Mayor Perez lambasts handlers of Agbayani

      Lingayen- - -Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Perez has expressed dismay on the unauthorized use of his video footage in one of the television ads of Congressman Victor Agbayani.

          This was directly said by Perez on his recent interviews aired over Sonshine Radio and Aksyon Radyo as he cleared that he is not endorsing any gubernatorial candidate except Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.

Instead, Perez said that he has authorized Gov. Espino to use his voice clip and video footage taken during the LGU Night last December 15, 2010 which is now being aired over radio stations and TV networks.

The black propaganda, he said, is character assassination on his part as the Agbayani camp obviously has ran out of issue thus resulted to dirty tactics like what they did.

“Wala akong ini-endorse kundi si Gov. Espino. Sa totoo lang noong nakaraang eleksyon noong 2007 kinampanya ko si Gov. Espino at ibinoto ko,” Perez said as he added that the video footage used by the Agbayani camp was taken six to seven years ago and was shown without his authority.

He said his endorsement for Gov. Espino is done voluntarily and whole- heartedly. “Binigay ko ang pahintulot kay Governor sa pag-air ng mga sinabi ko last Christmas Party para sa mga local officials ng galing sa puso sapagkat napakaganda ng mga nagawa niya sa mahigit dalawang taon lamang ng paninilbihan niya hindi lamang sa Urdaneta kundi sa buong lalawigan ng Pangasinan,” Perez said.

In the radio interviews, Perez said that he cannot recall endorsing Agbayani even during his term as the governor. “Kung meron man siyang katiting na nagawa dito sa Urdaneta noong araw,karapat-dapat lamang na purihin ko siya noong panahong iyon,” he cited as he dubbed the political tactics of Agbayani  as “monobloc mentality and cemented mentality.”

“Iba na ang panahon ngayon at kung ihahambing ang nagawa niya (Agbayani) at nagawa ni Gov. Espino ay langit at lupa ang diperensiya,” said Perez.

Perez is contemplating on filing a libel case against the handlers of Agbayani.

“Kahit hindi ko kasama sa partido si Congressman Agbayani, I have high regards for him. Pero itong nangyaring ito’y akala ko he was a gentleman pero hindi pala. Ito’ng ginawa nila is foul and it’s a black propaganda,” Mayor Perez ended. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)   

President GMA and Governor Espino lead Aeronautical Highway Inauguration

  Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.  and Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico led Pangasinan officials in welcoming  President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo  to the inauguration of the Aeronautical Highway in Binalonan, Pangasinan held last February 19.

            Espino said that the Aeronautical highway will be the gateway of Agricultural and tourism developments in Cagayan Valley, Cordilleras and Northern Luzon even as he thanked the president for supporting this undertaking in the province.

            President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo envisioned the Binalonan airfield to be an “Agricultural Airport” as it will facilitate the flow of major agricultural products that will be transported through the airport.

            “… halimbawa ng kagandahan  ng pagkakaroon ng airport ay ang mga produktong sugpo at lobster ng Maconacon ay makakarating na dito sa pamagitan ng airport” she said.

            The president also lauded Governor Espino for the infrastructure projects that they put up together like the San Roque Dam re-regulating pond, the Sual Seaport and now, the Binalonan Aeronautical highway which will serve as the transport hub in North-Luzon Agri Business quadrangle.

            Pangasinan being the food basket of the region will be given the chance to develop Agri-Business opportunities that will benefit a large number of Pangasinenses.

            Meanwhile, President Arroyo together with Governor Espino also attended the Carlos Bolosan Book launching.(PIO/Darwin Magalong)

Pangasinan-Best Philhealth awardee

Lingayen- - - Governor Amado T. Espino,Jr. has been accorded with a special citation among all the other provinces in the country even as he  received the plaque of recognition for the province  of  Pangasinan  awarded by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for achieving Universal Coverage under sponsored program  making it the best province in the country and number one in PhilHealth coverage.

In the awarding ceremony held last February 12 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City marking the 15^th anniversary of the PhilHealth, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. received the award with utmost pride as he said that the accolade aptly prove that Pangasinan can now be called as the ‘home of the healthiest Filipinos.’

