The Pangasinan Hub

Couple killed in front of kids in Pangasinan robbery

2012-03-16T13:59:00.002-07:00

A couple was robbed and shot dead in front of their young children in Villasis town, Pangasinan on Thursday morning.
Police said spouses Jose Loquiao, 52 and Herminia Loquiao, 48, of Barangay Mabanogbog, Urdaneta City, where shot dead while on board a tricycle together with their children, a 5-year-old and a 3-month-old baby.
The Loquiao family went to Villasis town to pick up P9,950 from relative Daniel Ogang, chairman of Barangay Lapaz. The money was sent by JOse's mother, Miguela Locquiao from abroad.
While on taking the barangay road, on their way back to their home, two gunmen on board a motorcycle intercepted them.
As Jose got off the tricycle, he was shot dead by one of the gunmen. The gunman approached Herminia and also shot her dead.
The assailants escaped with the victims' money.

Source: Philippines Star

DOLE to hold job fairs in Pangasinan. May 1 in Rosales.

2012-02-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment in the Ilocos Region is set to stage a series of job fairs for the first six months of the year to strengthen its job search assistance services to the public.

DOLE information Officer Arly Valdez said job fairs in the region will start in February while the events in Pangasinan will start in the month of March scheduled tentatively on the following dates: March 8 at the Urdaneta City University (local employment) and March 23 at the Narciso Ramos Gymnasium in Lingayen town.

For April, the dates and venues are: April 16 at the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO), Municipality of Manaoag (local and overseas)and April 26 (tentative) at the PESO Office, Municipal Hall of Infanta town (local and overseas).

On May 1, jobseekers can flock to the SM City in Rosales town and on June 12 at the Narciso Ramos Gymnasium in Lingayen town.

The upcoming job fairs will bring together 25 local employers and 35 licensed recruitment agencies for overseas employment. The local employers invited to participate are Addessa Corporation, Archway Multi-services Corporation, Bamcor, Banco San Juan, BHF Corporation, Digitel, EEI Corporation, Isonn Marketing, Marand Resort and Spa, Napintas Logistics Distribution, Inc., Pancake House, Inc./Chowking, Peer Marketing Motor Sales Corporation, Puyat Steel, Rang-ay Bank, Saver’s Print Marketing, Splash, United Coconut Planters Life, Universal Leaf Phils., Welform Trading Corporation, Expercs, Inc., Sitel Phils., Sutherland Global Services, The American Institute, TSPI Development Corporation, and Trust International Paper Corporation.

Over 20 Region 1-based and 10 from outside the region licensed recruitment agencies were invited to offer to jobseekers their approved overseas job orders.

DOLE Regional Director Grace Y. Ursua said the job fairs are made possible through the collaboration among the DOLE and its family of agencies, local government units, PESOs, academe, private institutions, local employers and licensed recruitment agencies.

Jobseekers are asked to bring their application letter, resume’, 2”x2” pictures, employment certificates, if any, training certificates and other proofs of credentials. (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan with reports from DOLE)

Source: Philippine Information Agency

Pangasinan plans to host the best Palarong Pambansa in the country

2012-02-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

Lingayen- - -The provincial government led by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.is exerting all efforts to make the Palarong Pambansa 2012 as the most exciting and meaningful national games just like the first time Pangasinan hosted the country’s biggest sporting event way back in 1995.
This developed as preparations are now in full swing for the staging of Palarong Pambansa 2012 to be held on May 6 to 12.
The rehabilitation and the upgrading of the event venues such as the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) as well as the billeting areas for the athletes are ongoing.
Modesto Operania, Provincial Sports Consultant, said that recently the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education (DepEd) met to inspect the facilities of the NRSCC and further discussed other details like security, medical assistance and technical concerns regarding the different sporting events of the national games to include chess, basketball, badminton, track and field, gymnastics, sepak takraw and sipa, taekwondo, boxing, volleyball and football among others.
Operania said that while the provincial government is responsible for the repairs and refurbishments of sports venues, the DepEd will supply new sets of equipment for the event.
It will be recalled that when Pangasinan hosted the big event in 1995, Gov. Espino who was then the PNP Provincial Director, played a vital role in making the national sports competition a resounding success to include the construction of the NRSCC in barely 49 days.
Operania said that upon assuming his post as the highest official of the province, the Governor has set his sights in repeating history with an objective to prove that Pangasinan can aptly be called as the Philippines’ “home to sporting activities and center of sports development.”
Pangasinan outbidded other finalists like Laguna and Marikina after Isabela and Mindoro backed out at the last minute last November 17 with the Governor leading the provincial bidding team. (PIO/Sheila Aquino and Ruby R. Bernardino)

(A reprint from the Philippine Star)

Dagupan City Fiesta

2012-01-03T07:39:00.000-08:00

DTI advises public to be wary of discounts, promos

2011-12-25T16:23:00.001-08:00

The Department of Trade and Industry advised consumers to be wary of sales and big discounts in products offered by various businesses.
DTI Provincial Director Peter Mangabat said defective products may abound in these schemes especially at the height of the holiday season.
Mangabat said businesses offering big sales and discounts in malls need permit from DTI to ensure that the products on sale are not defective.
“The products must not be defective kasi ang purpose ng promo ay para dumami ang customers (The products must not be defective because the purpose of the promo is to increase the number of customers),” he said.
He added that offering discounts in malls and bargains in tiangges is not an excuse to sell reject products.
DTI also strengthened its monitoring of the ‘no return, no exchange’ policy as it is the right of consumers to return defective items bought. (ANL/VHS-PIA 1 Pangasinan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=68712

List of bank accounts, drop-off points for Sendong donations

2011-12-19T08:32:00.000-08:00

Various groups and institutions have launched relief drive for the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong. Below is a list of bank accounts for cash donations and drop-off points for donations in kind such as canned goods; noodles; water; medicines for cough, colds, fever, diarrhea; hygiene kits; clothes; slippers; sleeping mats; feeding bottles; diapers; and blankets.

*Philippine Daily Inquirer

CASH DONATIONS
Account Name: Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.
Account Number: 4951-0067-56
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands

IN-KIND DONATIONS
Philippine Daily Inquirer Office
1098 Chino Roces Ave. at Mascardo and Yague Streets, Makati City

For inquiries, call PDI corporate affairs at 8978808 and ask for Bianca Kasilag or Connie Calagayan.

*Philippine Red Cross

CASH DONATIONS
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Account Number: Peso: 00-453-0018647; Dollar: 10-453-0039482
Bank: Banco De Oro

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Account Number: Peso: 4991-0036-52 Dollar: 004994-0103-15
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Account Number: Peso: 151-3-041631228 Dollar: 151-2-15100218-2
Bank: Metrobank

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Account Number: Peso: 3752 8350 0034 Dollar: 3752 8350 0042
Bank: Philippine National Bank

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Account Number: Peso: 1015 4000 0201 Dollar: 1315 4000 0090
Bank: Unionbank of the Philippines

Red Cross also accepts donations in any of the 1,500 Cebuana Lhuillier pawnshops nationwide. For your donations to be properly acknowledged, please fax the bank transaction slip at nos. +63.2.527.0575 or +63.2.404.0979 with your name, address and contact number.

IN-KIND DONATIONS

Philippine National Red Cross
National Headquarters
Bonifacio Drive, Port Area
Manila 1018, Philippines

For inquiries, email: fundgeneration@redcross.org.ph or call Hotline 143 or (+632) 527.0000.

THROUGH SMS AND G-CASH

SMS
Text REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)

G-Cash
Text DONATEAMOUNT4-digit M-PINREDCROSS to 2882

You can donate the following denominations:
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1,000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1,000

*LBC Foundation

IN-KIND DONATIONS

LBC will deliver goods for free to the hardest-hit cities and provinces. Donations may be dropped off at any LBC branch nationwide.

For inquiries, call the LBC hotline at (632) 8585-999.

*One for Iligan

CASH DONATIONS
Account Name: Iliganons Sa Manila Inc.
Account Number: Checking Acct 5308004019 Asia-Tower Paseo Branch
Bank: Banco de Oro

*Iligan Bloggers Society

3553 Durango St., Palanan, Makati City 1235. For inquiries, contact Migz at 09065777812 or 09227130006 or 6-D Cypress Gardens Condo 112 VA Rufino St., Makati City, and look for Meikah Delid.

Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact Jamie Steffani Mijares at 09157744244

Madison Square Condominium, Taft Avenue, Manila, right in front of De La Salle University, beside Kenny Rogers . For inquiries, contact Roden Lim at 09228446777

*7-11 Stores

Cash donations may be coursed through 7-11 stores without service fees. Official receipts will be provided for the donors.

*Smart
Smart Money: Donors may help through Smart Money acct. no. 5577-5130-6822-1104 at any BDO, Hapinoy or Cebuana Lhuillier outlets.
Text: Smart subscribers may donate to victims via text. Send RED to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100

*Globe
Gcash: For GCASH, donate through Red Cross by texting DONATE MPIN REDCROSS and send to 2882.
Text: Text RED and send it to 2899. You may donate in these denominations: 5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1000.

*Angel Brigade

Cash donations:
Account Name : ISDANCO Foundation
Account Number: 4001577579.
Bank: RCBC

*Gawad Kalinga

Cash donations:
Account Name: Gawad Kalinga Philippine Peso Current Account
Account Number: 3101 0977 56 BPI EDSA Greenhills
Account Name: Gawad Kalinga US$ Savings Account
Account Number: 3104 0162 34 BPI EDSA Greenhills
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands

*Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. with Xavier University

Cash donations:
Account Name: Xavier Science Foundation, Inc.
Account Number: 2041-0394-45
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands, Main Branch, Velez St., CDO

Account Name: Xavier University
Account Number: 9331-0133-63
Bank: Bank of the Philippine Islands, Divisoria Branch, CDO

For those who wish to seek an official receipt for their contribution, you may email a copy of the deposit slip at xsf@xu.edu.ph or fax to (088) 858-8062 / 858-3116 local 3100 and specify the details of your remittance (name of donor, contact information). You may also call (08822) 72-7701.

*De La Salle University

Cash donations:
Account Name: La Salle Academy Iligan
Account No. 0820-016221-030.
Bank: Development Bank of the Philippines

Donations in cash may also be received at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills at 343 Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550. You may also call any of the following telephone numbers for further inquiries: Aluimni Office — 721-2729, 722-7750, 725-4720; GS Principal at 721-2482; HS Principal at 721-8914; Buildings and Grounds Office at 721-8904 (Telefax)
La Sallian Mission Office at 726-5851 (Telefax)

*Akbayan

Cash or in-kind donations:
36B Madasalin St., Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. You may call 4336933 for more details.

*Armed Forces of the Philippines

In-kind donations
The Civil Relations Service AFP at Camp Aguinaldo is accepting donations. It will fly donations/relief goods via C130. Contact the Situation Awareness Center (SAC), CRS AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City at 912-6615 or (0917)2471252. Contact Person is Lt. Col. Rolando Rodil, Operations Officer.

*Ateneo de Manila University

In-kind donations:
Ateneo QC at the Fr. Ortiz Hall, Social Development Complex from Monday up to Wednesday 10a.m. To10p.m.

*JRS Express

In-kind donations:
JRS Express now delivers relief goods for free. Please visit or call +63 (2) 6317351 to 56 for more details.

*Negros Navigation

In-kind donations:
NegrosNavigation-Aboitiz Transport System Express Center at Pier 2; Negros Navigation corporate ticket outlets in Robinson’s Ermita, Araneta Center Cubao, Victory Mall Caloocan and Pier 15 and Pier 2.

*SuperFerry

Donations may be sent to SuperFerry corporate ticket outlets in Robinson’s Ermita, Araneta Center Cubao, Victory Mall Caloocan.

Facebook CEO warns Filipino people about Pornographic Issues

2011-11-18T04:43:00.001-08:00

Mark Zuckerberg – CEO of Facebook released an online statement regarding the spreading porn pics and spams. Released November 16, 2011 9PM Pacific Time Zone.

The porn attacks originated in the Philippines and are being published by Filipinos all over Facebook, our experts here at Facebook are doing everything they can to stop it from spreading any further (outside the Philippines) and to eliminate the porn and spam threat completely which have been causing other Facebook users ‘a hard time’. Filipinos should also be vigilant and report any spam links and pornographic materials. 41% of Facebook members around the world are aged 12-17 years old, we cannot be exposed to this kinds of things through Facebook. If this continues and more spams keep being posted, we will have no choice but to ban Philippine users from using Facebook. We at Facebook will not tolerate outlandish behavior and indecency.

Please be reminded that this has to stop, Filipinos!

I have noticed that most people in Facebook are posting pornography photos, sharing them which is bullcrap. If Apnea is a sincerely law-abiding citizen (despite being an alt-porn model), why can’t Filipinos do the same? C’mon, we’re always the target when it comes to sex. Foreigners go to the Philippines not only to tour around, but also because of sex.

This didn’t happen before. Unfortunately, since these porn thing went viral and shit, I think there’s something that we really have to do. Don’t just sit there and drool over these porn photos, you think it’s funny? Sharing pornographic material is really a sign of disrespect towards other people. Everything that is related to violence and porn, they’re just sick.

Pornography is not for general viewing

Basically, pornography is one of the social issues in the Philippines. If FHM is pornographic, Playboy’s worse. MAXIM isn’t bad, but it’s still for the matured people. Hentai, however, is alright since Japanese culture thinks that hentai is for entertainment. Why, do you think being a gravure idol is indecent? Malicious? Porn? If Japanese pop culture thinks that this is normal, what about the others? Of course, it’s malice. Malice, like everyone’s showing their kids pornography, which is again, indecent.

I really don’t know what to say, but let’s just hope that there are a handful who will report these photos…

Here’s another… warning

Pornbook. The CEO of Facebook warn us about this pornographic issues. By us means, We the Philippines, their data has been check and all the pornographic issues are being publish by us.. Filipinos.. If we continue this stupid behavior, Facebook will ban Philippines.

Facebook currently has 4 VIRUSES:

1. If you get a notice of a PHOTO TAG. Do not open it.

2. If you get a notification that a friend reported you for offensive behavior etc. Do not open it.

3. Is a Video saying 99% of People can not watch this for more the 15 Sec. Do not open it is also a virus.

4. All Messages from your friends via chat saying click this link. Do not open! These are BAD ones and will crash your computer.

Share and warn friend.

WARNING.PLEASE LISTEN UP! HACKERS ARE BUSY ON FACEBOOK AGAIN! They post some insulting messages on the wall of your friends with your regards, without you knowing about it. If you receive one of those messages in my name, it wasn’t me posting them. Put this on your wall and warn your friends. Also, DONT open the video about a guy with a BIG ZIT. It is a virus. Share the news.

Reposted from Blog Philippines

The IBTOR Challenge

2011-11-16T11:02:00.000-08:00

The IBTOR Challenge

IBTOR Challenge is a triathlon match with a local twist of the three sports disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It kicks off at the Acop Dam and loops around our Eco-Tourism Area, passes at the heart of the municipality and culminates at the SM City Rosales.

The IBTOR Challenge comprises of the following:

• SWIMMING – the pair of swimmers has to carry with them a banana log in crossing the Acop Dam with the distance of 350m. It is necessary for them to surrender the banana log in order for them to qualify for the second leg which is running.

• RUNNING – subsequently the participants will have to run the 9.5km trail of rough and mountainous road.

• CYCLING – for the third leg of the match, the cycling stage exposes the Rosalenian culture. Pedicabs are being utilized instead of the commonly used mountain bikes to negotiate the distance of 15km. The participants (in pairs) must take turns in steering the pedicab.

• RUNNING – in the last leg of the event, the participants will have to run the 10km distance to be able to finish the race. The participants will be tied by a rope on each opposite hand in order for them to reach the finish line together.

and RUN AGAIN!

A hefty prize awaits the winner and the names of the finishers will be engraved in the IBTOR Landmark which is a tangible legacy for those who completed every IBTOR Challenges. In this wall, their names will be inscribed at the stone tablet and be carried through in the years to come.

Where? Rosales, Pangasinan

When? Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 6:00am

Registration Fee: P300.00/team (includes finishers shirt, race bib and will be provided with pedicab)

For up-to-date info’s, do like IBTOR Challenge page on Facebook.

You can also contact the Tourism Officer of Rosales, Pangasinan- Aila Seradoy at ailaros_seradoy@yahoo.com.ph

http://running.journeyingjames.com/2...-with-a-twist/

‘Pangasinan: Gateway to 4Ts’ – FVR

2011-11-15T15:58:00.000-08:00

“Pangasinan should be the gateway to tourism, teaching, technology and teamwork.”
This was said by former President Fidel V. Ramos during the book launch of 111111-111 FVR WOW last November 11 at the elegant Sison Auditorium here.
The former President commended the leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. whom he monickered GATE as he further said that the provincial chief executive is the “gateway to progress and peace” for Pangasinan. “Be a part of the gateway leading to Number One. Kulang ang daang tuwid. Kailangan ng daang tama thru the gate,” he said.
Gov. Espino hailed Pres. Ramos for his latest endeavor even as he disclosed that the launching of the book, which is a collection of the latter’s timeless quotes that summarizes the best practices in citizenship and governance, will definitely inspire every reader and leader of society to make the best in a lifetime.
The Governor also said that the book serves as a timely inspiration in the province’s quest to become Number One as the present administration enriches the history, culture and arts of Pangasinan.
The book is authored by Melandrew T. Velasco, a Pangasinese writer, who served as public relation officer both for President Ramos and Gov. Espino, during his years at the PNP when he was the provincial director.
Velasco said that both leaders share a lot of things in common. “They are both generous, both great taskmasters, both profession-oriented, and both dedicated sons to their fathers,” he cited.
The book launching was attended by the members of the Provincial Board headed by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr., some local government unit officials led by Mayor Noel Nacar, PNP spearheaded by Provincial Director Rosueto Ricaforte, representatives from different sectors and line agencies, student leaders, FVR classmates, provincial department heads and chiefs of hospitals, and Pangasinan First Lady Priscilla Espino.
Said affair coincides with the 111th birth anniversary of Ambassador Narciso Rueca Ramos, Pres. FVR’s father.
The book launch was highlighted with the unveiling of Ambassador Ramoses bust with side activities like book signing and press conference. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

OCTOBER 31 2011, IS A SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

2011-10-11T01:49:00.001-07:00

PROCLAMATION NO. 265

DECLARING MONDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2011, AS A SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 84, dated 20 December 2010, declared Tuesday, 1 November 2011, as a special (non-working) day;

WHEREAS, Monday, 31 October 2011, falling between Sunday and Tuesday, 1 November 2011 (All Saints Day), has been traditionally declared a special (non-working) day throughout the country;

WHEREAS, to give full opportunity to our people to properly observe the day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country. Monday, 31 October 2011, may be declared as a special (non-working) day without detriment to public interest.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday, 31 October 2011, as a special (non-working) day throughout the country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 10^th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

Typhoon Ramon builds up in Mindanao and Visayas

2011-10-11T01:42:00.000-07:00

PAGASA Track as of 8 a.m., 11 October 2011

Satellite Picture at 11 a.m., 11 October 2011

Severe Weather Bulletin Number FIVETropical Cyclone Warning: Tropical Depression "RAMON"Issued at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Tropical Depression "RAMON" has maintained its strength as it continues to threaten Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao.
Location of Center: (as of 10:00 a.m.)	245 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur
Coordinates:	8.3°N, 128.7°E
Strength:	Maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center
Movement:	Forecast to move West Northwest at 17 kph
Forecast Positions/Outlook:	*Wednesday morning:* 30 km North of Surigao City *Thursday morning:* 30 km South of Romlon *Friday morning:* 120 km Southwest of Iba, Zambales

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal
PSWS #	Luzon	Visayas	Mindanao
Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds)	None	Eastern Samar Western Samar Leyte Provinces Bohol Biliran Camotes Island Northern Cebu Northern Negros Northern Iloilo Capiz Masbate Ticao Island	Surigao Del Norte Siargao Island Surigao Del Sur Agusan Del Norte Dinagat Island Camiguin Island

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under Public Storm Warning Signal are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 - 25 mm per hour (moderate to heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.

HILING NG MGA NEGOSYANTE KAY PNOY: ‘Tapusin ang mga infra projects sa Norte’

2011-08-19T00:24:00.000-07:00

By Dino Balabo

Aug 18, 2011

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Hiniling ng mga negosyante sa pamahalaang pambansa na tiyaking magpapatuloy at matatapos sa takdang panahon ang mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura upang magpatuloy ang kaunlaran sa hilaga ng kalakhang Maynila.

Ang kahilingan ay itinala sa isang resolusyong pinagtibay ng may 300 negosyanteng lumahok sa dalawang araw 20th North Luzon Area Business Conference na isinagawa sa St. Agatha Resort and Country Club sa lungsod na ito na natapos noong Biyernes, Agosto 12.

Kabilang sa mga proyektong tinukoy sa resolusuon ay ang Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) sa Clark Freeport, Proyektong North Railways, rehabilitasyon ng Macarthur Highway, konstruksyon ng Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx), Sual Seaport at Alaminos International Airport.

Kaugnay nito, sinabi ng Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) na naging matagumpay ang kumperensya dahil sa aktibong pakikilahok ng mga negosyante na bumuo ng balanseng resolusyon.

Konstruksyon ng Lingayen Gulf Coastal Highway, pagpapalawak ng North Rail Project hanggang Pangasinan, pagtatapos ng Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), konstruksyon ng tunnel road o mono trail na mag-uugnay sa Gitnang Luzon at Cagayan Valley, at konstruksyon ng dagdag na dam sa Magat River na tutugon sa pangangailangan sa irigasyon.

Ayon sa mga negosyante, kapag natapos ang mga nasabing proyektong pang imprastraktura, higit na kaunlaran ang makakamit ng mga pamayanan sa rehiyon ng Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley at Gitnang Luzon.

Binanggit din nila na ilan sa mga nasabing proyekto ay matagal na dapat natapos at napakinabangan, tulad ng DMIA at NorthRail project.

Kaugnay nito, sinabi nina Felicito Payumo ng Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), at Ramoncito Fernandez ng Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) na ang pagkakaantala sa NorthRail na nagpapabagal sa kaunlaran ng DMIA at Gitnang Luzon.

Sinabi nila na hangga’t hindi natatapos ang NorthRail, hindi matutupad ang buong potensyal ng DMIA dahil wala pa ring pasilidad ng transportasyon na mag-uugnay sa nasabing airport at sa Kalakhang Maynila sa loob ng isang oras.

Bukod dito, sinabi nila na dapat desisyunan ng gobyerno kung gagawing high speed o commuter train service ang NorthRail.

Nilinaw ni Fernandez na kung magiging high speed ang NorthRail matitiyak na makakarating sa Maynila ang mga pasahero mula sa Clark sa loob ng isang oras.

Ang pagkakaroon ng isang pasilidad sa transportasyon na titiyak sa isang oras na biyahe sa pagitan ng Kalakhang Maynila at DMIA ay isa sa mga hinihiling ng mga malalaking kumpanya ng eroplano bago nila ilipat sa DMIA ang kanilang operasyon.

Bilang tagapamahala naman sa 20th North Luzon Area Business Conference, sinabi ng BCCI na naging matagumpay ito.

Ayon kay Mara Bautista ng BCCI, ang tagumpay ng anumang business conference ay masusukat sa mga gresolusyon ipinasa ng mga lumahok.

Sinabi niya na naging balanse ang pagbuo ng mga resolusyon dahil sa aktibong pakikilahok ng mga dumalo.

