Author: Martie Gonzales

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Coinciding with the celebration of Filipino Food Month (Presidential Proclamation 469) and Pista’y Dayat 2023, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region 1, GMA Regional TV, and the Señor Tesoro College School of Culinary Arts, conducted the Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, Pangasinan last April 30, 2023.

Ponsia is a Pangasinan term for “feast,” a fitting title to celebrate, promote, and preserve the rich culinary heritage of the province. Representing Pangasinan’s six districts, the culinary competition was participated by six talented chefs and their respective sous-chefs. Each team was challenged to prepare a three-course meal: a seafood-based appetizer or soup, a meat-based main dish, and a tropical-themed dessert featuring Pangasinan sweets, fruits, or dairy products. Despite the three-hour time constraint, all participants successfully prepared a three-course meal exhibiting their unique cooking styles and ingenuity of recipes.

The event was also attended by various public figures which include Ms. Clang Garcia, a Philippine culinary heritage explorer, chronicler, curator and TV host of Discover Eats on Cignal TV, and celebrity chef Jose Sarasola who is known for his appearances on GMA programs. Simultaneous with the live competition, Chef Sarasola demonstrated his cooking skills, highlighting Pangasinan’s best bagoong and aquatic riches including shrimps and crabs which appropriately illustrated the rich bounties of Pangasinan’s seas. He likewise served as one of the judges for the culinary challenge, together with Chef Kevin Navoa (co-owner of internationally-recognized fine dining restaurant Hapag) and Mr. Jorron Lee Monroy (CEO and Creative Director of Black House Multimedia Production and director of several GMA series).

At the end of the competition, Chef Nerissa Mae Navarro and Sous-chef Kaira Estrada of Happy’s All-Day Breakfast in Rosales, Pangasinan emerged victorious, securing the first place title. Chef Striessand Casallo and Sous-chef Jydrei Romasoc from The Munch Lab in Alaminos City clinched second place, while the third place honor went to Chef Dahlia Daroya and Sous-chef Arman Alcaide of Arem’s Place in Binmaley, Pangasinan.

Ponsia served as a means to showcase the creativity of Pangsinan chefs while preserving the province’s cultural heritage. The event not only highlighted the province’s culture and culinary heritage, but also became a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their products, businesses, and promote local goods.

Ponsia competition was a resounding success, effectively underlining the significance of preserving and celebrating the culinary heritage of Pangasinan.

/SEAR

Photos: KFC

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Capitol Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan, was transformed into a grand stage for the Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 Pageant and Coronation Night last April 29, 2023. The event was attended by Pangasinenses who came to witness the beauty, elegance, and grace of the candidates who vied for the titles of Limgas na Pangasinan-World, Grand, and Mutya.

The prestigious beauty pageant, a notable project of the First Spouses League of Pangasinan headed by First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, featured 25 gorgeous and talented candidates representing different cities and municipalities in Pangasinan. After a series of rigorous competitions such as the Creative Costume Contest, Talent Contest, and Pre-Pageant, the winners were finally announced. Nikhisah B. Cheveh of Binmaley, who mesmerized the judges with her stunning beauty and intelligence, was crowned Limgas na Pangasinan World. Meanwhile, Rona Lalaine T. Lopez of Mangaldan was named Limgas na Pangasinan Grand, and Stacey De Ocampo of Bolinao was awarded Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya. The other winners include Denise Joy C. Flores of Lingayen, who was named First Runner Up, and Ericka Mae B. Antolin of Urdaneta City, who was declared Second Runner Up.

The coronation night was hosted by three of the most popular celebrities in the country, Xian Lim, Megan Young, and Ariella Arida. The event was made even more special by the performances of Jeric Gonzales, David Licauco, and Dennis Trillo.

The panel of judges for the Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 Pageant and Coronation Night were composed of seven prominent individuals from various industries. The judges were:

1. Michelle Tuazon-Zalamea, a professional ramp and commercial model under John Robert Powers International.
2. Alfonso Jose Bautista, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Acherus Enterprise, Inc.
3. Monette Jimenez, a Board of Director of the National Movement of Young Legislators.
4. Rabiya Mateo, the Miss Universe Philippines 2020.
5. Kirk Bondad, the Mr. World Philippines 2022.
6. Gwen Fourniol, the Miss World Philippines 2022.
7. Arnold Vegafria, the National Director of the Miss World Philippines Organization, Miss Grand Philippines, and Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, and Chairman and President of the ALV Group of Companies.

