Gov. Guico III Begins Second Term with Renewed Push for Health, Education, and Infrastructure

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — With a fresh mandate and a renewed sense of purpose, Governor Ramon V. Guico III reaffirmed his commitment to transform Pangasinan through sustained investments in health, education, agriculture, tourism, and grassroots development as he officially began his second term as provincial chief executive.

During his inauguration held on June 30 at the historic Sison Auditorium, Guico highlighted his administration’s focus on long-term, community-driven projects that began in his first term and are now poised to flourish.

“Think long-term, yet connect more with the communities,” the governor said. “We were able to start major reforms and now, our duty is to nurture these and wait for them to grow.”

Healthcare at the Core

Healthcare remains a cornerstone of Guico’s agenda. He emphasized strengthening the province’s Guiconsulta program, which complements PhilHealth’s Konsulta outpatient benefit scheme. Under Guiconsulta, Pangasinan residents receive transportation and food allowances to access free consultations, lab tests, and medicines.

“Our target is to enroll at least 2 million Pangasinenses in the Konsulta program. These efforts are a testament to our belief that a healthy society is the foundation of progress,” Guico said.

As of May 2025, 600,945 Pangasinenses have already accessed Konsulta services. The province boasts 81 Konsulta-accredited healthcare facilities, and the governor plans to build more, including specialized hospitals like a Heart Center, Lung Center, Clinical Center, and a Cancer Institute.

Education as a Lifeline

In education, the governor is expanding the reach and impact of the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC), which now has newly recognized programs such as BS Agribusiness, BS Multimedia Arts, BS in Public Administration major in Local Governance, and BS Special Needs Education.

Guico announced the construction of a four-story building with 34 classrooms in the PPC Lingayen campus and the establishment of new campuses in Umingan and Bugallon. His administration also plans to open a School of Medicine and Health Sciences to train future doctors, nurses, and medical professionals.

“This is our way of building a brighter future for the youth through free and quality education,” he said.

Infrastructure and Tourism Development

Among the major infrastructure initiatives launched in his first term is the Pangasinan Link Expressway and the Capitol Complex Redevelopment Masterplan, which includes:

• 1. The longest reflective pool in the country
• 2. An interactive dancing fountain
• 3. A 1,500-seat convention center
• 4. An 11-story Pangasinan Government Center
• 5. The Capitol Flood Control Project

Guico said these projects not only modernize the seat of provincial governance but also help position Pangasinan as a tourism and business destination.

Community Outreach and Grassroots Empowerment

True to his campaign for a government that listens, Guico introduced an aggressive community outreach program aimed at reaching every corner of Pangasinan. The initiative provides:

• -Free medical and dental check-ups
• -Laboratory tests like ECG and X-ray
• -Health kits with vitamins and medicine
• -Free hot meals for residents

“We are bringing services to the grassroots. It’s not enough to just govern from the Capitol—we must go to where the people are,” Guico said.

Boosting Agriculture Amid Challenges

Despite gains from the province’s Corporate Farming Program, Guico acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers due to low palay buying prices. He called on local finance heads, the provincial agriculture office, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to mobilize funding for more assistance to farmers.

National Recognition and Moving Forward

Guico’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. The province received numerous accolades, including:

• –2024 Healthy Communities Award from the Department of Health
• –Seal of Good Local Governance from the DILG
• –Best LGU Implementer for KADIWA ng Pangulo from the Department of Agriculture

With strong support from his constituents and a clear roadmap ahead, Governor Guico called on Pangasinenses to continue standing behind his administration.

“This is a new chapter in our public service. Let us journey forward—together—to make Pangasinan healthier, smarter, and stronger than ever,” he concluded.