By Ruby F. Rayat- PIMRO   LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III was listed by Edurank.org as among the ‘Top 79 Notable Alumni of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.’ The governor joins the ranks of the country’s most revered personalities, like former President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, Sr., who topped the list, followed by former Vice President Leni Robredo, 6th Philippine President Elpidio Quirino, ace journalist Maria Ressa, politician Jose P. Laurel, lawyer and former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, musician Ely Buendia, broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, actor JM De Guzman, and beauty queen Venus Raj. EduRank is a reputable independent organization that evaluates higher education institutions all over the world based on various factors like academic reputation, research output, and student reviews. The list was sorted out by Edurank based on wiki pages popularity of the alumni. Listed in the 11th to 25th spots were news anchor Karen Davila; Senator Cynthia Villar; Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III; former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel; Lawyer Salvador Panelo; actor-politician Herbert Bautista; young actor-entrepreneur Nash Aguas; Fil-Am chef Cristeta Pasia Comerford; beauty queen Shamcey Supsup; Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia; independent film actress Mercedes Cabral; former associate justice Antonio Carpio; Senator Nancy Binay; screenwriter and journalist Ricky Lee; and film director Jerrold Tarog. Gov. Guico clinched the 61st spot. UP Diliman is ranked 625th in the world, 125th in Asia, and 5th in the Philippines by aggregated alumni prominence. The university was established on February 12, 1949. Gov. Guico obtained his degree in philosophy at UP Diliman in 1997 and earned his certificate in professional education and his master’s degree in education in 2004.

STO TOMAS, La Union — A resurgent drug pusher was arrested during the conduct of buy-bust operation by joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency- La Union Provincial Office (PDEA LUPO), Regional Intelligence Unit – La Union Provincial Intelligence Team  (RIU-LU PIT), and Sto. Tomas Police Station. PDEA RO 1 Regional Director, Director III Joel B Plaza identified the suspect as Paul John Rullog Carpio, 42 years old, and a high-value drug personality, who was arrested at around 3:50 PM on August 6, 2024 in Sto.Tomas, La Union. Seized during the operation were two pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing more or less five grams worth P34,000.00, one improvised glass water pipe, a mobile phone, a digital weighing scale, and the buy-bust money. A case for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drug), Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of RA 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against the suspect, and now detained at the PDEA RO I detention facility in Camp Diego Silang, Carlatan, San Fernando City, La Union.

By Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — Governor Ramon V. Guico III will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH)-Center for Health Development 1 for the implementation of the 2024 Healthy Settings Program for Healthy Communities. This developed after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), in its regular session on July 29, approved a resolution that gives authority to the governor to enter into and sign a MOA. Authored by SP Member Shiela Marie F. Baniqued, the resolution stated that the 2024 Healthy Settings Program for Healthy Communities will be implemented in Pangasinan through the provision of technical and financial assistance by the Department of Health (DOH) through the Center for Health Development 1, to assist the province in initiating and establishing health promotion programs. “In the implementation of the 2024 Healthy Settings Program for Healthy Communities, it is the objective of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the DOH to further improve and sustain an efficient and effective health care delivery system in the province through health promotion initiatives designed to ensure that the environments wherein individuals live, learn, and work are promotive and protective of health,” the resolution disclosed. Hence, the resolution cited that “the Ilocos Center for Health Development will be providing financial assistance of P1,499,990.00 to the Province of Pangasinan for the expansion of the ‘Key Assistance for Developing Adolescents (KADA) to various provincial government hospitals to address social barriers surrounding adolescent sexual and reproductive health through the establishment of a network that will strengthen existing adolescent-friendly health facilities.”  

