Thursday, April 29, 2010



Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (right) inspects the newly-refurbished Sison Auditorium before its inauguration on April 5 as one of the major highlights of the first-ever grand celebration of the 430th Founding Day Anniversary of Pangasinan. The auditorium will be transformed into Sison Cutural and Heritage Center which will house historical documents and practices of the province. Its formal opening will feature Grand Ball and Awards Night where outstanding Pangasinenses will be honored due to their remarkable achievements and contributions to the province of Pangasinan. (Photo by Wesley Fernandez)

Another wave of water pump distribution


Executive Asst. Ramon M. Morden (4th from right) represents Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the third set of water pump distribution to El Niño affected farmers at the Provincial Nursery in Tebag, Sta. Barbara last March 25. A total of 85 farmer-irrigators have so far received 153 portable water pumps as part of the provincial government’s intervention to mitigate the effect of dry spell to agriculture. Witnessing the turnover are Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay A. Moya (2nd from right) Regional and Provincial Irrigator’s Associations President Oftociano Manano (4th from left) and some members of irrigator’s association. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Insuring senior citizens’ health



A senior citizen (left) expresses her deepest thanks to Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (right) for the PhilHealth cards being distributed to indigent families in Balungao. The Governor assured all poor Pangasinenses to receive health insurance so that they will no longer fear to seek medical care due to high prices of medicines. The massive enrollment of indigents to PhilHealth resulted to an increase of number of patients availing the health services of government-owned hospitals with a range of 914 to 4,706 patients per hospital recorded for 2009. With the Governor are Provincial Population Officer Luzviminda Muego and Executive Asst. Ramon Morden. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Exceeding PhilHealth universal coverage


Despite achieving the universal coverage of enrolment, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left) continues to distribute PhilHealth cards this time to the indigent families in Alcala with 2,378 health cards last March 22. The Governor said that he will not stop until all poor Pangasinenses are insured to PhilHealth. As of March 2010, Pangasinan remained on number one post in the entire country with the highest number of enrollees totaling to 267,000. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Gov. Espino leads inauguration of newly-constructed SB Bldg of Lingayen


Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr (right) and Lingayen Mayor Ernesto “Jonas” C. Castañeda (left) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony during the inauguration of the newly-constructed Sangguniang Bayan (SB) building of Lingayen last March 22. Funded by the provincial government, the SB building was named after the late Prof. Amado G. Espino, Sr., father of the Governor who was born and raised in Lingayen. Also present in the inauguration are: Coun. Jo-an Jude R. Lopez , Vice Mayor Orlando Bartolome, Coun. Edith Hallari, Rev. Fr. Francis C. Posadas, Coun. Gilbert Mangapot and Provincial Administrator Rafael F. Baraan. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Lakas-KAMPI-CMD rally draws over 20,000 crowd







A crowd of over 20,000 (left photo) flocks to national candidates of Lakas-KAMPI-CMD at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen last March 24. Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (3rd from left of right photo) assured the Lakas ticket of full support from the majority of local executives and officials in the province. Presidential bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro (4th from right of right photo) lauded Gov. Espino’s huge management expertise and heart for the people as he urged Pangasinenses to allow the Governor continue his able governance. Also in photo are (from left of right photo) Leopoldo Bataoil who is running for Congressman in 2nd District, Edu Manzano for Vice President, Hermogenes Esperon for Congressman in 6st District, Rey Langit for Senator, Rachel Arenas for Congresswoman in 4th District and Ferdie Calimlim for Vice Governor. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Korean businessmen eye Pangasinan for multi-million projects



Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. reviews the project proposal of Korean investors who are keen to put up a multi-million electric car manufacturing in Pangasinan. According to the Governor, another two groups of Koreans expressed interest in putting up a retirement village and investing in mining industry, agri-businesses, call center and other ventures which will create many unprecedented job opportunities for Pangasinenses. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

85 farmer-irrigators receive 153 water pumps from Prov’l Gov’t

Farmers affected by the El Nino phenomenon expressed relief as another 153 units of water pumps were distributed by the provincial government to 85 farmer-irrigators in Pangasinan.


The third set of distribution held today at Sta. Barbara brings the total number of water pumps already distributed to 343 units with 117 irrigators’ associations provincewide as beneficiaries.


Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. who led the initial turn-over of water pump units in early March said the provision of water pumps to farmer-irrigators is part of the emergency measures to help farmers mitigate the effect of the ongoing dry spell.


