Trivia: PESO

 It's Trivia Time......! Alam niyo ba na mula noong maitatag ang PESO Bayambang noong 2016, ito ay hinawakan ng iba't ibang designated PESO Manager?

Ang mga ito ay sina Mr. Gerenerio Rosales, Dr. Joel Cayabyab, Ms. Nora R. Zafra, Dr. Rafael L. Saygo, at Mr. Joseph Anthony Quinto.

Kabilang sa mga trabaho ng PESO ang magconduct ng quarterly job fair at iba pang recruitment activities, Career and Employment Coaching, at iimplementa ang Government Internship Program, Special Program for Employment of Students, at iba pang internship program gaya ng Work Immersion at OJT, at pag-implementa rin ng mga livelihood grant at Kabuhayan Starter Kit Program at emergency cash-for-work program gaya ng TUPAD.

Ang PESO Manager ay designated din bilang Migrant Desk Officer, kaya tumutulong din ang PESO kapag may OFW concerns bilang parte ng public employment services nito.

Trivia Time: IAS

Alam niyo ba na ang Bayambang lamang ang nag-iisang Munisipyo sa buong Pangasinan na mayroong Internal Audit Service?

Sa paglalayong paigtingin ang Internal Control Systems sa gobyerno, isinulong ng dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang paglikha ng Internal Audit Service sa pamamagitan ng Administrative Order No. 70 nuong April 14, 2003.

Ang Internal Audit Service ay naitatag naman sa Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Bayambang nuong 2017 sa ilalim ng pamamahala ng Team Quiambao-Sabangan sa hangarin nilang mabigyan ng Total Quality Service ang mga Bayambangueño. Ang Internal Audit Service ay naging isang departamento nuong March 22, 2021 sa pamamagitan ng Municipal Ordinance No. 07.

Ang Internal Audit Service ay pinamumunuan ng nag-iisang Mrs. Erlinda Alvarez, ang aming superwoman!

Ngunit, alam niyo ba kung anu ano ang mga tungkulin ng Internal Audit Service?

Ilan dito ay ang:

1. Pag-audit ng pamamahala at operasyon sa lahat ng tanggapan at aktibidad ng LGU at tukuyin kung ang mga ito ay naaayon sa batas at itinakdang layunin

2. Suriin ang mga sistema at proseso, istraktura ng organisasyon, mga praktis ng pamamahala, mga tala, ulat, at performance kung naayon ang mga ito sa standards

3. Pag-aralan at suriin ang mga kakulangan sa internal control at magrekomenda ng mga makatotohanang pamamaraan

O di ba, parang may sariling Commission on Audit sa loob ng LGU-Bayambang! Kaya sigurado kang mayroong tatak Total Quality Service ang bawat transaksyon dito.

Bayambang Municipal Plaza

Bayambang Municipal Plaza

 

Bayambang's present-day Municipal Plaza is said to have been constructed in 1952 from a plot of land donated by the family of then Dr. Ramon de Castro, the town's first doctor and the father of Atty. Numeriano de Castro Sr., the town's mayor in 1951-1952. (Remember that the original church and convent of Malungguey must have been transferred in 1741 from its original location to a more elevated place called Bayambang, the present town, after the recurrence of flood.) 

 

The current plaza occupies about 1.5 hectares of square lot in the heart of the town, its four directions laid out adjacent to the Presidencia (now called Municipal Hall or Municipio), parish church, public market, and row of residences of the most prominent members of town, as prescribed in the Leyes de Indias (Laws of the Indies) during the Spanish colonial period.

 

It is now surrounded by an iron grille fence, but in the latter part of the 1930s, the original plaza was a vast uninterrupted expanse of open space extending to the lot occupied by the old accessoria that includes Royal Mall today right along the Agno River. It was in those years that the public bandstand was erected, and was fashioned to look like a giant crown. A gazebo or pavilion-like structure in the middle of what is now the Public Auditorium, the bandstand was constructed under the administration of Atty. Gerundio Umengan, Sr., then Presidente (the old term for Mayor) of Bayambang from 1937 to 1940. The roofless structure was designed in 1934 by the renowned architect Juan Arellano in the Art Deco style. Surrounding the gazebo are coconut-like concrete structures that once served as posts of big white globular lights which illuminate the plaza at night.

 

Two symmetrical mini-stages lie on the opposite sides of the main stage -- now apparently renovated, redesigned, and expanded for several times -- and serve as additional bandstands. They have been a witness to the yearly competitive exchange of showy performances, from evening till the break of dawn, by two rival orchestras during the town fiesta such as the local Asiong Mamaril Orchestra, Palaganas Orchestra, and Caranto Brothers Orchestra, down to Don Podring Orchestra of Basista town.

