POLICE HEADLINES

Prov'l Gov't holds rehab efforts in tornado-hit villages in Bayambang

2015-06-29T19:59:00.002-07:00

Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Emilio Samson hands over the financial assistance to Vilinda Salvio, wife of Bramwell Salvio, the lone casualty during the onslaught of tornado at Barangay Inirangan in Bayambang last June 13. With Samson is Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Lochinvar Oro. /GDMoran

Pangasinan gov’t holds rehab efforts in tornado-hit villages in Bayambang

2015-06-29T18:15:00.004-07:00

Lingayen – The provincial government extended its rehabilitation assistance on June 23 in the form of construction materials for houses destroyed by a tornado that hit 17 villages of Bayambang town last June 13.

            Ret. Col. Lochinvar Oro, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) said that the assistance was based on the post-disaster assessment received from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bayambang.

            Apart from assisting in the rehabilitation of damaged houses, the provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), also extended financial support to the family of Bramwell Salvio, 33, of barangay Inirangan, the lone casualty.

            Vilinda Salvio, 25, wife of Bramwell, received the financial aid on June 24.

Her husband was electrocuted when he touched a live wire from an electric post toppled by the tornado.

            At least 127 families or 382 persons were displaced by the tornado, that also left five others injured, all of whom were also electrocuted.

            Meanwhile, Lerma Padagas, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer, noted that validation and assessment of the areas affected were done early morning of June 14, Sunday, on instruction of Bayambang Mayor Ricardo Camacho.

Augmentation of relief assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DWSD) Region 1 and DSWD provincial office with 700 family packs were received by the displaced residents while Bayambang LGU was waiting for resolutions from affected barangays asking that they be placed under the state of calamity.

             “Relief funds can’t be released to aid the victims, unless a municipality has been declared under state of calamity,” Padagas said, as she pointed out that initial relief assistance were outsourced from the DSWD.

            The GMA Kapuso Foundation, she added, has also distributed family packs for 88 affected families.

             Padagas said request for financial assistance intended for the repair of partially and totally damaged houses and even for those injured have also been prepared for submission to the DSWD.

             Col. Oro, who personally checked on the extent of damages from the twister, assured that the provincial government will help Bayambang LGU in its rehabilitation efforts for the damaged houses, particularly on the provision of construction materials.

             Few days after the onslaught of the tornado, residents have slowly recovered. “Unti-unti na silang nakakabangon at naikabit na nila yung mga yero na na-washed out ng tornado,” Oro said.

Affected barangays were: Ambayat 1st, Ambayat 2nd, Amancosiling Sur, Buayaen, Darawey, Dusoc, Bical Sur, Pangdel, Sancagulis, Inanlorenza, Manambong Sur, Inirangan, San Vicente, Carungay, Managos, Manambong Norte and Pantol.   /Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

Gov. Espino: Showing gratitude to OFWs is best gift we can give

2015-06-29T18:08:00.004-07:00

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (3rd from left) receives the certificate of appreciation from Pangasinan OFW Family Federation (POFFED) President Esmeraldo P. Agustin, Sr. (3rd from right) during the induction of POFFED, Inc. officers on June 25 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) in Lingayen. With Agustin are some of the newly-inducted POFFED officers. /MVSadim

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (seated, center) together with (seated, from left) Pangasinan OFW Family Federation (POFFED), Inc. President Esmeraldo P. Agustin, Sr., Alaminos Senior Labor and Employment Officer Rhoda Dingle, Licensing and Regulation Office of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Director Robert Larga, Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager Alex Ferrer, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 1 Head Gerardo Rimorin, National Reintegration Center for OFWs Regional Coordinator Ethel Saliendra and some of the officers and members of POFFED flash the number one sign during the induction ceremonies of POFFED on June 25 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center in Lingayen. The event was attended by over 400 POFFED members from all over the province. /MVSadim

LINGAYEN - Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has urged Pangasinenses to give tribute to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have sacrificed a lot just to provide for the needs of their families back home.

Gov. Espino said that “the best gift we can give our OFWs is to show our care, respect and gratitude for all the sacrifices that they do.”

Despite all the difficulties that they go through and sacrifice being away from their loved ones, OFWs strive very hard in order to earn for their respective families.

He further urged everyone that these things must be done in deed and not just merely in words.
Gov. Espino underscored that the OFWs are among the most important resource of the province alongside with its natural resource when he addressed the more than 400 participants from all over the province during the induction of officers of the Pangasinan OFW Family Federation.
The activity coincided with the seminar on anti-illegal recruitment, human trafficking and drug abuse held at the Provincial Training and Development Center on June 25.

The governor said “Dito sa Pangasinan, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang mga tao o human resource,” as he lauded the overseas workers for being of great help to the province’s economy.

Gov. Espino also thanked the attendees for being proud as OFWs. He was proud that these workers are now being hailed as heroes, though he laments the agony and pain they have to suffer for going away from their families while working in foreign lands.

Meanwhile, Robert Larga , director for the Licensing and Regulation Office of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) commended Gov. Espino for championing the cause, the welfare and protection of the rights of migrant workers in Pangasinan.

