Baybay Bites conducted in partnership with Kiku San, Akxel Gas, Regional News Group – Luzon, and The Pangasinan Nomad.
DAGUPAN, PANGASINAN — Stove ablaze and elements seasoned to perfection, Pangasinan cuisine took over the limelight at Baybay Bites, a digital culinary showcase held today, April 29, at Kiku San, Dagupan City.
In honor of Filipino Food Month and Pista’y Dayat, the Pangasinan Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) sought to promote the seafood and coastal dishes of Pangasinan in partnership with local company Akxel Gas, and Kiku San—an authentic Japanese restaurant with a developed affinity for seafood local to the province.
PTCAO Head Ms. Malu Amor-Elduayan hosts Baybay Bites.
With PTCAO Head Ms. Malu Amor-Elduayan as host, a live cooking demonstration was led by Kiku San Executive Chef Hanz Feliciano who skillfully prepared seven (7) Pangasinan dishes made of products native to the province—but with a unique, Japanese twist.
Kiku San Chefs demonstrate uninque ways of cooking Dagupan bangus.
One dish incorporated the staple product of Lingayen—the bagoong (fermented fish or shrimp paste)—in its fried rice and crispy pork belly recipe. Meanwhile, Dagupan’s iconic bangus (milkfish or ‘sabahi’ in Japanese) served as the defining ingredient of the six remaining dishes.
The sabahi ceviche took the famous kilawén recipe to a new level by incorporating rice wine. Making the sabahi abura shoyu introduced a distinct way of preparing bangus by marinating and then pouring a boiling oil mixture over the fillet. The sabahi croquettes and sabahi aonori showed different ways of turning crispy fried bangus into spherical and tempura-like dishes with hondashi (Japanese powder made from bonito fish) and aonori (edible seaweed). Meanwhile, the sabahi curry and sabahi soba proved that products local to Pangasinan can blend perfectly with global recipes.
Pangasinan products and intnernational flavors converge in seven dishes.
For the opportunity to expand their culinary expertise, seven local food and tourism-related establishments attended the event. Namely, these are: Abong ni Tio Berto, Mesa de Amor, El Jardine, Jem’s Cuisine, Tummy Teasers Food House and Bakeshop, and Ragtime Villas through Ms. Michelle Lioanag.
Not only did these establishments gain valuable culinary insights in elevating the ways through which local products are used, prepared, and presented in dishes; they were also given the opportunity to establish and foster professional relationships.
RNG-Luzon interviews Ms. Amor-Elduayan.
Exclusively for Baybay Bites, the PTCAO also partnered with Regional News Group (RNG)-Luzon to document and broadcast the event on public television. The event will be featured in an episode of ‘Ganda Mo, Pangasinan!’ which will air next week.
The Pangasinan Nomad and Emi Emis are welcomed to Baybay Bites.
Baybay Bites was also done in partnership with Mr. Rodolfo Manandeg Jr.—widely known online for highlighting the province as The Pangasinan Nomad. Alongside Manandeg was social media influencer Ms. Emmy Rozaine Estrada or Emi Emis, to further promote the gastronomic experience that only Pangasinan can offer.
In an interview by RNG-Luzon, Ms. Amor-Elduayan invited people from within and outside the borders of Pangasinan to visit the province and experience its flavors first-hand. “… have a taste of our famous, tastiest bangus [and] other local goodies.”
Baybay Bites is evidence of the capacity of Pangasinan to connect with its Southeast Asian neighbors, and expand its culinary horizons into the international scene—fully honoring this year’s Filipino Food Month theme: ‘Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.’
Pangasinan Governor Ramon "Mon-Mon" V. Guico III delivers his State of the Province Address 2026.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III delivers his State of the Province Address 2026.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon “Mon-Mon” V. Guico III delivered his fourth State of the Province Address (SOPA) this April 8, 2026 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, Capitol Building in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
With the central theme “Strong Political Will and Vision Driving Pangasinan’s Progress: Mas Handa, Mas Matatag, at Mas Matibay ang Paninindigan,” the report focused on the following points: infrastructure and tourism, employment and education, socioeconomic performance, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, social services, healthcare, and good governance. For this year’s State of the Province Address, the speech was written independently by a team that usually works alongside the governor, as he wanted an unbiased view of the state of Pangasinan under his administration.