 

These twin stages and the coconut lamp posts are both Art Deco in design, giving the public auditorium an aesthetic unity suggesting that the entire plaza was designed by the same architect. 

 

Throughout the years, the crown-shaped bandstand has been a mute witness to the crowning of local lasses who got voted, kuwartaan-style (based on the amount of solicitations for charitable purposes), as beauty queens. It had been the holding area for the reigning beauties and their families, as well as the crowning guests. But alas, repurposing took its toll with the bandstand as its victim, for at present, it has been relegated to the main gate of the auditorium to make way for a more spacious dancing hall, not to mention that it was lowered in height, making it far less imposing. On the other hand, the auditorium, now paved with circular and floral-patterned mosaic tiles, has since then become the venue of many a glittering Grand Ball, Balikbayan Night, and Grand Alumni Homecoming at every culmination of the annual town fiesta.

 

Associated stories. Bayambangueños of a certain age, however, also associate the town plaza with the fiesta-time peryaan, Ferris wheel and other fun rides, sirko (circus), and the caravan (roving merchants). (See separate article.)

 

It has also been the site of the memorable Paskuhan sa Bayambang, for several years housing the animated Christmas display made by the Rosario family (originally for the COD in Cubao, Quezon City) as well as the Ghibli (Japanese anime film studio)-inspired Paskuhan 2023. Built around a new theme per year -- original Christmas story in December 2016, Filipiniana in 2017, Rebolusyon Laban sa Kahirapan in 2018, and Disneyland in 2019, it created a new bank of happy memories for locals and visitors alike. (See separate article.)

 

*** 

 

Fronting the plaza is, of course, the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, which makes it the most prominent structure just like in other town plazas in the country. According to old-timers, it was originally located at the then vacant lot now occupied by the Royal Mall and adjoining lots across the street. Incidentally, the town’s main road fronting the plaza is also aptly named Rizal Ave., forming the busiest part of the Bayambang-Camiling highway.  

 

Associated story. Aside from being routinely reserved the place of honor in all towns in the Philippines, “the greatest man the Malayan race has ever produced” had actually set foot on Bayambang, as attested to by elder residents. According to Pangasinan State University history professor, Dr. Joel T. Cayabyab, for example, “The town of Bayambang played a role in Rizal's life, particularly in his love life. It is well-known that Rizal’s first love (first crush) was Leonor Rivera. Our hero was captivated by her piano skills and innate intelligence. The two met when Rizal was studying at the University of Santo Tomas and stayed at the boarding house of his uncle, Antonio Rivera, Leonor’s father. According to eyewitness accounts, Rizal would visit Camiling, then part of the large town of Bayambang, riding the Ferrocarril de Manila train which traveled as far as Dagupan. Upon disembarking at the Bayambang train station (now still called Estacion), he would be fetched by a horse to take him to Camiling. Their bitter love story was well-known to Bayambang folk: When Rizal went to Europe, their long-distance relationship couldn't withstand the separation. Their telenovela-like love story ended when Leonor’s family decided to marry her off to Engr. Henry Kipping, [the one who led the construction] of the Ferrocarril de Manila." Leonor thought Rizal had forgotten her, but the truth was, Leonor’s mother, Silvestra, had been intercepting Rizal’s letters to Leonor all along. Leonor was so distraught when she found out that, as the story goes, she burned all the letters and stitched the ash in the helm of her wedding dress.

 

**

 

To the left of the Rizal statue is the giant official seal of the local government together with the signage “BALON BAYAMBANG” (meaning New Bayambang) in bold colors which turn neon-colored when lighted up at night. This signage was installed upon the assumption of office of then Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao in 2016 and greets motorists driving along Rizal Avenue and especially those entering the Poblacion area from neighboring Bautista through Calvo Bridge. 

 

*** 

 

Behind the yard hosting the statue is a tree-shaded and landscaped garden surrounded by a mini-train ride, a new converted feature of the plaza. Further behind is a new and modern playground, inaugurated in 2018, that offers local children a colorful slide, seesaws, a carousel ride, and a mini-Ferris wheel, among others. The original playground was located at the extreme left side of the plaza. It had two slides (one made of solid cement and another made of iron), some see-saws, and a monkey bar. 

 

Sometime in the 1990s, the playground was transferred to the opposite edge of the plaza (i.e., on the right side), and some civic-minded individuals from the Manganaan clan donated funds for the putting up of a concrete dinosaur (a Tyrannosaurus rex, in particular). Beside the playground is the Municipal Museum dubbed as Bayambang: Home of Innovation and opened in October 11, 2022, which occupies the spot that used to be the Senior Citizen’s Center. (See separate feature soon.) 

 

 Across the path at the left side of the museum are kulibangbang or balangabang trees planted upon the initiative of then Councilor Gerry de Vera, so locals will not forget where the name of the town came from based on the oral tale passed on from one generation to the next. On the far end of the right side of the plaza is a mini-fountain with a dolphin in the middle.

