Bayambang Municipal News

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Lorelei S. Balansay-Tapia, LLM

Trial Court Judge

A Laboratorian from Batch 2000 is now a Metropolitan Trial Court Judge.

Judge Lorelei Soriano Balansay-Tapia is the Presiding Judge of Branch 130 of the Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) of Makati City, where she plays a vital role in the administration of justice at the frontline level of the Philippine judiciary. Appointed to the bench in 2018, she has since handled a broad range of criminal and civil cases, exemplifying diligence, fairness, and judicial competence in one of the country’s busiest court jurisdictions.

A lawyer by training and a lifelong learner, Judge Balansay-Tapia completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Makati, graduating cum laude. She earned her law degree from the Lyceum of the Philippines University College of Law and went on to complete her Master of Laws at San Beda University Graduate School of Law, further strengthening her expertise in legal scholarship and practice.

In 2025, she was nominated by the Pimentel Institute of Leadership and Governance to participate in the prestigious Winter School Program, in partnership with the Hanns Seidel Foundation. This led to her participation in the Winter School on Federalism and Governance 2025, an international postgraduate program held at the University of Innsbruck, Austria and the Institute for Comparative Federalism, EURAC Research in Bolzano/Bozen, Italy. The program focuses on the evolving and innovative dimensions of federal systems, particularly the principles of federalism and the separation of powers.

Through both her judicial work and continued engagement in global legal discourse, Judge Balansay-Tapia reflects a commitment to excellence, professional growth, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

Friday, March 27, 2026

Ms. Gladys Tan (Wee)

English Teacher

Ms. Gladys Tan Wee is an accomplished educator, scholar, linguist, and community servant whose life has been marked by academic distinction, leadership, and quiet but powerful service to others. Born on June 12, 1962, in the Philippines, she demonstrated excellence from a young age, consistently earning honors throughout her academic journey.

Academic Excellence and Leadership

Ms. Tan’s leadership qualities were evident as early as high school, where she graduated as Valedictorian of St. John Institute and received multiple awards including Outstanding Student of the Year and leadership distinctions in problem-solving, music, drama, and military training. She served as President of the Squirettes of Mary, President of the Girl Scouts, Director of the Dramatics Guild, and First Lieutenant in Citizen’s Army Training—clear proof of her well-rounded brilliance.

She began her collegiate studies at Central Luzon State University before completing her Bachelor of Science in Education, Major in English, at Pangasinan State University, where she earned repeated recognition as a President’s Lister and Dean’s Lister.

Upon graduating in 1983, she garnered the highly coveted Student Teaching Award (High School) along with certificates of appreciation in Dramatics and in Forensics and a recognition for Peer Facilitating.

Her academic passion led her to pursue graduate studies in Communication Arts and later to Singapore as a scholar at the prestigious SEAMEO Regional Language Centre, where she obtained a Diploma in Applied Linguistics major in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

A Devoted Educator

From 1983 to 1988, Ms. Tan served as an Instructor at Pangasinan State University’s College of Education. She taught Grammar, Composition, Speech, and Oral Communication to college students and English Language to high school students. Beyond the classroom, she mentored future educators as a Student Teaching Adviser and guided student organizations such as the Dramatics and Forensics Club and the school publication.

She was frequently invited as a resource speaker in seminars and workshops on communication, peer facilitating, human relations, and English pedagogy—demonstrating her expertise and dedication to professional development.

Life in Singapore and Continued Service

In 1989, she married fellow English educator Dominic Kenneth Wee Kong Chian and moved to Singapore, where she devoted herself to family life, raising their three children while continuing to support education behind the scenes—serving as her husband’s personal academic assistant until his retirement.

Though officially a homemaker, Ms. Tan never stopped being an educator at heart. She volunteered as an English tutor, PTA parent volunteer in several Singapore schools, and teacher at the Singapore Autism School. She also embraced lifelong learning, completing Singapore’s National I.T. Literacy Program and participating in SkillsFuture courses.

Her compassion extends beyond education. In 2008, she received a Certificate of Act of Neighborliness from the Nanyang Estate of Hong Kah GRC for safeguarding a neighbor’s house key and helping rescue a child from a fire—an act reflecting her courage and selflessness.

