Author: Martie Gonzales

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS), held the 2023 International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies (ICPBS) with the theme, “Expanding the Frontiers of Knowledge on Pangasinan” last November 27 to 29, 2023 at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan and at the Ramon J. Guico, Sr. Sports and Civic Center, Binalonan, Pangasinan.

With 145 accepted abstract submissions and over 500 participants from different higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pangasinan and alongside various organizations and agencies all over the country, the event focused on five (5) plenary presentations: Internationalization on Higher Education, Contextualizing Pangasinan Studies, Health Service Delivery at the Time of the Pandemic and Post-COVID Reflections, Carlos Bulosan, and Lessons from Carlos Bulosan: Anti-Asian Racism is a Global Relation. The conference also featured a total of 32 panel sessions, each focusing on various topics and themes such as Environment, Healthcare, Artisanal Industries, Education-Teaching and Learning, Economics, Local History and Heritage, Pandemic and the “New Normal,” Human-Environment Interactions, Technology, Local Products, Readings and Teachings of Carlos Bulosan, among others.

The conference aimed to cultivate dialogue and linkage in promoting interest and heightened awareness about the province of Pangasinan and its people; convene stakeholders, advocates, practitioners, scholars, and researchers engaged in the multi- and interdisciplinary study of development, arts and culture, literature and language, history, education, tourism, trade, governance, health, and business economics of Pangasinan from its past and in contemporary perspectives; strengthen practitioners, stakeholders, and scholars’ collaboration with partner institutions in the region, and enhance academic exchanges with other international academic, development, and non-governmental institutions and to bring these closer to the Pangasinan locale and the global community in general. Further, it was also held in commemoration of the 110th birth anniversary of Carlos Bulosan, a son of Binalonan, Pangasinan. The conference provided a venue for the dissemination of knowledge on Bulosan’s life and works as a global literary and social movement icon.

Related to this, Executive Order No. 0137 was issued, “Creating the Executive Committee and Technical Working Group for the 2023 International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies.”

Atty. Ronn Dale Castillo, Executive Assistant welcomed the participants while Dr. Perla E. Legaspi, CPS Executive Director and Convenor of the ICPBS 2023, presented the conference overview.

“… There are three gifts that young people can find when reading any work from Bulosan: one is the gift of literacy; two is the gift of historical memory; and three is the gift of rootedness, and these three gifts are intertwined and interconnected in the work of Carlos Bulosan…” Dr. Jeffrey Cabusao said while delivering his keynote speech.

The conference’s 5 plenary presentations were discussed as follows: Internationalization on Higher Education by CHED Regional Director Dr. Christine N. Ferrer; Contextualizing Pangasinan Studies by Dr. Ma. Crisanta Nelmida-Flores; Health Service Delivery at the Time of the Pandemic and Post-COVID Reflections by Dr. Francisco T. Duque III; Carlos Bulosan and Binalonan by Veronica Sison; and Lessons from Carlos Bulosan: Anti-Asian Racism is a Global Relation by Dr. Michael Joseph Viola.

“There are two reasons why we are here in Binalonan now. I’d like to believe not only because this is the birthplace of the great Carlos Bulosan but I also believe it’s more because it’s in this place where the promise of a better future of the entire Pangasinan, in fact of the entire province, of the entire country can be seen,” Dr. Raymundo Rovillos, co-convenor, stated in his closing remarks.

/JBT

Photos: RSR & KFC

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, represented by its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), joined the 2nd North Luzon Travel Expo (NLTE) held at CAP Convention Center, Camp John Hay, Baguio City last November 25-27, 2023.

The NLTE is an activity led by the Department of Tourism Regional Offices 1, 2, 3, and CAR in collaboration with the Association of Travel and Tours Management in the Cordilleras (ATTIC), Inc. Through business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) sessions, the expo became a venue for tourism players from all over North Luzon to showcase their respective tourism products and services, ultimately intensifying and increasing each province’s marketing and promotions campaigns.

The PTCAO was joined by its MSMEs partners from PhilExport as they showcased the best of Pangasinan’s products such as healthy chips and treats, favorite bottled and packed delicacies, handwoven crafts and accessories, and many more.

/CCB

Photos: RSR

PANGASINAN—The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) extended support and assistance to the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the conduct of a Farm Tourism Product Audit in selected farm sites in Pangasinan last October 17-20, 2023. 

