Prov’l Gov’t Launches PangaSine 2024

 

Lingayen, Pangasinan – The formal launch of PangaSine, the Official Film Festival of the Province of Pangasinan, anchored on the theme ‘Pangasinan through the lens of the Pangasinense’, was a resounding success.

Held on April 6 at the Sison Auditorium, the first-ever PangaSine is the brainchild of Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon Guico.

FIREFLY DIRECTOR. Prolific and award winning Filipino film director Zig Dular (center) is flanked by Former ABS CBN Regional Director and Pangasinan provincial government’s public information office chief Dhobbie de Guzman (extreme right) and Northern Watch Newspaper Editor Mortz C. Ortigoza during the second of the three days’ film workshop held recently at the Sison Auditorium in the Capitol compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan. Dulay is the 2024 Best Picture awardee on the flick's Firefly during the Manila Film Festival. Other award winning short films of Dulay are Bambanti (Scarecrow) (2015), Mother's Maiden Name (2014), Paglipay (Crossing (2016), and Bagahe (2017). 

Said event is deemed to be the precursor of Pangasinan filmmaking, aimed at enriching and highlighting the tapestry of Pangasinan culture.

Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Baby Ruth Torre, who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III, stated that the province’s vision is guided by a clear mission that encapsulates the commitment to nurturing creativity, discovering talents, and producing meaningful and quality films authentically ‘Made in Pangasinan.’

“We aim to encourage creativity through filmmaking. By fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, we unlock boundless creativity by discovering the talents of Pangasinense in filmmaking,” Atty. Torre added.

The present administration envisions a Pangasinan that stands creatively preeminent as the country’s filmmaking hub—a beacon of artistic expression and cinematic brilliance.

Graced by remarkable filmmaking virtuosos, among them were National Artists for Film Kidlat Tahimik and Cinemalaya co-founding member Ed Cabagnot, who shared insights on the essence of crafting original Filipino and Indigenous cinema.

‘I think you don’t have to copy how they do it just to make money. Siguro mas importante, hanapin niyo yung genius ng indigenous. Yung lakas ng Kultura ng ating sariling mga sulok ng bayan,’ Kidlat said.

More than a hundred young filmmakers from various towns of the Province joined the three days filmmaking workshop dubbed HULMAAN NA PELIKULA.

HULMAAN NA PELIKULA Filmmaking Workshop were graced by the following luminaries: On Documentary Production (Baby Ruth Villarama); Film Appreciation and Film Festival Management (Edward Delos Santos Cabagnot); Screenwriting (Moira Lang); Directing (Zig Dulay); Cinematography (Richard Dico Cawed); Film Editing (Jay Halili); and Sound Editing or Design (Jonathan Q. Hee).

PangaSine 2024 featured Short Films in Exhibition and Filmmakers to wit; NARRATIVE: Mina’s Family History (2021)- Christopher Gozum, Bayambang, Pangasinan; This Day (2021) – Red Aquino – Dagupan City; Layag (2017) – Romsky Chelle Marzan Dela Cruz – Alaminos City; Ti Bisikleta ni Arong (2024)-Branden Josh Domingo -Alaminos City; Peymus (2023) Gabriel Rodriguez – Alaminos City; Ang Huling Dingas Para Sa Damgo (2024) World Premiere – Jaybilson ‘Hayo’ Abuel -Mabini; DOCUMENTARY: Sa Layag ng Bangkang Paurong (2019) – Mark Giddel Liwanag -Alaminos City; Managsulat ya Pangasinan (2023)World Premier – Erika Tambo – Urdaneta City; Sketsa na Dagupan (2024) – Charlmagne Christian Ramoso – Dagupan City; E-Kawayaman (2023) -Lanz Dizon -Alaminos City; SPECIAL PARTICIPATION: 14 Days (2021) – Narciso N. Santos, Jr. – Samat, Bugallon; Ilalon ag Nibalikas (2022) – Charlmagne Christian Ramoso – Dagupan City; Agno, Memories of a Forgotten River (2022) – Christopher Gozum – Bayambang.

