Wednesday, March 11, 2026

BAYAMBANG, DAPAT ALAM MO! - Accounting Trivia

 BAYAMBANG, DAPAT ALAM MO!


BAYAMBANG, DAPAT ALAM MO na ang accounting ay tinatawag na financial backbone ng Munisipyo, ang sistema ng pagre-record at pagmomonitor ng pera at iba pang pinansyal na transaksyon ng munisipyo, upang makatulong sa tamang pagpapasya at masiguro ang maayos at transparent na pamamahala ng pondo.


At alam mo ba? Ang Accounting Office ay my dalawamput dalawa (22) na empleyado, na pinamumunuan ni ginoong Flexner de Vera. 


Sa taong 2022 at 2024, ang LGU-Bayambang ay nakatanggap nang unqualified opinion. Ito ay nangangahulugang maayos, tama, at mapagkakatiwalaan ang financial statements ng Munisipyo ayon sa pagsusuri ng Commission on Audit.


At alam mo ba? Mayroon tayong mahigit apat na libong disbursement voucher na kumpleto, maayos, at alinsunod sa COA rules and regulations sa taong 2025. 


As of March 11, 2026, mayroon na tayong humigit kumulang isang libong disbursement voucher. Ang pondo na ginamit dito ay galing sa buwis ng bawat Bayambangueño. 


At alam mo ba? Bilang paggunita nang Women’s Month Celebration, si Ginang Erlinda Alvarez, ang ating dating Municipal Accountant, ay ang pinaka-unang babaeng Certified Public Accountant ng Munisipyo. At si Ginang Rosa G. Martinez mula sa Barangay Accounting Unit ay ang pinakamatagal na babaeng empleyado na nanilbihan sa LGU. Siya ay nanilbihan ng tatlumput-siyam na taon.


Ang lahat ng ito Bayambang ay... dapat alam mo!


Monday Report - March 16, 2026

 



Monday Report - March 16, 2026



[SMILE, VOLUME, ENERGY!]


INTRO:


1: Magandang araw, mga Kabaleyan! Ako po si Hazel Masiglat.


2: At ako naman po si Regine Cayabyab, at kami po ay mula sa Municipal Accounting Office.


1: Hatid namin ang mga balita ukol sa mga makabuluhang programa, proyekto, at aktibidad ng lokal na pamahalaan at ang pakikiisa ng ating komunidad.


2: Sama-sama nating tunghayan ang mga kaganapang patunay ng malasakit, disiplina, at pagkakaisa sa bayan ng Bayambang.


1&2: Ito ang... BayambangueNews!


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


 

[MEMORIZE THE HEADLINES]


 

1. RHU, Nagpa-raffle Game sa mga Kababaihan sa Wet Market


Nagsagawa ang Rural Health Unit (RHU) ng Bayambang ng raffle game activity noong March 4 sa Wet Market bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng National Women’s Month. Namahagi ng iba’t ibang munting regalo tulad ng sanitary napkins, alcohol, sabon, at iba pang personal care items habang isinusulong ang kalusugan at pagpapahalaga sa mahalagang papel ng kababaihan sa komunidad.



2. DOLE, Nagbigay ng Occupational Health & Safety Training


Nagsagawa ang Department of Labor and Employment – Regional Office I, sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa PESO-Bayambang, ng Technical and Advisory Visit at Basic Occupational Safety and Health Training for Safety Officers 1 noong March 5. Layunin nitong palakasin ang kaalaman ng mga micro-enterprise establishments tungkol sa labor standards, karapatan ng manggagawa, at workplace safety.



3. Ambulansya at PTV, Nakatulong sa Iba't Ibang Pasyente


Patuloy na nagbibigay ng serbisyo ang Bayambang Public Safety Office sa pamamagitan ng kanilang ambulance at Patient Transport Vehicle upang maihatid ang mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng espesyal na gamutan sa iba’t ibang ospital sa loob at labas ng Pangasinan. Sa serbisyong ito, natutulungan ang mga residente na makarating sa mga pangunahing pagamutan habang nakakatipid sa pamasahe at nakakakuha ng kinakailangang pangangalaga mula sa mga espesyalista.