The Limgas na Pangasinan 2023 Pageant and Coronation Night was not just about beauty and talent. It also showcased the rich culture and traditions of Pangasinan. The candidates wore stunning creative costumes which was an interpretation of what Urduja would wear if she came from the candidates’ town. The audience was also treated to a showcase of Pangasinan’s diverse culture through dance and music performances by the Belyaw Dance Troupe, Misfitz, and the Ligliwa Dance Troupe.

The pageant’s winners were not just crowned for their beauty and grace but also for their advocacy and contribution to their respective communities. The Pageant and Coronation Night was a celebration of beauty, talent, and culture. It was a testament to the beauty and resilience of Pangasinenses who continue to shine on the national and international stage. As the winners don their crowns and sashes, they will represent the province with pride and honor in national competitions, and inspire future generations to continue the legacy of excellence and beauty.

/MTLC

Photos: Pangasinan Provincial Information Office

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The province of Pangasinan welcomes summer with its famous Pista’y Dayat festivities and the opening of the 44rd Agew na Pangasinan as well as the 14^th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo on April 3, 2023 at the Capitol Beachfront.

Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III was joined by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, Board Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan led by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, representatives from national line agencies, livelihood organizations and expo exhibitors. Mayor Marvin M. Martinez of Infanta, Mayor Jolly R. Resuello of Basista, Mayor Jojo B. Callejo of Alcala, Mayor Julius C. Ramos of Sta. Maria, Councilor Ronald Catabay of Bani, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines – Pangasinan Chapter President Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil and Lingayen officials were also present to show their support for the province’s grand festival.

Coinciding with the observance of Holy Week, the solemn celebration featured a ritual that illustrated and gave importance to Pangasinan’s fisherfolks and their traditions after the provincial government’s flag ceremony at the Capitol Plaza, which continued in a procession to the expo grounds.

After Bishop Luis G. Honrado, Jr. from the Jesus Christ Global Outreach delivered a prayer for blessings, Governor Guico noted in his message that this year has the most number of participation from LGUs, with Agno, Alcala, Asingan, Bani, Basista, Bautista, Binalonan, Binmaley, Calasiao, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Carlos City, San Fabian, Sta. Maria, Urbiztondo, and Villasis joining the festivities. Afterward, the Matalunggaring Dancers from the Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus performed a Pangasinan folk dance called, Oasioas which symbolizes a warm welcome to fishermen back to shore with performers gracefully balancing lamps as they dance.

A Best Dressed Tourism Booth Contest (LGU category) was also held during the opening with Regional Director Grace Falgui-Baluyan (Department of Trade & Industry – Regional Office 1), Ms. Gay Nova Marie A. Gapas (Senior Tourism Operations Officer representing Regional Director Joseph Francisco R. Ortega of the Department of Tourism – Regional Office 1) and Mr. John Paul Albert “Pope” N. Dalisay (visual artist from Dagupan City) as guest judges. LGU Bani bagged first place with LGU Villasis and LGU Alcala winning second and third place respectively.

The 14th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo will be open from April 3 to May 2, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. More Pista’y Dayat activities will be announced on the official Facebook Page of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan.

/MCDG-U

Photos: KFC

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III delivered his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) last March 27, 2023 at the historic Sison Auditorium in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Governor Guico started his address by extending gratitude to God, fellow Pangasineses, and his family, as well as to Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, Board Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Capitol employees, congressmen and congresswomen, mayors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay officials, and other public servants in the Philippines who were present at the event.

A notable accomplishment of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan since the beginning of Governor Guico’s term as Pangasinan’s leader were the improved care and treament of the Provincial Jail’s incarcerated persons with the increase in meal allowance and the frequency of their health checkups. In terms of safety and security, Governor Guico reported that 80% of all barangays and 63% of all municipalities and cities were drug-free and the crime rate in the province also decreasing by 16% by the end of 2022. The provincial government provided assistance to local towns and other provinces that were ravaged by calamities and natural disasters through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Plans to establish first response centers and to hire personnel to guard the province’s borders were also mentioned. Strengthening borders is a priority to safeguard the province from criminal activities and the spread of infections that will affect livestock such as African Swine Flu and Avian Flu.