Gov. Espino likewise noted that a total of 500 units of water pump have been purchased by the province for distribution to the members of the Pangasinan Federation of Irrigator’s Associations.


Oftociano Manalo, president of the Regional and Provincial Irrigator’s Associations lauded Gov. Espino for the speedy action of providing immediate help to the farmers especially those at the tail end areas who are hardest hit by the El Nino phenomenon.


Manalo said farmers whose farmlands and produce were damaged by the recent typhoons that hit the country and cannot afford to buy their own farming equipment due to lack of funds can now avail of free use of water pumps.


Towards this end, the farmer beneficiaries thanked Gov. Espino for providing them with the much needed equipment to address their problem caused by the dry spell as their only source of living is their ricefields.


Executive Asst. Ramon Morden, who represented Gov. Espino during the awarding rites, said that more projects will be initiated by the Governor to uplift the lives of the marginalized farmers as he stressed that agriculture is one of the priority thrusts of the present administration.


The most recent recipients of the water pumps were the irrigator’s associations from District I receiving four units; Dist. II-12 units; Dist. III- 85 units; Dist. IV- 6 units; Dist. 5- 10 units; and Dist. VI – 36 units.


The remaining units of water pumps will soon be distributed to the other farmer-irrigators group as there are more than 200 irrigator’s associations in Pangasinan. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)

Infanta Families gets PhilHeath Coverage

As a continuing development thrust of the Provincial Government, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. has distributed some 2,197 PhilHealth cards to the new batch of enrollees in Infanta town last March 25, 2010.


In his speech to the Infanta townfolks, Gov. Espino reiterated his administration’s mission of making Pangasinan the best place to invest, work, live and raise a family even as he said that the provincial government is bent on helping the people of Pangasinan by providing health care to every poor family.


Also, the Governor cited that from the original enrolment level of only 26,000 indigent families in 2007, Pangasinan overtook the province of Bukidnon and emerge on top of all province with more than 267,000 indigent families enrolled in PhilHealth Insurances.


As he always stressed, the Governor said “it is our dream that the poor head of family in Pangasinan will no longer fear that he, or any member of his family, gets sick, fully confident of getting the best and adequate medical care in our province.


PhilHealth members are entitled to a wide range of benefits which the Governor said, is a big relief to the marginalized sector of the society who can now easily get access to a quality health services.


Also, indigent people can also avail the services of 14 government-owned hospitals which have undergone physical rehabilitation and are now equipped with air-condition in all wards, stand-by generating sets, better diagnostic capabilities, re-conditioned and new ambulance units.

Governor Espino received an award from the Philippine Heath Insurance with the province’s phenomenal performance in PhilHealth sponsorship. (PIO/Darwin Magalong)

Covenant Signing for Peaceful Election Held

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. led some 45 Political candidates in Pangasinan for the Peace Covenant Signing held at the Lay Formation Center, Archdiocese of Lingayen - Pangasinan, in Bonuan Gueset last March 23, 2010.

The Peace Covenant was initiated jointly by the Philippine National Police, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) together with Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Commission on Election (Comelec).

The covenant aims to create solidarity among all, desire the progress of the province and uphold the dignity of man and respect his rights and freedom.

The project was launched in response with the election related violence in the past elections.

Governor Espino lauded the organizers of the program, he said, “this is very nice, kasi nangako kami sa diyos na we will only stick on campaign issues like what kind of governance we will have, walang personalan.”

The signatories declared to faithfully abide and respect the covenant to ensure an Orderly, Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful elections on May 10, so that, justice and freedom would reign during political exercise.

Police Regional Director Constante Azares together with Archbishop Soc Villegas witnessed the signing of the covenant. (PIO/Darwin Magalong)

Gov. Espino leads Inauguration of Lingayen SB Building

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and Lingayen Mayor Ernesto Castañeda, together with Sangguniang Bayan members of Lingayen, led the inauguration of the newly constructed SB building funded by the Provincial Government held last March 22.


The Prof. Amado G. Espino, Sr. Building was constructed to become the new home of the SB members together with municipal employees.


The Governor said the building was named after Prof. Amado G. Espino, Sr. the late father of the governor, who was born and raised in Lingayen.


“We the people of Lingayen express our deepest gratitude to Governor Espino,” Vice Mayor Orlando Bartolome said as he lauded the governor for funding the construction of the building.