‘Sine by the Sea,’ an exhibition of films by Pangasinense filmmakers held at the Capitol Beachfront, wrapped up the opening day of the three-day PangaSine activities, which will run from April 6 to 8.

The successful launched was witnessed by chiefs of hospitals and offices and department heads of the provincial government led by Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II.
(Chona C. Bugayong, Adrian Carlo dela Crus PIMRO)

Guico’s 2024 SOPA: Historic Mark of Transformative Projects

 LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—Governor Ramon V. Guico III revisited the vision and mission set by his administration through the second State of the Province Address (SOPA) that he delivered in time for the 444thFounding Anniversary of Pangasinan on April 5.

Governor Ramon V. Guico III during the recent 2024 State of the Province Address.

Entitled, ‘Pangasinan Ang Galing! Creating a Syzygy of Excellence,’ the governor elaborated on the various gains of the province for the past year as he highlighted the big-ticket projects that are considered historic marks of his leadership, such as the establishment of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), management of the Pangasinan Salt Center, the groundbreaking of the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEx), the establishment of the Banaan Museum, which is the first museum of the province, and the major transformation of the Capitol Complex through the construction of the Reflective Pool and Interactive Fountain.

Stressing the strategic plan of the province, he stated that the people or constituency are the priority. “We want to provide a wide range of services to realize this goal of uplifting the socio-economic status and well-being of Pangasinenses,” he said as he mentioned the following goals to achieve: 1) care for the Capitol workers; 2) significance of library services for the people; 3) provide scholarship for poor and deserving students; 4) provide job opportunities and gainful opportunities for unemployed Pangasinenses; 5) support for Pangasinan Cooperatives; 6) shelter for the homeless; 7) societal welfare programs for living veterans, child development workers, solo parents, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.

To be able to accomplish the goals set for the constituents, Gov. Guico said his administration upholds participatory governance by implementing and evaluating programs and projects, focusing on the need to systematize the utilization of land resources, and intensifying efforts to make Pangasinan the province of choice.

On peace and order, the provincial chief executive reported that the Provincial Peace and Order Council was cited as the “Functional Peace and Order Council” and bagged a grade of 100 in the 2023 Performance Audit.

In addition, the provincial government, through the Pangasinan Provincial Jail (PPJ), continuously implements restorative and transformative programs through spiritual nurture, the provision of an alternative learning system, livelihood training, and an anti-drug use campaign among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL).

With regards to health, Gov. Guico enumerated major accomplishments such as the improvement of all health facilities, the acquisition of new state-of-the-art medical and laboratory equipment, and the hiring of more than 200 medical personnel to improve the services offered by the 14 government-run hospitals. “Our marks of excellence exceed our highest expectations; the provincial government spent P7,943,869.47 for the construction, repair, rehabilitation, and maintenance of hospital buildings and facilities,” he disclosed.

It was likewise reported that all 14 hospitals in the province increased their authorized bed capacity to 912, with Actual Implementing Bed at 1,632. A total of 468,122 outpatients and 111,631 in-patients were served in 2023.

Worth mentioning was the successful implementation of the Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP). From 2022 up to March 11, 2024, a total of P383,816,375.51 were transferred to Pangasinan, of which 14 hospitals had already utilized P316,771,657.70. This translates to an 82.53% utilization performance rate. Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City also received P500,000.00 in MAIP funds.

Citing the importance of protecting, conserving, and managing the province’s environment and natural resources, the governor said the Green Canopy program, which is his brainchild, remarkably propagated 230,326 species of forest, fruit, and culinary plants; expanded 125,021 multiple species of mangrove seedlings, of which 106,410 pieces were distributed for reforestation efforts in riverine and coastal ecosystems.

