Vice-Mayor Belen Fernandez together with DOLE field officer Leonardo Catapia, DTI Pangasinan provincial officer Peter Mangabat and managing director of modern trade Unilever Phils. Freddie Ong, lead the cutting of the ribbon during the opening ceremony of the 4 CSi Sari-Sari Store Fair held at CSI Stadia on October 15. (Photo by Mitz Cresencio)

Clr. Seen proposes more incentives for teachers!

DAGUPAN City Councilor Jeslito “Jigs” Seen has proposed to the City Mayor’s Office to grant additional benefits to public school and day care teachers while the 2011 Annual Budget is still being prepared.

In his privilege speech during the SP’s Monday session, Seen emphasized the vital roles of teachers as providers of education as well as their contributions during elections.

“In addition to their mentoring functions, our teachers have been tapped by the Commission on Elections to handle the voting processes in every precinct during elections. I am a personal witness to the dedication of teachers in this additional function,” the alderman said.

Seen explained that the action of the Legislative Department on the proposed budget is very limited because the SP can only have three actions. These are:  to approve the budget in its entirety, reduce the budget, or reject the budget.

He further informed that the SP can neither increase the proposed budget nor insert an item therein.

“So as a general rule, if an item is not a part of the Annual Budget submitted by the executive department, the Sangguniang Panlungsod cannot insert such item,” he averred.

Councilor Seen stated in his proposal to provide adequate funds for the capability trainings of teachers to further enhance their teaching abilities; to increase the allowances of the public day care workers; and to raise the Christmas bonuses of all public teachers in Dagupan City including the day care and pre school public teachers.

“Sana ay maipadama natin sa mga guro na sila ay ating minamahal at espesyal sila sa ating buhay,” Seen pointed out. (with reports from CELSO MANUEL)

Clean rivers now visible in Binmaley

“If we really care for our children’s future, then let us protect our rivers!”

These were the words of Mayor Lorenzo “Enzo” Cerezo as he called on all his constituents to support the initiative of his administration to remove fish pens and illegal fish cages in all the river systems in Binmaley.

Cerezo admitted that he considers this campaign as a big challenge to the municipal government because many of the affected fish pen operators are influential who could become future political enemies.

However, he emphasized that if he wants to have a no-nonsense campaign in protecting the rivers then he will enforce political will.

“Many politicians become useless leaders because they go along with the caprices of their campaign supporters even to the extent of destroying our environment just only to get votes during election period,” the mayor pointed out.

Cerezo said most of his constituents are fishermen so it is proper to safeguard the fishing industry in their municipality.

The young mayor also expressed his admiration to the leadership of Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. for the massive clean-up drive of the provincial government in all the river systems in Pangasinan.

“You may notice that we already have clean water coming from the river that flow in the fishponds unlike before that we experience frequent fish kill because of polluted waters,” he averred.

Cerezo further explained that after the fish pen structures were already dismantled, the next program of his administration is to look for relocation sites for the illegal settlers along the river banks.

He enjoined all his constituents coming from different sectors to unite and support the river clean-up campaign to ensure the future of the next generation.

NO MORE FISHPENS: The Binmaley river used to be congested with fish pens and fish cages can now be viewed as one of the cleanest rivers in the country today. Under the competent leadership of Mayor Lorenzo “Enzo” Cerezo, all illegal structures along the river system were dismantled. (Photo by Celso)

Robinsons to hire most laborers from Calasiao

MOST LABORERS for the construction of the Robinsons Mall will come from Calasiao.

This was revealed by Mayor Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay even as he said that before the finalization of the mall project, it was already agreed upon by the Robinsons Corporation and the Municipal Government that construction workers will be residents of Calasiao.

He said the land development has already started in the five-hectare property in Barangay San Miguel where the Gokongwei-owned mall will be erected.

“We have a lot of skilled workers and conscientious laborers here that is why we asked Robinsons beforehand to hire their construction workers from Calasiao,” the mayor pointed out.

Mayor Macanlalay, who succeeded his father after serving as mayor for nine years, informed that Robinsons is expected to operate in the last quarter of 2011.

The young Macanlalay is confident that the local revenue of Calasiao will increase once the Robinsons Mall will formally open next year.

“I am sure that the business taxes will improve because it is expected that more establishments will arrive here,” the bachelor mayor stressed.

Macanlalay also foresees the increase in the collection of their town’s real property taxes as the market value of the properties near the Robinsons Mall has already escalated.

He said before he assumed office in July 2010, the municipal government under the leadership of his father has already established a business-friendly atmosphere.

“Many have noticed that more investors, local and multi-national, are already coming to Calasiao, and the entry of the Robinsons Mall is a big leap in our town’s economic activity,” Mayor Mark Roy remarked.

This third district town is popularly known for the Senor Divino Tesoro Shrine and its famous product, the Calasiao puto (rice cake).

ROBINSONS MALL TO RISE IN CALASIAO: Base preparations and land development are now in full swing in a five-hectare property bought by the Robinsons Corporation in Brgy. San Miguel. The project is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2011 and is expected to further boost the economy of Calasiao which is now a first class municipality. (Photo by Zarsi)

SP to open P’sinan for STL operations

LINGAYEN- To provide a viable source of livelihood for the Pangasinenses who were previously employed in the illegal numbers game called jueteng, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) will find it more necessary to allow the implementation and operation of the Small Town Lottery (STL) in the province.

