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.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—A component of the recently concluded North Luzon Travel Fair held at Clark, Pampanga last November 18 to November 20 was a travel exchange between Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited tour operators and travel agencies of Pangasinan and those of the National Capital Region (NCR) from November 21 to 24, 2022.
TravEx delegates during their tour of the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan
The travel exchange saw representatives from the DOT Region 1, DOT NCR, and tour operators and travel agencies from their respective regions visit select tourism destinations in Pangasinan. With the assistance of the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), the TravEx participants were able to experience various tourism activities as well as taste delicacies unique to the destinations. Their itinerary included a visit to Casa Amarillo (Rosales), Balungao Hilltop Adventure (Balungao), Sts. Paul and Peter Parish Church and Bella’s Puto Factory (Calasiao), Ciudad Elmina (Dagupan City), Our Farm Republic (Mangatarem), and Bued Mangrove Farm and Hundred Islands National Park (Alaminos City).
A business-to-business (B2B) meeting was also held at the Sison Auditorium last November 22, 2022 after the participants were given a heritage tour around the Capitol Complex and at the Casa Real. This became an avenue for Pangasinan’s tour operators and travel agencies to finally convene especially amidst the busy year-end season. Pangasinan’s participants were optimistic that this meeting would highlight Pangasinan and its many tourism products aside from famous destinations like the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City and attractions in Bolinao.
“There are a lot of places, destinations na kailangan natin ibenta, ipakilala sa iba para mas ma-appreciate nila ang Pangasinan. And I am happy kasi they are looking into eastern [Pangasinan] which is ‘yon ‘yong medyo hindi pa na-ouout sa market–‘yong ganda ng eastern, ‘yong pagiging unique ng central at pagiging icon ng ating western (There are a lot of places, destinations that we have to sell, to introduce to others so Pangasinan will be better appreciated. And I am happy because they are looking into eastern Pangasinan which is a part that hasn’t been really out in the market yet–the beauty of the eastern, the uniqueness of the central, and the western as an icon),” Ms. Vanessa Fajardo, founder and executive manager of Aerosky International Travel & Tours Agency in Dagupan City, shared before the meeting started. Ms. Fajardo likewise expressed her optimism that the B2B meeting would create more connections and partnerships among Pangasinan and NCR tour operators and travel agencies, further explaining that safe and responsible travels are anchored in the presence of legitimate and DOT-accredited tour operators and travel agencies.
“Iwasan natin ‘yong DIY [tours]… ang destination, it’s not about nag-papicture ka… It’s also to learn, to know (Let’s avoid DIY tours… a destination, it’s not about you took a picture there… It’s also to learn, to know),” quipped Ms. Fajardo when asked about what message she would like to convey to tourists. She emphasized the importance of tourists immersing themselves in the culture of the places they visit and taking with them bits of information of the places that will remain with them even after the trip. “You should know and you should love ‘yong pupuntahan mo (You should know and you should love the place you’re going to).” Being part of the industry for years, Ms. Fajardo highlighted how legitimate tour operators and travel agencies are able to provide this worthwhile experience, being in constant communication with tour guides and whatnot, which is likewise an important link within the tourism industry and a source of livelihood for local communities.
Representing Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Executive Assistant III Atty. Korina Cueva formally welcomed the guests and expressed the Provincial Government’s gratitude to all participants for the arrangement of the Travel Exchange. Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan was also present at the event to discuss an overview of Pangasinan’s tourism industry, tourism products, and current and future tourism, culture, and arts projects.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan during her presentation of Pangasinan’s tourism industry
A presentation of NCR’s tourism industry and tourism products was also discussed by representatives from the DOT-NCR while the B2B meeting proper followed, facilitated by Mr. Ricky Esguerra, seasoned tour operator and tour guide from the Esgala Travel and Tours agency. A total of 13 tour operators and travel agencies from NCR were able to participate in the event. Mr. Hermie Delatado of Dakay’s Travel and Tours expressed his excitement upon learning of Pangasinan’s various tourism offers, sharing that prior the TravEx, he was only aware of the grand basilica in Manaoag and the Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City.
“I hope magkaroon ako ng maraming bookings going here [in Pangasinan]… That I may have new offerings for my clients (I hope I get many bookings going here [in Pangasinan]… That I may have new offerings for my clients),” Mr. Delatado added on a positive note.