Larga likewise commended the provincial government through the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) for developing programs and services that will address the needs of the OFWs in the province.
The POEA official lauded the efforts of the province for having established its Migration and Development Council that will ensure the continuity of the programs and services to OFWs in Pangasinan.
Larga said this pioneering act of setting up the council in the province and the region is worthy of emulation by all provinces across the country.
The province, in partnership with POEA, has undertaken several meaningful activities like seminars and public education campaigns to address the issue of illegal recruitment and trafficking following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement last year for this program.
/ADV

P600-M LBP loan scales up public services of prov’l gov’t

2015-06-29T17:54:00.001-07:00

LINGAYEN – The loans secured by the provincial government from the Land Bank of the Philippines for the past 8 years amounting to P656.94 million revved up public service and improved local entrepreneurs’ quality of production in various endeavors.
This was bared by Provincial Treasurer Marilou Utanes and Provincial Accountant Arturo Soriano, informing that the provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has been prompt and judicious in its repayment obligations with the lending institution.
Of the total loaned amount, only P63.70 million remains to be paid, Utanes said.
It was learned, however, that the provincial government has also to settle the P343.55 million loan secured with LBP by the previous administration.

Spread over 8 years, the loaned amount was spent in the asphalting of provincial and municipal; roads (P149.04 million); engineering, construction and heavy equipment maintenance (P172.69 million); reconstruction and upgrading of hospital facilities (P271.36 million); reconstruction/construction and upgrading of other provincial buildings and facilities (P50.22 million); and housing and resettlement project (P12.72 million).
Soriano pointed out that Land Bank offered a loan portfolio of P2.4 billion, but the provincial government only availed P758 million of the window ceiling.

“The province’s assets are so liquid and bankable that term-loan portfolios for development are opened for us to avail of,” Soriano said, adding that the Land Bank arrangement had a maturity period of 10 years at a low 5.5 percent interest rate per annum.

He said that owing to sound fiscal management policy adopted by the Espino administration, the provincial government was awarded twice the Seal of Good Governance by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

With improved and upgraded facilities, hospital services are now ISO-certified, meaning the system on public health care meets international standards.

The upgraded system and quality of services, Soriano noted, prompted the provincial government of Cebu to adopt as model Pangasinan’s hospital management system.
Records showed that following the upgrading of facilities funded by the loans, the number of patients availing of the services in the provincial government’s 14 hospitals increased by more than 100 percent.

This means, Soriano said, that the constituents, particularly those belonging to the marginalized sector, are now confident in having their sick treated in the hospitals owned and operated by the provincial government.

According to the provincial treasurer, the province’s improved road network has bolstered economic activities, thus encouraging above-average tax collection. (PIO)

PROVINCIAL EMPLOYEES RECEIVE PEI BONUS

2015-06-29T17:51:00.003-07:00

             LINGAYEN --- More than 3,000 provincial employees including casual and contractual workers have received their Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) bonus pursuant to Executive Order No. 181 dated May 15, 2015 from the Office of the President.

            This came following the passage of Supplemental Investment Program No. 3 for CY 2015 as provided for in Provincial Resolution No. 1404-2015 passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) in its regular session last Monday June 22.

            In this resolution, some P24.5 million were allocated for this incentive from the P46,735,500 approved Supplemental Budget No. 3 endorsed to the SP by the Provincial Development Council Execom through Resolution No. 06-15 chaired by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.

            Provincial Budget Officer Hilaria J. Claveria told board members that the permanent employees are set to receive this week the one-half of their monthly salary. The province has yet to look for other sources for the payment of remaining half in December.

            Likewise, the casual and job order employees including consultants will be receiving P5,000 incentive bonus.

According to Claveria, the fund was sourced out from the reversion of current appropriations from savings on Personal Services and unappropriated surplus.

            On top of the PEI, the provincial employees have already received their mid-year 13th month pay last May.

                       The employees thanked the provincial government for allocating budget for the productivity incentive bonus which according to them was “very timely and very helpful during this enrolment period.”

            Meanwhile, Provincial Accountant Arturo Soriano belied reports that the payment of PEI to the employees came from the excise tax.

            “Magagamit lang ang excise tax sa mga programa para sa tobacco-producing municipalities katulad ng farm-to-market roads, solar drying facilities. Ito ay para sa ating mga farmers lamang. Kaya walang katotohanan na kumuha ang probinsya sa excise tax para may ibayad sa incentive bonus ng mga empleyado.” Soriano said.

            Also included in Supplemental Budget No. 3 are the augmentation fund of the operational expenses of some provincial offices, public affairs fund, cultural preservation and incentive awards, and drugs and medicines for hospitals. (Merly Ramos)

Gov. Espino celebrates natal day at PPH

2015-06-29T17:49:00.001-07:00

Lingayen – The provision of quality and affordable health care services to sick Pangasinenses admitted in 14 hospitals owned and managed by the provincial government has been the top advocacy of the incumbent provincial administration.

            This was reiterated by Governor Espino during a media conference held at the Doctors’ Lounge of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in San Carlos City last June 20 shortly after he visited various wards in the hospital to personally check on the patients during his natal day.

            Saying that hospitals of the provincial government have undergone dramatic transformation under his watch, making these as “hospitals of choice” for Pangasinenses, the governor stressed that poorest Pangasinenses who are sick and jobless deserve priority attention on health care services.

            The provincial government implemented PhilHealth’s Point-of-Care (POC) system in 14 hospitals of the province since February 2014 where 12,630 indigent families are insured with a total premium paid amounting to Php30.31 million for curricular year 2014. An insurance premium of Php2,400 has been allocated for each indigent family.

            The Point-of-Care (POC), Governor Espino said, entitles indigent patients who cannot afford to pay hospitalization expenses to a “no balance billing policy.”

            The influx of patients at PPH from the average of 47 in-patients in 2007 to 427 in-patients at present is attributed to the effective and efficient delivery of health care services in the hospital.

             Conversion of the provincial hospital into a medical center is being worked out to further upgrade its facilities, the governor said.

