttle bus.

Meanwhile, the Makati Finance Corporation (MFC) has recruited 11 personnel to fill up positions in its new offices to be opened this month in Urdaneta City, Alaminos City and Dagupan City. MFC Credit Manager Michael Godoy disclosed that they are in need of at least 15 personnel for each of the various vacant positions for their new offices.

The vacant positions are for loan processors, cashiers, credit sales representatives, accounting assistants and auditors.

The corporation provides motorcycle loans and also cash loans for doctors who want to put up their own clinics and medical offices.

At the same time, the Magic Group of Companies said it had processed more than 34 applications and had considered 14 hopefuls pending the completion of their requirements.

Ferrer said this was the second jobs fair held this month. The previous one was on Nov. 8 that recruited workers for overseas employment

A mega jobs fair was also held earlier on Oct. 29, participated in by 16 companies that recruit workers for local and overseas employment.

Pangasinan's environmental advocacy to be featured on national TV

(PNA), PDS/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 15 (PNA)---The “Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko”, an environmental advocacy of the Pangasinan provincial government, will be featured in Studio 23, sister television station of ABS-CBN in its “Business How It Works show” on November 24, Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Prior to this nationwide airing, a team led by Buddy Gancenia, visited the capital town on November 11-14 to gather some data on the award-winning brainchild environmental program of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.

After knowing how the project implementation all started, Garcenia remarked:“Kitang-kita naman talaga ang difference (the difference can readily be seen) far from the ill-fated state of the river before the clean-up”.

He went on to laud the project’s sustainable implementation.

Governor Espino, who was personally interviewed by the show host at the Banaga bridge area in Bugallon town, said fishing is the major industry of Pangasinan which he believes will remain as an agricultural province in the next decades.

It is therefore compelling to bring back the natural form of the Agno River with the teeming abundance of varieties of fishes to help the marginalized fisherfolks, he added.

He said, however, the provincial government encountered a strong resistance in the initial implementation of the project but eventually, Pangasinenses realized the noble cause of “what we are doing.”

The project, which started in 2009 along with the creation of Task Force Kalikasan, brought massive transformation of the Agno river system and its tributaries.

Series of dismantling operations of illegal fishing structures were done along with the extensive dredging of silts from the river beds.

The dismantling operations brought back the natural beauty and grandeur of the rivers while the dredging of silt, which made the rivers deeper, serves as long-term flood mitigation of the province.

In recognition to the sustainable project implementation, various agricultural awards were conferred to the province, which included: DENR Likas Yaman award, TOFARM 2012 (The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines) national award and Gawad Pagkilala award for fishery conservation.

Bugallon Mayor Jumel Espino along with some barangay captains and officials of said town and Lingayen were also present during the filming of the studio 23 show.

The seeding of about 13,500 bangus and tilapia fingerlings was also done in the Agno River in Banaga, Bugallon as part of the fish stock program of the provincial government.

The team also visited Barangays Dupo and Salapingao in Binmaley Town to get some idea on how the dredged silt was innovatively used in building a new road link and a bridge which connects the island barangays.

Meanwhile, Lingayen’s “Bagoong Industry” will also be featured in the “How To Do” segment of the show.

Archbishop Villegas, Gov. Espino hold concert for "Yolanda's" victims

(PNA), CTB/LVM/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 14 (PNA)--- The Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan headed by Archbishop Socrates Villegas led a concert-for-a-cause dubbed as “Fadz Gold Live in Concert” to help victims of Typhoon “Yolanda” in Visayas Region.

Held last November 12 at the CSI Stadia in Dagupan City, the live concert was joined by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr and Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. where they rendered a song “Pagibig Ko Sa Iyo and “I Love You” respectively.

Ryan Cayabyab, a Pangasinense and the Philippines’ music icon also guested in the concert.

Likewise, the Catholic priests including nuns have shared their talents in singing and dancing to show their support to the project.