Gov. Espino said that from the original enrollment level of only 26,000 indigent families in 2007, a big leap has occurred when the province overtook the province of Bukidnon and emerged on top of all provinces.

“We have not rested on our laurel but worked further in 2009 and still remained on top with some 228,552 indigent families enrolled in PhilHealth,” the Governor said as he disclosed that massive distribution of health cards were conducted starting January this year and still continues until the present.

“It is our dream that the poor head of family in Pangasinan will no longer fear for himself, or any member of his family, getting sick, fully confident of getting the best and adequate medical care in our provincial hospitals through PhilHealth insurance,” he added.

PhilHealth also gave recognition to other provinces nationwide for their support but the province of Pangasinan was specially cited for its achievement as the largest insurer of health in the country.   

PhilHealth members are entitled to a wide range of benefits including allowances for hospital room and board fees from P300 to P1,000 per day for up to 45 days per year, drugs and medicines and allowances for X-ray and other laboratory exams per single period of confinement, use of operating room complex and even professional fees of attending physicians.

          Aside from the health insurance, the marginalized sector in Pangasinan can now avail of the upgraded services and facilities of all 14 government-owned hospitals which have undergone continuing physical rehabilitation. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino/Angie D. Villanueva)

Gov. Espino awards P3.3 million worth of financial assistance to 500 PSU scholars

Lingayen- - -Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. awarded  P3.3million worth of financial assistance to 500 students from the eight component campuses of the Pangasinan State University in Pangasinan on February 17, 18 and 19 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here.

The scholarship program which is in line with the province’s education thrust has extended to 500 slots for school year 2009-2010 from its original number of 100 slots in 2002, at the time when the Governor was still a congressman.

The recipients along with their family thanked the Governor for the cash assistance of P6,000 that they received as they commended the provincial chief executive for launching such program.

Teary-eyed, Arlene Bermudez who is a mother of one of the scholars, said, “laking pasasalamat namin sa ganitong program ni Governor. Natutulungan ako nito dahil talagang hirap kami sa pera. Hindi ko mapag-aral ang anak ko kung walang ganitong tulong.”

Leodivina More, fish vendor and mother of PSU Infanta scholar Israel More,on the other hand, has this to say:” Sana dire-deretso itong programa ni Governor hanggang nakaupo siya. Dahil sa tulong niya, may magandang kinabukasan ng naghihintay sa anak ko at may pag-asa na kaming makaahon sa kahirapan.”

The increase in slots, according to the Governor, manifests the administration’s support to the poor but deserving students of the state university which he considered his second home.

The program is also aimed at strengthening quality education in the province by developing and harnessing the talents and skills of the students. Poverty, he said, should not be a hindrance in attaining a dream. “When I was your age, I have my resolve, I have focus and I have the heart to follow and pursue my dreams,” he cited.

Gov. Espino urged the PSU scholars to continue to learn, continue to study because it is only knowledge, he said, that one finds a real treasure.

Maribeth A. Ramos, one of the scholars and is now on her 3rd year Computer Science course at PSU Lingayen, disclosed that she could not have reached her present year level in college if not because of the financial assistance that she has been receiving from the governor since the second semester of 2007.

“Malaking tulong po sa aming pamilya ito. Siyam po kaming magkakapatid at pang-anim ako, tricycle driver ang tatay ko at housekeeper lang ang nanay ko. Nag-aaral po akong mabuti para matulungan ko ang pamilya ko pagka-graduate ko. Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Governor kasi binigyan n’ya kami ng pag-asa sa pamamagitan po ng programang ito,” she said.

Towards this end, the Governor pledged his commitment to the Pangasinense youth thru the implementation of various youth development projects. 

Liga ng mga Barangay President Amadeo Espino, who joined the Governor during the distribution of financial assistance, said that opportunity knocks only once thus he challenged the recipients grab the opportunity given to them and strive for the best.