Lahat ay nagparticipate, kaya hindi lang concern ng Bulacan o certain areas ang nabigyang pansin, kundi concern ng bawat lugar na sakop ng North Luzon na lumahok,” ani Bautista.

Iginiit pa niya na ang mga kumperensiya na katulad ng NLABC ay nagsisilbing tinig ng mga negosyante.

“Hindi isang social club o social gathering ang NLABC, it’s the place where businessmen voice out their concern,” ani Bautista.

Tourists flock to Hundred Islands even during rainy days

2011-08-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

ALAMINOS CITY, Aug. 16 (PNA) -- Tourists continue to flock to the Hundred Islands in droves notwithstanding the rainy season.

This was disclosed by Alaminos City Administrator Wilmer Panabang who estimated the daily arrival in the province's number tourist spot to 200 and more than 1,000 during weekends.

In fact, he said, the number of tourist arrivals in the Hundred Islands improved this year as compared to last year and in 2008 and 2009 which were marked by down trend in tourism due to the effects on the industry wrought by Tyhoons "Ondoy" and "Pepeng".

Thus, even during the rainy season, tourists--mostly domestic, are arriving in droves, he added.

The number of foreign tourists arriving has not increased though but there was no downtrend in their number too. Most of the foreign tourists are Koreans and Japanese and a few Americans and Europeans.

Panabang said that more tourists will come to the Hundred Islands if they can cut their travel time in going to Alaminos from Manila which is five hours to only 40 minutes by means of air travel.

This can only be realized, he said, if the Pangasinan Airport, which is now undergoing construction, will soon be completed.

The project, initiated by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza, has the backing of President Benigno S. Aquino III and Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas.

To date, land acquisition and earth movement are now ongoing at the proposed Pangasinan Airport using initial P200 million released by DOTC.

Panabang said of the amount, P50 million formed the first trance and the second trance amounted to P150 million. All these were used to acquire 80 hectares of land that will form part of the airport's runway of 150 hectares.

"Hopefully, the third trance of another P60 million will be released in the next few weeks, good for another 60 hectares of land to be acquired," Panabang said.

If completed, the Pangasinan airport will first serve domestic tourists and later expanded to an international airport. With a 150-hectare runway, excluding its access roads, the Pangasinan Airport will be bigger than the Laoag International Airport which is only 70 hectares.

He said a foreign investor is also keen on building an 18-hole golf course in Alaminos to complement the airport project. (PNA)

ARYSTA MARKETING... ISANG SCAM?

2011-08-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

ARYSTA MARKETING... ISANG SCAM?

This was sent to us through email...
Caller: Hello, good afternoon po, tumatawag po ako in behalf of Philippine Electronics Association
Me: Philippine Electronics Association?
Caller: Opo, nais po naming ibalita sa inyo na napili po kayo sa pamamagitan ng electronic raffle at napili po ang number nyo upang tumanggap ng munting regalo mula sa Philippine Electronics Association. Ito ay walang obligsyong bumili. No obligation to purchase naman po. Tatanggap lang po kayo ng regalo.
Me: Wow!
Caller: Opo, kayo po ba ang may-ari ng number na ito?
Me: Opo.
Caller: A ok, kasi po, bilang pasasalamat ng Philippine Electronics Association, sa aming anibersaryo ay napili po kayo, at dahil nationwide naman po sya, ang pinaka-malapit na pick area sa inyo ay sa CB Mall.
Me: (Isip-isip: Paano nya nalaman na malapit ako sa CB Mall?)
Caller: Malapit po ba sila sa Urdaneta?
Me: Nasa Urdaneta po ako.
Caller: A ok na ok. Pumunta lamang po kayo sa second Floor ng CB Mall, sa may Arysta. Alam nyo po ba doon?
Me: Yun ba yung malapit sa Appliance Center?
Caller: Opo, dun nga po.
Phone battery goes dead …

At first, excited kami na may tumawag na ganun. Kaya nag-tanung-tanong kami kung pamilyar sa kanila ang Arista. Sa apat na nakausap naming, ang sabi nila ay SCAM daw yan na nagbebenta ng mga appliances na may kasamang raket. Madalas ay mga balikbayan ang mga pinupuntirya dahil nga sa maraming pera. Nagpasya pa rin kaming pumunta sa office nila.
Pagdating namin sa ARYSTA ay tinanggap kami ng maayos. Mababait ang mga tao at puro nakangiti. Napaka-disente pa ng mga kasuotan. Parang mga nagta-trabaho sa Makati. Lalo na ang mga kalalakihan na naka-kurbata pa. Kaya lang, puro bakla yata. (Wala namang masama dun, actually)

Binanggit namin ang tungkol sa munting regalo. Nakangiti ang tumanggap sa amin. Ang sabi nya ay qualified daw kami na sumali sa raffle. Ang gagawin lang daw namin ay bumunot sa isang bowl. Wala naman siguro ang mawawala. Bumunot ako at binigay sa tumanggap. Pagkabukas niya ay pinakita niya sa kaniyang mga kasama.

Nagkagulo. Nasigawan ang iba.

Nagpapalakpakan ang lahat. Congrats daw. “Wow ang swerte nyo naman!” Sabi ng isang maliit na bading na nasobrahan yata ng hair gel at foundation.

Ano kaya ang napanalunan ko?

Isang TV daw.

WOW nga! Tamang tama. Sira na remote ng JVC ko.

Itatawag lang daw nila sa Manila para i-verify. Ngayon, pwede pa daw ako manalo ng Showcase na may malaking discount. Ngayon ay nakaabang at nakapalibot na ang lahat sa amin.
Nabaling naman ang mga mata ko sa mga nagkikintabang mga appliances sa paligid.

May kausap na ang empleyado. Mangiyak-ngiyak na sya habang nakatingin sa akin. Halos maihi naman ang mga bading sa excitement.

Approved na daw ako. Mai-uuwi ko na ang 8 piece cookware set, convection stove at foot massager sa halagang 50,000 pesos lamang! Kasama pa ang 21-inch COBY CRT TV na napanalunan ko at ang munting regalo na hanggang ngayon ay hindi ko pa nakikita.

Ang mga nakapaligid sa akin, excited na talaga. Lumuhod na ang isa sa akin habang pinaupo ako sa magarang sofa.

“Kunin nyo na po!”
“Once in a lifetime lang po yan!”
“Oh my gosh! Ang swerte nyo talaga! Kunin na po ninyo”

Kung sabagay ang dami nga naman. Baka swerte nga. “Wala pa akong pera eh”

“Pwede naman po ang downpayment kahit 20% lang”
Sabi ko, “Wala talaga akong cash dito”
“Baka dala nyo ang ATM nyo, may bangko naman po dyan sa baba. Pwede rin po ang cheke. Kayang kaya no yan”

Nagtaka na ako. Parang namimilit na sila. “Pwede bang yung gift na lang at yung TV”

“Naku, yung TV po kasama po yun sa showcase”

Ngek, eh diba napanalunan ko nay un bago pa magka-showcase?”

“Policy po talaga yun eh”

Bigla kong naisip:
Cookware set: Pinaka mahal na siguro ang P. 4,000
Convection Stove: Siguro naman P. 7,000 to P. 8,000 (Kasi yung La Germania na 4 burner plus oven mga P. 12,000 lang)
Foot Massager: Alam ko ito P. 12,000 din lang ito.
Isama mo na ang lumaing TV na hindi man lang flat tapos ubod pa ng taba: P5,000
So ang total nyan ay….
….

29,000 Pesoses!

Syet, ginogoyo nila kami ng 21,000 pesos???
Nagmadali na kaming umalis.
“Ahhh… may lakad pa kami eh. Next time na lang.”
“Naku, sayang po talaga. Once in a lifetime na lang po ito.”
“Ok lang. teka. Makukuha ko pa ba yung munting regalo?”
Tumalikod na ang iba. Naksimanot pa yung isa. Basta na lang inabot sa akin ang isang…
Bolpen.
Pagkauwi namin, nag-search ako sa internet tungkol sa Arysta at ang mga ito ang tumambad sa akin:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=477981
http://dtincr.ph/pressrel.php
http://arystamarketingscam.blogspot.com/
http://thecookieplanet.blogspot.com/2010/02/first-marketing-scam-experience.html
http://berdengmansanas.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/reposting-arysta-marketing-scam/
Calling DTI people, hahayaan na lang ba natin na makunan ang mga kababayan natin ng kanilang pinaghirapang pera sa pamamagitan ng unethical sales practices?

BIR “loads” Urdaneta City telecommunications trader with tax evasion for failure to file ITRs

2011-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

“Even in the wireless industry where transactions are mostly consummated electronically, it is not hard to catch tax cheats” is the stern warning given by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) when it filed today with the Department of Justice a complaint for tax evasion against a telecommunications trader for wilful attempt to evade or defeat tax, deliberate failure to file Income and Value Added Tax Returns for taxable years 2007 and 2008, and failure to register as VAT taxpayer in violation of Sections 254, 255 and 275, in relation to Section 236 (G) (1) of the Tax Code, as amended.

Charged was Danilo Cortez Robles of Dona Loleng Village, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Robles is a Filipino Citizen engaged in the business of buying and selling handsets, simpacks, eLoad and prepaid cards under the trade name Robles Merchandising. He registered with the BIR as a taxpayer subject to percentage tax.

Investigation conducted by the BIR revealed that Robles substantially under-declared his income and purchases for the first quarter of 2007 and deliberately failed to report altogether the rest of his income for 2007 and his entire income for 2008.

Based on certifications issued by both Pilipino Telephone Corporation (PTC) and SMART Communications, Inc. (SMART), Robles made purchases from both entities amounting to P332, 437,797.87 and P164, 149,394.30 for taxable years 2007 and 2008, respectively. As a Filipino Citizen deriving income within the Philippines, he is subject to income tax and mandated to declare all his income for each taxable year in his tax returns and pay the corresponding taxes due thereon.

Records of the BIR show that Robles has a “stop-filer” status as he only filed his first quarter income tax return (ITR) for 2007 where he declared a meager income of only P680, 000.00 and failed to file his ITRs for the rest of 2007 and the entire 2008 despite the continuation of his business operations. Robles also did not file his ending inventory lists for the said two year period.

With the failure of Robles to report his purchases from PTC and SMART and to file his ending inventory lists with the BIR, the subject purchases necessarily were all sold and disposed of resulting in undeclared sales of P357, 229,527.05 and P176, 390,924.46 for 2007 and 2008, respectively.

The scheme of Robles of evading his tax obligations became even more evident when he failed to register as VAT taxpayer as required by the Tax Code considering that based on his initial purchases in January 2007 of P21, 104,464.29 and the nature of his business operations, there exist reasonable grounds to believe that his gross sales in 2007 will exceed the P1.5 million threshold for VAT registration.

The estimated aggregate tax liability of Robles for 2007 and 2008 is P162, 710,723.34, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into Income Tax of P23, 897,474.84 (2007 – P16, 551,524.51; 2008 – P7, 345,950.33) and VAT of P138, 813,248.50 (2007 – P94, 984,230.40; 2008 – P43, 829,018.10).

The case against Danilo Cortez Robles is the 48th filed under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise the first RATE case of Revenue Region No. 1, Calasiao, Pangasinan.

Source

Cop, 9 others held for drugs

2011-05-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

TEN suspected drug personalities, including a Zamboanga del Norte policeman and his wife, were arrested in a string of anti-narcotics operations conducted by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency this week, PDEA chief Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. said yesterday.

Gutierrez identified the policeman as Police Officer 1 Alexander Lapinig alias Tatil, 38.

Lapinig and his wife Judy were caught while conspiring to sell P1,000 worth of shabu to an undercover officer of the PDEA Regional Office 9 at Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Barbara, Dipolog City.

Gutierrez said that shortly after the couple was arrested, officers armed with a search warrant issued by Digos City Judge Chandler Ruiz raided their house where they seized 10 plastic sachets containing shabu and assorted drug sniffing paraphernalia.

In Pangasinan, PDEA agents nabbed Nestor Tubig in a buy-bust operation on Sison Street, Barangay Dilan-Purtido, Urdaneta City shortly after he sold P1,000 worth of shabu to an officer.

Two others identified as Melchor Abogade and Reyjay Barroca were collared in separate anti-narcotics operations in Butuan City and Matinao, Davao City. Abogade yielded two grams of shabu after he was arrested at Purok 8, Sto. Niño, Barangay Ong Yiu in Butuan City.

Barroca fell into police hands after he sold three packets of shabu to a poseur in MacAthur Highway, Matinao, Davao City.

Suspect Ronald Tamon was arrested by combined agents of the PDEA Regional Office 12 and the Norala municipal police after he sold shabu to an undercover officer near his store at Purok San Roque, Barangay Poblacion.

PDEA Region 12 chief Director Yogi Filemon Ruiz said they had received reports that Tamon was using his “sari-sari” store as front in his illegal drug activities.

In Legazpi City, two suspected drug personalities identified as Felizardo Rodriguez, Sr. and Joven Bodopol were arrested by PDEA and police operatives in Barangay Bitano.

Two peddlers of sandals and fake DVDs and CDs-turned drug dealers, Kamar Makalandap alias “Lia,” 29, and Jamaloding Ali Naik alias “Michael,” 27, were arrested in an entrapment in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Source

Baguio City partners with other Ilocos cities for “Sabsabong ti Mayo”

2011-05-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

The city government of Baguio, through the City Tourism Office, extends an invitation to tourism officers, local officials, and the muses of 10 key cities and municipalities here in Northern Luzon for the 2011 staging of ‘Sabsabong ti Mayo’ (Flowers of May).

In the Kapihan sa Baguio forum Wednesday, City Tourism Officer Benny Alhambra bared that they have invited the cities of Laoag and Batac of Ilocos Norte; Vigan and Candon of Ilocos Sur; San Fernando, La Union, and Dagupan, San Carlos, Urdaneta, and Alaminos of Pangasinan to join Baguio City and Tabuk City of Kalinga for this year’s staging of Sabsabong ti Mayo.

Alhambra explained that Sabsabong ti Mayo’ is a cultural and eco-tourism program and as a new product that they would like to develop to be a major tourism event, they are now partnering with other cities and key municipalities in this northern part of the country.

“We are converging here in Baguio to showcase the cultural and eco-tourism products especially the eco-fiber of the different places here in the north,” Alhambra said.

As the highlight of the event, a Santacruzan will be held on May 26 inside the SM City Baguio, which will be participated by the invited tourism officers as well as their cultural bearers or muses of their respective areas. An eco-fiber designer gown fashion show cum competition will also be held.

On Friday, the city guests will also join some of the city barangays for a ‘Santacruzan’, which will start at Session Road to the Baguio Convention Center wherein the Sabsabong ti Mayo will be culminated by an ‘anido’ (bonfire) for an informal meeting of the minds and gathering through bonfire, accompanied by dance, music and food.

Alhambra also disclosed that they will also be holding a participative development forum with their fellow tourism officers, to have an assessment of the ‘Sabsabong’ activity.

“Very briefly we would like to make an assessment, on what Sabsabong is all about and in line with our vision towards establishing it to be a major program of the city for the second quarter, after Panagbenga.

In partnership with eco-tourism officers and leaders on the North, we want to make this as a major event and to come out with programs on how we can also promote each other,” Alhambra said.

Source

Hundred Islands lure foreign tourists

2011-05-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines—The Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City is now a haven for foreign tourists from 68 countries for its majestic beauty and hospitable people, according to the city government.

Top visitors

Citing official records, Mayor Hernani Braganza said Koreans were the top visitors in 2010 with a total of 4,004 arrivals followed by Americans, 1,663; Canadians, 402; Australians, 396; Japanese, 344 and Germans, 316.

‘‘There were even Africans from Kenya and Congo who came and truly enjoyed their stay here,” he added.

Last year, the city hosted a total of 162,653 tourists, of which 9,995 were foreigners.

Tourism capital

The foreign arrivals have made Alaminos Pangasinan’s tourism capital, he said. ‘‘That is victory for the city,” he said.

Rey Livara, park manager, said the place is fast becoming a favorite for picnickers and bird watchers.

In 2005, the Philippine Tourism Authority transferred the management, control and supervision of the Hundred Islands to the city government ensure a sustainable tourism development in the area.

“This was another remarkable feat for all Alaminians who defended the city’s pride from the malicious reports and politically-motivated efforts to destroy the image of the Hundred Islands,” Braganza said.

Safety equals beauty

He said safe travel of local and foreign tourists in the area and preservation of the marine resources have made the Hundred Islands even more attractive as a destination.

He said the Task Force Kalikasan has also wiped out illegal fishing operations in the area.

Forefront

“We can never do anything to tarnish the reputation of the Hundred Islands; neither would we damage its environment. We are always at the forefront of defending this city’s foremost natural resource,” he said.

Source

Dagupan hizzoner bares plan to put up own school

2011-05-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

DAGUPAN CITY, This city may have its own college or university soon as earlier done by two other cities in Pangasinan.

Mayor Benjamin S. Lim bared this plan during a media forum where he hailed the partnership between the Alaminos City government and the Pangasinan State University that gave birth to the new PSU-campus in Alaminos as a “novel cause that deserves to be equaled.”

Lim issued the statement in defense of Braganza who was accused along with the PSU management of allegedly operating illegally the PSU Alaminos campus.“Tama si Mayor Nani, every leader must develop one’s city or locality, so why should we blame him for trying to provide affordable education to the youth.”

He bared that his administration was also considering putting up a city-owned school. “Dagupan City may soon consider the establishment of our own state college or university, just like what Urdaneta and Alaminos did. Thank you, Mayor Nani, for encouraging me to do the same,” he said during the Meet the Press forum of the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association last week where Braganza was also guest.

He acknowledged Braganza’s effort to provide quality and affordable college education to hundreds of poor Alaminos’ youths.

Earlier, Ruben Morante, president of the Philippine Accountancy and Science School (PASS) based in Alaminos told the media that he would sue Mayor Braganza and the PSU management for allegedly harassing him, operating the campus without necessary permit from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and for committing anomalies in the remittance of profit.

Citing the local government code, Braganza maintained that the city government was allowed to put up its own college or university like what Urdaneta did with its own Urdaneta City University (UCU).

Braganza also said that the Constitution also provides that “education is a right not a privilege.”

“As mayor of Alaminos, I will see to it that this provision of the Constitution that says that it is the right of every Filipino citizen to have quality education is made a reality,” he said.

Braganza accused Morante of “extortion.” He revealed that the latter came to his office proposing to include PASS College in a multilateral agreement for the operation of PSU-Alaminos to make it legal.

“For obvious reasons, Morante would just want to partake of the 10 million pesos worth of scholarship grants we are providing to our poor but deserving children going to college. We will sue him definitely for maligning not me but the city of Alaminos,” he said.

Source

Pangasinan hosts national local planners confab

2011-05-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Pangasinan is now host to the 22nd national convention of the League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines on May 16 to 20 where some 600 local planning officers coming from the different regions of the country are expected to attend the convention at the newly-built Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) here.

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., who expressed elation for hosting the event, said that the undertaking will serve not only as a tool for social change and development but also as a challenge for people to become catalysts for a green and healthy environment which is depicted in the theme, “A Pro-Poor Total Development in a Green Environment: A Strategy Towards Socio-Economic Progress.”

Opening program follows at the Sison Auditorium after the registration today from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Topics for the convention proper include the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, Land Government Project Monitoring System Updates and Seal of Good Housekeeping, Updates on Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board and Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) Policies, Mainstreaming Tourism in CLUP with Disaster Risk Reduction Management System (DDRM), DRRM, Cyclonic Wind Power for Local Government Units (LGU), Sustainable Energy, Human Development in a Green Community, Solid Waste Management, LGU Financing on Income Generating Projects, Managing the Water Resources for DRRM and Pomology:Tropical Fruit Trees for Carbon Sequestration.

The participants will be treated to a fellowship night on Tuesday at the Capitol beachfront and to a provincial tour on Wednesday.

A tree-planting activity is likewise scheduled on Thursday in support to Presidential Proclamation No. 125 declaring 2011 as “National Year of the Forests.”

Source

Pangasinan mayors bare inter-province ferry system plan

2011-05-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

DAGUPAN CITY, May 12 (PIA) --- Two Pangasinan mayors have bared their plans to establish a ferry system that will provide water transportation between the province and La Union.

The system is intended to shorten travel time between major cities and municipalities in Region I along the Lingayen Gulf, with possible ports in here and in Alaminos, and in Agoo town and San Fernando City in La Union.

Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza said the ferry system will facilitate economic development in his city as it will encourage more tourists and investors to visit his place especially the famous Hundred Islands.

Alaminos City is practically isolated due to distance, preventing potential visitors have to travel circuitous routes to reach the place.

“I hope Alaminos, and the province as well, will open it for commercial traffic. That will hopefully become a reality if we can put up major infrastructures. It is the only way that Alaminos can attain economic development and to help the province.” he said during the Meet the Press forum of the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association (PATRIMA) Wednesday at the Jollibee in Lucao.

“Once completed it will draw more investments for the province and create more opportunities for the people,” he added.

Braganza cited the cities of Cebu and Davao as example of cities which have reached substantial economic progress by having basic infrastructures.

He explained that “this is the main reason why we asked the national government to build the first commercial airport in the city of Alaminos.”

Braganza complimented, Dagupan City Mayor Benjamin Lim “for having the same vision.”

Lim presented to the media the design of a catamaran that will be used as the main ferrying seacraft. “The two-hulled water vehicle can seat 102 passengers, four medium-sized vehicles and six tons of cargoes,” he said.

Lim noted that the Manaoag Shrine is the only easily-accessed place in Pangasinan. Other tourist destinations in the province will be more accessible once the ferry system is completed, he said.

He said that a port will be constructed near the historic Franklin Bridge in barangay Pantal tor the purpose. He disclosed that he, Braganza and San Fernando Mayor Pablo Ortega will meet soon to discuss the plan.

Lim also discussed his idea of the possible construction of a west-bound highway connecting to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). “Ang dapat pag-usapan ng ating provincial government, congressmen ay kung paano iku-connect ‘yong TPLEX to the west,” he said.

Lim sees the TPLEX as progenitor of economic development in areas traversed by it. “We have to catch up with the development,” he said.

On the ferry system, Braganza said, “I promise my constituents that this dream will come true before the end of my term.”

Source

Dagupan hizzoner seeks out JDV for landfill, fish processing plant

2011-05-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

DAGUPAN CITY, May 10 (PIA) --- Operation of the idle P100-million fish processing plant in Bonuan Binloc is better left in the hands of the city government rather than let a government agency run it, Mayor Benjamin S. Lim stressed during a media forum Tuesday.

Lim said the Korean-funded processing plant which is being operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is now practically a white elephant.

The mayor said that for practical reasons, it is the city government which should run the facility.

It will be recalled that the former city council passed a resolution placing the facility under BFAR because the city allegedly had no expertise in running it. Interestingly, the sanggunian passed the measure before Lim took over, prompting observers to point to petty politics as the reason behind it.

Lim said that Dr. Westley Rosario, head of the BFAR research center which manages the plant, admitted to him that his office does not have the capability to operate it as desired.

He revealed that he had sought the help of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr., in connection with the possible transfer of the facility to the city. De Venecia was instrumental in bringing the Koreans here build the facility for free.

The mayor also bared during the Meet the Press forum of the Pangasinan Tri-Media Association (Patrima) that he had also asked the former House leader for his help in reviving the plan to put up a sanitary landfill in barangay Awai in San Jacinto town.

Lim originally brought up the idea during his earlier term but was met by protests from residents in that barangay and nearby areas.