4. Profiling Activity para TUPAD, Isinagawa 


Noong March 6, isinagawa ang isang profiling activity para sa mga benepisyaryo ng TUPAD na nakatuon sa mga magulang ng child laborers at sa mga PWD. Pinangunahan ito ng DOLE Central Pangasinan Field Office sa tulong ng PESO-Bayambang staff at OJT trainees upang matukoy ang mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo batay sa survey at opisyal na talaan ng PWD Affairs Office.



5. Dalawang Nawawalang Cell Phone, Naibalik sa May-ari


Dalawang nawawalang cell phone ang matagumpay na naibalik sa kanilang mga may-ari sa tulong ng mga concerned citizen at ng Task Force Disiplina at BPSO. Ipinakita ng mga insidenteng ito ang katapatan at mabilis na koordinasyon ng komunidad at mga awtoridad sa pagbabalik ng mga nawawalang gamit.



6. Rotary Club, Nagdonate ng 20 Trash Bins


Ang Rotary Club of Bayambang ay nagdonate ng 20 improvised trash bins sa LGU-Bayambang noong March 9, at ang mga ito ay ipinamahagi ng ESWMO sa iba’t ibang barangay. Ito ay kongkretong suporta ng Rotary Club sa pangangalaga sa kapaligiran at pagtaguyod ng waste diversion para sa mas malinis na komunidad.



7. Mga Timbangan at Ilaw, Ininspeksyon sa Public Market


Ang mga kawani ng Special Economic Enterprise kasama ang Meat Inspector ay nag-inspeksyon sa mga karne at weighing scale sa Public Market upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga produktong karne at ang tamang timbang na ibinibigay sa mga mamimili. Sa nasabing operasyon, dalawang defective weighing scales ang nakumpiska, pati na rin ang ilang ilegal na dilaw na ilaw na ginagamit ng ilang meat vendors na maaaring makaapekto sa tunay na kulay ng karne.



8. Orientation on Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Idinaos


Nagsagawa ang HRMO ng isang orientation activity tungkol sa Anti-Sexual Harassment Act bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng National Women’s Month 2026. Layunin nitong palawakin ang kaalaman ng mga kawani tungkol sa karapatan at proteksyon laban sa sexual harassment at itaguyod ang ligtas na espasyo para sa kababaihan.



9. Mga Kababaihan ng LGU, Nag-enjoy sa Art Activities


Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng National Women’s Month, nagsagawa ang HRMO ng isang art activity noong March 10, na nilahukan ng mga babaeng empleyado ng pamahalaang lokal. Sa pamamagitan ng mga gawaing tulad ng flower crafting, paint by numbers, at keychain making, naipakita ng mga kalahok ang kanilang pagkamalikhain habang pinapalakas ang samahan at pagkilala sa mahalagang papel ng kababaihan sa serbisyo publiko.



10. Price Monitoring, Mahigpit na Ipinatupad!


Bumuo ang LGU, sa pangunguna ng BPLO at DTI, ng isang price monitoring team, upang magmonitor sa mga gasolinahan at grocery store noong March 10 at 11 upang suriin ang presyo ng petrolyo sa mga gasolinahan at pangunahing bilihin sa mga grocery stores. Layunin nitong matiyak na patas at naaayon sa batas ang mga presyo at maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng mga mamimili.



11. Barangay Officials, Nagseminar 


Dumalo ang mga opisyal ng barangay ng Bayambang sa tatlong araw na Integrated Skills Enhancement Seminar sa Subic mula February 27 hanggang March 1, kung saan tinalakay ang mga paksa tulad ng barangay legislation, Katarungang Pambarangay, anti-drug program, VAWC laws, at solid waste management. Sa seminar na ito, muling napalawak ang kaalaman at kakayahan ng mga opisyal sa mas mahusay na pamamahala at serbisyo publiko sa kanilang mga barangay.



