Lingayen — Making Pistay Dayat celebration distinct from other festivals in the Philippines, its fluvial parade dubbed “Banca Parada” will again showcase hundreds of colorful and artistically-designed bancas (water vessels) cruising along the clean and revived waters of Agno river on May 1, 7AM.

The parade starting from Sitio Bantayan, Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen and ends at the Banaga Bridge in Bugallon will be participated in by Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies (NGAs), Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Private Business Sectors (PBS) in the province.

Executive Chairperson of the Pistay Dayat Committee Anna Maria Teresa De Guzman said “the fluvial parade this time will become more interesting and grander with the dragon boat exhibition by the Philippine Dragon Boat Association Federation of the Philippines.”

The Banca Parada, an integral featured activity of the feast of the sea, will not only showcase clusters of intricately-designed bancas, but will also serve as an avenue to glorify the increased fish harvest from the Agno River and its tributaries, Provincial Health Officer (PHO) De Guzman said.

The fluvial parade is among the component activities of the “Ilog Ko, Aroen Tan Bilayen Ko” environmental advocacy project of the provincial government’s Coastal Resource Management Program.

It is during the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. that the provincial government in cooperation with LGUs and NGOs worked hand-in-hand for the Task Force Kalikasan which pioneered a series of operations in the dismantling of illegal fish pens and dredging of the silts of the river basins.

Only the entries from participating LGUs, NGOs and Barangays which had confirmed participation last April 23 are considered for “Most Decorative Fluvial Float” competition.

Floats must depict the theme “Linis tan Dakep na Kailugan, Dayew na Pangasinan” and bear the name and logo of the participating agency or institution.

Materials that will be used as props and decorations must be dominated by indigenous and biodegradable materials and corresponding budgetary requirements shall be shouldered by the participants.

Participants have the option to provide their own motorized bancas or they may rent through the PHO at a rate of Php 2,000 per banca. The bancas will be ready for decoration at Daungan, Pangapisan Norte, Lingayen, on April 30, starting at 1PM.

Further, the bancas shall have a maximum of 5 passengers who are advised to wear colorful outfits with relevance to their respective offices and or companies.

The bancas will be judged on the judging criteria which include: Ingenuity, Creativity and Artistry (30%), Relevance to the theme (30%), Dominance in the use of indigenous and biodegradable materials (30%) and Over-all impact (10%).

The Best Fluvial Floats will receive the following prizes: Php 20,000 (Champion); Php 15,000 (1^st Runner-Up); and Php 10, 000 (2^nd Runner-Up).

“The performance of the Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Team was well prepared and they can perform well even during the actual operation,” thus said Commodore Nodolfo Tejada, commander of the Philippine Naval Forces Northern Luzon during the Water Search and Rescue simulation drill by the Philippine Navy last April 29 at the beachfront here.

Tejada said the search and rescue drill as part of the Pistay Dayat 2013 celebration aimed to promote the awareness of conducting disaster response in times of calamities.

The activity was also in line with the province’s disaster preparedness advocacy, Pangasinan, being a coastal area, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

The drill participants are all reservists or civilians who have volunteered to become part of the navy to be able to help the response teams in rescue operations during disasters or calamities.

As an added feature, the Philippine Navy brought to Lingayen Gulf the PN warship which was opened to public viewing from April 29 until May 2.

Tejada said the warship acquired last year from the United States Coastguard is used to patrol the West Philippine Sea including the Northern Luzon area.

During the open house, the visitors will be toured to the various quarters of the warship called Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Gregorio del Pilar where they can get a glimpse of how the ship functions.

“This is the first time that the warship was deployed for public viewing,” Tejada said as he disclosed that the move aims to promote the naval presence of the Philippine Navy.

“The newly acquired ship contains all modern equipment, communication, and weapon system,” Tejada added.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar was positioned at the Lingayen Gulf two nautical miles from the shore which is equivalent to 3.2 kilometers.

The viewers were transported to the warship by a rubber boat and were assisted by tour guides to ensure the safety of the public. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)

 A victorious feat for Pangasinan as Team Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) Melanie Carrera and Casandra Leda of Lingayen prevailed and grabbed the championship over University of the East (UE) Pia Sarmiento and Leuseth Dawis in this year’s Petron Ladies Beach Volleyball Tournament held at the Capitol Beachfront last April 30 – May 1.

           PEO beat UE who were tied at 20 on the second set and settled at 22-20 in favor of PEO who made two straight wins during the best of three sets in the finals.