He said, it was really necessary to put up the garbage facility there so that finally the city can comply with the law. The city has been operating an open dumpsite in violation of the solid waste management act. The same is true for all other towns and cities, except Urdaneta City, which last month opened its P200-million engineered sanitary landfill.

Obviously, the mayor sought out De Venecia so that he can pursue his programs and projects considering the present fragile relationship between him and the legislative under Vice-Mayor Belen T. Fernandez because of their opposing stand on policies and issues.

Source

Bocap, companion dead in Pangasinan shooting

2011-05-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

SAN NICOLAS, Pangasinan – Unidentified men ambushed and killed a barangay chairman and his companion at about 2:30 a.m. in Barangay Salpad while they were on board a motorcycle bound for the town proper.

The fatality was identified as Noel Ruiz, 43, of Salpad, around three kilometers away from the town proper. His companion, who was driving the motorcycle, has yet to be identified.

Initial reports from the San Nicolas police showed they learned about the shooting incident from Vice Mayor Raymond Prestoza, who received a text message from an unknown sender at 4 a.m.

Police Officer 3 Romeo Bustarde, duty officer of the San Nicolas Police Station, said 7:00 a.m. the incident happened along a barangay road in front of the Salpad Elementary School while the victims were on board a motorcycle.

Police chief Senior Inspector Roldan Suetos said he was still at the site investigating the incident.

A sketchy report said the suspects used a shotgun to gun down the victims, as pellets were found at the crime scene.

It was learned Ruiz was going to the town proper to join other barangay captains of San Nicolas on a trip to Cebu, supposedly led by Mayor Leoncio Saldivar Jr.

Scene of the Crime Operatives from Urdaneta City are now in San Nicolas for follow-up investigations of the incident.

Source

Bigger Gali-langoy Eco-Adventure Race this September

2011-05-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

Exhilarating and amazing as it was, the Gali-Langoy Eco-Adventure Race will have its second edition not next year but this coming September.

This was promised by Mayor Hernani A. Braganza during the awarding rites of this very successful staging of this unique aqua-triathlon at Lucap Wharf here to the delight of the participants and tourists alike.

"The competition looked too easy for our athletes," said Braganza referring to the island to island swim, island to island parao and island to mainland kayak race which was covered by GMA 7 and ABS-CBN and local radio stations and print media.

“We might just as well make it more competitive and even longer to bring out the best in them,” added the city’s biggest sports fan and enthusiast.

“Probably a 3-day event will do, a whole day swim relay, another day for parao race and one more day for kayak race from Hundred Islands to the mainland.”

Braganza said the activity will be this September as the highlight of the celebration of the 6th anniversary of the Hundred Islands turn-over from the Philippine Tourism Authority to the city government of Alaminos.

The mayor, who personally witnessed how exciting the race was and how the eleven teams enjoyed the competition, was surprised how the local tankers finished the 1.41 kilometer swim leg in 37 minutes.

He also disclosed that after seeing the parao race, local and foreign tourists expressed interest on renting the parao and possibly go fishing outside the marine sanctuary.

Braganza said local fishermen using parao nowadays could easily have an income of P 200 a day from an average of 4 -5 kilos of fish caught.

“If they will have it rented to our guests, they could easily earn P 200 in just an hour," he explained.

“And this will basically be another livelihood opportunity for our people aside from the kayaking industry which is now flourishing in our city. We wanted the Hundred Islands to be bigger than Burnham Park from our sister city - Baguio and ultimately be known as the kayaking capital of the country".

Team Telbang 2 which dominated the swimming competition is this year’s champion with Team Lucap 1 and Team Telbang finishing the second and third place, respectively.

Ryan Gutierez easily claimed the Lopez to Quezon swim leg and submitted a 5.52 mins., Nelson Casipit ( 23.09 mins.) ruled the Quezon to Clave Islands leg and Aldrin Gutierrez (18.85 mins) won the Clave to Children Island leg.

In parao race, Team Lucap 1 reigned supreme and the winning pairs were Ronnie Alcartado/Roger Abrocio, (18.85mins), Rey Villena/JR Donato (13.28 mins) and Joeny Navarro Jr./Dendo Villena (19.09mins).

The duo of Alcartado and Abrocio also topped the Governor Island to Lucap wharf kayak race which clocked 28.06 mins.

Top three teams in the First Gali-Langoy Eco-Adventure Race received especially designed e-kawayan trophies, medals and cash prizes amounting to P 30, 000, P 20, 000 and P10, 000 for the first, second and third placers respectively.

Leg winners also received P 3, 000 pesos each while the top finishers in the grueling Quezon to Clave Islands and Clave to Children Island swim legs got P 5, 000 each.

Non winning teams also received a P 3,000 consolation prize.

Mayor Braganza personally handed the prizes to the race winners.Joining him during the awarding rites were Vice Mayor Cesar Manzano, city councilors Earl James Aquino and Margielou Orange Humilde, Jose Elvis Sison, Gali-langoy chairman; ACPO Chief- Col. Rollie Saltat, vice chairman; and Ernesto Sarmiento, race director.

In separate interviews with Pangasinan media and ABS-CBN North Central Luzon and GMA 7, Braganza thanked the organizers, sponsors and the participations for the successful staging of this one of a kind eco-sports adventure.

He cited that Gali-langoy is another program of our city government aimed at promoting not just the majestic beauty of the Hundred Islands National Park but also the Alaminians’ innate talent in swimming and sheer endurance in eco-adventure sports, stressed the mayor.

“This event is one of the highlights of this year’s celebration of our Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) that includes the thanks-giving mass, iguhit mo ang yaman ng hundred islands (pantalan art painting),the nightly concert at the wharf and highly anticipated fireworks display and the MOA signing on the crafting of short courses in our city,” he said.

“Through Gali-langoy, we are also promoting these low impact environment friendly activities in order to protect the natural habitat and breeding ground of hundreds of marine species that now thrive in our park,” he stressed.

One that will further ensure a healthier and bountiful protein bowl for Alaminians and the Pangasinenses in general.

Source

Silay city and San Carlos city of Pangasinan ink sisterhood pact

2011-05-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano and Mayor Julier Resuello expressed their desire to strengthen ties of friendship, mutual understanding through exchanges in science and technology, culture and arts, tourism, planning and urban development, commerce/trade and industry, education and sports development, environmental protection, public health and social services, among others of common concerns.

Montelibano said that Resuello together with Vice Mayor Joseres Resuello is bringing 120 contingents to Silay City composed of department heads and barangay captains to observe the City’s best practices and notable projects.

Resuello thanked Silaynons for giving them an opportunity to interact with the key officials of Silay in their offices.

The best practices of Silay include free transportation for students and pupils in upland barangays, mangrove rehabilitation, blood banking, medical missions, local civil registry program, PNP retraining program, children immunization, anti-rabbies vaccination, livelihood program, tax collection, cooperative organization, art-culture-tourism development, health card distribution, senior citizens assistance program, environmental program, computerization, agriculture and livelihood, rural electrification program, among the many other programs of the city.

San Carlos City in Pangasinan is a second class city with a population of 161,884 people with 86 barangays and is called the ‘Bamboo-Mango’ capital of the Philippines.

The guests will be entertained by the world-renowned Kabataang Silay Performing Artists and Rondalla Ensemble. the tasting of hometown delicacies is also part of the cultural presentation.

According to Silay City press coordinator Gerle Sulmaca, the tour itinerary of the guests include visits to the Silay City offices, sight-seeing at Balay Negrense and a trip to Fresh Start Organics farm which practices and promotes organic farming.

Source

Police on jai-alai in Pangasinan

2011-05-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN -- Much talk about lately in Pangasinan is the numbers game jai-alai, with betting stations already being operated in at least 35 towns and cities.

Senior Superintendent Rosueto Ricaforte, chief of the Pangasinan police, said they cannot stop jai-alai operations as they are legal with business permits issued by the mayors.
However, Ricaforte stressed that they would not tolerate any illegal gambling activities in the province using jai-alai as front such as "bookies."

It was gathered that jai-alai betting stations being operated by Meridien in the province are located in Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Bugallon, Labrador, Lingayen, Manaoag, Mangaldan, San Jacinto, San Fabian, San Carlos City, Malasiqui, Mapandan, Dasol, Agno, Infanta, Burgos, and Sta. Maria.

Also in San Manuel, Sual, Natividad, San Nicolas, Binmaley, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, Basista, Laoac, Bolinao, Rosales, Dagupan City, Urdaneta City, Aguilar, San Quintin, Tayug, and Bautista.

Several arrests have been made by the police against persons who are diverting some bets collected for jai-alai to guerilla jueteng, an illegal numbers game.

Source

Ex-Pangasinan town mayor nabbed for estafa

2011-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

DAGUPAN CITY -- The former vice mayor of Asingan town who has long been hiding from the law for the crime of large-scale estafa finally got collared.

Accordingly, she was first sighted inside the car showroom. But upon the request of the management, the arresting policemen waited for her to step out of the showroom and served the warrant of arrest.

Dagupan Police Chief Romeo Caramat Jr. identified the suspect as Mila Antonio, a private school teacher and a resident of Barangay Domampot, Asingan.

The warrant was issued by Judge Joven Costales of the Urdaneta City Regional Trial Court Branch 45. He recommended no bail for the suspect's temporary liberty.

Antonio was considered one of the most wanted persons in the Ilocos region, with a standing reward.

She was the vice mayor of Asingan town in 2007. She, however, never assumed office nor presided a single session of the Municipal Council, as she had already went into hiding because of the said case.

Allegedly, Antonio was able to convince her victims (mostly from Asingan town) to invest in her real property development business in Urdaneta City.

The amount shelled out by her victims had reached millions since year 2003, yet she had not shown or presented to the victims any update or development about their supposed business transactions

Source

73,000 tourists flock to Hundred Islands from Jan-April

2011-05-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – Tourism in the Hundred Islands National Park had a flourishing turnout in the early months of 2011 with thousands of tourists flocking to the place for their holiday getaway.

According to the local government, 73,000 tourists visited the main attraction of Alaminos, Pangasinan from the months of January to April this year.

More tourists also spent their Holy Week vacation in the park this year at 12,195, as compared to last year’s record of 10,560.

The increase is attributed to the new outdoor activities offered by the park.

Aside from swimming, the park also offers snorkeling, scuba diving, and bird watching.

The Hundred Islands National Park is also promoting island-hopping for adventure seekers, with rates being offered as low as P800.

Delighted by the turnout, park manager Rey Livara said: "Natutuwa kami na marami pa rin ang dumaragsa dito."

The local government remains keen on attracting more and more tourists in the coming months.

Tourism has been a boon for the business sector particularly those in the hotel, restaurant and souvenirs services, Livara said.

Vendor Anita Baniqued added: "Madami talaga ngayong (turista)… kaya kami naman nakakaipon na din para sa pamilya."

Source

Holiday ba ang May 2, 2011

2011-05-01T15:56:00.001-07:00

The previous administration had this policy of moving holidays to another date close to a weekend so that workers could "spend more days with their families" and "to strengthen the Philippine economy by promoting domestic travel and tourism". Since Labor Day 2011 falls on a Sunday, many are wondering whether the holiday is going to be moved on Monday, May 2, 2o11.

The answer would be, "No". The so called "holiday economics" had been junked by PNoy through the Proclamation No. 84 which mandates that "all holidays be observed on the day they actually fall instead of being moved to the nearest Monday for longer weekends as was the practice under the Arroyo administration."

On an ABS-CBN report, Malacañang spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said May 1, which falls on a Sunday, is the regular holiday for Labor Day - not May 2.

Pangasinan sets Pista’y Dayat

2011-04-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines -- Pangasinan celebrates the bounty of the sea as it holds the annual Pista’y Dayat Festival, regarded as the province’s “mother of all festivals”, from April 23 to May 3.

Events include beachfront concerts, beach games, boxing bouts, cycling race, a youth camp, tourism and trade expo, and the Panagarte La! art exhibit which showcases local and visiting visual artists.

Organizers will also hold traditional Pinoy games, such as patintero, tumbang preso, luksong baka, sipa, dinoron, baldo (luksong lubid), paluan ng palayok, dinagi and kadang-kadang.

Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. said that this year’s theme, “Luyag Ko, Dayew Ko,” (My Province, My Honor) will focus on environmental nurture, sports development, and revival of Pangasinense culture and art.

Some 100 colorful boats will take part in the Banca Parada fluvial parade on May 1 to showcase the improvements made on Agno River and its tributaries under Espino’s watch. Agno is the largest Philippine river in terms of water discharge draining around 6.6 cubic kilometers of fresh water into the Lingayen Gulf, or almost 70% of its total fresh water input.

Talented locals will compete in Takayan na Dayew today, April 28, a vocal solo competition.

ABS-CBN Happy Yipee Yehey hosts Randy Santiago, John Estrada, Toni Gonzaga and Mariel Rodriguez will motor around Dagupan City, Binmaley and Lingayen on April 29 before holding the game show on April 30 at the Lingayen beachfront.

Moreover, there will also be the Limgas na Pangasinan, the province’s biggest beauty and brains search on April 30 which will select Pangasinan’s ambassadors of goodwill.

May 1 is a fun-filled day with the Sayawan ed Aplaya (Street Dancing), the grand finals of Konsyerto sa Gulpo featuring rock bands Cueshe and Drivers as guest performers. Beach crowds will be entertained in a Kapuso Night with Rhian Ramos and other big of GMA TV Network stars.

The weeklong merry-making ends on May 3 with the Asin ed Asinan Cultural Show at the newly-restored Sison Auditorium, reputedly north Luzon’s best cultural center.

Most of the activities will be held at the Provincial Capitol beach front in Lingayen Gulf, one of the country’s richest bodies of water. It is also the site of the historic landing of Allied Forces led by Gen. Douglas McArthur to liberate the country for Japan.

Source

19 lovely ladies vie for Limgas na Pangasinan 2011

2011-04-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 25 (PIA) --- Nineteen equally gorgeous ladies from different towns in Pangasinan will vie for the prestigious Limgas na Pangasinan (Pangasinan beauty) title on April 30 at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza.

The beauty pageant, one of the highlights of this year’s Pistay Dayat (sea festival) celebration, has been a major attraction during the annual sea festival and considered the biggest beauty contest in the province featuring the stunning physical attributes and wit of Pangasinan ladies.

The lovely ladies will be formally introduced to the public in a press presentation on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Capitol Resort Hotel.

The talent competition will be on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the historic Sison Auditorium.

This year’s official candidates are Ma. Regina D. Casayuran from San Quintin; Bianca P. Binas, Sta. Maria; Honey Lyn M. Dizon, Mangaldan; Araceli Elizarde, Urdaneta City; Maui V. Palisoc, Urbiztondo; Whitney C. Tibayan, Tayug; Maria Marjorie Antigua, San Carlos City; Christy R. Regaspi, Sual; Kramae G. Librado, Pozorrubio; Janice B. Begonia, Alaminos City; Rosvielentine V. Rosales, Urdaneta City; Eorlene D. Pedeglorio, Villasis; Lence B. Fantastico, Infanta; Ma. Cristina Sanchez, Urdaneta City; Dianarra C. Cardozo, Anda; Ma. Benigna A. De Guzman, Alaminos City; Charmaine S. Gamboa, Lingayen; Leona Paula R. Santicruz, Sta. Barbara; and Katlyn T. Sable, Binmaley.

There are minor awards which include Miss Friendship, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, Best in Evening Gown, Ms. Talent and Best in Festival Costume.

Last year’s Limgas winner was Jasmine G. Molina of Rosales town.

Provincial Health Officer Anna Maria S. De Guzman chairs the contest.

Source

Mango, Bangus festival, beauty contest to be held in Pangasinan

2011-04-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

DAGUPAN CITY – A mango, bamboo, and bangus (milkfish) festival and two beauty contests will open on Monday in Pangasinan province.

A Mango-Bamboo Festival will be formally opened with Vice President Jejomar Binay as guest of honor and speaker in San Carlos City.

The celebration will start with a Thanksgiving Holy Mass in honor of the city’s patron saint Domingo de Guzman, to be followed by a grand parade.

A beauty contest that will determine the next Miss San Carlos City will be held later that same evening at the Arenas-Resuello auditorium.

On Tuesday, the city will try to make the world's biggest mango pie. To be participated in by 86 barangays and other government and non-government groups, the event plans to create a 100-square-meter mango pie that by the 86 barangays and other government and non-government groups.

In Lingayen, the province’s annual Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) celebration will commence on Monday with the opening of the Tourism and Trade Expo dubbed as “Panagarte La! Art Exhibit.” This will be held at the newly opened Pangasinan Training and Development Center located at the back of the Sison Auditorium and Regional Trial Court at the Capitol Compound.

At 11 a.m., the nineteen Pangasinense beuties vying for the title Limgas na Pangasinan 2011 will be formally presented to the media at the Capitol Resort Hotel. The Limgas na Pangasinan is one of the highlights of the Pista’y Dayat.

Meanwhile, the events scheduled on Monday in Dagupan City’s Bangus Festival are the Drum and Lyre competition at nine in the morning, Bangus ed Karosa (float parade) at two in the afternoon, and the much-awaited unveiling of the new seal of the city.

In the evening, a Bikini Open which will be held at the city plaza.

The new Dagupan City seal will be unveiled in a simple program at the Museo na Dagupan by Mayor Benjamin Lim and the member of the city council led by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez.

The new seal was designed by Dr. Carmelo John Vidal of barangay Poblacion Oeste. He is the director of the Center for Intregrated Extension Services and National Service Training Program Unit of the University of Luzon (UL) as well as director of the Philippine Red Cross-Pangasinan chapter.

Lim issued last year Executive Order No. 41, series of 2010, creating the ad hoc committee tasked to study, initiate, and supervise the redisigning and registration of the official corporate seal of the city. An offshoot of the proposal is the launch of the competition.

Accordingly, the idea of creating a new seal came about after creation of a new seal after Lim’s attention was was called by Chad Buala, head of the research, publications, and heraldry division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

That the 62-year old city seal has not been registered at the NHCP.

Thus, Lim deemed it necessary to register this at the NHCP. The redesigned seal is expected "to reflect present realities as well as the true historical, economic, and cultural values of our city.”

Source

10 drown during 2011 Holy Week

2011-04-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 10 people, including 4 children, drowned in separate incidents during Holy Week.
On Black Saturday, 4 children drowned in a river in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
The fatalities were identified as Francis Belmonte, 10; Jeff Alquizal, 12; John Vincent Marcos, 10; and, Anslly Constantino, 8.
The incident took place around noon.

In Pangasinan, a 21-year-old man died in a beach in San Fabian.

Malbert Montorero had an epileptic attack while swimming on Holy Thursday.

Three people drowned in Nabua, Camarines Sur also on Holy Thursday.
The victims were identified as Wilson Luzon, his wife Maria, and Joseph Guazon.
They were crossing a river when a huge wave swept them away.
Their bodies were retrieved several hours later.
In Oriental Mindoro, 2 people drowned while another went missing in the Bucayao river.
Two bodies have so far been retrieved. They were identified as Jemelyn Zoleta and Abegael Dimaano.
Rescuers have yet to locate Dimaano’s father Efren.
Zoleta’s body was found on Good Friday.
Zoleta and the Dimaanos went swimming on Thursday afternoon.

Source

Pangasinan sea fest features traditional games

2011-04-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 20 (PIA) - Filipino traditional games will be featured in the “Larong Pinoy sa Tabing Dagat,” one of the exciting activities lined up in this year’s celebration of Pistay Dayat (sea festival).

The activity on April 30 at the Capitol beachfront aims to build wholesome camaraderie among the participants and create stronger bond among families. It also ignites love for Filipino culture among Pangasinenses, according to organizers.

Beach games committee chair Alvin Bigay of the Provincial Housing Urban Regulation and Development Council urged beachgoers between ages seven to 45 to register on site before the games which were scheduled between 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. “Pwede pong magpalista ang mga participants before 3 o’clock in the afternoon sa mismong site sa may beach area on April 30 depende sa tatlong age groupings,” he said.

The three age groupings are as follows: children’s games for ages 7 to 12; young adult games for ages 13 to 24; and adult games for ages 25 to 45.

Games to be played are categorized into two - beach games and Filipino traditional games.

The Beach games include fill-a-bucket relay race, water balloon toss, blowing the paper, push-the-ball, shell balancing relay, sack race, tug-of-war (culliot), and going-to-the-beach relay.

The Filipino traditional games, on the other hand, include patintero, tumbang preso, luksong baka, sipa, dinoron, baldo (luksong lubid), paluan ng palayok, basagan ng itlog, tupa, dinagi and kadang-kadang.

Big cash prizes await the winners for both individual and group categories while consolation prizes will be given to all participants, Bigay said.

“Aside from bringing childhood memories among adult participants, these Pinoy games will surely inspire the young players to appreciate the games of their parents and grandparents,” he also said. (ANL/DOS-PIO/PIA 1 Pangasinan)

Source

Former world champ joins Alaminos shootfest

2011-04-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

ALAMINOS CITY—Former World Shoot champion Jeufro “Jag” Lejano led more than 100 practical shooters from different North and Central Luzon gun clubs, which saw action in the Alaminos Gali-La Festival Shootfest recently at the Hundred Islands Practical Shooters Association firing range at Barangay Sabangan here.

Alaminos Mayor Hernani Braganza fired the ceremonial shot to formally open the competition and welcome the participants, which included Lejano, the 2005 International Practical Shooting Confederation champion in the modified division.

The two-day shootfest was a Level II event sanctioned by the Philippine Practical Shooting Association, the first to be staged in this city.

The shootfest featured four major divisions, namely, standard, production, open and modified. There were other minor categories—standard single stack, lawman production and standard, lady open, junior standard, senior standard and production and LGU standard and production.

Lejano went on to stamp his class in the production division; Bogs Resuello emerged standard division champion; Enrique Cheesman topped the open division, while Roy Rondilla was best in the modified class.

According to Braganza, an avid practical shooter, whose son Lean was a former teammate of Lejano in the Philippine team, the shootfest was part of the celebrations for the seventh year of the Gali-La Viva San Jose Festival of the Hundred Islands held in honor of the city’s patron saint, St. Joseph.

Alex Ang, HIPSA president, said the shootfest will be among the regular events that would be included in the annual celebration of the Festival of the Hundred Islands. He added that HIPSA will also conduct monthly shoots and regular training for young practical shooters.

“Hopefully by next year, we will have a Level III sanctioned match, which means 10 grueling shooting stages instead of seven which we have right now,” said Ang, who is also the concurrent president of Western Pangasinan Chamber of Commerce.

“This is our commitment to the Braganza administration’s sports tourism thrust. It’s our way of helping promote Alaminos as sports tourism center of Region 1,” he said further.

Braganza thanked and congratulated the HIPSA headed by Ang, match director Jerry Mateo and Engr. Roland Ranches, owner of the land where the firing range is located, for organizing the event and reminding the gun owners of their responsibilities to the society.

He also extended gratitude to the PPSA and the National Range Officers Institute for supporting the event.

“Through this firing range and this event that we held, we are again promoting our Hundred Islands National Park not just to our regular tourists, but also to all the gun enthusiasts in the country,” Braganza said.

Source

Alaminos City Church

2011-04-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

Alaminos City Church

image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

Natividad’s nature resort: “Sirok ti Manga”

2011-04-18T15:17:00.001-07:00

NATIVIDAD–“Sirok ti Mangga”, Ilocano for under the mango tree, is a new nature resort located in the foothills of the Caraballo Mountains in this small, quiet town which is hoping to boost its tourism industry.