The former SB building was devastated during the onslaught of the typhoon Cosme which left the municipal employees “homeless”.


“Ibinigay agad ni Gov. ang SB building, hindi na nagdalawang-isip, akala ko matatagalan pa, pero totoo pala na si Governor Espino aksyon agad, mayroon siyang isang salita.” Bartolome added.


Also, Mayor Jonas Castañeda described the governor as “the Pride of Pangasinan.”


“Less than 3 years pa lang siyang governor marami na siyang nagawa, kahit yung mga binubulong natin kahit walang resolution, nangyayari dahil kay Governor” Castañeda added.


Governor Espino said that the construction of the SB buiding, with the help of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, is part of his project which aims to give the government employees a proper and conducive workplace.


Meanwhile, Municipal officials of Lingayen together with Board Member Von Mark Mendoza presented a SB resolution expressing their deepest gratitude to Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (PIO/Darwin Magalong)

Over 20,000 people flock Teodoro’s campaign rally in Lingayen

The Narciso Ramos Grandstand was filled up as about 20,000 attendees flocked the venue to see and hear the platforms and programs of the LAKAS-KAMPI CMD national candidates led by its frontrunner, Gibo Teodoro , and vice presidential aspirant Edu Manzano and a number of senatorial bets in their campaign rally last Wednesday, March 24.


Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. led the throng of local leaders and supporters who welcomed the party to the vote-rich Pangasinan .


Teodoro described Governor Espino as a real action man, who seldom bothered him when he was still the Defense Secretary, even when Pangasinan was hardest hit by numeours typhoons.


“…Emong, Pepeng…lahat na ng bagyo, lahat na ng problema, bumabangon kaagad ang Pangasinan dahil energetic at masipag ang inyong Governor,” he said.


Teodoro even made the huge crowd laugh when he described in Ilocano and Pangasinan dialects as “kuneng” and “makapoy so ulo to” a person who would not support Governor Espino and let him continue his able governance because of his huge management expertise and heart for the people.


Pangasinan, Teodoro said, has a huge opportunity and chance for progress and development despite the challenges hurled by nature.


He also said that the national government is indebted to Pangasinan and support for its progress, and development was long overdue because the province helps the country in its self-sufficiency in rice, corn and fish requirements.


Senatorial hopefuls Ramon Guico and Raul Lambino, both sons of Pangasinan, Rey Langit and Jolo Revilla, son of Sen. Bong Revilla, also bared their programs and platform of governance.



Teodoro and Manzano left early to attend another meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo before LAKAS-KAMPI senatoriables delivered their speeches. (PIO/Rafael Manuel)

PRESS RELEASE

Pangasinan farmer-irrigators group led by Oftociano Manalo, president of the Regional and Provincial Irrigator’s Associations, expressed full support to the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. who they said deserves another term in order to realize his vision for the province specifically on agriculture.


In an interview, Manalo said that Gov. Espino’s effort in uplifting the condition of the marginalized farmers in Pangasinan is laudable as he added that in just a span of less than three years, the Governor has done much in improving the province’s agriculture sector.



“Napakabilis umaksyon ni Governor Espino. Itong ibinigay niyang 500 units na water pump ay dumating agad pagkaraan lang ng ilang araw mula ng nagrequest ang mga farmer-irrigators natin dito sa Pangasinan,” he said as he disclosed that since the time the Governor assumed his post he has placed agriculture on top of his agenda as proven by the massive rehabilitation and improvement of all agricultural facilities in the province.


Manalo said that in the past administration, several irrigation projects were constructed yet unfinished and not functional. “Maraming ginawa noon pero hindi natapos at hindi functional,” he revealed.


He further said that not all of the 10 irrigation system projects under the term of former Governor Victor Agbayani were completed. “Nasayang lang po ang pondong ginamit, hindi naman napakinabangan,” he disclosed.


With the administration of Gov. Espino, Manalo cited that agriculture is prioritized. The immediate response of the Governor to grant the requests of over 200 farmer-irrigators associations thru the awarding of 500 units of water pumps prove the provincial chief executive’s concern to the marginalized sector.


The water pump distribution is part of the emergency measures to help farmers mitigate the effect of the ongoing dry spell especially the 170 hectares of land hardly hit by the El Niño phenomenon. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernadino)

Gov. Espino Distributes PhilHealth cards in Alcala

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr has distributed another 2,378 PhilHealth cards in Alcala, Pangasinan last March 22.