Tour operators and travel agency owners of Pangasinan and NCR discussing during the B2B meeting proper
Senior Tourism Operations Officer Ms. Gay Gapas, head of DOT-R1’s Marketing and Promotions Division, represented Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” Ortega and had been accompanying the TravEx teams since their departure from the North Luzon Travel Fair in Clark City, Pampanga last November 20, 2022. According to Ms. Gapas, Pangasinan tour operators and travel agencies readily promoted the tourism products that the DOT-R1 had been developing with Pangasinan’s tourism stakeholders since 2020, amidst the pandemic. The success of the TravEx gave Ms. Gapas and her team confidence in expecting more foot traffic to Pangasinan and to Region 1, in general.
“We are open always for B2B meetings. It will definitely help in the recovery of the tourism industry,” Ms. Gapas said, later citing the phenomenon that is “revenge travel” now that travel restrictions have lessened and tourists are rearing to make up for loss time since the onset of the pandemic. “And considering our proximity, our very nice road network, we really expect more tourists to come.”
Local statistics show that one of Pangasinan’s most frequent visitors and tourists come from NCR, the province being readily accessible due in part to the construction of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
CLARK, Pampanga—In partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regions 1, 2, 3, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the Alliance of Travel and Tour Agencies of Pampanga (ATTAP), with support from the Subic Clark Alliance Development Corporation, the first ever run of the North Luzon Travel Fair was held at the SMX Convention Center in Clark, Pampanga last November 18 to November 20, 2022. The Province of Pangasinan was represented by its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) at the said event.
Visitors posing at the See Pangasinan booth located at the Department of Tourism Region 1 Pavilion.
“The Philippines is open. The Philippines is ready to receive tourists and investors from all over the world, and north Luzon is ready to lead the way to light up northern Philippines,” Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced proudly as she addressed hundreds of tourism stakeholders present at the North Luzon Travel Fair.
As DOT Secretary Frasco made her rounds, she met with DOT Region 1 Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega and Bolinao Tourism Officer Mary C. De Guzman, who gifted her a Filipiñana dress made by buri weavers from Bolinao’s Santiago Island and local business Kawayan PH, and fashion specialist Ryan Ciero.
The event, with the theme, “Weaving the Way to Recovery,” featured north Luzon’s rich weaving industry and unique weaving products. The DOT Region 1 invited four weavers to represent each province of the region. Ms. Bethy Carolina, a buri weaver from Santiago Island, Bolinao proudly represented Pangasinan at the travel fair as she deftly showcased the traditional weaving practice of her town.
Ms. Bethy Carolina of Santiago Island, Bolinao teaching Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan the intricacy of buri weaving.
An exciting highlight of the event was the Hibla ng Lahi Fashion Show which featured models working the runway clad in modern and chic ensembles made out of Abel Iloko, with buri accessories to complete each look. Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan walked the runway alongside fellow provincial tourism officers from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, as well as two representatives from Pangasinan’s PTCAO and other participants from different provinces.
Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan with two PTCAO staff before the Hibla ng Lahi Fashion Show, dressed in a variety of Abel Ilokano attire with buri accents
The hosting of the first North Luzon Travel Fair stood as a testament that provinces in northern Philippines are more than ready to not only jumpstart tourism after a two-year hiatus, but to improve and diversify traditional industries to stay relevant and alive in the fast-changing tourism industry.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office and in partnership with the MAVI Art Gallery, formally opened the Dagop Datëk Visual Arts Exhibit at the Casa Real in Lingayen, Pangasinan last October 24, 2022.
Dagop Datëk Visual Arts Exhibit entrance at the lobby of the Casa Real in Lingayen, Pangasinan
The month of October is declared as Museums and Galleries Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 798, s. 1991, where it honors and highlights the importance of museums as homes of Filipino culture and heritage, an important aspect in strengthening national identity and pride of place.
Dagop Datëk is a visual arts exhibit, a creative space where colors and people meet. From the Pangasinan word “dagop” which means “to gather” and “datëk” which means “color,” the exhibit serves as a platform for the confluence of art, artists, and the local community. It is a venue for distant, yet meaningful conversation among the “masters” and the locale’s emerging visual artists—an encounter which hopes to foster deep appreciation, learning, and inspiration.
During the exhibit’s formal opening, Governor Ramon V. Guico III was joined by Vice Governor Ronald DG. Lambino and his wife, Atty. Melanie S. Sia-Lambino, Second District Board Member Philip Theodore E. Cruz, Third District Board Member Vici M. Ventanilla, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Binalonan Mayor Ramon Ronald V. Guico IV, and Lingayen Vice Mayor Mac Dexter G. Malicdem, who represented Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo N. Bataoil, Pangasinan Heritage Society, Inc. President Arabela V. Arcinue, owner/proprietor of MAVI Art Gallery Rosalin Borja Ordoña, and other art enthusiasts and patrons.