“In order to succeed in life, one must possess discipline and ambition. Dapat mangarap kayo na makaalis sa kahirapan at mangarap kayo na makamtan n’yo ang tagumpay ,” he said as he added that all the development plans and programs of the province is aimed at providing a brighter future for the Pangasinense youth. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino, Rafael U Manuel III and Angie Villanueva)

Gov. Espino awards P3.3 million to provincial scholars

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (2^nd from left) gives a round of applause to one of the 500 provincial scholars during the awarding of financial assistance to Pangasinan State University Scholars at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen last February 17. The poor but deserving students received P6,000 each.  Witnessing the awarding are (from right) Office of the Governor Consultant Dr. Eusebio F. Miclat, Jr., Board Member Amadeo T. Espino, Jr., Office of the Governor Consultant Linda Fernandez and a PSU official.  (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

256 Families from Lingayen receive Shelter Repair Kit from Prov’l Government and Habitat

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. led the provincial government in providing assistance and delivery of basic services to 256 families of Sitio Aplaya in Barangay Pangapisan Norte in Lingayen last February 17.

            The one-day program was a combination of shelter repair kit distribution, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines, medical mission, relief distribution and food for work and feeding program.

            Governor Espino said the program to help the residents of Sitio Aplaya was long overdue but hampered by the onslaught of typhoons even as he bared future projects of the provincial and municipal governments for the area such as the construction of a covered court and asphalting of roads.

            He likewise thanked Habitat for Humanity for its speedy response to assist the Provincial Government in its recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the province.

            As this developed, Habitat’s Government Partnership Relations Officer Gladys Ledina, lauded the Governor for giving their organization a chance to share with the provincial government the opportunity to serve the typhoon-stricken Pangasinenses and help them go back to their normal lives.

            So far, there were already 393 family-beneficiaries of the shelter repair kit distribution program from the towns of Rosales, Villasis, Bayambang and Sison and the City of Urdaneta .

            Provincial Housing Officer Alvin Bigay said the repair kit worth P7,000, includes six roof sheets, four flexiboards, various sizes of coco lumber, nails and hand tools such as handsaw, hammer and screw driver.

            Barangay Councilor Rolden Ramones said that their place is indeed very lucky for being chosen as beneficiary of the program and other privileges accorded by the provincial government.

All in all, Habitat for Humanity Philippines extended assistance worth P2.71 Million in the four municipalities and one city previously mentioned and allotted another P2.471 Million to the towns of Lingayen and Bautista. (PIO/Rafael Manuel)

Provl Govt & Habitat for Humanity outpour assistance to barangayfolks

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (upper left photo, 3^rd from right) distributes construction materials to the families of Sitio Aplaya, Brgy. Pangapisan Norte in Lingayen whose houses were destroyed by typhoons last 2009.  Each of the 256 affected families have benefitted from shelter repair kit worth P7,000.  Each kit contains six roof sheets, four flexiboards, various sizes of coco lumber, nails and hand tools such as handsaw, hammer and screw driver.  Witnessing the ceremonial turnover last February 17 at Aplaya Elementary School in Pangapisan Norte are (from right) Brgy. Councilor Roland Ledina, Habitat’s Government Partnership Relations Officer Gladys Ledina, Lingayen Mayor Jonas C. Castañeda, Provincial Housing and Homesite Regulation Officer Alvin L. Bigay (hidden) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Emilio Samson. The residents were also treated to (clockwise from upper right photo) feeding program, medical mission and relief goods distribution. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Continuous relief assistance to far-flung village

Provincial employees (left photo) cross the dilapidated and narrow makeshift bridge while residents of Brgy. Pototan, Binmaley (right photo) rides the banca for the distribution of relief assistance to typhoon-ravaged families (center photo) held last February 16.  The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council led by its chairman, Ret. Col. Paterno M. Orduña, in cooperation with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, is closely coordinating with barangay officials to ensure that the relief goods donated by different organizations to the provincial government will reach only the legitimate recipients.  (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Pangasinan Anti-Red Tape book launching