Faith, Music, and the Arts

A gifted musician, Ms. Tan has long served in church choirs, including the Blessed Sacrament Church Choir and currently as Psalmist and member of the La Verna and Cana Choirs at Saint Francis of Assisi Church. She continues to serve as a lector and commentator, enriching her faith community through music and ministry.

Most recently, she and her husband were featured in the 2026 exhibition “Knots of Time: Marriage Then & Now” held at the National Library Board as part of Singapore Art Week—celebrating enduring partnership and shared purpose.

Legacy

Ms. Gladys Tan Wee embodies the true spirit of an educator: intelligent yet humble, accomplished yet compassionate, disciplined yet artistic. Whether in the classroom, at home, in church, or in the community, she has quietly shaped lives through knowledge, service, and example.

Her life reminds us that teaching is not merely a profession—it is a vocation lived with integrity, grace, and heart.

NAWASA Water Tank

The structure which now houses Bayambang’s Municipal Public Library was once a towering NAWASA water tank.

According to the Bayambang Water District, the structure was built in 1963 on the right side of the Municipal Hall compound during the administration of Mayor Jaime P. Junio, and served as the office of the Bayambang Waterworks and Sewerage System.

It also functioned as the town’s siren—sounding at seven in the morning and again at six in the evening.

When the six o’clock siren echoed across Bayambang’s Poblacion area, residents would pause to pray the Angelus, whether at home or outside.

Families would gather before their household altars, kneeling in quiet devotion. After the prayer, children would respectfully place the hands of all their elders on the forehead, a traditional gesture of giving respect called panagpinsiw.

Those who happened to be walking when the siren sounded would momentarily stop, observing the prayer wherever they were.

The siren also served as a warning call in times when the Agno River breached the dike, threatening inundation.

Following the powerful earthquake of July 16, 1990, the structure was reduced to two stories to ensure public safety.

Then, during the administration of former Mayor Cezar Quiambao, the Bayambang Municipal Library was officially relocated to this site on January 18, 2018, from its former location within the Municipal Hall. (RSO)

Atty. Leilani Balansay Elarmo

Corporation Law, Corporation Governance

From Bayambang emerged a woman whose life story is defined by excellence, discipline, and steadfast dedication to her craft—Atty. Leilani Balansay Elarmo.

From her earliest years, Atty. Elarmo distinguished herself as a scholar of remarkable promise. She was a consistent honor student from kindergarten through college, a testament to both her intellect and perseverance. Her academic journey was crowned with distinction as she graduated valedictorian in both elementary and high school at the PSU Laboratory School—an achievement that foreshadowed a future marked by exceptional accomplishment.

According to local history record, on April 18, 1993, Leilani S. Balansay was also crowned Miss Bayambang in a local beauty pageant that featured a question-and-answer portion for the first time, in a town that traditionally crowned the beauty with the biggest amount of funds solicited.

Guided by ambition and a deep sense of purpose, she pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines, where she earned both her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees. Armed with these credentials, she entered the legal profession with quiet determination, steadily carving a name for herself through competence and integrity.

Her early career saw her serve as a Court Attorney at the Supreme Court of the Philippines, where she gained invaluable experience at the highest level of judicial service. She later honed her expertise in private practice as a Junior Associate at Cayetano Sebastian Ata Dado and Cruz Law Offices, further strengthening her legal acumen.

In 2005, Atty. Elarmo began a long and distinguished journey with China Banking Corporation, where her leadership and institutional knowledge would flourish. Rising through the ranks, she became Assistant Corporate Secretary in 2006, and eventually Deputy Head of the Office of the Corporate Secretary in 2021. Her appointment as Corporate Secretary in 2022 stands as a testament to years of unwavering dedication, professionalism, and trust earned within one of the country’s leading financial institutions.

Beyond her role in the bank, she also served as Corporate Secretary of CBC-PCCI from 2007 to 2021, further exemplifying her capacity to lead and uphold corporate governance at the highest standards.