Under Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), he took pride in reporting that the provincial government facilitated the activation of the Pangasinan 911 Hotline Number through a signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of the Civil Defense-Region 1. He also said that the province launched the first Pangasinan One Response Command Center which is envisioned to respond to all emergency needs with three satellites to support its system.

Another remarkable achievement of the province is the efficiency of its internal management and accountability. This, the governor pointed out, can be attributed to the establishment and implementation of effective systems and processes compliant with laws and regulatory standards that adhere to the principles and practices of good corporate governance. “First, we guaranteed that we have a reliable system to ensure transparent and judicious management and utilization of financial resources,” he said as he bared that in 2023, the total tax revenue amounting to P5,245,481,733.29 exceeded the estimated income of P5,043,164,820.00 for a 103% collection performance.

For the implementation of Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 1-22, Gov. Guico stated that the province collected P32.189 million from the collection of fees on veterinary inspection and shipping permits, which translates to a 190% performance increase from the 2022 collection.

On agriculture, Gov. Guico specially mentioned corporate farming, another design of the present administration, as the main driver of success for the sector. It can be recalled that corporate farming was launched in the latter part of 2022 with the pilot project during the cropping season for CY2022–2023. Four farmer cooperative associations were among the pilot beneficiaries. This covers an area of 66.03 hectares.

Aside from this, farm mechanization intensified. Some six units of hand tractors, 10 units of combine harvesters, two units of multi-pass rice mills, and one unit of walk-behind transplanter were distributed by the provincial government in partnership with the Philippine Center for Post-Harvest and Mechanization.

The operation of the Laoac Dairy Farm formed part of the province’s accomplishments in agriculture. From the carabao population of 118 heads in 2022 to 211 in 2023, 54 calves and 30 yearlings plus 50 pregnant cattle were acquired from the National Dairy Farm. The dairy farm produced 6,487 liters of raw milk, which generated total sales of P2,093,000. Recently, Pangasinan was cited as the country’s third among the Top 10 economic performers in terms of economies, with the largest share of National Gross Value Added of agriculture, forestry, and fishery by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Aside from the officials of the province led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino and the members of the provincial board, the 2nd SOPA was graced by 1^st District Representative Arthur F. Celeste, Sr., and 5^th District Representative Ramon Guico, Jr.; former Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao; Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico; and the governor’s mother, Dr. Arlene Guico; Atty. Melanie Lambino, local chief executives, department heads led by Provincial Administrator Melicio F. Patague II, chiefs of hospitals, representatives of different sectors and line agencies, and other guests. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO)

The Joyous’ Eid-ul-Fitr

By Datu Allan "Abu Assad" M. Maasir

In the name of Allah Most Merciful, Most Gracious Assalamo alaicom (Salam), as what the Muslim belief in spreading the greetings of peace (Salam).

 "As Muhammad prophet said, you shall not intend to go until you believe and you have not believed until you love one another, shall I tell you of something you can do to make you love one another? Spread the greetings of Salam amongst yourselves,” Abdullah bin Umar said.

The seal of the organization (top photo) and Datu Allan "Abu Assad" M. Maasir and his lovely spouse.

A man asked the prophet what is the best act of Islam, he said: "to feed others and to give greetings of Salam to those whom you know and to those whom you do not know".

 I am Datu Allan "Abu Assad" M. Maasir, a consultant of the Pangasinan provincial government under Governor Ramon V. Guico, III and President of the North Central Luzon Council for Muslim and Christian Inc. As the only CSO Muslim affairs and Christian network in Pangasinan we came up with a framework on how Muslim’s constituents become active participants in good governance of society like peace building in the Islamic context and perspective with the other faith.

Known as Datu Kaisa-isa of Muslim community, I announced our beloved kabaleyans who are both Muslim and Christian members that the 2024 holy month of Ramadan will be ending on April 10 and 11, 2024 as we celebrating EID FITR.  In connection to it, we would be able to identify issues and concern pertaining to the sacrifices against all prohibited action during Ramadan as one of the major pillars of Islam.

