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)

Espino urges the public to create better towns

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan - - Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.  has called on the people to join efforts with the national and local governments as well as the civil society and the private sector for the creation of better towns.

 

The Governor made the call in line with the local celebration of the World Habitat Day held last October 4 during the Flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza here.

 

It will be recalled that quality and affordable housing is one of the priority projects of the Espino Administration.

 

Engr. Alvin Bigay, Provincial Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council Chief, said,   “Ang pabahay ay isa sa mga priority projects ng ating Gobernador Espino. Itinutuon po natin ang ating housing agenda sa pag-identify sa mga lugar na angkop at ligtas sa housing development, ang paghihikayat sa mga investors na mamumuhunan sa pabahay at ang pagpapalakas ng public at private partnership upang matugunan ang kakulangan sa pabahay dito sa ating lalawigan.”

 

 According to Engr. Bigay, the celebration of the World Habitat Day is to depict the towns and cities with its development and emphasizes the importance of each citizen of his right to have his own shelter, one of the basic needs of man.

 

With this development, the United Nations has designated the first Monday of October each year as World Habitat Day and declaring October through Proclamation 662 as the “National Shelter Month” with a theme of “Gaganda ang Buhay sa Sariling Bahay”.

 

Engr.  Bigay, added that, as the world grows predominantly urban, we should remember that creating better towns and cities demands an eco-friendly environment and balance development.

 

“Sa pagdiriwang ng World Habitat Day, sama-sama po nating pagbutihin ang ating mga bayan, lungsod at kapaligiran para sa kinabukasan nating lahat,” he added. (PIO) 

Clr. Maybelyn urges all sectors -- Let’s support PNRC’s blood services program!

DAGUPAN CITY – Business, media and all concerned sectors here are urged to support the blood services program of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Pangasinan-Dagupan City-San Carlos City chapter pursuant to Republic Act 7719, also known as “The National Blood Services Act.”

            The PRC Pangasinan-DagupanCity-San Carlos City chapter is the only accredited Blood Service Facility in the province.  

            The Sangguniang Panlungsod on motion of Councilor Maybelyn Rose dela Cruz-Fernandez approved Resolution No. 6552-2010 urging all sectors to support the only accredited Blood Service Facilities in the province.

            “Dagupan City at present is acclaimed as the Regional Center for Medical and Health Services. Should the PRC Pangasinan-Dagupan City-San Carlos City chapter fail to meet the requirements of the Department of Health Administrative (DOH) Order No. 2008-0008, entitled “Rules and Regulations Governing the Regulation of Blood Service Facilities,” the chapter will be downgraded to a mere Blood Collecting Unit and concerned patients who are admitted in hospitals in Dagupan City will have to rely on the nearest accredited Blood Service Facility which is located in La Union,” said Fernandez.

            Under DOH Administrative Orders 2005-0002 and 2008-0008 only accredited Blood Service Facilities may conduct blood collection, blood testing and blood dispensing and that all hospitals are prohibited from conducting blood testing and blood dispensing.

            “To maintain its accreditation status, it must upgrade its facilities as required by DOH Administrative Order 2008-0008,” said Fernandez.

            The accreditation is crucial to all hospitals in the city to gain better access to blood testing and blood dispensing for their patients most especially in cases of emergency where delay could be fatal. (CIO)   

P’sinan gears for another GP National Award

LINGAYEN--- Pangasinan is out to grab its second victory this year as it faces the bigger challenge of sustaining its good performance in 2009 when it won the Garantisadong Pambata National Championship Award.


As gleaned from the reports of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr.said the province of Pangasinan has shown very good performance which meets the national standards of 95% in the GP indicators, particularly the Vitamin A supplementation coverage.

Gov. Espino said that from 2007 to 2009, the indicators for Vit. A coverage increased from 83% in October 2007 to 95% in October 2009. The latest GP report showed that as of April 2010, Pangasinan has maintained its 95% coverage.

Towards this end, the provincial government through the PHO has solicited the commitment of its partners in the local government units and non-government organizations in the GP implementation.

The PHO has lobbied for the support of the Association of Barangay Captains and other elected officials to the province and municipal health service providers to improve further and sustain its performance in GP Coverage as the Garantisadong Pambata Preschoolers Health Week kicks off on October 11 to 15.

In a meeting at the Capitol Resort Hotel last Tuesday, the Center for Health Development, the PHO and their different partners from both the government and non-government sectors came up with action plans to enhance and maintain the province’s good performance in GP.

Good practices in Nutrition Program Implementation and its relation to GP strategies were presented and the creation of ordinances relative to the program were tackled as a means of strengthening the province’s performance on GP.      