Archbishop Villegas said the proceeds will be donated to the Archdiocese of Palo in Leyte and Archdiocese of Borongan in Samar whose churches have been ruined by typhoon “Yolanda.”

The typhoon was considered as the world’s strongest and fiercest typhoon that ever happened in the history of mankind.

“Gusto natin tulungan ang mga nabiktimang bagyong “Yolanda” at iyong mga nasirang simbahan natin doon, (We want to help the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, ioncluding the churches that were destroyed)" Archbishop Villegas said.

Thousands of students from the different Catholic schools have shown their full support to the concert that lasted for more than one hour.

Earlier, the province of Pangasinan has donated P2-million each for the Leyte province and Tacloban City.

Bohol, which was recently hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 15, earlier, received P2-million as donation from the province.

Bridge to be named after late youngest barangay captain of Pangasinan

(PNA), PDS/LVM/LVMICUA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 13 (PNA)--A bridge connecting the town of Lingayen to Labrador will be named after a late barangay captain elected at the age of 18 and continued to serve his constituents till he died at the age of 44.

This was contained in Provincial Resolution No. 217-2013 proposed by Board Member Nestor Reyes seeking to rename the Sabangan Bridge as Hector Fabiana Bridge in honor of the late barangay captain.

Fabiana was the youngest elected barangay captain.

“The naming of bridge is one way of honoring the late Hector Navarro Fabiana who was elected as the youngest barangay captain of barangay Sabangan at the age of 18, and continuously served his community with dedication until his death at the age of 44,” Reyes stated in his resolution.

Moreover, the late Fabiana had been instrumental for the construction of a concrete bridge replacing the dilapidated one through the assistance of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.

According to Reyes, the bridge will elevate the importance, relevance and dignity of services rendered by the barangay officials of Sabangan as well as to its residents.

Dagupan to observe special public holiday on Nov. 13

(PNA), LAM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 12 (PNA) -- The whole province of Pangasinan, including the city of Dagupan, will go on a special public holiday on Nov. 13 (Wednesday) in observance of the 127th birthday of the late Speaker Eugenio Perez, one of the most illustrious sons of the province.

Perez, who made his mark in the national scene when he co-founded the Liberal Party along with then President Manuel Roxas, was born on Nov. 13, 1896 in the then Sitio Obong, barrio of Basista in the municipality of San Carlos, now a city. He died on Aug. 4, 1957.

His barrio of Basista has since became a town separate from San Carlos City.

A media advisory from the office of Gov. Amado Espino Jr. stated that the special public holiday was provided for in Republic Act No. 6712 which was signed into law by then President Corazon C. Aquino on March 20. 1989.

The law was authored by the late Rep. Fabian Sison of the third district of Pangasinan and co-authored by other congressmen of the province.

Perez is considered as father of Dagupan as he authored Republic Act No. 170, the charter that converted the then municipality of Dagupan into a city.

The Perez Boulevard in Dagupan City was named after the late Speaker who was instrumental in seeking funding for its construction from the national government.

Perez also authored in Congress the bill that created the National Power Corporation (Napocor) to help the administration of then President Elpidio Quirino set the tone for the rehabilitation of the country from the ravages of World War II.

This eventually led to the construction of various power power plants, among them the Ambuklao and Binga dams along the Agno River in Benguet that generated electricity and brought powers to towns and cities, including factories across Luzon.

Commemorative activities on Nov. 13 are confined in San Carlos City where Perez first served as town councilor shortly after he became member of the bar.

A wreath-laying ceremony at the bust of the late Speaker Perez at a park named in his honor is set in Dagupan City.

Pangasinan to send P2M each as financial aid to Leyte and Tacloban

(PNA), FFC/PTR/LVM/UTB

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 11 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan is donating P2 million each to Leyte province and Tacloban City for their relief and rehabilitation after they were hardly-hit by the powerful typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

This was contained in Resolution No. 229-2013 approved unanimously by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan presided over by Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, on motion of 5th District Board Member Clemente Arboleda Jr., majority floor leader.