At 48, Atty. Elarmo embodies the ideals of excellence and service. Her journey—from a young valedictorian in Bayambang to a respected figure in the corporate and legal spheres—serves as an enduring inspiration. It is a story not only of personal success, but of commitment to integrity, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence.

Indeed, Atty. Leilani Balansay Elarmo stands as a source of pride for PSU-Bayambang Laboratory School and the town of Bayambang and a shining example of what dedication and brilliance can achieve.

Thursday, March 26, 2026

MONDAY REPORT – MARCH 30, 2026 - v5

MONDAY REPORT – MARCH 30, 2026

INTRO:

[VOLUME, ENERGY, SMILE!]

1: Magandang araw, Bayambang! Ako po si ______, Kapitan ng Brgy. __________.

2: At ako naman po si ______, Kapitan ng Brgy. __________.

1: Narito na ang mga pinakahuling balita at kaganapan sa ating bayan.

2: Tampok ang iba’t ibang hakbang tungo sa kaunlaran.

1&2: Ito ang... BayambangueNews!

[MEMORIZE THE HEADLINES]

1. DPWH Secretary Dizon, Binisita ang Wawa Bridge

Bumisita si DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon noong March 23 upang inspeksyunin ang konstruksyon ng Wawa Bridge, kasunod ng personal na rekomendasyon ni Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao. Dinaluhan ito ng mga opisyal, kabilang si Congresswoman Rachel Arenas, upang talakayin ang teknikal na aspeto at kalagayan ng proyekto, at nang mapabilis ang pagtatayo ng temporaryo at bagong tulay.

2. Fire Safety Inspection at Lecture, Isinagawa sa Iba’t Ibang Paaralan

Nagsagawa ang Bayambang Fire Station ng isang serye ng fire safety inspection at fire safety lecture sa iba’t ibang paaralan sa bayan bilang bahagi ng patuloy na kampanya para sa kaligtasan laban sa sunog.Kabilang sa mga binisita para sa fire safety inspection at lecture ang San Gabriel 2^nd, Pangdel Elementary School, Hermosa ES, Manambong Parte ES, Manambong Sur ES, at Ataynan ES at fire safety lecture naman sa PSU-Bayambang Campus.

3. Clean-Up Drive, Isinagawa sa Poblacion Sur

Nagsagawa rin ang BFP ng clean-up drive sa Brgy. Poblacion Sur bilang bahagi ng Fire Prevention Month. Binigyang-diin na ang kalinisan at pagtanggal ng mga madaling magliyab na basura ay mahalaga upang maiwasan ang sunog at mapalakas ang bayanihan sa komunidad.

4. Bayambang, Isa nang Testing Center ng PRC

Sa bisa ng isang Resolution na inisyu ng Professional Regulation Commission, pormal na itinalaga ang bayan ng Bayambang bilang isa sa mga testing center nito sa probinsya at rehiyon. Dahil dito, nailapit ang isang mahalagang serbisyo ng naturang ahensya at ang oportunidad sa mga propesyonal na Bayambangueño.

5. TWG, Binuo upang Tutukan ang Epekto ng Middle East Conflict

Binuo ni Mayor Niña ang isang Technical Working Group upang tutukan ang mga usapin ukol sa mga posibleng epekto ng kasalukuyang sigalot sa Middle East. Nagpulong ang grupo sa unang pagkakataon noong March 23 at binuo ang isang contingency plan kaugnay nito, lalo na posibleng senaryo at mga intervention sa antas ng LGU, barangay, at sambahayan.

6. BRPAT Social, Agri, at Environment Sectors, Nag-update sa mga Programa

Tinalakay sa 1st Quarter Social Sector Meeting ng BPRAT noong March 24 ang update ukol sa mga programang pangkalusugan, agrikultura, edukasyon, kapakanan ng pamilya, at kalikasan, kasama ang iba’t ibang ahensya. Kabilang sa mga imiungkahi ang home-based food production activities, teenage pregnancy, rabies, sexual abuse, at marami pang iba.