Governor Espino said the distribution of PhilHealth cards is part of the Province’s continuing developmental thrusts of providing health services mainly to the poor populace of Pangasinan.


He also noted that from the original enrolment level of only 26,000 indigent families in 2007, Pangasinan overtook the province of Bukidnon and emerged on top of all provinces with more than 267,000 indigent families enrolled in PhilHealth Insurance in 2009 up to the present.


Feliciano Advincula, 49 years old, a resident of Brgy. Laoac, Alcala said “maganda itong ginagawang pamimigay ni Governor Espino ng PhilHealth cards kasi malaki ang naitutulong nito sa mga mahihirap ng Pangasinan, lalong-lalo na yung mga may sakit at walang pambayad sa ospital”.


The Governor said he will not stop until all indigent families of the province are enrolled in PhilHealth, regardless of their political color or party affiliation.


Alma Catalan, 47 years old, Brgy Captain of Brgy. Kisikis, Alcala said “malaki ang pasasalamat namin kay Gov. Espino dahil sa pinapakita niyang pagmamalasakit sa mga mahihirap, marami ang matutulungan ng pagdi-distribute niya ng PhilHealth insurance”.


PhilHealth members are entitled to a wide range of benefits which the Governor said, is a big relief to the marginalized sector of the society who can now easily get access to a quality health services.


Also, aside from health insurance, indigent people can avail the quality services of the 14 government-owned hospitals which have undergone continuing physical rehabilitation and are now equipped with air-condition in all wards, stand-by generating sets, better diagnostic capabilities, re-conditioned and new ambulance units.(PIO/Darwin Magalong)

Monday, April 26, 2010

Pangasinan history comes alive along the streets of Lingayen

Thousands of Pangasinenses (top photo) endure the scorching heat of the sun to gleefully watch the history of Pangasinan unfolds during the float and civic parade along the major thoroughfares of Lingayen last April 5. The parade dubbed “Parada na Dayew Mi” featured 12 major eras starting from the Pre-Hispanic to Pangasinan Golden Era under the administration of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Photo below shows the float participants as they immortalized the dramatic and action-pack scene during the Philippine-American War in 1899. (PIO Photo)

‘I have never seen the Sison Auditorium as Beautiful as it is now.’- FVR

No less than former President Fidel V. Ramos expressed awe when he saw the new look of the Sison Auditorium dubbed as the Cultural Center of the North during its blessing and inauguration rites last April 5.

“I have never seen the Sison Auditorium as beautiful as it is now,” the former President said as he toured the newly resurrected building together with Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and other guests.

Gov. Espino has personally supervised the renovation works of the auditorium from its intricately handcrafted interiors to its state-of-the-art lighting that provides a cozy atmosphere and an overall ambience meticulously designed to compete with the best cultural centers of the land.

The governor said that the renovation of the facility which embodies the culture and the historic past of province will pave the way for the provincial government’s vision to spearhead an aggressive effort to revive, promote, and preserve genuine Pangasinan theatre arts and culture.

“I am deeply honored that these things were realized under my administration,” Gov. Espino said as he added that the enhancement of the built-in attraction of some tour circuits in the province and the establishment of the founding date of Pangasinan are dedicated to all Pangasinenses, young and old alike, that will strengthen their sense of identity.

It will be recalled that since the Governor started his term as the provincial chief executive in July 2007, the revival of local arts and culture was initiated that started with the usage of Pangasinense dialect in different occasions such as during the conduct of regular flag-raising ceremony in the Capitol and other major events in the province.

The revival of local zarzuela and local songs and dances were also launched as part of the activities during the annual Pista’y Dayat festival.

The Sison Auditorium, constructed in 1926 to 1927, named after former Pangasinan Governor Teofilo Sison, will serve as a venue for local or national cultural conventions and shows as well as a venue where historical documents and practices of the province in its 430th years of existence will be enshrined. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Groundbreaking of Eco-Tourism Zone: A New Era of Growth and Economic Progress

Bright prospects await Pangasinenses as doors of opportunities opens with the groundbreaking ceremony of the 300-hectare eco-tourism zone at Brgy. Estanza here last April 5.