Dr. Policarpio Manuel, PPH chief, reported that the completion of the Emergency Room, Operating Room and Intensive Care Unit (ER-OR-ICU) building will further boost the capability of the facility to accommodate more surgical cases.

State-of-the-art hospital equipment including the CT Scan and filmless X-ray machine have also been doing well, Manuel added.       /Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca

LGU-Pangasinan and UP Ink Tie-up to Promote History and Culture

2015-06-29T17:37:00.004-07:00

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (right) shakes hands with University of the Philippines (UP) President Alfredo E. Pascual (left) after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the UP and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan to facilitate the public service and technical assistance of UP to the province in promoting history and cultural heritage last June 18 in UP Diliman, Quezon City. /MVSadim

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., (7th from left) Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (6th from left) together with University of the Philippines (UP) President Alfredo E. Pascual, UP Public Affairs Vice President and ASNA Awardee Prospero E. De Vera (3rd from right) and some of the UP Professors from Pangasinan flash the number one sign during the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the UP and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan last June 18 in UP Diliman, Quezon City for the establishment of Pangasinan Study Center and other collaborative efforts to promote the culture and history of the province. /MVSadim

The Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the University of the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 18 at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City for the establishment of Pangasinan Study Center and other collaborative efforts to promote the culture and history of the province.
Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. and UP President Alfredo Pascual signed the partnership agreement with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and UP Vice President for Public Affairs J. Prospero De Vera, an ASNA awardee, as witnesses.
“This is a dream come true,” said Gov. Espino, noting that for the past eight years the province under his watch tried to recapture the beautiful culture and traditions of the province.
“With this partnership, our friends from the premiere university in the country will help us to make our dream a reality so that we can bring back to life the rich cultural heritage of Pangasinan,” Gov. Espino said as he thanked the University of the Philippines under the leadership of Pascual for the technical assistance and expertise that they will provide.
The governor informed those in attendance during the signing that the province now has a Pangasinan Hymn, a history book and a historical and cultural commission. Gov. Espino also said that Pangasinan language is used during flag-raising ceremonies and during the first Friday Mass at the Capitol.
Also, the use of “Pangalatok,” a deregatory brand of the people of Pangasinan has long been discouraged and a more appropriate word is now being used to describe his provincemates, that is, “Pangasinenses”.
The UP President said the the university and Pangasinan signed a historic MOU “geared towards realizing our collective dream of preserving and promoting our country’s distinct cultural heritage.”
With this MOU, the UP exercises and manifests its public service mandate as it supports the Pangasinan provincial government efforts in protecting and promoting its rich cultural heritage, Pascual said.
UP’s officials and faculty members and staff particularly those who trace their roots in Pangasinan will be tapped as advisers, consultants and resource persons, he added.
He stressed that UP will be sharing its expertise in raising awareness about Pangasinan’s historical and cultural contributions to the nation.
According to the signed MOU, the development of Pangasinan Studies Center will be established in an appropriate university in the province with the assistance of the LGU-Pangasinan and UP.
One key activity of the partnership is the tourism promotion particularly in the development of Agno River and the local government along its banks into tourist destinations through a river cruise project and guided historical tours.
For this project, the UP president said: “I am now offering our tourism experts and historians to make sure that this laudable project will be as good if not better than the Bohol-Loboc and Palawan underground river cruise.”
A capacity building will also be conducted for identified provincial personnel and offices particularly on information management, social media, health promotion, education management and governance.
The activity was also attended by some provincial board members, UP professors who are from Pangasinan, PSU officials and some department heads of the province.
Also in attendance was President Pacual’s wife Carmen who traces her roots in Dagupan City and Lingayen. (OMV)

LINGAYEN – PESO, will hold another job fair next week.

2015-06-25T07:48:00.002-07:00

PESO Manager Alex Ferrer said the jobs fair will be conducted at the Pangasinan PESO, Alvear St., Capitol Complex here on June 23 with four companies who will recruit workers for local employment and one for overseas employment.

Ferrer urges the people to inform interested friends, relatives and acquaintance to report on the activity date bringing their resume and credentials.

The jobs fair is a regular activity of the provincial government through the PESO to help generate jobs for the unemployed.

The following are the sets of job opportunities for those who wish to seek employment:

EPSON PRECISION PHILS.

Production Operators

·        Female: 18-30 years old
·        High school graduate/vocational/college level
·        Single/Married: No height requirement

IMMIGRATION NETWORK SERVICES (INS)

·        Accounting Staff
·        Marketing Staff
·        Marketing Officer

RURAL BANK OF MANGALDAN, INC.

·        Branch Manager (1)
·        Teller (1)
·        Bookkeeper (2)
·        Account Officers (2)
·        Janitor/Messenger (2)
·        Graduate of any 4-year course except for the janitor/messenger
·        At least 18 years old

SHERIDAN-GECO GROUP OF COMPANIES

Booking AndExtruct Professional Sales Personnel (5)

·        Male 5”5’/ Female 5”2’; not more than 26 years old
·        College Graduate/College Level with pleasing personality
·        With or without experience; with license no. 123 or Student Permit

Merchandiser (9)

· Male 5”5’/ Female 5”2’; not more than 26 years old
· College graduate/College level; with or without experience

Mechanic Driver/Driver (3)

·        Male 5”5’ in height; not more than 30 years old; College level; with experience
·        With license no. 123
·        For Pangasinan, La Union, Baguio and Ilocos Area

Warehouse Personnel (4)

· Male 5”5’; not more than 26 years old
· College graduate/level; with or without experience and with license 123

EYEQUEST INT’L MANPOWER SERVICES

Factory Workers for Taiwan

·        Male 23-25 years old (this year); 160 cm above in height and 60kgs above in weight
·        College graduate of Electronics/Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial/Computer Engineering and related course
·        Not color blind/hands not trembling
·        Can accept near sighted at least 20/50 vision

·        Accepts Ex-Taiwan workers, left handed; no tattoo; with or without experience

Distribution of Certified Palay Seeds.