The resolution authorized Gov. Amado Espino to donate P2 million each for Leyte and Tacloban that will be drawn from the remaining balance of the calamity fund of the province.

Pangasinan also recently donated P2 million for Bohol after it was devastated by 7.2 magnitude earthquake that reduced many infrastructures to rubble. The check donation was delivered by Board Member Arboleda to officials of Bohol last Nov. 4.

Resolution No. 299-2013 took note that in the past typhoon "Yolanda" which hit Eastern Visayas, 90 percent of Leyte, specifically Tacloban City, was flattened where thousands of lives were killed, injured or missing.

The provincial government expressed hope that the humanitarian endeavor will greatly benefit thousands of lives in the areas affected by the wrath of the typhoon.

New corn resists three pests

By Zac Sarian

Agriculture scientists continue to develop improved varieties of crops that have beneficial traits so farmers could produce harvests that can make farming profitable.

Corn is considered one of the major crops in the Philippines, planted by farmers in practically every place in the country. That is why plant breeders are always busy looking for ways to come up with varieties that are improved in many ways.

The so-called Bt corn is one of the products of research by companies that spend a lot of money for research and development. The Bt corn is now a favorite variety of corn farmers in Isabela, Ilocos and elsewhere because this so-called genetically engineered corn can protect itself from the destructive Asian corn borer. This pest bores holes in the stem of the corn plants, often resulting in very low yield.

With Bt corn, farmers don’t have to spray expensive chemical pesticide because the Bt gene incorporated in the variety prevents the attack of the corn borer.

The original Bt corn can only protect itself from the corn borer. Now, the latest development is that a genetically-engineered corn hybrid can protect itself not just from Asian corn borer but also against two other destructive pests – the corn earworm and cutworm.

We recently attended the launching of the new corn – the Bioseed Healer 102 – where a seminar was held in Alcala, Pangasinan, attended by corn farmers in the province.

Healer 102 is outstanding in a number of ways, aside from its ability to resist attack by the corn borer, cutworm and earworm. It can also resist damage from herbicide, a chemical used to control weeds in corn fields. Weeds are also a major enemy of corn plants. If uncontrolled, weeds can outgrow the young corn plants and render them unproductive.

Hand-weeding is a usual practice by farmers in controlling weeds in corn fields. But this is a tedious job and is very costly. Now that the new corn, Healer 102, is not affected by the Round Up herbicide which is used in eliminating weeds, the cost of weeding has become economical. In fact, the farmer only has to use one liter of Round Up costing P480 to spray one hectare. Bioseed, Bt corn, Manila Bulletin, Elvis Iligan, Alcala, Pangasinan, Healer 102

During the launching of the new corn in Alcala, we were able to talk to some of the farmer-cooperators who have previously planted Healer 102 the past season. One of them is Arthur Dacanay of Alcala, a mechanical engineer who opted to become a full-time farmer instead of becoming an employee in an engineering firm.

He said that Healer 102 is high-yielding. In a half-hectare field that he planted in November 2012 and harvested the following February, he was able to harvest 40.05 tons, which translates to a per-hectare yield of 8.10 tons. This is considered high and is more than double what most farmers get from ordinary corn varieties.

Dacanay says it is profitable to plant the new corn variety. At the current rates of production and grain prices, one can easily gross P96,000 from one hectare of Healer 102. Since the total cost of producing one hectare is at P40,000, the net profit stands at P56,000 per hectare. The costs include 16 kilos of seeds, land preparation, irrigation, fertilizer, labor, shelling, drying and others. Biosafety, biotech, corn, borer, Manila Bulletin, corn earworm

Arthur also likes the medium height of Healer 102. It is much shorter than the previous variety, Healer 101, so it is more convenient for people to harvest the ears.