By Ruby F. Rayat with reports from PSWDO and PDRRMO LINGAYEN, Pangasinan —The Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) undertakes a series of relief operations starting Thursday, July 25, for Typhoon Carina-stricken communities. With the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) at the forefront of relief operations, family food packs and hygiene kits were initially distributed on July 25 to some evacuees in four evacuation centers in Mangatarem and one evacuation center in Labrador. Joining the relief team in Mangatarem town were 2nd District Board Member Philip Theodore Cruz, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) team led by Dr. Cielo Almoite, and the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Office (PDRRMO). A total of 120 family food packs and 335 hygiene kits were distributed. On its second day of relief operations, the team distributed 40 family food packs and 135 hygiene kits to two evacuation centers in Aguilar, while 30 family food packs and 120 hygiene kits were distributed to six evacuation centers in Lingayen. All evacuees were served hot meals through Guicosina. In the municipalities of Bautista and Mangatarem, the PHO gave medicines. Meanwhile, the PDRRMO led by Ret. Col. Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro continuously conducts post-disaster monitoring and gathers updates regarding the effects brought by Super Typhoon Carina in Pangasinan. As stated in the PDRRMO 11AM situational report on July 26, the province incurred over P91 million worth of damage to infrastructure and more than P8.8 million worth of damage to agriculture. Typhoon Carina exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) yesterday morning (July 25), but continuously enhanced the southwest monsoon, which caused moderate to heavy rains over the western section of Luzon. Due to heavy rains and flooding, Governor Ramon V. Guico III ordered the suspension of classes at all levels as well as work in government offices all over Pangasinan on July 25. On the following day, suspensions were carried out for classes at all levels, both public and private. Eight LGUs, on the other hand, declared suspensions of work in government offices due to flooding. As per the report of the PDRRMO, a total of 214 families, or some 827 individuals, were sheltered during the onslaught of the heavy rains in various evacuation centers in Bani, Alaminos City, Labrador, Infanta, Mangatarem, Sison, Urdaneta City, and Burgos. The water level at San Roque Dam as of 5 a.m. of July 26  was posted at 239.06 masl. The spilling level is 280 masl. As of press time, all national roads are passable to all types of vehicles, while four barangay roads are not yet passable to any type of vehicle. Photos by: Jairus Sibayan, Sydney Soriano (PIMRO)

By Chona C. Bugayong & Ruby F. Rayat PIMRO   LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, together with Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his visit to the province for the distribution of various government assistance to fisherfolks, families, and farmers on July 19. Leading the ceremonial distribution of agrarian debt condonation certificates to 3,558 farmer-beneficiaries of Region 1, with Pangasinan having the most number of beneficiaries at 3,161; Ilocos Norte, 246; Ilocos Sur, 34; and La Union, 117, the President was quoted saying, “Ang mga certificate na ito ay simbolo ng katuparan ng ating pangako na buburahin natin ang pagkakautang ng ating agrarian reform beneficiaries dito sa Region 1.” It was another historic first in the province under the present administration since, one year after the enactment of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA), the Department of Agrarian Reform conducted the first distribution of COCROMs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) of Region 1 (Ilocos Region) in Lingayen, Pangasinan. COCROMs covering a total of P50.6 million in agrarian debt, benefiting 3,558 Ilokano and Pangasinense ARBS, have been distributed. The distribution of the certificates is part of Republic Act (RA) No. 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act (NAEA). NAEA represents the most significant agrarian reform legislation enacted during the President’s administration and eases the burden of agrarian debt for thousands of farmer beneficiaries of land grants from the government. Through the NAEA, the National Government condones all unpaid outstanding loans, amortizations, interests, penalties, and surcharges arising from the award of agricultural lands to qualified farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and related agrarian laws. It likewise assumes the obligation of paying the remaining debt to landowners of beneficiaries who were granted lands under the Voluntary Land Transfer and Direct Payment Scheme. In effect, the NAEA gives land for free to the landless farmers and guarantees the provision of strategic support services to beneficiaries to enable them to achieve sustained farm productivity, increase their farm incomes, and improve the quality of life of their families. Also, the President issued Executive Order No. 40 series of 2023, which imposes a moratorium on the payment of land grant amortizations until 2028 for ARBs granted lands after the passage of the NAEA. As stated by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary Conrado Estrella III in his speech, more than 600 farmers benefited from the Condonation Law. Said beneficiaries will no longer pay their debts, which amount to over P57 billion. “Walang amortization fee, libre na ang lupa na natanggap sa administrasyon ni Presidente,” he disclosed. In addition to the COCROM program, the President also brought various forms of assistance to the province, including cash assistance for some 4,616 families from different localities in the province. Said distribution is under the ‘Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program’ of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which amounted to P46, 000,000. Gov. Guico, on behalf of the province, received presidential assistance worth P48.76 million. The other three Region 1 provinces also received assistance, as follows: Ilocos Norte, P50 million; Ilocos Sur, P43.33 million; and La Union, P42.9 million. Other assistance accorded to Pangasinan includes the following: Agri-Negosyo Loan Program amounting to P80 million; Crop Insurance Corporation-Indemnity check for farmers/fisherfolks worth P4,000,000; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Tulong Pangkabuhayan for displaced workers worth P20 million; Dept. of Trade and Industry’s shared service facilities amounting to more than P9.6 million; training allowance for metal art welding worth P68,000 plus tool kits worth more than P353,000 and P32,000 plus tool kits amounting to P35,000 for Masonry trainees. All attendees were given food packs and five kilos of rice each. Expressing his appreciation for the various assistance given to the province, Gov. Guico thanked the president on behalf of the more than three million Pangasinenses. “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating butihing Pangulo sa kanyang pagbisita at sa lahat ng programa na kanyang itinaguyod para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan,” Governor Guico said in his speech. Also present during the phenomenal event were DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, DAR Undersecretary Kazel Celeste, DAR Regional Director Maria Anna Francisco, Congressman Arthur Celeste, governors and vice governors of the three provinces, and local chief executives, among many others.