DOT undertook a thorough audit of Pangasinan’s agriculture tourism destinations that have received DOT accreditation. This program was a part of ongoing efforts to make sure accredited agricultural tourism facilities fulfilled and upheld the high criteria established by the department.

The conduct of the audit aims to assess the location, services, activities, and establishments of the identified farm tourism camps; consult stakeholders in developing farm tourism in their respective areas, and discuss issues and concerns and identify peripheral activities for inclusion in tourism circuits within Pangasinan and in the region. 

The activity was led by the Department of Tourism Central Team composed of Ms. Ayra N. Ngitit, Tourism Operations Officer II; Ms. Dawn Sheila S. Monter; and Mr. Samuel Luis Dacuma, Tourism Operations Officer II of the Regional Monitoring Services.

DOT Region I was represented by Mr. Reynaldo Gesmundo (Regional Farm Tourism Focal Person), whereas the PTCAO Team was represented by Mr. Edward N. Muego (Regional Farm Tourism Focal Person) and Ms. Edrea-Ann Fernandez; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pangasinan was represented by Mr. Juanito Reyes, Jr. and Mr. Jo Agonoy; the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFO I) was represented by Mr. Virgilio Macaraeg, Mr. Juanito Malazo Jr. APCO, and Mr. Marvin G. Quilates. Representatives from Local Government Units (LGUs) served as subject matter experts during the farm tourism product audit with farm tourism operators and stakeholders and provided technical assistance during the assessment of farm tourism sites.

The selected farm tourism camps were: RISATI/Reotutar’s Farm Resort, Villasis; Greentop Organix Farm Agribusiness Skills Training and Assessment Center, San Fabian; Roheim Farm and Wellness Resort, San Fabian; R.Rebs Integrated Eco-Farm, Natividad; Maria’s Luntiang Bukid Agricultural Learning Center, Natividad; Our Farm Republic Integrated Organic Farms, Mangatarem; and Teraoka Integrated Farm, Mangatarem.

The insights gained from this audit will serve as a foundation for further improvements, ensuring that farm tourism sites continue to offer exceptional experiences to tourists in Pangasinan.

/EAF

Photos: TPPDD

PANGASINAN—The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1, in collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and with the assistance of the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), officially launched the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) Pangasinan Adventure Ride last October 24, 2023. The project aims to present the province of Pangasinan as a premier motorcycle tourism destination, highlighting its iconic and picturesque tourist attractions and other tourism offerings particularly in the towns of Bayambang, Calasiao, Lingayen, and the city of Alaminos for its launching.

The DOT Region 1, headed by Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega, has focused promotions on the region’s provinces by way of ‘appreciating the journey’ or simply enjoying the process of travelling. Last 2021, the regional office launched its Bike Tourism project which focused on cyclists and promoting destinations with safe and scenic bike trails around the region, which also promotes a healthy lifestyle and a fun way to engage in the sport of cycling. Through Motorcycle Tourism and Bike Tourism, tourists get a first-hand ‘feel’ of the destinations they are travelling to or visiting, which adds to their overall experience.

More than 400 riders participated during the PMT launching, with celebrity riders Jet Lee, Yanna, Laraaa, Rides with Danyela, RoxanneVentures, Zara Moto, MotoKonek, IndayRider, All About Wheels Manila, Jan Sy Photo+Blogs, Boss G, and more, as well as local riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. Their route allowed them to see the 50.23 meter bamboo statue of St. Vincent Ferrer at the famous prayer park; the Municipal Plaza of Calasiao where they were able to taste the town’s famous puto Calasiao from the Calasiao Puto Producers and Vendors Association; a drive by the See Pangasinan marker, Limahong Tourism Center along the baywalk, and the architectural heritage treasure that is the Capitol Building in Lingayen; and the Bued Mangrove Park and the Alaminos City Gymnasium where the culmination program took place. Regional Director Ortega arrived at the program to personally thank the participants and personnel who worked on the project. He also met with Alaminos City Hon. Mayor Arth Bryan C. Celeste and Hon. Vice Mayor Jan Marionne “Ion” R. Fontelera at the scene.