One thing more, the kernels have a bright orange color which is desired by feed millers. Then the kernels are heavy because they don’t have a big white portion that is usually found in other varieties in the market.

There you are. Here is one more variety you can try in your own farm. Seeds are being distributed by Bioseed Philippines based in General Santos City. Aside from Mindanao, seeds are also distributed by major agricultural stores in Luzon.

Hundreds of Pangasinenses apply for jobs abroad

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), CTB/LVM/RMA]

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 9 (PNA)--Despite reported abuses on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in some countries, there is no stopping Filipinos from seeking jobs abroad.

This was gleaned over hundreds of Pangasinan residents queued to apply for jobs overseas during a day-long jobs fair at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PDTC) here on November 8 .

Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) Chief Alex Ferrer said the activity, participated in by agents and principals from overseas companies, was a joint undertaking of the provincial government and the PESO Association of Pangasinan Inc. in partnership with the management of www.workabroad.ph.

The activity formed part of the sustained effort of the provincial government led by Gov, Amado Espino Jr. in bringing overseas employment opportunities closer to Pangasinenses, Ferrer added.

Participating employment agencies--which had at least 200 jobs vacancies each to be filled up--were: Al Assal Manpower Inc., MPL International Services Corporation, Prudential Employment Agency Inc., Rocksolid Manpower Network and Consultancy Inc., Sacred Heart International Services Inc., and Treasure of Hope International Inc.

Rhea Suiza, Workabroad.ph’s sales and marketing officer, noted that aside from Pangasinenses, other applicants came from neighboring provinces of Tarlac, La Union and Baguio City.

Destinations for overseas employment are concentrated in Middle East countries where there is a bulk of demand for construction workers, hotel workers and in the medical field.

However, there are also job openings in some countries in Asia, Canada and New Zealand, she reported

“The first time partnership with PESO in holding this overseas job fair worked well and we’re looking forward that this partnership will contiue,” Suiza disclosed.

Workabroad.ph has about 45,000 job openings advertised in their website by some 400 recruitment agencies licensed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, she reported.

Poverty-alleviating programs, projects bared in Pangasinan confab

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 8 (PNA) -- Some of the provincial government’s sustainable practices and innovative projects and programs in local governance were presented Wednesday during a meeting of the Provincial Poverty Reduction Action Team (PPRAT) – Millennium Development Goals (MDG) at the Capitol Resort Hotel here.

About 70 participants from the provincial government departments and offices, Non-Government Organizations/Associations, Department of Education, Philippine National Police, sectoral groups and national government agencies in the province attended the forum.

The best practices in local governance -- according to Provincial Planning and Development Officer Benita Pizarro -- have captured various regional and national awards conferred by agencies of the government and private sectors to the province.

“The sustainability of the ongoing poverty-alleviating advocacies and programs of the provincial government under Governor Amado Espino Jr’s administration had touched the lives of many Pangasinenses,” she said.

On manpower development, Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) Chief Alex Ferrer reported that the province is the regional top performer in sending Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad through its partner agencies and linkages.

There are about 2,000 OFWs per town/city in the province on the average -- a big number that could be attributed to the various overseas job fairs conducted by Pangasinan PESO which started in 2007, he added.

On the other hand, Engr. Alvin Bigay, head of the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (PHUDCC), said the province received the “Best Practices Against Professional Squatters and Squatting Syndicates award” given by the National Housing Authority (NHA) on October 25.

This recent feat, according to Bigay, is a recognition to the province’s sustainable development of “13-hectare resettlement site in Pangapisan Norte for informal settlers in the province,” which gave more than 700 families -- who were then living near creeks and rivers -- low-cost housing grants.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) had also presented the “Accelerated Certifies Seeds Production and Distribution” project which is being implemented since 2010 to uplift the economic condition of Pangasinense farmers as well as to provide them high-quality palay seeds -- these are in support to the national government’s Rice Self-Sufficiency scheme for the country.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) OIC Chief Fernando de Guzman expounded on the “Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko,” environmental advocacy of Gov. Espino.

