LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN, Philippines  – Governor Ramon V. Guico III led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bolinao Community Hospital (BCH) in Barangay Liwa-Liwa, Bolinao, Pangasinan, marking another significant milestone in the province’s healthcare development. Situated in an 18,459 square meter lot donated by the Local Government of Bolinao through Mayor Jesus ‘Boying’ F. Celeste , the new three-storey hospital will replace the existing 25-bed facility in Barangay Sampaloc, expanding its capacity to 64 beds and equipping it with modern medical equipment. BCH Chief, Dr. Genevive Rivera, disclosed that the facility will offer surgical services. Future plans for the hospital include hemodialysis center and provision of CT scan services. Local government officials, led by Mayor Boying and Vice Mayor Noli F. Celeste, joined Governor Guico in the ceremony, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure. First District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Sr. also expressed his full support to the project, highlighting its importance in delivering quality healthcare to the community. The project aims to provide faster, quality, and more accesible healthcare services to residents in Western Pangasinan. Governor Guico stated that the new Bolinao Community Hospital is a testament to the collective efforts of the provincial government and local leaders to prioritize the health and wellness of Pangasinenses. The upgraded hospital is expected to addresss the growing healthcare needs of the community, benefiting thousands of families in the area. Construction of the new hospital is a major step towards achieving the provimce’s health goals, ensuring that quality medical care is within reach for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses. (Ruby F. Rayat, photos by JP De Vera & Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, formally partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through the ceremonial signing of the National ID Integrated Pangasinan E-Sys on March 10, 2026 at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall, Capitol Complex. With the initiative, Pangasinan became one of the pioneering provincial governments in the Philippines to successfully integrate National ID authentication services into a local digital system. The integration will support the management and monitoring of health services in the province through the Pangasinan E-Sys. Governor Guico said the integration contributes to the provincial government’s push to modernize public service delivery through improved data systems and digital governance. “We have always been wanting to improve and integrate our systems and to create synergy. Basically, we will integrate our data. So from PSA, from what you have gathered and from our own. They will all be integrated. May this be a model for all the LGUs and provinces.” Through the integration, the provincial government will be able to utilize verified PhilSys data to streamline identity authentication and strengthen service delivery, particularly in health-related programs managed through the Pangasinan E-Sys. The partnership agreement was formally signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and PSA Regional Director Shiela O. De Guzman, with Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre and PSA Pangasinan Officer-in-Charge Verna M. Palsimon, represented by Statistical Specialist Xavier Narvas, serving as witnesses. As part of the province’s continuing collaboration with PSA, Governor Guico also announced plans to establish LGU-operated Civil Registry System (CRS) outlets to make civil registry services more accessible to Pangasinenses. The provincial government plans to open outlets in Lingayen and Binalonan, with another outlet being considered in Alaminos City. These outlets will allow residents to conveniently request civil registrydocuments such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR) without having to travel to distant PSA service centers. The provincial government also plans to strengthen its Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), which gathers and updates socio-economic data to help guide policy decisions and improve the targeting of government programs. PhilSys registration is among the services that may be availed under the Guiconsulta Plus program of the provincial government. Residents who wish to register only need to bring supporting documents such as birth certificate, passport, UMID card, or driver’s license. The registration will also facilitate enrollment in Guiconsulta Plus, which automatically registers beneficiaries under the PhilHealth YAKAP program, expanding access to health services for Pangasinenses. (Danna Laureano, photos by JP De Vera | PIMRO)