7. BPSO Staff, Dumalo sa First Aid Training

Mula March 23 hanggang 27, nagbigay ang BPSO ng Basic Life Support at Standard First Aid training para sa mga kawani nito, upang palakasin ang kanilang kakayahan sa pagresponde sa emerhensiya. Kabilang sa pagsasanay ang CPR, pagresponde sa choking, sugat at bali, at tamang patient assessment upang maiwasan ang paglala ng kondisyon.

8. Mga Bb. Bayambang, Nagrecruit para sa Mobile Blood Drive

Nakiisa ang Bb. Bayambang 2026 candidates sa mobile blood donation drive ng RHU I noong March 23 sa Brgy. Batangcaoa Covered Court, katuwang ang Philippine Red Cross–San Carlos City Chapter. Dahil sa aktibong pag-recruit ng mga binibini ng mga blood donors, may 48 blood bags ang matagumpay na nakolekta.

9. COA Exit Conference para sa LDRRM Fund at PRDP, Idinaos

Sa isang Exit Conference ng Commission on Audit kaugnay ng compliance ng LGU sa paggastos ng LDRRM Fund at implementasyon ng PRDP, ibinahagi ng COA ang paunang obserbasyon at rekomendasyon sa maayos na pagsunod sa patakaran sa paggamit ng pondo para sa disaster preparedness at development projects gaya ng PRDP.

10. Kalusugan ng Kababaihan, Tinutukan sa Seminar

Ang Municipal Health Office ay nagsagawa ng isang health seminar bilang bahagi pa rin ng Women’s Month, na naglalayong palakasin ang kaalaman ng kababaihan sa kanilang karapatan at pangangalaga sa kalusugan. Naging tampok sa programa ang lecture ukol sa VAWC o violence against women and children, women’s rights, at oral health.

11. Mga Kababaihan, Nag-avail ng Libreng Pap Smear at Implant

Ang RHU ay nagbigay ng libreng Pap Smear para sa maagang pagtuklas ng sakit na cervical cancer at pag-avail ng reproductive implant. 26 sa mga ito ang nagpa-Pap smear, 15 ang nag-avail ng implant insertion, 13 ng implant removal, at 18 ng implant re-insertion.

12. NCSC Cash Gift, Ipinamahagi sa Senior Citizens

Namahagi ang National Commission on senior Citizens ng P10,000 cash gift kada isa sa 107 na kwalipikadong senior citizens noong March 25. Ito ay bilang pagkilala sa kanilang ambag at suporta sa kanilang pangangailangan.

13. Public Hearing, Isinagawa ukol sa Hiling na Pagtaas sa Pamasahe ng Traysikel

Ang Sangguniang Bayan ay nagsagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig noong March 26 hinggil sa panukalang pagtaas ng pamasahe sa tricycle, na dinaluhan ng mga TODA, operator, drayber, at komyuter. Ipinahayag ng mga drayber ang pangangailangan ng dagdag-pasahe habang nagbigay naman ng saloobin ang mga komyuter, at inaasahang pag-aaralan ng konseho ang mga ito bago maglabas ng pinal na desisyon.

14. Library Tour at Story-Telling, Tampok sa Public Library Day

Nakiisa ang mga mag-aaral ng Municipal Child Development Center sa pagdiriwang ng 67th Public Library Day sa Municipal Library noong March 26, na tampok ang library tour, story-telling, at iba’t ibang art at game activities. Sa programa, naipakilala ang pasilidad ng aklatan at hikayatin ang mga bata na mahalin ang pagbabasa sa murang edad sa pamamagitan ng masaya at interaktibong pagkatuto.

15. Municipal SWM Board, Nagpulong

Nagtipon ang Municipal Solid Waste Management Board sa kanilang 1st quarter meeting noong March 26, upang talakayin ang mga ulat sa waste disposal, waste diversion activities tulad ng recycling at composting, at ang aplikasyon para sa MRF Environmental Compliance Certificate. Tinalakay rin ang paggamit ng makabagong teknolohiya, mga estratehiya sa garbage collection sa gitna ng mataas na presyo ng gasolina.