 It is 9th month of the world Muslim calendar and months of abstaining from something (Haram) prohibited in Islamic way of life. It is performed between raising and setting of the sun. This month like in Pangasinan all Muslims are celebrating the month of Ramadan where GOD (Allah) revealed to Mohammad - peace be upon him the Holy Quran.

 The importance of Ramadan will always reflect the Muslim community in nation building and a way of life for those who truly believe in Islam. Ramadan is a practice ground of teaching good manners and right conduct and prohibit immoral and wrong acts in order to fend off sins and avoid affronting Allah. Our people in Pangasinan and members of our organization - Muslim and Christian aliked – deserve plaudits after the 30 days of Ramadan. It is a victory for of all us which will direct the attention of the reward of Allah to us.

 We share to all Muslims in the world and the province of Pangasinan this celebration. Allah Akbar (God is great)! Wassalam and sukran.

Quiambao Denies Cong. Bid

 

TO SUPPORT ARENAS VS. POE

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – Business tycoon and former mayor of this flourishing town denied he gravitates for a congressional seat but instead will support the reelection of Pangasinan 3^rd District Cong. Ma. Rachel Arenas.

“Kay Rachel,” his short retort when queried by this writer incase outgoing Senator Grace Poe challenged Arenas in the May 12, 2025 congressional election.

BIGWIGS. Business mogul and former Bayambang Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao (left photo and clockwise), Pangasinan 3rd District Cong. Ma. Rachel Arenas, and outgoing Senator Grace Poe.

The poser from this newspaper came from the persistent rumor that circulated in the big province and the social media that Senator Grace Poe will be registering in the vote rich San Carlos City – the home place of her famous actor late father – before the one-year residential requirement by law ends on May 11 this year for her bid to challenge Rep. Arenas in the one city and five towns’ district.

When this writer told Quiambao that Arenas cozied up with him and wife Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis “Nina” Jose - Quiambao in the last year’s People’s Grand Ball & Balikbayan Night held at the public plaza here, he said the Quiambaos are allies of the Congresswoman.

“Pagkasama kasama,” he said in the vernacular how he will support Arenas because she is a political ally.

In this year’s People’s Grand Ball & Balikbayan Night still headed by Sangguniang Bayan (Local Legislature) Secretary Joel Camacho, Arenas was represented by former nun Jessica Gueco.

Aside from dances by the attendees and presentation by the local government of the beautiful lasses of the Binibining Bayambang, warbler Hadji Alejandro serenaded the town’s balikbayans (come backing foreign workers) while they partake their dinner held at the public plaza.

The moneyed Quiambao – whose family owned Stradcom Corporation - was a major factor in trouncing out of the perennial congressional and governorship hold of the Espinos’ political family in the May 2022 election when he supported 2^nd District Congressman Mark Cojuangco and Governor Ramon V. Guico, III.

 Upon his return from Indonesia to the Philippines in the early 1980’s as Executive Vice President of PT Green Timber Java, Quiambao pioneered the country’s first infrastructure project’s Public-Private-Partnership in Metro Manila Skyway and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) tollways that spur economic growth and improve the transportation nightmare in the Philippines.

2024 USAF-PAF Ex. Opens at Basa

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

BASA AIR BASE, Pampanga – The air forces of the United States and the Philippines will be holding the Cope Thunder 2024-1 to be held on April 11 at the newly renovated runway here.

According to the public affairs office of the Philippines Air Force (PAF), the joint military exercises include field exertions focused on the basic fighter maneuver as well as simulated strike mission involving the PAF’s FA-50PH and the USAF’s F-16 combat jets.