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left) turns over a copy of Pangasinan Anti-Red Tape Book to Pangasinan Civil Service Commission Officer-in-Charge Lyrma C. Oalin (right) during the regular flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza last February 15.  The governor said the book is the citizen’s charter of the province aimed at providing citizens with simplified step-by-step procedures on how to avail the basic services of the provincial government thereby eliminates red tape practices.  Witnessing the turnover is Human Resource and Management Officer-in-Charge Janette C. Asis.  (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Gov. Espino Declares April 5, 1580 as Pangasinan's Official Founding Day

LINGAYEN---Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. signed Provincial Ordinance No. 143-2010, declaring and citing April 5, 1580 as the official founding day of Pangasinan, during the Provincial Board’s regular session last February 15.

After almost a year of painstaking study and research, the Research and Study Committee recommended the declaration of April 5, 1580 as the official founding day of the province to commemorate two historic events in the province’s history: April 5 to celebrate the day Pangasinan became an encomienda and 1580 to mark the year it became a province.

            It can be recalled that in order to establish the day that all Pangasineses can consider as Pangasinan Day based on solid historical records, Governor Espino issued Executive Order No. 24-2009, creating the committee composed of historians, researches, members of the academe and media, representatives of different historical associations and government departments of the province, tasked to establish the chartering of Pangasinan.

            Said ordinance expressed that the identification of the founding day or the beginning of existence of every local government unit is an important undertaking in the enrichment of its cultural and historical heritage.

            It also cited that the determination of the founding day or anniversary of the province has long been the dream of Pangasinan leaders, historians, researchers, academicians, educators and other sectors of the society.

            Lawyer Gonzalo T. Duque, Chairman of the committee, said that “irrespective of political affiliation, we are now united with the thought that we now know the real ‘Agew na Pangasinan” even as he thanked the governor for trusting with full confidence the committee.

            Duque, who was also handpicked by the governor to head the taskforce for the celebration of the province’s 430^th anniversary, said that we will try our best to make maiden celebration very successful.

            “I am the happiest guy today because it is in my term as governor that this historical event took place,” Governor Espino said as he likened the event to finding the long-lost birth or baptismal certificate of a person.

 

            Meanwhile, Vice Governor Marlyn Primicias-Agabas said that it’s a great honor and privilege on the part of the 6^th Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be part in the passing of the historical and memorable ordinance.

            “Kumpleto na po ang pagkatao ng ating lalawigan kasi alam na natin kung kailan sya ipinanganak,” she said.

            6^th District Board Member and Committee Vice-Chairman Alfonso Bince said that it is the first time that a leader of the province had the courage and the vision to come up with the founding day of the province even as he said that it will be part of history and will be written in history books.

            The Provincial Board presented a parchment of the approved ordinance to the Governor as members of the Research and Study Committee stood witness to the occasion. (PIO/Rafael Manuel) 

April 5, 1580 is Pangasinan’s Founding Day

Research Committee on Pangasinan’s Charter date chairman Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque (left) submits the committee report to Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (2^nd from left) at the Governor’s office, Capitol Building in Lingayen last February 15.  Based on thorough research and study, the committee, which was created by Gov. Espino last year by virtue of Executive Order No. 0024-2009, has declared April 5, 1580 as the founding date of the province.  Witnessing the turnover rites are (starting from right): Board Members Von Mark Mendoza, Alfonso Bince, Angel Baniqued, Jeremy Agerico Rosario, Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas and 5^th Dist. Cong. Mark Cojuanco.  (Photo by Froilan Magtoto)

Pangasinan’s founding date formally declared

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (seated) signs an ordinance declaring April 5, 1580 as the official founding day of Pangasinan last February 15 at the Governor’s office in Capitol Building, Lingayen, Pangasinan.  The provincial board, headed by Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (3^rd from right, 1^st row), unanimously approved the ordinance which was based on the report submitted by the Research and Study Committee on Pangasinan’s Charter Date during the regular Monday session.  The committee, chaired by Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque (left), was formed by Gov. Espino last year. Witnessing the signing are (from right, 1^st row) Board Members Von Mark Mendoza, Angel Baniqued, (from right, 2^nd row) Danilo Dizon, Jeremy Agerico Rosario, 5^th Dist. Cong. Mark Cojuanco and Alfonso Bince. (Photo by Wesley Fernandez)

