THE Alliance United Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTOPRO) in Pangasinan is in favor of the proposal to subject all public utility vehicle drivers to random drug testing. In a radio interview on May 23, AUTOPRO Pangasinan President Bernard Tuliao said his group supports the proposal to help ensure public transport safety, but warned against potential bribery in…

THE construction of the new main building of the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), which has recently been approved for expansion into a 1,500-bed capacity from 600, is being fast-tracked in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) modernization program. Dr. Roland Joseph Mejia, R1MC director, said priority is on…

THE Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO) announced that all 553 barangays across 14 municipalities and one city within its service area are now fully energized. Riza Reyes of the Member Services Department of CENPELCO said the cooperative is also continuously modernizing its facilities to serve its consumer members better. “Our…

MANGALDAN  Mayor Bona Fe De Vera-Parayno convened a meeting last week with Mangaldan Water District (MAWAD) officials to clarify the impending increase in water rates and to discuss improved response to consumer complaints. Engr. Marcelo Petonio, manager of MAWAD, which is independent from the local government, explained that the rate…

DAGUPAN City Mayor Belen Fernandez vowed to find a solution to the daily traffic gridlock in the Bonuan area, especially during the rush hours in the morning and afternoon, which has exasperated commuters, traders, students, and workers over the years. After discussing the issue as among the top priorities of…

ELEVEN micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Pangasinan joined the three-day International Food Expo (IFEX) 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on May 22 to 24, showcasing some of the province’s best food products. The Pangasinan delegation included eight MSMEs that have previously joined the annual…

LOCAL government units (LGUs) must require businesses to register with the Social Security System (SSS) before releasing a mayor’s permit to help address the growing number of delinquent employers who fail to pay for their workers’ SSS contributions. Vilma Agapito, SSS vice president for Luzon Central I Division, explained that…

THE waters of Anda and Bolinao remained positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). This was contained in Shellfish Bulletin No. 12, Series of 2025 dated May 20 signed by BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig. All types of shellfish and acetes sp…