FILE PHOTO: American and Filipino pilots returned in a drizzling July 17, 2023 to camp at Clark Air Base in Pampanga after their combat aerial exercises in  Brig. Gen. Benito Ebuen Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu in the second Cope Thunder. Background is the lethal U.S A-10 Thunderbold-II (known too as Warthog or Tank Killer). PHOTO : Mortz C. Ortigoza

Media interviews with the representatives of the two allied air forces ensue after the exercises.

The entire Cope Thunder will start from and end in April 8 to 19.

The U.S. and Philippine are slated to conduct their first combat training exercise of the year this April amid the escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement in which he reaffirmed the country’s commitment to countering “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks” by the Chinese coast guard. The latest intimidation was in March 23 when Chinese personnel used water cannons to obstruct a Philippine resupply mission in the South China Sea that hurt naval personnel and destroyed some of the vessel’s parts and gadgets.

Cope Thunder was held for the first time in more than 30 years in 2023. It used to be held annually from Clark Air Base in the Philippines starting in the mid-1970s but was suspended following the 1991 volcanic eruption of Mount Pinatubo, which led to Clark’s closure. Last year, two iterations of Cope Thunder in May and June included U.S. F-16s and the superiority and stealth fighters’ F-22, and the PAF’s FA-50PHs, A-29s, and AS-211s at Basa and Clark air bases.

The latest aerial exercise between the two air forces was in February, when a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber flew alongside three PAF’s FA-50 fighters during a patrol over the South China Sea within Manila’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). A pair of B-52 bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana are currently deployed in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, approximately 3,200 nautical miles from the Philippines, for Pacific Air Force missions.

The two countries also worked together to renovate the runway here to accommodate more and larger U.S. aircraft. Additionally, ongoing upgrades include the construction of a 625,000-square-foot transient parking apron, which will allow 20 U.S. aircraft to be deployed at the site. These projects are part of the the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two nations, funded by the Pentagon’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative’s budget.

Basa Air Base represents the biggest U.S. investment among the five EDCA sites of the Philippines, with $66 million (P3.7 billion) allocated to the base out of the initial total of $82 million (P4.6 billion). The base currently hosts the Philippines’ sole fighter squadron, consisting of the 12 South Korean made FA-50PH Fighting Eagles.

Kinapos sa Bilihan ng Boto

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

Nadaan ako sa political kingpin ng isang bayan na dating alkalde. Sa huntahan namin tinanong ko siya kung magkano ang pakurong o vote buy niya kada botante noong eleksiyon.

“Sa pagka mayor P150 lang kada botante pero ang kalaban namin P500. Nagbenta kasi siya ng bahay at lupa na nagkakahalaga na P130 million”.

Photo credit: RMN

Kahit na tag P500 kada isa ang bilihan ng kalaban nila, ang mayor na kamag anak ng dating alkalde ay nanalo pa rin ng landslide noong May 9, 2022 eleksyon.

“Mahal kami ng mga taga dito at alam ko na na kahit maliit lang ang pondo namin mananalo pa rin kami sa kalaban naming mapera, ” saad niya.

Ilang beses na nangyari itong “lopsided” na pakurong noong tumatakbo si alkalde sa mga naunang termino niya pero nananalo pa rin siya at luhaang tinatangap ng mga kalaban niya ang mapait na katotohanan  ng pagkatalo.

***

Pero iba ang sitwasyon, ani dating alkalde, sa dalawang provincial candidates na nagsalpukan sa bayan nila. Sabi niya natalo si incumbent dahil sa mga kadahilanan na sumusunod:

Una: Kulang na kulang sila sa budget sa vote buying. Isang linggo bago mag eleksyon namimili sila ng P300 kada botante habang ang challenger ay namimili ng P700 na;

Ikawala: Iyong mga kamag anak ng incumbent na namimili ng boto kung hindi maaga pa silang umuuwi sa ibang bayan minsan nakikita silang naguumpukan sa isang sulok.

“Mukhang pinaghahatian nila iyong pambili ng boto,” ani dating alkalde.

