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 14th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo on April 3, 2023 at the Capitol Beachfront.
Performers from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office dancing at the Capitol Beachfront during the opening of Pista’y Dayat 2023
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.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino alongside Board Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Expo Secretariat Booth
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.
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 Ramon V. Guico III speaking before the crowds of local chief executives, special guests, and media personnel
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.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino listening as Governor Guico delivers his State of the Province Address speech
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 and Vice Governor Lambino alongside the Board Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
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.”
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.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III reading the background of the Senator Geronima Tomelden Pecson Exhibit hosted at the Department of Foreign Affairs
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.
(from left to right) UNACOM Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares, former Philippine Permanent Ambassador to ASEAN Elizabeth Buencuseso, PTCAO Cultural and Arts Division staff Jan Marlon De Vera, and former COA Chair and former Undersecretary General of UN Office of Internal Oversight Services Heidi Mendoza during the symposium on Filipino women in multilateralism
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.
Governor Guico, First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico, and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan alongside special guests and DFA representatives at the Senator Geronima Tomelden Pecson Exhibit
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.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III and Apayao Governor Elias Bulut, Jr. alongside Pangasinan and Apayao officials
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.
Governor Guico and Governor Bulut during a discussion at the Office of the Governor with Province of Apayao First Lady Heidiliza Bulut and Pangasinan Third District Board Member Vici Ventanilla
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.
Officials from Apayao during a tour of the Capitol Building’s interior conducted by a staff from the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office
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.
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.
Participants alongside Governor Ramon V. Guico III, First Lady Ma’am Maan Tuazon-Guico, and other provincial government officials
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.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III during his message to the members and representatives of the FSLP
“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.
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.
A discussion among the representatives of the NCCA NCMusic and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan
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.
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.
PTOA members and representatives alongside First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guio, Atty. Melanie Lambino, and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan
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.
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.
A Pangasinan veteran present at the commemoration of the 78th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and the 16th Pangasinan Veterans Day
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.
Attendees of the event watching a short film about the Liberation of Luzon entitled, “Ang Pagdaong”
“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.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III during his speech at the commemoration of the 78th Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and the 16th Pangasinan Veterans Day
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.
(from left to right) Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense and Administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office General Reynaldo B. Mapagu (ret.), Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, and President and COO of Philippine Veterans Bank Mr. Renato A. Claravall examining WWII memorabilia displayed at the WAR OF OUR FATHERS – A Brotherhood of Heroes Exhibit
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.
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).
First mass of the day at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag
“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.
Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega during his message at the official launching of the Marian Pilgrimage Circuit in Manaoag, Pangasinan
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).
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.
Representatives from the four provinces of Region 1: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan
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.
Delicacies from the four provinces of Region 1 that were prepared for guests at the food and travel festival
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).
Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan speaking to visitors at the See Pangasinan booth located in the Department of Tourism Region 1 Pavilion
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—In time for the December holidays, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan formally opened its Christmas Bazaar last December 1, 2022 while the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony took place the following evening, on December 2, 2022.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III alongside Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe and other Pangasinan Provincial Government officials during the Christmas Bazaar ribbon cutting ceremony
The Provincial Government of Pangasinan opened its first ever Christmas Bazaar with a ribbon cutting ceremony with Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe, First District Board Member Apple Joy Bacay-Tolentino, Fifth District Board Member Chinky Perez-Tababa, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, Special Assistant to the Governor Von Mark R. Mendoza, and department heads and other provincial government employees. Fr. Jake J. Rovillos was joined by Governor Guico with the blessing of the bazaar booths.
Coinciding with the opening of the Christmas Bazaar, a concert was held later in the evening with performances by local bands Insekto Pares, Paul’s Alarm, and El Fraile. A mini carnival theme park can also be found at the Capitol Beachfront grounds near the Christmas Bazaar where visitors of all ages can enjoy themselves.
Pangasinan’s Christmas tree located in the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen
Another first for Pangasinan’s provincial government, this year’s Capitol Christmas tree was decorated with ornaments that doubled as pledges from various sponsors. The donations collected from this fund-raising activity will be used for the repainting of the historic Capitol Building.
Alongside the team of Mr. Constantine Visperas from the Events of the North, officials from the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, mayors and representatives from Pangasinan’s 48 towns and cities were joined by fellow Pangasinenses at the Capitol Plaza last December 2 as they formally opened the Capitol Complex’s Christmas lights. The lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree was led by First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, together with former Bayambang mayor Dr. Cezar T. Quiambao and the department heads of the provincial government.
Christmas decorations at the Malong Building in Lingayen, Pangasinan
Part of the Christmas festivities in the Capitol Complex this year, with the theme, “Paskong ang Galing, ang Ningning” is a parol-making and building decoration competition which encourages provincial government employees to be creative and to foster camaraderie among their colleauges especially amidst the holidays. A video-making contest was also held, where employees must create a two-minute video that depicts and expresses Pangasinan spirit during this Christmas season.
The Christmas Bazaar located at the Capitol Beachfront is open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 MN and will run until February 28, 2023.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The month of December was declared as National Volunteer Month (NVM) by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 55 s. 1998. In partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), the Provincial Government of Pangasinan hosted the NVM National Kickoff last December 1, 2022.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino alongside officials from various agencies in partnership with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) during the National Volunteer Month Kickoff at the Capitol Grounds in Lingayen, Pangasinan
With the theme, Volunteer Now: Spark, Hope, Create Solutions and Respond to Pandemic Challenges, the NVM Kickoff Ceremony included activities such as the TaTAKBOluntir 2022: Run for Bayanihan along the Lingayen Baywalk in front of the Capitol Beachfront and the Volunteer Engagement Forum held at the Sison Auditorium. The NVM and its celebration is a nationwide endeavor to raise awareness and appreciation for volunteerism and to acknowledge that volunteers and volunteer service organizations are development partners.
During the NVM Kickoff Ceremony, Governor Ramon V. Guico III and PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe signed a memorandum of agreement regarding the establishment of a Provincial Volunteers Office, alongside PNVSCA Deputy Executive Director Ela Victoria F. Sarmago, and National Economic and Development Authority Assistant Secretary Greg L. Pineda, Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, and Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, as witnesses. Other officials and attendees present at the ceremony were also invited to sign the PNVSCA manifesto as their way to collectively support and join the cause.
(from left to right) PNVSCA Deputy Executive Director Ms. Ela Victoria F. Sarmago, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe, Governor Ramon V. Guico III, NEDA ASEC. Greg L. Pineda, and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino during the MOU ceremonial signing
A forum on Public Sector Volunteering was also held the following day, December 2, 2022 at the Provincial Training and Development Center II within the Capitol Complex in Lingayen. Guest speakers were invited to discuss topics such as basic concepts on volunteerism, public sector values, and volunteerism good practices of employee associations.