 

At night, the plaza transforms into an enchanting sight with various lighting fixtures. At the back of this fountain stands a statue of former President Ramon Magsaysay, erected during the term of Mayor Jaime P. Junio in honor of his historic visit to the town. A marker below indicates that the statue was donated sometime in 1984 (?) by Don and Doña Victor Palaganas, an ex-Councilor of Bayambang and a US Army veteran.

 

Associated story. As a backgrounder, in October of 1955, President Magsaysay caused a stampede in Mangabul when he brought there with him his entire Cabinet to meet out-of-town for the first time. Thousands of rural folk turned out and mobbed the "champion of the masses," causing some disturbance at the makeshift canopy made of coconut fronds, as they freely sought his attention to address their concerns. Eschewing protocol and formalities, he directly addressed those concerns one by one, including hospitalization for the sick, veterans’ backpay claims, a big land dispute, among other grievances, by handwriting instructions to officials on a piece of paper right then and there. Magsaysay is said to have donated a water pump as well for the barrio people.

 

Lining the rear end of the plaza is the two-level Bayambang Commercial Strip that the local government rents out to a row of mostly eateries and coffee shops catering to low-range to mid-range and upscale clientele.

 

Today, the Bayambang Municipal Plaza remains to be the heart of the town, a living space that is well-maintained and more or less serving the purpose for which it was originally intended: a central park of sorts, a promenade area, a free and democratic events place for all sorts of crowd-drawing activities (with permission from the local government), and a wide breathing space for everyone.  

 

(References: Dr. Clarita Jimenez, with updated information from Resty S. Odon; donation of land: Jonathan de Castro; architecture: Architect Gerard Lico; Magsaysay: “Stories About Magsaysay” by Dr. Augusto V. de Viana, September 6, 2012, nhcp.gov.ph; Rizal: Dr. Joel T. Cayabyab; orchestras: Diosdado Galang; Rizal monument: Leo B. Aquino Jr., Joey Ferrer)

photos: Wynn Bacolor Charles, St. Vincent Catholic School work immersion student in ESWMO-Bayambang; Balon Bayambang FB page

Corrections are most welcome.

Malurey ya istorya'y barbaryo na Bayambang

Nen saman, si Inan Lorenza Carungay ta'n si Aman Perez, Sanlibo so anak da... ira di Idong, Iton, Warding, Beleng, ta'n duwaran ni'n lalaki, Vicente, Gabriel ya nan'maliw met ya santo. Malimpec so boleg da, balet aga binmayag, Ataynan da ta sinmabi'y Aman Cosiling ed bilay nen Hermosa ya nanlapo'd Mangayao. Nanpa-alagey met ira'y kaabongan dia'd Balaybuaya angga'd naaroman ta'n dinmakel so kangarana'y baryo ed Bayambang. (as narrated by Boyette Santillan Poserio)

Brief History: Bayambang Culture Mapping Project

Brief History of the Bayambang Culture Mapping Project

In this photo are the original proponents of this project together with the main consultants in June 2019. Missing in the picture is Dr. Rafael L. Saygo, who attempted the same project as Tourism head (upon the instigation of the NCCA, for sure) before this one by involving Barangay Secretaries. That project didn't push through until Museum head, Ms. Gloria de Vera-Valenzuela, together with Mr. Christopher Gozum of BNHS, came into the picture, but with Saygo in charge of managing the project from the LGU side from start to finish, of course with assistance from Valenzuela and other LGU heads and consultants.

When the project was greenlighted by the Quiambao-Sabangan administration, someone (not sure who) sought the help of the Center for Pangasinan Studies through Dr. Perla Legaspi, Prof. Butch Torio, and Prof. Nicanor Germono Jr. Later on, Prof. Rona Repancol of UST and Dr. Arvin Villalon of NCCA assisted as well.

This project eventually won the Pearl Award by the DOT after the judges reportedly got impressed with how the youth got involved in it.

Soon, two of the stated aims of the project, the publication of a culture mapping book and the establishment of a municipal museum based on the culture mapping output, were realized.

As one of the main volunteers who took interest in this project, I realized that the project had just begun because we were merely scratching the surface of the rich history and culture of the town. Thus, the mapping continues to this day.

After hundreds of student mappers and teachers, thousands of informants, and a select group of senior validators, it has been a rewarding ride so far. Even with so many roadblocks along the way (covid-19, pandemic, realignment of funds, key artifacts missing, etc.), there is the constant joy of self-discovery.

(photo: Gloria de Vera Valenzuela)

Trivia: General Services Office

It's Trivia Tiiiiime...


General Services Office Trivia

Alam ba ninyo na ang General Services Office ay itinatag taong 2017 pag-upo sa ni dating Mayor Cezar Quiambao?