Among these key areas, healthcare evidently takes precedence under Gov. Guico’s administration. Citing the need for good health programs for a stable state of economy, he implemented free hospitalization across all the 14 provincial hospitals in Pangasinan. “It’s what you call universal health care—and it’s a law,” said Gov. Guico who is confident that this program is “very very much sustainable” as there is already a ₱3.1 billion budget allocated for this, drawn from 20% (₱1.6 billion) of the province’s annual budget (₱8.3 billion) and the provision (₱3.1 billion) from Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
There has been a staggering increase of inpatients and outpatients among these provincial hospitals, showing that more Pangasinenses are receiving healthcare and are being cured of diseases before they become life-threatening. In 2024, there was a recorded number of 114,602 inpatients and 521,814 outpatients; meanwhile, in 2025, there had been 120,069 inpatients and 657,976 outpatients.
As further proof, Pangasinan was hailed as a national health champion by the Department of Health in 2025, and brought home 5 awards—namely: Best Local Investment Plan for Health Implementer (1st Place), UHC Achievement Award (2nd Place), Palbayani Award for Malaria-Free Province, Palbayani Award for Immunization Champions, and 100% Swab-Compliance Award for Measles Surveillance.
The importance of infrastructures for different uses was also highlighted. In his speech, Gov. Guico emphasized that foundations are vital for the development and future of Pangasinan. A notable example is the administration’s Capitol Redevelopment Project—particularly, the 11-storey Pangasinan Government Tower which is planned to hold more provincial offices and is now 44.41% accomplished. With a base depth of 60m, Gov. Guico emphasized the significance of a strong foundation, not just for safety, but for the security of Pangasinan’s future.
“You don’t see it now … but we are building for the future. We ensure [na] matibay ang pundasyon, na yung eleven-storey will hold up … that [building] symbolizes the greatness of the province … We lay the foundation of a progressive and sustainable governance today … in order to ensure a secure future for Pangasinan.”
Other features of the Capitol Redevelopment Project mentioned in the speech are the reflection pool and dancing fountains which Gov. Guico defends as the only free attraction site for the people. The idea of constructing an esplanade in Estanza was also mentioned in passing, further proving Gov. Guico’s plan to further accessible tourism to local and non-local tourists.
“Let’s make this Capitol Complex safe and walkable,” said Gov. Guico.
Education is another important venture in the eyes of the Guico Administration, as evidenced by the establishment and funding of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) which provides free education as, per Gov. Guico: “no one should be left out.” This project, initiated under the administration, is targeted to admit 700 students in August 2026, on top of the 1,200 scholars it already houses in the present.
This endeavor of free education goes hand-in-hand with the desire to boost employment. In his speech, Gov. Guico proudly announced that the Center for Lifelong Learning (CeLL) under the PPC, which aims to produce skilled workers, has already produced 311 graduates in electrical installation—80% of which are now employed. In total, the administration has, so far, recorded a total of 10,204 Pangasinenses who are currently employed locally and abroad.
In terms of agriculture, the Gov. Guico reminisced how his administration strived to revive the second largest salt farm in the Philippines located in Bolinao. After reopening in 2023, the farm—now dubbed as the Pangasinan Salt Center (PSC)—has since seen a rise in salt production. From making ₱10,379,919 in sales in 2024, sales increased to ₱23,248,445 sales from producing 8,100 metric tons of salt.
Aside from the PSC, the Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Center in Bolinao was also recently established to boost local bangus production. And the three provincial warehouses with multi-purpose drying pavements—located in the municipalities of Bugallon, Sta. Barbara, and San Quintin—are nearing completion.
Gov. Guico admitted that the energy crisis had been unexpected; and while there was no direct preemptive preparation, Pangasinan had been prepared through the investment and establishment of infrastructures—as well as by keeping basic services open and furthering its environmental efforts, such as the green canopy program which has already planted around 500,000 seedlings out of the goal to plant 1 million trees.
In response to the travelling issues brought forth by the unforeseen energy crisis, Gov. Guico proposed harnessing the power of the sun to fuel mass transportation. During SOPA 2026, Gov. Guico revealed his administration’s newest, “very ambitious” endeavor: the Electric Vehicle Bus Rapid Transit (EV-BRT). This project features 12 meter, 100% electric buses with low floors and a 40-person sitting and 40-person standing capacity. These vehicles will be cruising the outer lanes of what are currently 5 proposed travel routes passing through selected Central and Eastern Pangasinan municipalities in which strategically-located bus stops will be erected. With 5 units arriving within the next 4-5 months, Gov. Guico hopes to launch the EV-BRT within the year.
Gov. Guico showcases a miniature of the bus model for the EV-BRT program.
These accomplishments, Gov. Guico says, are rooted in the hard work of the 7,125 provincial employees from the capitol to the 14 provincial hospitals. He also gave thanks to “the continued trust of our kababayans. Lahat ng ito ay hindi lang dahil sa galing, ngunit dahil sa isang gobyernong may puso… Tapat at matibay na paninindigan sa ating probinsya… Ang serbisyong magaling ay magpapatuloy. Maraming salamat po, Pangasinan—Ang galing.”