The Garantisadong Pambata campaign which was started in 1998 aimed to promote the universal access of child survival services for the improvement of child health in the country.

The campaign is centered on educating parents and local government units on the 10 child survival interventions for continued and sustained delivery of under-five child health services and increase the number of under-five children accessing the child survival services by 25 percent.

The GP’s theme for this year is “Ways to Save Your Child: Bring your Children 6months to 5 years old to your Nearest Health Facility for GP Services.

The 10 child survival interventions which are the focus of the celebration include skilled attendance during pregnancy, delivery and immediate post partum, care of the newborn, breastfeeding and complimentary feeding, micronutrient supplementation and deworming, immunization of children and mothers, integrated management of sick children, injury prevention and control, child spacing , proper personal hygiene and smoke-free home. (PIO)

86 fishpen units dismantled in 3 days

DAGUPAN CITY – 86 fishpen units and other aquaculture structures have been dismantled in the main rivers here after majority of the stakeholders in the city in the aquaculture practitioners’ symposium called for by Mayor Benjamin S. Lim last September 28 gave their open support to the clearing of the rivers.

The river cleanup is to be followed by the implementation of a one-year moratorium on fishpens and any fish-catching structures in local rivers.

           

Lim has been personally supervising the clearing operation since October 4 together with the City Agriculture Office. City Agriculturist Emma Molina said it was quite easy for the clearing team this time around to dismantle the fishpens because the structures have been voluntarily abandoned by the fishpen operators themselves.

Molina said the fishpen owners are now more aware of the effect of fishkills’ that made them more open to the idea of cleaning the rivers. “They already saw the benefit that they will derive if they will comply with Mayor Lim’s plan of implementing a one year moratorium.” Molina explained.

“Compared to previous years, when the fishpen owners complied because they were forced to, it’s different this time. The idea is more acceptable to them this time than in the previous administration,” she said.

She explained that the same ordinance is being implemented by Lim in clearing the rivers of fishpens and other aquaculture structures, but after the holding of the symposium called for by Mayor Lim with stakeholders in the city, the operators have become more open than before.

“The owners are more cooperative this time. In return the city is taking the cudgel of pulling out the bamboo poles which will cost the owners some P3,000 if they do it on their own.” she said.

Molina is confident that by the end of the month, her office shall have dismantled all fishpens in the city if the owners continue to be cooperative.

Molina explained that in order not to affect the price and supply of bangus in the market, the city action teams are doing it zone by zone and there are less than ten units that remain in operation. We also need to control the supply and the price of the bangus in the market.”

“The lowest price of bangus was P60 before, but this time it reached P110 wholesale. At retail it is being offered at P130 but if you can haggle, you can get it at P90,” she noted. (CIO)

Parents, mentors cold to additional school years

DAGUPAN CITY – Parents including teachers themselves appear reluctant to embrace the government’s plan to add two more years in the country’s basic education system.

Dante Pescador of the National Statistics Office, a parent, instead suggested that government should pour more resources and support to the present educational system to meet the needs of teachers and students. “Dapat dagdagan na lang ang mga kailangan ng mga schools at training ng mga teachers. Dagdag pahirap lang sa mga magulang kung dadagdagan pa ang bilang ng taon,” he said during the KBP Forum Thursday at the Philippine Information Agency.

Principal Ma. Linda Ventenilla of the Judge Jose de Venecia National High School, for her part, said that personally she felt that adding two more years would incur more expenses for government and parents as well. “Ngayong 10 years nga marami nang kakulangan sa teachers and classrooms, tapos dagdagan pa, mas malaking problema.”

She said she believed that the present number of years is sufficient already to provide quality education as long as government gives education full support. “Let’s be practical, we cannot embrace what we do not have,” she also told the media forum.

But she quickly clarified that she supports the decision of the present administration to add two more years.

Class adviser Jojill Beltran of the Dagupan City National High School agrees with Ventenilla saying it is difficult this time to implement the plan considering the needed funding. “Dagdagan na lang ang dapat ituro sa mga estudyante at magbigay din ng training para sa mga guro,” he said, adding that two more years would be taxing on students. “Ngayong four years lang eh pagod na sila, baka lalong magsasawa sila pag dinagdagan pa.”

Mediaman Edmund Abobo of Bombo Radyo-Dagupan, who is also a parent, agreed with the observations.

Merly Tibalao of the provincial information office said adding one more year in high school would prepare students to college education. (PIA Pangasinan)

Gov. Espino was not, is not and will never be a jueteng operator!

