LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Gov. Ramon V. Guico III reaffirmed education as a cornerstone of his administration, outlining bold steps to expand the reach and quality of free college education across Pangasinan during his second-term inauguration.

In his speech, Guico highlighted the recent milestone awarded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to the Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC).

“Minarapat ko pong dalhin sa inyo ang pag-gawad ng CHED sa PPC ng Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) para sa apat na kurso,” he said during his inauguration speech last June 30 at the Sison Auditorium. “Simbolo ito ng ating hangarin na mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang ating mga kabataan.”

Currently serving over 700 full scholars, PPC offers students full coverage of tuition and miscellaneous fees. That number is expected to grow significantly as the provincial government builds three new campuses in Umingan, Bugallon, and a new wing in Lingayen.

“Ngayong taon, uumpisahan nating ipatayo ang apat na palapag na may 34 na silid sa PPC Lingayen Campus,” Guico said.

The governor also announced future programs under PPC, including the creation of its own School of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Law, and School of Engineering.

These are designed not only to improve access to education but also address long-standing shortages in skilled professionals in the province.

“Bago matapos ang aking ikalawang termino, bubuksan natin ang PPC School of Medicine and Health Sciences upang punan ang kakulangan ng doktor at nurses sa bansa,” Guico said. “Ipagpatuloy natin ang Galing ng Pangasinan sa larangan ng edukasyon para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak.”

Beyond physical expansion, Guico noted the success of international scholarship tie-ups. The Lotte Scholarship Foundation of South Korea has partnered with PPC, offering additional $450 per semester to qualified students—a boost that ensures access to not just education, but also essential student needs.

Education is also tied into the province’s holistic development model. The “Ipagpatuloy ang Galing” Community Outreach Program, which now serves 1,364 barangays, integrates educational assistance with healthcare and livelihood programs. In partnership with DepEd and barangay officials, the province aims to identify more out-of-school youth and minors in need of intervention—academic or otherwise.

Guico also stressed the importance of moral and civic education alongside academics. “Even if there are varying doctrines, justice, respect for others, love for others—'yun yung mga universal principles we need to promote,” he said, referring to the province’s collaboration with various religious sectors to instill shared values.

Outside the education sector, Guico continues to prioritize public healthcare as a parallel investment in human development.

Under his administration, Pangasinan was recently named a Healthy Communities Awardee by the Department of Health, a recognition shared by only a handful of LGUs nationwide.

New hospitals are being built, and existing ones upgraded, including the Umingan Super Community Hospital and a forthcoming training hospital in San Carlos City. The province is also preparing to launch specialty hospitals and partner with Stanford University Hospital for more advanced, integrated healthcare delivery.

In agriculture, Pangasinan earned the title of Regional Outstanding Kadiwa ng Pangulo (LGU Implementer) from the Department of Agriculture for its aggressive support of MSMEs, farmers, and fisherfolk.

Over 2,500 local exhibitors have participated in trade fairs through the provincial government’s efforts, earning over ₱21 million. Infrastructure projects such as warehouses, drying pavements, and a ₱239-million Bangus hatchery in Bolinao are also underway to boost food security and rural livelihood.

Guico also emphasized the importance of integrated development through the “Ipagpatuloy ang Galing” Community Outreach Program, which combines education, health, livelihood, and infrastructure assistance at the barangay level. “Tayo ay dumalaw sa mga komunidad, hindi lang para maghatid ng serbisyo, kundi para marinig ang hinaing ng mga tao mismo,” he said.

With plans to scale up outreach visits across Pangasinan’s 1,364 barangays, the governor called on stakeholders to help sustain programs that directly uplift everyday lives.

With an agenda that combines infrastructure, accessibility, and values-based education, Guico called on Pangasinenses to work hand in hand for a better future.