Situated in the middle of a 10-hectare mango plantation owned by the municipal government, the resort, nicknamed StM, is ideal for camping and nature walks.

Its other facilities include a swimming pool, a few air-conditioned cottages, and a zipline, the first of its kind in Pangasinan, that is 150 meters long.

The zipline, called Sky Plaza, gives a view of the town proper and the surrounding areas.

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

StM, located in Barangay Pila, Bachelor East, is owned by the municipal government in partnership with private investors from the town.

Mayor Rodrigo Rafael said the resort was initially developed by the municipal government under the previous administration of Mayor Alejandra Supnet.

To bankroll the development of the tourism site, Supnet sought private investors from among the town’s residents.

The swimming pool and the cottages were built using the private sector investment while the zipline, which cost P6 million, was financed by the municipal government.

Income from the resort is shared between the local government and its private partners.

Rafael, who assumed as mayor in July last year, said he is carrying on with the development plans for StM.

Other facilities set to be built are a social hall which can accommodated seminars and conferences by government agencies, additional air-conditioned cottages, and a chapel.—LM

Bangus Festival Schedule of Events

2011-04-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

http://www.bangusfestival2011.com/ar...of-events.html

APRIL 2011

April 8
Motorcade
Opening/Mass
START of PHOTO CONTEST
Auto Electronic Show1
Home and Appliance Trade Fair
BANGUS ED CAROSA

April 9
RIVER CRUISE
Auto Electronic Show
2nd Mayor BSL Cup) Shoot Fest 1
Badminton 1
Café ed Park
Bangus Art exhibit
Pisasalamat
Dagupan’s Best

April 10
Auto Electronic Show2
Dagupan’s Best
2nd Mayor BSL Cup) Shoot Fest 1
Café ed Park
Badminton 2

April 11
Fishing Contest (Mabilay lay ilog ko)

April 12
Mangrove Planting
Dagupan Graffiti Art Walk
April 14
Mangrove Planting
Sculpture Painting Contest

April 15
HALO HALO FEST
Pigar - Pigar Fest 1

April 16
Dagupan’s Best
Bangus Run Takbo para sa Kabuhayan
Golf Tournament
Pigar – Pigar 2
Kapamilya Caravan
YugYugan Ed Bangus Fest 2011

April 17
Dagupan’s Best
Pigar – Pigar 3
SUNDAY MARKET
Drag race
On Road Vuelta Bike Race

April 18
Kick boxing

April 19
Mangrove Planting
Boxing

April 24
EASTER SUNDAY
Dagupan’s Best
Easter Egg Hunt
TV SHOW
Start of Wall Climbing
Bangus Fest Talent Show

April 25
Unveiling of the new City Seal
Langoy Bangus 1 (Pool)
Bikini Open

April 26
Langoy Bangus 2 (Ilog)
Miss Gay Bangus Festival Queen
Party/Concert

April 27
Handog ng Bombo Concert

April 28
GILON GILON ED DALAN
Miss Magic Pagaent

April 29
Bangus Rodeo
101 WAYS TO COOK BANGUS
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Iwata Visitors

April 30
Dagupan’s Best
KALUTAN ED DALAN
Grand Fireworks
Off Road Mountain Bike
Takbo para sa KKK Marathon
Off Road Mountain Bike

MAY

May 1
PISTAY DAYAT
BODY BUILDING
PHOTO CONTEST EXHIBIT
BICYCLE WARS
Dagupan’s Best

Pangasinan’s Religious Heritage

2011-04-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

A MUSEUM and what may be considered a spacious reception hall, with a replica of the Blessed Mother, have been added to the Nuestra Señora de Manaoag Shrine, arguably Pangasinan’s most famous religious shrine because of the many miracles attributed to Our Lady of the Holy Rosario.

One account, worthy of Gabriel García Márquez’s magic realism, says that during the drought of 1706, Mama Mary produced miraculous downpours which lasted for days.

The Dominican church, with its impressive interior, dates back to 1772 and was partially destroyed by fire during the 1898 Revolution. When the Dominicans returned in 1901, they rebuilt the transept and the dome, a task which was completed only in 1932.

The exterior of the church has lost its Old World charm, for the bell tower and façade now sport a modernist look. And some portions of the brick walls on the side have been cemented over. We ignore this, and just enter the church to converse briefly with Our Lady of Manaoag.

Our Lady calls

Years ago, on a similar pilgrimage to the shrine, I met a friend of happy memory, Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, who shared: “I am a devotee of Our Lady of Manaoag because she has always granted all my wishes. But one has to have faith.”

Another parish in Pangasinan worth visiting is the church of Labrador, with its new patina of pastel colors. But again, we are confronted with a new belfry out of sync with the Neoclassical style of the façade.

The St. Joseph Cathedral-Parish, under the Diocese of Alaminos, is decked out with the official colors of the province, pastel yellow and gray, and the façade showcases a pantheon of saints: San Juan, San Lucas, San Mateo…

The cathedral has an imposing chocolate-colored retablo (altar backdrop).

Alaminos is one town which has managed to hold on to its heritage despite the onslaught of modernity and tourism (it is home of the Hundred Islands). One can see many ancestral houses in front of the church and plaza.

The high point of the tour organized by the Provincial Information Office, headed by Orpheus M. Velasco (075-542-7030; kokaok77@yahoo.com), on the occasion of Pangasinan’s 431st founding anniversary, was the St. James the Great Church in Bolinao, constructed in 1609 by the Augustinians.

This historical church is now undergoing reconstruction, and one hopes it is that and not renovation. Already, some portions of the façade, with coral stones, have (again) been cemented over. This has happened to many Spanish-era churches in the Philippines, and one wonders if our parish priests are really heritage-conscious.

First Mass?

In front of the church is a marker which pays tribute to Blessed Fr. Odorico, an Italian missionary who, early in the 14th century, traveled to China and, the ship encountering a storm, sought refuge in Santiago Island, Bolinao, the northernmost tip of Pangasinan.

“O glorious Father Odorico,” the monument plaque declared, “you touched our country in your journey to China. May that great nation and all nations open the door to Christ.”

Interestingly, the marker added: “In 1324, Blessed Odorico, after landing in Bolinao, celebrated the first Mass in the Philippines. He also indoctrinated and baptized many of the Malay immigrants in Bolinao.”

(Ambeth Ocampo and Church scholars Fathers Pedro Galende, OSA, and Rene Javellana, SJ, please check this out. I was told that the source is a travel memoir written by Father Odorico, a copy of which is somewhere in the province.)

The pilgrimage made me recall an earlier visit to another grand shrine, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, now a National Cultural Treasure, in Calasiao. It is Baroque-Romanesque in style, pyramid-shaped like the Bolinao shrine, with castle-like finials on the side and a state-of-the-art computerized musical system.

Also well-preserved is the convent house, with its sense of space and scale, redolent of a bygone era. “I met Padre Salvi in the corridor,” quipped SV Epistola, another friend of happy memory.

Source

Pangasinan LGU to hold more skills competitions

2011-04-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

Pangasinan LGU to hold more skills competitionsby Danny O. Sagun
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, April 1 (PIA) — The provincial government will hold more competitions in various fields to hone the talents of Pangasinenses.

Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. said that in the future the provincial government will sponsor contests on essay writing, editorial writing, feature writing and other writing competitions to tap the skills of Pangasinan youths.

Espino made the remarks when he spoke before participants in the oratorical contest provincial championship dubbed “Patalisiwan na saray Orador” on Tuesday at the Sison Auditorium here.

The competition, the first activity for this year’s Agew na Pangasinan celebration, drew participants from the school divisions of Urdaneta City, San Carlos City school division, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Pangasinan I and Pangasinan II. Mara Athena Venenciano of Urdaneta emerged as the champion.

Ervil Somera of Pangasinan II came in second while Daryl John Bungay of San Carlos City finished third.
Espino expressed elation over the theme of this year’s competition, “Pangasinan….My Home, My Pride” because it bespeaks love and patriotism to our beloved province.”

Recalling memories of his youth, the governor said: “When I was young, I thought of staying, growing up in Pangasinan, retiring in Pangasinan and to be buried in Pangasinan simply because this province of ours is very beautiful.”

The province is very fortunate for having young Pangasinenses who are very artistic and nationalistic, he said as he acknowledged the talents of Pangasinenses not only in academics and arts but also in other fields like sports. He cited the honor that Pangasinan got by dethroning Ilocos Norte, the champion for 11 straight years in the Ilocos Region Athletics Association (IRAA) meet now renamed, Region I Athletic Association. (ANL/DOS-PIO/PIA 1 Pangasinan)

Pangasinan breaks Ilocos Norte's record

2011-03-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN -- Students from Pangasinan schools defeated those from Ilocos Norte, breaking the latter's 11th consecutive winning streak in Region 1's Athletic Association (R1-AA) meet.

Pangasinan II Schools Division denied Ilocos Norte Schools Division's dream of bringing home the 12th championship title.

Pangasinan II, this year's R1-AA host division, earned a total of 505.5 points to clench the number one position in the overall ranking as against the 490.5 points earned by Ilocos Norte in the just concluded sports contest sponsored by the Department of Education. Pangasinan I Schools Division placed third with 476 total points.

The awarding ceremony was held Saturday afternoon at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) here. The awarding of medals and trophies was led by Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr., Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim Jr., and Department of Education (DepEd)-Ilocos Director Ligaya Soledad Miguel.

Pangasinan scored the first victory during the opening ceremony last Monday.

In his speech, Governor Amado Espino Jr. made a request to DepEd Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Alberto Muyot, who was then the guest of honor and speaker, that the old name of the regional meet (Ilocos Region Athletic Association or IRAA Meet) be changed to Region 1 Athletic Association (R1-AA) Meet.

Espino reasoned that the words Ilocos Region refers more to the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte with the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan left behind.

Muyot granted to the governor's request right then and there.

Pangasinan II later earned the points that sealed their victory in the championship round of some team events held Saturday morning.

The final over-all ranking was released by the technical committee before noontime Saturday. The report was signed by Regional Sports Task Force Chair Bartolome Teneza, Clerk of Course Chairmen Jun Howard Rioveros and Ramon Caniezo, as well as, the representatives from the 14 schools divisions in Region 1.

La Union placed fourth with 308.75 total points, followed by Laoag City (195.25 points), Alaminos City (130.25 points), Dagupan City (121.5 points), San Carlos City (102.75 points), Urdaneta City (99 points), San Fernando City (91 points), Ilocos Sur (82 points), Candon City (70 points), Batac City (62.5 points), and Vigan City (45 points).

Meanwhile, in the ranking in the elementary division, Pangasinan II secured 231.5 total points, Ilocos Norte got 213 points, while Pangasinan 1 earned 188.5 points. In the secondary level, Pangasinan 1 scored 287.5 total points, Ilocos Norte recorted 277.5 points while Pangasinan II earned 272 points.

In an interview after the final results were released, Pangasinan II Schools Division Superintendent Viraluz Raguindin thanked all their athletes, the trainors and coaches for their hard work, as well as the parents of the athletes for their all-out support for their children.

"I can't describe how I feel right now, excited and very happy after all the agony for the whole week," Raguindin said.

She admitted that she was not confident Pangasinan II would win and dislodge Ilocos Norte from the pedestal it held for 11 years.

"Only when I saw the official over-all standing did I believe na kami na an gang champion," she said, adding the secret behind their victory was the full support given by Governor Espino.

The governor actually requested from her early on that the NRSCC be the venue of R1-AA as the municipality will be bannering the province of Pangasinan anyway.

Pangasinan II covers Eastern Pangasinan or districts four, five, and six except Urdaneta City.

The Provincial Government also assisted in the preparation of the venue and, in some ways, in the training of the athletes from the schools division of Pangasinan I, II, San Carlos City and Urdaneta City. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre/Sunnex)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pangasinan...-record-145824

Over all champion: Pangasinan 1, 1st runner up: Pangasinan 2

2011-03-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Click on Image for a larger view

Over all champion: Pangasinan 1, 1st runner up: Pangasinan 2

Happy 83rd Birthday Former President Fidel V. Ramos

2011-03-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 83rd Birthday Former President Fidel V. Ramos
March 17, 2011, 11:01pm

MANILA, Philippines – Born 83 years ago in Lingayen, Pangasinan, former President Fidel Valdez Ramos is celebrating his birthday on Friday, March 18, 2011. He was a multi-awarded military officer and had a distinguished career in government.

He is recognized as one of the “heroes of EDSA” for his role in the historic EDSA People Power Revolution in February 22-25, 1986. On November 6, 1992, he was elected the 12th President of the Philippines.

His presidency (1992-1998) was marked by a revitalized and robust Philippine economy, when there was an influx of foreign and domestic investments. The country was hailed as the next Asian tiger economy but the progress was interrupted by the 1997 Asian financial crunch. Prior to his election, he served in the Cabinet of his predecessor, President Corazon C. Aquino as Armed Forces Chief of Staff, and later as Secretary of National Defense from 1986 to 1991.

President Ramos, popularly called as “FVR,” has an impressive academic and professional background. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1950, and obtained his master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois.

He holds a master's degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines and a master’s degree in business administration from the Ateneo de Manila University. He fought in the Korean War and in the Vietnam War.

He received several military awards, including the Philippine Legion of Honor, Distinguished Conduct Star, Philippine Military Merit Medal, United States Legion of Merit, French Legion of Honor, United Nations Service Medal, and United States Distinguished Graduate Award. He is the only Filipino to receive an honorary British Knighthood from the United Kingdom, the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, bestowed on him by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995.

President Ramos remains active in the local and international scenes, where he is often invited to speak on politics and governance in various forums. He represents the country in the ASEAN Eminent Persons Group, tasked to draft the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He is Chairman of the Board of the Boao Forum for Asia, Co-Chairman of the Global Meeting of the Emerging Markets Forum, and member of the Global Leadership Foundation. He is the Chairman Emeritus of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD). He founded the Ramos Foundation for Peace and Development, a non-partisan organization dedicated to the promotion of peace and development in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific Region. He is married to Amelita “Ming” Martinez-Ramos with whom he has five daughters.

We wish Former President Fidel V. Ramos a Happy 83rd Birthday, long life, and all the best and success in all his endeavors.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/310000...-fidel-v-ramos

Pangasinan 1 leads 13 teams in R1AA Meet

2011-03-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 17 (PNA) — Pangasinan I soared to an early lead in the Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) Meet when it led over 13 other delegations with 96.5 points as of 1 p.m. Thursday after three days of competition.

Pangasinan 1, comprising the western part of the province, currently leads in the secondary division with 49.5 points while its younger players in the elementary division garnered 47 points, for a total of 96.5 points.

Host Pangasinan II lords over in the elementary division with 56.5 points with its secondary players garnering 30.5 points to gain second place with 87 points.

In this meet, organized by the Department of Education, the province of Pangasainan is fielding at least six athletic delegations.

Laoag City is in third place with 70 points after earning 35.5 points in the elementary division and 32.5 points in the secondary division.

Defending champion Ilocos Norte is in fourth place, earning 35.5 points in the elementary division and another 32.5 points in the secondary division.

Players of Ilocos Norte are eyeing for their 12th consecutive title since winning the championship in 1999.

In fifth place after three days of play is La Union with 63 points, followed by Batac City, 38 points; Dagupan City at 30 points, Alaminos City, 29 points; Ilocos Sur, 24.5 points; Urdaneta City, 24 points; Vigan City, 19 points; San Carlos City, 18 points; San Fernando City, 17 points; and Candon City, four points.

Winners of the meet will represent R1AA in the Palarong Pambansa slated in Dapitan City sometime this year.

R1AA used to be called Ilocos Region Athletic Association (IRAA) till Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. complained because the name, according to him, is synonymous to be a sports event only for the Ilocanos.

He said this discriminates the people Pangasinan and Dagupan City whose area and population comprise almost half of the area and population in the entire region.

Department of Education Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Alberto Muyot, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the meet’s opening ceremony, readily approved the request of the Pangasinan Governor that IRAA be renamed to R1AA. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=5&rid=335800

Dagupan City finally approves its 2011 budget

2011-03-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

DAGUPAN CITY, March 17 (PNA) — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here finally approved the 2011 annual budget of Dagupan, an amount below the proposal of Mayor Benjamin Lim.

The P487-million budget was approved during a special session of the SP on Wednesday by a vote of eight councilors against four.

Under the Local Government Code, the Sanggunian can still approve a budget 90 days from the start of the fiscal year if it fails to approve a budget by December 31 every year.

The amount was P81 million lower than the budget of P568 million proposed by Mayor Lim and even lower than last year’s approved budget of P498 million during the term of then Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr.

The committee took note of a decision of the Supreme Court reinstating the 16 newly created cities, in which Dagupan City's share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) might be reduced by P20 million.

The proposed city budget was placed under thorough scrutiny by the city council starting January 16 and during their review discrepancies were discovered again and again, thus the City Mayor’s Office had to amend it several times.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez said they will forward the approved budget to the mayor's office within two days.(PNA)
LAP/LAM/Lvm/lvmicua/rmahttp://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=335637

Pangasinan still leading province having the most number of OFWs

2010-11-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 20 (PNA) -- The province of Pangasinan continues to maintain the lead among all provinces in the country having the most number of workers being sent overseas.

This is gleaned from continuous job fairs being conducted by the Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) to help local workers find jobs and protect them from illegal recruiters.

Upon instruction of Governor Amador Amado Espino Jr., four Special Recruitment Activities (SRAs) are being held in the province to bring jobs right in the doorstep of local applicants.

PESO said the SRA started on Nov. 18 and 19 and will continue on Nov. 23 and 26 for workers seeking jobs locally and abroad.

PESO Chief Alex F. Ferrer said the SRA serves as a preliminary screening for all interested applicants in order to lessen their expenses in applying for jobs.

Instead of going to Manila to apply in various recruitment agencies, the prospective workers may just go to the Kalantiao building at the Capitol to apply for jobs that they want.

Job openings in the four-day SRA are factory workers bound for Taiwan; machine operators, electricians, machinists, quality control inspectors bound for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; domestic helpers for Hong Kong, and hotel and restaurant personnel, field technician coordinators for Bataan 2020; engineering staff for Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Phils.

Applicants are advised to bring their bio-data with picture and other credentials in applying for jobs.

Those who pass the screening will be notified through text message by the concerned recruitment agencies for final interview.

Regular SRAs are held in Pangasinan on a monthly basis in coordination with various recruitment agencies.

Just last month, some 1,000 workers were recruited in a jobs fair organized jointly by the CSI Group of Companies and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) district office at the City Mall in Dagupan City.

ABS-CBN is also set to link up with the DOLE district office in its jobs fair slated in Dagupan on Dec. 4 while DOLE will conduct its own solo jobs fair on Dec. 9 in connection with the DOLE anniversary.

This is a Repost

Hundred Islands draws 140,425

2010-11-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines — The tourist arrivals at the popular Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) this year has reached 140,425. Reynaldo T. Livara, Jr., HINP technical consultant, revealed Monday that as of November 8, a total of 131,959 local visitors and 8,466 foreign tourists have visited the 1,800 hectare-park. By these figures, the HINP expects the tourist arrivals to top 160,000 by the end of the year, said Livara. He said this was a big jump in tourism not only for the Hundred Islands but for the country as well, noting that in 2005, there were only 63,656 tourists who visited the national park with only 3,733 of them foreigners. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)

Source: Hundred Islands draws 140,425
Photo Credit

Calasiao opens door to 3 new malls

2010-11-17T15:16:00.001-08:00

FROM small town to “mall town”.
Calasiao, known for its tiny puto delicacy, will soon be home to several shopping malls, two of which, SM and Robinson’s, are among the biggest chains in the country.

The Magic Mall owned by Dagupan City Mayor Benjie Lim is already establishing a branch in the now first class municipality.
Robinson’s Mall of the Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Land Corp. has already started construction of its branch last September 30, according to Engr. Melanio De Vera, municipal engineer.
Robinson’s will occupy a 5.8-hectare land in Barangay San Miguel and the edifice alone covers 3.3 hectares. The two-story mall will be named ‘Robinsons Place Calasiao’, the 30th in the company’s chain of malls around the Philippines. Its amenities include four movie houses, food chains, shops, department store, and supermarket.
De Vera said he is planning to propose to the contractor, Albert S. Yu & Associates, to build an overpass across the highway going to the mall to prevent traffic congestion in the area.
Meanwhile, Magic Mall, located in Poblacion West covering a land area of about one hectare will resume construction on the first week of December after a few months of interruption.

SM Mall, on the other hand, will reportedly be built in Barangay Nalsian but the project has been put on hold pending negotiations with the landowners of the site.
De Vera said the entry of malls bodes well for the town in terms of generating employment opportunities, income from taxes, and increased economic activities from visitors.
“Ito ay magdadala ng malaking tax kung saan makikinabang ang mga mamamayan ng Calasiao, magdudulot din ito ng pagdagsa ng mga turista at makapagbibigay ng trabaho,” De Vera said.–Roselle Gale, University of Pangasinan-Phinma

Source: Calasiao opens door to 3 new malls

COMING VERY SOON: CSI Supermarket Rosales

2010-11-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

In the afternoon of November 10, 2010, the President of the CSI Group of Companies, Dagupan City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez paid Mayor Revita a visit to openly declare their intention and confirm the rumor that CSI Supermarket will rise in Rosales. Indeed speculations on this subject had been lingering on early this year but it is only now that it is made certain.

The CSI Supermarket Rosales is expected to rise on a 2,800 square meter lot fronting the public market and presently occupied by the GENMAR Cable TV and its adjacent lot. Tentatively according to Ms. Fernandez they will open in January of 2011, thus construction will ensue soon. The concept of this project is that it is purely a supermarket which will be their 12th store in the Region and their first store in the 6th District of Pangasinan.

In a question posted: What made you choose Rosales? Vice Mayor Fernandez confidently replied that Rosales was well recommended by their suppliers as an ideal site for expansion. Personally also she added that she believed that Rosales is the economic center on this part of the region. More to this Vice Mayor Fernandez stressed that she did choose Rosales because she has confidence on the administration and leadership of Mayor Revita.

As to the presence of SM, Vice Mayor Fernandez did not show any worries since she is certain that their prices are far lower than that of their competitors besides she pointed out that they are catering to a different group of consumer.

When this materializes, the supermarket will employ as many 300 employees.

Welcome very soon, CSI Supermarket Rosales.

PCCI cites Pangasinan as “business-friendly LGU”

2010-11-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

LINGAYEN–Pangasinan was cited recently as most business-friendly LGU (Local Government Unit) by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) during the group’s 36th Philippine Business Conference in Manila last October 13.

The province was specifically cited for its “commendable efforts in adopting quality management services and instituting systems innovation, significantly benefiting its business community and citizenry.”

Provincial Administrator Raffy Baraan said the provincial government has been exerting all efforts to promote an over-all investment-friendly atmosphere in the province, particularly in the tourism front and priority infrastructure projects.

The provincial government’s aggressive tourism programs have propelled Pangasinan as Region 1’s top tourist destination from its previous position of third.

Several foreign investors, particularly from South Korea and Taiwan, have already committed to invest in several projects in the province.

Vice Governor Ferdinand Calimlim and Baraan received the award on behalf of Governor Amado Espino Jr. from Miguel Varela, chairman Emeritus of PCCI and Benjamin Philip Romualdez, chairman of the 36th PBC.

