The following are some of the most distinguished individuals from Bayambang, honored and recognized for making history in their field, succeeding in their chosen career, and in the process becoming a role model for all Bayambangueños.
(Names in underline are those who made a name for Bayambang on the national level.)
EUSEBIO B. BENITEZ
- He served his constituents from Barangay Inanlorenza of this municipality as Punong Barangay for 19 years.
- Through his perseverance and hard work as a farmer, his children and his siblings are all successful in their respective endeavors.
- He is a living testimony and an inspiration to all Bayambangueños that through hard work, dedication and determination, anything can be achievable.
ENGR. CRESCENCIO J. FERNANDEZ
- BNHS ‘52
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, University of the Philippines
- A successful businessman who owns and manages one of the top companies in the country, C.J. Fernandez Enterprises, Inc., one of the country’s leading and top distributors in the rubber and tire industry. To date, his company remains to be among the top companies in the Philippines with its growing market share in the tires and rubber industry and other products like fuel, batteries, brake fluids, coolants, oils, lubricants, among others, as well as in the service and hospitality industry.
- He is the Director of La Union Heart, Lung and Kidney Foundation.
- He is the President of CFAL Oasis Development Corporation
- President, C.J. Fernandez Enterprises, Inc.
- President, La Union Oasis Hotel, Inc.
- President, First Union Integrated Development Corporation
- Chairman of the Board, Heavenly View Properties Corporation
- Director, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of La Union
- Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Lorma Community Development Foundation, Inc.
MARIA CELIA J. FERNANDEZ, ED.D.
- BNHS ‘72
- AB Social Sciences, University of the Philippines
- A true-blooded Bayambangueña with an exemplary character and leadership as Schools Division Superintendent of Division I of Pangasinan I of the Department of Education.
- 2018 Most Inspiring Teacher of the Republic of the Philippines
- 2018 Most Influential Teacher of the Republic of the Philippines
- Outstanding Educational Leader by the Municipalities of Lingayen and Binmaley
- 2017 Outstanding Bayambangueño Award
- 2016 Outstanding Public Servant in the field of Education by the Alliance of Chaplains for Transformation Society – Philippines
- 2017 Outstanding GAD Implementer, Testimonial of Recognition – Dangal ng Bayan Award by the Alliance of Chaplains for Transformation Society – Philippines
- 2015 Bronze USA Award for Meritorious and Outstanding Service by the National Council of Honor, Boys Scouts of the Philippines
- 2013 Dangal ng Bayan Award Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees – Regional Awardee by the Civil Service Commission
- Most Relevant Re-Entry Project – Senior High School Modelling Program at Lananpin National High School by the Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City
- 2016 Distinguished Alumna Award - University of the Philippines by the Baguio-Benguet Cordillera Chapters UP Alumni Association
- Award of Distinction given by Urdaneta City
- 2014 Most Relevant Re-entry project “Piloting the SHS Curriculum in TVL at Lananpin National High School” Urdaneta City… the only one in Region 1 – Regional Awardee Dangal ng Bayan (CSC)
- Hers is an ordinary rise from the ranks, but with an extraordinary heart to reach the top.
- As an official of the Department of Education working in the government as a Schools Division Superintendent, the honoree has distinguished herself with sterling integrity of life, inspiring professionalism and edifying respect for her subordinates. She has gone beyond the call of duty as an educator by pursuing the moral regeneration and spiritual renewal of her fellow educators as well as the youth under her care.
CHRISTOPHER Q. GOZUM
- BNHS ‘93
- AB in Film and Audio-Visual Communication, University of the Philippines
- Made history in 2009 by making the first full-length film (“Anacbanua”) out of Pangasinan in the beautiful Pangasinense language
- An independent filmmaker who founded an independent film company called Sine Cabaloan Co. Ltd. in 2007 which is committed to producing cutting-edge films about the Pangasinan province and its people in the homeland and in the diaspora.
- A professional theater actor and playwright who earned numerous awards from prestigious award-giving bodies in the country.
His films that have received awards and citations in the Philippines and abroad include:
1) “The Independence Mission”
2) “The Calling”
3) “Gurgulis ed Banua”
4) “Anacbanua”
5) “Lawas Kan Pinabli”
6) “Dapol tan Payawar na Tayug 1931”
ENGR. ALEJANDRO D. MACAM
- St. Vincent Catholic School ‘53
- Finished his Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering in 1966 at Adamson University as a self-supporting student.
- After graduation, he joined Lepanto Consolidated Mining Corporation for 6 years.
- After which he decided to go back to his beloved hometown, Bayambang, and started a small business in buying and selling of palay and corn and agricultural supply.
- Due to his age, he shifted to a construction supply business which is easier to manage. And because of his perseverance and hard work, he was awarded by Holcim Company as an outstanding dealer in Western Pangasinan.
SR. MARY JOHN MANANZAN, OSB
- A Bayambangueña who was the 1st woman to graduate SUMMA CUM LAUDE from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy.
- She was the National Chairperson of GABRIELA, a broad alliance of women’s organizations for 18 years.
- She served two terms as President of St. Scholastica’s College.
- She is Section Editor on Women and Spirituality in a 4-volume Encyclopedia of Women’s Studies by Routledge and Company.
- Degree in Missiology at the Wilhelmsuniversitaet in Munster, Germany - MAGNA CUM LAUDE
- A feminist-activist, she has given birth to a lot of women-centered programs, among them the Institute of Women’s Studies, Women Ecology and Wholeness Farm, and the Women Crisis Center.
- She was cited by Women Deliver as one of the 100 inspiring persons in the world on the occasion of the 100 years of the International Women’s Day celebration in March, 2011.
- She was given the Benigno Aquino Jr. Award for Nationalism by the Federation of Catholic Schools’ Alumnae Association on November 25, 2011.
- In April, 2013, she received the Balitok Award as an outstanding daughter of the province of Pangasinan.
RAMON M. MATABANG
- BNHS ‘69
- Philippine School of Business Administration-BS Accounting
- He initiated the campaign for children’s right to a name, identity and nationality in a project dubbed as “Operation Birthright” in 1999 all throughout Quezon City, and has continued this free birth registration advocacy in his hometown, Bayambang, since 2016.
- He has written, annotated and published a book on RA 9048, with Congressman Magtanggol Gunigundo as his co-author.
- He was conferred the “Peace Awards” in 2011 by the Rotary International District 3780 for his invaluable contributions and selfless dedication to the pursuit of building better communities through effective stewardship of the Quezon City Civil Registry.
RUFINO P. ROMANO
- Bachelor of Science in Zoology, UST
- 1963, Registered Medical Technologist, American Society of Medical Technologist
- One of the first organizers of the Pilipino Bayanihan of Mississauga in 1975.
- Recipient of a leadership award given by Premier Davis at the Ontario Bicentennial year in 1983.
- Community Leadership Awardee of the Senate of Canada in November 2017.
- Retired Research Scientist of the Pfizer Global Research and Development; discovered the active agent for Viagra
HONORABLE JUDGE FERNANDO T. SAGUN, JR.
- BNHS ‘72
- UE College of Law ‘81
- B.S. Pre-Med, UE
- Presiding Judge of RTC, Quezon City
- Highway Patrol Group 59th Anniversary Special Awardee (given on May 5, 2014)
- Special Awardee of QCPD on its 73rd Founding Anniversary (given on November 23, 2012)
- Special Awardee of AIDSOTF PNP on its 8th, 9th and 10th Anniversary (2011-2013)
- Most Outstanding Judge, Rotary Club, QC District Office for 2009.