PANGASINAN, Philippines  – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s continuous effort in implementing its manpower development and employment program has yielded impressive results, with a recorded employment rate of 95.63% in 2025. The Pangasinan Public Employment and Services Office (PESO), led by Ms. Richelle Raguindin, reported that the province saw 10,204 job placements for local and overseas employment last year. On record, the PESO conducted 31 job placement activities, including seven Job Fairs, eight Job Fair Caravans, 12 Local Recruitment Activities, and four Special recruitment events. These activities were designed to provide easier access to job seekers, particularly in far-flung municipalities. To inform job seekers of various opportunities, the province posted employment activities on social media platforms, resulting in 11,243 students and job applicants participating in 83 Career Development Support Programs. Additionally, some 1,193 participants acquired employable skills through the Employability Enhancement Program (EEP), which offered trainings on skills, livelihood, and career/entrepreneurship development. The province also provided financial assistance to Out of School Youth (OSY), unemployed adults, LGBT community, and other beneficiaries from different disadvantaged groups, worth P2,000 for Bread and pastry Production and tool kits worth P1,000 for various skills training. In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the province implemented the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting 3,139 displaced,underemployed and seasonal workers. The Government Internship Program and Special Program for Employment of Students also benefited 26 and 130 individuals, respectively. The province’s Skills Registry/PESO Employment Information System (PEI) registered 5,067 job applicants in 2025, further solidifying its commitment to providing employment opportunities for Pangasinenses and realizing Governor Ramon V. Guico’s goal to create more jobs during his term. (Ruby F. Rayat| PIMRO)  

PANGASINAN, Philippines — Residents of Pangasinan now have easier access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Barangay Bolingit, San Carlos City, through the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III. The newly established MRI facility provides accurate and detailed imaging for the brain, spine, joints, bones, abdomen, and other parts of the body, making advanced diagnostic services more accessible and affordable to patients across Pangasinan. “Napakahalaga ng MRI sa pag-diagnose ng iba’t ibang sakit ng ating mga pasyente. Ito ang kauna-unahang MRI sa ilalim ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan. Kaya hindi na kailangan pumunta ng iba pang ospital ang ating mga pasyente. Dito pa lang sa PPH, ma-diagnose na natin sila at mabibigyan ng tamang gamot,” said Dr. Lalaine U. Olivar-Molinyawe, MD, FPCR, Radiologist. Dr. Molinyawe added that scheduling and performing MRI scans is now faster and more convenient. Previously, patients had to navigate multiple steps in government hospitals or pay high fees at private facilities. With PPH’s MRI service, the procedure is now accessible, affordable, and directly available in the province. Residents have expressed relief and appreciation for the new service. Mr. R. Repato, a patient from Poblacion, Aguilar, shared: “Galing po ako sa eye center kasi pina-check up ko ang mata ko. Sabi nila baka sa utak ko ang problema kaya ni-request ang MRI. Nang malaman ko pong may MRI na tayo dito sa province, malaking tulong po ito. Nagtanong din po ako sa mga private hospital, aabot po sa 20,000 ang bayad. Salamat po sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at sa pamumuno ni Governor Guico, malaking tulong po ito sa mga karaniwang pasyente.” Under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, the opening of this MRI facility gives Pangasinenses faster, safer, and more convenient access to a critical diagnostic service, marking a major step forward in advancing healthcare in the province. (Rich Majin, Photo by: Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

By Leilanie Adriano   LAOAG CITY, Philippines — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte continues to empower classrooms with digital technology, distributing at least 111 interactive television and smart TVs to elementary and secondary schools across the province, an official announced March 5. Maria Deleilah Felipe Adriatico said the initial distribution occurred at the Capitol session hall, adding that a total of 382 public schools in the province will receive the digital tools to aid in the teaching and learning process. “The other units are expected to arrive on March 28 and we hope to complete the distribution by then,” Adriatico told the Philippine News Agency. The initiative, worth PHP74.6 million from the provincial government’s Special Education Fund, aims to equip schools with modern technology that supports more engaging, interactive and meaningful classroom experiences. “With these resources, our teachers are further empowered to deliver innovative instruction while our learners gain greater access to dynamic and technology-enabled education,” Schools Division Superintendent Renato Balderas Jr. said in a statement. Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos enjoined teachers and students to take good care of the equipment to boost digital learning. In previous years, the provincial government has distributed hundreds of computers and books to support the establishment of 21st-century classrooms and to uplift public education through boosting reading and digital literacy among Ilocano learners. (PNA)    