Sa bisa ng Ordinance No. 07 s. 2017, ang GSO ay itinalaga bilang tagapamahala at taga-kumpuni ng lahat ng ari-arian at pasilidad ng LGU. Ito ay pinamunuan ng Consultant at ibat-ibang OIC hanggang sa opisyal na mahirang si Gng. Chinita S. De Vera bilang Supply Officer III noong September 18, 2017 at finally naging department head noong October 1, 2020.

Bukod sa property at equipment management, ang GSO ay nagbibigay din ng administrative services kaugnay sa insurance ng lahat ng buildings at municipal vehicles sa GSIS, at nire-rehistro itong huli sa LTO. Kabilang din ang logistics services katulad ng pag-deliver ng mga upuan at mesa sa Komprehensibong Serbisyo at pagsasa-ayos nito at sa iba pang mga request, paglilinis ng municipal grounds at mga comfort rooms, ganun din ang maintenance ng buildings kasama na dyan ang regular na pag-check sa mga faucet at CR. GSO din ang in-charge sa pagtanggap at pag-inspect ng mga deliveries ng commonly used supplies and equipment, tulad ng office, janitorial, IT equipment, at construction materials.

Ayon sa kanilang imbentaryo, ang LGU sa kasalukuyan ay may 5 ambulance, 7 Avanza, 15 L300, 4 motor with sidecar, 23 single motor, 2 garbage compactors, 5 dump trucks, 2 boom trucks, 1 garbage truck, 9 mini-dump trucks, 10 pick-up, 1 passenger van, 1 minibus, 1 water tanker, 2 wing vans, 1 van, 9 multicabs, and 12 heavy equipment, a total of 109 serviceable vehicles.

Mayroon namang ensured na 37 vehicles sa GSIS as of May 3, 2024 at registered sa LTO na 26 vehicles as of May 15, 2024.

Meron tayong 26 buildings. At sa kasalukuyan meron nang 18 buildings na insured sa GSIS amounting to P2,428,460.37. And as of December 31, 2023, ang total assets ng LGU Bayambang ay P1,871,980,599.55.

Dahil sa suportang ito ng GSO behind the scenes, ang lahat ng opisina ng Munisipyo ay nakakapagbigay ng maayos na serbisyo sa mga Bayambangueño.

Trivia: Municipal Slaughterhouse

At alam din ba ninyo na ang Municipal Slaughterhouse ng LGU ay itinayo noong 1999? Ito ay upang magkaroon ng maayos na katayan ng baboy at malalaking hayop tulad ng baka ng naaayon sa RA 9296 o "The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines."

Nang maupo ang Team Quiambao-Sabangan, tinutukan ang pag-upgrade ng pasilidad. At noong 2019, matapos ang malawakang renovation at expansion, ginanap ang inagurasyon ng isang makabagong Slaughterhouse ng Bayambang. Kabilang sa mga ginawang pagbabago ay ang pagbili ng mga makabagong makinarya upang mabawasan ang manual na pagkatay. Sa ganitong paraan, makakasiguro ang mga mamimili na malinis at ligtas ang kanilang binibiling karne sa merkado.

Noong nakaraang taon, nakapagpatayo din sa pasilidad ng isang malaking water tank na kayang maka-puno ng 7,000 na litro ng tubig. Ang tubig sa tangke ay dumadaan sa chlorination tuwing ika-tatlong buwan upang mapanatili ang kalinisan. Sa ngayon ay isang project proposal na may titulong "Development and Rehabilitation of the Municipal Slaughterhouse" ang isinumite ng kasalukuyang Municipal Slaughterhouse head upang lalong maging maayos ang bahay-katayan ng munisipyo. Kabilang sa mga naka-linyang proyekto para sa taong kasalukuyan ay ang konstruksyon ng Sewerage System, renovation ng Hog Holding Pens at re-painting ng Steel Structures ng Water Tank. Ginagawa ang lahat ng pagbabagong ito upang sa lalong madaling panahon ay maka-pasa ang ating bahay-katayan bilang isang "Double A Standard Slaughterhouse." 

Trivia: ESWMO

 

Alam ba ninyo na ang Solid Waste Management Office ay unang binuo noong taong 2016 sa bisa ng Executive Order No. 13, at naunang itinalaga si G. Rogelio dela Peña bilang Focal Person nito.

Ang Materials Recovery Facility naman nito ay nagsisilbing transfer station ng mga nakolektang basura bago ang mga ito ay ilagak sa isang sanitary landfill. Ito ay upang magkaroon ng maayos na central processing facility ng mga nakokolektang basura ang bayan ng Bayambang na naayon sa RA 9003 o Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Ang Ecological Solid Waste Management Office naman ay itinatag ni Mayor Cezar Quiambao noong taong 2016 upang mas lalong matutukan pa ang pagkolekta at pamamalaha ng basura.