Through proposed resolution no. 162-2010 filed by Sixth District Board Member Alfonso C. Bince Jr. during the SP’s October 8 session, the province will start to scout for a franchised operator of STL in Pangasinan.

“We find it necessary to have a legal STL operation because for the past several weeks, it can be categorically said that Pangasinan is now free from the operations of jueteng,” the board member emphasized.

Bince stated in his resolution that the SP fully supports all efforts by the national government as well as the provincial leadership to eradicate any and other forms of illegal numbers game in the country.

He further informed that SP members are besieged with pleas and clamors from their constituents who used to depend on jueteng for alternative employment or livelihood opportunities.

Bince said that before the full operation of STL in the province be allowed, there shall be integral terms and conditions to follow, such as: that there shall only be one Franchised Operator for the entire province of Pangasinan and its component cities; that before the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office shall award the franchise, it shall require the submission of a requisite Certificate of No Objection from the Provincial Governor of the province; that the issuance by the governor of a CNO shall bar any and all similar certificates on the matter by any other personality; and that the Franchised Operator shall submit to the Provincial Treasurer a copy of its monthly gross sales and the mandated shares of the beneficiaries every end of the month.

“As lawmakers, we will also get the pulse of our province mates by conducting public hearings to know their sentiments and study further the proposed resolution,” the veteran board member pointed out.

Veem Macanlalay leads P’sinan VMLP induction

DAGUPAN CITY- Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) Chairman Antonio “Bebot” A. Villar Jr. inducted the new set of officers of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines-Pangasinan Chapter led by Calasiao Municipal Vice Mayor Roy T. Macanlalay last Sunday (Oct. 10) at the CSI Stadia here.

Villar, who is the founding chairman of BISKEG na Pangasinan political party, exhorted the vice mayors to work harmoniously with their mayors “because the achievement and growth of your respective towns and cities will depend on the cooperation and support of the legislative branch to the executive department.”

Villar described Macanlalay as “a friend who is very close to his heart,” while Macanlalay illustrated Sec. Villar as “his idol and everybody’s adviser and big brother.”

Macanlalay’s presidency to the Vice Mayors’ League is a comeback because he already led the VMLP during his 1992–1995 term.

He completed his three terms as mayor from 2001 to 2010 until he ran and won in the last May 2010 vice mayoralty elections.

“We, vice mayors should not consider ourselves as mere spare tires because we craft laws and policies together with our councilors that will be implemented by the mayors,” Macanlalay explained.

He said the VMLP is also batting for a representation in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan “just like the barangay captains, the Sangguniang Kabataan and the councilors.”

The VMLP Pangasinan Chapter has a membership of forty four municipal vice mayors and four city vice mayors.

Other officers who were inducted into office include: Executive Vice Pres. Nilo Costales (Villasis); Internal Vice Pres. Edith Hallare (Lingayen); External Vice Pres. Cesar Manzano (Alaminos City); District Vice Presidents Virgilio Vallarta (Infanta), Heidee Soriano (Urbiztondo), Joseres Resuello (San Carlos City), Belen Fernandez (Dagupan City), Dick Villar (Sto. Tomas), Moises Hortaleza Jr. (Sta. Maria); Secretary Minda Peralta (Balungao); Treasurer Siony Calimlim (Mapandan); Auditor Bernardo de Vera (Bugallon); PRO Ryan Paolo Mencias (Alcala);

The BOARD OF DIRECTORS are: Wilson Rosete (Agno), Alimar Briana (Mabini), Ricardo Evangelista (Aguilar), Pete Merrera (Binmaley), Ray Santos (Sta. Barbara), Mylvin Junio (Bayambang), Bernardo Abalos (Mangaldan), Kim Mikael Amador (Manaoag), Onofre Gorospe (Urdaneta City), Fernando Soriano (Laoac), Eleonor Viray (Asingan), and Madilyn Ramirez (Tayug).

EVERYBODY’S BIG BROTHER: Vice Mayors’ League President Roy T. Macanlalay (2nd from left) awards the Plaque of Appreciation to Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Antonio “Bebot” Villar Jr. (2nd from right) who was invited as Inducting Officer and Guest Speaker during the Induction Program of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines- Pangasinan Chapter last Sunday (Oct. 10) at the CSI Stadia Dagupan. Looking on are Vice Mayors Cesar Manzano (Alaminos City) and Minda Peralta (Balungao).

VM Gorospe wants to maximize spaces at new Urdaneta City hall

THE ADMINISTRATION of Mayor Amadeo “Bobom” Perez IV is set to transfer all executive offices from the new city hall located at Brgy. Anonas here to the old city hall situated at the Poblacion area.

Vice Mayor Onofre “Bong” Gorospe informed that the new city hall will serve as the city’s legislative building to accommodate the personnel and visitors of the Sangguniang Panlungsod members.