PANGASINAN, Philippines — Higit sa 700 residente ng San Manuel, Pangasinan at mga katabing bayan ang nakatanggap ng libreng serbisyong medikal sa medical mission na isinagawa ng Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., ang renewable energy arm ng Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), kasama ang ABS-CBN Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, DZMM, at DZMM Teleradyo, sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng San Manuel, Pangasinan noong Pebrero 27, 2026. Ang bawat pasyente ay nakatanggap ng libreng general consultation mula sa mga doktor, kasama na ang reseta at isang buwang libreng supply ng maintenance medicines. Mula sa mga bata hanggang sa matatanda, bawat isa ay binigyang-pansin ng mga doktor upang matiyak na makakauwi silang may hawak na gamot at tamang gabay medikal. Isa sa mga dumalo si Roselyn Ocon, 48-anyos na residente ng Brgy. San Juan, San Manuel, Pangasinan, na nabalitaan na magkakaroon ng medical mission sa health center. Pumunta si Ocon upang maayos na masuri at makakuha ng tamang dosage ng gamot para sa kanyang pagkahilo — lalo na matapos ang isang karanasan kung saan nainom niya ang maling gamot mula sa kamag-anak. “Pumunta kami dito dahil nandito daw po lahat ng doctor,” sabi ni Ocon. “Sumakit yung tiyan ko kaya humingi ako ng gamot mula sa kamag-anak pero ang naibigay pala ay sa pagkahilo. Inaasahan ko na ngayon mabibigyan ako ng tama at libreng gamot.” Katulad ni Ocon, marami ring senior citizen ang lumahok sa medical mission — kabilang si Lolita Sibayan, 68 — na naghahanap ng lunas sa mga pisikal na karamdaman at walang kakayahang bumili ng gamot. Para sa kanila, ang serbisyong ito ay higit pa sa simpleng konsultasyon — ito ay malaking tulong sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. “Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagbibigay ng tulong — para sa amin, ito ay isang responsibilidad. Tinanggap kami ng mga taga-San Manuel, Pangasinan at nais naming maramdaman nila ang Aboitiz Renewables ay ka-partner nila sa mga gawaing pangkaunlaran tulad ng sa kalusugan, edukasyon, at kabuhayan,” sabi ni Leo D. Lungay, Vice President at General Manager ng Solar and Wind Operations ng Aboitiz Renewables. Ang Aboitiz Renewables ay nagpapatakbo ng 92.55-megawatt-peak solar power plant sa San Manuel. Kasabay ng pagbibigay ng malinis na enerhiya, nananatili itong aktibong partner sa pagpapaunlad ng mga komunidad na bahagi ng kanilang operasyon.

  The crowned candidates as Mutia ti La Union 2026 are (From left) Mutia ti Kayangan 2026 Xianna Laussaneugan Trinidad; Mutia ti Kalikasan 2026 Nicole Antonette Tilap; Mutia ti La Union 2026 Savannah Panganiban; Mutia ti Agrikultura 2026 Samantha Kyle Pagar and Mutia ti Turismo 2026 Reign Gaile Nejal. SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines  – A 20-year-old architecture student from Tubao town, won the title of Mutia ti La Union 2026, during coronation night held at Francisco Ortega Convention Center Grounds, as part of the celebration for the 176th founding anniversary of La Union, on March 2. Savannah Panganiban, student of Saint Louis University in Baguio City, who won the title of Mutia ti Tubao in 2024, is a model and social media influencer, known for her advocacy for transformative education, cultural pride, and youth empowerment, topromote positive values ​​and inspire the youth. Aside from the crown, Panganiban also received a special award as the Best Designer’s Choice Award. Reign Gaile Nejal, 22, of Santo Tomas, La Union, who is also a candidate for Miss Universe Philippines 2026, was crowned as Mutia ti Turismo 2026. She also received the special award of Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown. Samantha Kyle Pagar, of San Fernando City, was crowned as Mutia ti Agrikultura 2026, also winning the special awards of Mutia Beautiful Skin; Mutia ti Kalikasan 2026 was Nicole Antonette Tilap, 22, of Sudipen town, who was also crowned as Best in Swimsuit; and Mutia ti Kayangan 2026 was Xianna Laussaneugan Trinidad, of Agoo, La Union. Other candidates who won special awards were Charisse Pauline Calderon as Mutia Body Beautiful, of Bauang, La Union; Mutia Vibrant Smile May Ann Samson, of Rosario town; Mutia Beautiful Hair – Reign Gale G. Nejal, of Santo Tomas; Miss Congeniality – Nathalie Gayle V. Ubaldo, of Aringay; Miss Punctual – Sofia Zoe V. Delfin, of Bacnotan.  Governor Mario Ortega happily congratulated the 20 candidates who showed strong unity so that the competition was successful and the spirit of Agkaysa was felt. “The goal of this competition is not to win, but to bring together 19 towns and one city to fulfill our desire to establish a strong partnership and cooperation,” said Ortega, who is the author of Agkaysa La Union. “ Huge congratulations to our very own Queen Savannah for being crowned Mutia ti La Union 2026. What a historic night Savannah’s grace, intelligence, and heartfelt advocacy truly captured the “Rikna ti Agkaysa” spirit. Your hometown is bursting with pride as you take on this journey to represent the beauty and culture of our beloved province. May your reign be filled with impactful service, and may you continue to inspire every Elyucana to dream big and serve with passion, “ said Tubao Municipal Mayor Atty. Jonalyn Garcia Fontanilla-Piayas.(By Zaldy Comanda