12. Energy Conservation Team, Nag-spot Check 


Nagsagawa ng random spot checking ang Energy Conservation Team sa mga opisina ng pamahalaan at mga street light sa Pubic Market upang matiyak ang pagsunod sa mga hakbang sa pagtitipid ng kuryente. Layunin nitong paalalahanan ang bawat tanggapan na patuloy na ipatupad ang energy conservation initiatives sa gitna ng nakaambang energy crisis.



13. BPSO at TFD, Nag-inspeksyon sa Tricycle Terminal


Nagsagawa ang Bayambang Public Safety Office (BPSO) at Task Force Disiplina ng inspeksyon sa Bayambang Tricycle Terminal upang tiyakin ang kaayusan, tamang pamasahe, at pagsunod ng mga drayber sa mga lokal na ordinansa at batas-trapiko.



14. SB Members at Barangay Officials, Nagseminar 


Dumalo ang mga Sangguniang Bayan Members at mga opisyal ng barangay ng Bayambang sa 3rd District Liga ng mga Barangay – Pangasinan Provincial Congress 2026 na ginanap mula March 8 to 11 sa Puerto Princesa, Palawan, upang talakayin ang mga programang magpapalakas sa pamamahala at serbisyo sa barangay. Tampok sa kongreso ang temang nakatuon sa disaster prevention, anti-drug initiatives, at barangay development.



15. Grade Schoolers, Inimbita sa Open House ng BFP


Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Fire Prevention Month, nagbukas ng Open House ang Bayambang Fire Station mula Marso 11 hanggang 13 kung saan inimbitahan ang mga mag-aaral mula sa tatlong paaralang elementarya upang makilala at makasalamuha ang mga bumbero at kanilang mga kagamitan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga demonstrasyon, pamilyarisasyon, at interaksyon, natutunan ng mga kabataan ang mga pangunahing kaalaman sa pag-iwas sa sunog at tamang pagtugon sa emerhensiya.



16. Mga Kalalakihan ng LGU, Nakibahagi sa Laban Kontra Karahasan sa Kababaihan


Sa isinagawang aktibiad ng LGU na “Men Standing Up for Women” noong March 12, dinaluhan ng mga kalalakihang kawani mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ang isang programa na may layong palakasin ang kamalayan at hikayatin ang mga kalalakihan na maging katuwang sa pagpigil sa Violence Against Women o karahasan laban sa kababaihan. Itinaguyo sa nasabing aktibidad ang respeto sa kababaihan at pagkakapantay-pantay ng lahat sa buong komunidad.

 


17. BPC, Nagsagawa ng Orientation sa Solid Waste Management


Nagsagawa ang Bayambang Polytechnic College ng isang Orientation on Solid Waste Management noong February 27 upang palawakin ang kaalaman ng mga mag-aaral at empleyado tungkol sa wastong paghihiwalay at pamamahala ng basura. Nagbahagi ng mahahalagang impormasyon sina MENRO Ma-Lene Torio, SEMS Eduardo Angeles Jr., at ESWMO Administrative Assistant Julius Caesar Bato, na sinundan ng open forum upang sagutin ang mga katanungan ng mga kalahok.



18. Bayambang, Nakiisa sa 1Q NSED 2026


Nakiisa ang LGU-Bayambang at iba’t ibang sektor sa 1st Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) 2026 upang tuluy-tuloy na palakasin ang kahandaan ng komunidad sa lindol. Sa drill, binigyang-diin ang tamang pagsasagawa ng “Duck, Cover, and Hold” at ang kahalagahan ng sama-samang paghahanda sa oras ng sakuna.