“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.”

               

This was emphasized by Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. as he refuted allegations that he is among the operators of the illegal numbers game during the resumption of hearings by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee last October 6 in Pasay City.

               

The Governor informed the body how he continually pondered to address the issue in the most polite manner because 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, were made by a high-ranking leader of the Catholic Church.

               

This, he said, has caused so 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 hurled against him.

               

Gov. Espino further said he has a high regard for the Archbishop and that he believes he 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.”

               

“I hope he 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.

               

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

               

Gov. Espino also asked 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.

               

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. (PIO)

Puto vendors to have individual electric meters

CALASIAO, Pangasinan- Some forty (40) stallholders occupying the Puto Commercial Complex here will have their own electric meters thus they will shoulder their own monthly power consumptions.

Mayor Mark Roy Q. Macanlalay explained that his administration is currently implementing cost-cutting measures, and the individual electric metering program among the Puto vendors is one way to reduce the monthly power consumptions of the municipal government.

“Since the Puto Complex was constructed during the time of former Mayor Roy T. Macanlalay, the local government has been religiously paying the monthly electric bills of every stall. However, when I assumed office in July 2010, we discovered that there are occupants who already have refrigerators, electric fans and even rice cookers inside their stalls, and obviously the municipal government can no longer subsidize their exorbitant electric bills,” Macanlalay informed.

He said the mayor’s office is helping the puto vendors to expedite the processing of their electric applications at Dagupan Electric Corporation (DECORP).  “I was informed that there are already stalls which now have their individual power,” Mayor Mark averred.

The 26-year-old bachelor mayor added that the individual metering program is no longer new in Calasiao because the municipal government has already implemented it to the stall owners in their Municipal Public Market.

“Hindi maiwasan na may mga kontra sa programa nating ito, pero naniniwala ako na mapapakiusapan din natin ang mga puto vendors na magkaroon ng kanya-kanyang metro para sila na rin ang magtitipid sa kanilang mga konsumo,” Macanlalay said.

For the past several weeks, the power service at the Puto Commercial Complex was shut off after the electric bill was not settled to the DECORP.

This third district town is famous not only to the miraculous Senor Divino Tesoro Shrine but also for its delicious puto (rice cake).

Mayor Macanlalay assured the puto vendors that the municipal government will continuously be supportive to the puto industry.

Puto stallholders will shoulder their own electric consumptions.

Philippine Councilors’ League New Photo

THE DOCTOR IS IN: San Manuel town Councilor Salvador “Dong” S. Perez Jr.  (2^nd from left, first row) is proclaimed new PCL-Pangasinan Chapter President by (L-R) DILG Provincial Director Domiciano Soriano Jr., Philippine Councilors’ League national president Ronald P. Carcellar, and PCL national Secretary General Ramon Tabor during the PCL elections held last Sept. 23, 2010 at CSI Stadia in Dagupan City. Behind Perez are the other elected PCL officers. (PHOTO BY ZARSI)

Dong Perez is new PCL president!

PANGASINAN COUNCILORS’ League newly-elected President Salvador “Dong” S.  Perez Jr. appealed to all PCL members to unite and work together so that all the programs that he envisions will all be realized.

Perez, who is a first-termer councilor from San Manuel town, garnered a convincing 269 votes while his rival, Pozorrubio Councilor Kelvin Chan got 193 votes, in a hotly-contested PCL elections held at CSI Stadia in Dagupan City last September 23.

“I appeal to all mu colleagues in the PCL to forget once-and-for-all the intensity of our concluded elections and eventually unite to promote the welfare and benefits of the PCL members in the province,” said Perez.

The young Perez is the brother of incumbent Mayor Alain Jerico Perez and son of veteran politician Vice Mayor Salvador Perez Sr.

Perez, who is also a medical doctor by profession, will serve as Ex-Officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

His major programs include: Free medical and accident insurance coverage to the members; health and burial benefits in case of death aside from PCL National assistance; massive tree planting province-wide; establishment of PCL seedling bank; seminar and trainings for capability enhancement; scholarship program; fund transparency, among others.

“I am humbled by the overwhelming support that was given to me by the councilors from different town and cities. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to all of them especially to my family and friends who worked and prayed hard for my victory. I am also thankful to our Divine Almighty for giving me this chance to be of service to my fellow councilors and the Pangasinenses,” Perez remarked.