The project, which started in 2009, brought massive transformation to the Agno river system. Aside from the various coastal clean-ups conducted, the Task Force Kalikasan also led the dismantling of illegal fishing structures and dredging of waterways as long-term flood mitigation scheme of the province, De Guzman reported.

Meanwhile, Ella Palaganas from Team Energy of Sual Coal-fired Powerplant cited that apart from electricity-generation, transmission and distribution, the energy company also pioneered programs that propelled Sual town’s development.

These included: projects on sanitation and healthcare and vitamin supplementation which addressed the high-malnutrition rate in the town; and the Gintong Binhi scholarship program for the poor but deserving Pangasinense who wishes to enroll an engineering-related course.

A representative from the Gulf Bank in Lingayen, on the other hand, also shared the bank’s efforts in reaching out the Indigenous People’s community in sitio Mapita, Aguilar town through enhancing agricultural production in the area and later giving assistance in marketing their products.

92 Pangasinan athletes undergo training for Batang Pinoy National Games

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 7 (PNA) -- At least 92 athletes from Pangasinan who will represent not just the province but the entire Luzon in the Batang Pinoy National Games 2013 in Bacolod City will undergo rigid training from November 11 to 14 here.

The training for the 15-year-old and below athletes will be held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here, said Provincial Sports Coordinator Modesto Operana.

"The training, sponsored by the provincial government, is yet another preparation for our athletes," said Operana, expressing high hopes that the athletes will excel anew and further bring pride to the province.

The athletes will see action in 13 sports disciplines, namely taekwondo-karatedo, boxing, archery, arnis, chess, athletics, lawn tennis, cycling, volleyball boys, basketball boys and girls, table tennis, badminton, and sepak takraw in the national games on November 19-24.

The delegation, which include 27 coaches and 20 officials, will leave for Bacolod City on November 15.

Pangasinan vendors now selling on wheels

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) – Some 50 vendors from eastern Pangasinan recently received livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment under the “Negosyo sa Kariton” or NegoKart project.

The NegoKarts amounting to P750,000 were awarded to vendors from eight towns in the sixth district of Pangasinan, namely San Nicolas, Balungao, Tayug, Asingan, Rosales, Umingan, San Quintin and Natividad.

On top of the food carts, some P180, 000 was also turned over to the local government of Sta. Maria for beneficiaries in 12 barangays.

Director Grace Ursua of DOLE Ilocos said the NegoKart project is one of the interventions under the agency’s livelihood program which aims to empower marginalized workers such as farmers, fisherfolks, ambulant vendors, parents of child laborers, displaced workers, persons with disabilities and unions by engaging them to pursue business ventures.

Ursua said the NegoKart project comes in a package of services to help the beneficiaries turn their small livelihood undertakings into more profitable business that will earn more income.

She said the assistance comprises a vending cart which is attached to a side car, capital for raw materials, trainings on production, entrepreneurship and business management, social protection and business permits.

Marisel Popioco, a beneficiary from Tayug, said the food cart would enable her to earn income for her family.

Popioco peddles snacks such as fish balls, kikiam, “turon” and sometimes, meat and vegetables around the town plaza or delivers her commodities from household to household.

Other beneficiaries also sell the same goods while others vend cooked viands, fish and school supplies.

Divina Ginez, president of the Sta. Maria Ladies Association for Development, said that the NegoKart provides an opportunity to community folks who are idle most of the time and draw them away from their vices.

Feature: POEA arms residents against illegal recruitment

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) - The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) hopes to put an end to the perennial problem of illegal recruitment and human trafficking by educating residents even before they begin transacting with recruitment firms.

To prevent future migrant workers of Pangasinan from falling prey to illegal recruiters, the agency has enlisted the support of the provincial government to intensify its campaign against illegal recruitment.