The undertaking is among the various activities that highlights the grand celebration of Pangasinan’s 430th Founding Anniversary.

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. together with former President Fidel V. Ramos takes pride in leading the groundbreaking rites saying that the 1st historic celebration of “Agew na Pangasinan” will pave the way in generating a steady stream of income and livelihood opportunities for our people.

“Today, we write history as we break ground for this serious attempt to build a tourism and investment hub for our province, to make up for long years of lost opportunities, to re-capture our rightful place as a premier province in this part of the country,” he added.

Gov. Espino also said that the strong sense of obligation and the urgency to transform Pangasinan for suitable investments and business opportunities has finally unfold with the realization of an ambitious dream to make the province truly number one.

It will be recalled that President Ramos signed Proclamation No. 1258 in June 22, 1998 which empowered the Provincial Government to pursue the development of the 300 - hectare eco-tourism zone in that area as part of the grand plan to attract investments and economic activities in Pangasinan but after 12 years, said project was finally realized under the leadership of Gov. Espino.

He likewise assured Pangasinenses are driven by a strong sense of urgency and determination to pursue this ambitious dream to its actual and full realization.

Also, the Governor lauded political officials who graced the ceremony to highlight the historical first celebration of “Agew na Pangasinan”.

President Ramos commended the Governor along with the other provincial officials for the worthy undertaking as he said that the project is a product of leaders who are driven by urgency to serve and a by-product of the’ best practices in governance and in the business world.’

Furthermore, Ramos urged Pangasinenses to adhere to the Four T’s – Technology, Teaching, Tourism and Teamwork. “’Pag may pagkakaisa, pagsasama at pagtutulungan, uunlad ang ating probinsya,” he disclosed.

Under the mega-infrastructure project, a self-contained community will be developed which will include an 18-hole golf course, beach front residences, high end and mid range subdivisions, commercial area, amusement park, resorts and hotels, restaurant and retail shops, water sports area and a yacht club.(PIO/ Darwin Magalong and Ruby Bernardino)

Parada na Dayew Features Pangasinan’s Evolution Into a Province

Thousands of Pangasinenses converged last April 5 at the main thouroughfares of Lingayen to catch a glimpse of the history of Pangasinan through a float and civic parade as Pangasinan celebrated its 430th Founding Anniversary.

The float parade dubbed “Parada na Dayew” was one of the highlights of the first ever celebration of Agew na Pangasinan which featured 12 colorful floats showcasing the various timelines in the history of Pangasinan where the major eras or periods of its existence were depicted.

Contingents from the various towns of the province and other civic groups took part in the grand and historic celebration with street dancers, drum and bugle corps and drum and lyre groups from different schools adding fun and merriment to the parade.

The colorful floats featured how Pangasinan evolved into a province since it was founded in 1580 until the present time with the blossoming of the Golden Era under the administration of Gov. Espino.
The establishment of the founding of Pangasinan is a product of the sense of history of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. who said that Pangasinenses deserve to know their point of origin.

Gov. Espino did not stop in planning to come up with the significant data to establish the date of the founding of Pangasinan by creating a research and study committee composed of researchers and historians headed by Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque who is also the president of Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City.

After almost a year of extensive research, the history of the province of Pangasinan is now complete.

The eras depicted by the 12 floats started from the pre-Hispanic period; 1572; 1574-1575; 1580 when Pangasinan was organized into an Alcaldia or province ; 1660-1762; establishment of Casa Real in 1840; Pangasinan liberation from Spanish rule in July 22, 1898; Philippine-American War in 1899; inauguration of Capitol building in 1919; Japanese invasion in 1941; landing of Allied Forces in 1945 and the Pangasinan Golden Era from 2007 to present.

Other activities that highlighted the Agew na Pangasinan celebration were the blessing of the newly resurrected Sison Auditorium, groundbreaking of the eco-tourism zone in Estanza, Lingayen, ASNA Grand Ball and awarding of outstanding Pangasinenses, and a concert featuring local and national bands. (PIO/Angie D. Villanueva)

History unfolds at the first-ever celebration of “Agew na Pangasinan”

“Today, we make history! At long last, Pangasinan has a birthday!”

This was the pronouncement of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to a large multi-sectoral crowd who gathered at the Capitol Plaza last April 5 during the Opening and Commemorative Program of the 430th “Agew na Pangasinan.”