While there are indeed many motorcycle vloggers and enthusiasts who enjoy promoting destinations during their travels, the PMT likewise became an avenue where participating riders witnessed and showcased the safety and convenience of travelling around Pangasinan with its secure and paved roads.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR & KFC

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan—The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), in partnership with the City Government of Urdaneta through its Urdaneta City Tourism Office, conducted the Magnayon: Pangasinan Tourism Frontliner Training in culmination of the 2023 Pangasinan Tourism Month celebration this September at the CB Mall last September 29, 2023.

The conduct of the activity was particularly aligned with this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Tourism and Green Investments” which underscores the significance of not only allocating resources toward sustainable and environmental-friendly tourism practices, but to also invest in tourism stakeholders who would uphold responsible, efficient, and effective tourism operations in the industry through thorough and proper preparation and training.

PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan was joined by Urdaneta City Municipal Administrator Engr. Randy Parayno, Councilor and Committee Chairman on Tourism Aurelio Agsalud Sr., Economic Affairs Consultant Gary Beltran IV, and Urdaneta City Tourism Officer Evelyn Delos Trino.

More than fifty (50) owners and personnel of local accommodation establishments (hotels, resorts, mabuhay accommodations), local tour operators and travel agencies, and tour guides supported and participated in the activity which focused on establishing the importance of tourism frontliners through proper training particularly with regard to client management, generating customer satisfaction, and proper handling of data or census and its appropriate analysis and organization.

PTCAO Chief Elduayan, along with PTCAO staff Ms. Monika Labaupa and Ms. Genesis Solis, discussed training topics such as a comprehensive orientation of the Pangasinan tourism industry, roles of tourism frontliners, tourist reception, basic guiding, and basic statistics to encourage and equip tourism stakeholders, as well as raise awareness regarding the national tourism standards set by the Department of Tourism.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR

NATIVIDAD, Pangasinan—The Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), together with volunteers from the PTCAO volunteerism program called Kampo Kalangwëran, joined the Provincial Population Cooperative & Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) and the local government unit of Natividad as they participated in the Pangasinan Green Canopy Tree Growing Activity last September 23, 2023 as part of this year’s Pangasinan Tourism Month celebration.

The activity took place at the Sky Plaza where the participants had to climb around 287 steps to reach the top of the mountain where a statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. With seedlings of endangered and fruit bearing trees in hand, the participants started planting a little ways away from the statue in the forested part of the area. The group was joined by Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Natividad mayor Hon. Rosita Rafael, Natividad PNP Chief Jonathan Ramos, outgoing Natividad Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) leader Angelica Keen Malaca, and accompanying guests from the local PNP, LGU staff and scholars, and SK members.

According to PTCAO Chief Elduayan, with the Green Canopy Project, the different departments of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan are designated with a certain LGU where they can lead the Green Canopy Project of the provincial government. The PTCAO, in particular, chose Natividad for this project to inspire continuity as it was the venue for the launching of the Tongtóngan: The Governor’s See Pangasinan Listening Tour during the Pangasinan Tourism Month celebration last year. The project also coincides with the town’s Puno Initiative Program which aims to have five thousand seedlings strategically planted all over the Natividad landscape.

An extension of this activity included tours to two of Natividad’s known farm tourism sites namely R.Rebs Integrated Eco Farm and Maria’s Luntiang Bukid. Both farms are accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as learning sites for agriculture as well. This part of the activity helped especially the majority of PTCAO staff to learn more about the tourism offerings and educational farm know-hows from Pangasinan’s eastern frontiers.

/MCDG-U

Photos: KFC & JCT

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—In continuation of the 2023 Pangasinan Tourism Month celebration this September, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), held the Tongtóngan: See Pangasinan Tourism Conference with the Department of Tourism for Local Tourism Establishments last September 20, 2023 at the Sison Auditorium. This conference ultimately stood as a venue for the province of Pangasinan and the Department of Tourism Region 1 (DOT-R1) to present their tourism agenda and to capacitate tourism players from both government and private sectors about the national accreditation standards. In addition, representatives from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) were also invited to provide an extensive background on their specific fields and how they could provide assistance to local tourism enterprises.

Hon. Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino represented Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III at the conference, sharing the provincial government’s plans to improve and develop better infrastructure within the province such as the construction of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) which aims to reduce travel time from eastern Pangasinan to the province’s central and western areas, as well as to better manage traffic during summer when vacationers usually flock to the province.