This public affair, held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall, was attended in-person by Vice Gov, Hon. Mark Ronald Lambino and a handful of district board members—namely: Hon. Apolonia Bacay, Hon. Napoleon Fontelera Jr.; Hon. Shiela Marie Baniqued, Hon. Vici Ventanilla, Hon. Marinor De Guzman, Hon. Jerry Rosario, Hon. Rose Apaga, Hon. Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, Hon. Noel Fernando Bince, Jr., and Hon. Martin Raul Sison II. Other mentioned attendees include Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre, Provincial Assessor Atty. Geronimo Abad, the Provincial Accounting Office OIC, and Congressman Mark Cojuangco.
Aside from the in-house audience, the event also saw an influx of virtual attendees—from other provincial offices and local government units—via zoom. Meanwhile, the public had the option to watch through a Facebook livestream which lasted nearly two hours and remains accessible as of writing. This unique “hybrid” mode was implemented in light of the global energy crisis.
/IMTI
Photos: Pangasinan Information and Media Relations Office (PIMRO)
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—With the tranquil shores of Lingayen Gulf as a witness, officials and veterans, together with their families, gathered to honor and celebrate the 81st Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and 19th Pangasinan Veterans Day on January 09, 2026.
Thanksgiving Mass and Military Honors
The ceremonial commemoration began with a thanksgiving mass presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Fidelis B. Layug, D.D., in honor of the valor, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of our war veterans. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and a 21-gun salute led by the 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) to signify utmost respect and gratitude for their heroic deeds.
The wreath-laying was headed by the following officials: His Excellency Marc Innes-Brown, Ambassador of the Australian Embassy, represented by LEUT Callum Heath, Royal Australian Navy-Liaison Officer (RAN LO); District 7 Commander Garrett Bridges of Veterans of Foreign Wars; MAJ Cesarjin M Manalon (MI) PA, Acting Executive Officer 702nd Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division of Philippine Army Armed Forces of the Philippines, with PCOL Arbel C Mercullo, Provincial Director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office; Mr. Eulogio V. Catabran III, president of the Philippine Veterans Bank and Sons & Daughters Assoc. Inc., represented by Mr. Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real, First Vice President, Marketing Communication and Consumer Protection Group, with MGEN Romeo D Alamillo (Ret), President and CEO of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines; USEC. Reynaldo Mapagu, administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, represented by Atty. Brian James Cuevas, Chief, Veterans Affairs Management Division together with Serapio Medrano Placido, World War II Veteran; Hon. Ramon V. Guico III, DPM, Governor of the Province of Pangasinan; Hon. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., secretary of the Department of National Defense, represented by USEC. Pablo M. Lorenzo, Defense Undersecretary for Civil Veteran and Reserve Affairs.
In a message delivered on behalf of Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr., Undersecretary Pablo M. Lorenzo underscored the enduring relevance of the commemoration. “More than anything else, this morning’s commemoration of the 81st Lingayen Gulf Landings and the 19th Pangasinan Veterans Day Celebration is an avenue to remind our fellow Filipinos that freedom, democracy, and the lives we enjoy now were valiantly fought for and deservedly-earned by those who came before us,” USEC Lorenzo stated.
Continuing the Legacy
As the number of living World War II veterans continues to dwindle, the ceremony carried an added weight. One of urgency, gratitude, and responsibility.
USEC Lorenzo reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that remembrance goes beyond annual rites, “these veterans—our heroes—who gave so much and were even ready to sacrifice their own lives for us, deserve the benefits, recognition, and sustained support of a grateful nation.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ramon V. Guico III likewise highlighted in his notable speech the initiatives and programs the government launched to translate remembrance into tangible support for veterans and their families, including the reconstruction of the Veterans Park, the establishment of community hospitals, and the creation of institutions intended to ease the health, financial, and social burdens borne by Pangasinan’s war veterans.
“Through these efforts, we aim to liberate the people of Pangasinan from challenges such as health limitations, lack of education, financial burdens, and inaccessibility,” Governor Guico said.
In honoring the past, the province recommits itself to the living legacy of its veterans: that freedom must not only be remembered, but continuously upheld, protected, and made worthy of the sacrifice that won it.
Following the commemoration, a medical mission was conducted for the veterans and their families, providing free consultations, basic health services, and medical assistance.
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—With the tranquil shores of Lingayen Gulf as a witness, officials and veterans, together with their families, gathered to honor and celebrate the 81st Lingayen Gulf Landings Anniversary and 19th Pangasinan Veterans Day on January 09, 2026.