The provincial government  institutionalized a feeding program in collaboration with private companies as well, and formed a stronger partnership with the province’s farmers to ensure food security. Governor Guico cited that aside from being the bangus capital of the Philippines, Pangasinan is also the biggest supplier of malaga in the country which the province should capitalize on. Governor Guico likewise shared the provincial government’s feat of taking over the third largest salt farm in Pangasinan in order to eventually establish the Pangasinan Salt Center which will help not only the province, but also the entire Philippines to be self-sufficient in the production of salt.

Meanwhile, in terms of investments and promotions, Governor Guico mentioned the establishment of the Provincial Economic Development and Investmentand Promotions Office and plans to conduct an investments and promotions summit in Manila to showcase Pangasinan to a wider and broader audience, and perhaps to encourage investors that may put up international and branded accommodation establishments in the province. Investment in the people through volunteerism was also a key accomplishment of Governor Guico’s Administration as they established the Pangasinan Volunteerism Office last December 2022 as the province hosted the celebration of the National Volunteers Month – a first in the country.

Tourism was also cited to be one of the driving forces in generating jobs and income for the people of Pangasinan. Governor Guico spoke about the See Pangasinan Tongtóngan Listening Tours that were conducted in Natividad, Alaminos City, and Mangatarem last September 2022 wherein he was introduced to various tourism stakeholders in the farm tourism and eco-tourism communities and local tourism officers. A total of 355 tourism enterprises also became accredited through the regular Mobile Accreditation Caravan conducted in partnership between the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and the Department of Tourism Region 1. Perhaps the most notable accomplishment in Pangasinan’s cultural affairs since the beginning of Governor Guico’s term is the establishment of the Pangasinan Museum in the Casa Real. Renovations and museum preparations are currently ongoing, at the cost of 35 million pesos.

In terms of infrastructure, Governor Guico shared the provincial government’s plans to build better housing for locals and to determine safer locations for future housing projects, to be led by the Provincial Housing and Urban Development Authority. The governor said, upon consulting with Housing Secretary Jerry Acuzar, projects like these were especially supported by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos, Jr., thus gaining the support of the national government. Plans for the establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic University and the construction of the Pangasinan East-West Expressway were also highlighted in the governor’s address, along with other strategies to establish, renovate, and strengthen farm-to-market roads.

Governor Guico’s first State of the Province Address concluded with the goal to establish the Pangasinan Investment Authority, saying that it would be “the vehicle to grow the assets and the investments of the province because we want to secure the future of Pangasinan beyond my term, Vice Governor’s term, beyond the term of all Board Members… We would like to ensure that the future generation of Pangasinan will be taken care of by this government.”

/MCDG

Photos: KFC

PASAY CITY, Philippines—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (DFA) – Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy (OPCD) and the UNESCO-Philippine National Commission (UNACOM or PH NatCom) held a symposium and opening of exhibit on Senator Geronima Tomelden Pecson last March 10, 2023, at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Pasay City.

The first part of the program was a symposium on Filipino women in multilateralism. It featured former Philippine Permanent Ambassador to ASEAN Elizabeth Buencuseso, former COA Chair and former Undersecretary General of UN Office of Internal Oversight Services Heidi Mendoza, and PTCAO’s Jan Marlon De Vera who delivered a lecture on the “Life and Works of Senator Geronima T. Pecson.”

The second part was the ribbon cutting ceremony and exhibit opening led by Assistant Secretary of DFA Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy Arvin R. De Leon, UNACOM Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares, and Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III. Alongside the Governor, First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, Chairperson of the First Spouses League of Pangasinan, also attended the momentous occassion as an avid advocate and supporter of the celebration of National Women’s Month.

During the opening program, the exhibit overview was presented by Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, and a message was delivered by Dr. Sheila Alcantara, the granddaughter of Senator Geronima Tomelden Pecson, on behalf of the Unified Tomelden Clan.

Coinciding with the celebration of National Women’s Month, the event is also a tribute to Senator Pecson, the first woman senator of the Philippines and the first Filipino and first woman to be elected to the UNESCO Executive Board who was from Lingayen, Pangasinan.

The exhibit will run from March 10–21, 2023, at the DFA Lobby, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

/JDV

Photos: G. Milanes

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” Guico III warmly welcomed his counterpart from the province of Apayao, the Hon. Elias C. Bulut, Jr., First Lady Heidiliza S. Bulut, and the department heads of the Provincial Government of Apayao for a benchmarking activity at the Capitol Complex last March 10, 2023.