“We are here… also as customers and clients who rely on your capacity as tourism officers, as stakeholders in the tourism industry. Let us know what is needed. Let us know what needs to be done. Let us know what needs to be improved on,” Vice Governor Lambino said in his speech during the event, further explaining that the provincial government would need the expertise of tourism stakeholders in order to plan more and better programs for the local tourism industry. Vice Governor Lambino also reiterated Governor Guico’s stance on tourism which he acknowledged as one of the major driving forces of the economy.

Present at the event were Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan with guest speakers Ms. Catherine E. Sta. Clara from TIEZA, Engr. Lee Ann Elisterio and Ms. Jo Ann G. Tomeldan from the MARINA regional office, and Ms. Marie Nelna Lantano and Mr. Alex Lazaro from the DOT-R1. Tourism stakeholders from all over Pangasinan took part in the conference where they learned more about TIEZA’s incentives program for tourism stakeholders and MARINA’s policies and requirements in acquiring recreational boat certificates and recreational boat safety certificates. DOT also lectured on the introduction to the updated progressive accreditation system (PAS) and tourism enterprise standards.

These lectures are all imperative to the overall development, improvement, and enhancement of local tourism enterprises and capacity-building of the tourism workforce especially after the repercussions done by the pandemic.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—In celebration of this year’s Pangasinan Tourism Month, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), held another session of Tongtóngan: The Governor’s See Pangasinan Listening Tour where Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III led the induction of the newly elected officers of the Pangasinan Tourism Officers Association (PTOA) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office (PPO) for the creation and activation of a Tourist Police Unit in the province last September 15, 2023 at the Ceremonial Hall in the Urduja House, Capitol Complex.

Governor Guico was joined by Hon. Board Member Marinor De Guzman (Chairperson for Committee on Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Migrant Workers Concerns), PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Pangasinan PPO Director PCOL Jeff Fanged, and PTOA President and Dasol Tourism Officer Guendoline Bustamante. Local chiefs of police, tourism officers, and other representatives were also present at the event.

In her message, PTOA President Bustamante asserted the PTOA’s active support in all tourism-related programs and activities of the provincial government including but not limited to the likes of Agew na Pangasinan, Pista’y Dayat, Limgas na Pangasinan, Pangasinan Tourism Month, Green Canopy Project through the Kampo Kalangwëran volunteer program, and other related environment projects as well as heritage preservation and cultural education program through farm tours and museum visits. PTOA President Bustamante likewise affirmed the association’s support and active partnership with the Pangasinan, Ang Ganda Mo! promotional series directed by the Regional News Group and other possible partnerships with government agencies and non-government organizations. Database generation, capacity development of tourism officers, tourism orientation for newly designated tourism officers, and lobbying for the creation of plantilla items for tourism officers to ensure continuity of work were also specified by PTOA President Bustamante as the association’s priorities.

Meanwhile, Pangasinan PPO Director PCOL Fanged extended his utmost gratitude to Governor Guico and the provincial government for the formal activation of the province’s Tourist Police Unit after seven years since its original proposal. In turn, PCOL Fanged assured the provincial government and its constituents that the Tourist Police Unit will endeavor to uphold its responsibilities in safeguarding tourists in the province and its tourism communities.

In response to the participants’ spirited and united support to the provincial government’s tourism aspirations, Governor Guico shared with the participants’ the administration’s plans to construct an airport in Bolinao which is timely to the proposed plan of a construction of an international airport in Alaminos City. Governor Guico also shared plans of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan in signing a joint venture agreement with San Miguel Corporation for the Phase 1 of the proposed Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) from the town of Binalonan to Lingayen, while Phase 2 is proposed to link Lingayen all the way to Alaminos City to ease traffic especially during summer when vacationers usually flock to coastal tourist destinations in western Pangasinan.

Governor Guico briefly broached the topic of the construction of a seawall along the Lingayen Baywalk, highlighting the importance of letting nature take its course instead of putting up unnecessary man-made structures especially those without fundamental planning and proper consultation. He underscored the prioritization of the implementation of safety policies and practices at tourist destinations as well. Relative to the improvement of tourism establishments, Governor Guico advised PTOA members to come up with standards that are fair in comparison to the services rendered by local accommodation establishments. In line with his advocacy for cultural heritage preservation, the governor advised LGUs without tourist attractions like islands, beaches, waterfalls, and the likes to consider pursuing cultural mapping in order to establish cornerstone exhibits/museums to promote their respective town or city history and culture. Plans to further develop the town of Lingayen, being the capital of the province, through thorough urban planning were also emphasized.