16. Mobile Donation Drive sa Carungay, Nakakolekta ng 23 Blood Bags

Ang RHU III ay nakapagkolekta ng 23 blood bags sa isang mobile blood donation drive na kanilang isinagawa sa Carungay Covered Court noong March 26, na dinaluhan ng mga boluntaryong donor mula sa iba’t ibang barangay.

17. BBB Team, Naglibot sa District 7 at 9

Noong nakaraang linggo, ang Bali-Balin Bayambang Committee ay sumunod namang nagmonitor sa mga barangay sa District 7 at 9 para sa clean-green-and-bloom project ni Mayor Niña. Sa kanilang pag-iikot, sinuri ng dalawang monitoring team ang aktibong partisipasyon ng mga opisyales at residente, ang kaayusan at kalinisan ng kapaligiran, at ang pagpapatupad ng mga programang pangkalikasan.

18. Senior Citizens, Pinulong ukol sa Iba’t Ibang Isyu

Ang mga senior citizen association members ay pinulong ng LGU noong March 26 upang linawin ang iba’t ibang issue gaya ng pagkakaiba o delineation ng hurisdiksyon sa pagitan ng Office of Senior Citizen Affairs at Federation of Senior Citizen Association of Bayambang, pati na ang mga concern sa collection ng pondo ng mga nasabing asosasyon, at ang constitution and bylaws ng FSCAB na posibleng iamyenda.

19. BFP, May Feeding Activity sa Bical ES

Noong March 27, nagsagawa ang Bayambang Fire Station ng isang feeding activity sa Bical Elementary School. Bukod sa nutrisyon, pinagtibay ng ahensya ang ugnayan nito sa komunidad.

=============================

KONKLUSYON:

[VOLUME, ENERGY, SMILE!]

1: Ang mga balitang ito ay sumasalamin sa patuloy na pagpupunyagi ng ating pamahalaan.

2: Sa bawat programa at serbisyo, sama-sama nating itinataguyod ang isang progresibong Bayambang.

1: Muli, ako po si ______.

2: At ako naman po si ______.

1&2: At ito ang... BayambangueNews!

MONDAY REPORT – MARCH 30, 2026 - v2

MONDAY REPORT – MARCH 30, 2026

INTRO:

[VOLUME, ENERGY, SMILE!]

1: Magandang araw, Bayambang! Ako po si ______, Kapitan ng Brgy. __________.

2: At ako naman po si ______, Kapitan ng Brgy. __________.

1: Narito na ang mga pinakahuling balita at kaganapan sa ating bayan.

2: Tampok ang iba’t ibang hakbang tungo sa kaunlaran.

1&2: Ito ang... BayambangueNews!

[MEMORIZE THE HEADLINES]

DPWH Secretary Dizon, Binisita ang Wawa Bridge

Fire Safety Inspection at Lecture, Isinagawa sa Iba’t Ibang Paaralan

Clean-Up Drive, Isinagawa sa Poblacion Sur

Bayambang, Isa nang Testing Center ng PRC

TWG, Binuo upang Tutukan ang Epekto ng Middle East Conflict

DELETE >>>> 6. Final Coordination Meeting para sa Fiesta, Isinagawa

Noong March 24, isinagawa ang huling pulong para sa preparasyon ng pista ng bayan upang matiyak ang maayos, ligtas, at masaya bagamat mas pinasimpleng selebrasyon ng kapistahang bayan para sa lahat.

BRPAT Social, Agri, at Environment Sectors, Nag-update sa mga Programa

BPSO Staff, Dumalo sa First Aid Training
Mula March 23 hanggang 27, nagbigay ang BPSO ng Basic Life Support at Standard First Aid training para sa mga kawani nito, upang palakasin ang kanilang kakayahan sa pagresponde sa emerhensiya. Kabilang sa pagsasanay ang CPR, pagresponde sa choking, sugat at bali, at tamang patient assessment upang maiwasan ang paglala ng kondisyon.

Mga Bb. Bayambang, Nagrecruit para sa Mobile Blood Drive

COA Exit Conference, Idinaos para sa LDRRM Fund at PRDP

DELETE >>>> 13. Work Immersion Orientation ng mga Estudyante

Sumailalim sa orientation noong March 23 ang mga mag-aaral ng Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus at Bayambang Polytechnic College para sa kanilang work immersion sa LGU sa unang pagkakataon. Pinangunahan ng PESO ang aktibidad upang ihanda ang mga estudyante sa kanilang tungkulin sa iba’t ibang departamento kung saan sila agad na-deploy.