Recently, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was forged between POEA and the provincial government of Pangasinan to raise awareness on overseas employment and protect applicants from recruitment and trafficking.

POEA Deputy Administrator Amuerfina Reyes said that under the MOU, the provincial government had agreed to help in the information campaign against illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

Reyes said that the MOU has three salient features which include massive information campaign against illegal recruiters and human trafficking; establishment of Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFW) help desk; and enumeration of corrective measures or law enforcement measures against illegal recruiters.

The multi-sectoral group composed of the Pangasinan government, POEA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will undertake anti-illegal recruitment campaign to help the unfortunate victims of illegal recruiters and save applicants from being trapped in the hands of illegal recruitment agencies in the province.

Educating the people on the law on illegal recruitment as well as informing them of the different modus operandi being employed by illegal recruiters will adequately inform them so they will not be swayed by sweet talks from illegal recruiters whose sole intent is to fleece them of their hard-earned money.

Starting with a knowledge build-up is a one big leap in this all out war against illegal recruitment.The ripple effect is expected to come soon throughout the country after most LGUs including Pangasinan have joined the bandwagon in this all-out war against illegal recruiters.

Pangasinan holds wellness program for better governance

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

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 4 (PIA) – The provincial government continues to observe a wellness program to make Pangasinan an ideal place to invest, work and raise a family.

Now on its fourth year, the Angguan tan Ehersisyo ed Kapitolyo (sports fest and exercise at the capitol) will run until November 22.

Governor Amado Espino, Jr. said all work and no play make one dull while keeping the body fit is essential to achieving success.

“To have a successful and solid government, employees must have a healthy body (which is achieved) through sports and exercise,” Espino said.

For his part, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. said the event aims to strengthen the spirit of friendship, love, and solidarity among the different offices.

The event was packed with different sports activities, cheering competition, and pageant.

The participants were divided into seven different teams such as Financiers, Builders, Medics, General, Warriors, Legislators and Benchmarks.

The Team Financiers is composed of the employees of the Provincial Assessor’s Office, Provincial Treasurers’ Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Library, Provincial Legal Office and Finance Office.

The General team is composed of the General Service Officers (GSO) while the team Builders is made up of Provincial Engineering Officers (PEO).

The Provincial Government Office (PGO) and Human Resource and Management Office (HRMO) belong to team Warriors.

Medics Team is composed of the officials of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) and others.

Team Legislators members are from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office headed by Calimlim.

The Team Benchmark is made up of employees from the district and community hospital in San Carlos City, Alaminos City, Dasol and Mangatarem town.

Deo Flauren Viray of the Provincial Population Office said the sports event is an opportunity to get acquainted with other employees.

Public-private tie-up behind supplemental feeding to malnourished kids

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 3 (PIA) – The Dagupan City Government has partnered with Mead Johnson Nutrition Philippines for a supplemental feeding program to some 300 pupils here.

Mead Johnson Nutrition Coordination Manager Wally Panganiban said the program seeks to address hunger and health issues among school children, reduce malnutrition and improve the children’s school performance.

The program dubbed, ‘Pasiglahin ang Estudyanteng Pinoy’ is a school-based project implemented by Mead Johnson Nutrition Philippines, Kabisig ng Kalahi, the National Competitiveness Council ( NCC ), the Department of Education (DepEd), Unilever Philippines and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Panganiban said.

“The program allows the parents and teachers to work together to help children in school,” he said.

He added parents should closely monitor their children’s health which is a key in improving their life status, he said.

Dagupan City Division School Superintendent Gloria Torres said the school beneficiaries of this program include Lucao Elementary School, East Central Integrated School, Federico Ceralde Integrated School, North Central Elementary School, Victoria Zarate Elementary School, Sabangan Elementary School, BLISS Elementary School, Carael Elementary School, Pantal Elementary School and Calmay Elementary School.