PCCI cites Pangasinan as “business-friendly LGU”

HUNDRED ISLANDS FISHPONDS :Provincial officials to go after DAR, PTA, DENR

2010-11-16T01:50:00.000-08:00

LINGAYEN -The provincial government cleared the city government of Alaminos of responsibility of allowing fishponds at the Hundred Islands National Park, and has trained its guns at the different agencies which allegedly allowed the structures to operate in the country’s first national park.
Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan said the fishponds were established long before the city government took over the management of the HINP in 2004 through Executive Order 436.
He said, “It is admitted that the (structures) were there before Alaminos took over, so Alaminos has nothing to do with allowing structures to be constructed in Hundred Islands.”
“ (But) we wanted to dig deeper into problems such as how the structures came about, and why such activities were allowed in an area supposedly protected under the national integrated protected areas law,” he said during a press conference on Thursday.
Mayor Hernani Braganza said the city government could not act on the structures because they are covered by titles and are therefore private properties. But they still had to conform with the environment laws of the city for them to be granted permits to operate, he said.
Provincial officials last week held a press conference on November 4 announcing that new structures have proliferated inside the Hundred Islands, but later backtracked and said the structures were actually the 46-hectare fishpond of the Bolo Development Cooperative (Bolodeco).
Several agencies are responsible for the establishment of fishery structures inside the park. It was the Philippine Tourism Authority that granted a contract of lease to the Bolodeco on November 3, 1980, for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.
The Department of Agrarian Reform granted the Bolodeco a certificate of land ownership in 1993. The PTA asked the DAR adjudication board to nullify the CLOA in 1999.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also issued fishpond lease agreement to private persons covering 45 hectares since 1973, while 70 hectares are operated without any tenurial instrument issued by the government, he said.
“How come over a very long period these structures are still there? Why are they being operated as fishpond concessions, and why they look more improved than before?” Baraan said.
He said the provincial government is going to ask the Department of Agrarian Reform’s adjudication board (DARAB) why after more than 10 years, it has not decided yet on the petition to nullify the CLOA.
It will also inquire from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources why it allowed fishpond operation in the park which is a protected area.
In another press conference, Braganza said he welcomed the investigation of the problem which “has been here even when I was still a college student.”
“So nagtataka ako why biglang pumutok ang’ hundred islands vandalized’, as if it only happened during my watch as mayor,” he said.
A press release of the provincial government quoted an official of Bolodeco saying four Braganzas own fishponds at the islands. It also quoted an Inquirer story dated September 9, 000 that mentioned two Braganzas as fishpond operators.
“Not true. My relatives are not bad people. They own fishponds but these are located at the mainland, not at the HINP, and they have been operating those fishponds for decades already,” he pointed out.
He claimed that even a member of the provincial government’s Task Force Kalikasan, retired police office Tommy Cabigas, owns a fishpond in the city, but outside of the islands.
Braganza also showed an ortho-photo map of Alaminos showing the positions of the private fishponds. “I know the map of Alaminos by heart. I know where the problems are, including balding mountains.”
“There is no way you can see the fishponds when you go to the Hundred Islands, so yong sasabihin nila na mabaho ang Hundred Islands, imposible yon,” he said
A media tour at the Bolodeco site showed that there were no activities there, and a dike has been breached where water freely flows in and out of the pond.

Source

“Pangalatok” is Insulting and Derogatory!

2010-11-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

Many have confused the terms Pangasinan, Pagasinense and “Pangalatok”

People of Pangasinan are called Pangasinenses regardless of the language or dialect they speak. The main language is Pangasinan which primarily spoken in central area that includes the cities of Dagupan and SanCarlos, and big towns like Lingayen (the capital) Mangaldan, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Binmaley, Malasiqui & Bayambang. Iloko is also widely spoken primarily in eastern part that includes Urdaneta City, Tayug, Binalonan, Umingan, etch and the western area that includes Alaminos City, Mabini, Infanta, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, etc.. Some people in the western part of the province also wide speak Bolinao. Others speak Kapampangan, Zambal, Bisaya, Ibaloi, Kankanaey, etc. But majority of Pangsinenses speak both Pangasinan and Iloko.

The term “Pangalatok” is insulting and derogatory. So too is “Ilokogtot”.

Hereunder is what I wrote in a comment regarding a discussion of this issue in the Pangasinan Page in Facebook on March 15, 2009, as follows:

“Saray totoo ya manaayam ed Pangasinan, sikara so Pangasinense anggan antoy salita ra: Pangasinan, Iloko, Bolinao, Zambal, Kapampangan, Bisaya, Ibaloi, Kan-kaney tanaromni. Aman so "Pangalatok" et "deragatory" tan "insulting". Nalapo tan ya termino nen saman nen mangkokolkol iray Ilokano tan Pangasinense lapor ag natalusan na saray Ilocano so salitan Pangasinan.

Say intawag da ed saray Pangasinenese ya mansalitay Pangasinan et "Kasla kayo nga agtogkik nga manok no agsasao" (You are like chicken with a bad flu when talking)= Pangasinan +kasla+ togkik +manok= Panga-la-tok!"

Say imbales na saray Pangasinense ed saray Ilokano met et: "Sicayo ya Ilokano agyo amtay mampuniti no milaban, kapara kayoy asilok ya otot, mangkogtokogtot" (Ilocanos don't know how to box; they jump like frightened rats)= Ilokano +kogtot + otot = Ilokogtot!"

Both words are insulting and derogatory. Sikato komon no narengel yo may salita ya "Pangalatok", please correct it at once.”

In summation: “Pangasinan” is the name of the province and also the primary language of the province; “Pangasinense/s” is/are the people of Pangasinan regardless of language they speak; and “Pangalatok” is derogatory and insulting word.

Source

Baraan: Why are the fishponds there?

2010-11-15T01:44:00.000-08:00

LINGAYEN—“The issue is why are there fishponds in the Hundred Islands”.
This was stressed by Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan, reacting to the outburst of Mayor Hernani Braganza on the issues raised by officials of the provincial government about the Hundred Islands.
“The issue here is why are there fishponds in the area. Whether these structures are old or new, the fact remains that they are still existing expansively in the area,” Baraan said in a press conference Thursday afternoon.

“What is worse is they used corals to construct dikes in some areas. This is a mortal sin,” said Baraan, who was joined by Task Force Kalikasan chief Paterno Orduna and Provincial Information Officer Butch Velasco in the press conference.

BARAAN

Baraan expressed dismay over the reaction of Braganza on the issue, which, he said, cropped up when the KBP invited Task Force Kalikasan for the update on the massive coastal and river clean-up in Pangasinan.
TFK Deputy Head Tomas Cabigas presented at the forum blow-up aerial photos of the Hundred Islands indicating dike embankments of supposed fishponds
.
Orduna admitted in that press conference that the photos given to him by a Pakistani piloting one of the trainer planes landing at the Lingayen Airport and were presented at the KBP forum without intent of any malice.
“Rather than facing the issue squarely, Mayor Hernani Braganza dared Governor Amado Espino Jr. and First District Congressman Jesus ‘Boying’ Celeste to issue a public apology for allegedly giving false statements” on the Hundred Islands issue.

Capitol did not issue any apology and instead brought out more issues about the Hundred Islands.
Meanwhile, the governor has not reacted beyond saying he wanted the issue investigated.
In that press conference, Orduna asked on what Braganza did on the Bolodeco issue when he was Agrarian Reform Secretary.

The other issues that boggles the mind, said Baraan, is the fact that the Bolo Development Corporation (Bolodeco) was granted Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) No.92927 last January 1993 despite the issuance of then President Corazon Aquino of an Executive Order on February 18,1992 that excluded national parks and other protected areas from land distribution.

In addition, then President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 1173 in 1977 abrogating all leases and cancelling land titles and patents covering portions of the Hundred Islands National Park.”
He said then PNP Regional Director Amado Espino recommended to then President Ramos the cancellation of the CLOA issued to Bolodeco, citing the negative environmental effects of the fishponds in the area. The President approved the request and then Director then Secretary Ernesto Garilao and Energy Secretary Francisco Viray to institute cancellation proceedings.

In 1999 or six years after the issuance of CLOA, a petition was filed with the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) at Lingayen, Pangasinan for the cancellation of the CLOA.
Baraan accused DARAB of sleeping on its job because no decision has yet been issued by it while the case has been up for resolution in that body since February 1, 2000, or more than 10 years ago.
“What is keeping DARAB from resolving the case?” Baraan asked.

At the same time, Baraan said that the expose’ of Congressman Celeste that there are other private individuals who have bigger fishponds at the Hundred Islands than Boledeco is worth looking into, especially because three of the big time fishpond operators are Braganzas.
Baraan said the general principle is, all the islands clustered around the area are parts of the Hundred Islands. He said that if the fishponds are within the islands, most likely they must be part of the National Park.

Repost from the Sunday Punch

Gov’t agencies accused of sleeping on their job for Hundred Islands

2010-11-14T03:59:00.000-08:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Nov. 13 —Different government agencies that have oversight function over the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) have been accused of sleeping on their job in the face of continuing existence of a 47-hectare fishpond right in the heart of the reservation area.

“Either some government agencies are doing something against the law or they are not doing their job or sleeping on their job,” said Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan in a press conference on the Hundred Islands issue on Thursday.
The fishpond is owned by the Bolo Development Cooperative (Boledeco), a group of more than 200 fish farmers who petitioned and were granted Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) by the Department of Agrarian Reform in 1993.
Baraan said that the Alaminos City government took over the jurisdiction of the Hundred Islands from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) by virtue of Executive Order 436 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 21, 2005.
He said that the city of Alaminos had nothing to do with the construction of the fishpond structure as these were built long before it took over the islands from PTA.
Records showed that the 47-hectare fishpond was segragated from the the national park in favor of the DAR during the administration of the PTA and which conveyed the same to Bolodeco by issuing CLOA to the same.
Considering that there are government agencies having an oversight function over the national park, Baraan wondered what these entities may have done when they saw the fishpond rising as they know this was already inconsistent with the current uses of the place as tourist spot.
He singled out the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which, by virtue of the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS), has regulatory control of the HINP, especially on matters which pertain to protected areas.
Baraan asked: How come that over a period of years this structure is still there, how come it is still operated and how come this become improved more than before?
Mayor Hernani Braganza of Alaminos City told newsmen there was a time some DENR officials were selling some fore shore lands of the HINP, near the Lucao wharf, to private individuals although the same was not yet segregated from the park and proclaimed alienable and disposable.
At the same time, Baraan chided the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) where a case seeking the revocation of the CLOA issued by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Bolodeco had been filed since 1999.
But sadly, he said, DARAB has not issued any decision on the matter despite the fact that the body, which is a special court for settling agrarian dispute, terminated the hearing case way back in February 2000.
“DARAB is already sleeping on this case. . There is no reason for it (DARAB) to allow this thing to remain hanging, Baraan said in that press conference also attended by Provincial Information Officer Orpheus Velasco and Paterno Orduna, head of the province’s Task Force Kalikasan.
Asked on what the provincial government can do to facilitate the decision of the case since the parties already ended presenting their evidence way back 10 years ago, he said Governor Amado Espino Jr. may write the DAR to demand and early resolution of the case.
DARAB is under the supervision of the Department of Agrarian Reform where the three-term Mayor of Alaminos City (Braganza) was once a secretary but said he adopted a hands-off policy on the issue at that time, lest he be accused of being biased since he is from Alaminos.
“We all know that the case was submitted for decision 10 years ago and there is no reason that DARAB has not resolved or cannot make a decision on the matter,” he said.
Baraan said that the issues on the Hundred Islands just surfaced when provincial officials came across aerial photos of the Hundred Islands taken by a Palistani student pilot whose plane was landing regularly in the Lingayen Airport.
But somebody should act so that all unanswered questions about the Hundred Islands could be answered, adding that this was actually what the provincial government did. (PNA) RMA/Lvm/lvmicua/rma/jsd

Source

Prov’l. government is after Hundred Islands’ management

2010-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

"It’s a deliberate attempt to get the Hundred Islands from us, nothing more nothing less."
This was the strongly worded statement of Alaminos City Mayor Hernani A. Braganza during a press conference held yesterday at Island Tropics Hotel in Lucap Bay Area here overlooking the majestic Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) which became the center of irresponsible expose made by the provincial government.

Braganza cried foul over the issue that city’s icon has been vandalized and that the fishponds were illegally constructed within the national park and allegedly the cause of unpleasant smell in the area.

“This is unfortunate and irresponsible,” stressed the former two term first district congressman who in his first term led the dismantling of fish pens, fish cages and fishponds in the Hundred Islands.

“We are saddened by these negative reports because we are doing all our best to promote and protect our national park,” he continued.

“What really is the intention of this picture?,” asked the mayor as he shows an aerial photo of the park which includes the Bolo Development Cooperative (Bolodeco) area.

“Is it really to expose an old problem in the national park? Or to get from Alaminos the management of the Hundred Islands?”

The said photo entitled ‘Hundred Islands Vandalized’ and was published in a local newspaper and uploaded in website appears to be either old or digitally enhanced.

This had sparked an outrage from the city’s tourism sector and local residents that have directly benefitted from the booming tourism industry for more than five years now.

Bolodeco is a cooperative organized by local fisherman in the city in 1980 with the purpose of developing a swampy mangrove area within the park into fishpond.

A 45-hectare area which was originally part of the Hundred Islands was leased to the group during the Marcos regime.

During the time of the late President Corazon Aquino, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has granted certificate of land ownership agreement (CLOA) to the 221 members of the cooperative.

Former President Fidel Ramos then authorized the issuance of the original certificates of transfer to Bolodeco which said to have been registered with the Registry of Deeds of the province.

It was learned though that there’s still pending petition of PTA at the DAR’s adjudication board (DARAB) on the nullification of the Bolodeco’s CLOA.

Braganza said “we could probably accept if the title of the photo should have been “Hundred Islands vandalized 20 years ago”.

“But the implication is that we did it during our time which is totally unacceptable, unfair and incorrect,” added the concurrent secretary general of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

The mayor believed Governor Amado Espino was definitely misinformed by his allies that there are illegal structures within our 1,844 hectare marine sanctuary and that the dikes in the Bolodeco were made of corrals.

“There is only one big fishpond in the Hundred Islands and this is owned by Bolodeco. All other fishponds which could be seen along the shorelines are part of the city’s mainland,” he said.

In a recent interview, Congressman Boying Celeste, claimed that aside from the fishponds inside the Bolodeco area, there are some private individuals who own and operate fishponds within the Hundred Islands.

The allegation was declared by the mayor as a blatant lie citing that the fishponds that the solon had mentioned are actually located at the mainland.

The incumbent legislator is the elder brother of Arthur Celeste, a former congressman whom Braganza had beaten in the recent mayoralty race here.

The younger Celeste was the main proponent of House Bill 4995, which seeks to reclassify a certain portion of the HINP and shall be awarded to private individuals including his relatives for them to venture on tourism related industry.

Fortunately, Braganza learned about these evil motives of some greedy politicians from his friends in Congress and concerned private entities and succeeded in blocking the said bill.

Proving his critics wrong and to clear the issue once and for all, the hardworking mayor personally toured the members of Pangasinan media to the Bolodeco area and around the province’s premier eco-tourism destination.

The mediamen actually set foot on the dikes that were constructed using limestone taken from the mountains and mangrove roots, as explained by newly elected Pandan Barangay Captain Ricardo Legaspi, and not from corals as alleged in the previous reports published in the papers.

Regaspi, who was among those who first built the dikes, said they never used corals because it is illegal and second it floats in the water and can easily be crumbled.

Most of the dikes were already eroded and destroyed by previous typhoons that hit the city. Thus, they could not see an operational fishpond within the Bolodeco area.

Also, contrary to the governor’s statement in an interview with a local TV station that the area is emitting foul smell posing danger to the residents and tourists’ health and the marine environment, the media practioneers instead enjoyed the refreshing sea breeze.

And so, as soon as they left the Bolodeco area to visit the famous Governor’s Island and pass the breeding station and mariculture center of BFAR at the national park, the media group already knew who were really lying.

Certainly, not Mayor Braganza who had done everything to get back the Hundred Islands from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) in 2005 in order to fully conserve, protect, and rehabilitate this God given gift to Pangasinenses.

And definitely not the city government with its sustained tourism promotion and major improvement in the park had lured an average of 150, 000 local and foreign tourists a year on visiting the Hundred Islands and the province of Pangasinan.

As one of the media practioneers said, it seems that Braganza administration is just being politicized by the provincial government in retaliation to the mayor’s stand against illegal numbers games and Governor Amado Espino shotgun project.

There’s likewise the sinister plot to destroy the image of the visionary city mayor and the glaring attempt of provincial government to take over the management of the park, another media man hinted.

When told that the provincial government had already asked the DOT, DENR and PTA to investigate on the Bolodeco issue, Braganza’s reply was quick.

“We welcome any probe. I’m also inviting our good governor and our congressman to visit us so that we could conduct an ocular inspection in the area together.”
After all, there’s nothing wrong in the HINP and that the City government has nothing to hide.

And therefore, Gov. Espino and Cong.Celeste should start asking for the Alaminians’ forgiveness for their false and irresponsible statements that affected the city and the province’s tourism industry. (CIO)

Source

Dagupan City regains PRISAA crown

2010-11-11T09:21:00.001-08:00

Dagupan City regains PRISAA crown

Posted on November 7, 2010 - Filed Under News, Sports | Leave a Comment

THE contingent of Dagupan City harvested the most number of medals in the PRISAA Regional Meet held in Laoag City, last October 27-30 with 81 gold, 48 silver and 25 bronze medals.

Dagupan’s total of 154 medals bested the 151 gained by San Carlos City Division, which has been leading the PRISAA games for the past two years.

San Carlos has 77 gold, 45 silver, and 29 bronze.

Powered by about 120 athletes from the University of Luzon out of a 180 total, the Dagupan City Division bagged medals in all the eleven sports events it participated in.

Meanwhile, the San Carlos City Division, mostly represented by athletes from the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, won in four events and dominated in athletics.

The 2010 PRISAA sporting event was participated in by some 800 athletes, coaches and officials representing six (6) provincial and city divisions/chapters.

The gold medalists in the various team and individual events will represent PRISAA Region I in the PRISAA National Games, renamed as National Collegiate Games (NC Games), slated on February 20-26, 2011 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.

The 2011 NC Games will be participated in by 17 regional delegations from around the Philippines.

The events will include basketball, men and women; sepak takraw, men; football, men; baseball, men; softball, women; volleyball, men and women chess, men and women; dance sports, men/women; badminton, men and women; table tennis, men and women, lawn tennis, men and

Pangasinan’s proposes P1.8B budget for 2011

2010-11-11T09:20:00.001-08:00

Pangasinan’s proposes P1.8B budget for 2011

LINGAYEN–Governor Amado Espino Jr. has submitted a proposed provincial budget of P1.8 billion for 2011, a six to eight percent increase over this year’s budget.

The proposal was given last week to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review and approval.

Board Member Von Mark Mendoza said of the proposed amount, P519 million will go to the development fund, P91 million to the calamity fund; P928 million for current operating expenditure, and P928 million for non-office obligation.

For the first time, the provincial government is not proposing any appropriation for capital expenditures.

Of the proposed budget, P1.707 billion will be sourced from the province’s Internal Revenue Allotment.

Mendoza said the provincial board will hold a three-day budget hearing with all department heads before acting on the proposal in it’s next session. –LM

City gov’t proposes P568M budget for 2011

THE Dagupan local government has proposed a P568 million budget higher by P70 million over this year’s budget of P498 million.

In contrast to previous years, only 50% of the proposed budget will be derived from the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

The other half of the budget will be sourced from local taxes estimated to reach P232 million, and from operating and miscellaneous revenues.

City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara said the proposed 2011 budget, which will be subject to the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, represents a marked improvement in Dagupan’s independence from the IRA, which comes from the national government.

“From a high revenue share of around 70% to 75% a few years ago, we have broken almost the 50% barrier, a result of our firm resolve to gradually break free from our heavy dependence on the IRA share for our budget,” Alcantara said.

Of the total budget, P242 million or 43% is allocated to general public services. This amount will be distributed to programs that will promote order and public safety and for the Judiciary, Register of Deeds, for Administrative Overhead and for the regulatory functions of the city.

Health, nutrition and population control get P30 million, of which P23.7 million will fund the operation of the city health office, P4.2 million for nutrition, and P2.3 million for population control.

For the delivery of social services and welfare, P113 million is allocated.

Economic services get P103 million, covering agricultural services, veterinary services, the operation and maintenance of the engineering office, and market and slaughterhouse operation. Alcantara said the allocation for this sector also includes P56.8 million or 20% of the IRA for completion of priority development projects.

The amount reserved for calamity is P28.4 million, representing 5% of the regular income sources, while the barangays will get P101,000 each.

The P183 million balance of an existing loan with the Land Bank of the Philippines will be allocated an amortization amount of P49 million, representing 9% of the total revenue from regular sources.

“This is well within the debt servicing cap of 20%,” Alcantara said.

IBTOR Challenge Bags Another Award

2010-10-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

The Rosales Festival which is the IBTOR Challenge was once again making its way to be known not only in the province of Pangasinan but in the entire Philippines. Just recently, during the 11th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) National Convention, IBTOR Challenge was awarded as 1st RUNNER UP in the 2010 Search for Best Tourism Event under the Sports/Adventure Category conferred by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.

From more than 30 entries submitted, IBTOR Challenge was able to bag an award knowing that it is a newbie in the tourism field. Since IBTOR Challenge was only launched last December 2008, there are more upcoming twists that people should watch for. This was the second award of the festival and indeed a great accomplishment not only for the Local Government of Rosales but most of all for all the people who have supported the event.

The IBTOR Challenge is a triathlon match with a local twist of the three sport disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. The term “IBTOR” is an Ilocano word that connotes endurance, which the sport is all about. The aim of the event is to showcase the pride of the town, spell the Rosalenians individuality and promote the locality.

The uniqueness of the event is that the resources, culture and tourism aspects of the Rosales are showcased on it. It charts out the Rosalenians’ individualism with the infusion of a twist in the swimming and cycling stage with the presence of the banana logs and pedicabs that were used. Also the participants are in pairs and they have to finish the race together.

IBTOR Challenge 2008 was only for the locals of Rosales. The participants came only from the different barangays of the town and it reached a total of 19 pairs. On its second year, IBTOR Challenge 2009, the event was open to all interested participants and the number of participants almost tripled reaching 48 pairs joined by a British national, team from the Police force, team from other municipalities and professional athletes as well.

Moreover, the challenges and the trail were also increased the following year. From the 15km last 2008 to 25km last 2009 and for the upcoming IBTOR Challenge 2010, greater routes, trek and challenge awaits the IBTOR participants.

IBTOR Challenge 2010 will be again opened to all interested participants and it will be held on December 29, 2010. For interested participants, you may inquire and register at the Office of the Mayor, Presidencia Building, Municipality of Rosales, Pangasinan. You can also call the following numbers, (075) 582-2103 or 09202699231 and look for Aila Rose Seradoy.

In order to get things you never had,
You must do things you never did!

Be an IBTOR challenger!
Be the Sangka-IBTORan!

Alaminos City, now certified tourism center in Pangasinan

2010-10-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

ALAMINOS CITY, Oct. 11 (PNA) -- The city of Alaminos is now a certified tourism center in Pangasinan, only five years after it took over the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

This was disclosed by Mayor Hernani Braganza who worked for the turn-over of the facility to the city and the Alaminos people who rightfully owned the facility given them by nature.

He said since the turn-over of the tourist spot, by virtue of an executive order signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on September 29, 2005, Alaminos City continues to enjoy tremendous influx of foreign and local tourists.

Turned over by virtue of Arroyo's Executive Order No. 436 was the management, administration and maintenance of the HINP, previously exercised by the PTA.