- Most Outstanding Judge for the year 2008 given by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
- Most Outstanding Judge for the year 2008 given by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption
POLICE DIRECTOR NOLI G. TALIÑO
- BNHS ‘78
- PMA ‘84
- He is the new PNP Special Action Force director to command the elite force and tactical support unit of the Philippine National Police
- He is a bemedalled Police Officer.
- He is the founder of Bayambang Malangsi Fishtival.
- A visible leading peacekeeper at the height of the crushed Abu Sayyaf attempt in Bohol.
HON. JUDGE CYNTHIA MARTINEZ-FLORENDO (government service),
PSU Laboratory High School, Bayambang ‘83
Regional Trial Court Judge
Philippine Women Judge Association – Director Region III
Philippine Judge Association, Nueva Ecija Chapter – Director
Philippine Trial Judges League, Inc Pangasinan Chapter - Vice President
College of Law Professor
Bachelor of Laws – University of Pangasinan 1994
Graduate School of Law 2006
ALLAN
MICHAEL IBAÑEZ - indie
film director (arts and culture),
BNHS ‘07
Writer, Nasan ka nang kailangan kita (Waiting for Love) ABS CBN
Junior Story Editor, Pinoy Big Brother All in – ABS – CBN
Monitor and Brainstormer, Content Monitoring and Development Group
ABS-CBN
Short Film Creator – Quezon City
Director
Bachelor of Science in Statistics - University of the Philippines, Diliman 2011
Head of Media Production – Plot Entertainment Study
DR. CLARITA DG. JIMENEZ
Educator
BNHS '55
Advocate of the preservation and conservation of the Municipality's cultural and historical heritage.
Giving importance to the local culture and narrative, a concern that most compatriots would relegate to the backburner, she authored the town's first coffee-table book, Subol na Pananisia, which is about the history of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church, and an unpublished manuscript on the town's history.
Mother of the College of Nursing - it is at PSU-Bayambang where a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is being offered. Opening a BSN program is rigorous and difficult to achieve.
Now, she serves her beloved hometown as an active member of the Bayambang Municipal Council and Arts (BMCCA) "gratis et amore."
Dubbed as PSU's "Mother of Accreditation" because it was during her time term as Dean of PSU-Bayambang when the college underwent accreditation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACUP)
NORMA JUNIO-LOZANO
ASEAN Confederation of Women Organization (ACWO), Secretary General
Philippine Commission of Women, Commissioner National Council of the Women of the Philippines, President
Women's Right Movement of the Philippines, President
National Anti-Poverty Commission, 3-terms commissioner - Women Sector
Donated to Buenlag Health Center Maternity Beds, Cribs, and Medical Supplies
Conducted Seminars in Bayambang on Anti-Drugs, Smoking and Alcohol, Including anti-violence against women and children
Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting
Far Eastern University (FEU)
Wife of the well-known Atty. Oliver Lozano
REV. FR. REGINALDO MARA MANANZAN, SJ
Humanitarian Service
Immaculate Conception Major Seminary, Vigan City 1972
Licentiate in Canon Law – Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome Italy
Doctor of Canon Law – Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome Italy
Judge at the First Instance marriage tribunals of the Diocese of Antipolo and Diocese of Cubao
Defender of the Bond at the Marriage Tribunals of the Archdiocese of Manila and Diocese of Novaliches
Bachelor
of Science in Philosophy – Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City 1972
JOSEFINO
T. MATABAN
Businessman
President/Manager - Rural Bank of Bayambang Inc.
Association of Pangasinan Rural Bankers - Executive Vice President, Vice President, Director, Treasurer, Secretary - 17 Consecutive Years
Donor Land - Tamaro-Tambac Elementary School
Donor Land - Bayambang District Hospital
St. John's Cathedral High School '71
Bachelor of Science in Commerce - Luzon University 1975
OSCAR O.
ORA
Scriptwriter and Composer
Provecom, Member
BMCCA, Member
St. Vincent Catholic School ‘80
Vocational Bayambang Tech. Sch. Auto Diesel Mech 1981
Composed Songs:
1. Pinablin Bayambang
2. Sibuyas Festival Jingle
3. Kalutan ed dalan Jingle
4. Bayambang 400th Years Jingle
5. Say Dasal – Sanengseng
6. Asin na kabaleyan
7. Manisia Ak Ed Diyos
8. Maria Victoria – Daughter of Emilio Aguinaldo
9. Pamatanir nen miong
10. Hakbang sa Pangarap
11. Bayambang Tourism
12. Binibining Bayambang
13. SVF Theme Song
14. Matalunggaring Jingle
P/SENIOR
MASTER SERGEANT EDUARDO G. SANTIAGO (military and police service)
BNHS '94
2012 Metro Bank Foundation Country's Outstanding Policemen in Service (COPS)
Law Enforcer and Chief Enforcer
406th Laguna Police
Provincial Mobile Group - Supply/Kinanco Pnco - 2004-2008
San Pedro MPS - Radio Operator - Radio Operator - 2008-2011
Bayambang MPSP - Investigator - 2015 to Present
Bachelor Elementary Education - Pangasinan State University CED 1998
HONORABLE
LEVIN N. UY
Municipal Councilor
BNHS' 86
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Management
Lyceum Northwestern University 1990
Former Hermano Mayor 2017-2018
Former Managing Director of the Kasama kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc.
Certificate of Recognition: Outstanding National Benefactor Award
San Isidro Labrador Parish
Plaque of Recognition - Most Outstanding Literacy Program Region I
City of San Fernando La Union
Doctor of Public Administration - Lyceum Northwestern University
Master of Business Administration - Colegio De Dagupan 2011
ATTY. GERUNCIO LACUESTA
Father of Philippine Cycling, Mediaman
For pioneering a marathon cycling tournament called the "Tour of Luzon" in the ’50s, Geruncio 'Gerry' Lacuesta is considered as the “father of Philippine cycling.” Aside from this, Lacuesta was also a lawyer and, on February 15, 1970, published the first community paper of Bayambang, the "Bayambang Post." He also became a Manila mediaman, contributing to Manila Times and other papers.
On April 3, 1970, "Bayambang was the starting venue of the Quezon City-Bayambang-Marikina cycling race," with Lacuesta as organizer.
He was also the editor of Katas, a news magazine that served as the Philippine version of Reader’s Digest.
LEONIDAS PEREZ-LIMPINGCO
Successful Local Businesswoman
Leonidas "Maring" Perez-Limpingco of Zone I, Bayambang, is a successful local businesswoman for 11 years and counting, with interests in agricultural supply, real estate leasing, and gasoline retail.
A graduate of Commerce from St. Louis University, she has established four well-known businesses in town with the help of her husband Alberto and other family members. She is the President of Prime Linc Trading & Leasing Corp. and Manager of Agroyield Farmers Center, Perez Limpingco Gasoline Station, and Maring's Agricultural Supply.
She was also a former Municipal Councilor, serving in the years 2001-2007.
SIMEON BONDOC
Model Farmer and Father
Simeon Alcantara Bondoc of Brgy. Inirangan worked hard to lift his brood of 10 children from poverty by prioritizing their education and adopting modern agricultural knowledge and techniques. He mustered the initiative to attend seminars to improve his farming techniques and maximize his farmland's productivity. He unselfishly shared his knowledge to his fellow farmers in the barangay. Through the scientific method such as the use of irrigation pumps, he was able to find employment for locals in Inirangan and neighboring barangays. All his surviving children are now successful professionals, with most of them based abroad.
