LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan formally awarded the Gawad Limgas Project Grants to qualified local government units (LGUs) during a ceremonial turnover held on September 23 at the Urduja House, Capitol Complex, Lingayen. The grants were personally handed over by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Maan Tuazon-Guico, and Manuel O. Luis, Jr., Provincial Administrator, to the recipient LGUs of Lingayen, Binmaley, Bolinao, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mangaldan, and Pozorrubio. The event was also graced by Limgas na Pangasinan titleholders Rona Lalaine T. Lopez and Pearline Joy M. Bayog.
The Gawad Limgas Project Grant is a community development initiative of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the fulfillment of a commitment made by Governor Ramon V. Guico III to localities whose candidates earned top titles in the Limgas na Pangasinan pageant. Designed to extend the impact of the pageant beyond the stage, the grant supports tourism, cultural, and community development initiatives that benefit the hometowns represented by the winning queens. Speaking on behalf of the recipient LGUs, Mayor Josefina Castañeda of Lingayen expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government, describing the grant as more than financial assistance but a meaningful expression of solidarity, encouragement, and shared pride in the achievements of the winning communities.
In her message, Maan Tuazon-Guico, Chairperson of Limgas na Pangasinan, emphasized that the pageant is not simply a search for beauty but a celebration of young women who embody the culture, heritage, and aspirations of their communities. She noted that behind every queen is a town that raised, supported, and believed in her, making the awarding not only a recognition of the titleholders but also of the communities that stood behind them.
Meanwhile, Governor Ramon V. Guico III underscored the vital role of tourism in local development and encouraged LGUs to continue investing in initiatives that promote culture, history, and visitor experiences. He reiterated that 90 percent of each grant should be utilized for tourism-related and cultural projects, while the remaining 10 percent should support the advocacy programs of the winning candidates, ensuring that the values of service and community engagement remain at the heart of the initiative.
Anchored on the spirit of “Beauty with a Purpose,” the Gawad Limgas Project Grant transforms pageant achievement into meaningful community impact. More than a financial incentive, it serves as an investment in local tourism, cultural preservation, and grassroots development while empowering Limgas titleholders to continue championing advocacies that create positive change in their respective communities. As emphasized by Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, the initiative marks a significant milestone for Pangasinan’s tourism sector as one of the first direct forms of provincial assistance dedicated to tourism and culture projects, reflecting the administration’s strong commitment to these development priorities.
Through this initiative, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan reaffirms its commitment to strengthening tourism and culture across the province, proving that a Limgas crown represents not only beauty and excellence but also an enduring opportunity to inspire progress, celebrate local identity, and uplift communities.
/MTLC
Photos: KJCM