Kalusugan ng Kababaihan, Tinutukan sa Seminar

NCSC Cash Gift, Ipinamahagi sa Senior Citizens

Mga Kababaihan, Nag-avail ng Libreng Pap Smear at Implant

‘Wheels for Women,’ Nagtapos sa Annex Bldg.

Sa 4th week ng 'Wheels for Women' surprise raffle game ng RHU, sila ay naghatid ng surpresa sa mga kababaihan sa Municipal Annex Bldg. sa pamamagitan ng mga papremyong personal care items sa mga game na lumahok as raffle.

Public Hearing, Isinagawa ukol sa Hiling na Pagtaas sa Pamasahe ng Traysikel

Library Tour at Story-Telling, Tampok sa Public Library Day

Municipal SWM Board, Nagpulong

DELETE >>>> 21. PESO, May Recruitment Activity Muli

Noong March 25, muling nagsagawa ang PESO ng lokal na recruitment activity kung saan naging recruiter and kumpanyang Sutherland, upang makatulong mabigyan ng trabaho ang mga mamamayan ng Bayambang.

Mobile Donation Drive sa Carungay, Nakakolekta ng 23 Blood Bags

BBB Team, Naglibot sa District 7 at 9

DELETE >>> GAD TWG Meeting, Isinagawa

Nagpulong noong March 26 ang Gender and Development Technical Working Group ng LGU upang muling tutukan ang mga programang magpapalakas sa gender equality ng ating komunidad. Pinagtuunan dito ang pagsusuri ng 1st quarter utilization of funds at pagrepaso sa 1st quarter accomplishment report, at pagtalakay sa iba pang usapin kaugnay ng GAD program implementation.

BFP, May Feeding Activity sa Bical ES

Noong March 27, nagsagawa ang Bayambang Fire Station ng isang feeding activity sa Bical Elementary School. Bukod sa nutrisyon, pinagtibay ng ahensya ang ugnayan nito sa komunidad.

=============================

KONKLUSYON:

[VOLUME, ENERGY, SMILE!]

1: Ang mga balitang ito ay sumasalamin sa patuloy na pagpupunyagi ng ating pamahalaan.

2: Sa bawat programa at serbisyo, sama-sama nating itinataguyod ang isang progresibong Bayambang.

1: Muli, ako po si ______.

2: At ako naman po si ______.

1&2: At ito ang... BayambangueNews!

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

MAJOR CLARO JUNIO CAMACHO

Success is best measured not only by achievements but also by the challenges one overcomes along the way. Experience, positive attitude, determination, and faith in God are essential in shaping a person of strong character. These qualities define the late Major Claro Junio Camacho. A native of Barangay Nalsian, Bayambang, Pangasinan, Major Camacho later resided in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Throughout his life, he held various challenging roles, all of which he fulfilled with excellence and humility. He served as a Liaison Officer in the Philippine Air Force. After his retirement, he was called back to active duty as a commercial pilot for Air Manila. A dedicated and hardworking individual, he also served as a helicopter flight instructor. Recognizing his expertise, former Pangasinan Governor Tito Primicias hired him as a private helicopter pilot. He also served as a pilot for Certeza Surveying Firm. One of his most remarkable achievements was his service in the guerrilla movement during World War II, where he fought bravely against Japanese forces for nearly four years. This guerrilla force, led by Edwin Ramsey, helped sustain hope for the Philippines during the war. As a guerrilla officer, he risked his life to save many Filipinos, especially his fellow townspeople. After his military service, he pursued aviation studies in California, USA, sponsored by Edwin Ramsey in gratitude for his loyal service. He was also known for his humanitarian efforts, including locating the body of a drowned Boy Scout in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Despite his many accomplishments, Major Camacho remained humble—a devoted family man who left a lasting legacy in public service. He is remembered as the first pilot from Bayambang.