PSSG VINA C. DE LEON
Nationally Awarded Police Officer
In July 2020, PSSg Vina C. de Leon won a grand slam in the Search for Outstanding Police Community Affairs Development (PCAD) Junior Police Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year in the category of Community Relations in the provincial, regional, and national levels, in connection with the PNP's 25th Police Community Relations Month Celebration. This is in recognition of “her focused adherence to the critical role of the PNP in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic,” which “has greatly contributed to the overall peace and development initiatives in the country, thereby bringing the PNP closer to the community.”
Impressed with such a string of achievements, the Sangguniang Bayan of Bayambang awarded PSSg. De Leon a plaque of recognition and a P50,000 cash prize.
She is a walking proof that a typical government worker or officer can reach professional heights by performing ordinary work extraordinarily -- with a human touch, with the difference that only a woman can give.
RONALD TOMAS
Jazz Artist/Musician
Ronald Tomas is a talented jazz musician from this town. He used to be the saxophonist of jazz/acid jazz bands Artsart, Parliament Syndicate, and WDOUJI, and has a band called Ronald Tomas Nonet, where his jazz compositions/performances are fused with indigenous Filipino elements. He has also been a musical arranger to many big stars in the music industry. He is now a member of faculty of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde teaching Music Production in the School for Design and Arts as well a woodwind tutor in British School Manila. He is the son of long-time Pangasinan State University-Bayambang music teacher, Prof. Felipe Tomas of Brgy. Del Pilar.
RUSTICO 'RUSTY' LOPEZ
Fashion Retailing Icon
The fashion retailing industry icon -- a big name in Manila's malls and beyond -- is Bayambang's native son. Rustico "Rusty" Lopez descended from the Lopez family of Brgy. Telbang and a graduate of St.Vincent Academny and Bayambang High School. In late 1969, he graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila. He opened his first shop along Adriatico St. in Malate, Manila after several years of staging fashion shows.
Among the highlights of his career was when he was invited to design the first airline in Malaysia with several designers all over Asia and won the second place in the competition. In 1980, he ventured in the US market and was accepted widely all over America, and the rest is history.
PROF. RUFINO MENOR
Distinguished Musician/Creator of PSU Pangkat Kawayan
As a music teacher at the Pangasinan State University-Bayambang, he pioneered a lot of things out of his passion for chosen field. He founded PSU’s Pangkat Kawayan and brought honor and fame to the school and town. Mr. Menor also happens to be the composer of the PSU Hymn, the creator of the PSU Kitchenette Symphony Orchestra, Rhythm Band, Ukelele, Harmonica, Bottle Xylophone Ensemble, Elementary Rondalla, Children’s Choir, Elementary Drum & Bugle Corps, Drum & Lyre Corps, and the organizer of PSU Band. Luckily, his own daughter has inherited his passion and work, and he successfully passed on his bamboo instrument-making knowhow to a group of workers, ensuring that the Pangkat Kawayan is here to stay.
GENEROSO 'GENE' SENDAYDIEGO JR.
Iconic Newspaper Cartoonist
Gene Sendaydiego was an artist/illustrator in Manila since 1958, and a staff member in different commercial publications. The University of Sto. Tomas Fine Arts graduate eventually became staff artist of the National Media Production Center, and was the creator of the popular cartoon strip “Dorot” which was regularly published in the popular Tagalog tabloid newspaper Balita. The long-time resident of Brgy. Zone VI also had been as prolific a contributor in many other local comics and magazines. In 1972, he also became an editorial cartoonist for Sunday Punch, a Dagupan City-based newspaper.
DR. HENRY J. FERNANDEZ/JULIE FERNANDEZ
Outstanding Physician and Health Worker/Public Servants
"No pandemic can dampen the Hippocratic oath they have sworn to uphold." These words ring true the most for physicians like our very own Dr. Henry Fernandez, who was among the dozens honored posthumously as The Outstanding Filipino Physicians of 2020 by their colleagues at the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), together with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Senate Philippines. Dr. Fernandez and wife Julie had been of great service to their beloved townmates even beyond retirement age. Dr. Fernandez kept his small clinic at age 77 to cater to the medical needs of mostly poverty-stricken locals. He also served the local government of Bayambang as a consultant in the health department, an untiring volunteer in medical missions especially during the Komprehensibong Serbisyo sa Bayan series of outreach programs held in the most far-flung barangays of town, and even in various cultural affairs, such as being a Pista'y Baley (town fiesta) Hermano Mayor. Mrs. Fernandez, on the other hand, had been his supportive partner through all that. She was also the Chairperson of the Saint Vincent Ferrer Dialysis Center.
KIRST VIRAY
Fashion Model/Actor
One
Bayambang-born personality who made a name in the ramp modeling world is Kirst
Viray. Viray has also dabbled in the world of acting, appearing in such shows
as "Mulawin," "Maalala Mo Kaya," "La Luna
Sangre," etc.
EDGAR GUEVARA
Environmentalist
A local environmentalist who made a name for himself after establishing GEO
Farm, a self-sustaining ‘eco-village,’ in Brgy. Mangayao is Edgar Guevara. He
was one of the co-founders of Zero Waste Coalition.
DR. JOEL JOHN A. DELA MERCED
Nurse-Educator
Dr. Joel John A. dela Merced finished his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Baguio in 2007 and passed the Nursing Licensure Exam in the same year, but he never stopped working on his dreams to attain success. Dr. Dela Merced has not only exemplified outstanding performance in education but he has also received numerous diplomates, fellowship conferments, and awards, among the most notable of which was being recognized as a fellow in Singapore’s Royal Institute of Nurses. He was also awarded as TESDA IDOL 2020 for the wage employed category in NCR and 2020 Tagsanay Award National Champion in TESDA. Dr. Dela Merced was appointed as Training Regulations (TRs) and Competency Assessment Tools (CATS) developer in the new Caregiving NC II and Regional Lead Trainer and District Lead Assessor in TESDA.
DR. CEZAR T. QUIAMBAO
Businessman, Philanthropist, Public Servant
Born and
bred in Bayambang, he took up Accountancy in 1969 at the University of the East
and became a Certified Public Accountant.
He has over 3 decades of executive experience in various industrial activities,
infrastructure and development projects, information technology applications,
management knowhow and corporate planning, and banking, finance and
investments.
Former Executive Vice-President of PT Green Timber Jaya, a leading timber
company in Indonesia (1977)
Former Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Alliance Development
Corp.
Former President and Chief Executive Officer of Stradcom Corp.
Landmark Projects:
2008 Automated Elections of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
LTO-IT Stradcom project
Land Registration Authority’s land titling computerization project
Metro Manila Skyway project – a groundbreaking project worth USD514M and a
pioneer in utilizing the Build, Own and Transfer (BOT) scheme between the
government and private sector
Other projects:
Put up the CSF Rural Bank of Bayambang to provide microfinancing programs that
help small entrepreneurs
Award:
Recipient of the prestigious Asna Award for Business (2014) given out by the
provincial government of Pangasinan to select achievers
Won as Mayor in 2016 and accomplished a lot of historic firsts for the town.