(from left to right): Atty. Melanie Lambino, Board Member Vici Ventanilla, Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, Governor Ramon Guico III, Ms. Rosalin Ordoña, Ms. Arabela Arcinue, and other local executives and art enthusiasts
In his brief speech, Governor Guico emphasized the importance of the presence of art in a community, citing his past endeavor during his last term as mayor in the town of Binalonan during which he prioritized their creative economy and the town’s culture and heritage.
“For me kasi, a developed and progressive community or town should have artworks installed. And ‘yon pong mga kababayan natin doon, should have an appreciation of the arts kasi pag wala pong arts, hindi po makulay ang buhay natin, ‘di ba? (And our townsfolk there should have an appreciation of the arts because without [the] arts, our lives would not be colorful, right?)” Governor Guico shared with the visitors present at the Casa Real.
Governor Guico viewing paintings by Ysa Gernale, wife of fellow artist Eman Santos, whose paintings are also featured in the Dagop Datëk Visual Arts Exhibit
Since his inauguration as the 31st governor of Pangasinan last June 29 2022, Governor Guico has expressly and consistently voiced out his support for the province’s tourism industry and its culture, heritage, and art. Last September, in celebration of Pangasinan’s Tourism Month, Governor Guico visited Natividad, Alaminos City, and Mangatarem where he listened and had dialogues with various tourism stakeholders during the conduct of Tongtóngan: The Governor’s See Pangasinan Listening Tours. In each visit, Governor Guico encouraged local communities to champion their respective town’s and city’s culture and heritage, likewise supporting the establishment of public parks and museums where youths can learn more about their province and their identity as Pangasinense.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Malu Elduayan along with Ms. Arabela Arcinue, Ms. Alma Bella Santos, Ms. Nida Vergara, Ms. Erfe Concepcion, and fellow members from the Likët Datëk Group from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
The exhibit is housed at the Casa Real, the future Pangasinan Provincial Museum. This is the first art exhibit hosted at the Casa Real that showcases works by four (4) National Artists for Visual Arts namely Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009), Arturo Luz (1997), Hernando Ruiz Ocampo (1991), and Abdulmari Asia Imao (2006). Works by notable Filipino artists like Manuel Baldemor, Angel Cacnio, William Cadag, Nell Campos, Eduardo Castrillo, Eberle Catampongan, Rafael Cusi, Ysa Gernale, Joseph Hilario, Joel Mahilum, Jun Martinez, Lauro Memje, Adrian Morales, Angel Moreno, Romulo Olazo, and Eman Santos are also displayed at the exhibit.
The art exhibit is open to the public on Mondays to Saturdays, from 9AM to 4PM and will run from October 25 to December 16, 2022.
PASAY CITY, Philippines—After two years of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-awaited 33rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) was successfully held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last September 30 to October 2, 2022. The three-day event was made possible by the Philippine Tour Operators Association Inc., Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, BPI, Air Asia, Turkish Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, PLDT Enterprise, and the GUEST (Go on an Unforgettable Experience through Sustainable Tourism) App.
Representatives from Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the Department of Tourism Region 1 pose together during the second day of the Philippine Travel Mart
“The PTM provides an opportunity for everyone to learn a great deal about what the Philippine tourism industry has to offer in this new era of travel,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared in her speech delivered via video message. A notable feat of this year’s PTM was the participation of all 82 provinces of the Philippines, a first after several years since the launch of the country’s longest-running travel trade exhibition in 1994.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan (in red) along with staff from the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) at their booth located at the Department of Tourism Region 1 pavilion
The province of Pangasinan, represented by its Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), joined the PTM alongside the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union at the Department of Tourism Region 1 pavilion. Since before the pandemic, Pangasinan has been a regular participant of the PTM, with some of its towns and cities represented by their respective tourism officers. Alaminos City Tourism Officer Miguel L. Sison and staff Mr. Reynaldo T. Livara Jr. accompanied the PTCAO throughout the event.
The Pangasinan booth caught the eyes of many visitors, most of whom were tourists eager to visit ecotourism sites as the PTCAO promoted the province’s new birdwatching tourism circuit mainly in Alaminos City, Bani, Lingayen, Mangatarem, and Balungao.
Meanwhile, during the second day of the PTM, Mr. Cris Zuniga, a native of Dagupan City, seasoned journalist, and former ABS-CBN news anchor, assisted the DOT-R1 in hosting the Region 1 Festival wherein each province of the region was introduced in a trivia contest featuring fun facts about them. While this was taking place, PTCAO representatives manned the Pangasinan Food Tasting Booth where they featured local food products such as calamansi crinkles from San Fabian’s Calamansian ed Lekep-Butao, Romana Peanut Brittle from Mangaldan, and Capito’s bocayo pastillas from Dagupan City.