Pangasinan’s founding date formally declared

GATE to progress

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. signs the Declaration of Commitment for Barangay Bayaoas in Urbiztondo during the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Caravan last February 4. Dubbed as “Gamoray Aliguas Tanlonggaring ed Ekonomiya diad Pangasinan (GATE) to Progress,” the provincial government, in cooperation with the regional agencies and non-government organizations, made the commitment to provide scholarship grant for high school and college students, mobile education to out-of-school youth and free school learning assistance to drop-out students so they could pursue college education. Witnessing the signing are (starting from left) Presidential Adviser for Luzon Dr. Enrie Mendoza, Provincial Sports Consultant Modesto Operaña and Urbiztondo Mayor Ernesto Balolong, Jr. (Photo by Wesley Fernandez)

Pangasinan Birthday Unravelled

Research and Study Committee on Pangasinan’s Charter Date chairman Atty. Gonzalo T. Duque (2^nd from right) turns over to Board Member Alfonso Bince (2^nd from left) the committee report on the research and findings of Pangasinan Foundation Day. The committee, created by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. last year, recommended April 5, 1580 as the founding date of the province based on thorough research and study. (PIO Photo by Dong Ganer)

Red Cross Chapter Building Groundbreaking

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. leads the lowering of time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Red Cross Alaminos City-Western Pangasinan Chapter Building last February 10 inside the compound of Western Pangasinan District Hospital in Brgy. Magsaysay, Alaminos City. In a memorandum of agreement signed by the Governor and Red Cross officials last December 17, 2009, the provincial government has allowed Red Cross to use the lot for free for 25 years and is subject to renewal for another 25 years. Joining the Governor are Red Cross officials and 2^nd Dist. Cong. Arthur Celeste (partly hidden). (Photo by Bong Laure)

GROUNDBREAKING FOR LYING-IN HOSPITAL

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left) and Sta. Barbara Mayor Reynaldo Velasco (right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sta. Barbara Maternity and Lying-in hospital in Sta. Barbara town last February 8. According to the Governor, the groundbreaking is an added welcome development in his healthcare program as this will encourage pregnant women to give birth in the hospitals to receive competent care and attention in a government birthing facility thereby avoiding the risk of giving birth at home. Witnessing the groundbreaking are Provincial Engineer Victor Punay and Sta. Barbara Municipal officials and employees. (Photo by Bong Laure)

TRUTH VERSUS LIES ON HOSPITAL AND CAPITOL DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Jackson Soriano, Chief of Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, (center of center photo) attests that the full development and transformation of all provincial government-owned hospitals took place during the two and a half years of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. contrary to the radio advertisement of the past administration who was claiming that developments happened during their tenure. The other 13 chiefs of hospitals of all provincial government-owned hospitals and some department heads (right and left photo) also confirmed that it’s not repainting of buildings but major reforms in terms of infrastructure, upgrading of equipments and facilities and personnel services transpired under the Espino administration who was deeply involved in the planning and implementation of such projects. Also present during the Lingguhang Talakayan sa Kapitolyo last February 8 were: (starting from left, center photo) Provincial Health officicer-in-charge Ferdinand Totaan, Provincial Administrator Raffy Baraan, Provincial Assessor Nestor Quiambao and Provincial Veterinarian Benedicto Perez. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Mangroove Planting in Alaminos City

Second Dist. Cong. Arthur Celeste (2^nd from left) leads hundreds of volunteers during the Mangroove Tree Planting along the foreshore in Brgy. Telbang, Alaminos City last February 6. The joint project of the provincial government and Cong. Celeste is part of the Coastal Resource Management (CRM) program which aims to improve and intensify mangrove reforestation and coastal resource education in coastal areas. Joining Cong. Celeste are members of Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council staff, Philippine National Police, SK President Kazel Celeste and staff, barangay officials, student volunteers and civic sectors. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Fil-Ams support typhoon victims

Lingayen- - -The United Pangasinanses of America, Inc. (UPAI) based in San Francisco, California, USA headed by Ernesto Abalos has turned over 58 balikbayan boxes to Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. in a short program at the Capitol Grandstand on February 9.