This gave Pangasinenses every reason to celebrate and proud.

The game between the two teams that advanced in the battle of the champions was a breathtaking and most anticipated championship match with both teams showing off their strong blocks, net defense and powerful spikes.

Meanwhile, twin sisters Ma. Nieza Viray and Ma. Giziel Viray who played for Pangasinan School of Arts and Trade (PSAT) under the Pangasinan banner also went up to the semi-final round along with Maritoni Basas and Samantha Bawson of Far Eastern University.

More lady spikers from the province were seen in action in this season’s game namely; PEO, PSAT, Estanza, Lingayen A, University of Luzon and Lingayen B while teams from Manila includes UE, FEU, DLSU, LETRAN, MAPUA and Rizal Technological University (RTU).

All teams gave volleyball enthusiasts continued excitement during the 30 matches elimination round.

PEO received a trophy from 2^nd District Cong. Leopoldo Bataoil, Executive Assistant III Modesto Operania and event organizer Tisha Abundo while all teams were given certificates of participation.

          Bataoil and Operania both expressed gratitude to the organizers, supporters and the various university competitors for playing part in this endeavor which has become a major highlight to the annual celebration of Pangasinan Pistay Dayat. (PIO/Chona C. Bugayong)

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (2^nd from left) presents the plaque of appreciation to Commodore Rodolfo V. Tejada (2^nd from right) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who was the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of the Water Search and Rescue Simulation Drill held at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen last April 29.  Joining the Governor are (from left): Board Member Danilo C. Uy and Provincial Health Officer and Pistay Dayat 2013 Chairman Ana Theresa de Guzman.  The members of the AFP are among the active participants in the celebration of Pangasinan Pistay Dayat 2013.  (PIO Photo by Meinard Sadim)

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left) and Commodore Nodolfo V. Tejada, Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon (2^nd from right), inspect various equipment on static display at the Capitol Beachfront in Lingayen last April 29.  The exhibit aims to inform the people that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council along with its member agencies properly equipped and ready to respond in times of emergency and disasters brought about by natural or man-made calamities.  (PIO Photo by Meinard Sadim)

Some 700 Provincial Scholars from the nine campuses of Pangasinan State University participated in the youth camp dubbed Doypuay Kalangweran on April 30 to May 1 at the Capitol beachfront, as part of the Pangasinan Pistay Dayat 2013 celebration.

The overnight encampment was aimed at illuminating the youth on environmental consciousness, leadership and on the essence of knowing their province’s history and cultural heritage.

Lectures on environmental conservation and protection, leadership and team building enhancement activities were conducted to hone the potentials of the participants, Event Chairperson Verna Nava-Perez said.

The event also sought to rekindle the significant roles they play as members of the society, she added.

Dixon Petalver, from Infanta campus said: “Maganda itong activity na ito kasi nabibigyan ng oras na magsama-sama ang mga provincial scholars during Pistay Dayat.”

On the other hand, Neil Patrick de Guzman, a student of Lingayen campus, said the provincial government has done much to the provincial scholars as he commended Gov. Espino for inspiring young Pangasinenses.

Even as other scholars expressed how thankful they are, given the chance to attend a once-in-a-lifetime activity.

Day one of the seminar offered some lectures on leadership and environment. Team-building activities like kite-decorating and flying, playing of palo sebo and other fun-filled activities were also facilitated by the event committee.

Last May 1, the scholars attended the Misa ng Pasasalamat at the capitol beachfront and right after joined in the Banca Parada commemorative program held at the Banaga bridge area in Bugallon town.

With this activity, the provincial government urges the scholars and the SK members to give their best shots as the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. vows to prioritize various youth development programs.

Participants per campuses of PSU include: Lingayen, Bayambang, San Carlos City, Urdaneta City, Sta. Maria, Alaminos City, Infanta, Asingan  and Binmaley.(PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca).

Triathletes from Pangasinan ruled the invitational triathlon tournament (sprint category) sponsored by the provincial government as part of the Pistay Dayat celebration last April 30, here.

Despite the rigid rivalry in swimming, biking and running, Asingan resident Jefferson Valdez topped the individual race in one hour, 20 minutes and 32 seconds while Robinson Esteves of Urdaneta City came in second place (1:20:56).

Kriska Sto. Domingo of Lingayen town was top female participant, who finished the race in 1 hour, 39 minutes and 57 seconds. Reyna Cicel of Dagupan City was third placer (2:05:08).

