Thursday, May 6, 2010

Shellfish Advisory

The public is advised to refrain from eating, gathering or harvesting, transporting and marketing shellfish, shrimp and crabs from Wawa, Bani, Pangasinan until such time the shellfish toxicity level has gone down below the regulatory limit.

This developed after the Provincial Health Office received information from the regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that the latest shellfish meat samples collected from said area were found positive of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin.

Dr. Ferdinand Totaan revealed that based on the results of red tide monitoring activities of BFAR, samples of shellfish, shrimp and crabs are now positive of red tide toxin or PSP.

The PHO however, noted that fish are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and their internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

Towards this end, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has instructed the PHO to coordinate with BFAR and the LGU Fishery Technicians in monitoring the coastal waters of Wawa, Bani and adjacent areas to safeguard public health and protect the fishery industry.

The LGU on the other hand, is enjoined to disseminate the Shellfish Advisory and secure the area until further notice. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)

Pangasinan tourism will highlight this year’s Pista’y Dayat during the 18-day 3rd Aliguas ed Turismo Tan Ekonomiya (Pangasinan Tourism and Expo) from April 23 to May 10.

Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, Chief of Tourism Division, said that 94 exhibitors, including 13 One-Town-One-Product (OTOP), will participate in the tourism and trade expo.

Elduayan said that the event is expected to boost the local tourism industry as it will showcase the province’s prime tourist destinations and other best prime and local produce of different towns and cities.

According to Elduayan, tourism has improved a lot after Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. started a major facelift of the facilities of the industry, especially the entire capitol complex, now considered as the province’s main tourism attraction.

With the improved facilities, the governor is now focusing on the province’s “best products” to promote further tourism, Elduayan said.

The Pista’y Dayat festival, she added, is one of the best venues where Pangasinenses and visitors alike can familiarize themselves on the various products found in different towns throughout the province.

Aside from the OTOP, the tourism and trade exhibit will feature Pangasinan’s finest cuisine thru various small and medium enterprise food carts, the fine craftsmanship in wood and bamboo furniture and the wide array of agricultural products that have won for the province the monicker “foodbasket of northern Luzon.”

The tourism and trade fair venue will be at the back of the Urduja House here. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Region 1 Irrigators’ Association Federation President hits irrigation projects of former provincial administration

Contrary to the claims of the previous administration of numerous irrigation projects for the welfare of Pangasinan’s agriculture sector, Oftociano Manalo, President of the Provincial and Regional Irrigators’ Association, lamented their irrigation projects that did not work.

“Hindi napakinabangan ng mga farmers, minsan lang umulan washed out na. Sayang yung ginastos, people’s money yun, taxpayers’ money yun tapos ganon lang ang nangyari,” he said.

At one point, a member of the media asked if the TV ad (on irrigation projects of the previous administration) is a lie, Manalo said “sa palagay ko dahil ako ang President dapat ako ang signatory doon sa MOA, wala akong matandaan” noting that he included in his accomplishment a non-existent irrigation project in Managos, Balungao.

“Dapat alam ko kasi ako ang presidente ng asosayon dun kaya dapat ako ang pumirma sa MOA,” Manalo disclosed.

“80 percent pataas ng project ng Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) under Balikatan Sagip Patubig Program under the previous administration, hindi natapos, pero nakolekta nila lahat 100 percent,” he added.

“Maraming complaints ang aming asosasyon na maraming hindi natapos na mga projects na inimplement, tulad ng ginawa sa Balungao, pero hindi napakinabangan ng farmers.
On the other hand, Manalo also praised the good working relation of the agriculture sector and the Provincial Government today.

“Very open ang dialogue namin ngayon with the Governor and the Provincial Agriculturist kaya nasasabi namin ang aming mga pangangailangan, unlike before na hindi kami binibigyan ng pagkakataon na masabi ang mga pagkukulang ng OPAG noon,” he said.

Manalo also commended Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. for his timely intervention to help farmers hit by the on-going El Niño Phenomenon with the purchase and distribution of some 500 units of water pumps to various irrigators’ associations in the province.

Manalo said the Provincial Government gave the five horse power (5 hp), gasoline-fed units with complete accessories, free to the recipients unlike with national government agencies’ intervention program where farmers had to provide counterpart for the cost.

In the distribution, farmers needing immediate water for irrigation or those at the tail-end of water supply were prioritized, he said.

Manalo also disclosed that recipients were given technical briefing on how to take care and prolong the life of their units before the awarding.

“Malaking tulong po ngayon dahil sa mga water pumps na ibinigay nila, lalo na ngayong El Niño, maraming pananim ang napatubigan,” Jun Nandin, President of Don Isidoro Dam Irrigators’ Association, said.

Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) in Pangasinan said their agency is busy rehabilitating the irrigation systems of the national government in the province, during this planting break, and in the construction of the San Roque Dam re-regulating pond.