The other officers who will join in the Perez leadership are: Vice President Rose M.  Marcella (San Fabian), Secretary General Rosalie M. Ellasus (San Jacinto), Treasurer Jocelyn S. Visaya (Tayug), Auditor Ellen F. Alipio (Binmaley), PRO Vivien G. Peria (Mapandan), Business Manager Cheryl B. Sembrano; DIRECTORS: Carolyn D. Sison (Alaminos City), Joan Jude R. Lopez (Lingayen), Dyna P. de Guzman (Urbiztondo), Jolly R. Resuello (Basista), Dr. Jose Z. Carrera (Binmaley), Levin N. Uy (Bayambang), George F. Celeste (Bolinao), Alvin O. Bravo (San Nicolas).

DILG Provincial Director Domiciano Soriano Jr. together with PCL National President Ronald P. Carcellar, PCL National Sec. Gen. Ramon Tabor, PCL National Board Sec. Maybelyn dela Cruz Fernandez and outgoing PCL Provl. Pres. Aiza C. Villacorta facilitated the oath-taking of the new PCL-Pangasinan Officers right after the elections.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jerico Perez informed that his brother will be the first PCL President and Board Member from San Manuel town.

“We are grateful because my friends including the long-time acquaintances of my father, former Mayor Badong Perez, did not leave us in this political battle,” said Mayor Jerico.

Those who served as PCL President prior to the young Perez were: Ramon Bautista (Manaoag, 1992-1995), Eddie Perez (Urdaneta City, 1995-1998 and 1998-2001), Chu Carancho (Urdaneta City, 2001-2004), Danny Uy (Binalonan, 2004-2007), and Raul Sison (Urbiztondo, 2007-2010).

“Noong una ay hesitant si Daddy na tumakbo si Dr. Dong bilang PCL President dahil magastos daw. Pero sinabi ko na ito na ang magandang pagkakataon na tumakbo sa PCL dahil marami naman kaming mga kaibigan, kamag-anak, kumare at kumpare na tutulong kay Councilor Perez. Mabuti na lang at nakumbinsi naming siya,” Mayor Jerico revealed.

Liderato ni Ben Datuin bilang Grand Knight kinilala ng KofC

TULUNG-TULONG, kayang kaya natin ito(TTKKNI).

Ito ang nagsilbing inspirasyon ng mga miyembro ng Knights of Columbus Calasiao Council 9119 kung kaya’t sa loob ng dalawang termino na pangunguna bilang Grand Knight ni dating Mayor Bernardino “Ben” Datuin ay iginawad ang dalawang pinakamataas na parangal na nagmula sa KofC Supreme Council sa New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Sa paglipat ni Datuin ng liderato bilang Grand Knight kay G. Robert Umangay noong Linggo (Sept. 26) kasabay ng 25th Year installation of Officers and Induction of Service Program Personnel for Columbian year 2010-2011, pinasalamatan niya ang lahat ng mga miyembro at opisyales ng KofC na nakipagtulungan sa kanya para matamo ang mga programa na kaniyang isinulong.

Natanggap niya ang Star Council Award noong unang termino niya (2006-2008) at sa ikalawang termino naman (2008-2010) ay ang Grand Knight Leadership Award.

Sa pamumuno ni Datuin ay unti-unting naitayo ang Chamber House ng Knights of Columbus Calasiao Council 9119 sa loob mismo ng Sts. Peter and Paul Parish.

 “Malaki din ang ating pasasalamat sa suporta nina Father Jose Carino,  Mayor Macanlalay, Mrs. Lourdes Fernandez, Mrs. Emma Bernal Castro at ganoon din kina dating District Deputy Brothers Renato Millan at Florencio Gabrillo para sa tagumpay ng KofC,” pahayag pa ni Datuin.

Si Ex-Mayor Datuin ang may ari ng Datuin Machine Works sa Calasiao na may mga sangay na rin sa Alaminos City, Baguio City, Laoag City at Tarlac City.

Likas na kay Ben Datuin ang pagtulong sa mga nangangailangan bago pa man ito maging Grand Knight sa KofC.

Dahil accredited na rin ng TESDA ang kanyang Datuin Machine Works ay nagbibigay na rin ito ng training o pagsasanay sa mga taong nais matuto ng pag-torno at iba pang trabaho sa machine shop.

Dahil sa mga trainings na naibibigay ng DMW kung kaya’t marami na rin ang nakapag-abroad dahil sa inisyatibong ito ni Ex-Mayor Datuin.

“Nasa KofC man tayo o sa pulitika ay tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang pagtulong ng pamilya Datuin dahil ibinabalik lamang natin sa mga mahihirap ang mga biyayang ibinibigay sa atin ng Poong Maykapal,” dagdag pa ni Datuin.