Host town contenders occupied top three spots in the group event. They were: Clarence Lambino, Rener Clauna and Raymund Torio (Champion); Matthew Vinluan, Ryan Bravo and Gerardo Ferria (1^st Runner-Up) and Shen Versosa, Syron Cruz and Carl Marlon Canlas (2^nd Runner-Up).

Franklin Penalosa of Makati City was third in the male category while female triathlete Annaliza Maraan of Baguio City settled in second place.

Fifteen-year-old Juan Abad Carlos from La Union was the youngest participant.

Pistay Dayat spectators witnessed the triathletes’ neck-and-neck battle in the 750m to and fro swimming round at the capitol beach.

Intense road action took place as bikers routed along the major thoroughfares of Lingayen all the way to Domalandan Bridge, crossing Labrador, Magtaking and Socony Bugallon highways then back to Lingayen.

Swift runners amazed the spectators at the Maramba Boulevard until the finish line at the capitol beachfront.

Event Co-Chairperson Rommel Cardinoza from the Provincial Health Office said “The sprint category triathlon was a short distance tournament participated in by some 73 triathletes from Pangasinan, La Union, Baguio City, Bicol Albay, and Manila.”

He noted the provincial government invited the participants and were accorded with free registration.

Some of them, from far places were even accommodated at the dorms of Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center a day before the competition, he added.

Accredited technical officials from the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) led by Thumbie Remigio were invited to oversee and facilitate the sporting event.

Cardinoza said: “After staging the triathlon in the province, TRAP’s Remigio had seen the potential of Pangasinan as an alternate venue to national triathlon tournaments.”

Dr. Brent Lavarias, President of Triathletes Association of Pangasinan expressed thanks over the organizers for a “well organized triathlon race.”

Even as Baguio City triathlete Gary Padsing said the tournament was “wonderful and successful,” adding that all participants from the City of Pines enjoyed it a lot.

Winners in the individual category won trophies while group category victors received medals.

Cash prizes as follows were given to the winners in both category: Champion (Php10,000); 1^st Runner-Up (Php7,000); and 2^nd Runner-Up (Php5,000) while for the group tournament, victors received medals. (PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)

Lingayen — Some 1,177 high school graduates in the province of Pangasinan took the Academic Scholarship Qualifying Examination facilitated by the Provincial Scholarship Fund Board (PSFB) on May 6, here.

The PSFB facilitated the qualifying exam at Pangasinan National High School covered court with some 974 takers while other 203 were accommodated at Juan Macaraeg National High School in Binalonan town.

PSFB Head Irmina Francisco said the exam sought to determine new academic scholars of the provincial government who shall fill in the remaining 51 scholarship slots.

The result of the exam will be released by the PSFB at the Governor’s Office on May 20 and shall be posted at www.pangasinan.gov.ph.

Forty nine high school valedictorians were already entitled to the scholarship after passing the requirements set by the PSFB.

The activity forms part of the sustained efforts of the Espino administration “to help the financially-challenged yet intellectually deserving incoming college freshmen,” Francisco said.

Academic scholars have the option in choosing a college school, but they have to get satisfactory grades to maintain the scholarship, she added.

“Pinaghandaan ko talaga ang exam na ito kasi alam ko na malaki ang magiging tulong nito sa aking pag-aaral kapag naipasa ko,” Jayson Lamsen, Valedictorian of San Julian National High School in Malasiqui, said.

“Para ito sa mga magulang ko nang hindi na sila masyadong mahirapan sa mga gastusin sa aking pag-aaral sa kolehiyo,” he added.

Even as other takers of the exam shared alike sentiments of Lamsen on the impact of the “life-changing” scholarship to them.

The exam covered items on General Information and core subjects English, Mathematics and Science and Technology. Top 49 passers of the exam will be named on May 20. Results will be posted at www.pangasinan.gov.ph

Those who took the examination were high school graduates of five Schools Divisions in the province (Pangasinan 1, Pangasinan 2, Alaminos City, San Carlos City and Urdaneta City.)

Each scholar is entitled to receive Php 8,000 per semester (Php16,000 for the academic year). (PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)

Lingayen- – -More than 300 participants from different parts of the country are expected to join in the 4th Okinawa Shorin-ryu Karate-Do Association (OSKA) Shikodan Philippines National Tournament 1st Katsuya Miyahira Cup on May 24 to 25, 2013 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) here.