The boxes which contained various canned goods plus new and slightly used clothings were donated by the group to the provincial government to be distributed to the typhoon victims from various towns in the province.

Gov. Espino, expressed elation over the concern shown by the UPAI even as he commended the group, which is composed of over 400 members, for the support that they extended to the typhoon victims and thanked them for the trust they have given him.

“I hope that our other countrymen will be as concerned as you,” the governor said as he added that every time he visits his ‘kabaleyans’ abroad he always invites them to come and see Pangasinan.

Mario Panoringan, the group coordinator, said they were amazed with all the developments that transpired under the term of Gov. Espino as he mentioned that the Sison Auditorium, which is presently undergoing massive rehabilitation, wowed the entire group.

“At first, we were hesitant to get off the airconditioned shuttle bus because it was so warm outside, but the moment we entered the Sison Auditorium, we were so amazed with what we saw. All we did was to line up and feel like we were members of the royalty holding a grand march,” Panoringan said.

Hazel Sison, a provincial tour guide who escorted the group, revealed that the intricate design of the auditorium caught the fancy of the delegation which made them compare the edifice into a palace.

Again, the group were awed with the new look of the Capitol as they were ushered inside the building on their way to meet with the provincial chief executive.

“I haven’t seen the Capitol as beautiful as today,” Panoringan said as he revealed that he has visited the building many times during the incumbency of the past four governors.

Panoringan, who hails from the capital town of Lingayen, recalled his younger years while strolling along the beach at the back of the Capitol. “Napakaganda ng Capitol at napakalinis pa. With this, I feel proud to be a Pangasinense” he disclosed.

Ernie Abalos, President of UPAI and a real estate broker, said he will invite more friends to come and visit the province and include it as part of their travel destination this summer.

“Hindi naman tayo mapapahiya sa pag-imbita because we now have a Capitol bulding na talagang world-class. For this, we pledge our support to the Governor and we will help him promote the Capitol as our main tourism site,” he said. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Balikbayan boxes for typhoon victims

United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. President Ernie Abalos (2^nd from left) turns over 58 balikbayan boxes to Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (center) in a simple ceremony at the Capitol Plaza last February 9. The Governor thanked the organization composed of over 400 members for the balikbayan boxes containing various goods and clothings to be distributed to victims of typhoons last year. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Impressive Work of Art

Members of United Pangasinanes of America, Inc. (UPAI) based in San Franciso, California, USA, give Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (extreme left) a rousing applause for a job well done in transforming the Capitol Building and its environs into world-class structures. UPAI President Ernie Abalos (4^th from left) said that he will invite more friends to come and visit the province and include it as part of their travel destination this summer. The Balikbayan group turned over 58 balikbayan boxes for typhoon victims last February 9. (PIO Photo by Bob Sison)

Gov. Espino urges Irrigators to Rank Closer

Lingayen- - -Gov. Amado T. Espino,Jr. called on the leaders of the various Irrigators’ associations in the province to rank closer and be more judicious in harnessing all the available local water reservoirs to improve agricultural production and make Pangasinan the top crop producer in the country.

In a consultation meeting held at the Agricultural Training Institute in Sta. Barbara, the governor urged the farmer-leaders to now adopt new and tested farming methods and be selective as well in the choice of crop varieties to ensure quality harvests.

Noting that some farmer beneficiaries of the government’s comprehensive agrarian program have not been making a headway in improving their lot owing to lack of capital, Gov. Espino recommended that the farming community should go into planning sessions to thresh out resurging problems in production.

He also encouraged them to follow the cropping calendar to avoid problems on irrigation.

During the consultation, the farmers reported to the governor that most of the irrigation facilities turned over to them four years ago have not been functioning well thus resulting in scarcity of water flowing into the farmlands.

