Bayambang Municipal News

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.

DR. JOSE G. CAMACHO

Dr. Jose G. Camacho distinguished himself as an excellent educator. From an elementary grade school teacher, he rose to one of the highest positions in the field of education as Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Education (DepEd Region I). Fondly called “Jose” by his colleagues and friends, he graduated magna cum laude from Pangasinan Normal School (now PSU Bayambang) in 1959 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education. After graduation, his first teaching assignment was in Romblon, where he served for four years. In 1962, he became Teacher-in-Charge, and by 1965, he was promoted to Elementary School Head Teacher. Two years later, he became Elementary School Principal. This inspired him to pursue postgraduate and specialized studies. He earned his Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision at Pangasinan State University in 1978. By then, he was already a Public Schools District Supervisor, where he recruited many Bayambangueños into the teaching profession. Dr. Camacho’s rise continued steadily. From January 1987 to November 1993, he served as Assistant Schools Division Superintendent. He was later promoted as Schools Division Superintendent, serving until June 14, 2003. He further enhanced his expertise through specialized studies and scholarships, including programs at the University of the Philippines (BPS Scholarship in MAT Reading), Asia Foundation Scholarship (School Administration and Supervision), and the 4th INNOTECH Course on Educational Management and Supervision for senior education leaders in Southeast Asia. He earned his Doctorate in Educational Management in 1989 from Baguio Central University. His academic and professional pursuits brought him to various international locations, including San Jose, California; Traverse City, Michigan; Seoul, Korea; Maryland, USA; Kunming, People’s Republic of China; and Taipei, Taiwan.

CARMENCITA DE GUZMAN ARCE

In 2002, the Municipality of Bayambang awarded Carmencita De Guzman Arce as the Most Outstanding Bayambangueño in the field of Commerce and Industry. This recognition was well deserved, as Mrs. Arce held various prestigious positions in the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), where she was employed. A consistent valedictorian in both her elementary and secondary education, she entered the University of the Philippines Diliman as an entrance scholar and earned her Bachelor of Science in Statistics degree in 1971. Ms. Arce joined the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), an association of industrialists and traders, as an Economic Researcher in 1978. She was eventually promoted to Secretary General of the organization in 1998. During her tenure as Secretary General of PCCI, she concurrently held various positions in ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry. She served as Executive Director of the Philippine ASEAN Council (1987–1994) and later as Executive Director of the ASEAN CCI in 1989. She was also Editor-in-Chief of PCCI’s Philippine Business magazine. After years of service at PCCI, Mrs. Arce resigned in 1997 to pursue a career in public relations. She joined GMA Network, Inc. as Vice President for Corporate Affairs, where she handled corporate communications and investor relations. She also managed publications, media relations, corporate advertising, and special events. Among her projects, two received prestigious Anvil Awards: the Anvil Award of Merit for GMA’s 50th Anniversary in 2001 and the Anvil Award for Excellence for GMA Gold, a coffee table book commemorating GMA’s 50 years of history. Her projects also received recognition from the IABC Philippine Quill Awards. In 1999, she was appointed Consultant and Chief of Staff to Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Jose T. Pardo. When Secretary Pardo was later designated as Secretary of Finance, she continued to serve as Consultant in charge of the Department of Finance’s media relations. Mrs. Arce served as President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippine Chapter in 2011 and was also a Board Member and Secretary of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines. She is among the few conferred with APR (Accredited in Public Relations) by the organization. At present, Ms. Arce is the Vice President of the Philippine Business Center, Inc., an affiliate of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Concurrently, she serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Crime Prevention.