NIÑA JOSE (MARY CLARE JUDITH PHYLLIS JOSE-QUIAMBAO)
Actress/Showbiz
Personality
Pinoy Big Brother-Teen Edition housemate and actress Niña Jose has become a
Bayambangueña by virtue of being the wife of Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao. It is
because of her showbiz connections that many events in town, particularly the
Pista'y Baley events, are star-studded. Townsfolk and visitors are routinely
treated -- mostly for free -- to guest appearances and performances by some of
the most bankable names and most promising stars of the day.
As the Chairperson of the Local Council for Women, she established the Abong na Aro, a house of abused women and children. As the head of Niña Cares Foundation and Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, she oversees the Quiambao family's philanthropic activities.
DR. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III
Educator
Prof. Prospero 'Popoy' E. de Vera III. De Vera became, among other things, a UP Diliman professor and UP Vice-President for Public Affairs. He is currently the Chair of the UP Board of Regents and Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education. He is the son of Atty. Julian de Vera of Brgy. San Vicente.
DR. DANILO L. CONCEPCION
Educator
Danilo L.
Concepcion is the current President of the University of the Philippines
system. His mother (a Lardizabal) hails from the Estacion area.
Educator
Being the son of educators must have rubbed off on Dr. Jose 'Dong' DV. Camacho, Jr., who is the current Chancellor of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB). He is the son of the Dr. Jose Gomez Camacho Sr. and Dr. Basilisa de Vera Camacho. Prior to being Chancellor, Dr. Camacho was the dean of the Graduate School and a professor at the College of Economics and Management of UPLB. He was a consistent honor student at the PSU Laboratory School. After high school, he took up Bachelor of Science in Economics in UPLB, where he received recognition for the Best Thesis in Economics, and Master of Arts in Economics History and Political Economy in UP Diliman. He finished his Master of Arts in Economics of Development in Erasmus University’s International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, the Netherlands, then he earned his Doctor of Economics degree, with specialization in Economics of Education, Labor, and Human Resource Economics, from Kyoto University, Japan. His achievements as a visiting scholar, grants recipient, and awardee here and abroad is quite lengthy. On top of these, Dr. Camacho is also an author and co-author of several research articles and textbooks. One notable work of his in Pangasinan is his role in founding the Center for Pangasinan Studies, from which the Bayambang Culture Mapping Project benefited through technical assistance.
ATTY. FERDINAND QUINTOS
Lawyer, Poet, Editor
Atty. Ferdinand Quintos was a lawyer, an acknowledged poet, painter, and newspaper editor.
Quintos held a Bachelor Arts degree (major in Political Science and minor in
English). He completed his law studies at Far Eastern University in Manila in
1971. He was co-writer of a book that clarified the country's 1972
Constitution. He turned into an investigator in the Office of the City Fiscal
(now Office of the City Prosecutor) of Davao City. He made his vow of office on
July 10,1975. He became a columnist and crossword constructor of the first
daily in Davao City and Mindanao and afterwards became its editor-in-chief. In
January 1990, he entered the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR). He
began as a lawful officer within the CHR’s Territorial Office No. XI based in
Davao City. After year, he was assigned to head the agency’s Territorial Office
No. IX based in Zamboanga City. He was then in 1993 sent as regional director
of the CHR’s Regional Office No. IV based in San Pablo City, Laguna, in southern
Luzon. He lectured human rights subjects in military/police training centers.
While heading the CHR-IV he was sent as agency scholar to the Development
Academy of the Philippines (DAP) where he finished Master in Public Management.
He has been, since 2012, a part of the Board of Judges within the annual
Pangasinan Scholarly Challenge (within the Pangasinan dialect), an
institutionalized program of the Pangasinan provincial government.
CARMEN VELASQUEZ
National Scientist
Born in
Bayambang, Pangasinan on August 7, 1913, Carmen C. Velasquez was recognized by
President Ferdinand E. Marcos as a National Scientist in 1983. She became known
for her studies on fishes in the Philippines. She discovered 32 species of
fishes, 2 species of birds, and 3 mammals. She also became an expert in
parasitology and was the first Ph.D. graduate of the course in the Philippines.
She authored the book, "Digenetic Trematodes of Philippine Fishes,"
in 1975, which is about the parasites of fishes and aquaculture management.
MINA MATABANG
CEO of Oracle Philippines
RUSTICO ROLDAN (CARLOS SALAZAR)
Culture and Arts
Rustico
Roldan is the real name of the matinee idol and character actor in the
1950s whose screen name was 'Oscar Salazar.' A grandchild of former town
mayor Leo Roldan, Carlos "Rusty" Salazar was discovered by Fernando
Poe, Sr. when he became the lead actor in a stage play at the Far
Eastern University where he was studying. Salazar made numerous films in
the '50s, '60s, and '70s, starring side by side the most popular actors
and actresses at the time, including Amalia Fuentes, Juancho Gutierrez,
Gloria Romero, Lolita Rodriguez, and Luis Gonzales, to name a few.
Salazar became one of the most bankable actors playing crucial roles in
movies in various genres. He would eventually become a film director and
producer. He was reportedly at the peak of his career, doing a minimum
of four movies a year, when he fell in love with commercial model Carmen
'Menchu' Fernandez, and left showbiz for good after he got turned off
by the proliferation of the so-called 'bomba' films during that time.
WENDELL RAMOS
Actor
Wendell Ramos is a grandchild of the patriarch of the Ramos clan.
DONITA ROSE
Actress
Donita Rose is a grandchild of the patriarch of the Ramos clan.
RAMON BAUTISTA
Comedian
The deadpan comic traces his family's roots to Bayambang, particularly Brgy.
Ambayat.
MARTIN NIEVERA
Singer/Actor
The renowned pop balladeer Martin Nievera also has Bayambang roots, according
to Dr. Clarita D.G. Jimenez.
JING ABALOS
Actor
According to accounts, Jing Abalos was born to Angelita Asuncion and Rufino
Abalos on September 17, 1941 in Brgy. San Vicente. He is reported to be active
in the years 1957-1972. He started as a stuntman.
"His first movie was Amazona. He was introduced in the movie Apat na Agila
(alternative title "Four Eagles"), and became a full-fledged star in
Batman Fights Dracula under Lea Production in 1967, opposite Viviane
Lorrain."
"Abalos became a contract star of Lea Production and made several films in
Taurus Production's the Lady Untouchable opposite Magda Gonzalez."
"His other films are Babaing Kidlat (1964), Lady Untouchable (1968),
Mighty Rock (1969), Cueva Vaca (1972), Dirty Hari (1972), Mga Mapanganib
(1972), Trafcon-Ancar Limbas Unit 57 (1972)."
VIC PACIA
Actor
Pacia of Roxas St. was "a mainstay of 'Oras ng Ligaya' (a TV show), also
dabbled in films as an actor for Sampaguita Pictures," Butch Francisco
recalls in a November 1, 2003 article in StarBytes (Phistar.com).
Pacia's IMDb.com profile lists the following as his films: Pussy Cat (1969),
Together Again (1967), and Basta Kantahan: Sila o Kami? (1969).
"Pacia died in a car crash in 1973 while driving in Laguna,"
Francisco writes.
COMMODORE
LUZVIMINDA A. CAMACHO, AFP
Commodore Luzviminda A. Camacho, AFP, is the Philippine Navy's first female
Skipper and Contingent Commander. Commo. Camacho is the first female Commodore
of the Philippine Navy.