The Governor lamented the delay in the repair of irrigation facilities damaged during the series of typhoons that hit the province last year.

However, he assured that the “provincial government will do everything it can to restore the facilities in A-1 condition during the summer months.”

Anticipating the impact of the El Nino (long dry spell) phenomenon on the industry, the governor said a task force will be mobilized shortly to look into the possibility of tapping irrigation water from the various river systems of the province.”

Shallow wells like those installed during the past administration are not reliable tools during a long dry spell, the governor said.

The installation of the shallow wells, as well as the other irrigation facilities, was funded by a P300M loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines by the previous administration.

It will be recalled that in a dialogue with the irrigators’ associations last year, Gov. Espino has stated that the province will institute a ‘pragmatic approach’ to improve further agricultural development in Pangasinan. (PIO/Angie D. Villanueva)

Gov. Espino urges Anti-poverty Group to empower people

Lingayen---Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has urged the KALAHI group to help empower the people to become resourceful members of the community to raise themselves from poverty.

During the KALAHI Karaban held February 4 at Brgy. Bayaoas in Urbiztondo, the governor stressed the importance of self-reliance in combating poverty within the community as he added that the people must not only rely on the assistance of the government but should also work hard to become self-sufficient.

Launched in 2001, the Kalahi-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) project is an anti-poverty vehicle program of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

In Pangasinan, two barangays already benefitted from the Kalahi-CIDSS project which include Brgy. Bocboc East in Aguilar and brgy Bayaoas in Urbiztondo.

In support to the program, the province thru the Provincial Planning Development Office (PPDO) headed by Benita Pizzaro, created the Pangasinan Poverty Reduction Action Team (PPRAT) to oversee the poverty reduction efforts in the province.

Thus, the holding of Kalahi caravan was conceptualized to immediately respond to the basic needs of the identified barangays in coordination with the Regional KALAHI Convergence Group, Inc. (RKCGI), a special body created by the Office of the President headed by Dr. Enrie Mendoza.

The participating agencies include the Department of Health, Social Welfare Development Office, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Education, Agrarian Reform, Labor and Employment, Public Works and Highways, Science and Technology, Commission on Human Rights and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

From the provincial level, the PPRAT team includes the provincial health office engineering office, office of the provincial agriculturist, provincial employment services office, population office, provincial social and welfare development, and provincial information office.

The Kalahi Karaban was highlighted with the signing of declaration of commitment among concerned agencies.

Among the commitments made are the provisions of high school and college scholarship grant, mobile education to out-of-school youth, free school learning assistance to drop-out students so they could pursue college education.

In livelihood aspect, the DOLE said it will provide fund assistance to the organized groups who would want to embark on mushroom production and handicraft making. The funding assistance will be given as grant if the livelihood project will be sustained.

The DTI will provide marketing assistance to the organized groups to ensure the sustainability of the project as well as provision of community organizing and capability building programs for the residents.

The province through its provincial health office will install communal toilets and deep wells on the site that would be identified by the barangay officials of Bayaoas. In addition, two units of water purifier will also be extended to their school.

Likewise, the OPAG has turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the barangay council for its backyard gardening project. The PESO will conduct a jobs fair in March where accredited agencies that would not require job placement fees will be invited to help the more than 300 unemployed barangay residents.

Aside from the construction of one unit two-classroom building, the provincial engineering office conducted a feasibility study on the possible installation of water system in the barangay.

The Pangasinan Federation of Non-Government Organizations (PFNGOs) headed by Carmelita Duque has committed a free cataract operations to children.

Social services conducted during the Kalahi caravan include medical and dental mission, registration of jobseekers, free calls local and abroad, supplemental feeding to schoolchildren, and free legal assistance.

In response, the barangay council of Bayaoas headed by Ireneo Aquino thanked the provincial government as well as the various agencies for making their community a recipient of the different programs which, according to him, would be a big help to his constituents.

As part of its commitment, the municipal government of Urbiztondo led by Mayor Ernesto Balolong has formed a Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) to oversee the implementation of projects and programs in their barangay.

(Merly R. Tibalao/PIO)