“The city council will permanently hold its regular session at the new city hall because the SP session hall at the old city hall was already converted as extension of the Mayor’s Office,” the vice mayor explained.

Mayor Perez said he chose to establish the offices under the executive department in the old city hall because it is more accessible to their constituents.

The old city hall is presently undergoing renovation and beautification to accommodate employees who will transfer from the new city hall, and to provide comfort for those who have transactions in the city government.

A two-storey building will soon be erected in the old city hall’s left wing to house offices from the national agencies.

Vice Mayor Gorospe expressed elation for having the new city hall as the new legislative center of Urdaneta, however he wants to maximize the available spaces of the three-storey structure for the welfare of their constituents.

“I will propose to Mayor Perez that the city health office will have an extension center in the new city hall and establish a lying clinic to accept patients coming from neighboring barangays,” said Gorospe.

It will be recalled that the city government under the administration of former Mayor Rodolfo Parayno obtained a loan to construct the new city hall however, residents of the city preferred to transact business at the old city hall because of accessibility and comfort.

Gorospe believes that members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod can still effectively provide public service for their constituents considering the distance of their legislative offices in Brgy. Anonas, which is about five-kilometer away from the city proper.

Gov. Espino thanks Senators in Senate Hearing

Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. thanked Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for informing the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he was able to stop jueteng operations in Pangasinan during his stint as Police Provincial Director.

However, Gov. Espino clarified to the committee during the resumption of the hearing on the issue of jueteng last October 6 in Pasay City that he was able to stop jueteng for only eight months since he had to attend to other police concerns like bank robberies, kidnappings, “akyat-bahay,” and other crimes.

He also thanked Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, Senator Gringo Honasan and Senator Vicente Sotto for giving him the chance to air his side and for understanding the enormity and complexity of the jueteng problem.

The Governor said he is one with all well-meaning leaders of this country for the complete eradication of this “national disease” but they should not be harsh and not too quick to accuse each other. Instead, he said, they should agree to work together and try to find concrete and effective solutions to address the problem.

“The presence of Gov. “Spines” (and Mayor Domogan) here in this hearing to face the allegation, to me, speaks a thousand words,” Sen. Vicente Sotto said.

In reply to Senator Sotto’s question whether jueteng still exists in the province, Gov, Espino said “guerilla” jueteng in Pangasinan totally stopped after his orders to halt its operations in the province. He also informed the body that mayors and chiefs of police in the province do not report to any gambling lord.

He likewise vouched for greater local government power as he noted that local chief executives do not have police powers. Instead, the police obey their orders because of a personal relationship. Their orders come from their national headquarters, he said.

“I hope he (Archbishop Cruz) can find time to sift thru the raw reports before passing on these rumors and wild speculations to this august body as if the same were gospel truth,” he said as he refuted the allegations of the archbishop that he is among the operators of the illegal numbers game.

Gov. Espino further said he has high regard for the Archbishop who means well in his crusade but he added that “he might be just being misled by overzealous informants who are unwittingly being carried away by wild rumors and malicious schemes.”

The governor said he is inclined to sympathize with the archbishop for his furor over jueteng, particularly in the Province of Pangasinan, noting that this could be Cruz’s personal frustration over his failure to see the total eradication of this problem in his own archdiocese even at the height of his crusade.

Gov. Espino also begged the senators to be “more circumspect and exercise caution in releasing sensitive but unverified information that may besmirch and destroy the reputation of innocent victims.”

Jueteng, Gov. Espino said, is a persistent and nagging social malady that is deeply rooted in our society that has been existent before everyone in this lifetime was born.

“I am not, I have never been, and I have no intention of becoming a jueteng operator. And I challenge everyone who accuses me as such to stand up here and show proof,” Gov. Espino emphasized.

The Governor informed the committee how he continually pondered to address in the most polite manner the accusations hurled against him in an open session in the Senate, seen in full view of the entire nation and in some parts of the world, made by a high-ranking leader of the Catholic Church.

This, he said, caused much grief and anxiety to his family, friends and his aging mother who has spent sleepless nights trying to digest the grave implications of the unfounded and baseless accusations against him.(PIO)

Gov. Espino at Senate Hearing

Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. (right) shakes hand with Senate Blue Ribbon Committee  chairman, Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona, (left) during the hearing on jueteng probe last October 6 at the Senate Building in Pasay City.  The Governor urged the senators to be “more circumspect and exercise caution in releasing sensitive but unverified information that may besmirch and destroy the reputation of innocent victims.”  He said that the “jueteng expose” of retired Arch. Oscar Cruz caused much grief and anxiety to his family, friends and his aging mother even as he stressed that “I am not, I have never been, and I have no intention of becoming, a jueteng operator.”  (PIO)

Indigent families receive free health insurance

Hundreds of indigent families receive free health insurance during the national PhilHealth Registration Day dubbed “PhilHealth Sabado” last October 2.  The registration of new beneficiaries, identified by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, aims to provide poor families with financial protection for their hospitalization needs.   To date, Pangasinan has the highest number of PhilHealth Sponsored Program nationwide under the administration of Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.  The project is spearheaded by the Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in cooperation with the Provincial Health Office. (PIO)