Since the turnover, Braganza took several giant strides to promote the HINP marine park to tourists, domestic and foreign, through the media, which include television, radio, print, and the internet.

The city government established a welcome (tourist assistance) center and parking area and put up an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and marine museum at Lucap wharf, jump off point to the Hundred Islands, with the help of benevolent and private entities.

It had improved the comfort rooms, transferred and re-designed the souvenir shops and refurbished a garden as well as the rehabilitation of the major islands at the national park.

At the same time, it stopped all forms of decades-old illegal fishing practices that destroyed the once healthy habitat of various marine species thriving in the area while, at the same time, providing sustainable and legal form of fishing outside the marine protected area.

The mayor cited statistics showing that the city was averaging for the last five years around 130,000 to 140,000 tourist arrivals yearly, a far cry from 50,000 a year it was raking several years before.

With more facilities already available, the yearly target had been increased to 150,000 or more.

Braganza said the Hundred Islands is not just a haven for tourists but it is where his constituents from 10 coastal villages derive their daily income and protein food for their families.

He revealed that they have to protect the HINP for it to last as a major source of fish. The mayor revealed that for the last six years under his watch, not a single dynamite was exploded inside and outside the national park.

Braganza said illegal fishing is banned in the city’s territorial waters not only because it is prohibited by law but it is definitely wrong that only few are getting richer while marginalized fishermen and marine ecosystem continue to be deprived of fish.

The mayor said that more tourists coming to Alaminos means "more job opportunities and better income "for our city mates”.

He said he envisions the city as the tourism capital of the province and the entire North Luzon Agri-Business Quadrangle considering the fact that the Hundred Islands is the country’s biggest marine sanctuary, the first to be declared national park and "one of a kind eco-tourism destination".

“Today we can say that while many of our guests appreciate the majestic beauty of our national park, majority of Alaminians and stakeholders greatly benefit from it."

Tourism, he said, gave birth to new industries and activities at the Lucap Bay area and at the national park.

Among the major economic and eco-tourism activities that can now be enjoyed in the Hundred Islands are snorkeling, scuba diving, diving, kayaking and birdwatching.

“That is the main reason why our city government and some investors have put up different facilities to lure more tourists to visit our place,” he added.

The mayor said new hotels, apartelles and restaurants have sprouted in the city over the years and that the city government is also building its own two-storey Alaminos Hotel.

This is aimed to provide accommodation to tourists visiting the Hundred Islands so that they will extend their stay in the city.

He said the proposed hotel will have a convention that can accommodate 500 people and guests not only during weekend or holidays but every day regardless of the month.

“We hope to see soon guests, who, after attending conventions, can go to the Hundred Islands to experience an amazing eco-adventure,” he added.

He said new hotel now being erected by the city at Lucap Wharf is expected to bring new jobs and open up new business opportunities for Alaminians.

Three other projects were lined up to perk up tourism in Alaminos City.

These are the Alaminos Airport Development Project, Hundred Islands Medical Services Complex and the Pangasinan State University-Alaminos City Campus.

By Leonardo V. Micua

Video - Manilac Lay Labi

2010-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

‘Turnover your shotguns’

2010-10-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

RICAFORTE TO KAPITANS
LINGAYEN— No way you are going to keep the shotguns.
This was the gist of message of the police provincial command to the more than 1,300 barangay chairmen of Pangasinan have been given until Monday, October 4, to turn over their issued shotguns to their respective police stations in compliance with the gun ban currently in effect for the coming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Superintendent Harris Fama, deputy police provincial director for operations, said that while full compliance is being awaited, Senior Superintendent Rosueto Ricaforte, police provincial director already directed all chiefs of police to collect the shotguns from individual barangay captains from their homes.
Fama said kapitans have been slow in complying with the order.
To date, only the barangay chairmen of Bautista and Binalonan towns have voluntarily turned over their shotguns to their respective police stations.
“Either they submit their shotguns or the police will collect these from them,” said Fama, noting the hesitancy of some barangay chairmen to bring their issued shotguns to the police station for fear that they might be apprehended at checkpoints and charged for violating the gun ban.
These shotguns were issued by the provincial government to the kapitans through the Police Provincial Office.
Barangay kapitans in the province who did not receive a shotgun include those in Dagupan, being an independent-component city and is not under the provincial government, and 25 of the 39 in Alaminos City who declined at the suggestion of Mayor Hernani Braganza citing that these weapons are not necessary given the good peace and order situation in the city.

ARRESTS

Meanwhile, Fama announced that as of September 30, six persons have been arrested in Pangasinan for violating the gun ban.
Two of the suspects were arrested for intimidating other persons with their guns, three others were nabbed with bladed weapons, and another for possessing a toy gun replica which is among those being banned to be carried outside of residence during the official election period from September 25 to November 10.
Fama also said all police stations have been directed to conduct checkpoints, both scheduled and unscheduled, to be manned by uniformed policemen, headed by an officer.—LM

GOOD TO BE IN WATCHLIST, SAYS FAMA

IT’S not a bad thing to be in the watchlist of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine National Police.
This was the clarification made by Supt. Harris Fama, Pangasinan police deputy director for operations, following complaints made by some local government officials whose towns or cities have been included in the list of places to watch during the campaign period and on election day for the October 26 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
“Huwag bigyan ng masamang kahulugan ang paglalagay ng isang lugar sa Comelec-PNP watchlist,” Fama said
“Hindi porque nasa watchlist na ang isang bayan ay ibig sabihin magulo na,” he added.
Fama told the concerned mayors to look at the brighter side of the situation, which is there will be increased support from the police force.
Included in the watchlist are the cities of Dagupan and San Carlos, and the towns of Urbiztondo, Bayambang, Sta. Maria, Tayug, Natividad and San Quintin.
Among those who complained about being in the list include Dagupan Mayor Benjamin Lim and Rodrigo Rafael of Natividad.

CHALLENGE

Fama said being on the watchlist should also be treated as a challenge by the mayor and the local police chief to prove that their area is indeed peaceful and orderly.
“Patunayan nila na talagang tahimik sa kanilang lugar. Next election mawawala na sila sa listahan,” he said.
Fama explained that the listing was drawn after a thorough evaluation by a panel using reports from police stations on previous incidents, tension felt in the area and political rivalry.
Provincial Elections Officer Reddy Balarbar earlier said the two cities and six towns have been tagged as areas of concern in this election due to perceived intense rivalry among candidates.

DAGUPAN

In Dagupan, City Comelec officer, Atty. Remarque Ravanzo said he welcomes the inclusion of the city under the watchlist citing the same reason as Fama’s.
“I have nothing against it dahil ang mangyayari mas lalong mababantayan natin ang peace and order dito sa Dagupan. We will be having augmentation of our police force,” Ravanzo said.
For his part, the city’s police chief, Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., said a dialogue and peace agreement signing will be organized.
“The Comelec and the PNP will schedule a dialogue with all the possible candidates to explain some important election rules and regulations and come up with the signing of a peace covenant,” Caramat said.
He also assured Dagupenos that the PNP will enforce the full force of the law regardless of the personalities that may be involved in any election related violence.

Source

PNP: Absolutely no more jueteng.

2010-10-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

“TRIPLE no ang jueteng sa Pangasinan”.
Deputy Police Provincial Director for Operations Harris Fama made this statement to emphasize that there is absolutely no more jueteng, an illegal numbers game, anywhere in Pangasinan.

However, Fama’s pronouncement during the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkasters sa Pilipinas chapter forum on Thursday was belied the following day when jueteng operators made their presence felt in Dagupan by announcing the winning combination number reportedly “raffled” somewhere in the city.
A reliable source told The PUNCH that the winning number Friday noon was 36-8. The informant said it was a “guerrilla” type of jueteng that raffled the number.
Fama vowed the police will stop any jueteng activity, whether organized or guerrilla, as ordered by higher officials.
He said a one-strike policy on police chiefs is now in effect making the chief of police accountable and would be immediately replaced if jueteng collectors and operators are found operating in his area `
Fama also called on the public, including the media, to help put a stop to the illegal gambling by reporting any jueteng activity.
“Our police provincial office will immediately conduct follow up operation so those behind it could be arrested,” he said.
He said the police provincial director has deployed operating units in the field to monitor any jueteng resurgence.–LM

BANNER STORY: 21 Waste dumpers in rivers caught

2010-10-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

SOME 20 violators of the city’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Program for the City of Dagupan were apprehended last September 15 and 17 while in the act of throwing, dumping or defecating in the main rivers of the city.
Under City Ordinance 1929-2009 of Article IV, section five, it is unlawful for any person to willfully or negligently dump, deposit, throw, leave or abandon any litter on solid waste upon any public highway, street alley, or road, upon public parks or recreation areas or upon any other public property owned, or into any bay, channel, harbor, river, creek, stream, reservoir, coastal waters, or other waters of the city.
Mayor Benjamin S. Lim ordered police operations on violators upon learning that dumping of wastes in the main rivers of the city goes on daily despite implementation of the waste segregation policy under his administration.
In his meeting with barangay officials last Monday, Lim ordered the arrest of violators to emphasize that his administration is dead serious in the city’s campaign to clean the rivers of unscrupulous dumping of wastes.
“You do not want to cooperate with us, then we will not cooperate with you.” he said.
To his operatives, he declared: ”Manghuhuli tayo para malaman nila na seryoso tayo. If we need to apprehend the Punong Barangay if the law says they are relatively responsible for the acts of their constituents, we will apprehend them first so they will know that we are really serious,”
Teams from the city police, public order and safety office, waste management division and city information office conducted surveillance on the city’s riverbanks and creek as early as 4 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Apprehended violators who were invited to the police station on September 15 were: Ador Labastro y Solano, 40 years old, married, fish vendor, resident of Brgy. Lucao; Lara Quismundo y Valdez, 20, single, canteen helper, resident of Brgy. Calmay; Leo Lachica, 13, Grade V pupil, resident of Pugaro; Segundo Beltran y Palangan, 56, married, boatman, resident of Brgy. Pantal; Roque Mejia , 33, married, fish vendor, resident of Brgy. Lomboy; Walter Valdez, 25, married, resident of Brgy. Pantal; Loscun Aquino, 32, married, resident of Brgy. Pugaro.
Jolina Cervantes y Fernandez, 43, married, resident of Brgy. Salapingao; Vicente Estrada, 70, resident of Brgy. Salapingao; Rupert Austria y De Vera, 50, married, resident of Calmay; Roberto Fernandez, 50, married, resident of Brgy. Calmay; Natividad Urbano, 60, married, resident of Brgy. Calamiong and Jerome Pascua, 36 , resident of Brgy. Calmay.
On September 17, the following were apprehended by POSO team: Juana Jimenez, 64, widow, helper and a resident of Sitio Calima, Pantal; Fred Paras , 55 , single, fisherman and a resident of Paras Street; Benny Paras, 58 , married, fisherman and a resident of Paras Street; Jimmy Vidal, 38 years old, married, shed owner and a resident of Paras Street.
Pricilla Vierne 55, single, helper, resident of Bonuan Tondaligan; Brian Pinero y Gamboa, 27, single, tricycle driver, resident of Careenan; Godfrey Dalin y Cuevas, 21, single, jobless, resident of E. P. Nava road, Amado street; and Jong Mejia y Reley, 34, married, shed owner, resident of Bonuan Tondaligan.
Under the ordinance, polluters are fined P300.00 for the first offense, P500 for the second offense and P1,000 for the third offense; and are directed to render community service of not less than one day to not more than 15 days to the barangay where such prohibited acts are committed or both.
The offenders, however, were just reprimanded and warned and were sent home by the PNP after, (CIO – Joseph C. Bacani)

Source

Pangasinan eyed for investment

2010-08-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Pangasinan eyed for investment

By MAR T. SUPNAD
Manila Bulletin
August 21, 2010, 7:13pm

DAGUPAN CITY – A group of investors from Korea presented a master plan and latest Korean technologies to support three of their seven proposed business ventures in the province of Pangasinan during the business trip of Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. to South Korea.

According to provincial information officer Butch Velasco, who joined Espino in Korea, the three presentations of the JJGPK Co. Ltd. include the development of the eco-tourism zone, cold storage, and chicken dressing plant.

“The other projects that were also discussed during the visit of Governor Espino to Korea are the Korean surplus center, knowledge process outsourcing, mining and water transport,” Velasco said.

The governor told them that they must start any of their projects as soon as possible to provide and generate jobs and livelihood opportunities to Pangasinenses.

It was agreed that a retirement village, which will not only cater to Korean retirees but also to Filipino Korean war veterans, and a golf course, will be the first to be set up.

The retirement village will feature high-rise residences that will cater to upper and mid-income clients.

The eco-tourism zone, conceptualized under the working title “Lingayen Land,” will be a self-contained community that will feature African and Asian safari tours with its own mono trail, and entertainment center which will be a smaller version of Disneyland, and will be dubbed “dream land.”

With children as its target market, the theme park will also include the significant periods of Philippine history.

The complex will also be a host to a yacht club, docking areas, water sports area, a string of restaurants with a floating restaurant as a highlight, hotels and a water park with a wave pool for children and adults.

Velasco said that that the governor’s party also visited a cold storage facility, similar to what is being planned to be constructed here, that does not utilize ice or blower which can further prolong the life of stored fruits or vegetables.

The governor also met the inventor of the facility and he is willing to visit Pangasinan.

Another investment to help poultry growers in Pangasinan is the chicken dressing plant.

This facility uses technology that is six times faster than an ordinary chicken dressing plant in the country.

For the surplus center, the Korean investors plan to sell slightly-used home and office appliances.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/273525...yed-investment

__________________

Pangasinan set to reclaim rice granary status

2010-08-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Pangasinan set to reclaim rice granary status

By Danny O Sagun

"Babalik ang Pangasinan na rice granary pag tapos na yan."

Engineer Laurence Acebedo, assistant project manager of the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP), thus boldly projected as to what Pangasinan would become when the irrigation re-regulating pond in San Manuel town is completed by mid-2013.

Acebedo said some 35,000 hectares of farmlands from eastern and central Pangasinan are projected to benefit from the irrigation system. "Sa ngayon nga nakikita na yong pagtaas ng produksyon sa mga lugar na naayos na natin yong irrigation facilities, mas lalong maramdaman ng ating farmers ang benepisyo pag operational na yong re-regulating pond," he told newsmen in a huddle after the KBP Forum Thursday at the Philippine Information Agency.

Construction of theP4.5-billion pond project started early this year. Funds came from a loan with the China Eximbank. The pond will cover an area of 85 hectares and can hold five million cubic meters of water used by the San Roque dam power generation facility.

Acebedo said the contractor, CAMC Engineering of China, is ahead of schedule by at least nine percent. "Sa ngayon nasa 19 percent na sila, which is a positive slippage of nine percent. Ang target accomplishment for July ay 10 percent," he noted.

ARIIP, he also said, is at the same time rehabilitating the canals of the Agno River Irrigation System (ARIS) and the Ambayaoan-Dipalo Irrigation System (ADRIS). The two irrigation systems were integrated into the single project ARIIP. The total project cost runs to some P11.3 billion including the construction of the re-regulating pond, he said.

Rehabilitation of the irrigation facilities included concreting of portions of the canals to prevent erosion and siltation.

If funds warrant, coverage in the ADRIS area may be expanded to benefit more towns, he disclosed.

Farmlands from the towns of Mapandan, Malasiqui, Sta. Barbara and Calasiao of the third district, Mangaldan and Manaoag of the fourth district, Laoac, Binalonan, Urdaneta City and Villasis of the fifth district, and Asingan, San Manuel, Natividad, San Nicolas, San Quintin, Sta. Maria, Tayug and Balungao of the sixth district will benefit from the improved irrigation system.

On the collection of irrigation service fees, he noted that farmers are very cooperative in paying their obligations. "Boluntaryo naman silang nagbabayad. Nakikita naman nila na gumaganda na ang irigasyon dahil sa facilities nating pinapatayo," he said. (PIA Pangasinan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p1008...9&r=r01&y=&mo=

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Korean investors outline big projects in Pangasinan

2010-08-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Aug. 20 (PNA)-- A big group of Korean investors presented a master plan and latest Korean technologies in connection with its three of seven projects that it intend to build in Pangasinan. the province.

This was made during a business trip of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. to South Korea last August 14 to 17 when he and other Philippine officials were invited to attend an agricultural seminar that involves the operation of Rice Processing Complex.

The JJGPK Co. Ltd. made three project presentations that include the development of an eco-tourism zone, cold storage and chicken dressing plant.

The other projects that were also discussed include the establishment of a surplus center, knowledge process outsourcing, mining and water transport.

Governor Espino told the investors that they must start any of their projects as soon as possible to provide and generate jobs and livelihood opportunities to Pangasinenses.

It was agreed upon that a retirement village, which will not only cater to Korean retirees but also to Filipino Korean war veterans, and a golf course, will be the first projects that will set up by the group.

The retirement village will feature high-rise residences that will cater to upper and mid-income clients.

The eco-tourism zone, conceptualized under the working title “Lingayen Land,” is conceived as a self-contained community that will feature African and Asian safari tours.

It will have its own mono trail, entertainment center which will be a little kind of Disneyland dubbed as “dream land.”.

With children as its target market, this is synonymous to a theme park that will also include scenes from the significant periods of Philippine history.

The complex will also be a host to a yacht club, docking areas,water sports area, a string of restaurants with a floating restaurant as a highlight, hotels and a water park with a wave pool for children and adults.

While in Korea, Governor Espino's party also visited a cold storage facility, similar to what is being planned to be constructed here, that does not utilize ice or blower which can further prolong the life of stored fruits or vegetables.

The governor personally met the inventor of the facility and who expressed his willingness to visit Pangasinan.

Another Korean investment is a chicken dressing plant to help poultry growers in Pangasinan. This facility uses technology that is six times faster than an ordinary chicken dressing plant in the country.

On the other hand, the surplus center, is intended to sell slightly used home and office appliances.

Espino said the Koreans were also enticed by Pangasinan’s long coastline and river ways where they expressed their desire to engage in water transport.

They vowed to bring ferry boats and barges for tourism and as alternative means to transport people along the major rivers of Pangasinan.

The Korean investors said that cruising Pangasinan rivers will be a tourist attraction since these are surrounded by breathtaking mangroves.

The Governor considers this timely since the Provincial Government has embarked on a massive cleaning and dredging operations of Pangasinan rivers.

The governor also told the group to look for investors that will set up a steel manufacturing in Pangasinan, saying that the country though rich in minerals has no single steel plant.

The governor told the Koreans that their steel industry catapulted them as a very progressive nation.

In his trip to Korea, Governor Espino was joined by Executive Assistant Ramon Morden and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist staff Nestor Batalla.

He was later joined by Provincial Information Officer Butch Velasco for his meetings with the JJGPK investors.

The proposed business ventures from other Korean investors include: the establishment of a commercial and industrial complex, a Pangasinan Heart and Medical Center, electric vehicle manufacturing, housing program and waste-to-energy plant.

Other foreign investors who have expressed business ties with the provincial government include those from the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. (PNA)
LOR/lvm/lvmicua/rma

PSU bats for green environment

2010-07-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

PSU bats for green environment

by Venus H. Sarmiento

Lingayen, Pangasinan (28 July) -- The Pangasinan State University embarked on a tree planting activity yesterday and today, as part of its social concern to help protect the environment.

PSU President Victoriano Estira said the commemorative tree planting activity forms part of the 31st anniversary celebration of the school to develop awareness and participation among the students.

"We would like to show the way and lead the way in caring for the environment. We exemplify tree planting as an immediate concern and translate in the form of the participation and more involvement of faculty members and students," Estira said.

The initial tree planting activity was conducted in the nine campuses of PSU located in the towns of Asingan, Binmaley, Bayambang, Infanta, Lingayen and in the cities of San Carlos, Urdaneta and Alaminos. It was capped by the university celebration in the main campus in Lingayen where the planting activity was spearheaded by Estira together with the university's three vice presidents- Dr. Lydia Buduhan for Administration and Planning, Dr. Manolito Manuel for Academic Affairs and Dr. Honorio Cascolan for Research and Extension.

Thousands of forest tree seedlings like mahogany and gimelina were planted to provide shade and recreation area within the vicinity of the school campuses, not to mention their aesthetic value and contribution to filtration of carbon dioxide in the air.

Incidentally, the nature-loving Estira revealed that he just planted 500 seedlings last weekend in his farm located in Bugallon town as it is "always the people's responsibility to sustain and care about the trees and the environment not only for themselves but most importantly for the future generations to come."

A short program honoring the loyal PSU faculty members, retirees and board passers was held after the greening activity. Marcelo Casillan of the PSU Board of Regents, was the event's guest of honor and speaker (PIA-Pangasinan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100728.htm&no=23

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Rep. De Venecia seeks Expanded Crop Insurance Program

2010-07-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

Rep. De Venecia seeks Expanded Crop Insurance Program

DAGUPAN CITY, July 28 (PNA) -- Rep. Gina de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan) is set to file a bill seeking the expansion of the Crop Insurance Program to help farmers recover from crop their losses due to the frequent onslaught of calamities, like typhoons, floods and even drought.

A neophyte in Congress, Rep. De Venecia said this will help not only farmers but also fishermen all over the country to bounce back after being set back by the calamities, at which time they are usually left with nothing but despair and frustration.

Noting that the Fourth District of Pangasinan, comprising of Dagupan City, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto and Manaoag, is visited yearly by destructive floods, De Venecia said her proposed bill seeking the expansion of the Crop Insurance Program is timely and merits consideration.

"As in the last flood, I saw with my own eyes how corn from San Jacinto were submerged and given up for lost because of the flood and milkfish and prawns in Dagupan washed away to the Lingayen Gulf by rampaging flood waters," she said.

Thus the need for an expanded crop insurance program so farmers can easily get back on their feet and repair their farms and fishponds so they can continue to produce food for the country, said the wife of former seven-time Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jose de Venecia Jr.

After the flood, one can just imagine how the farmers and their families can fend for themselves as they are left with practically nothing in their pockets and therefore face uncertain future, Rep. De Venecia said.

If the proposed bill become a law, farmers planting rice, corn and vegetables, and those raising livestock and fish will be given ample protection from going bankrupt if their crops are destroyed by the calamity or even pest and diseases.

She said under the program, the fund that will be used to rehabilitate damage farmlands and fish ponds will directly come from the government through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

The present Philippine Crop Insurance Program, said De Venecia, provides only limited coverage to the country's enduring farmers and fishermen, thus the need for its expansion.

Mrs. De Venecia said the proposed bill is an attempt on her part to fulfill her campaign promise to the people of the Fourth District of Pangasinan that livelihood of the people will be one of her priorities.

Livelihood, she said, is part of her agenda which she outlined to the people in the campaign. Her other programs include, health care, education, values formation and environment.

At the same time, Rep. De Venecia vowed to extend her utmost support to the programs of President Benigno Aquino III for good governance, create a graft-free society and snatch the people away from the shackles of poverty and ignorance. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=2&rid=290613

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Pangasinan receives 27 inflatable boats from PNP

2010-07-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 28 (PNA) -- Police Regional Dorector Orlando Mabutas on Tuesday turned over to Police Provincial Director Percival Barba 27 inflatable boats, or rubber boats, for use of the Pangasinan police in rescue and relief operations during calamities.

Mabutas, who was on his first command visit to the Pangasinan Provincial Office since assuming his post as Police Regional Director early July, said the rubber boats came from Camp Crame and were made available as part of the PNP Transformation Program.

The rubber boats will be distributed later to police stations, priority are those located in flood-prone cities and municipalities.