Engineer Ceferino Sta. Ana, Division Manager of the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP), said wet season cropping will start on July 16 when they will open the agency’s irrigation facilities and 12,000 to 15,000 hectares will be programmed for irrigation.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Gov. Espino confers plaque of recognition to Agew na Pangasinan committee










Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left of left photo) awards the plaque of appreciation to Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque (right of left photo), executive chairman of the “Agew na Pangasinan,” in recognition of his significant contribution to the first-ever celebration of the 430th Founding Anniversary of Pangasinan. The Governor also cited the invaluable efforts of the award-giving body committee led by its chairman and President of Pangasinan Heritage Society, Arabela Arcinue (right of right photo), for the maiden conferment of ASNA Awards to outstanding Pangasinenses. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Takayan na Dayew set April 30

The provincial government invites all Pangasinenses with exceptional talent in singing to join this year’s Takayan na Dayew (Vocal Solo competition) on April 30 at the Capitol beachfront here.

Janette Asis, OIC of the Human Resources Management Office and in-charge of the activity, said that the screening of contestants has started yesterday, April 21 until April 23 in three different venues from 9 o’clock in the morning up to 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

Asis said that the first screening date is held at the Provincial Agriculture Field Station in Brgy. Lucap, Alaminos City and the preceding venues will be at the SM City in Rosales town on April 22 to give chance to those residing at the Eastern part of the province and at Kalantiao Building, Capitol Compound on April 23 for Pangasinenses coming from the central part.

Contestants are advised to bring their own minus one CD during the audition and must perform their best piece which will serve as their contest piece in the said competition.

Requirements are as follows: registration form (available at the three audition sites), certified true copy of birth certificate, certification from their Barangay Captain attesting their three months residency in their community, and 2 pieces of 2x2 pictures.

The vocal solo competition has three categories that include the Ugogaw (children aged 6 to12 years old), Balulaki tan Mamarikit (13 to 22 years old), and Matatakken (45 to 60 years old).

Winners for the Ugogaw category will receive the following cash prizes: P15,000 for the champion, P10,000 for 1st runner up, P7,000 for 2nd runner up.

The champion for the Babalulaki tan Mamarikit category will take home a cash prize of P20,000; P15,000 for the 1st runner up and P10,000 for the 2nd runner up.

For the Matatakken category, a cash prize of P25,000 awaits the champion, P20,000 for the 1st runner up, and P15,000 for the 2nd runner up.

Non-winners for all categories will receive a consolation prize of P3,000 each. Each category will consists of five finalists.

The Takayan na Dayew is one of the highlights of the annual Pista’y Dayat celebration conceptualized by the present administration. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Gov. Espino supports “Pangasinan is for CHAMP elections


Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. stamps his white handprints on a black wall to signify his full support to a Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful (CHAMP) May 2010 Elections. The activity was organized by the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan which aims for greater involvement of the Church in the mission of social transformation according to the spirit of the Gospel. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Over 3,000 Pangasinenses march for clean and honest poll


Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (center) and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas (right) share a light moment as they join over 3,000 Pangasinenses and some electoral candidates for a solidarity walk dubbed “Lakad Pangasinan, Malinis na Halalan” last April 17. The activity was organized by the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan in coordination with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting and the Provincial COMELEC. Also shown in photo is Congressional bet for second district, Leopoldo Bataoil (left). (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Inauguration of Provincial Information and Management Information System offices


Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (right), Public Information Officer Orpheus Velasco (left) and Management Information Services Chief Modesto Singson (center) lead the ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly-renovated offices of the Provincial Information and Management Information System last April 12. Providing employees with conducive work environment is part of the employee development program of the Espino administration which aims to increase the efficiency and harmony in work places. The new office also provides a corner for media for their press work while covering events at the Capitol. The blessing of the office was officiated by Father Fernan Estrada of Binmaley Parish. Also present during the inauguration are various department heads and all chiefs of hospitals. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Prov’l Gov’t distributes 110,000 species of hybrid tilapia














More communal bodies of water in the province thrives with hybrid tilapia breeders as the provincial government, through its Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, continued its fish dispersal, this time, to the towns of Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Mapandan and cities of San Carlos and Urdaneta last April 7 and 12. Earlier, a total of 70,000 fingerlings were distributed to the towns of Mangatarem and Alcala. Photos show the turnover and actual dispersal of the latest strain of tilapia to the town of Calasiao (left photo) and cities of San Carlos (center photo) and Urdaneta (right photo). The breed of tilapia called improved GET-EXCEL (Genetically Enhanced Tilapia-Excellent) and BEST (Brackish Water Enhanced Saline Tilapia) were sourced from the provincial fish farms in San Quintin and Lingayen which undergone rehabilitation and upgrading to spawn millions of fingerlings and sustain the Food Security Program of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. Present during the turnover were OPAG Lab Inspector Raymund Cacayurin ; Ms. Ailene Mesina, wife of Longos Brgy. Capt. Mahadeva Das Mesina; Libsong Farm Foreman Adolfo Quirante; Calasiao Agriculture Office Staff Eliodoro Joves; Estrellita Cabansag , OIC-City Agriculturist of San Carlos; OPAG Dist. Coordinator Aurelia Cariaga; Brgy. Cabuluan Kgwd. Alfredo Balberte and LGU of Urdaneta Staff Peter Dominic Bergonio II. (OPAG photo)