The tournament, which is in partnership with the provincial government, is a must-see event for Pangasinense self-defense enthusiasts who are interested in contact sports.

Modesto Operania, Executive Officer III, said that the opening rite will kick off with a parade and presentation of delegates will be held on May 24, 8am at the NRSCC, followed by a short program with no-less than Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. delivering an inspirational message.

Operania said that part of the program will also include an inspirational message by Atty. Jeremey T. Escote, President of OSKA Shikodan Philippines and the orientation on the rules and regulations of the tournament to be delivered by Shihan Rolando dela Cruz.

Competitions is categorized into three, these are: kobudo, kata, and kumite.

Kobudo  covers all ancient martial art traditions (armed or unarmed) while kata refers to detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs and kumite means sparring.

Awarding ceremony is scheduled on May 25 at the NRSCC gymnasium followed by a sayonara party which will serve as a treat of the provincial government to the entire delegation.

The tournament is named after Katsuya Miyahira, founder of OSKA Shidokan in Japan. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (left photo, 2^nd from right),  Dept. of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit Officer-in-Charge Valentino Perdido (left photo, right), PILMICO Vice President for Sales Hendel P. Cabral (left photo, 2^nd from left) and PILMICO Chief Operating Officer Michael L. Tan (left photo, right) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the PILMICO Livestock and Poultry Expo and Goat Congress 2013 held from May 23-24 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center (PTDC) and at the Sison Auditorium in Lingayen.  The two-day expo was participated in by some 5,000 backyard livestock raisers (right photo) from various towns of Pangasinan and in Tarlac.  (PIO photo by Jun Moran &  Meinard Sadim) 

Lingayen – - -Some 5,000 backyard livestock raisers from various towns of Pangasinan and in Tarlac have participated in the two-day  PILMICO Livestock and Poultry Expo and Goat Congress 2013 held May 23-24 at the Provincial Training and Development Center (PTDC) and at the Sison Auditorium here.

In its opening program, Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. welcomed the delegates as he commended PILMICO for the opportunity given to the province specifically the local backyard raisers in learning modern and innovative techniques on swine and poultry-raising.

Calimlim said that the present administration under the stewardship of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has set its sight on improving the lives of Pangasinenses as it prepares the province to become an ideal place “to work, live, invest and raise a family.”

According to him, the Espino administration is looking forward to the realization of its vision to include a better livelihood opportunity for all local backyard livestock raisers.

Dir. Valentino Perdido, Officer-in-Charge of the Dept. of Agriculture (DA)-Regional Field Unit (RFU) 1, said that their department is thankful for the kind of support that PILMICO has extended not only in Pangasinan but also countrywide even as he noted that their agency is looking for trusted partners to further the cause of agricultural development in the Philippines.

Perdido disclosed that on their part, the DA has enhanced and intensified its Genetic Improvement Program so that local stakeholders can become quality meat suppliers and competitive as well, in the near future.

Meanwhile, PILMICO thru Hendel P. Cabral, Vice President for Sales, guaranteed a strong partnership of their company with the DA and to Pangasinan.

Cabral said that PILMICO’s aim includes professionalizing the backyard livestock raisers’ sector by way of interaction and sharing of expertise.

It can be recalled that the first PILMICO expo was mounted in November last year in Cebu.

Pangasinan, according to Cabral, was chosen as the second venue of their expo because aside from the fact that the province has the most number of livestock production in Luzon, it is likewise an ideal place for agricultural business being strategically located near three big demand centers (Ilocos, Baguio City, and Pampanga).

PILMICO will also pilot test a project on financing for selected beneficiaries.

For further inquiries, PILMICO said that interested participants are advised to proceed in their Swine Consultation Booth located at the PTDC grounds.

As of press time, swine lecture is on-going at the Sison Auditorium followed by a goat lecture tomorrow (May 24). (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Loyal Supporter.  Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (2^nd from right) greets his loyal supporter (with crutches) after the regular flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza in Lingayen last May 20.  In the same occasion, the Governor also expressed his gratitude to the provincial employees and other sectors of the society who have remained steadfast in his re-election bid despite massive black propaganda hurled against him by his opponent.  Based on the Provincial Board of Canvassers official result, Gov. Espino garnered 851,760 votes as against Braganza who settled at 297,409 votes, a difference of 554,351 votes. (PIO photo by Villamor “Bob” Sison)

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. tries the treadmill equipment during the opening of the Employees Health and Wellness Center inside the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center in Lingayen last May 20.  The center is equipped with gym and spa facilities and is open to all employees of the provincial government for free.  (PIO Photo by Jun Moran)

LINGAYEN—The Employees Wellness Center of the province opened yesterday, March 20, with Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr., together with Vice-Governor Jose Ferdinand Calimlim, Jr. leading the inauguration of the center located inside the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center here.