2015-06-25T07:44:00.002-07:00

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay President Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III and BM Angel Baniqued Jr. flash the number one sign with the farmer-beneficiaries from Districts 1 to 6 during the ceremonial distribution of 2,850 bags of certified palay seeds at the Provincial Nursery at Tebag, Sta. Barbara last June 5. The Governor also distributed 10,000 fruit and forest tree seedlings and 51 small ruminants (goats). /MVSadim

Prov’l Gov’t Distributes Farm Inputs.

2015-06-25T07:38:00.002-07:00

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay President Amado “Pogi” I. Espino, III and BM Danny Uy lead the ceremonial distribution of farm inputs and materials to nine municipalities in the 5^th congressional district to help increase farmer’s rice yield. Joining the Governor in the distribution program is Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay A. Moya. /GDMoran

Lanao Del Norte LGU to adopt Pangasinan’s best practices.

2015-06-25T07:34:00.001-07:00

Lanao Del Norte’s Local Government Unit (LGU) officials headed by their Provincial Administrator Joselito Quibranza (center, 2nd row) flash Pangasinan's number one sign at the Ceremonial Hall inside the Urduja House in Lingayen as a part of their trip on June 11, Thursday. Lanao Del Norte LGU aims to benchmark the best practices of the provincial government of Pangasinan. /MVSadim

Farmers from 5th Dist. Receive Farm Inputs

2015-06-25T07:30:00.002-07:00

Lingayen- - -Farmers in the nine municipalities of the 5^th congressional district benefitted anew with another wave of Agricultural Technology Enhancement Assistance Program (ATESAP) comprising of various farm inputs and materials on June 11 at the Provincial Agricultural Office in Tebag, Sta. Barbara town.

In addition to this, eight organized groups also received 400 fruit-bearing tree seedlings as part of the provincial government’s thrust to mitigate climate change through reforestation activities.

For farm inputs and materials, each municipality in District 5 received 100 bags of certified palay seeds, 200 bags of urea fertilizer, 200 bags of complete (14-14-14) fertilizer, and 1,000 bags of organic fertilizer.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., who led the distribution ceremony, commended the farmers for working very hard to increase their yield.

With the enhancement of agricultural productivity, according to the governor, Pangasinan was adjudged three times as one of the Outstanding Provinces in the Philippines as Rice Achiever Awardee.

The governor affirmed that Pangasinan will remain as an agricultural province for the next 30 to 50 years. Thus, he stressed the need to further enhance agriculture as vitally important.

He further noted that while the province still remains unindustrialized as of present, the need to increase agricultural yield is pivotal for us to supply the agricultural requirements of industrialized areas like Cavite and other key provinces.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) reported 50 percent of the total cost of the farm inputs estimated as P4,010 received by the farmer is covered by a subsidy from the provincial government which is payable upon receiving the farm inputs.

ATELAP was launched in 2012 while seedling distribution project was launched during the first few months of the Espino administration in 2007.

To date, the provincial government has distributed around 723,837 pieces of assorted forest and fruit bearing tree seedlings under the Provincial Tree Planting and Reforestation Project.

Separate program on the distribution of certified palay dubbed Accelerated Certified Seed Production and Distribution program, the only existing program in the country, is also part of the present administration’s strategic scheme to boost the province’s agricultural yield.

Since its launching in 2010, a total of 19,333 bags of certified palay seeds were distributed to include its recent release last June 6. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

Certified Seeds to Up Rice Yield of Farmers

2015-06-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Lingayen - - - In an effort to boost the rice yield per capita of Pangasinan farmers, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., said that the Provincial Government sustains its distribution of certified palay seeds to farmers.

Now on its fifth year, and the only existing project in the country, the distribution of certified palay seeds held last June 6 at the Provincial Nursery in Tebag, Sta. Barbara is under the Accelerated Certified Seed Production and Distribution program, a collaborative effort of the provincial government and the ABONO Party-list in partnership with the Dept. of Agriculture (DA).

There were 2,850 bags of palay seeds distributed to farmer-beneficiaries from the different towns and cities throughout the province’s six congressional districts.

Along with the distribution of certified palay seeds, the provincial government also awarded 10,000 fruit and forest tree seedlings and 51 small ruminants (goats) to identified beneficiaries.

The seed distribution is commended by other agricultural provinces in the country and envisioned to be replicated to ensure stability of production specifically on rice.

The program, which is also intended to bring back the glory days of the province as the rice bowl of the country, aims to assist the farmers via lower cost of seeds at a rate of P800 per 40-kilo bag as compared with the regular market price of seeds per pack at P1,400.

The provincial agriculture office, on the other hand, clarified that the project is not a dole out but an enterprising endeavor so that other farmers will have the chance to avail of the seeds.

Based on agriculture statistics, 62 percent of Pangasinense farmers now used certified seeds.

Each bag of certified seeds, according to assistant provincial agriculturist Nestor Batalla, can cover a hectare of ricefield with a higher percentage of rice yield than ordinary seeds.

This has caused the province’s rice sufficiency rating to soar at 194 percent making Pangasinan a recipient of the National Rice Achiever Award for the past three years nailing a yield of 1.133 million metric tons which accounts for 65 percent of the total rice produced in Region 1 or the third largest producer of rice in the country.