Dr. EDWIN
V. ANTONIO
Health Worker, Educator, Cultural Worker
• Founder & CEO, Katutubo Exchange Philippines (KXPH), a
volunteer cultural organization that promotes indigenous cultural heritage and
organizes the annual Katutubo Exchange Program for indigenous youth if the
country.
• Head, National Committee on Northern Cultural Communities
• Secretary, Sub commission on Cultural Communities and
Traditional Arts
• Member, National Advisory Board, National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Office of the President of Philippines
• Member, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Executive Council
• Coordinator, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan ( for MB
Magdalena Gamayo)
• Member, Technical Working Group of Research, National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
• Assistant Director, Laoag Rehabilitation and Physical
Therapy Center Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
MAJOR CLARO CAMACHO
War Hero, Quadricentennial Most Outstanding, Bayambangueño Posthumous Award
MOST REVEREND BISHOP FIDELIS LAYOG
First Bishop from Bayambang
A Bayambang-born priest, Fr. Fidelis Layog, received his papal appointment on March 18, 2019 as Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, making him the first Catholic bishop from Bayambang. His episcopal ordination was held on May 8, 2018 during a concelebrated mass led by Archbishop Socrates Villegas at St. John Metropolitan Cathedral, Dagupan City. Bishop Layog is the son of Dr. Amado M. Layog, a physician-surgeon, and Mrs. Julita Taguiang-Layog, a home economics teacher of Bayambang Central School.
SECRETARY ONOFRE P. GUEVARA
Labor Secretary, circa 1965?
ROMYL A. JUNIO
Administrative Science/Management
Our next honoree is the Chief Operations Officer of the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc. His natural talent in managing a team of various individuals in different settings brought him to several work experiences here and abroad, particularly in the Middle East, where he enriched his knowledge and honed his skills in the global corporate world. He started as a Logistics/Procurement Officer in an oil and gas company and became an administrative supervisor in an irrigation services firm. Back home, he served in various capacities as manager in the Philippine Coast Guard and other companies, particularly in the areas of Human Resources and Communications Management. He brings all this wealth of knowledge and experience as an able bridge of the generosity of Mayor Cezar Quiambao and wife Nina Jose-Quiambao between the Quiambao family and the people of Bayambang.
ELMINA QUINTO PARAS
Science
A former teacher at the Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus, Elmina Quinto Paras has won a string of international awards for her invention of a new motorcycle engine bio-lubricant based on the sap of the pili nut. Ms. Paras, who grew up in Zone III, is now a teacher at Manuel Roxas Senior High School in Manila, where her husband is based, but she used to be a former faculty member of the Science and Math Department of PSU-BC, where she taught general science subjects to high school, college, and postgraduate students. She is the daughter of Jaime Quinto Sr. and Prof. Elsa Ferrer Quinto. Paras' winning entry is entitled "A Novel Bio-Lubricant for Motorcycle Engine from Canarium Luzonicum Sap (Pili Nut Sap)," and juries from different parts of the world have recognized her novel invention. Her entry has been presented in Malaysia; India; Toronto, Canada; Turkey; Zagreb, Croatia; Moscow, Russia; the United States; and just recently in Moldova. A member of Manila Young Inventors Association and Toronto International Society of Innovation and Advanced Skills, Ms. Paras said that her award-winning work is now in the process of getting a patent and is being explored for possible commercial application. This and her other research work have been published in scientific journals in China and Canada.
PROF. BERNARDO C. JIMENEZ
Education
Prof. Bernardo C. Jimenez has dedicated more than 30 years of his life as Sports Council Director of the municipality under the wings of different organizations. His significant contributions and service milestones were evident in his philosophy, ‘gratis et amore,’ or giving thanks by giving back. As an avid sports enthusiast and expert, he became an inspiration and encouragement to many young people. He served as a Manager of Intramurals at Bayambang National High School, Coordinator of Provincial Athletic Meets, Municipal Sports Development Council Coordinator under different administrations, PSU-BC College Sports Director, and Executive Director of the Municipal Physical Fitness and Sports Development Council since 2016 up to present, among others. As the Secretary of the Knights of Columbus in 1968, he focused on the conduct of sports programs for the youth. He received a scholarship in Physical Education at the University of Philippines in 1967 to 1968, ROTC Advanced Course at Central Luzon State University in 1960, among others, attesting to his professional excellence. It is noteworthy that during his retirement at the compulsory age of 65, having served the government for 45 years, Mr. Jimenez left for the United States as an immigrant. He lived there for five years, receiving all benefits given by “Uncle Sam.” He could have applied for U.S. citizenship in order to avail himself fully of benefits enjoyed by a US citizen, but being a patriotic Filipino, Mr. Jimenez chose to return home for good while still strong to serve his country, particularly his beloved hometown, Bayambang. He continues to serve and pursue his advocacy for sports with more enthusiasm and vigor despite his being already 82 years old. Truly, Prof. Bernardo C. Jimenez is an exemplar of the adage, “Service to humanity is the best work of life.”
ADG ROLANDO ESPIRITU ASUNCION (RET.), CSEE
Military Science
Our next honoree is the Assistant Director General (ADG) of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)’s Directorate of Analysis and Assessment. ADG Rolando Espiritu Asuncion was born in Ambayat 2nd. He finished his primary education in Ambayat 2nd Community School where he graduated on top of his class in 1972 and finished secondary education in Bayambang National High School. In college, he initially took up Civil Engineering at FEATI University, but he eventually entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he graduated number 10 in the Matikas Class of 1993. After graduation, he was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippine Constabulary. Among other things, he soon worked with now-Senator Panfilo Lacson at the Isabela PC Provincial Command, where honed his skills in leading battles against the New People’s Army. And then he was designated as Chief of Police of Candon City, Ilocos Sur twice and OIC Chief of Police of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, where ranked number 2 and awarded the Philippine Public Safety College President Award. He was next assigned to the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force in Camp Crame. He also became a Provincial Director of the Batanes Provincial Police Office. He has undergone trainings in military intelligence given by the German Federal Intelligence Service and in Singapore and Sydney, Australia. In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte appointed him as Deputy Director at the Bureau of Corrections, and then he was hired by the NICA, a bureau under the Office of the President, with the rank of Director II, where he rose to become Assistant Director General for Counterintelligence at the NICA home office, with a Salary Grade 28 position.
DR. RAQUEL CARUNGAY PAMBID
Education
Dr. Raquel Carungay Pambid has dedicated her 28 years of service at Pangasinan State University as a faculty member, researcher, and extensionist. Inspired by the Department of Science and Technology's concept that "Science is for the people," the fruits of her research work had indeed been disseminated to the appropriate clientele through technology fora and caravans. As instructor, she has encouraged and mentored thousands of students in teaching, research, and food standardization and development. She herself gave a good example in this regard, since her expertise in research has produced patents for buro and red onion, and her research on buro won a national award in 2010 given by the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD). She also produced and co-authored books in biology, NSTO, and research. Dr. Pambid has motivated fellow teachers to pursue their studies in graduate school, to conduct research in their fields of specialization and produce their own instructional materials. Being recognized by her own peers, local government units, non-government agencies local, national and international, her outstanding achievement as a professor, director, researcher, consultant, and producer of technology has shown that she is worth emulating as an ideal educator.
