Guv Guico a G.O.A.T

By. Z.J Rosario Ortigoza

Why I call Pangasinan’s young visionary Governor Ramon “Monmon” V. Guico III a G.O.A.T?

It’s an abbreviation in the sports’ world of the “Greatest of All Time”. It’s reserved for elite athletes who have outperformed their rivals.

Now I have unilaterally anointed in this blog the acronym to the charismatic chief executive of one of the colossal provinces in the country.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III

The Guv’s list of achievements is far more superior than his predecessors in the present 3,163, 190 (2020 census) populated province.

Barely two years in his three years’ term post, he has already left milestones of his leadership with big-tickets project he interceded like the (Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX)– a Php 34 billion partnership project with the conglomerate’s San Miguel Beer Corporation (SMC). A major linchpin to the province’s economy according to San Miguel Corporation President Ramon Ang when he graced the groundbreaking of SMC funded super highway in Laoac, Pangasinan in May 20, 2024.

Guico’s brain childs’ Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), a landmark project serving as Guico’s Administration’s gift to poor but deserving Pangasinenses who want to have their diplomas gratis; Pangasinan Salt Center, ensuring steady eco-friendly production of high-quality salt to position the province as a leader in sustainable resource management; the major transformation of the Capitol Complex through the construction of the P100 million Reflective Pool and Interactive Fountain; Banaan Museum, the first provincial museum conceptualized and built under his administration, featuring works of local artists, adding to the collosal province’s inimitable beauty, colorful history, and proud heritage; and many more.

Jay-Z, one of the world’s most famous artists who won 24 Grammy Awards, has a line in his song ‘Reminder’ that says “Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t,” meaning numbers don’t lie—and this quote from the famous rapper accurately epitomizes the Provincial Government of Pangasinan’s remarkable increase in revenue collections under the Guv’s high-quality and effective leadership. Based on the latest data released by the Provincial Treasury Office, from January to May 17 of the current year, actual collections/province share amounted to P109,277,784.40 million, a 463.01% increase compared to the recorded P19,409,728.85 million collected from January to May 17 of 2023 in Tax on sand, gravel, and other quarry products. Just a five months feat from the Man in Binalonan!.

“Show me the money, eh!” as one trite American phrase is quipped.

The preponderances of the monies are just above as what I cited.

With an estimated income of 120,000,000.00 for the year 2024, the collection has reached a staggering 91.06%.

According to Acting Provincial Treasurer Cristy C. Ubando, the total collection of local taxes reached P299,072,077.10. In other words, 94% of the estimated projected income of P317,350,000.00 has been collected.

Included in local taxes are Professional Tax, Amusement Tax, Franchise Tax, Real Property Transfer Tax, Real Property Tax-Basic, Tax on Sand Gravel and other Quarry Products, Tax on Delivery Trucks and Vans, Fines and Penalties-Property Tax, Fines and Penalties-Taxes on Goods and Services. The total Service and Business Income collected amounted to P282,121,930.16.

This signifies that 68% of the estimated income for the year 2024, which is expected to reach P417, 270,000.00, has already been collected.

Service Income covers Permit Fees, Clearances & Certification Fees, and Inspection Fees, while Business Income includes Hospital Fees, Waterworks System Fees, Rent Income, Income from Hotels/Dormitories, and Interest Income. In addition to the aforementioned, the report also includes Total National Taxes at P2,313,326,699.32 (Actual Collection), Total Non-Tax Revenue at P300,272,484.15 (Actual Collection) from Grants and Donations in Cash, and Miscellaneous Income. In sunl, the total revenue (General Fund) has reached P2,912,671,260.57. The percentage of collection is at 50.83% based on the estimated income of 5,729,765,891.00.

After you my dear readers finished browsing the chutzpahs of the Guv,, we can proudly trumpet to all and sundry by including the vaunted hashtags:”#PangasinanAngGaling! and #GuicoAngaling!”