Isa sa pinakamahalagang mandato sa ESWMO ay ang pag-eenforce ng waste segregation ayon sa batas at ang no segregation-no collection policy na nagsusulong sa lahat na maging responsable sa disposal ng sariling basura.

 

U.S. Army Signal Corps Photographs

Message of the Mayor - Municipal Nutrition Action Plan CY 2022

 

Message of the Mayor

Municipal Nutrition Action Plan CY 2022

 

In 1966, Bayambang was the chosen site of the pioneering Applied Nutrition Project by the UNESCO at the then Pangasinan Normal School (now Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus). This means our town is no stranger to serious institutional nutrition studies. This also means it is always a great burden on our conscience if there is even just a few Bayambangueño children who are malnourished, because we know that we had scientific studies at our own disposal right in our neighborhood.

 

We might call it idealistic, but it is this illustrious historical background and reputation of being a pilot town that we must keep in mind when it comes to nutrition (or any aspect at all of community development). That is why this updated Local Nutrition Action Plan for Calendar Year 2022 is of utmost necessity, in keeping with our being a model town with a high pioneering spirit among its founders, movers, and shakers.

 

With Bayambang being a home of innovation, we take pride in what we have achieved so far, but we will not rest until we reach the ideal of eliminating malnutrition in our beloved town by 2028, as stated in our antipoverty bible, Bayambang Poverty Reduction Plan 2018-2028.

 

I, therefore, thank each and every member of the Municipal Nutrition Council for taking part in this plan, for owning it with a high sense of responsibility and as a matter of pride, in keeping with our forebears’ lofty aims and achievements as spearheads and trailblazers in applied nutrition.

 

 

Looking for the Folk Song, "Say Pusok so Mannangnangis," Reportedly a Bayambang Original

Looking for the Folk Song, "Say Pusok so Mannangnangis," Reportedly a Bayambang Original

A reference available online states that at least one folk song, titled "Pusok so Mannangnangis" (My Heart is Crying) most probably originated from Bayambang because it was most popular in this town. So, of course, I searched far and wide, only to find it nowhere. It can't even be Googled.

So I asked Jonas Bravo of Lingayen if he as any tape recording of this song, or a song title that is suspiciously close in its subject, "Pusok so Sinugatan Mo," and he said he would try.

After checking his archives or records, he found a version sung by Rosie Evangelista with the title "Pusong Mannangnangis."  I replied, "Bingo, this must be the one!"

So I studied the lyric:

PUSOK SO SINUGATAN MO

Pusok so sinugatan mo
Samal ed impangulam ed siak
O inaro
Maermen ak
Ed saray palikdom
Agko natepelan

No kumon agmoak la nilingo
Ed matam iran maoy-oyamo
Agko kasalanan so isian ko
No bilbilang ditad
Mabli ya diking mo

No labay mo ya nakabatan
Panangarok ya angga ed punpunan
Nia'y pusok ya mantalaran
Sugat mo inaro
Peram lay linawam

However, the description of the online source apparently refers to a different song: "'Say Pusok So Mannangnangis' (My Heart Cries) is [a] soul-stirring song of despair.... The lover complains of the way his beloved treats him. He writes her but she drops him “only a few lines” folded in a tiny piece of paper. He longs for her and he asks the wind to blow so that he may waft his “longing” to her who is an “extension” of his life.

Anyway, "Pusok so Sinugatan Mo" is equally soul-stirring, even though its pace its unusually slow to the impatiently modern ear.

This song is also interpreted by a male singer, Bobby Gutierrez, and his rendition is available on YouTube.

Meanwhile, the search is still on. I hope someone could find the supposed Bayambang original, for it is another source of pride from our rich and storied cultural heritage.

(Thanks, Jonas Bravo, for sharing your precious recording.)

Reference: https://nlpdl.nlp.gov.ph/CC01/NLP00VM052mcd/v1/v39.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=297802109087006&rdid=TOfvuqjs3CSyausj

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I5lg2jrPjg

Memories of Estacion

Memories of Estacion

 

The Bayambang Railroad Station -- simply called Estacion by locals -- holds a special place in the memory of Bayambangueños who lived through the experience of availing its service during its years of operation by the Philippine National Railways or PNR.

 

This is because, back then, the Estacion was the platform to the most modern means of transport available: the train. It was the place where travelers converged before stepping off into any of the several coaches bound together for various towns up north all the way to Damortis, La Union, and down south all the way to Tutuban, Manila.