The blessing and inauguration took place right after the first flag raising ceremony led by the province’s top two officials following their sweet victory against their opponents during the recently-concluded mid-term elections last May 13.

Gov. Espino and Vice-Gov. Calimlim were joined by the department heads and employees of the provincial government who are the beneficiaries of the wellness center complete with gym equipment and spa facilities.

After inspecting the various equipment and facilities, Gov. Espino tried the treadmill.

The fitness gym and spa will be opened to all employees of the provincial government of Pangasinan regardless of employment status.

Services available include massage and reflexology, fitness gym, sauna and aerobics/zumba dance exercise.

It will be recalled that in 2011, the prov’l gov’t through the Human Resources Management and Development Office conceptualized the Health Risk Management Program and organized the Healthy Habit Club.

HRMO Chief Janet Asis said the program is a health and wellness program which intends to provide privileges to provincial employees to enable them avail of various health services to ensure that they achieve optimum level of fitness and wellness and prevent the incidence of disease among the workforce.

The following year, in 2012, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Provincial Ordinance No. 168-2012 institutionalizing the Employees’ Health and Wellness Program of the province.

The program is specifically designed to promote the health and well being of the employees, encourage their participation and establish ownership of the program.

After the program was institutionalized, Asis said that all provincial employees have become automatic members of the health program which is in tune with Gov. Espino’s advocacy to transform Pangasinan as the “home of healthiest Filipinos.”  (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)

Lingayen — Pangasinense athletes of Jev Karatedo (Falcon) team secured the overall championship of 4^th Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Association (OSKA) Shikodan Philippines National Tournament held at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) on May 24-25, here.

Champion team from Malasiqui town hauled 32 golds. Shodokan Escote Dojo (SED) from Antipolo City was 1^st runner-up (21 golds) while Sta. Rosa Educational Institute School of Martial Arts (SREI SOMA) from Laguna province settled as 2^nd runner-up (14 golds).

Top three teams were followed by Mugenkai Martial Arts Association – Pangasinan (3^rd runner-up), Shorin Strike Bataan (4^th runner-up) and Athena Martial Arts – Quezon City (5^th runner-up).

OSKA Shikodan Philippines President Jeremy Escote thanked the provincial government led by Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. for the “all out support and best accommodation” of the two-day national tournament.

“In my four years as President of the association, this is the best hosting I experienced so far,” he added.

As he congratulated the participants for doing their best in the contested events, he cited the good potential of Pangasinense athletes in playing Karatedo.

“I think ‘yung drive ng provincial government ay dapat masuportahan ang mga young Pangasinenses to mold their personality sa paglalaro ng karatedo,” he said.

He added that discipline in playing karatedo must also be developed among Pangasinense enthusiasts.

Even as Karatedo athletes commended the provincial government for the best accommodation they’ve received throughout the event.

Amazed of the sports facilities of NRSCC, Shahira Ibrahim (SREI SOMA) and Jerol Escote (SED) said, “the best ang NRSCC, at lalo na ‘yung dorm kung saan kami nag-stay ay airconditioned at maayos.”

Myca Malig-on from De La Salle University (DLSU) – Dasmariñas, Cavite, on the other hand, hailed Gov. Espino, saying “nagpapasalamat kami kay Gov. Espino kasi ginawa nyang free ang accommodation namin dito sa NRSCC.”

Five-year-old Nicole Valdez of Falcon team was the youngest participant who competed in both Kata and Kumite competitions.

Oldest participants were: 44-year-old Jaime Ballesteros from DLSU (Kumite) and 74-year-old Felino Ampil from SREI SOMA (Kata).

Other delegations to this national sports spectacle were: Philippine Cats Claw Martial Arts Association (Kuwait), DLSU Shodokan, OSC PRC, Shorin-Yu Shodokan Clan (Bicol) and Mugenkai Martial Arts Association (Bataan).

About 300 participants (athletes, trainers and coaches) participated in the national tournament. (PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)

LINGAYEN—Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. has designated Vice-Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. as acting governor while he is on leave for 21 working days covering the period May 27 to June 25.