Naalaala ko tuloy iyong mataas na national politician na nakatira sa Dagupan City na kung saan ang anak niya ay tumatakbo sa Senado. Sabi ng matanda iyong mga kabataan na isinasakay  nila ang mga tarpaulin na malalaki at decals sa truck ay papunta ng Isabela para maglagay ng mga tarpaulin doon. Pero sabi noong isang taga pagsabit ilang buwan na ng matapos ang eleksiyon, sa beach sa isang beach sa Pangasinan sila pumupunta at pinagiinom nila ang budget sa krudo, hotel at pagkain na dapat gastusin sa Isabela.

“Masarap ang buhay namin noon. May sueldo na sagana pa ang budget sa inum,” pagmamalaki pa niya sa akin.

Kaya pala natalo sa Senado ang anak ng bigtime politician na hundreds of millions of pesos din ang ginastos sa national TV ads at iba pa;

Ikatatlo: Balik tayo doon sa incumbent na P300 versus sa challenger na P700. Ani ng source ko, first wave sa vote buying lang iyong P700 dahil ang second wave ni challenger ay sinundan pa ng P500 kada botante o P1,200 bawat bobotante lahat lahat na.

Kaya tama iyong kuwento ng isang malaking pulitiko na ang talunan na dating incumbent o  sinumang miyembro ng pamilya niya ay wala ng kakayahang tumakbo sa provincial wide eleksyon dahil noong 2022 poll pa lang ay kinapos na sila sa budget.

“Walang tatakbo sa kanila dahil noong last na eleksyon halos said na sila sa pondo,” aniya.

PD Admits Weak Cops-Civs Ratio

By Mortz C. Ortigoza

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan – The top police honcho of the huge province acknowledged the complaint of this town’s mayor Bona Fe D. Parayno the adverse ratio of the police to the population here.

PD AND LADY MAYOR. Pangasinan Police Provincial Office Director Col. Jeff Fanged (left) and Mangaldan Mayor Bona Fe D. Parayno at the sideline of the fiesta celebration of the thriving town.

“Yes lahat kulang talaga, although na meet natin ang ratio natin iyong ratio natin is 1 to 500 malayo pa rin 1 is to 900 tayo. So ang ginagawa natin may dina-downloaded iyong region nagbi-base tayo doon sa crime incidents doon natin nilalagay,” said by Pangasinan Police Provincial Office Director Col. Jeff Fanged.

When three murders ensued here from December 2, 2023 to January 4, 2024, Mayor Parayno cited the weak ratio of the law enforcers to the number of the population here.

Since last year, Mayor Parayno has been calling the police's hierarchy to add more law enforcers in the town even before the grisly murder of Poblacion Barangay Chairwoman Melinda “Tonet” Morillo who was shot to death while traversing the highway in Barangay Tebag here in December 7, 2023. 

The same request was reiterated by Parayno to Lt. Col. Roldan Cabatan, this town’s chief of police, after Brgy. Kagawad Romeo Abrazaldo del Campo of Barangay Guilig and Lina Biala Abrio of Brgy. Bantayan have been murdered in January 2, 2024 and January 4, 2024, respectively.

Parayno exhorted the law enforcers to strengthen the police visibility in every village of the 30 barangays here and the incessant police patrol with the barangay security forces.

To buttress the visibility, the mayor bought two motorcycles and will buy a car to be used for roving the town to deter the criminals to pounce on hapless residents here.

Last year Parayno procured some motorcycles for the use of the same law enforcers.

 The two alleged killers of Abrio and del Campo have been arrested by the police.

This town has a population of 113,185 (2022 Census).

Meanwhile, Provincial Director Fanged said that rape cases in 2023 in the province compared to its preceding year have declined significantly from 400 cases to only 250 cases.

“Rape natin bumaba na tayo ng 40% na. Dati whole year 400 plus ngayon 250 plus na lang”.