Governor Espino said that for this celebration, all Pangasinenses set aside their political differences and gathered as one people to celebrate “Agew na Pangasinan” for the very first time, 430 years after its founding day. He took pride that the long, elusive quest for the province’s founding day has come to a conclusion.

“Today, we stand as one province proud of our rich culture and heritage, proud of our distinct character and identity as Pangasinenses,” Governor Espino said while he added that we must celebrate this historic moment with firm resolve “to sustain the collective effort to transform Pangasinan as the best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”
Governor Espino also made a rundown of remarkable feats the province was able to achieve under his leadership for the past two years and nine months which he said has shown that Pangasinan, with its reservoir of human and natural resources, can excel and become number one in so many areas.

These include Pangasinan’s topping of PhilHealth insurance registration for indigent families in the entire country which has reached over 267,000 enrollees as of March this year, being awarded as Garantisadong Pambata National Champion in 2009 for outstanding achievements on nutrition and child survival programs, and emerging as the Region’s top tourist destination in 2008 and 2009.

Governor Espino also made mention of the province’s outstanding strides in peace and order, health care, poverty reduction, coastal resources management, disaster management and programs supporting millennium development goals (MDG) aside from maintaining its position as the Region’s food basket.

Further, Governor Espino also bared that the long overdue strategic projects which are designed to attract more investments and industrial locators and will pave the way for more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Pangasinenses are now in the offing with the construction of the Sual Port and the groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Eco-tourism Zone.

Towards the end of his speech, Governor Espino said, “As we savor the sweetness of this treasured moment of oneness and as we enjoy each other’s company in this jovial atmosphere, let us add meaning to this celebration and look beyond today with a solemn commitment to work even harder to bring our province to greater heights of progress and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, the most illustrious son of Pangasinan, former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, the program’s guest of honor and speaker, said he is most delighted to be part of the historic occasion, more so, because of the upbeat atmosphere that now exists in the province.

“It is a good time to be here. This long overdue occasion is the beginning of a new future for Pangasinan,” he said.

All the episodes in the province’s rich history, from the Malong and Palaris Revolts to the Lingayen Gulf Landings in the Second World War, he said, are sources of pride for all of us Pangasinense, while we remain cognizant of our remarkable ancestry and the high purpose we are capable of achieving.

“Today, we take great pride in affirming our identity as Pangasinense as our long history of struggle produced the real essence of Pangasinan culture, hospitality, energy and a lifestyle of hardwork,” he added as he advised the crowd to learn more about Pangasinan in order to love and serve the province more.

Former President Ramos also challenged every Pangasinense to be up to the challenges of today as he said that the province is right at the center of the global economy.

He said the enemy today is not foreign invaders, but poverty in all its form and faces such as complacency, ignorance, environmental degradation, political conflict, lawlessness, and in some places, ineffective governance.

For this, he said that every Pangasinense must strive for higher levels of achievement and make the province the heartland of four Ts: tourism, technology, teaching and team work.

“It is time for Pangasinenses to win the future,” he said.
For her part, Vice Governor Marlyn Primicias Agabas said she hopes that by establishing Pangasinan Day, they have also stirred interest among Pangasinenses to study its history, which she added, is an important step in loving our province.

She also said that the 6th Sanggunian is doubly honored to be part of the historic celebration and as the legislative body that passed Provincial Ordinance 143-2010, which declared April 5 as Pangasinan Day. She also thanked and congratulated the Research and Study Group members for sharing their time and talent during the tedious research project.

Lawyer Gonzalo Duque, head of the Research and Study Group, expressed elation that finally, Pangasinan has a founding day, the determination of which has become his personal quest.

“The missing segment of our history elusive to Pangasinan for the past 429 years has been completed,” he said, as he added, “Pangasinan can no longer be likened to a hapless orphan who does not know when she was born.”

“It was only Governor Espino who had the guts, the courage and the political will to do it,” he said.
He thanked each and every one of the members of the group, whom he described as 25 dedicated, determined, disciplined and competent Pangasinenses.

Before the program, a thanksgiving mass was celebrated by Bishop Jesus A. Cabrera, that was followed by an ecumenical prayer. (PIO/Rafael Manuel)

History unfolds at the first-ever celebration of “Agew na Pangasinan”

“Today, we make history! At long last, Pangasinan has a birthday!”