DENIELLE JOIE N. MAGNO
Beauty Titlist
Denielle Joie "Denj" Nunez Magno brought honor to this town by being a winning beauty titlist. A mass communication graduate and a former flight attendant, she steadily made a name for herself in a series of beauty pageants. She was Miss Bayambang in 2010, Binibining Zambales in 2011, Miss Dagupan in 2011, Miss Galicayo Camiliana in 2012, first runner-up in Miss Limgas na Pangasinan in 2016 , Philippine delegate for Miss ASEAN Friendship in 2017 in Vietnam, one of the top 10 finalists in Miss World Philippines 2018, Pangasinan's representative in Binibining Pilipinas 2019, and Philippine delegate for Miss Tourism 2021 in Turkey.
BIENESTO FIDEL A. JUNIO
Youth Leader
The Bayambang National High School-Supreme Student Government (BNHS-SSG) makes waves with the election of their current President, Bienesto Fidel A. Junio, to top positions on the division, regional, and national levels – and more. Bienesto Fidel A. Junio was elected as President of the Pangasinan Division Federated Supreme Student Government (DFSSG), President of the Region I Federation of Supreme Student Governments, and Board Member of the National Federation of Supreme Student Governments. Under his leadership, the BNHS-SSG was Bayaning Kabataan Awardee as the Most Outstanding Supreme Student Government in Disaster Preparedness, Prevention and Response. Junio is the son of former PNP-Bayambang OIC Chief Fidel Junio and Mary Grace Aguilar Junio of Brgy. San Vicente.
REGENE JOSHUA S. ODON
Broadway Singer-Stage Actor
Regene Joshua 'Seven' Sendaydiego Odon is a singer and stage actor based in Broadway (New York City, USA). He grew up in Zone VI, this town, and comes from a musically and artistically inclined family on both sides. Now a resident of New Jersey, USA, he continuously reaches new heights as he delivers one impressive performance after another, pleasing audiences of mixed ethnicities with his breathtaking, steady vocals. He has appeared in many musicals and plays staged by school and professional productions, such as "Pippin," "Kinky Boots," "Heathers: The Musical," "Alladin: The Musical," "In the Heights," "Seussical: The Musical," "Spring Awakening," "Footloose: The Musical," "Shrek: The Musical," and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
He is currently part of Take3Talent Agency, a big talent agency in New York City that sends its talents all over the world.
AL VINCENT CASELA
Singer
Al Vincent Casela made a name by being a finalist at the popular nationwide singing competition on TV (Channel 2), "The Voice Kids - Philippines" in 2016.
DR. MIRA DG. JIMENEZ
MSF Doctor
Dr. Mira DG. Jimenez has been a doctor for Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and has served suffering humanity in dire straits and even extreme conditions all over the world (volcanic eruption in Timor, SARS epidemic in Hong Kong, COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, civil war in Rwanda and Sudan, etc.) for several years.
LEOCADIO DE VERA SR.
WWII Veteran
Leocadio de Vera Sr. served in the USAFFE and survived the Bataan Death March as a POW during WWII. For this, he was posthumously awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal. He was the father of former mayor Leocadio 'Leo Boy" de Vera Jr.
ATTY. JAIME P. JUNIO
Municipal Mayor
Former Municipal Mayor, Atty. Jaime P. Junio, earned the distinction of being the longest-serving mayor in the Philippines in his time. As the municipal mayor from 1963 to 1986, Atty. Jaime P. Junio’s vital contributions laid the grounds for the long-term development of the town. Among the innovations he introduced is the construction of the Velodrome, the first of its kind in the country.
LEOVIGILDO 'LEO' MIGUEL GIRON
A native of Brgy. Hermoza, he is a legendary escrima master whose protege included the Hollywood martial arts instructor Dan Inosanto. Giron's mentor, Benito Junio, is a fellow Bayambangueño. (Reference: inosanto.com)
HON. LEOPOLDO F. AQUINO, SR.
Quadricentennial Most Outstanding, Bayambangueño Posthumous Award
Hon. Leopoldo F. Aquino, Sr. accepted the position of Municipal Mayor during World War II (1943-1945) if only to save thousands of fellow Bayambangueños and ease their sufferings in the hands of the Japanese invaders. He is recognized not only for his patriotism but also for being instrumental in the re-opening of the Pangasinan Normal School (now Pangasinan State University Bayambang Campus) which has been enabling generations of his kabaleyans, especially the poor, to enjoy high-quality college education.
HON. TEOFILO F. MATABAN
Quadricentennial Most Outstanding, Bayambangueño Posthumous Award
The admirable philanthropic acts of Hon. Teofilo F. Mataban never go unnoticed. His most valuable legacy is the donation of various parcels of land for the construction of the Bayambang District Hospital in Brgy. Bical Norte, and schools like Tamaro-Tambac Elementary School and Ligue Elementary School, contributing to the town’s progress in terms of healthcare and basic educational services.
MR. FILOMENO B. SAYA, SR.
Special Posthumous Citation
Mr. Filomeno B. Saya, Sr. was the former captain of Brgy. Telbang who initiated and rendered persistent efforts that led to the construction of a steel bridge at Brgy. Wawa (now known as Carlos P. Romulo bridge) from 1975 until its completion. He was also involved in the construction of the Bayambang Emergency Hospital, the forerunner of the Bayambang District Hospital, from 1973 until its completion.
DR. MARIO B. GERONILLA
Special Posthumous Citation
Dr. Mario B. Geronilla organized and conducted regular medical and surgical missions in town and donated various medicines, medical equipment, and wheelchairs to the needy. He also conducted numerous medical consultations and actual medical services to indigent Bayambangueños. Dr. Geronilla also dedicated long years at East Avenue Medical Center and the Philippine General Hospital.
DR. ORLANDO M. DE GUZMAN
Special Citation
Dr. Orlando M. De Guzman made various contributions to the improvement of the socio-economic condition of Bayambangueños, most notable of which is leading a petition to the Office of the President of the Philippines for the construction of Bayambang-Camiling Roadline. This eased the problems on public transportation and trade of goods that people from both towns had long suffered. Dr. De Guzman was also the first Bayambangueño to become Board Member to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pangasinan, serving from 1986 to 1988.
MRS. AGNES C. BRILLANTE-SANTOS
Special Citation
Mrs. Agnes C. Brillante-Santos was a former banker who organized and led annual medical, dental, and surgical missions in Bayambang, in coordination with the local government, the Bankers Institute of the Philippines (BAIPHIL), and the SM Foundation. Since 2008 to early 2014, these initiatives served close to 8,000 Bayambangueños.
DR. JUANITO M. GARLITOS
Special Citation
Dr. Juanito M. Garlitos is known for his generosity in conducting medical missions for the underprivileged Bayambangueños, and in implementing volunteer efforts that benefit students and parents of several schools in the municipality.
DOMINGO CAYABYAB ALVAREZ
"A valiant guerrilla fighter with Army Serial Number 154 232, Domingo C. Alvarez was a member of “F” Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Pangasinan Regimen."
S/SGT. LAMBERTO VELASCO PADUA
"Belonging to “L” Company, 3rd Battalion, ROTC Guerrilla, his places of assignment included Sierra Madre Mountains, Sibul Spring, Norzagaray, Bulacan, and Ipo Dam."