LOOK : A total of 71 indigent school learners received their “A Gift from the Heart” on Saturday, July 20, held at Bong C Lutong Bahay eatery, Agoo, La Union. A Gift from the Heart is a long-time project of Bong Cayabyab through the support of benevolent donors, with the goal of helping young people through a small gift that can be used in their studies. Before the activity, Bong C Lutong Bahay served breakfast, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Creative City Baguio. “Thank you so much my partner in this project, the Rotary Club of Creative City Baguio headed by President Olay Audrey for the 55 stationery sets and P1,000 for the breakfast (pancit) of schoolchildren and their parents,” said Cayabyab. The gift giving in the second batch will take place tomorrow, July 21 in Dagupan City.   Cayabyab also wants to thank the benevolent donors namely; 1. Consistent for the past 15 years anonymous family donors based in the USA $100 or P5,458. 2. John Denis Lee and family P1,000 3. Businessman and FOREX trader sir Cedric Perez P1,000 4. Businessman and FOREX trader Mark Anthony Cayabyab P1,000 5. US based and balikbayan 3 months ago sir Mike Lumbag Ruliva and family donated assorted school needs. 6. Aka Atty. Inan Da Singkit who donated P1,000 four months ago for the operation and medical needs of an indigent patient in Dagupan City.

By Chona C. Bugayong           PIMRO   LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Pangasinan is set to supply agricultural-grade salt to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) through a resolution authored by SP Member Nicholai Jan Louie Q. Sison. The resolution, approved during the regular session on May 20, 2024, authorizes the Governor to enter and sign a MOA with PCA for the supply, handling, transport, and delivery of 4,180 bags of Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer under the PCA’s Coconut Fertilization Project for CY 2024. Bolinao Salt Farm has an available supply of approximately 3,000 metric tons of salt; hence, it can supply the required quantity of locally produced Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer for the PCA’s Coconut Fertilization Program. The Coconut Fertilization Project (CFP) intends to enhance coconut productivity by involving the rehabilitation of low-bearing palms through the application of Agricultural Grade Salt Fertilizer (AGSF). The salt project marked significant milestones in the province’s journey toward sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic revitalization. Gov. Ramon V. Guico earlier said that the establishment of the Pangasinan Salt Center was in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act,” which aims to strengthen and revitalize the salt industry in the Philippines. “We need to drastically reduce our dependence on imported salt and produce 100% of our consumption needs. We must even think of becoming a net exporter of salt in the future,” the governor earlier said.