 

Bayambang Railroad Station was a place filled with the hustle and bustle of life. Ambulant vendors of every kind of food hawked their wares on weary passengers: cold water, tuge, boiled saba, boiled corn on the cob, balut penoy, chicharon baboy, kropek (fish crackers), boiled peanuts, adobong mani, hard-boiled chicken eggs, quail eggs... Those coming from Manila often brought home pop rice as abet (pasalubong or gift) and a particular mamon loaf that came in two varieties and was heavy on the stomach instead of the fluffy kind. Because of the demand, every vendor did brisk business.

 

According to Estacion resident Dr. Leticia Ursua, a jukebox could be heard at the Estacion playing music all day, as if to counteract all that noise of commerce, on top of the railway station sounds.

 

Another resident, Gloria de Vera-Valenzuela, recounted how she attempted to sell cold water as a very young girl. Emboldened by the idea of earning fast money, she laughingly recalled how she even tried to beg, imitating the few beggars in the vicinity. Her father learned about her exploits in no time, she said, and she earned some well-deserved spanking at the end of the day.

 

A corner served as a holding area for cocheros and their carretelas, offering a ready taxi ride to arriving passengers. There was a livelihood opportunity that could be exploited to the hilt in every square foot of Estacion, or so it seemed.

 

Passengers on the platform kept an eye on their belongings while waiting for the next train. Women wrapped their heads in pandong (veil) as protection from the wind that was sure to whip them in transit.

A train arrived on schedule with the familiar heavy "chug-chug-chug" sound and an ear-piercing hooting. A railway employee raised a flag to signify the new train's arrival. It was a moment when everyone was on their toes, the children clutching the hands of their elders tight lest they got lost in the fray between passengers getting off and going in.

 

Inside the train, warning signs were everywhere cautioning passengers not to bring any part of their body outside the window because the risk of being decapitated while the train was whizzing by was real. Soon the conductor arrived with the tickets. Passengers would tell him their destination, and the conductor started to punch holes in the ticket indicating the amount to be paid. Little pieces of polka-dot paper rained on the passengers as they retrieved their wallets tucked somewhere in their clothes. (My grandmother hid hers inside her brassiere.)

 

At the end of the train was the bagon or coach for commercial purposes, carrying goods bound for other towns such as native kakanin like patupat and goods from other towns to be sold in Bayambang. More than just a passenger train, the train thus served as a great interchange of regional products among traders and retailers. Railways served as a little entrepot and a nexus of cultural exchange.

 

The parade of towns serving as pit stops up and down the railway line was of particular interest, each stop a curious study of each town's character. ...Moncada, Paniqui, Gerona... ...Capas, Bamban, Mabalacat. ... Blumentritt... There were picturesque towns and there were seemingly drab towns. There were storied ones, and there were understated ones. Some towns had sizeable crowds, while some towns seemed to have none. Some towns smelled of some stench associated with bagoong or some other funky or fetid source. From certain towns wafted the wonderful aroma of tobacco or some other produce.

 

When bus companies started plying their routes in the 1970s, the Estacion started to lose its place in the economic life of the town. When an especially strong typhoon washed out one of PNR's bridges along Agno River, it effectively put an end to the vibrant life in Estacion.

 

Looking back, the Estacion in Bayambang, however, is not just any other train station, for it has an added veneer of historical significance. Bayambang station comprised of two portions, the Bayambang side and Bautista side. The Bautista side of the Bayambang station (Bautista was still a sitio of Bayambang when the railway was constructed) is where the lyrics to the Philippine national anthem was composed by poet Rafael Palma sometime in September 1899, as one account goes.

 

It is also where the last issue of the revolutionary government newspaper at the time, "La Independencia," was published using the printing press hidden inside one of the coaches of PNR. In fact, according to a book by historian Ricardo Jose, the revolutionaries buried said printing press near the railroad station (we are not sure where exactly) as they scampered in all directions while the American Army was in hot pursuit.

LGU Bayambang Awards 2024

2024 

January

PESO-Bayambang Receives Special Citation

On January 7, the Public Employment Services Office (PESO)-Bayambang received a Special Citation from the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office I for “timely and complete submission of PESO Statistical and Performance Reporting System Reports for CY 2021.” The award was presented in Clark City, Pampanga.

 

ESWMO Wins Award at Solid Waste Summit 2024

ESWMO Bayambang received three awards at the Solid Waste Summit 2024 held on January 24, 2024, at the DENR-EMB Regional Office I in San Fernando, La Union.

– Plaque of Recognition for Outstanding Practices in Composting and other RA 9003 Programs

– Solid Waste Enforcement Excellence Award

– Green Governance Excellence Award

Three barangays also received recognition, the Green Governance Excellence Award (Barangay Level). These are Brgy. Sancagulis, Brgy. Inirangan, and Brgy. Tococ East.

 

Performance Award, Received by MADAC

On January 25, the DILG conferred the National Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Award after the town received 100 functionality points in the 2019 and 2020 ADAC Performance Audit. This recognition serves as concrete evidence of the Quiambao-Sabangan administration's continued fight against illegal drugs in order to maintain order in the country.