Bakit ‘jueteng’ lang ang pinag-iinitan ni Archbishop Cruz?

BUGALLON- Labis na ipinagtataka ni Mayor Rodrigo ‘Ric’ Orduna, pangulo ng Pangasinan Mayors’ League, kung bakit pilit na pinatitigil ni dating Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz ang sugal na jueteng samantalang marami pang uri ng sugal ang naglipana sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas.

Ayon sa alkalde, mayroong dalawang kategorya ang sugal. Kung ang gobyerno ang tatanungin: mayroong legal at ilegal.

Kapag ang simbahan naman ang tatanungin, ang sugal ay masama at imoral, kahit ito ay legal at umaayon sa panuntunan ng pamahalaan.

“Kung totoong seryoso si Archbishop Cruz na ilayo sa imoralidad ang mga tao, ay dapat manguna siya na sugpuin ang lahat ng sugal at hindi lamang ang jueteng,” pahayag ni Orduna.

Aniya, maraming mga Pilipino ang likas na mahilig magsugal. “Ultimo score sa basketbol gaya ng “ending” ay pinagpupustahan pa. Pati nga laban ng insekto gaya ng gagamba ay malalaki ang pustahan, idagdag mo pa ang laban ni Pacquiao sa boksing,” dagdag pa ng alkalde.

May mga sugal na legal subalit hindi pa rin maiwasan na gumawa ng kahalintulad na sugal ang mga operators pero ilegal. Ang sabong ay legal pero mayroon namang “bolarit” na ilegal. Ang karera at jai alai ay legal pero mayroong mga nagbu-bookish.

Sa casino, may mga legal na card games, pero bakit may mga nagpapasugal din ng sakla, tong-its at lucky nine? Sa casino, may mga legal na slot machine, pero bakit mayroon pang mga video karera at  ameneng?

Ang PCSO ay may lotto, easy-two, at small town lottery na puro legal pero nandiyan pa rin ang jueteng?

“Ang dapat gawin ni Archbishop Cruz ay hikayatin niya ang mga tao na huwag nang magsugal, pero bakit hindi niya magawa ito at marami pa rin ang nagsusugal ng mga legal at ilegal? Hindi maganda na sisisihin pa niya ang mga pulitiko kung bakit hindi tumitigil ang sugal samantalang pagkukulang na ng simbahan kung bakit hindi sumusunod sa kanila ang mga tao,” pahayag pa ni Orduna.

Kapansin-pansin na maging si Father Ed Panlilio na naging gobernador ng Pampanga ay hindi rin nya napigilan na magsugal ang mga tao.

Ayon pa kay Mayor Orduna, ang jueteng ay lumawak sa Pilipinas noong panahon ng mga Kastila. “Hindi lang Kristyanismo ang dinala ng mga kastila kundi pati na rin ang sugal,” pahayag pa ng alkalde.

Kumpara sa ibang sugal, ang jueteng ang gustong-gusto na libangan ng mga tao.

Ayon sa ilang tumataya sa jueteng, imbes na ubusin nila ang oras sa paglalaro ng mahjong o tong its, ay nagagawa pa nila ang kanilang trabaho at hihintayin na lamang ang resulta ng nanalong numero.

“Kung ilan ang barya sa bulsa namin ay maaari na naming itaya sa jueteng imbes na buuin pa ang bente pesos kung tataya kami sa lotto at kailangan pa na pumunta kami sa palengke para tumaya,” pahayag naman ng isang mananaya sa jueteng.

Isa rin sa mga iniisip ni Mayor Orduna ay ang mga libu-libong kubradores na umaasa sa jueteng na kung ititigil ito ay wala nang alam na trabaho kung saan sila kikita para sa kanilang pamilya.

“Kung ang mga college graduates ay nahihirapan sa paghahanap ng trabaho, ito pa kayang mga kubradores na karamihan ay walang mga tinapos na edukasyon. Ang mahirap dito ay kung patitigilin ang jueteng at walang alternatibong trabaho para sa mga kubrador ay baka samantalahin sila ng mga drug lords at gawin silang mga drug pushers dahil kakapit na rin sila sa patalim,” dagdag pa ni Orduna.

Sinabi rin ng alkalde na hindi ang jueteng ang sanhi ng kahirapan ng Pilipinas gaya ng sinasabi ni Arsobispo Cruz. “Ang rason kung bakit marami pa rin ang naghihirap ay dahil walang mahanap na trabaho ang mga tao, dahil wala silang pinag-aralan, at dahil na rin sa minana na nila ang kahirapan sa buhay,” paglalahad pa ni Mayor Orduna.