The governor has entrusted the affairs of the province to the vice-governor prior to his trip to the United States of America to attend to his mother’s medical needs.

In a letter to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II, Gov. Espino has requested the DILG secretary for an authority to travel to the USA to seek medical experts whom the governor could invite to the Philippines  or find a hospital that would admit his mother, Victoria Totaan Espino for medical check-up and medication.

It will be recalled that the old Espino suffered from stroke in December due to the various black propagandas hurled against the governor during the election period.

Disheartened about the negative reports against his favorite son, the old Espino  succumbed to a stroke last December 31, 2012 that put her into a temporary comatose condition.

The governor’s travel to USA will also include his family’s visit to a daughter who just gave birth. (PIO/Angeline D. Villanueva)

Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (currently acting-governor, 2^nd from left) turns over the symbolic cheque to incoming college freshman Ferren M. Velasco (left), who topped the exams among successful examinees who are now among the 100 new scholars under the Provincial Scholarship Fund Board (PSFB) of the Espino administration.  Each scholar will receive P8,000 per semester or P16,000 for one academic year.  Witnessing the turnover are (from right) Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Irmina Francisco and Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard F. Baraan. (PIO/Photo by Jun Moran)

Lingayen- – -Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. (currently Acting-Governor) led the distribution of scholarship assistance worth P8,000 each to some 100 incoming first year college students who made it in this year’s new rooster of Provincial School Fund Board (PSFB) Scholarship Program.

Out of the 100 academic scholars, 50 are automatic qualifiers having graduated as high school valedictorians and salutatorians for school-year 2012-2013 while the other half made it as top 50 in last month’s academic scholarship qualifying examination administered by the province.

Calimlim congratulated the batch of scholars for a job well done as he commended their parents and guardians for molding responsible youths who are considered the future of the province and the country as well.

Meanwhile, Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard F. Baraan urged the scholars to give their best shot and dedicate their achievements to their parents who are exerting their best effort to provide the needs of the family.

“It is only proper to return to your parents all the sacrifices and hardship just to provide a brighter future for you,” he said as he noted that while it is the parent’s obligation to provide the needs of their children, the latter also has obligation to fulfill which is to study harder and aim for excellence.

The scholarship program forms part of the sustained efforts of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.’s administration to help financially-challenged but intellectual and deserving Pangasinense students to acquire college education.

Scholars have the option to choose the school they want to enter but have to get satisfactory grade to maintain the scholarship.

The scholars led by this year’s qualifying examination topnotch Ferren Velasco thanked Gov. Espino for the program which she dubbed the “best government program for poor but deserving students.”

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa kabutihan ng ating mga lider lalo na si Governor Espino dahil binigyang pansin niya ang kapakanan ng mga kabataan. Malaking tulong sa aming mahihirap ang programang ito,” the number one scholar said.

Each scholar will receive P8,000 per semester or P16,000 for one academic year. (PIO/Ruby R. Bernardino)

Employees of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) disperse some 30,000 pieces of tilapia fingerling to various communal bodies of water in the city of San Carlos last May 31.  The monthly fingerlings dispersal forms part of the agricultural thrust of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. geared towards increasing the population of tilapia in the riverine areas of the province with an estimated area of about 9,000 hectares that directly benefits marginal fishermen.  Based on OPAG’s data, the provincial government had already dispersed more than 4-million fingerlings since Espino assumed the governorship.  (PIO photo by Jun Moran)

Citystate Savings Bank, Incorporated Chairman Emeritus Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua (right) shares light moments with Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (left) during the inauguration of the bank’s newest branch in Dagupan City.  The Governor thanked the Ambassador for considering Pangasinan as one of the key provinces in putting up business even as he said that the presence of more banks is an indication of economic progress.  Chua also announced that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also approved their bank’s expansion in Malasiqui town.    (PIO/Photo by Matt Magno)

A newborn screening (NBS) test is being conducted to a baby who was delivered inside the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City to identify any genetic/metabolic/infectious conditions affecting the infant.  NBS test is among the early health care interventions being practiced by government-owned hospitals to reduce child mortality rate and enable children reach their full potential.  Under the administration of Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., the provincial government constructed brand new structures of neo-natal and maternal care units which attracted more mothers to deliver their babies in hospital.  Facility based deliveries went up from only 18% in 2006 to 77% in 2012.  (PIO Photo by Jun Moran)