This was the pronouncement of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to a large multi-sectoral crowd who gathered at the Capitol Plaza last April 5 during the Opening and Commemorative Program of the 430th “Agew na Pangasinan.”


Governor Espino said that for this celebration, all Pangasinenses set aside their political differences and gathered as one people to celebrate “Agew na Pangasinan” for the very first time, 430 years after its founding day. He took pride that the long, elusive quest for the province’s founding day has come to a conclusion.


“Today, we stand as one province proud of our rich culture and heritage, proud of our distinct character and identity as Pangasinenses,” Governor Espino said while he added that we must celebrate this historic moment with firm resolve “to sustain the collective effort to transform Pangasinan as the best place to invest, work, live and raise a family.”


Governor Espino also made a rundown of remarkable feats the province was able to achieve under his leadership for the past two years and nine months which he said has shown that Pangasinan, with its reservoir of human and natural resources, can excel and become number one in so many areas.


These include Pangasinan’s topping of PhilHealth insurance registration for indigent families in the entire country which has reached over 267,000 enrollees as of March this year, being awarded as Garantisadong Pambata National Champion in 2009 for outstanding achievements on nutrition and child survival programs, and emerging as the Region’s top tourist destination in 2008 and 2009.


Governor Espino also made mention of the province’s outstanding strides in peace and order, health care, poverty reduction, coastal resources management, disaster management and programs supporting millennium development goals (MDG) aside from maintaining its position as the Region’s food basket.


Further, Governor Espino also bared that the long overdue strategic projects which are designed to attract more investments and industrial locators and will pave the way for more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Pangasinenses are now in the offing with the construction of the Sual Port and the groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Eco-tourism Zone.


Towards the end of his speech, Governor Espino said, “As we savor the sweetness of this treasured moment of oneness and as we enjoy each other’s company in this jovial atmosphere, let us add meaning to this celebration and look beyond today with a solemn commitment to work even harder to bring our province to greater heights of progress and prosperity.”


Meanwhile, the most illustrious son of Pangasinan, former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, the program’s guest of honor and speaker, said he is most delighted to be part of the historic occasion, more so, because of the upbeat atmosphere that now exists in the province.


“It is a good time to be here. This long overdue occasion is the beginning of a new future for Pangasinan,” he said.


All the episodes in the province’s rich history, from the Malong and Palaris Revolts to the Lingayen Gulf Landings in the Second World War, he said, are sources of pride for all of us Pangasinense, while we remain cognizant of our remarkable ancestry and the high purpose we are capable of achieving.


“Today, we take great pride in affirming our identity as Pangasinense as


our long history of struggle produced the real essence of Pangasinan culture, hospitality, energy and a lifestyle of hardwork,” he added as he advised the crowd to learn more about Pangasinan in order to love and serve the province more.


Former President Ramos also challenged every Pangasinense to be up to the challenges of today as he said that the province is right at the center of the global economy.


He said the enemy today is not foreign invaders, but poverty in all its form and faces such as complacency, ignorance, environmental degradation, political conflict, lawlessness, and in some places, ineffective governance.


For this, he said that every Pangasinense must strive for higher levels of achievement and make the province the heartland of four Ts: tourism, technology, teaching and team work.


“It is time for Pangasinenses to win the future,” he said.


For her part, Vice Governor Marlyn Primicias Agabas said she hopes that by establishing Pangasinan Day, they have also stirred interest among Pangasinenses to study its history, which she added, is an important step in loving our province.


She also said that the 6th Sanggunian is doubly honored to be part of the historic celebration and as the legislative body that passed Provincial Ordinance 143-2010, which declared April 5 as Pangasinan Day. She also thanked and congratulated the Research and Study Group members for sharing their time and talent during the tedious research project.


Lawyer Gonzalo Duque, head of the Research and Study Group, expressed elation that finally, Pangasinan has a founding day, the determination of which has become his personal quest.


“The missing segment of our history elusive to Pangasinan for the past 429 years has been completed,” he said, as he added, “Pangasinan can no longer be likened to a hapless orphan who does not know when she was born.”


“It was only Governor Espino who had the guts, the courage and the political will to do it,” he said.


He thanked each and every one of the members of the group, whom he described as 25 dedicated, determined, disciplined and competent Pangasinenses.


Before the program, a thanksgiving mass was celebrated by Bishop Jesus A. Cabrera, that was followed by an ecumenical prayer. (PIO/Rafael Manuel)