 

ESWMO, Recognized at 6th Ecological Solid Waste Management Summit

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Office and LGU Bayambang were recognized at the 6th Ecological Solid Waste Management Summit held by DENR-Environmental Management Bureau Region I on January 26 at Kabaleyan Cove Resort, San Carlos City, Pangasinan. The first recognition was due to the approval of its 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan. The second recognition is for being one of the models for the implementation of waste diversion activities.

 

Bayambang, Good Financial Housekeeping Passer

The town of Bayambang was once again among those that passed the Good Financial Housekeeping audit of the DILG for the year 2023. The criteria for being a GFH passer include a favorable opinion from the Commission on Audit and compliance of the LGU with the government's Full Disclosure Policy.

 

Mayor Niña, 4^th Top Performing Mayors of Pangasinan

According to the report of an independent survey by Hypothesis Philippines, Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao is the fourth among the Top Performing Mayors of Pangasinan in December 2023. This is based on the answers of 10,000 respondents who were chosen to be asked  randomly to find out the job performance of the mayors of Pangasinan.

 

February 

Bayambang MNAO, Formally Honored by NNC

Bayambang Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Venus Bueno was formally honored as one of the top 10 MNAOs nationwide for the year 2023, at the awarding ceremony held by the National Nutrition Council on February 12 at the Manila Hotel.

 

RHU II, Top Performing Newborn Screening Facility

The Rural Health Unit II of Bayambang was recognized by the Newborn Screening Center of Northern Luzon on February 5, 2024, as one of the top performing newborn screening facilities of Region One in the Primary Care - Government Category. This is based on the recorded Unsatisfactory Rate of 0.00 in the 2nd quarter of the year 2023.

 

March

ESWMO, Recognized by GSO Lingayen

In the 1st Quarter Meeting of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board, the General Services Office (GSO) of LGU-Lingayen recognized LGU-Bayambang especially the ESWMO for its effective implementation of programs and strategies for maintaining cleanliness in the town.

 

PESO-Bayambang Wins 3 Awards

PESO-Bayambang received three awards in the DOLE Region 1 PESO Year-End Performance Assessment (YEPA) held on March 11-13, 2024, in Alaminos City. The three Special Citations are:

 - Top Performing PESO in Career Development Support Program

- Timely Submission of Monthly Reports

-  Institutionalization of Barangay Employment Service Offices or BESO

 

 

May 

RHU I, Top Performing Newborn Screening Facility

RHU I was recognized by the DOH’s Newborn Screening Center - Northern Luzon as one of the top-performing newborn screening facilities out of 18 newborn screening facilities they screened throughout Region I, and the facility has a satisfactory rating.

 

LGU-Bayambang Receives Excellence Award from PhALGA

LGU-Bayambang, through the Municipal Accounting Office, received the Excellence Award from the PhALGA or Philippine Association of Local Government Accountants on May 15, 2024 at the John Hay Trade and Cultural Center, Baguio City, as part of the group's 19th Annual National Conference. This recognition is for LGUs with an Unmodified or Unqualified Audit Opinion based on the 2022 COA Annual Audit Report of the Commission on Audit.

 

June

LGU, Recognized for Supporting DICT Initiatives

A plaque of appreciation was awarded by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to the ICT Office for its strong support of the agency's eGOV PH app and eLGU System, which promotes ICT-related initiatives to foster the digitalization of public service. It was awarded as part of the DICT's eLGU Launching and Kick-off ceremony on June 6, 2024, in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

 

July

LGU, "Highly Functional" in LCAT-VAWC, according to DILG Audit

LGU-Bayambang was one of the successful passers of the Functionality Audit of the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence against Women (LCAT-VAWC) for the year 2024. Bayambang achieved a "Highly Functional" rating with a score of 108, according to the DILG audit.

 

August

Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao Receives Blood Samaritan Bronze Award

On August 2, 2024, Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao was awarded the Blood Samaritan Bronze Award and a Certificate of Appreciation by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Pangasinan Chapter. This was in recognition of her active participation in various blood donation programs as the President of the PRC-San Carlos City Branch Council.

Bayambang Receives the Pinabli Award

The LGU-Bayambang was awarded the Pinabli Award by the PRC on August 2 for collecting 438 blood units in 2023.

September

Bayambang Wins GeoRiskPH Best Practice Award

On September 16, 2024, Bayambang was honored with the Best Practice in Adopting the GeoRiskPH Platform by the DOST-Phivolcs, for its proactive adoption of the platform in disaster risk reduction and climate change planning.

Mayor Niña Re-elected as PRC-San Carlos City Branch Council President

Mayor Niña was re-elected as President of the PRC-San Carlos City Branch Council on September 2, 2024, for the term 2024-2026.