LA UNION, Philippines — A shared sense of pride and purpose filled the grounds of the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center as the Provincial Government of La Union employees, officials, and local leaders stood as one for La Union’s simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on March 2, marking the province’s 176th Founding Anniversary. The ceremony was led by Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, alongside Vice Governor Eric B. Sibuma, 1st District Representative Francisco Paolo B. Ortega V, and 2nd District Representative Dante S. Garcia. Also present were party-list representatives Kenneth C. Tereng of Kilos Mamamayan, Ngayon Na! and Mila Aquino-Magsaysay of the United Senior Citizens Party-list. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan attended in full force, including Board Members Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce, Miguel Corleone B. Magsaysay, Gerard G. Ostrea, Aaron Kyle M. Pinzon, Ernesto V. Rafon, Alyssa Kristine B. Sibuma, Teresita Tess O. Garcia, Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, Ruperto A. Rillera Jr., and Jeferson B. Fernando. Also in attendance were Ex-Officio Members Harold Dave E. Sibuma, Ramon Guio Ram A. Ortega Jr., Danielle Bianca G. Ortega, and Joyce M. Abuan, along with mayors, vice mayors and councilors from the province’s 19 municipalities and one city. Participants began their La Union: Agkaysa formation march, eventually forming the province’s battlecry through a large-scale human formation—visibly embodying the spirit of unity. Adding a surprise to the celebration, a paragliding display soared above the coast, carrying the 176th Founding Anniversary banner of La Union, symbolizing the province’s soaring spirit and shared aspirations. United as one province, the annual ceremony serves as both a remembrance of La Union’s past and a reaffirmation of its aspirations—pushing forward, together, toward a better tomorrow as it celebrates 176 years of shared history and hope.              

LA UNION, Philippines — Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega sets his eyes on the efficient eventual implementation of the initiative of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang,” launched in Malacañang on February 23, 2026. Gov. Mario is one of the local chief executives who attended the gathering, where the President gave his directives on strengthened implementation of services in local communities. The program aims to elevate the national government’s support for all local government units (LGUs) by making local projects “felt immediately and equitably across every community.” In his message to the Governors and Mayors, President Marcos said, “our local government must be empowered to respond to the needs of the people.” As such, PBBM ordered the increase in the allocation for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the national government’s funding assistance to LGUs for a wide range of local projects. “We thank the President for this very meaningful initiative. He was once a Governor himself, that’s why he knows very well what the needs of the LGUs are,” Gov. Mario said. “I have full confidence that the Provincial Government of La Union will efficiently localize this new program. Our systems are in place to ensure that this help from the national government will directly respond to the needs of our local communities,” the Governor said. The LGSF serves as a bridge between the national government and local communities, funding numerous projects that have improved the lives of constituents.