NO “rice access cards” have been issued yet by government thru the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which is still in the process of finalizing the list of beneficiaries and developing a distribution strategy that will be as fool-proof and tamper-proof, as possible.

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral issued this clarification in the wake of reports that some families are this early already being offered such “access cards” for P2 to P10 apiece.

She asked barangay officials to be alert for such scams, admitting that her office cannot keep a 24-hour watch over such scam artists who may go to communities. Read more

THERE’s an online voting for the world’s “Seven New Wonders of Nature”

No less than President Arroyo has exhorted Filipinos here and abroad to support thru their online votes at least three Philippine natural wonders which are the Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular diving site that has been acknowledged globally for its unmatched biodiversity; Chocolate Hills of Bohol, famous for its dome-shaped grass covered limestone hills that turn brown in summer when the hills dry up and the Underground River in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

In the current Top 77 Live Rankings of the worldwide online poll, Tubbataha ranks seventh, Choco Hills ninth and the Underground River, 20th.

What the Pangasinenses would give to have their very own Hundred Islands in Alaminos –as natural as natural can be – included in the list of top natural sites to stir a sense of pride!

With the city government led by Mayor Hernani Braganza having its own well-designed website, and in the midst of promoting their unique scenic spot, we see no reason why our famous Islands should not be entered in the worldwide online Search (at www.newsevenwonders.com) to vie for the honor – and probably get GMA’s own unequivocal endorsement.

Without belittling the claim to fame of the top three Philippine spots in the search which are admittedly all breathtaking, we believe the Hundred Islands should also be there fighting for that special spot for its sheer natural beauty and pristine charm.

Nothing, you know, beats being acknowledged and recognized in the world stage even if, as it happens, even our own Department of Tourism hardly finds it worthwhile to include the Islands in its map for Most Recommended Spots.

By BEHN FER. HORTALEZA, JR.

FROM the balcony of the vintage landmark that is the Vicar Hotel building, I and several spectators watched the Festivals of the North street dancing parade pass by Saturday afternoon.

While there is no question the young participants and their drum and bugle corps gave everyone great thrill with their colorful costumes and choreographed dances (at some point, some of the groups performed breath-taking stunts, you wonder who’d foot the hospital bills if they took one miscalculation, one misstep and hurt themselves somehow – okay, am referring to the gay ‘stunt’ artist of the Sugpo Festival street dancers who’s hoisted up on two bamboo poles before swinging down and breaking into a sudden “split” on the hot pavement, ouch! ) still your heart goes out to the girls and boys literally baking under the sun to give everyone enjoyment. Read more

Nen MARIO F. KARATEKA

“AHON Pamilyang Pilipino” so sakey a balon programan ipapasompal na administrasyon nen Presidente Gloria parad saray mamairap iran kabaleyan. Ed silong na sayan programa, ikdan na Diparsmin op Sosyal Wilpeyr en Dibilopmint so pamilyan mairap-bilay a saraya et pilien kada barangay na anggad limanlasus pesos kateng-kateng binulan — ed kondisyon ya gaween dan amin so saray matonong ya panangitandoroy pamilya ra.

Antoratan bilang a kondisyones?
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By DANNY O SAGUN

PANGASINAN is at its merriest mood these days with all the scheduled festivities in almost every corner of the province.

The people of amputi layag in San Carlos City have their Mango and Bamboo festival. Mapandan has its Pandan festival and Calasiao its Puto festival. Dagupan City, nothwithstanding the change in administration, is living up to its claim as the ‘Bangus Capital of the World’ by having a three-week long Bangus Festival that started in April 16 and will culminate on May 4.

The provincial administration too continued the long tradition of holding Pistay Dayat (sea festival) not only on May 1 but for a good 10 days starting April 24.
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Special to the PANGASINAN STAR

UNDER the leadership of Chairman Cesar T. Duque and Dr. Catalino Rivera Jr., the University of Pangasinan has launched new and innovative programs designed to sustain its mission as the education leader in Region I and access its graduates high-salaried employment after completing their college degrees.

Dr. Rivera identified “Grow @ UPang,” a graduates’ services program handled by External Linkages and Alumni Relations Office that would link graduates across programs to competitive places of employment and opportunIties maximizing use of their knowledge, skills and abilities including values and dispositions gained from their university-based courses and programs.”
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By DANNY O. SAGUN

THERE is enough supply of rice in Pangasinan owing to the good harvest in the main and second croppings, according to farmers from this palay-rich province.

The province produces rice more than the needs of its population of some 2.7 million, it was gathered from the National Food Authority.

The farmers believe there is no rice or food crisis as claimed by some sectors. They said the crisis is just “artificial” created by unscrupulous traders thru hoarding of the nation’s main staple.
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By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO
Pia Dagupan Infocenter

SOCIAL Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral said Saturday for as long as the objectives of the “Ahon Pamilyang Pilipino” program, a flagship program of government against poverty and hunger, are kept and fulfilled by beneficiary-families, how the amount is spent will be entirely up to them.

Cabral said the DSWD precisely monitors the output or result, not the amount given a particular family for the APP program.

At a media conference called during her visit to Dagupan City on
a field inspection and assessment activity of the Area Vocational Rehabiltation Center (AVRC) unit of DSWD in Bonuan, the DSWD head also vowed to see to the relocation of the center’s office that is now threatened to be washed out to sea by big waves battering the beach area. Read more

BUSINESSMEN, beware!

UNSCRUPULOUS people are taking advantage of the current Dagupan Bangus Festival to solicit money from local businessmen for their own personal benefit.

This was disclosed during a press conference called by Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, executive chairperson of the Bangus Festival and Councilor Alfie Fernandez, executive vice chair person.

Both officials said they have not sent out any solicitation letter to any businessman or person in Dagupan City as they have enough event sponsors already. Read more

THE Dagupan Bangus Festival 2008, drums beat stronger and the chants and whoops went wilder last Saturday as the ‘Festivals of the North’, a street dancing competition among festival champions in Dagupan and other towns and cities of Pangasinan and the Ilocos region, rolled out in the city’s main avenues.

Adjudged top winners were the Pandan Festival street dancers of Mapandan for the Dry category and the Pindangan Festival performers of Ago, La Union for the Wet category.
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