LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN – Governor Ramon V. Guico III reaffirmed his commitment to agriculture and rural development during his second-term inauguration, highlighting major achievements in boosting farmer productivity and market access while announcing new infrastructure investments for Pangasinan’s agriculture-based communities.
“Pangasinan’s excellence can be seen in our support for MSMEs, farmers, and fisherfolk,” Guico said during his inaugural address at the Sison Auditorium on June 30, 2025.
Agriculture recognition and MSME growth
The governor announced that the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist was recently recognized as Regional Outstanding Kadiwa ng Pangulo (LGU Implementer) by the Department of Agriculture, validating the province’s grassroots development efforts.
Since 2022, over 2,582 MSMEs have participated in government-led exhibitions including Manila FAME and IFEX, earning a combined ₱21 million and helping local entrepreneurs access national and global markets.
Expanded agricultural programs
Guico highlighted the expansion of the Corporate Farming Program, which now covers more barangays and farmers. “In addition to free rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, plus free fertilizers and farm machinery, we are also constructing four Provincial Warehouses with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement in Sta. Barbara, Bugallon, and San Quintin,” he said.
For fishery development, the provincial government will build the Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery in Bolinao through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), with ₱239 million in funding. The facility will support the province’s signature aquaculture industry and increase bangus supply for local and export markets.
Addressing rice price challenges
In a post-speech interview, Guico addressed falling palay prices caused by rice importation. “Input costs have decreased and yields have increased. But recently this became a problem… hopefully we can allocate funds so that we ourselves will buy their yields,” he said, suggesting the provincial government could directly purchase harvests to supply local hospitals, jails, and emergency programs.
Infrastructure and community development
The province continues improving rural infrastructure through the “Continue the Excellence” Community Outreach initiative, with ongoing farm-to-market road construction, solar electrification, and multi-purpose buildings. The program services all 1,364 barangays with integrated health consultations, food assistance, and infrastructure development.
Education and health achievements
In education, Guico emphasized the expansion of Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which recently received Certificates of Program Compliance (COPC) from CHED for four courses. “This fulfills my promise when I assumed office in my first term,” Guico said, referring to over 700 full scholars now receiving free tuition and miscellaneous fees. Additional campuses are being built in Umingan and Bugallon, with a new 34-room building underway in Lingayen.
For public health, Pangasinan was recognized by the Department of Health as a 2024 national awardee of the Healthy Communities Award. Plans include establishing specialty hospitals—a Heart Center, Kidney Center, Lung Center, and Cancer Institute—plus a training hospital in San Carlos City.
Call for unity
Guico, now in his seventh term in public service, called on stakeholders to move past political divisions. “Help me continue Pangasinan’s excellence,” he said.
The governor’s second term focuses on expanding legacy programs and increasing investments in people, services, and infrastructure—particularly in the agricultural sector that supports much of the province. | Photos from Provincial Government of Pangasinan