Meanwhile, Board Member Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III, during the distribution rite, said the program serves beneficial to Pangasinense farmers since they are assured of good crops that will help boost their income during harvest period.

For the past five years of implementation, a total of 37,400 bags of certified seeds were produced under the program alone while a total of 19,333 bags has been distributed at 50 percent price subsidy.

Meanwhile, the 10,000 forest and fruit tree seedlings were awarded to 37 groups comprising of schools, barangay council, and non-government organizations.

A total of 579,665 of seedlings has been distributed by the Espino administration for various groups provincewide since July 2007.

The 51 goats, on the other hand, were given to three groups specifically the Timbuyog ti Mannalon in Natividad town, Goat Raisers’ Association of San Fabian, and Carosucan Farmers’ Association in Sta. Barbara town.

Also present during the distribution ceremony were Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr., Board Member Angel Baniqued, Jr., and Dr. Gilbert Rabara, Chief of Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center who represented Director Valentino Perdido, Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO1. (Ruby R. Bernardino)

P15-M worth of Maternity Health Care Kits sought

2015-03-15T23:07:00.002-07:00

Lingayen- - -The province’s maternal thrust will further be enhanced through more maternity health care kits expected to be distributed by the provincial government following the approval of Provincial Resolution No. 1219-2015 during the provincial board’s regular session last March 9.

The resolution sought to request the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to provide additional maternity health care kits to the province through the transfer of the P15 M previously allocated to Region1 Medical Center (R1MC) to the province as purchasing fund.

The provision of maternity health care kits is aimed to ensure the safety of Pangasinense mothers and their children and help reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rate in the province.

Earlier, the province has purchased and distributed only 100 maternity health care kits due to budgetary constraints.

As noted in the resolution, there is a need to continue with the distribution program thus ‘there is a need and urgency to realign and download the allotment from the R1MC to the province.’

The R1MC, on the other hand, has agreed to the transfer of the P15M.

It can be recalled that the present administration spearheaded by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has focused its maternal thrust to realize “zero mortality” rate in the coming years through the promotion of special projects to include “Anak Ko, Buhay Ko, Mahal Ko” campaign which will soon be cascaded to all barangays in all 47 municipalities and cities in Pangasinan.

The campaign encourages pregnant mothers to develop good health-seeking behavior and make them become fully aware of the importance of availing at least four pre-natal check-ups in the course of their nine-month pregnancy.

Gov. Espino also endeavored to enhance government hospitals in Pangasinan which includes provision of birthing facilities attended by skilled birth attendants to cater to the needs of all expectant mothers.

The provincial government most recent addition in its health care system is the implementation of PhilHealth Point-of-Care program where P60 million has been allocated so that poor pregnant women and other indigent sick Pangasinenses can be enrolled in PhilHealth as soon as they are admitted in any of the 14 government hospitals.

SP allows PN-NFL continued use of Sual Detachment Unit

2015-03-15T23:04:00.003-07:00

Lingayen- - - The Pangasinan provincial government has allowed the Philippine Navy, Naval Forces Northern Luzon (PN-NFNL) based in Poro Point, La Union to occupy for another 10 years the two structures owned by the province located in Sual town.

In the regular session of the provincial board last March 9, the august body unanimously approved Provincial Resolution No. 12-42-2015 which authorizes Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the PN-NFNL for the use of a real property owned by province for ‘free.’

The NFNL which maintains a detachment unit in Sual religiously assists other government agencies in the enforcement of maritime laws at the territorial seas of Pangasinan and Zambales.

As such, the provincial board requested the naval force to further its cause in assisting the province with regards to naval operations especially during onset of calamities where casualties mostly include fisherfolks in the coastal towns of Infanta, Bolinao, Dasol and other western coastlines.

The NFNL headed by Commodore Severino Vicente T. David vowed to establish closer coordination with the officials of various western coastal municipalities, further improve their communication system and conduct more rescue and disaster operations training in the coming days.

GO. ESPINO OPENS CT-SCAN at PPH

2015-03-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

Lingayen- - -“If I will leave a legacy for our beloved province, it will be something that is connected with health,” said Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. as he led the inauguration and blessing of the new 16-slice CT scan on March 10 at the PPH ER-Lab complex located at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Bolingit, San Carlos City.

The new CT scan is the 18th high quality medical equipment installed by the present administration at the PPH under a Private-Public-Partnership (PPP) scheme specifically with HIMEX Corporation which is based in Manila.

Gov. Espino said the provision of state-of-the-art brand new equipment (Hitachi model: Supria 16 slices) will serve as highly beneficial to all sick and poor Pangasinenses who could barely afford the cost of treatment offered by private hospitals.

The governor disclosed that the cost to be collected on regular paying patients will be much lower as compared with other hospitals. However, indigent patients he said, need not worry of any fee provided that they are covered with PhilHealth and the Point-of-Care program which was launched under his administration to look after the welfare of sick and poor Pangasinenses.

Under the PPP scheme, the provincial government did not pay any amount to HIMEX Corporation as the latter will be paid on a monthly basis based on a profit scheme.

As such, Gov. Espino said that same equipment will likewise be provided in the three district hospitals located in Alaminos City, Urdaneta, and Tayug.

Rema Padilla Ohno, President and CEO of HIMEX Corporation, thanked the provincial government headed by Gov. Espino for giving its full trust on their company.

Ohno commended the leadership of the governor as she said that HIMEX is looking forward to more projects with the provincial government after being trusted with 18 PPPs.

Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in its regular session last March 9 has amended Provincial Ordinance No. 19-2015 by including addendums on tax concerning the policies and fees covering the newly-installed CT scan procedure.