AGNES C. BRILLANTE-SANTOS

Agnes C. Brillante-Santos is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, where she earned her degrees in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accountancy (BSBAA). She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She also took graduate courses in Business Administration at UP and in Finance and Economics at the Institute of Canadian Bankers. She is the First Vice President and Head of the Financial Control Group of BDO Private Bank, Inc. (BDOPB). She has extensive experience in bank finance, comptrollership, accounting, operations, audit, and credit. Her first job was with SGV & Co. as an External Auditor in the Banking and Insurance Group. She later moved to the Bank of California (BankCal) as Chief Accountant and Credit Analyst. In search of greater challenges, she joined the Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) as Operations Manager of the branch and later became Credit Officer at the Regional Office. Subsequently, she joined ING Bank (ING) as Vice President for Operations and IT Administration and later became Head of Finance and Information Control. Thereafter, she joined Banco Santander Philippines, Inc. (BSPI) as Vice President and Head of Financial Control. Subsequently, BDO Unibank acquired the Philippine operations of this Spanish bank. She received the coveted Bankers Institute of the Philippines (BAIPHIL) Pearl Award, the highest recognition granted by the institute, in 2007. She served on its Board of Directors for five terms and became its 66th President for Fiscal Year 2011–2012. The book “Beyond 70: In Full Flower Yet Continues to Take Root,” which chronicles seven decades of BAIPHIL, was written and published during her term. She is the incumbent Treasurer of the UP College of Business Administration Class 1973 and is a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Agnes completed her grade school and high school education at the PSU Laboratory School and Bayambang National High School, respectively. She was recognized by the Bayambang local government as an Outstanding Bayambangueña in the fields of Business Administration, Accountancy, Banking, and Finance. Since serving on the Board of the Bankers Institute of the Philippines (BAIPHIL) in FY 2007–2008, she initiated a collaboration among BAIPHIL, SM Foundation, Inc. (an affiliate of her employer, BDO), and the alumni of PSU/BNHS (her alma mater) to conduct annual medical, dental, and surgical missions in Bayambang for the less privileged. She has consistently brought her BAIPHIL organizing team, SMFI Mobile Clinic, and free medicines from “Gamot Para sa Kapwa” to Bayambang over the past six years. She also encouraged the active involvement of her friends and classmates. Consistent with her advocacy for financial and physical wellness inclusion, she brought the Financial Education Program (FEP) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and BAIPHIL to Bayambang to conduct free seminars on personal finance and values for students, teachers, and LGU employees. This initiative aims to instill good savings habits and responsible money management, leading to a better quality of life. Proud of her Bayambang roots and her kababayans, she introduced prominent leaders and townmates to the national banking community. When she initiated the publication of the first-ever BAIPHIL coffee table book, “Beyond 70: In Full Flower Yet Continues to Take Root,” she ensured that Governor Amado T. Espino and Mr. Cezar T. Quiambao—consistent supporters of the institute’s CSR projects—were featured. She continues to seek opportunities and developments that may benefit Bayambang and its people.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Matalunggaring Awardees 2025 - short version

MARIA MINA LUZ MATABAN LIM

Distinguished Leader in Corporate World

Maria Mina Luz Mataban Lim is a distinguished leader in the corporate world.

Starting from the bottom of the corporate hierarchy, Mina steadily worked her way up at Oracle Philippines, a very successful multinational company in the Philippines providing leading edge technologies to key government agencies. Through resilience and continuous learning, she embraced challenges as stepping stones to success.

Her dedication led her to the highest position of Country Managing Director of Oracle Philippines, a role she held for a decade until her recent retirement.

Under her leadership, Oracle Philippines was hailed as the Best Performing Country in Software Business in 2013.

In 2015, she was invited to be a presenter/speaker in the Asia CEO Women’s Summit. In a male-dominated industry, she shattered gender barriers, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and leadership.

DR. AMADO M. LAYOG

Doctor to the Barrios

Dr. Amado M. Layog was a compassionate and dedicated physician who devoted his life to serving his community. Renowned for his kindness and humility, he was a trusted figure in Bayambang, saving countless lives with his quick response, expertise, and genuine concern for his patients.

As the town’s medical officer in the 1960s, he prioritized serving the underprivileged, making house calls even after retirement. His role at the puericulture center (now RHU 1) was crucial in ensuring the health of pregnant women and newborns, bringing many healthy children into the world. His gentle nature and warm approach earned the trust of children and adults alike, making him a beloved doctor in the community, especially to the poor residents in far-flung barrios at a time when public transport over unpaved roads was limited to horse-drawn karitelas.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Layog was a respected leader, often invited to chair events and speak on important issues. His unwavering dedication was evident in his willingness to work tirelessly. His selfless service, leadership, and faith left an indelible mark on the lives he touched. He remains deeply cherished by those who knew him, embodying the true spirit of service and compassion.