Prof. Januario M. Cuchapin
Culture and Arts
Former PSU-Bayambang Professor Januario M. Cuchapin has long been the energetic driving force behind the Municipal Council for Culture and the Arts, the first of his kind in Bayambang. He is the man behind such noteworthy projects as Bayambang Ballroom Dance Instructors, “Binasuan Festival,” "Malangsi Fish-tival," and the first-ever Fifth Capital Celebration Program, and the lead adviser for Bayambang Culture-Mapping Book. He was the Overall Director of a local adaptation of the musical, “Beauty and the Beast”; folk dance researcher, particularly of dances in Bayambang, such as the Binasuan, Siwi-Siwi, and the Bayambang version of Sayaw ed Tapew na Bangko and choreographer of Lanceros na Bayambang, the town’s official social dance. A recognized authority on culture and arts, he is a frequent speaker, trainer, adjudicator, organizer, and consultant in various cultural activities at the regional, provincial, and local levels. Lately, he got busy as the curator of the Culture Gallery of the Bayambang Museum of Innovation. Prof. Cuchapin also wrote three publications in his field of expertise. Lastly, he founded the Matalunggaring Dance Troupe in 1986, which has since been promoting the dances and songs of Pangasinan for the past 37 years.
Kenneth Mejia, CPA
Banking and Finance
Kenneth Mejia is the son of Raquel Puzon Mejia of Brgy. Telbang. He made history by being elected as the controller or chief accountant of the City of Los Angeles in the United States. For this, he had to beat a veteran City of Los Angeles insider.
Kenneth is in his 30s, with a progressive, visionary platform. His advocacies include financial transparency in city government and solving homelessness.
He makes us proud, Bayambangueños and fellow Filipinos alike, by being the first LA City Controller who is a Certified Public Accountant and the first Filipino and Asian-American to be an elected official in the City of Los Angeles, California, USA.
Fr. Joseph Anacleto Mananzan, SVD
Spiritual Development
Fr. Joseph Anacleto Mananzan was born on July 13, 1951, in Bayambang. He entered Christ the King Mission Seminary in Quezon City. In 1976, he decided to get his M.A. in Philosophy and was honored as a magna cum laude at the Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay City. He was ordained priest in 1978. His first assignment as a priest is as Director of the High School of the College of Calapan from 1979 to 1980. From 1982 to 1985, he was assigned as the head of the College Department at Christ the King Seminary in Quezon City. From 1985 to 1988 he had his M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Loyola University, Chicago USA. In 2001, he had his Diploma in Pastoral Ministry for Spiritual Direction at the University of Toronto Canada, and from 2002 to 2008, he became a Novice Master at the SVD Holy Spirit Novitiate, Calapan City. In 2010, he was the Rector of the Shrine of the Divine Word, and from 2014 to 2017 he was the Assistant Parish Priest of Sto. Rosario at Dampalit, Malabon. Lastly, he is a Spiritual Director of SVD Postulants and Program Director of those preparing for perpetual vows and ordination. Nowadays he is actively giving retreats to priests, nuns, laypeople and seminarians, and professors at Divine World School in Tagaytay City.
Dr. Liza Lanuza Quimson
Education
Dr. Liza Lanuza Quimson of Brgy. Buenlag 1st is a woman of tenacity and leadership, two qualities that made her excel in her field as educator. As Professor 1 in Pangasinan State University, she steadily rose from the ranks to become Executive Director in PSU-Bayambang Campus and currently holds the same position in San Carlos City Campus.
She finished her Bachelor of Elementary Education, Cum Laude, from PSU Bayambang in 1997, Master of Arts in Education major in Guidance Counseling in 2010, and Doctor of Education major in Educational Management in 2010, both from PSU Graduate School, Urdaneta City.
Her rich learning and teaching experience and love for growth made her aim for higher grounds. She is one of the university’s Internal Quality Auditors, among other positions as accreditor.
Among the most notable awards she received here and abroad is when she was hailed as Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Educator in the Field of Research, and Outstanding School Leader during the 2021 International Awards for Outstanding Educators and Research.
She was also certified by an international research journal as an esteemed Peer Reviewer.
Her contributions to Bayambang include having a crucial role in the establishment PSU’s Erasmus Building, the Bayambang Central Terminal, PSU-LGU ICT Konek Project to benefit poor students, and other projects too many to mention.
Emiliano Reyes Santos Sr.
Public Service
Emiliano Santos Sr. or Don Miling was a man of many things. He was a Bayambangueño writer of note, being a former editor of the “Philippines Free Press” and “Manila Times.”
A resident of Brgy. Cadre Site, he studied primary education in Colegio de San Juan de Letran and finished Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, then took up law up to 4th year, both in University of Manila, but was unable to finish because of World War II.
Mr. Santos once attempted to write the history of Bayambang, but unfortunately lost his work due to flood, together with all his writings.
Apart from being a writer of note, he became a widely admired orator and a well-loved Municipal Councilor for three terms. Among his many accomplishments as public servant were: soliciting support from President Ferdinand Marcos for seeds and fertilizers for our onion farmers; serving as Liaison Officer of Vice-Governor Porfirio Sison and Liaison Officer of Vice-President Fernando Lopez; inviting over Ms. Philippines Cynthia Ugalde and Miss International Gemma Cruz-Araneta as beauty pageant crowning guests; and soliciting funds for the establishment of the Bayambang National High School Home Economics Bldg.
When he passed on in 1972, thousands of mourners attended his wake and funeral. His funeral led by then Mayor Jaime Junio was the longest in town.
Guadalupe Germono Zoller
Community Service
Guadalupe Germono Zoller, together with her husband Christian Zoller, established Alalay Foundation in 2008 in Switzerland, to assist needy children and women in the poor barrios of Bayambang and beyond. Since 2010, her foundation has continuously sent over truckloads of top-quality school equipment and educational supplies to selected local schools as well countless high-grade medical equipment and supplies to local public hospitals. Among the Foundation’s biggest projects are the construction of the smore than P5-million two-story Multi-Purpose Conference Hall cum school building in Idong-Inanlorenza Elementary School plus a 3-classroom building there. Other beneficiaries include Maigpa Elementary School, Bayambang District Hospital, Mangatarem District Hospital, and Pangasinan Provincial Hospital.
The daughter of Inocencio Germono and Catalina Agbuya and a product of Sanlibo Elementary School, Ms. Guada Zoller is a daughter of Bayambang who never forgot her roots and actually did something to help it prosper in whatever way she could.
Gerenerio Rosales
Public Service/Education
As Action Desk Officer on Local Employment and Migrant Worker Concerns from 2016 to 2019 or even before, Mr. Gerenerio Rosales supervised a multitude of tasks in the Municipal Public Employment Services Office passion, hard work, efficiency. And integrity. With only a skeletal force, he was able to help countless unemployed and under-employed applicants and assist distressed OFWs. He routinely worked beyond expectations just to finish the tasks at hand and, at times, using his own resources too. He has great communication skills, and so he is known to be often invited as guest speaker. A long-time public servant, he conducted his affairs with zero incidence of graft and corruption.
Unsurprisingly, his office has received many recognitions through the years from award-giving bodies on various levels. Despite it all, he was always unassuming, always working quietly behind the scenes.
He was also very active as a church worker, a devoted husband to his wife, and a father who successfully raised his four sons as a public school teacher until each one made it as a successful medical doctor, engineer, and human behaviorist.
In all these, he was always outstanding and yet always humble and approachable.
These qualities make Mr. Rosales worthy of admiration and emulation.
Atty. Onofre P. Guevara, Labor Secretary
Law
Atty. Onofre Posadas Guevara was born on March 25, 1914 to Vivencio Guevara and Leonarda dela Cruz Posadas of Poblacion area.