The event was concluded with a Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum tour for PTOA members.

/MCDG-U

Photos: KFC & RSR

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, headed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, held a ceremony at the Casa Real on September 8, 2023 to formally inaugurate the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum. The ceremony, led by the Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), were attended by First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino and his wife, Atty. Melanie Sia-Lambino, as well as League of Municipalities of the Philippines (Pangasinan Chapter) President Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil and several local chief executives and congressmen such as 2nd District Representative Hon. Mark Cojuangco, 4th District Representative Hon. Christopher De Venecia, 5th District Representative Hon. Ramon Guico, Jr., and delegates of 1st District Representative Hon. Arthur Celeste, 3rd District Representative Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas, and 6th District Representative Hon. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas.

“This is my first project to be inaugurated under this administration… Our museum is the very first project that I, as a governor, am inaugurating together with our team,” Governor Guico shared in his message. He had recounted to the audience how he had planned to establish a museum in the town of Binalonan as his last project during his time as the town’s mayor but could not do so as he eventually became a congressman. Further expressing his elation, the governor also shared how providential it was that although he could not push through with the establishment of a museum in his town as a mayor, he was able to do so first and foremost as a governor of the province of Pangasinan.

True to his passion for culture and heritage preservation, Governor Guico likewise voiced out his adamant support for the conduct of cultural mapping in Pangasinan towns and cities, highlighting the importance of knowing one’s past as a means to protect and strengthen one’s identity and roots.

“Ang paglulunsad ng Banáan Museum ay isang pagkilala sa kasaysayan at kultura ng buong Pangasinan bilang isa sa pinaka mahalagang lalawigan sa ating bansa at sandigan ng bawat Pangasinense sa kuwento ng pambansang Pilipinas. Halintulad sa pangalan nito, Banáan… gawing lugar ng mga pagtitipon ng mga ideya, sining, kuwento, at kultura ang pook na ito, tampok ang galing at husay ng bawat Pangasinense (The launching of the Banáan Museum is one way to recognize the history and culture of the entire Pangasinan as one of the important provinces of our country as well as the foundation of each Pangasinense in the story of the Philippines. Similar to its name, Banáan… may this be a place for the gathering of ideas, arts, stories, and culture featuring the accomplishments and skillfullness of each Pangasinense),” stated Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, Chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and Guest of Honor and Speaker at the momentous event. NHCP Chairman Calairo also underscored the significance of the establishment of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum amidst scarce presence of similar provincial institutions, listing ‘hazards to cultural preservation’ such as industrialization, pandemics, lapse in memory, and misuse of information technology to emphasize the need to take responsibility in heritage preservation.

“Lagi ko nga pong sinasabi hindi na po mabubuhay ang kasaysayan dahil wala na po iyan. Tayo po ang bubuhay ng kasaysayan, tayong mga buhay (I always say that history will not live because it’s already gone. We make history live, we who are alive),” Chairman Calairo added.

The unveiling of the museum marker and the ceremonial ribbon cutting followed, after which the guests were given a tour around the galleries.

Present at the event were also Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Jeff Ortega, National Museum OIC Director Paolo Mar Chan, Dr. Eric Zerrudo of the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School – Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics (USTGS-CCCPET), Pangasinan Heritage Society President Arabella Arcinue, Dr. Perla Legaspi of the Center for Pangasinan Studies, department heads and chiefs of hospitals of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II, and other representatives from local higher education institutions and agencies.

The Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum has eleven (11) galleries, one of which is the ASIN Gallery, a revolving exhibit currently housing the Kaluyágan Exhibit featuring artworks by various celebrated Pangasinan artists such as Master of Art Maestro Romeo MananQuil, University of the Philippines Professor Emeritus at College of Fine Arts Nestor Vinluan, Visual Olympian and Monumentalist Joe Datuin, Mr. Paco Santos, and members of local artist groups such as Bolinao Artist Group, Inc. (BAGI), Likët Datëk, PanagAsinan Artist Guild (PAG), Pinankakasakëy Artist Circle (PAC), and Sarag Mi.