Pangasinan generally peaceful on All Saints' Day

By Leonardo V. Micua [(PNA), CTB/LVM/RMA]

L1NGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 2 (PNA)--Sr. Supt. Marlou Chan, police provincial director, reported Saturday that observance of All Saints Day in Pangasinan was generally peaceful and orderly with no untoward incident recorded whatsoever.

Chan thanked the people of Pangasinan for the very peaceful atmosphere, adding that the police remain on red alert as the gun ban is still in effect as the election period is yet to end on Nov. 12.

This means, the police will still continue to conduct check points in a bid to further enforce the gun ban until Nov. 12, he said.

Chan said that some of the policemen and army personnel deployed as part of the augmentation force in Pangasinan during the barangay election are still around since the election period is not yet over.

In this year's observance of All Saints Day, the police organized Oplan Kaluluwa 2013 in order to secure not only the local residents but tourists and visitors as well.

Some policemen were posted along the highways leading to the province to render assistance to motorists.

These law enforcers will stay put in their respective posts untill all the visitors and tourists who came to Pangasinan on All Saints' Day have gone home.

Meanwhile, the alert in and around cemeteries is still on effect Saturday as many people are still visiting the tombs of their departed loved ones, which they have not done on Friday, Nov. 1.

PNP issues "Undas" safety tips

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

DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 1 (PIA) – The Pangasinan police is now on full alert to maintain peace and order in the province during the observance of “Undas” on November 1 and 2.

Senior Supt. Marlou Chan, provincial director of PNP-Pangasinan, said that more than 2, 000 police personnel have been deployed to implement police visibility, mobile patrols and checkpoints to prevent crimes and other threats.

As part of the effort to ensure public safety, the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO) issued tips for those leaving their homes, inside cemeteries, when traveling, and when taking public transport.

For those leaving their homes:

Lock all doors and windows and ensure that all possible entrances to the house are blocked. If possible, install a burglar alarm to alert the neighbors if someone breaks in.
Do not leave notes outside the house indicating you will be away; keep some appliances like the radio on to give the impression that someone is inside the house.
Ask a trusted neighbor to keep watch over your house while you are away.
Ensure no candle, gas stove, leaking faucet or plugged appliance left unattended.
Secure all items outside the house such as clothes being hung out to dry and bicycles or vehicles.

Inside the cemeteries:

Bring sufficient food and water. Keep in mind that liquor and food sold by vendors inside cemeteries are prohibited.
Bring protection against heat and rain.
Do not bring deadly or bladed weapons, loud speakers, and gambling paraphernalia.
Closely watch items brought inside cemeteries and make sure that lighted candles will not cause fires.
Remind children not to roam around, especially in crowded areas. Have them wear or bring a form of identification.
Keep the surroundings clean and bring your own trash bag to put garbage in.
Know where the first aid stations and PNP assistance booth are in case of emergency or the need for police assistance.
If attending a wake, make sure the area is crime-free.

When traveling:

Before the trip, make sure the vehicle is roadworthy, and follow the “BLOWBAG” rule: Battery, Light, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, and Gas.
Bring all pertinent documents for the vehicle, including driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance certificate.
Make sure the doors are locked and the windows closed especially if children are on board.
Ensure control of the vehicle at all times. Avoid one-handed driving or using a mobile phone; avoid driving while drunk or sleepy.
When driving at night, always use headlights and signal lights. Don’t drive when you have poor eyesight.
If you do not live too far from a cemetery, don’t bring your car so as not to add to traffic.

When taking public transport:

Don’t wear expensive jewelry or bring large amounts of money. Keep watch over your mobile phone.
Do not bring too many items.
Be early at airports and seaports, especially if traveling with women, children and senior citizens.
If you see a suspicious package, or someone acting suspiciously, notify authorities.
Be wary of snatchers and petty thieves, and report incidents to the nearest Police Assistance Post.
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