19. Bayambang, May Bagong Firetruck!


Ang Bayambang ay nakatanggap ng isang brand new firetruck, salamat sa ilang taong pakikipag-ugnayan nina Mayor Nina at Dr. Cezar Quiambao sa tanggapan ni Senator Imee Marcos. Noong March 12, matagumpay na isinagawa ang turnover ceremony at blessing ng bagong firetruck sa Municipal Hall. Nagpahayag ng pasasalamat ang mga opisyal ng LGU at Bureau of Fire Protection sa pangunguna ni Acting Regional Director Antonio Razal Jr.



***


Host: Rodney Maniquez


[SMILE, VOLUME, ENERGY!]


BAYAMBANG, DAPAT ALAM MO!


BAYAMBANG, DAPAT ALAM MO na ang accounting ay tinatawag na financial backbone ng Munisipyo, ang sistema ng pagre-record at pagmomonitor ng pera at iba pang pinansyal na transaksyon ng munisipyo, upang makatulong sa tamang pagpapasya at masiguro ang maayos at transparent na pamamahala ng pondo.


At alam mo ba? Ang Accounting Office ay my dalawamput dalawa (22) na empleyado, na pinamumunuan ni ginoong Flexner de Vera. 


Sa taong 2022 at 2024, ang LGU-Bayambang ay nakatanggap nang unqualified opinion. Ito ay nangangahulugang maayos, tama, at mapagkakatiwalaan ang financial statements ng Munisipyo ayon sa pagsusuri ng Commission on Audit.


At alam mo ba? Mayroon tayong mahigit apat na libong disbursement voucher na kumpleto, maayos, at alinsunod sa COA rules and regulations sa taong 2025. 


As of March 11, 2026, mayroon na tayong humigit kumulang isang libong disbursement voucher. Ang pondo na ginamit dito ay galing sa buwis ng bawat Bayambangueño. 


At alam mo ba? Bilang paggunita nang Women’s Month Celebration, si Ginang Erlinda Alvarez, ang ating dating Municipal Accountant, ay ang pinaka-unang babaeng Certified Public Accountant ng Munisipyo. At si Ginang Rosa G. Martinez mula sa Barangay Accounting Unit ay ang pinakamatagal na babaeng empleyado na nanilbihan sa LGU. Siya ay nanilbihan ng tatlumput-siyam na taon.


Ang lahat ng ito Bayambang ay... dapat alam mo!


***



OUTRO:


[SMILE, VOLUME, ENERGY!]


 

1: At iyan po ang mga balitang nagbibigay-inspirasyon at pag-asa sa ating bayan. Muli, ako po si Hazel Masiglat.


2: At ako naman po si Regine Cayabyab mula sa Municipal Accounting Office.


1: Sa patuloy na pagtutulungan ng pamahalaan at mamamayan...


2: ...Mas nagiging maliwanag ang kinabukasan ng Bayambang.


1: Hanggang sa muli...


1&2: Ito ang... BayambangueNews!



Prof. Elsa F. Quinto, Math and Filipino Professor, Champion of Pangasinan Culture

Prof. Elsa F. Quinto

Math and Filipino Professor, Champion of Pangasinan Culture 

What we, her students, remember most about Prof. Elsa F. Quinto is that she taught us Filipino in high school, but few among us probably know that she was in fact a Math major, and Filipino was just her minor.

Among her most significant achievements is authoring a book on ____ titled, _____.

In ___, she successfully defended her masteral thesis at ____ titled, "____."

In ___, she became the Tagapangasiwa ng Kapisanan ng Sulo ng Diwa and promoted the proper use of the national language.

Moreover, Prof. Quinto produced publications that serve as important cultural legacy for the town of Bayambang and the province of Pangasinan. In ___, 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.