By Ruby F. Rayat     PIMRO   LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s vision to upgrade the services of the 14 government hospitals in the province will further be established with the construction of more hemodialysis centers in the province. Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy, Medical Officer III, Provincial Hospital Management Services Office, said the provincial government intends to put up hemodialysis centers in all district hospitals. Currently, the province has two hemodialysis centers located in Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in Bolingit, San Carlos City, and in Urdaneta District Hospital (UDH). The other district hospitals are as follows: Bayambang District Hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital (WPDH), Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH), Lingayen District Hospital (LDH), and Mangatarem District Hospital (MDH). “Our target is to put up hemodialysis centers in all district hospitals in Pangasinan,” Dr. Ogoy said as she disclosed that so far, the hemodialysis center in WPDH has been fully constructed and is currently processing its accreditation and securing other permits like an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). The said facility will operate with 15 hemodialysis machines. In addition, Dr. Ogoy said the province will conduct Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), to be attended by about 50 medical and allied professionals from the 14 government hospitals. This, she said, is part of the preparation for the opening of the hemodialysis centers as envisioned by Gov. Guico. The hemodialysis center in PPH is presently operating with thirteen (13) hemodialysis machines, while UDH has 10. To cater to the needs of more patients, the province has entered into a partnership with Urdaneta Sacred Hospital, which is a private hospital, to assist the province. The latter has 40 hemodialysis machines. Once established, the Lingayen District Hospital hemodialysis center will have 13 hemodialysis machines, while EPDH will operate with 15 hemodialysis machines. Meanwhile, Dr. Ogoy cited that PhilHealth recently issued Circular No. 2024-0014 for the institutionalization of 156 hemodialysis sessions and coverage expansion (Revision 1) to establish the rules for availing the adjusted rates of the 156 HD sessions benefits package. The circular shall apply to “beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) who are registered in the PhilHealth Dialysis Database (PDD).” HD package inclusions are as follows: drugs and medicines; laboratory tests; supplies (either of the following types of dialyzers: low-flux or high-flux); administrative and other fees. Hence, the PhilHealth circular noted that “all PhilHealth beneficiaries with CKD5 undergoing hemodialysis shall have no payment or out-of-pocket for the covered services or minimum standards listed.” The PhilHealth circular took effect on July 1, 2024.

PANGASINAN — “Malaking salamat po sa ibinigay ninyong tulong sa aming mga magsasaka, Senator Alan at Senator Pia.” Lianillo Lopez expressed his gratitude to Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano for reaching out to 1,000 farmers and fisherfolk in the town of Aguilar, Pangasinan on July 8, 2024 as part of their two-day visit in the province. The disbursement of assistance was made possible in partnership with the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the support of Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco. “Pinilit po ng ating mga senador na maabot at magbigay ng tulong sa atin. Makakaasa tayo na masusundan pa ito rito sa ating distrito,” Cojuangco told the beneficiaries.   The next day, July 9, more Pangasinenses, including health workers and women attending a maternal seminar, benefited from a similar outreach activity. A total of 181 beneficiaries from Dagupan City and 203 from San Carlos City were also assisted by the senators’ team. These activities were made possible with the help of Ms. Khrismae “Mimi” Dy, staff of Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia, and San Carlos City Mayor Julier “Ayoy” Resuello. Barangay Health Worker Roda Andongo expressed her gratitude to the senators for their dedication to community development workers, a sector they consistently empower through their programs and legislation. “Maraming salamat po, Senator Alan at Senator Pia, sa ibinigay ninyo po lalong-lalo na po at marami kayong natulungan na maliit lang po ang kinikita,” she said.   Over all, the senators were able to provide aid to 1,384 residents of Pangasinan during their past visit. This is not their first time to bring aid to the province as they previously assisted 4,800 in April and 2,500 in June this year. The Cayetanos have been working with various agencies and local government units to reach different provinces across the country to deliver essential aid to marginalized Filipinos.