Dr. Policarpio Manuel, PPH Chief of Hospital II, said before the installation of the new equipment, series of dry runs for a period of one month were conducted.

As explained by PHO Chief Anna Maria Teresa de Guzman, patients who will be benefited by the state-of-the art machine are those who suffered from strokes, accidents, and abdominal problems that are hardly detected through ultrasound.

Dr. Jeremy “Ming” Rosario, Asst. PHO Chief, said the new 16-slice brand new CT scan procedure offered by the province has the lowest rate in the entire region as he bared that other hospital rates range from P6,000 to P7,500.

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS (SOPA) GOV. AMADO ESPINO, JR.

2015-02-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

Espino pinabulaanan na pinangakoan niya si Cojuangco na papalit sa kanya

2015-01-29T13:31:00.001-08:00

Espino denounces killing of 43 police Action Force by BIFF

2015-01-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

Ang kalunos-lunos na anyo ng mga pulis na minasaker ng MILF

In behalf of the people of Pangasinan, I vehemently denounce in the strongest terms possible the insane, inhuman and bestial killing of at least 43 members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force in an encounter with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and other lawless elements in Maguindanao Province last Sunday, January 25.

As the governor of this province and former police officer, my heart bleeds for the families of our dear brothers and comrades in this horrific, tragic incident.

In this regard, allow me to express the full support of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the Pangasinan Police Force, the Pangasinan PNP Retirees and all our provincemates, to the peace efforts exerted by the Philippine government through the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) headed by Secretary Mar Roxas.

I enjoin my provincemates to offer a special prayer for the repose of the souls of the casualties, fast recovery of the wounded, and safety of the unsung heroes among the uniformed men and women who are assigned in Mindanao to ensure peace and order.

PVAO Exec, Governor Espino assure support to P’sinense WW II Veterans, Surviving Spouses

2015-01-14T04:00:00.001-08:00

Si Gov. Espino (itaas na larawan) habang binibigyan ng medalya ang mga beterano na dumalo sa pagdiriwang ng Veteran"s Day na isinabay din sa pagdiriwang ng Lingayen Gulf Landings kamakailan. Si Defense Sec. Gazmin naman ay isa-isang kinakamayan, matapos sabitan ng mga medalya ang mga matatanda ng beterano ng Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig.

Lingayen -- The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the provincial government led by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. have assured support, particularly on the increase of financial benefits for the surviving World War II (WW II) veterans in the province, including their surviving spouses.

Major General Raul Caballes, Deputy Administrator of Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) stressed during a press conference held after the commemoration of the 70th Lingayen Gulf Landings and 8th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day that: “PVAO always find ways and means to push the increase of the benefits for the war veterans.”

While the increase of old-age pension of surviving WW II veterans and their spouses from Php5,000 to Php20,000 is still pending in the Congress, Caballes said that in November last year, President Aquino has approved the increase of burial assistance for the veterans from Php10,000 to Php20,000.

“Both houses of the Congress are very sympathetic to our WWII veterans,” he pointed out, adding that the PVAO sees no major obstacle for the approval of proposed bills which are catered for the benefit of the surviving veterans in the country.

Aside from the existing Veterans Memorial Hospital in Quezon City, the PVAO is looking forward for the approval of a proposed bill seeking the construction of three additional Veterans’ Hospitals which shall be located in Northern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., who led the presentation of recognition to war veteran centenarians and medallion of valor to all war veterans during the commemorative program, reiterated the importance of the activity for Pangasinenses.

The Governor said: “I just wanted Pangasinenses, especially the younger generation, to appreciate the sacrifices our forefathers did to liberate the country,” adding that basic values like sacrifice should be inculcated in the minds of the people.

“This is actually the 9th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day celebration because the first celebration was held in 1995 during the 50th year of Lingayen Gulf Landings commemoration which highlighted the inauguration of the Veterans Park,” said the Governor, who was then the Event Chairman of the commemoration and Provincial PNP Director.

Aside from recognition, Espino said the veterans need material help. “We are providing them cash assistance (but the amount is yet to be finalized), medicines and we are also coordinating with the PVAO for the increase of their benefits,” he said.

Espino disclosed that a PVAO extension office will soon rise within the Capitol Complex. The PVAO administration as agreed, according to the Governor, will then assign staff to oversee the transactions of the war veterans in availing their benefits.

Congressman Leopoldo Bataoil added that a Retirees’ Hall for the PNP retirees and veterans, including AFP retirees was inaugurated last year. Said hall was located at the Provincial Headquarters of the PNP.

Ret. SSupt Mariano Verzosa, who heads the PNP Retirees Association, is currently coordinating with Former Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Raul Urgello for the continuing medical assistance for the veterans and retirees from PNP and AFP.

Pangasinan, Urgello said, is the first province to establish a Retirees’ Hall which can be emulated by all other provinces to give honor to our veterans and retirees.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. James Pasquarette, Deputy Commanding General of US Army Pacific thanked the media for the coverage of the event as he thanked Governor Espino for the successful conduct of the ceremonial activity.

“It’s important that your people and the world appreciate what happened here. Without the media reporting on it, it will be just a nice ceremony and everybody goes home. I wanna thank the Governor for putting on a great show today, with the Mass which was special I thought and then the whole ceremony,” he said.

“My personal thought right now is that the relationship between the United States and the Philippines is as strong as it’s been in the long time. And I think it’s getting stronger,” Pasquarette said.

Also present during the press conference were: Col. Bruce Murray, Defense Attaché of the Australian Embassy to the Philippines and Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr.

