Lingayen, Pangasinan – Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino lauded the Pangasinan Migration and Development Council (PMDC) officials and members for a successful and productive year during the year-end assessment meeting held on December 13 at the Pangasinan PESO Multi-Purpose Hall, Capitol Complex, here.
“A lot of things have been done, a lot more things will be done, and a lot more things can be done. Basta sama-sama po tayong nagtratrabaho at lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa Diyos at para sa Pangasinan. I see bigger opportunities and bigger stars in your outputs come 2024.”
Likewise, the Vice Governor shared some of the significant plans and programs that would improve the lives of Pangasinenses, such as the proposed construction of an OFW Academy in the province.

VG Lambino further disclosed that said program was designed to help our citizens in the labor force and aimed to train them to be ready to work locally and internationally, in particular, in preparation for the job opportunities that will open up in Asia and the Korean Penisula.
On a similar note, Executive Assistant II Ronn Dale Castillo who represented Gov. Ramon V. Guico III acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of the PMDC as he called for their continued support and commitment to serve even more as the governor tries to push the boundaries and limits of Pangasinan, especially in employment and migration services.

“Please do not lose your hearts; keep the fire in serving our province and in serving our people because the governor is with you. He will never get tired of serving the people of Pangasinan because he sees inspiration in you,” Atty. Castillo said.

Discussed during the PMDC Year-end Meeting include the DMW Programs and Future Plans, Ways Forward and the presentation of Highlights of Accomplishments to wit: Pangasinan OFW Desk/Assistance to OFWs (a total of 12,005 active and returning OFWs and their dependents were given various assistance); Anti-illegal Recruitment Campaign (conducted series of Pre-employment Orientation Seminars with Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons campaign benefitting 3,155 jobseekers for local and overseas employment, OFWs and their families, municipal and barangay officials and government employees from January to October 2023); Capability Building on Migration and Development Program Attendees; Recovery Programs for Displaced/Distressed OFWs; Pangkabuhayan Caravan para sa OFWs (a total of 185 dispalced OFWs were provided with financial assistance amounting to P5,000 each as start-up capital to help them engage in livelihood or small business for the year 2023); and, the first-ever Bolun Awards 2023.

(Chona C. Bugayong / Omar Cruz /PIMRO)