The museum is also equipped with a Museum Shop where numerous products by Pangasinan MSMEs are featured and sold.

The museum is officially open to the public this September 11, 2023. Admission is free for the whole month of September in celebration of this year’s Pangasinan Tourism Month. Visits to the museum can be booked online via the See Pangasinan Website.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR

PASAY CITY, Philippines—The Province of Pangasinan, represented by the Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), joined the 34th Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) from September 1-3, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, SM Mall of Asia.

The PTM is the biggest annual travel fair that aims to promote travel destinations around the country. Organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), actively supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and many tourism enterprises, tourism stakeholders, and media partners, the PTM has been celebrated for 34 years, with the 2023 celebration marking the second year of its run since the easing of restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 300 exhibitors from all 17 regions of the Philippines reportedly joined the PTM. Alongside the PTCAO, the Alaminos City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office also joined the event, as well as tour operators and two DOT-accredited accommodation establishments: The Monarch Hotel from the town of Calasiao and the Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort from the town of Bolinao.

“By its very essence, the Philippine Travel Mart exemplifies the ideal approach to ensure the continued strength of our tourism sector that is coordinated, collaborative, inclusive, market-driven, and proactive… Aside from the economic benefits that can be derived… we must not lose sight of PTM’s invaluable potential to demonstrate to the whole world the distinct Filipino brand. Not just our natural wonders, but our history, our culture, and values as well,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco relayed to the audience as President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos couldn’t attend the event.

In her own message, DOT Secretary Frasco expressed her utmost support and gratitude to PHILTOA and the TPB, as well as all participants and guests for another successful run of the event. “We all love our country. We all love the Philippines. And it is this common ground upon which we come together to continue to support Philippine tourism,” the Secretary stated.

Not only did the PTCAO promote Pangasinan’s popular destinations and emerging ones, such as the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum set for its official inauguration this September 8, 2023, the office also brought local products like bocayo pastillas, pure calamansi juice, bangus relleno pandesal, and brown rice nutty bars to showcase the province’s all-time and new favorite food products.

/MCDG-U

Photos: PTCAO

Established in 2016 and known as the research and development arm of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the Center for Pangasinan Studies (CPS) leads the conservation, enrichment, and development of interdisciplinary studies on arts and culture, literature and language, history, education, tourism, trade, and business economics of Pangasinan. Through the collaboration and partnership of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the University of the Philippines, University of Luzon, PHINMA – University of Pangasinan, Lyceum – Northwestern University, Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, Universidad de Dagupan (formerly Colegio de Dagupan), Pangasinan State University, and the University of Eastern Pangasinan, the CPS has since achieved various notable feats in their research and activities in the local, national, and international levels.

In celebration of National History Month this August, the CPS is launching its official website. The new CPS website shall feature all of the center’s programs and projects, research and publication materials, announcements about conferences, trainings, and workshops, as well as lecture and webinar series.

Registration and updates for the most awaited 2023 International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies this November 27-29, 2023 are also readily available on the website for those who want to join the said conference.

You may access the CPS website here: https://centerforpangasinanstudies.com/

/MCDG-U

Video: MBRG

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, headed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), conducted the blessing ceremony of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum at the Casa Real earlier today, August 25, 2023.

The ceremony was led by Fr. Allan Abuan from the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. “As we open this museum, let it be a spiritual exercise for us that we are able to connect, we become more compassionate, to feel, especially with the past, and that it allows us to contemplate and to be more prayerful,” Fr. Abuan said in his sermon. Fr. Abuan likewise shared how Governor Guico expressed his passionate advocacy for Pangasinan cultural heritage when they first met, noting how this passion manifested in the form of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum.

With assistance from PTCAO staff, Fr. Abuan and guests, which consisted mostly of Governor Guico’s executive assistants, and department heads and chiefs of hospitals of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, were guided around the Casa Real premises, through the museum’s eleven (11) galleries, and administrative offices. The Banáan museum guides also provided the guests with a preview tour after the ceremony.

The formal inauguration of the Banáan Pangasinan Provincial Museum is scheduled on September 8 and its doors will be officially open to the public on September 11. Visits to the museum during Pangasinan Tourism Month in September will be free but strictly by online reservation. Updates regarding how to book tours at the museum will be posted on the official Pangasinan Tourism Facebook Page.

/MCDG-U

Photos: RSR