Mabutas said the arrival of the rubber boats is timely as Pangasinan province and the entire Ilocos Region are bracing for another flood because of the current rainy season.

He told newsmen later that rubber boats will also be given to La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Pangasinan got the allocation first because it is the biggest province in the entire Ilocos Region.

With the rubber boats, he said, the police in Pangasinan and the entire Region 1 can now respond at a much faster pace to the call for help by people in distress during the flood.

Pangasinan used to depend on the help of Naval Forces Northern Luzon for rescue operations since there are only few rubber boats available in the province.

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) of Pangasinan and the City Disaster Coordinating Council of Dagupan are then the only areas in Pangasinan maintaining rubber boats.

But last year, then Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. brought home five brand new rubber boats from Korea which he distributed to the city of Dagupan, San Jacinto, San Fabian and Manaoag.

While in Pangasinan, Chief Superintendent Mabutas pinned the "Medalya ng Papuri" to the chiefs of police of Tayug and Dagupan City and few of their men for meritorious accomplishments in arresting an armed suspect, as well as a suspected marijuana dealer, respectively.

Before visiting the Pangasinan Police Office, Mabutas paid a courtesy call on Governor Amado Espino Jr., who is himself a retired police colonel and who served at one time as police provincial director of Pangasinan and Police Regional Director of the Ilocos.

Mabutas earlier made available to the Pangasinan Police Office at least 53 Cal. 99 millimeter pistols as service firearms of the local police which was boosted later with an additional 51 shotguns.

Before this, statistics showed some 600 policemen in Pangasinan have no firearms. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=2&rid=290674

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Dagupan named most competitive among RP's emergent cities

2010-07-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

Dagupan named most competitive among RP's emergent cities

The PUNCH July 25, 2010

DAGUPAN City has topped the Philippine Cities Competitive Ranking Project for 2009.

Former City Information Office Ryan Ravanzo, who served under the previous administration of Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., told The PUNCH that Dagupan bested the cities of Angeles, Butuan, Cotabato, Lucena, Naga, Legaspi, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Ormoc, Iligan, Tagum, and San Fernando in La Union, Surigao, Tuguegarao, Tacloban and Santiago.

Ravanzo said Fernandez gave the final validation interview before evaluators from the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center last June 28, two days before Fernandez stepped down from office.—LM

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...ergent-cities/

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Calmay reclamation grounds to a halt

2010-07-25T15:09:00.001-07:00

Calmay reclamation grounds to a halt

THE illegal reclamation of a portion of the Calmay River has again been stopped by the operator after the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) recently confirmed to the city council that the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) against it is still valid.

At the same time, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) passed a resolution last week calling on the EMB, an agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to strictly enforce the CDO to ensure the stoppage of the backfilling of the river along one side of the Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension.

The resolution, proposed jointly by Councilors Alipio Serafin Fernandez and Alvin Coquia, is also asking the DENR to require the operator to remove and haul back the boulders, sand and gravel it put in to restore the river back to its original state.

EMB Regional Director Joel Salvador, upon invitation by the SP, appeared before the council two weeks ago and confirmed that the CDO he issued on January 15, 2009 remains valid and existing.

The CDO was issued after the EMB took notice that what the corporation was backfilling was actually submerged by water and therefore falls under the definition of reclamation.

According to Salvador, a private company is not qualified to undertake reclamation of a property submerged by water. Only a government agency or local government unit can do it with proper permit from the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

The CDO was issued against 888 Dagupan Properties Inc., registered under the name of one William Chua and represented by a certain Catherine Barmachea.

Salvador also said the company has yet to settle the P50,000 penalty the EMB imposed for its initial violation earlier this year.

The reclamation activities stopped after the CDO was initially served in 2009 but resumed earlier this year. It was stopped after then City Legal Officer George Mejia conducted an ocular inspection on the site. Work again resumed in June until it was seemingly stopped last week after the matter was taken up by the council.—LM

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...nds-to-a-halt/

Villasis opens special science class

2010-07-25T15:08:00.002-07:00

Villasis opens special science class

July 25, 2010

By Virgilio Sar. Maganes

VILLASIS - The Don Ramon E. Costales Memorial National High School (DRECMNHS) here will be the tenth secondary schools in Pangasinan II Schools Division to have special science class pursuant to DepEd Order No. 55, S-2010 issued by the Bureau of Secondary Education.

A total of 70 freshmen took their qualifying examination last June 13 administered by the Schools Division, supervised by the Cecilia A. Bautista, education supervisor for English. The examination covered subject areas in Science, English and Mathematics.

“The science class will only have 40 students which will focus on science and technology. The students will be immersed on practical and research aspects of science and technology which is the focus of the national government,” Bautista said.

The students who will belong to the class must have an average grade of 85% and a retainer grade of 80% in all subject areas.

School head Rowena G. Moreno said that the inclusion of the school for the special science class is a welcome development because qualifying for such took a tedious process. The school facilities and the capabilities of the teachers have been evaluated by the DepEd’s Regional Office.

“We are happy to have been included among the five national high schools that will have special science classes this school year. This proves that our school has already met the standards imposed by the Department of Education (DepEd). This a feat not only for the school administration but parents and students, as well,” Moreno said.

The top ten students who passed the admission tests to the special science class are: Danica Quebral, Mark Louise Ancheta, Monique Bustamante, Trisha Mae Marpuri, John Reynaldo Macanas, Gerald Salazar, Armeie Madriaga, Jenica Rubino, Marlon Madronio and Hadassah Leia Ingles.

Others who passed to complete the 40 students are: Jessica Pascua, Rubemar Ordonio, Hannah Cares Casuncad, Angeli June Battad, Jumel Carl Novencido, Micah Ellaine Mones, Shaina Jenica Ballera, Jerica Mae Vetonio, King Jamil Orpiano, Norris Mortera, Jonalie Jan Lopez, Christine Joy Sibayan, Eleanor delos Reyes, Danielle Macabitas, Sherry Mae Mejia, Mark Razil Nagtalon, Filam Joe Sepnio, Christian Bayya, Jan Clarisse Bautista, Edwin Bascos, Merielle Faith Barba, Manantan John Carlo, Levi John Basconcillo, Jilliane Pagulayan, Kate Caballero, Carlo Taroma, Dessylyn Magpale, Ellen Nicole Gundran, Juvilee Ordonez and Mikah Serra.

Meanwhile, the school is also undergoing supplemental feeding among its 150 freshmen students to maintain their body mass index (BMI).
School nurse Cherry Masilang said that the number of malnourished students is not alarming.

“We have to maintain the 14.5-23.7 kg. weight of the 12 years old students. By providing them with supplementation in their food intake, they will be healthier and they could grasp their lessons easily,” Masilang said.

The supplemental feeding is undertaken by the school canteen personnel. The prepared food supplementation is financed out of the income of school canteen operations.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...science-class/

Pangasinan set to clean waterways

2010-07-25T15:08:00.000-07:00

Pangasinan set to clean waterways

By MAR T. SUPNAD
July 25, 2010

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The provincial government of Pangasinan has intensified its commitment to protect and preserve the environment by launching a series of massive clean-up drives along the rivers of Pangasinan in line with the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month.

During the recent kick-off ceremony at the Capitol Plaza here, Paterno M. Orduna, Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) executive officer, said that pilot areas for the project include the Agno River Tributaries within the cities of Dagupan and San Carlos, and the municipalities of Binmaley and Lingayen.

The activity is part of the continuing commitment of Pangasinan Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr. to save the environment which has been his advocacy even before he was still a police officer.

Orduna stressed that now is the time for everyone to share in the task of taking care of the environment as he urged everyone to engage in proper practices to thwart the effects of climate change.

Dagupan City Councilor Bryan Lim who represented his father, Mayor Benjie Lim, affirmed that the clean-up drive is vital to keep everyone aware of the effects of calamities and other forms of disasters.

“Let us make sure that the next generation will not look back at us and say that we didn’t do anything. We did not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we just borrowed it for our children,” he said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/268751...lean-waterways

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IF ALL FACTORS ARE IN: San Roque Dam will release water

2010-07-25T15:06:00.000-07:00

July 25, 2010

by Yolanda Sotelo

The spillway of the San Roque Dam where millions of cubic meters were released at the height of typhoon “Pepeng” in October last year, is dry at present. (Cesar Ramirez)

SAN MANUEL, PANGASINAN – There are no guarantee that Pangasinan will not submerge once more, similar to the kind of flooding that occurred at the height of typhoon” Pepeng “in October last year.

Virgilio Garcia, hydrologist of the National Power Corporation, said if four factors under the dam discharge protocol of NPC and related agencies, the San Roque Dam in San Manuel will open its gates to release water that can no longer be contained by its reservoir.

Garcia and other officials involved in the flood forecasting and warning activities, presented to the reporters on Friday the “dam discharge protocol” to be followed when releasing excess water from the San Roque Dam.

These are when the reservoir elevation has reached 280 meters above sea level (masl), there is typhoon in “typhoon marking area I (area around Luzon and Visayas), the inflow (water entering the reservoir) is 500 cubic meters per second or more, and the rainfall is 60 mm or more in one day.
“The absence of one of the factors would mean there will be no release of water. We will not necessarily release water if the reservoir reaches 280 masl,” Garcia said.

At the height of typhoon Pepeng, when the dam ‘water level was 289 masl, the gates of San Roque dam were all opened to release 5,300 cubic meters of water per second, breaking dikes along the Agno River and inundating 36 towns and cities in Pangasinan.

Garcia said the protocol has been in place since the dam started operating in 2002, although an interim protocol lowering the water elevation to 278 masl was issued after typhoon “Pepeng” by the National Power Corporation.

The officials said the interim protocol was only for typhoon “Ramil” which threatened to hit northern Luzon right after typhoon Pepeng.

Garcia said as of present, the Nacopor would welcome a typhoon that can bring rain as much as typhoon “Pepeng” did because of the dam’s very low level of water.

Tommy Valdez, San Roque Power Corporation’s vice president for corporate social responsibility, said there was a need to adopt to weather changes because of global warming, but did not answer if the dam managers have taken into consideration the global warming in its operations.

The agencies concerned conducted a seminar-workshop among mayors and disaster action office of the 17 towns downstream of San Roque Dam, on Thursday, primarily to “address the gaps in the information dissemination scheme which is being followed by the Pagasa and the NPC in their flood forecasting and warning activities.

Among the action plans are the establishment of additional warning system and checking of the workability of the warning stations, improvement of warning information, installation of warning sirens, and strengthening the provision of direct warning to the communities along the Agno River Basin.
http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...release-water/

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Dagupan fish industry gets needed boost

2010-07-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dagupan fish industry gets needed boost

July 24, 2010

DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – The local agriculture office here distributed over 600,000 bangus fingerlings to hundreds of fisherfolk in two barangays of the city sorely affected by recent fish kills.

The fingerlings were distributed among over 55 fishpond owners in Barangays Salapingeo and Lomboy whose supposed bangus produce were ravaged by the recent fish kill.

The huge volume of bangus fry given to the fish pond owners is part of the commitment of the city government and the local agriculture office to help breathe life back into local fish ponds.

The local government will also distribute more bangus fry to more fisherfolk in the city in the coming days in order to revive the vibrance of the fishing industry which is the major source of livelihood of thousands of individuals considering that it is a coastal area.

Dagupan City is known for being the major source of the so-called Bonoan bangus which is widely sold in most parts of Northern and Central Luzon. (Dexter A. See)

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/268626...s-needed-boost

Maramba descendants take pride of Pangasinan roots

2010-07-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

Maramba descendants take pride of Pangasinan roots

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, July 24 (PNA) -- The descendants of the late Governor Daniel Maramba, called the “Grand Old Man” of Pangasinan politics and founding guru of the provincial capitol building, made a sentimental journey to the province on Thursday.

The group, composed of more than 20 members, most of them from abroad, made the visit as part of the commemoration of the late governor’s 140th birthday.

The late Gov.Maramba, from whom the boulevard leading to the provincial capitol was named after, was born on July 21, 1870. His bronze statue now stands at the approach of the boulevard.

Maramba was the seventh Governor of Pangasinan, serving for two terms from 1916 to 1922.

During the Philippine Revolution, Maramba led in the liberation of his town Sta. Barbara, said Pangasinan historian Restituto Basa.

As a leader of the revolution in Pangasinan, he joined General Francisco Macabulos in laying a siege on the last remnants of the Spanish Army in Dagupan holed up inside the Dagupan Church that culminated in the so-called "Battle of Dagupan.

The delegation was headed by Dr. Tomas Maramba, grandson of the late former Pangasinan governor. They came from Sta. Barbara, some 20 kilometers east of Lingayen, the birthplace of their late grandfather.

Dr. Maramba and the other members of the clan turned nostalgic as they entered the capitol building, the edifice that was built by their grandfather which was eventually refurbished by the present administration of Governor Amado Espino Jr.

Astonished by the magnificent transformation of the provincial capitol, the Marambas felt proud that the legacies left by their late grandfather are still very much around.

At the capitol, they were warmly welcomed by the provincial government employees and heads of various offices headed by Provincial Administrator Rafael Baraan.

Recalling the achievements of his late grandfather as a public servant, Dr. Maramba said he feels proud that the capitol building, the seat of the provincial government of Pangasinan, has been preserved well and had undergone face-lifting.

Records show when the capitol building was constructed, its architectural design became a model of the other capitols constructed in other provinces.

As governor for two-terms, Maramba focused on agriculture and through hard work made the province as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” thus putting Pangasinan in the Philippine Map.

Records also showed it was Maramba who established the Provincial Nursery in Sta. Barbara town to showcase modern agriculture, and the mango trees that he planted along the highway from Sta. Barbara to Calasiao and then to Dagupan are still very much around though now almost a century old.

When the group stepped into the Capitol stairs on their way to the Office of Governor Espino, nostalgia filled the air as the Maramba descendants took a pause in the middle of the staircase and sang the Pangasinan song “Malinac Lay Labi” passionately.

Gina Quintans Staches, a granddaughter, explained this was one way of showing their love of their native tongue, saying that though many of them are already in distant lands, they still speak the Pangasinan dialect.

Staches said they wanted to teach every member of their clan, even the younger generation, to speak the dialect because, according to her, they were all taught by their parents who were members of the earlier generation, how to speak Pangasinan and love the language.

She said the love for the Pangasinan dialect was first inculcated by the late Governor Maramba to his children, who passed this on to their offsprings.

Seeing the interior of the refurbished provincial capitol, all they could say were praises for the beauty and grandeur of the structures.

They also too expressed admiration to the new Sison Auditorium, once the seat of Pangasinan's performing arts, the zarzuelas, which they believed to be renovated "with finesse and royal touch".

The group was treated to a merienda of native cakes and buko juice at the Capitol Resort Hotel, another new attraction at the provincial capitol.

There, the Maramba grandchildren and great grandchildren further expressed their admiration to the administration of Gov. Espino after observing that the hotel has a swimming pool and a driving range.

Alma Quintans Kern, also a granddaughter and president of the Filipino Community of Seattle and the Washington-Pangasinan Sister State mused, “We didn’t expect this kind of a resort in Lingayen. But now we’re all talking of coming back with our families and recommending it to everybody because it is really beautiful.”

Maramba Council President Lourdes Maramba Fajardo, another granddaughter of Don Daniel Maramba, thanked the provincial government for the warm welcome and accommodation. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=12&rid=289849

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Tent City Residents No More!

2010-07-23T15:27:00.001-07:00

Tent City Residents No More!
By: John Alimorong

After four months from the kick off ceremony last March 2010 of the Transitional Shelter program of the Philippine National Red Cross and the Local Government Unit of Rosales, significant progress had been made. Decent shelters are provided for to them as they contribute sweat equity to realize their new homes.
To date some 100 shelters stood by the 1.8 hectares municipal property in Barangay Balincannaway . Some of these however are in the process of construction, to be precise some 52 houses are already completed and the new residents are presently transferring. As registered, some 42 families are already living on the site. Their children have recently also transferred to Balincannaway Elementary School from the San Pedro West E.S. As a new village emerges from the area, the MENRO Officer, Mr. Arnulfo Go has instructed a regular garbage collection on the area to promote hygiene and cleanliness.

Moreover aside from the shelter program, the PNRC and the LGU seek to empower the beneficiaries with new skills as a possible source of their livelihood. This will come however after the land been fully occupied. But for the moment some relief goods (food items) are lined to be distributed to the beneficiaries to alleviate somehow their plight.

On another note, the PNRC committed its willingness to pursue the construction of 300 more transitional shelters on a different site. This will be on the municipal lot in Barangay San Pedro West where the Tent City stood before. This will finally be the answer to the needed relocation of the settlers along the Agno River dike to put an end on the hazards they face during the rainy season.

P128-M earth dike repair in Pangasinan finished

2010-07-23T15:26:00.003-07:00

P128-M earth dike repair in Pangasinan finished

Philippine Daily Inquirer

ROSALES, Pangasinan – The repair of earth dikes along the Agno River and its tributaries that collapsed during the onslaught of Typhoon “Pepeng” last year has been completed, an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Monday.

The P128-million project, which began in October, restored 30 breached sections along the river, said Rosauro Peralta, acting chief of the engineering division of the Agno Flood Control System Project Management Office.

With the repair, local officials were hoping that their towns would be spared from severe flooding this rainy season.

Peralta said the dikes would protect 35 towns and cities in central and eastern Pangasinan.

A report from provincial disaster coordinating council (PDCC) placed last year’s damage to flood control infrastructure and facilities at P398 million.

The project, which is primarily for flood control, involved filling the gaps along the dikes which collapsed last year.

Peralta, however, said no improvements were made on the dikes. “If the structure was made of earth, then we replaced it with that,” he said.

Despite this, Peralta said he was confident that the repaired dikes could withstand large volumes of water. “Last year was the first time any of the dikes collapsed because the San Roque Dam released over 5,000 cubic meters per second of water,” he said.

The San Roque Dam, located at the Agno River’s upstream, was designed to regulate the river’s flow. But continuous, heavy rains dumped by Pepeng in October last year filled up the reservoir fast, forcing dam officials to release large volumes of water.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquire...sinan-finished

Taiwanese officials, businessmen eye investments in Pangasinan

2010-07-23T15:26:00.001-07:00

Taiwanese officials, businessmen eye investments in Pangasinan

By Eva Espiras (philstar.com) Updated July 22, 2010 05:45 PM

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—A 22-man delegation of Taiwanese officials led by their senator and other businessmen are eyeing Pangasinan for possible investment opportunities as they are in the province touring different ideal sites.

Republic of China Senator Hsuen-Chang Lu said after his delegates watched the presentation about the potentials of Pangasinan that, “I know that it is very well equipped with agricultural production, natural resources and a lot of mineral reserves here”.

He is optimistic that once the international seaport in Sual town in this province is finished, it will provide greater opportunities for export of the province’s precious metals to Taiwan . He said Taiwan needs resources of copper, gold, nickel for its semi-conductor industry.

“I can guarantee, there is a huge demand there,” Lu told local newsmen.

He said transportation is a key factor as well as infrastructures for investments to come in.

The senator said he noted that Pangasinan is a major agricultural production province for the region and Luzon.

He said he hopes his visit can bring more investments especially in agriculture production.

He said he has also invited Governor Amado Espino Jr. for a visit to Taiwan in September to meet agriculture officials in the Ministry of Taiwan for an exchange in agricultural technology and programs.

Hsiang-Ming Chung, chief executive officer of the Hsin Chu City Farmer’s Association who is part of the delegation that came here, also expressed interest in mango production of Pangasinan.

He said Taiwan is also a leading mango producer and there might be a possibility to forge a joint venture to have a mango processing center here where products like dried mangoes can be exported to Taiwan and other foreign countries.

The Taiwanese delegates were informed in a presentation made by Benita Pizarro, provincial planning and development officer of Pangasinan, that the province, a gateway to the Ilocos and Cordillera regions, is one of the country’s leading producers of rice, corn, mango, fish (especially milkfish) and other agricultural products.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx...CategoryId=200

Taiwanese to invest in Pangasinan

2010-07-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Taiwanese to invest in Pangasinan

By Danny O Sagun

Lingayen, Pangasinan (22 July) -- Pangasinan continues to attract prospective foreign investors.

This time a group of top government officials and businessmen from the Republic of China visited the province to explore the possibilities of setting up business.

The group, led by Taiwan Senator Lu Hsuen-Chang, paid a courtesy call on Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. at the provincial Capitol Thursday. They later faced the local media in a press conference at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center and also visited scenic Bolinao town.

Lu, speaking thru an interpreter, said the Taiwanese government looked forward to cementing closer ties and friendship between the two countries. He said the Taiwanese were willing to share with Filipinos their experiences in the field of agriculture, tourism and industrialization.

He said that thru hard work the Taiwanese were able to turn Taiwan from a backward agricultural country to what it is now, a leading industrial giant in Asia. "We worked hard to get more," he told the press conference at the PDCC conference room. Their efforts, he said, proved successful with the setting up of one industrial park after another.

He clarified however that the Taiwanese did not entirely abandon agriculture. "On weekends our people spend time in their farms and so that?s extra income for them," he said.

Reports said that Taiwanese farmers are a breed different from typical Filipino farmers. They live in nice houses and own luxury vehicles and expensive equipment.

Apparently, that country had a successful land reform program. Their attitude to work also spelled the difference, a mediaman was overheard as telling another after listening to the visiting dignitary.

The delegation of about 24 people proceeded to Bolinao after the press conference for a tour of that scenic western Pangasinan town.

Koreans are also interested in programs and projects initiated by the provincial government like tourism, health services and industry. Some Korean groups have been in town exploring investment possibilities. (PIA Pangasinan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100722.htm&no=33

Batangcaoa residents inaugurate Presidencia

2010-07-23T15:24:00.001-07:00

Batangcaoa residents inaugurate Presidencia

July 21, 2010

By Brando Cortez

BAYAMBANG-Residents of Barangay Batangcaoa happily trooped to their newly constructed barangay hall to witness the inauguration and blessing of the two- story structure last week.

The residents said the hall, called Presidensia de Batangcaoa, will be used as an assembly place to discuss plans and matters of interest to the community.

Beside the barangay hall is a small chapel to fill the spiritual needs of the residents.

Punong Barangay Rogelio “Berting” Dumalanta said that the funding for the project was sourced from the barangay Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), Mayor Ricardo Camacho, Governor Amado T..Espino, Jr. and Engr. Rosendo So of Abono Party-list.

“Ang pananalapi at mga resources na ginamit sa pagpapatayo ng barangay hall na ito ay mula sa sariling pondo ng barangay na matagal ng naka-allocate upang makapagpatayo ng magarang dalawang palapag na gusali,” Dumalanta said.

“Dahil hindi sapat ang pondo ng barangay, humingi po tayo ng suporta mula kay Mayor Ricardo Camacho, kay Governor Espino, at kay Engr. Rosendo So ng Abono Party-list,” Dumalanta continued.

Dumalanta also said that the barangay hall will serve the concept of bringing government closer to the people.

“Ang pagtayo ng bagong barangay hall ay magpapalakas sa pagkaka-isa ng mga residente at ng pamahalaang barangay tungo sa adhikain ng bawat isa na magkaroon ng matiwasay na pamumuhay,” Dumalanta said.

Barangay kagawad Celso Vallo said that with the barangay hall, the barangay council can hold sessions in an environment more conducive to producing better better barangay ordinances and resolutions.

“Hindi ko talaga akalain na ganitong kagandang ang barangay hall dito sa Batangcaoa,” Vallo said. “Kaya naman dapat na mas magsumikap ang mga opisyal ng barangay para pagsilbihan ang mga residente dito.”