Outside school, she was a devoted mother to sons John, Jimmy, Jay, and Joseph and daughter Mariel (all PSU Laboratory High School alumni), a great cook, and an active church worker.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio: The Longest-Serving Mayor of Bayambang

 

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio: The Longest-Serving Mayor of Bayambang

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio is recognized as one of the most significant figures in the political history of Bayambang, Pangasinan. He served as Municipal Mayor from 1962 to 1986, making him the longest-serving mayor in the history of Bayambang, with nearly twenty-four (24) years of continuous service. His tenure took place during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, a period marked by extensive national development programs.

Atty. Junio was born in Bayambang on July 3, 1923. He completed his elementary education in Lingayen and later earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Manila. Prior to entering public service in local government, he worked as a clerk in the House of Representatives under Speaker Perez and served as a volunteer in the Agno Dike Flood-Control Project, which aimed to mitigate flooding in the region.

He was married to Isabel Tandoc Junio, and together they had six children: Nitida Junio-Nunez, Vicente Junio, Teresita Junio-Llano, Alfredo Junio, Mario Junio, Myrna Junio-Salo, and Mylvin Junio.

During his long tenure as mayor, Atty. Junio initiated and oversaw numerous programs and infrastructure projects that contributed significantly to the development of Bayambang. Among his principal accomplishments were the maintenance of peace and order and the illumination of the principal streets of Poblacion, Tamaro, and Telbang through the installation of mercury lights. Under his leadership, the municipal income increased substantially from ₱154,177.48 to ₱204,151.71.

His administration also focused heavily on infrastructure development. Among the projects completed were the construction of a concrete public market building, an annex public market structure made of mixed materials, and a municipal slaughterhouse. The Puericulture Center Annex was also built to enhance maternal and child healthcare services. In addition, concrete fencing was constructed around the municipal plaza and the front side of the municipal building compound, and improvements were made to both the public plaza and the municipal auditorium.

Health and sanitation programs were intensified during his administration, alongside the construction of Nawasa water pipelines around the Poblacion area to improve water distribution. A monument of the late President Ramon Magsaysay was erected at the town plaza through the generosity of Don and Doña Victor Palaganas.

Atty. Junio also prioritized the construction and repair of streets, barrio roads, bridges, and school buildings both in the Poblacion and in the outlying barrios. Artesian wells were constructed in various barangays, as recommended by the Presidential Arm on Community Development (PACD), the Agricultural National Program (ANP), and other authorities.

Additional public safety improvements included the installation of a siren atop the Nawasa tank, donated by Atty. Mrs. Toribio Perez, along with the necessary transformer. His administration also facilitated the acquisition of a fire truck and a fire jeep, as well as the installation of fire hydrants along the main streets of the Poblacion.

A People’s Shed was constructed on the northern side of the plaza, an initiative of the Bayambang Civic Action Group, of which Mayor Junio was an active member. One of the most important healthcare projects during his administration was the construction of the Bayambang Emergency Hospital. Initially, the town’s public hospital was located beside the former Municipal Annex Building in the central town area. Under the leadership of Atty. Junio, the hospital was relocated to its present site in Bical Norte, Bayambang, enabling expanded facilities and improved services to the public.

His administration also introduced developments in information technology and mass communication. With the introduction of knowledge in information technology, media equipment such as televisions began to be acquired through the Ministry of Information, which contributed to improved access to public information.

Further development initiatives included the construction of barangay roads, the construction of the Pangdel Bridge, and the construction of the Carlos P. Romulo Bridge. Relief goods were distributed to various barangays during times of need. Agricultural development was supported through the implementation of Masagana 99, a national rice production program. Land was also distributed to tenant farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). In addition, barangay health centers were constructed, and the Municipal Annex Building was completed to expand government services.