The activity served as a platform for the dynamic exchange of best practices and strategies in local governance. Through this benchmarking activity, both provinces hope to improve their governance practices and enhance their respective development plans.

“This is a great opportunity for us to share ideas. We’re all from the north, but there are a lot of differences in terms of the geography, (the) landscape, (and the) culture. But even if there are a lot of differences, I am sure that there are more commonalities between the two provinces… Being the host, of course, we should also learn a lot from you. We should share our best practices,” Governor Guico said in his message.

The Pangasinan Governor also shared his plans for the province, while the Apayao Governor expressed his interest in the digitalization of the province’s Human Resource Management and Development Office. The Apayao officials also stopped by the offices of their counterparts and shared each other’s best practices.

Furthermore, this activity provided an opportunity for the officials to establish networks and build relationships with their counterparts. By learning from each other’s successes and challenges, both provinces can work together toward achieving their common goals of sustainable development and progress. The officials also went on a tour of the historic provincial Capitol Complex as well as the famous JE’s Bagoong Factory.

The exchange of ideas and strategies is a testament to the commitment of both governors to promote growth and cooperation. It is evident that the visit not only strengthened the ties between the two provinces, but also facilitated knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Such initiatives can go a long way toward fostering regional integration and collaboration for mutual benefit.

/MTLC

Photos: KFC

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Members and representatives of the First Spouses League of Pangasinan (FSLP) convened at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II on February 7, 2023 for their first official meeting.

The FSLP is an initiative by Pangasinan First Lady Ma’am Maan Tuazon-Guico to encourage spouses of Pangasinan’s local chief executives to come together and actively preserve and promote Pangasinan’s art, culture, and history.

“You have the full support of the provincial government for all the programs that the First Spouses League of the Province of Pangasinan have in store in the coming years,” Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino said in his opening remarks, present at the meeting alongside his wife Atty. Melanie Sia-Lambino. Board Member Vici M. Ventanilla also joined the meeting with his wife, Mrs. Ana Ventanilla. Other Board Members present at the meeting were Board Member Nicholi Jan Louie Q. Sison, Board Member Haidee S. Sanchez-Pacheco, and Board Member Marinor B. De Guzman, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Migrant Workers Concerns.

The meeting’s agenda focused on talks about necessary preparations for Pangasinan’s summer events such as the 443rd Agew na Pangasinan, Pistay Dayat, Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo, and the return of the Limgas na Pangasinan pageant. First Lady Ma’am Maan Tuazon-Guico highlighted the importance of the participation of all LGUs in province-wide events as these contribute to the overall progress and development of the entire province.

“Gusto po namin ni Gov. pag uunlad tayo, uunlad tayo magkakasama (Gov. and I would like it if we were to make progress, we will make progress all together),” First Lady Ma’am Maan Tuazon-Guico emphasized.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III also attended the meeting and showed his support for the FSLP. He likewise laid out the plans of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Miss World Philippines, Miss Philippines Earth, and Miss Grand Philippines in order to provide winners of the Limgas na Pangasinan with secure opportunities to represent the province in national and international pageants, and be ambassadresses of the province in various fields.

The meeting was attended by an estimated total of 150 participants.

/MCDG

Photos: MSS

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, in partnership with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through its National Committee on Music (NCMusic) under the Subcommission on the Arts (SCA), held a two-day workshop on Music Ethnography last January 30-31, 2023 at the Capitol Resort Hotel, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

The workshop aimed to equip project team, researchers, documenters, and select key informants with the proper knowledge and skills on music geography and ethnographic fieldwork methodologies. Said workshop was in preparation for Music Geography Project on folk and traditional music in Pangasinan and Bolinao languages.

The project entitled “Music Geography Project: Pangasinan Traditional and Folk Songs” is a grant by the NCCA. It aims to document the different folk and traditional songs in the province. Once completed, the project is deemed to significantly contribute to the conservation and preservation of traditional knowledge on Pangasinan music, and eventually, to the further development of culture and arts in the province.

/PTCAO-CAD

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Members and representatives of the Pangasinan Tourism Officers Association (PTOA) convened at the Capitol Resort Hotel in Lingayen, Pangasinan last January 20, 2023 for their first quarter general assembly of 2023. The meeting was also attended by Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico and Atty. Melanie Lambino, wife of Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino.