According to several accounts, Guevara had a very outspoken and straightforward personality. He was a good orator in English and Spanish. He initially joined the seminary in nearby Binmaley town, but eventually opted to become a lawyer.
He reached the height of his career when he served as Undersecretary of Labor and then Secretary of Labor during the presidency of Diosdado Macapagal.
Prior to this, he became president of the Malacañang Press Corps under the term of then President Manuel Roxas.
Guevara took up law in Manuel L. Quezon University. He became a court interpreter when he first started practicing law. He was a labor lawyer, thus ushering a long-time friendship with Cipriano Cid, founder of Philippine Association of Free Labor Unions or PAFLU. When Mr. Cid died, Guevara then took over the reins of one of the most formidable labor unions at that time.
Commodore Luzviminda A. Camacho, AFP
Military Service
Ms. Luzviminda A. Camacho of the Armed Forces of the Philippines became one of the Philippine Navy`s first female Skippers and Contingent Commanders.
When she was promoted as Commodore in January 28, 2020, Camacho made history by being the first female Commodore of the Philippine Navy, which is equivalent to Brigadier General or one-star rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marines.
Before her promotion, she had the rank of a Captain and served as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Office of Legislative Affairs.
Aside from being the first woman to get the rank, Camacho is the first female chief of her office, the first woman to command a Philippine Navy ship and the first female commander of peacekeepers sent by the Philippines to Haiti.
The eldest of retired military service personnel, Ensign Francisco DC. Camacho and Mrs. Alejandra A. Camacho of Brgy. Cadre Site, Camacho was born and bred in Bayambang, an alumna of Pangasinan State University Laboratory High School.
Her shining example inspires our women to strive and excel in wherever field they wish, even in a field traditionally held by men.
Hubert H. Fernandez, MD
Medicine and Healthcare
Dr. Hubert H. Fernandez is an internationally recognized expert in movement disorders who has been voted one of the Best Doctors in America by his peers. After completing his medical training, he joined the faculty of Brown University School of Medicine as Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. In 2003, Dr. Fernandez relocated to the University of Florida, where he eventually became Director of the Clinical Research Unit for Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders and Professor of Neurology.
Dr. Hubert H. Fernandez is currently Professor of Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University; Chair/Director of the Center for Neurological Restoration at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a holder of the James and Constance Brown Family Endowed Chair in Movement Disorders.
The son of Dr. Henry and Ms. Julie Fernandez, Dr. Fernandez received both his BS in Biology and MD degree from the Philippines. He completed his internship in Internal Medicine at University of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; his residency in Neurology at Boston University Medical Center in Massachusetts; and his fellowship in Movement Disorders at Brown University in Rhode Island.
An active and productive researcher, he has initiated or participated in over 100 clinical trials and has published his findings in over 300 articles and abstracts on Parkinson’s disease, and other movement disorders. He has written a dozen books and 50 book chapters. He is currently the Editor-In-Chief of Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, and has served on the editorial board of Movement Disorders and is currently an editorial board member of the American Journal of Clinical Neurology, European Neurological Journal, Journal of Clinical Movement Disorders, and Clinical Neuropharmacology.
Asteria Perez-Wilhelm
Humanitarian Service
Asteria Perez-Wilhelm of Brgy. Buenlag was a registered company nurse in the Philippines, a product of Arellano University.
She then went to the USA as a nurse in Illinois, and she rose to become a charge nurse and a part-time supervisor in another nursing facility.
She worked as an RN at the Walther Memorial Hospital, Chicago, in 1982 to ’84, and was trained as an ICU nurse at that hospital. She then transferred to the number one trauma hospital in San Francisco, California, the San Francisco General Hospital, and was an ICU nurse there from 1984 to 1990. Then she moved to the Recovery Room as a charge nurse. She was the manager at one center of the hospital in September 2013, until she retired and returned home.
In America, she served as the President of Bayambang Association of Northern California for seven years, and as Board Member Secretary of the United Pangasinenses of America. Her educational achievements include holding a Masters of Arts in Business Administration from University of California, San Francisco.
As President of the Rotary Club of Bayambang in 2018 to ’19, she initiated the application for a Global Grant from Rotary International for the construction of a three-classroom building in Bascos-Manambong Parte Elementary School which was finished in 2022. Since 2010, she has also been supporting 10 PSU scholars.
Engr./Lt.Cdr. Rudolfo Martinez Ferrer, PN, AFP
Military Service
Engr./Lt.Cdr. Rudolfo Martinez Ferrer belonged to class 1948 of the Bayambang High School (now the Bayambang National High School), the first batch to complete the 4-year secondary curriculum after WWII, and pursued his B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering at FEATI Institute of Technology.
In 1950, after a competitive examination and rigorous physical and mental agility evaluation, he was one of the 3rd group of 20 Filipinos appointed to complete a 4-year scholarship for cadetship at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in New York, under the RP-US Rehabilitation Act of 1946, to train as naval officer and marine engineer. He ranked sixth among hundreds of examinees, and maybe he is the first Bayambangueño to enter a U.S. Service Academy.
As a U.S. pensionado, he became a successful naval officer and licensed professional marine engineer, then he went back home and worked at Caltex, where he handled various responsibilities for 31 years.
In 1989, he completed his Master in Business Administration at De La Salle University, and for some time, he taught part-time in the same university graduate school.
Ferrer's active participation in various organizations bespeaks of his leadership, and his multifaceted talents led him to pursue different concerns that benefited not just himself and his family but also many others in his community.
BGen Jovencio F. Gonzales, PA
Military Service
As Brigade Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army from 2021 to 2022, Brigadier General Jovencio F. Gonzales rendered eminently meritorious and invaluable services in a position of major responsibility.
Imbued with a high sense of responsibility, professionalism and dedication to duty, BGen Gonzales achieved various accomplishments in the field of Operations, Intelligence, Civil Military Operations and Unit Administration.
In Central Mindanao Operations, he ably implemented intelligence driven and focused military operations, resulting in the capture, surrender, and demise of terrorists, among many other successful outcomes.
BGen Gonzales headed many civilian military operations including medical and dental missions that benefited thousands of individuals as well as massive tree-planting activities.
In the area of Administration, BGen Gonzales introduced dynamic innovations and new concepts in personnel and materiel management which greatly contributed to the improvement of the unit's readiness, efficiency and effectiveness. He was able to mold his unit as exemplars in various fields.
By these remarkable achievements, BGen Gonzales earned distinct credit not only for himself and his unit but for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole.
Prof. Elsa F. Quinto
Education/Culture and Arts
A long-time professor of Pilipino/Filipino at Pangasinan State University, Prof. Elsa F. Quinto has produced publications that are an important cultural legacy for the town of Bayambang and the province of Pangasinan. She compiled the surviving folk songs of Pangasinan, with the help of several collaborators, in the book "Cancansion na Pangasinan" (Mga Katutubong Awiting Pangasinan), which was published by the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino in 2002. She also helped write a textbook on local literature. These works show where her heart lay in terms of education and cultural heritage promotion and preservation.
Atty. Charbel Junio
World Bank executive at Washington DC
Famous personages who are reported to have Bayambang roots:
Maita Gomez
Senator Eva Estrada Kalaw
UN Secretary General and Foreign Affairs Secretary Carlos P. Romulo
Senator Alberto Romulo
Bert Nievera and Martin Nievera
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