Based on PVAO records as of January 2015, Pangasinan has a total of 7,010 veterans (pensioners), broken down as follows: 619 (WW II) and 2,687 (surviving spouses); 1,373 (Post War) and 2,331 (surviving spouses).

Of the total 11,586 veterans in Region 1, 60.5% (7,010) are from Pangasinan.

Pangasinan shares 52% or 619 of the total 1,191 surviving WW II veterans in the region.

Sec. Gazmin Says Lingayen Landings a Sentimental Journey to the Past

2015-01-14T02:48:00.003-08:00

Sec. Gazmin habang kinakamayan ni Gov. Amado Espino, Jr.

Lingayen- - -The 70th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary as well as the 8th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day is “a sentimental journey to the past and a glimpse of bravery and courage of all unsung heroes of World War II who valiantly shed tears, sweat and blood.”

This was the gist of the speech delivered by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who was the guest of honor and speaker of the twin event held on January 9 at the Veterans’ Memorial Park inside the Capitol Complex in Lingayen.

Sec. Gazmin, whose father is a WWII veteran, said he shares the same sentiment of honoring the men and women who risked their lives during the war in defense of freedom and sovereignty.

The cabinet official pointed out it is only fitting that the heroic deeds and bravery of the war veterans, both living and fallen, be “immortalized because if not for them this generation and the next will not completely enjoy the freedom that was derived from the arenas of great courage.”

‘Their exploits are stories of heroism and their sacrifices are tales of camaraderie and friendship,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., who initiated various projects for the benefit of all Pangasinan WWII veterans, said the province owes so much from the veterans being the “prime movers of preservation of national patrimony.”

It can be recalled that the Espino administration published two years ago the stories of 33 valiant Pangasinan fighters in the book, Biographical Sketches: Pangasinan Heroes of the World War II.

Free medical missions for veterans were also carried out. The activity is now a regular action program of the provincial government as one of the benefits accorded to all WWII veterans.

The present administration also endeavored to reconnect Pangasinan youth to the gallantry and patriotism of the province’s war veterans by way of holding a poster-making contest that was launched and implemented in coordination with the Dept. of Education.

Maj. Gen. James Pasquarette, US Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General, commended the Filipino guerrillas who, he said, “served to the limit of their endurance and undoubtedly saved many thousands of American lives.”

Pasquarette likewise stressed that as the Lingayen landings in January 9, 1945 played a pivotal part in history, January 9, 2015 is also a history in another sense as people can “now look forward to the possibilities that exist.”

On the other hand, Col. Bruce Murray, Defense Attachè of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, said that the freedom that was achieved 70 years ago served as a timeless example of “solid alliances and shared values.”

Murray noted the same values are again displayed in modern times by most Filipinos as he cited the country’s experiences during Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 and Typhoon Ruby last December when Australia once again stood “to provide defense and aid support.”

The celebration was highlighted by the presentation of recognition to three WWII centenarians to include Nicolas G. Eligores of Urdaneta City who was born on December 4, 1914, Prudencio Sabado from Binalonan, born on July 15, 1915, and Apolonio Millamina of Labrador town, born on April 17, 1915.

They each received a plaque of recognition from the Phil. Veterans Office (PVAO) and wheel chair and cash from the provincial government.

All 71 living WWII veterans from Pangasinan were also given medallions of valor as symbol of deep appreciation for their heroic deeds.

After the ceremonial program the formal turn-over of the 70-ship miniature replica of the US Navy Fleet landing at the Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945.

The miniature ships collection which was personally donated by Retired US Navy Weatherman Russel Leon Sandlin to the province was exhibited for public viewing at the venue to provide the people a vivid glimpse of the historic past.

Sandlin’s grandfather and uncle were in the regiment of troops who landed in Leyte and Lingayen.

Thanksgiving mass and wreath laying ceremony was held before the ceremonial program.

BM Espino nanawagan sa pagpapalakas ng pananampalataya sa mga Pangasinense

2015-01-14T02:43:00.001-08:00

BM Pogi Espino

Lingayen -- “Strengthening faith through prayers is not only for us but for our family and the community where we belong as well.”

This was stressed by Board Member Amado I. Espino, III when he spoke on behalf of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. during the ‘March for Jesus Pangasinan’ held at the Urdaneta Cultural Center on January 10.

The religious activity organized by the Ministers Assembly of Urdaneta Inc. (MAUI) gathered together about 2,000 Pangasinenses, mostly youth (from districts four, five and six) to glorify and worship the Words of God.

“Sa dami ng problema ngayon, kailangan po natin ng prayers… ng faith,” said the young Espino, Provincial Federation President of Liga ng mga Barangay, as he added that the provincial government led by Governor Espino, extends it full-support to all activities of hundreds of Christian groups in the province.

Rev. Arthur Paloay, Coordinator for March for Jesus Pangasinan, said: “Kami ay naniniwala na sa pamamagitan nito (March for Jesus), ang ating probinsya ay mapagpapala at mailalayo sa sakuna sapagkat ito ang panawagan ng Diyos.”

Rev. Paloay, together with the Christian bishops present during the activity, prayer over Board Member Espino and the provincial government before Bishop Rufino Malitao IV delivered his keynote message.

Saying that the Governor has integrated various positive developments in the province, Paloay said that the spreading of the Gospel of Christ in various places of the province became accessible with the support of the present provincial administration.

“We see the progress of the province. The beautiful provincial Capitol and the warm hospitality of its employees, is a testament to the advancement of public service in the province,” he said.

Meanwhile, Carl dela Cruz, a youth leader from Urdaneta City Worship Center, said the religious activity is relevant to Pangasinenses, particularly the youth. “The primary purpose of this activity is to create awareness among the youth in spreading the salvation of God,” he said.