Mr. Cris Zuniga with the lucky winner of the See Pangasinan goodies during the Region 1 Festival Hour
This year, the Municipality of Bolinao, represented by Tourism Officer Mary C. De Guzman and staff from the Bolinao Tourism Office, won the Best Booth Award under the municipality/city category. Their booth, conceptualized and designed personally by Bolinao Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, in cooperation with the Bolinao Artist Guild (BAGI), Inc., headed by Mr. Wenn Pidlaoan Licuanan, was made of buri ornaments handcrafted by Bolinao weavers from Santiago Island. According to the Bolinao Tourism Office, they wanted the design of their booth to showcase Bolinao’s rich and diverse marine resources while also standing as a testament that anyone and everyone has the potential to be creators of something beautiful.
Bolinao Tourism Officer Mary C. De Guzman alongside other representatives from the Municipality of Bolinao (photo credit: Department of Tourism Region 1 Facebook Page)
MANGATAREM, Pangasinan—Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III met with representatives from the Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1, Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape (MSPL) and LGU Mangatarem for the third Tongtóngan: The Governor’s See Pangasinan Listening Tours last September 28, 2022.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III being shown around the MSPL by management staff, alongside Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II and Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan
The third Tongtóngan listening tour saw Governor Guico in a dialogue with the DENR Region 1 and MSPL representatives which focused on the responsible conduct of tourism activities in protected areas as well as necessary interventions to continuously and sustainably preserve the environment and wild life within and surrounding MSPL. Present at the meeting were Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Member Philip Theodore Cruz, Special Assistant to the Governor Von Mark R. Mendoza, Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer (PTCAO) Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Marlyn Bando, Mangatarem Mayor Ramil P. Ventenilla, and other local officials.
In a brief presentation, PENRO staff Gleshly Dee U. Castillo detailed the history and development of the MSPL throughout the years, starting in the 1960s. Due in part to its hot spring and rich biodiversity, the MSPL has been recognized as one of Pangasinan’s known ecotourism sites, collectively developed in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the Department of Tourism, LGU Mangatarem, and the Team Energy Foundation. PENRO Bando also detailed the current facilities of the MSPL as well as a quick overview of the site’s status in terms of tourist arrivals, accumulating roughly 49,000 visitors yearly.
Governor Guico checking the water temperature of one of MSPL’s hot spring pools
In his message, Governor Guico shared how it was his first time visiting MSPL and further elaborated how the site was important to the local tourism industry.
“Importante ang turismo dahil ito ‘yong makakapagbigay ng pinaka mabilis na employment at pagkakakitaan sa ating mga kababayan (Tourism is important because this is what gives our townsfolk the fastest source of employment and income),” Governor Guico stated.
Governor Guico addressing the stakeholders alongside local officials
Concerned by recent border/boundary disputes between Pangasinan and neighboring provinces arising, Governor Guico asked the officials present if there had been any similar problems in Mangatarem. He likewise elaborated the issue surrounding Barangay Malico in San Nicolas and how this was being claimed by Nueva Vizcaya.
“We will never give up Malico, San Nicolas to Nueva Vizcaya. We will fight for it,” Governor Guico declared.
Issues and concerns such as old facilities, inadequate utilization of space, lack of personnel and security, insufficient funds for upkeeping and site development, unpaved roads hindering accessibility to the site and barangays around it, and environmental hazards such as wildfires caused by locals burning in nearby forest areas were raised during the Tongtóngan proper.
Participants at the MSPL pavilion where the Tongtóngan meeting was held
In response, Governor Guico called for the assistance of local chief executives for the formulation of sustainable livelihood programs for locals to take part in and likewise be discouraged from practicing harmful and dangerous activities in the forest areas. He also proposed various activities that can be done in MSPL such as horseback riding, ATV riding, camping (especially for boy scouts and girl scouts), and an educational “tree tour.” While MSPL has since ceased the acceptance of overnight stays since the onset of the pandemic, Governor Guico suggested the construction of tree houses where visitors can further immerse themselves in nature. Governor Guico urged the MSPL management to collaborate with private investors such as the Palafox Associates, a known multi-disciplinary firm in the Philippines that specializes in architectural design and urban planning. With regard to assistance in managing the Daang Kalikasan, Governor Guico advised the officials of LGU Mangatarem who were present to set up a business establishment (e.g., a café) somewhere along the Daang Kalikasan where they can earn funds to help sustain the scenic road once the authority over the said road has been duly transferred to Mangatarem by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
The Tongtóngan meeting ended successfully with an acknowledgement of all concerns and issues as well as comments, suggestions, and a renewed and strengthened partnership and collaboration for the development of MSPL and other ecotourism sites in the province of Pangasinan.