Beyond governance and infrastructure, Atty. Junio also supported the development of music and the arts in Bayambang. During his administration, the Bayambang Teachers Chorale gained national recognition, performing on national television programs, most notably on the Joe Quirino Show, which helped bring pride and cultural recognition to the municipality.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and public service, Atty. Junio received numerous prestigious awards, including:

  • One of the Ten Most Outstanding Mayors of the Philippines (1967)
  • Outstanding Municipal Mayor and Civic Leader (1969)
  • Philippines’ Most Outstanding Mayor of the Year (1983)
  • Most Outstanding Public Official of the Year (1984)
  • Gintong Sikap Award (1984)
  • Kapatiran Award (1985)
  • Outstanding Mayor (1985)

Atty. Jaime Payomo Junio passed away on December 30, 2003, at the age of 96 due to complications from diabetes. His long and dedicated service left a lasting legacy in Bayambang, laying down foundations for the municipality’s continued growth and development.

 

 

John Roy S. Jalac Youth Leader

So many Laboratorians leading in their field!

Today, let me introduce to you John Roy Samson Jalac from Batch 2019.

John Roy S. Jalac

Youth Leader



John Roy S. Jalac is at present Bayambang's Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President.

As such, he has earned a seat at the Sangguniang Bayan (town council) as an “ex-officio member,” with an equal power and authority as a Municipal Councilor.

In grade school, he went to Bayambang Central School, then he finished secondary education at the PSU Laboratory High School in 2019.

He took up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management at PSU-Bayambang Campus.

While in PSU, he was a four-time Supreme Student Council officer, from first year college up to fourth year—capping his "student-leader era" as a College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology Governor.

On the side, he was also a pioneer member of the Campus’ official broadcasting team as news reporter and entertainment correspondent.

In October 2023, he was elected as the SK Chairman of Brgy. Tambac, and was elected as Vice-President of the SK Federation.

Then in June 2025, the position of SK Federation President was vacated after the resignation of a former president, elevating Jalac to the highest position.

Under his watch as SK Federation President, local SKs became active in sporting activities, assorted talent competitions, clean-up drives, trainings and seminars, and the establishment of "ecological youth spaces" in every barangay, among other youth-oriented activities. 

Bayambang, Dapat Alam Mo! - Pangasinan Words for Women and Fire

 Bayambang, Dapat Alam Mo!

 

Bayambang, dapat alam mo!

 

Alam mo bang tayong mga Pangasinense ay mayroong iba't ibang salita patungkol sa kababaihan?

 

 

Bii - babae

Inyang o Itaw - maliit na batang babae

Marikit - dalaga

Atsi - ate

Inang, Ina - nanay

Panginaen - tiya; tita; aunt

Tya - tita o kahit na sinong babae na may edad na

Akulaw - matandang babae o asawang babae

Bai - lola

Nana - kahit kaninong lola

Atanor - kumare

Ayro - hipag; sister-in-law

 

Ayon sa mga sociologist at psychologist, ang mga  salitang ito ay nagpapahiwatig na ang ating kultura ay highly relational o may pagpapahalaga sa ating mga kamag-anakan at kasama sa komunidad at ang kani-kanilang kinatatayuan sa lipunan. At tayo ay marunong makipagkapwa.

 

Ngunit kahit ano pang itawag sa 'yo, babae ka, hindi babae lang!

 

***

 

Pangasinan Words for Heat or Burn

 

 

Alam mo rin bang napakaraming salitang Pangasinan para sa init at apoy?

 

Ilan sa mga ito ay unique sa ating wika!

 

[ANDREW: SCROLL DOWN then HIGHLIGHT ONLY THE MOST UNIQUE ONES (SEE ASTERISKS)]

 

 

Ampetang - mainit

***Apiktat, Apit-tat - natuyuan o tumigas na sa init; dried out from too much heat (as in clothes being sunned)

***Adangdang - heated to wilting level as in leaves of banana (in local culinary practice) or tagumbao (in herbal medicine)