Dela Cruz said that the annually conducted activity will also contribute in molding the spiritual and social aspects of the youth.

After the opening program, church leaders led the prayers for the eight pillars of the government. These included: Family (Bishop John Sagaoinit, World Changer Church); Church (Rev. Jonathan Aranton, Lighthouse Fellowship); Health and Social Services (Rev. Pipo Zalsos, Church of the Open Door); Education (Pastor Cecil Torrado, Christ Tabernacle of Praise); Government (Hon. Myrna Belle Uy, Former Binalonan Vice Mayor); Defense (Rev. Alex de Venecia) Victory Christian Fellowship; Business (Hon. Harry Bernabe, Rosales Vice Mayor); and Prayer for Pangasinan (Bishop Constantino Ramos, World Missionary Evangelism). /MGNO

Attachments area

Preview attachment broadcast news_BM pogi at March For Jesus.docx

Click here to Reply or Forward

1.47 GB (9%) of 15 GB used

Manage

©2015 Google - Terms - Privacy 

Last account activity: 17 minutes ago

Details

2 empleyado ng PPH nahaharap sa kasong administratibo dahil sa pagsingil ng bayad sa pasyente

2015-01-14T02:35:00.004-08:00

LINGAYEN-- Two provincial employees in Manaoag Community Hospital are now facing administrative charges for Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority in relation to the violation of No Billing Policy (NBP) for indigent patients in government hospitals.

In an Administrative Case No. 01-2015 signed by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. on January 6, the two hospital staff have been allegedly found engaging in “unlawful acts of manipulating hospital bills.”

The filing of formal charge stemmed from a handwritten affidavit complaint addressed to Gov. Espino last January 2 by a patient wherein she was charged of P4,000 as hospital bill during her confinement period from August 16 to 20, 2014 in the said hospital due to severe diarrhea

In her complaint, the patient narrated that she was billed an amount of P8,000 despite being a Point-of-Care (POC) enrollee of the provincial government.

The patient’s sister named a certain employee who told her that their hospital bills will be lowered to at least half or P4,000 because the patient is a Philhealth member. They no longer contested the hospital charges as they were already asked to pay the bill in the pharmacy so they could be immediately issued a discharge form.

However, it was later found out that only P81 was remitted to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office with acknowledgment receipt No. 9441513 and the same receipt number was issued to the patient bearing their P4,000 payment for hospital bills. The receipt was allegedly issued by a certain pharmacy aide.

From this incident, Espino immediately ordered the Provincial Legal Office to issue a formal charge against the two employees and asked them to submit a reply affidavit within 10 days upon receipt of the administrative charges leveled against them.

The administrative charge states that “the acts you demonstrated unlawfully charging indigents, manipulating hospital bills without any basis of computation and misappropriating government funds are considered acts constituting Dishonesty, Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority.”

In an interview, Gov. Espino told mediamen that he already ordered the transfer of the two employees to the Provincial Health Office effective today January 13 while waiting for the submission of their counter-affidavits.

“Nalulungkot ako sa lumabas na ganitong problema dahil ang probinsya ay talagang seryoso na matugunan ang programang “No Billing Policy” para matulungan ang ating mga mahihirap na magkasakit. Ang provincial government ang umaako sa kanilang mga bayarin sa pamamagitan ng Point-of-Care program ng PhilHealth,” the governor said.

“I will defer my judgment of preventive suspension against these employees until we received their answer to the formal charge filed against them,” Gov. Espino said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Jeremy Rosario who is also in charge of the hospital operations of all 14 government hospitals and a spokesperson of the POC program said the issuance of administrative charges against the said two employees serves as a “warning to all hospital personnel as well as provincial employees that any illegal collection of hospital bills from indigents will not be tolerated.”

The Point-of Care program, which was fully implemented last April 2014 in all government hospitals, is a flagship program of Espino administration that bails out the indigents belonging to C3 and D category from hospital bills, and to provide them quality health services without any single centavo taken out from their pocket.

“Trabaho lang ito,” said Rosario, who hails from Manaoag, as he revealed that several complainants have surfaced with similar cases of alleged unscrupulous collection of hospital bills in Manaoag Community Hospital involving the same employees.

PANGASINAN PESO STARTS 2015 WITH OVER A THOUSAND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

2015-01-13T02:40:00.000-08:00

LINGAYEN --- Pangasinan Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) opens 2015 with a bang as over 1,000 job opportunities await for job seekers who want to work locally and internationally as it conducts a Mini Jobs Fair on January 14, 2015 at the PESO Multi Purpose Hall, Capitol Complex, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

According to Alex Ferrer, the Provincial Employment Services Officer, it is great to start the year with a new career and PESO is willing to help the jobs seekers for unbounded job opportunities and employment services.

Four large companies from inside and outside Pangasinan will participate the Mini-Jobs Fair as follows: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Phils. Corp in Laguna; Syner G Outsourcing Inc. in Pangasinan; Option Plus Inc./Red Dragon Farms in San Fernando City, Pampanga; and Sky Bourne International Inc. in Taiwan.

Among job vacancies include: management trainees; frontliners; merchandisers; dining crew; cashiers; riders; kitchen crew; call center agents; production operators; technicians; engineers; and factory workers. The Mini-Jobs Fair will start at 8AM and will be ended at 5PM. And tentatively, PESO will schedule the next jobs fair on January 29, 2015.

Counilor Vargas, chairs the "Bagoong Festival 2015" invites the public to join

2015-01-07T18:08:00.001-08:00