The meeting’s main objective was to discuss the preparation for Agew na Pangasinan and Pista’y Dayat this coming April. The representatives of the 36 LGUs who were present at the meeting shared their personal visions and resolutions for 2023, renewing their commitment to promote and bolster Pangasinan tourism. First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico likewise discussed the creation of the First Spouses Association which will be responsible for cascading information and assistance to events led by the province. This will be headed by the First Lady herself, alongside Atty. Melanie Lambino, and all of the spouses of each mayor in Pangasinan. This initiative aims to bring back patriotism and pride in being a Pangasinense, as well as to flourish all towns and cities in the province through the exploration of various tourist spots and destinations.

Part of the upcoming summer celebrations is the return of the long-awaited province-wide pageant, Limgas na Pangasinan 2023, preparations for which were also discussed during the meeting. Further details about the pageant will be released via the official Province of Pangasinan Facebook Page.

/CCB

Photos by: GMS

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan was joined by Pangasinan World War II veterans and their families, officials from the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), heads from different national agencies, mayors and representatives from Pangasinan’s towns and cities, and representatives from higher education institutions as the province commemorated the 78th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and the 16th Pangasinan Veterans Day at the Veterans Memorial Park, Lingayen, Pangasinan on January 9, 2023.

The Lingayen Gulf Landings pertain to the events leading up to the Liberation of Luzon, starting from the arrival of General Douglas MacArthur and the Allied Forces along the shores of Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945. The Liberation of Luzon was participated by soldiers from Pangasinan and became an integral part in the eventual liberation of the entire Philippines. In 2007, Ordinance No. 331-2007 was passed to officially institutionalize Pangasinan Veterans Day as an event to commemorate and honor Pangasinan soldiers who fought during World War II.

The solemn ceremony began with a thanksgiving mass that was officiated by Rev. Fr. Emil A. Soriano of the Epiphany of the Lord Parish Church. Sons and daughters of  World War II veterans, represented by Mr. Floro F. Castro (son of WWII veteran Private First Class Apolonio D. Castro) and Ms. Sofia Cruz-Flores (daughter of WWII veteran Private First Class Francisco C. Cruz) led the wreath laying ceremony, followed by President and COO of the PVB Renato A. Claravall, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino (representing the Returned Services League of Australia), Provincial Director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office PCOL Jeff E. Fanged, Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense and Administrator of PVAO Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Lingayen Mayor and President of the Pangasinan League of Mayors Leopoldo N. Bataoil, and lastly Governor Ramon V. Guico III.

Representatives from PVB and PVAO presented commemorative books written by Josefa C. Benitez, Ben Cal, Cesar Pobre, and Philip Kimpo, Jr. to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan. These books tell stories of bravery and heroism of Filipinos nationwide and in the international community.

“This commemoration is also a fitting tribute to all those who fought and stood their ground against the Japanese foreign invaders. As such, I would like to recognize and offer my snappiest salute to the men and women, the known and the unsung heroes for defending our country with their lives–our veterans… Allow me to acknowledge the Pangasinan veterans who join us today. We laud and take pride in your stories and valor and bravery that fuel the Filipinos’ love for country and help secure the nation’s independence,” Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense and Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Reynaldo B. Mapagu said in his speech.

Service Awards were conferred to eight (8) veterans during the event: Private First Class Ricardo C. Manzano Sr., Philippine Scout (97 years old), Private Pedro Hiteroza, Infantry (98 years old), Private Juan DG. Cristobal, Infantry (98 years old), Private Marcelo M. Tapiador, Infantry (98 years old), Corporal Victorina G. Urmaza, Women Auxiliary Service (99 years old), Private First Class Hospicio N. Mallari, Infantry (101 years old), Corporal Adriano S. Salomon, Infantry (102 years old), Private First Class Valentin M. Untalan, Philippine Scouts (106 years old). The Nightingales, a group of singers whose talents have graced countries all over, also serenaded the veterans and other guests at the event.

A known patron of the arts and avid supporter for historical and cultural affairs, Governor Guico reiterated the significance and urgency of acknowledging, advocating, and preserving one’s history and culture because these contribute to the enrichment of not only the province’s history and identity, but also that of the whole Philippines. “I urge all of our LGUs to also allocate funding and give importance to cultural and historical mapping,” Governor Guico emphasized.