Barangay kagawad Reksmon Lomibao said that the completion of the barangay will serve as an inspiration to the barangay leadership that cooperation and hard work has its dividends.

Guest of Honor, Modesto Operania from the Office of the Governor led Punong Barangay Berting Dumalanta and the incumbent barangay council in the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the barangay hall to residents of Batangacaoa.

Operania said that Governor Espino will continue to undertake projects in the barangays as a continuation of its program to bring more progress and development in Pangasinan.

The project, he said, is proof that the provincial government prioritizes the needs of the barangay folks.

Dumalanta said while the construction of the barangay hall is commendable and have helped define the role of the barangay in development, there are still more substantial challenges to be overcome so that the potential of barangay to be instruments in nation-building will be optimized.

“Magandang accomplishment po ang makapagpatayo ng barangay hall dahil dtto sa gusaling ito magmumula ang lahat ng plano para sa pag-unlad ng barangay,” Dumalanta said. “Pero mas marami pa tayong hamon na haharapin at nanainiwala ako sa kakayahan hindi lang ng mga opisyal ng barangay kung hindi pati na sa kakayahan ng bawat isa sa inyo na harapin ang anumang hamon ng panahon sa atin.”

Also in attendance were the Barangay Peace Action Team, Barangay Health Workers and the Sangguniang Kabataan.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...e-presidencia/

Bolinao residents want moratorium on aquaculture operations in town

2010-07-23T15:23:00.001-07:00

Bolinao residents want moratorium on aquaculture operations in town

By Yolanda Sotelo

Exasperated by the environmental pollution caused by the million-peso aquaculture industry in their town, Bolinao residents pressed for temporary moratorium of aquaculture operation, saying it should continue only after the ecosystem has been restored to health and a sustainable plan has been put in place.

“We are not against aquaculture per se, but unfortunately, it has become free-for-all and the number of cages has been too much for the sea water to sustain that fish kill has been occurring on almost regular basis. It has also affected the livelihood of marginal fishermen who used to depend on the sea resources,” Margaret Celeste, chair of the Movement of Bolinao Concerned Citizens Inc., said.

There are over 600 cages and 200 fish pens in Bolinao waters which were affected by red tide and fish kill last month. The damages from fish kill was estimated to be P50 million, but losses from shellfishes due to red tide was not given any cost, according to Municipal Planning and Development Officer Brunner Caranza.

The pollution caused by the fishery industry has caused the disappearance of “barangen dumadalan (a kind of rabbit fish),” lobsters, sea cucumber, corals and other species that used to thrive in the Kakiputan Channel, the residents said.

“We see the importance of Bolinao in the production of fish. The industry has propelled some Bolinao residents to prominence and prosperity. But it is benefiting only a handful of investors while it is destroying the Bolinao ecosystem,” the residents said.

They asked the authorities to act fast because the town’s marine environment is deteriorating quickly and time could come that no fish could survive anymore.

“When that time come, Bolinao could no longer contribute to the fishery sector,” Celeste said.

A position paper of the residents submitted to the local government proposed the complete cessation of aquaculture operations for as long as it would allow the host environment to recover. They also asked the LGU to work closely with towns sharing sea space with Bolinao.

On Thursday, Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste, Anda Mayor Aldrin Cerdan and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Nestor Domenden met with the aquaculture operators to inform them about the need to rationalize the industry.

Domenden said the two mayors agreed to the proposal to minimize the number of structures in both towns, as well as to implement the recommended management strategies to protect the marine environment and prevent disasters like fish kill and red tide.

There should be a technical working group to conduct scientific study and craft rules and regulations to be strictly implemented by the local governments, he said.

First district Rep. Jesus Celeste also said the aquaculture problem should be resolved based on scientific recommendations by agencies such as BFAR and the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center.

“The LGUs should abide by the recommendation of the Bolinao concerned citizens and the technical working group,” he said.

Caranza said Mayor Celeste declared to remove the fish pens or “he will resign from office.”

Among the proposals of the residents include the closure of fishpen operations which impede the flow of current, adopt new zonification and corresponding carrying capacity, free bottleneck areas (Culang to Culangi villages) of fish cages, alternate operations by zones or by year, create a monitoring committee.

They also asked for protection of rights and interests of marginal fishermen employed as caretakers, as well as define their rights and privileges in relation to their work as caretakers.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...tions-in-town/

Malasiqui gets P47M share from tobacco excise tax

2010-07-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

Malasiqui gets P47M share from tobacco excise tax

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

MALASIQUI – Mayor Armand Domantay has confirmed that the town received P47 million as its share from the excise tax on tobacco.

Domantay said the amount will be used for farm-to-market road (P32 million), fertilizers (P10 million), and purchase of water centrifugal pump (P5 million).

He stressed that the P47 million revenue’s share came from the 10 years’ allotment of this town from the national government.

The municipality next year will receive its annual share of P7 million from the National Tobacco Authority.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat na pinirmahan na ni Congresswoman Rachel Arenas (3rd District, Pangasinan), at ito ay pinirmahan ko na rin. Kaya wala ng balakid at sagabal na na-i release ito sa Land Bank of the Philippines at ibinigay dito sa bayan ng Malasiqui,” he said.

He said the breakdown of the P47 million came from appropriation given by the national government to the provincial government (ten percent), this town (ten percent), and Rep. Arenas (80 percent).

Meanwhile, Domantay does not believe that Arenas will not be getting her regular P70 million Priority Development Assistance Fund or famously known as pork barrel because she was a close ally of former President Gloria M. Arroyo.

During the first term of Arenas, this town was a beneficiary of hundreds of millions of pesos projects from the more than a billion of pesos pork the lady lawmaker’s lobbied from the national government.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...co-excise-tax/

ALONG AGNO RIVER: Villasis, Rosales want concrete dikes

2010-07-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

ALONG AGNO RIVER: Villasis, Rosales want concrete dikes

July 21, 2010

By Yolanda Sotelo

VILLASIS – The mayors of this town and neighbor Rosales asked the national government to concretize the newly-built portions of the dike along Agno River , saying the earth dike could easily give way once heavy rains come.

Mayor Libradita Abrenica said residents have not overcome the trauma they experienced when the entire town was suddenly submerged in meters-deep water in October 2009 when the San Roque dam abruptly eleased excess water at the height of typhoon “Pepeng.”

The breached dikes have been repaired but they have not compacted yet. They also have no protection like concrete or gabion so they can easily be washed out by rain or river water, Abrenica said.

The local government has put graveled the top the dike to stabilize the surface, supposedly a job of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control office.

“But since we cannot wait for the DPWH anymore, we just did it ourselves,” Abrenica said.

There are two portions of the dike along Lipay village, one along Puelay and one along Amanperez, all of which were already restored by the DPWH.

“But these were not properly done. We have asked the flood control office several times to put boulders and gabions along the side, especially on the side of the river, to hold the soil. But there is no action yet,” Abrenica said.

In Rosales, Mayor Ricardo Revita said during heavy rain, the new dikes are being eaten up because they are still “loose.”

“But that is the concern of the Agno Flood Control Office,” he said.

Revita hoped what happened in October 2009 wont happen again because “hopefully, the San Roque dam people already learned their lesson.”

He said when the dam was releasing water last year, he went on top of the Carmen Bridge across the Agno River . I know that the rive can take 2,000 cubic meter per second of water released from the dam, he said.

Rosales and Villasis are separated by Agno River and were both heavily flooded during typhoon “Pepeng” when the dikes on both sides of the river gave way.

Abrenica said the displaced residents have rebuilt shanties along the dikes, which could again weaken the structures.

But it is the Agno Flood Control Office which has jurisdiction over the dikes, she said.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...oncrete-dikes/

Gorospe promises a supportive city council

2010-07-23T14:56:00.001-07:00

Gorospe promises a supportive city council

By Virgilio Sar. Maganes

URDANETA CITY- City Vice Mayor Onofre “Bong” Gorospe assured that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city will give its all out support to the development agenda City Mayor Amadeo Gregorio “Bobom” Perez IV.

He said this to news men who covered the first session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod last July 5at the Session Hall of the Old City Hall. The agenda was to review the city council’s rules and the creation of various legislative committees.

“There is also a need to review and update resolutions and ordinances passed during the past Sangguniang Panlungsod, whether these were implemented or not,” he said.

Gorospe directed the Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlugsod Edilberto Belvis to consolidate the previous resolutions and ordinances, and if needed these will be revised or amended to match with the needs of the present time.

In his bid to have a working city legislature, he directed also the various chairmen of the committees to submit their plans and recommendations to further development agenda n the city.

“The city council’s committees must work for the interest and welfare of the city folk. We are here for public service and to help the city mayor (Bobom) pursue his planned programs and projects,’ he said.

Unlike during the past city council where the fist Monday of the month’s sessions were held at the Old City Hall , Gorospe said that all sessions now will be held at the New City Hall in Anonas village.

He promised also to work on a vibrant executive-legislative relationships.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...-city-council/

Lim suspends renewal of ALAs

2010-07-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Lim suspends renewal of ALAs

DREDGING OPERATIONS PRIORITIZED

CITY MAYOR Benjamin Lim has directed the City Agriculture Office (CAO) to momentarily suspend the renewals of Aquaculture Lease Agreements (ALA) while a plan is underway to dredge the main river tributaries in the city.

Lim issued the order after the city entered into an understanding for a joint effort with the provincial government under Governor Amado Espino Jr. and Binmaley Mayor Lorenzo Cerezo for the dredging of rivers in the province in time for the rainy season to avoid flooding in prone areas.

“In effect, mababawasan ang production ng bangus but what is important ay malinisan at ma-dredge ang mga ilog natin na masyado ng silted,” said Lim.

City Agriculturist Emma Molina recently reported that of the total number of ALA issued to fish pen operators in the city in 2004 numbering around 797, only 124 have renewed as of June 30, which means the remaining 673 are operating illegally.

Lim stressed that after the dredging operation, his administration will apply the “Dagupeño-first” policy for the ALAs, which is required for the operation of fish pens.

NEW OPTIONS

Lim said he is also focusing on establishing a cooperative in order to help poor but deserving fisherfolk in the city.

Lim also requested Molina to study the possibility of dredging the fishponds in Dagupan in order for the operators to increase the volume of their Bangus production. This, in return, will discourage the fish pen operators from using the rivers, said Lim.

He also instructed Molina to study the feasibility of using floating fish cages rather than fishpen.

Lim further asked Molina to convince fishpond operators to venture into producing high-value fish, aside from bangus, such as talakitok.

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...newal-of-alas/

EMB confirms CDO vs. firm still valid

2010-07-23T14:54:00.002-07:00

EMB confirms CDO vs. firm still valid

888 DAGUPAN PROPERTIES CHECKED

THE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is again poised to enforce its cease and desist order (CDO) that it issued against a company after it was reported that the latter has again resumed reclamation activities at a portion of the Calmay River along the Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension.

The CDO was issued on January 15, 2009 against 888 Dagupan Properties Inc., registered under the name of one William Chua and represented by a certain Catherine Barmachea.

“It is a defiance of a lawful order,” decried EMB Director Joel Salvador when he appeared before the city council of Dagupan on July 12 to enlighten the body on the continuing backfilling operations.

In an interview with the media later, Salvador said his office will seek the company’s immediate compliance to the CDO but failed to state categorically what other legal action would be taken for the company’s continued defiance.

The reclamation activities stopped after the CDO was initially served but were resumed earlier this year. It was again stopped after then City Legal Officer George Mejia conducted an ocular inspection on the site. Work again resumed on June 29 and has since been continuing with the delivery and filling in of gravel and sand.

Salvador also pointed out that that the company has yet to comply with the imposed penalty of P50,000 for its initial violation.

It was Salvador himself who personally served the CDO, along with the legal officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with the assistance of the Dagupan City Government then led by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr.

Answering questions from Councilor Karlos Liberato Reyna IV, chairman on the committee on environment , Salvador admitted his agency issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to the corporation for backfilling a portion of its property for land development but not for a reclamation project.

Salvador maintained that the project of the corporation falls under the definition of reclamation because “a portion of that property is submerged by water”.

Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2007-20 as amended, 888 Dagupan Properties Inc. or any private entity is not qualified to reclaim a property that is submerged by water, Salvador said.

LGU POWER

He added that only the government or an authorized agency and perhaps the local government unit can undertake reclamation or apply for reclamation, never a private individual.

Salvador clarified that if the project is not classified under reclamation, meaning the land was not submerged by water or that it is a fishpond, his office can allow backfilling but even this is subject to strict guidelines to ensure the protection of the environment.

He also clarified that if the EMB issues ECC to backfilling projects for land development, the local government is not precluded from holding applications for development permit if it sees it is contrary to existing drainage or development plans of a particular locality.

Vice Mayor and council presiding officer Belen Fernandez expressed fear that if the reclamation operation is not stopped, it could set a dangerous precedent and embolden others to reclaim portions of the Calmay River or other rivers.

Asked if the corporation can be ordered to re-haul the big volume of sand and gravel it backfilled in the area, Salvador admitted they have had no experience yet on such a case, but said they will study the matter in coordination with the city

“We issued the ECC for backfilling purposes not for reclamation, thus baka pupuwedeng ganoon ang mangyari that the sand and gravel can be hauled back,” Salvador said.

OTHER ECCs

At the same time, Salvador clarified that the ECCs his office issued to other property owners on Jose de Venecia Expressway Extension were in order as these were private properties and that the proponents for land developments followed the environmental measures recommended by his office to abate destruction of the environment.

Some of these titled properties, he said, were fishponds that were not submerged by water but just the same left the local government to determine on what to do with the other fishponds whose owners may also seek ECC for land development.

Councilor Jesus Canto asked the EMB to furnish the city with a list of applicants for ECC on both sides of the Jose R. De Venecia Expressway Extension for its proper guidance.—LM

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...m-still-valid/

Lim asks DENR to stop reclamation

2010-07-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Lim asks DENR to stop reclamation

CITY MAYOR Benjamin Lim called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) last week to put a stop to the unauthorized reclamation and backfilling activities on a portion of the Calmay River along the Jose de Venecia expressway.

Lim said his administration will not tolerate any move that makes a mockery of his rallying cry that “our city is our shared responsibility” as he pointed out his campaign platform of good governance, environment-friendly and flood-free Dagupan.

Lim also vehemently denied that the erring company, 888 Dagupan Projects Inc.is operating under his protection as the activities resumed a day before the Lim administration took over.

The company, led by a William Chua of Mangaldan is reportedly behind the reclamation.

“Even if Mr. Chua is known to me personally, I would not hesitate to crack the whip on him for violating an ordinance enacted during my incumbency, prohibiting the filling up of fishponds in the area,” he explained.

The company was issued a cease and desist order by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau Regional on January 15, 2009 for its failure to comply with the provisions of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued to the firm.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod has determined in its inquiry into the matter that, indeed, the company is defying the cease and desist order issued by the DENR.

DENR-EMB Director Joel G. Salvador explained that under DENR Administrative Order No. 2009-07, no reclamation activity can be done by any individual because only the concerned government agencies are empowered to do it.

“Mr. Chua’s company is supposed to do backfilling in his supposed lot, but instead resorted to reclamation, which is unlawful,” he said.

Lim has also asked Salvador for a listing of all property owners using the necessary ECCs from the DENR as basis in pursuing their illegal reclamation projects.

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...p-reclamation/

__________________

Sual mayor tells Dagupeños: You can do it

2010-07-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

Sual mayor tells Dagupeños: You can do it

A MATTER OF POLITICAL WILL

“DOABLE”.

This was the response of Sual Mayor John Rodney Arcinue when asked whether Dagupan City can solve its garbage problem given the volume of waste produced daily and the absence of disposal facilities.

“Kung kaya ng Marikina City, ng barangay Bued sa Calasiao, kaya nila yon,” said Arcinue, pointing out that mayors must make waste disposal a priority.

Sual town has achieved “zero waste” status with its materials recovery facility (MRF) used for segregation, recycling and production of organic fertilizer while plastic or sando bags are grinded and used as mix for hollow blocks and paving blocks.

The facility was set up through the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Arcinue said the size of the town or city should not be a major issue.

“Maliit nga yong volume ng basura namin compared sa Dagupan, siguro times 20. Pero ganon din i-multiply mo lang yong pondo at bilang ng tao. Sa amin 12 tao ang naka-assign sa garbage collection and disposal,” he pointed out during the Engkwentro forum of the Pangasinan Press Club last week.

Under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001, local government units are required to implement specific garbage management targets.

SEAPORT

Meanwhile, Arcinue said the town’s training center is targeting to produce 500 welders and 500 sewers for the operation of the Sual International Seaport, which will start construction this month.

The national government, through the Department of Transportation and Communication, has pledged P200 million for the project, the provincial government will give P200 million, and the municipal government of Sual will contribute P100 million.

Arcinue said Sual hopes to eventually become a Port City.

Sual is now qualified to become a city income-wise with its P126 million budget, benefiting largely from the presence of the Sual Coal-fired Power Plant run by Team Energy, but its 32,000 population is way below the required 100,000.

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...you-can-do-it/

__________________

Another exciting IT event happens in Dagupan

2010-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Another exciting IT event happens in Dagupan

by Vangie Padilla

"BLOGS AND SOCIAL NETWORKS – THE NEW MEDIA", an IT event will be held on July 26, 2010 (8am-5pm) at the Music Warehouse, Perez Boulevard Dagupan City.

The event is co presented by the Province of Pangasinan, Governor Amado Espino Jr. will formally open the convention and induct the new set of officers of Luzon Bloggers Society.

This Regional conference will be one of its kind Internet Marketing and Business Conference in Northern Luzon – A fusion of Information Technology and Business. The affair will be attended by Businessmen, Government Officials, Budding Entrepreneurs, Cooperatives, Professionals, teachers and Students.

Ms. Janette Toral, multi- awarded speaker ang E-Commerce book author together with International SEO Expert Mr. Gary Viray and other notable and successful bloggers in the region will be resource speakers.

For reservation please email organizer@thesocialthinkers.com or thesocialthinkers@gmail.com or text full name and name of Institution & address to 09175612000 c/o JC Fuentes.

http://www.pangalatalk.com/newscontent.php?ShowNews=362

Capitol trains tourism frontliners

2010-07-23T14:47:00.002-07:00

Capitol trains tourism frontliners

LINGAYEN –Enhanced training for provincial government’s service frontliners was recently conducted to further reinforce tourism initiatives.

Some 143 provincial employees whose duties include providing direct frontline services to Pangasinenses, visitors and tourists participated in the training.

“You were trained so you can appreciate the very things we are doing here, the very things that we are protecting here, this is the very essence of this training,” said Governor Amado Espino Jr. said during the culminating rites.

In 2009, the province posted a total of 316,850 tourists and visitors, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Region I.

The one-day seminar, held in three batches, was dubbed “Tourist-Friendly Pangasinan Frontliners.”

The activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Tourism Division co-sponsored by the Department of Tourism Region I (DOT-Region I).

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...m-frontliners/

Sual port construction starts

2010-07-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sual port construction starts

LINGAYEN–Construction work for the Sual International Shipping Port, which was set back by the May 10 election activities, is finally set to start this month.

Sual Mayor John Rodney Arcinue, speaking at the Enkwentro Forum of the Pangasinan Press Club last week, announced that Phase 1 of the project, funded by the initial P90 million from the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), has been contracted out to Golden Ridge Construction of Bataan.

The succeeding phases of the project will be funded by the P100 million committed by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), P200 million from the Pangasinan provincial government and P100 million from the municipal government of Sual.

Arcinue said he is confident that the new administration of President Benigno Aquino III will support the project, initiated by Governor Amado Espino Jr. under the previous Arroyo administration, even as the PPA contribution has yet to be released.

The mayor said the P100 million counterpart of the municipality will be obtained through a loan from the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB).

The port, located at Baquioen Bay (a natural cove in the Lingayen Gulf where ships shelter in case of a storm in the open sea) is part of the development equation drawn up by the municipal government to boost economic opportunities in Sual and other parts of western Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, Arcinue said the town’s training center is targeting to produce 500 welders and 500 sewers for the operation of the port.

Currently, Sual is qualified to become a city income-wise with its P126 million budget, benefiting largely from the presence of the Sual Coal-fired Power Plant run by Team Energy but its 32,000 population is way below the required 100,000.—LM

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...uction-starts/

Multi-million investments prop up Bani

2010-07-23T14:45:00.002-07:00

Multi-million investments prop up Bani

BANI is your average rural municipality in the Philippines — ranked a second-class town with fishing and agriculture as the main livelihood of its more or less 50,000 population living in a land area of 180 square kilometers.

But Bani, located on the western coast of Pangasinan, is aiming to be a cut above the average by becoming a model “green city” by 2020.

As part of that goal, the local government has attracted foreign investments for the development of green energy,

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is bankrolling a P90-million windmill project while a Spanish group is planning a biomass plant, both of which will be pilot initiatives.

The windmill project, expected to produce 500 kilowatts of power, will be tied up with the construction of an ice-making plant and fish ports.

“JICA would like to prove that the ice plant and fish port can be run by electricity generated by the windmills. This is green energy.” Navarro explained.

Meanwhile, the biomass energy project, which is still in the planning stage, will use rice husks and rice stalks to produce energy.

“The rice husks and stalks will be placed in a boiler and be channeled to a generator that can produce five megawatts of electricity,” the mayor said.

When asked why his town is almost always chosen as host for pilot projects, Navarro replied “These funding agencies are looking for local government units that are not tainted with corruption, only good governance.” (PIA-Pangasinan)

http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archiv...-prop-up-bani/

Abono supports proposed ‘porkless’ congress

2010-07-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Abono supports proposed ‘porkless’ congress

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

ROSALES – Abono Party List chair Rosendo So called on Liberal Party congressmen to be role models by not taking the “soft part” of their priority development assistance fund, more known as pork barrel, as proposed by LP member Rep Erin Tanada.

So said starting this year, LP lawmakers at the House of Representatives and the Senate should spearhead the call of Tanada.

The yearly pork is divided as” soft” and “hard.” The soft part for a senator is P100 million, while the hard part is another P100 million. The soft part for a member of the lower house is P30 million, while the hard part is P40 million.

Soft part or non-infrastructure project goes to scholarship programs, medical assistance to indigent patients in government hospitals, livelihood support programs, the purchase of information technology equipment and financial assistance to local government units for the latter’s priority projects and programs.

The hard part, or the other hand, is for infrastructure project like roads, bridges, footbridges, pathways, multipurpose buildings, school buildings, potable water systems, flood control, drainage systems, irrigation facilities and electrification projects.

So said that he is for the total abrogation of the PDAF since solons are elected to hammer laws and not identify projects for construction.

“In the executive (branch) okay lang sa akin. Executive branch ang gagawa ng projects. Ang gagawin ng mga congressmen ay gagawa ng batas,” he stressed.

He explained that without the pork there will be less number of candidates to salivate for a congressional post in the next election because the attractive PDAF would no longer be available for their unilateral disposal.

So said he was not discouraged by the elimination of pork because Abono has been helping the poor by using its own funds in its countless medical missions and feeding programs in the Northern Luzon areas, and it sourced the constructions of public school buildings from its vaunted ally, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Manila.

“Pork” is believed to be a source of corruption among senators and congressmen. Reports say that in every project each lawmaker identifies for the government to fund, each of them pocketed a minimum of 20 percent, while their conspirators at the departments of public works, agriculture, and education have their own percentage of the precious government fund thus usually making the project substandard as the private contractor they commissioned manipulated it to recoup his expenses and profit.

http://northernwatchonline.com/2010/...0%99-congress/