Naktang - nilagnat; got feverish

Aselselan - nasindihan

Sungluran - gatungan upang lalong mag-apoy

Dinmalang, Dinmangat, Inmapoy - lumiyab, umapoy; dalang = apoy

Apuldakan - napaso; scalded

***Asinit - napaso ng todo o nainitan ng todo

Alenes - nalanta; wilted

Asuoban - napausukan; smoked

Asupok, Atupok - natupok; nasunog nang walang natira

Apuolan - nasunog; burnt

Parlangan - pagningasin

Marlang, Marmalang - maapoy, nagliliyab

***Inmangsit - nag-amoy asim na parang malapit nang masunog; issued an acrid smell of something that is starting to get burnt

Inmasewek - umusok; got smoking

***Manaspok - umuusok sa init

***Asilayutan - di sinasadyang nadaanan ng apoy kaya't nasunog ng bahagya o kaunti

***Naasyut - nag-amoy usok

Nginmalab - nagbaga; turned into ember

***Asilot - kumulubot dahil sa init

***Apentew - nabilad ng matagal sa init ng apoy, araw, atbp.

Akalot - naihaw; grilled

***Apulpogan - natanggal ang balahibo sa apoy

***Atektek - nasobrahan sa prito; burnt from too much frying; turned dark brown due to over-frying

Ginmalor - nagtutong

Apugit - over-roasted; scorched, seared, singed

Nauring - charred; turned into charcoal

Dinmapol - naabo; dapol = ash

Sebseban - apulain (ang apoy)

 

Sa Pangasinan, hindi lang basta “mainit” ang apoy—may iba't ibang antas, anyo, at kuwento ito. Dahil sa ating wika, pati ang init at sunog, may iba’t ibang mukha.


Kaya kung ayaw mong masunog, huwag kang  maglaro ng apoy!


Sunday, March 8, 2026

Dr. Leticia Bianito Ursua

We've been blest with such amazing teachers, no?

------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Leticia Bianito Ursua
Communication Educator

Dr. Leticia Bianito Ursua is a Leyteña by birth, but as fate would have it, she ended up graduating in her elementary years in Tacloban City, her high school studies in Mandaluyong, Rizal, and started her collegiate days at UP Diliman.

A strange twist in her journey railroaded her destiny and ended up as a graduate of Bachelor in Secondary Education degree at the University of the East, Manila. In dire need of a job, the city girl now suddenly found herself negotiating primitive country roads -- hole-filled and bumpy, powdery with dust in summer and heavily muddy during the rainy season -- as a lowly teacher at Tococ High School in the barrio of Tococ, Bayambang.

One time, she recalls, she was too late to take the last carromata ride going to town, so she had no choice but to walk all the way home. One carromata going that way was too full to take her in, so she took the difficulty on the chin. But she heard something that she'd never forget. A group of young teachers mockingly laughed at her, saying, "Oh poor city girl. Why did she have to come here, anyway?"

In Bayambang, she met her husband, Mr. Greg Ursua, who served as Community Affairs Assistant at the Office of the late Governor Aguedo Agbayani and also as Human Settlement Officer of Bayambang. The couple established a modest home and grew a family near Estacion (now Zone V).

Dr. Ursua was a hardworking and ambitious teacher. She seized every opportunity to advance in her career. Her rise was fast.

In 1971, she transferred as a teacher of English to Bayambang National High School which was then one of the biggest high schools in Pangasinan. At BNHS, she became, among other things, the adviser of the official school organ, "The Leader," a Master Teacher I, and also an Outstanding Teacher awardee of BNHS in 1983.

Then in 1985, she transferred to PSU when the whole campus was still a College of Education.

Apart from being a professor of English in the Languages Department of PSU, she had also teaching load in the PSU Laboratory High School where she also became principal for one year. She has always been in the world of campus journalism both in the secondary and collegiate levels.

Her name is a legend among school paper advisers representing the PSU Lab High School, “Banyuhay,” and the PSU college paper, which she renamed to “The Reflector” from its original name, “The Hilltop.”

To her name are appended a Master in Education, major in English degree earned at PSU, a Doctor of Education degree major in Higher Education and a Dip.TESOL certificate granted her on scholarship from the SEAMEO-Regional Language Center, Republic of Singapore. She has authored books in Speech and in Language Teaching, all with copyright and ISBN. Likewise, she served as editor of the PSU Bayambang Faculty Journal and the PSU Graduate School Journal.