AGNES C. BRILLANTE-SANTOS

Accomplished Banker and Philanthropist

Agnes C. Brillante-Santos, a Certified Public Accountant and accomplished banker, has demonstrated excellence in her profession and philanthropy. A proud daughter of Bayambang, she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian in grade school and salutatorian in high school. She pursued degrees in Business Administration and Accountancy at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and furthered her studies in Finance and Economics at the Institute of Canadian Bankers.

Her career began at Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co. before transitioning into banking. She worked and trained in local and international banks, including Bank of California, Bank of Nova Scotia, ING Bank, and Banco Santander (now BDO Private Bank). She retired as First Vice President of Financial Control after gaining extensive experience in audit, accounting, finance, and IT administration.

Beyond her corporate success, she has dedicated herself to social causes. She initiated annual medical missions, collaborating with local and international specialists. During the pandemic, she led the BAIPHIL SPC Team Handog Pag-asa Committee to aid marginalized communities. She continues to spearhead projects such as providing digital learning tools to public schools and conducting financial literacy seminars.

DR. ERNESTO TRINIDAD MATABAN

A Dedicated Medical Pioneer

Dr. Ernesto Trinidad Mataban was a highly respected physician whose contributions significantly improved healthcare in Pangasinan. Born in Bayambang, he pursued his early education at West Central School and Orient College in Dagupan City before taking up an Associate in Arts at Letran College as a preparatory course for medical school. He later earned his medical degree from Far Eastern University College of Medicine.

His medical career began as a resident physician at Pangasinan Medical Center and later at Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, where he specialized in the Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat (EENT) Department. His expertise led him to the Regional Medical Center in Dagupan City, where he served as Medical Specialist III and eventually became Head of the EENT Department. To further enhance his skills, he underwent training at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

One of his most notable achievements was organizing and becoming the first director of Bayambang District Hospital, ensuring quality medical services for his community. His leadership and dedication left a lasting impact on the healthcare system. Dr. Mataban’s legacy continues to inspire future medical professionals, embodying the values of service, perseverance, and excellence in medicine.

REV. MSGR. ORLANDO C. SABANGAN, PC

A Lifetime of Faith and Service

Rev. Msgr. Orlando C. Sabangan, PC, dedicated his life to serving God and the Catholic faithful. Born on December 21, 1941, in Langiran, Bayambang, Pangasinan, he was raised in a devout family that nurtured his strong faith. His seminary years prepared him for a lifelong vocation in the priesthood.

His ministry began as an assistant parish priest in San Carlos and Dagupan City before he became a parish priest in various towns. Known for his compassion and leadership, he strengthened faith communities and fostered deeper connections between clergy and laity. He also took on key roles in the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, serving as Vicar General, Rector of College Seminary, and Chairman of the Archdiocesan Commission on Christian Education & Formation.

In 1995, Pope John Paul II honored him with the title of Papal Chaplain. Though he officially retired in 2006, he continues to provide spiritual guidance as a guest priest and confessor. His legacy of faith, humility, and service remains a beacon of inspiration in the Catholic Church.

LEOVIGILDO 'LEO' MIGUEL GIRON

Escrima Master; Father of Largo Mano in America

Leovigildo "Leo" Miguel Giron, a native of Brgy. Hermoza, was a revered escrima grandmaster recognized as a legend in the United States. Born on August 20, 1911, he trained in Filipino martial arts from an early age, later refining his skills both as a guerrilla fighter and martial arts instructor.

During World War II, Giron returned to the Philippines as part of a top-secret counterintelligence unit under the US-Filipino defense forces. His experiences in combat and military training deepened his mastery of escrima, particularly the largo mano or "long hand" technique for long-range fighting.

After the war, he settled in California, where rising crime rates and violent incidents reignited his passion for self-defense. In 1968, he established an escrima school and eventually founded the Bahala Na Filipino Martial Arts Club. He became widely recognized as the "Father of Largo Mano in America."

Beyond martial arts, Giron was also a labor rights advocate, working alongside activist Larry Itliong to fight for equal labor rights for Filipino and immigrant workers in the U.S. His legacy continues to inspire generations in both martial arts and social justice.