Bayambang Recognized by PSU

The LGU received a Certificate of Recognition from Pangasinan State University (PSU) on September 9 for its contributions to advancing the university's goals and initiatives.

Bayambang Named 2nd Runner-up in ‘Model LGU Implementing 4Ps’

Bayambang was awarded 2nd Runner-up for the ‘Model LGU Implementing 4Ps’ at the 3rd Quarter Municipal Advisory Council meeting by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

RHU I Awarded for Excellence in Healthcare

On September 30, 2024, the Rural Health Unit I of Bayambang was recognized as the Highest Performing PhilHealth Konsulta Package Provider in Pangasinan for 2023.

October

Bayambang Honored at the 2024 4Ps Partnership Summit

At the 2024 4Ps Summit on October 16, Bayambang was recognized for its support of the 4Ps program in Region I.

Bayambang Municipal Nutrition Committee Wins CROWN Award

Bayambang’s Municipal Nutrition Committee was named CROWN Winner for consistent excellence in nutrition services.

Bayambang Wins 3rd Place in Business Competitiveness Infrastructure Category

At the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), Bayambang ranked 3rd in the Business Competitiveness - Infrastructure Category for Region I.

Bayambang’s Anti-Drug Council Achieves "High Functional" Rating

The Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council of Bayambang received a "High Functional" rating in the 2024 ADAC audit by the DILG.

November

Bayambang Wins the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for 2024

Bayambang was awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for 2024, reflecting the LGU's commitment to good governance under Mayor Niña’s leadership.

Bayambang Receives "Beyond Compliant" Rating in Gawad KALASAG

For the 24th Gawad KALASAG by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Bayambang received a "Beyond Compliant" rating, recognizing its excellence in disaster risk management.

Municipal Treasury Receives 3 Awards

The Municipal Treasurer’s Office received three awards from the Bureau of Local Government Finance during the Regional Year-end Assessment Conference held from November 26-29 in Quezon City. in recognition of the excellence and contribution of LGU-Bayambang, in the implementation of financial programs and projects.

1. Top 5 Among 1st Class Municipalities in Region I in Terms of Ratio of Locally Sourced Revenues to Total Current Operating Income for Fiscal Year 2023
2. Top 3 Highest Locally Sourced Revenues in Nominal Terms for Fiscal Year 2023
3. Top 4 Highest Locally Sourced Revenues in Nominal Terms for Fiscal Year 2022

December

LGU and PESO Recognized at Provincial Awards

The LGU-Bayambang, under Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao, and Bayambang Public Employment Services Officer Gernalyn Santos were honored at the Bolun Awards organized by the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council, held at the Sison Auditorium, Lingayen, on December 5. Santos was recognized as the 2nd runner-up Outstanding Migrant Desk Officer in Pangasinan for 2024. The Federation of Bayambang Overseas Workers Inc. was also named 2nd runner-up in their category and received a P15,000 fund in recognition of their volunteer work to improve the welfare of fellow OFWs.

RHU, Nutrition, Earn New Awards at the 14th Provincial Health Summit

Thanks to the active support of Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao and the Quiambao-Sabangan administration for the health sector, the Rural Health Units and Municipal Nutrition Action Office were once again recognized at the 14th Pangasinan Provincial Health Summit held on December 6 in Calasiao. The MNAO was awarded the Green Banner Seal of Compliance. Sancagulis Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) Analiza Natividad also won the Most Outstanding BNS of Pangasinan award once again.

Bayambang, Compliant with the Solid Waste Management Plan

The town of Bayambang under the management of Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao has successfully implemented the ten important aspects of its Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) for the year 2023. This is based on the evaluation conducted by the validation personnel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on November 11-12. According to the report, Bayambang has been compliant in ten aspects of solid waste management from 

MHO Receives 4 Gawad Kalusugan from DOH 

The Municipal Health Office received Gawad Kalusugan 2024 at Regional Awards by DOH Ilocos Center for Health Development Region I, Dec 9, 2024, Hotel Van Gogh, Candon, Ilocos Sur:

1. Palbayani Awards - Newborn Screening Exemplary Award

2. Palbayani Awards - Top Implementers on Pharmaceutical Management.

3. Bannuar Iti Salun-At Award - Best Oral Health Program Implementer (Municipal/City Level)

4. Bannuar Iti Salun-At Award. Best Nutrition Program Implementer (Municipal/City Level)

Seal of Good Local Governance, Formally Received by LGU-Bayambang

On December 10, the LGU formally received the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government for the year 2024, in an awarding ceremony held at the Manila Hotel. SATOM was represented by Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao, Dr. Cezar Quiambao, in said ceremony. The SGLG is the highest honor an LGU can achieve from the national government.