She used to be adviser and organizer of various schools press conferences at the division and regional levels for several times.

The peak of her career speaks of her as Professor 6, an enviable post any professor would aspire for. She retired as the Director of Institutional and Planning and Public Relations Office of the PSU-Main Office in Lingayen.

She remains busy even after she has retired from a state university. She is presently a professor at the University of Luzon Graduate School. Moreover, she is the Media Affairs Officer of the local government of Bayambang, where she provides valuable assistance through her media connections and insightful advice on writing and related matters. From time to time, she contributes to regional newspapers “Northern Times,” “Pangasinan Star,” and “People’s Digest” as guest columnist.

She is concurrently representing the Women’s Sector of the Bayambang Water District’s Board of Directors.

Among other pursuits, she sat as President of the Rotary Club of Bayambang during the Rotary Year 2016-2017. She is still an active member of the Club up to now.

Recognized as outstanding teacher of PSU-Bayambang, an Outstanding Professional of the Municipality of Bayambang Award was accorded her during the Town Fiesta 2008.

Outside of her chosen profession, Dr. Ursua is, of course, a loving mother to Lily Luz and Aris (both PSU Elementary Lab alumni) and grandmother to an architect, Denise, a medical doctor, Ira, and an engineer, AJ.

Dr. Ursua and her husband had also helped several students as scholars, among whom were relatives Vangeline Bianito Valdez, Lilibeth Bianito Munda, and Roxell Mamita de Guzman, and non-relatives and total strangers Lincoln Ariz and Jane Balatico Buya from Dasol, Melony Padilla Donayre from Sta. Barbara, Precy Maningding Fortez from Calasiao, and Jesus Soriano from Brgy. Tambac, Bayambang.

Lincoln is now the grade school department Principal of Lourdes School Mandaluyong. Melony was a faculty in PSU Bayambang before she taught in South Korea and later moved to Texas, USA. Vangeline, Lilibeth, Roxell, Jane, Precy and Jesus serve in the public schools.

The wisdom Dr. Ursua has gained through the years shines through in every facet of her life, a life well-lived because it is lived to the fullest, to the best of the multiple abilities she was gifted with.


***

In Her Own Words

I have fond memories of being a part of the Pangasinan State University Laboratory High School (PSU Lab HS) both as a teacher and as a principal.

Entering the PSU Lab HS as a student is not easy. Student aspirants have to undergo the selective admission requirements. The general average in Grade VI needs to be high. Passing the entrance exam and hurdling the interview successfully are, likewise, the rule of the day. Really, these students who dare undergo the requisites in the Lab HS are those who belong to the 'cream of the crop' from the different elementary schools. True, "tagisan ng talino talaga!" As one of their teachers, these students who were once under my tutelage are still in my memory. Truth to tell, I still keep dearly my Class Records through the years!

Aside from my teaching load, I also handled the advisorship of the Lab HS paper, Banyuhay. Getting into the editorial board of the Banyuhay was another rigorous activity. Our participation in the press conferences was always paid off, because somehow even if we were outnumbered, we managed to bring home a slice of the bacon.

Aside from this, I cherish the encounters I had at the Lab HS. The student populace was a dynamo of activities along all facets--academic, co-curricular, cultural.

The offer for me to sit as principal of the Lab HS was during the early 2000s. I was at the Lab's helm for more than a year only, but I'll always cherish the demanding roles I've overcome.

I experienced the hustle-bustle of campus life like--enrolling students, intrams, student government elections, attending to complaints, beating deadlines, holding meetings, J-S proms, graduation rites, athletic meets and many more duties.

I took all these responsibilities as challenges that are lasting treasures.

Let me borrow these lines from the famous author Robert Frost, and I quote:

"I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence....."