Alongside the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the PVB and PVAO also opened an exhibit entitled, “WAR OF OUR FATHERS – A Brotherhood of Heroes” at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center I. The exhibit features wartime photos, World War II artifacts, documents of war in Pangasinan leading to the Lingayen Gulf Landings, and even archive materials from the U.S. Navy and the MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia.

Pangasinan veterans who attended the ceremony were also able to avail various medical services and medicine at the medical mission held outside the Sison Auditorium shortly after the event.

/MCDG

Photos: KFC

MANAOAG, Pangasinan—Following a seminar focusing on Marian pilgrimage sites in Region 1 that was conducted in La Union last November 2 to 4, 2022, the Department of Tourism Region 1 (DOT-R1) formally launched the Marian Pilgrimage Circuit last December 8, 2022. The province of Pangasinan joined this momentous event through the participation of the provincial government’s Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO).

“Let this be a place where you can hear God’s word, God’s love and experience the joy of being in His presence,” Rev. Fr. Glen Mar T. Gamboa said in his welcoming remarks as he represented Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas. The launching of the pilgrimage circuit included a tour at select Marian pilgrimage sites that were identified during the seminar last November.

Marian Shrines are places of worship that house canonically-crowned images of the Blessed Virgin Mary that are ordained because of its miracles. It is the highest honor given to a Marian image expressed through a Papal Bull or Papal Decree. The Shrine of La Virgen Milagrosa De Badoc in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Caridad in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo, La Union, the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan in Luna, La Union, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Manaoag, Pangasinan, and the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in San Fabian, Pangasinan were the identified Marian Shrines in Region 1.

The DOT-R1 envisioned that through the launching of the region-wide Marian Pilgrimage Circuit, pilgrimage tourism will be thoroughly promoted amidst the “new normal,” likewise highlighting the appreciation of pilgrim values. The launch was headed and attended by DOT-R1 Regional Director Jeff R. Ortega, DOT-R1 Consultant Kim Dyan A. Calderon, Atty. Eds Rebugio (who represented Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III at the said event), Rev. Fr. Glen Mar T. Gamboa, and Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Elduayan, along with participants from the previously conducted seminar related to the event.

Pilgrimage tourism aims to attract people of faith, whether for cultural immersion, missionary building, or simply to deepen visitors’ faith. Pangasinan is home to various heritage churches, notable of which are the Minor Basilica of the Holy Rosary of Manaoag, Minor Basilica of St. Dominic de Guzman (San Carlos City), Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church (Calasiao, declared as a National Cultural Treasure in 2001), and the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (Dagupan City, which shares a special bond of spiritual affinity in perpetuity with the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls).

/SEAR

Photos: KSS

DAVAO CITY, Davao del Sur—Together with the Department of Tourism Region 1, the province of Pangasinan, represented by its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), joined the KAON TA, KAIN PA! Food and Travel Festival at the Ayala Malls Abreeza last December 2 to 4, 2022.

Now in its fifth year, KAIN NA! is the Department of Tourism’s food and travel festival and was celebrated this year with the theme, “Kain Na! Kaon Ta! Pagkain Pamasko.” Similar with travel fairs that were held all over the country this year, the food and travel festival is an endeavor of the DOT to raise awareness and interest in authentic Filipino cuisine. A celebration of culture and heritage in the form of food and local dishes unique to the Philippines and its various regions, the food and travel festival also became an avenue for invited tourism stakeholders to promote and champion their local products as well as farm tourism destinations where these are produced.

Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan and staff from the PTCAO represented the province of Pangasinan alongside representatives from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union in the DOT Region 1 delegation. Bolinao Tourism Officer Mary C. De Guzman and her staff were also present at the festival, together with a group from Rod’s Jellycacies and Food Products, an MSME from the town of Mangaldan known for their alamang (shrimp paste) and chili oil. Pangasinan food products that were showcased at the event were peanut brittle from Romana’s (Mangaldan), flavored sea salt from Tiblong’s (San Fabian), nutritious chips and snacks from O-Krantz PH (Bayambang), must-have pasalubong products from Sopresa Food Products Manufacturing (Urdaneta City), calamansi juice from UP Lokal (Mangaldan), guyabano and calamansi juices from Riverbank (Mangaldan), rice mongo cereal and healthy chips from Rimo (Sta. Barbara), 11 in 1 hot turmeric tea from Blessed Hand (Manaoag), and pinakbet cubes from Chatita’s (Aguilar).

/MCDG

Photos: CCB & Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan