LGU Santo Tomas Officials Seek Support from BFP National Headquarters for Firetruck Provision and Standard Fire Station Construction
Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III, together with MLGOO Marilou Ortiz and LGU Santo Tomas representatives, paid a productive visit to the Office of BFP Chief FDIR Jesus P. Fernandez, CESE at the BFP National Headquarters to submit a request for a new firetruck and follow up on the construction of a standard fire station for Santo Tomas. Warmly accommodated by FSUPT Gilbert I. Valdez, the delegation also had a meaningful exchange with former BFP Provincial Director of Pangasinan, now Legal Officer of the Chief BFP, FSSUPT Georgian DM Pascua, making the visit both inspiring and fruitful for the continued progress of Santo Tomas.
“RHU Brings School-Based Immunization Drive to 6 Public Schools in Santo Tomas”
SANTO TOMAS, Pangasinan — The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Santo Tomas is bringing healthcare closer to the youth through its Bakuna Eskwela on the Move! initiative, delivering life-saving vaccines to six public schools in the municipality.
Under the Department of Health’s School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program, RHU personnel administered vaccines against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, and Diphtheria. The program aims to shield school-aged children from preventable yet serious illnesses, ensuring they remain healthy and ready to learn.
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Timothy Villar VII emphasized that immunization is one of the most effective ways to safeguard children’s well-being and prevent disease outbreaks in the community.
Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III expressed their full support for the initiative, highlighting that the health of children remains a top priority for the local government. “Investing in children’s health is investing in the future of Santo Tomas,” Mayor Villar said.
The School-Based Immunization Program not only secures the welfare of students but also contributes to building a stronger, healthier community for generations to come.
Salvacion Inaugurates New Barangay Health Facility
Barangay Salvacion, Santo Tomas — A new Barangay Health Facility was officially inaugurated and blessed on August 12, 2025, marking another step in bringing accessible and quality healthcare closer to the community.
The ceremony was graced by officials from the Local Government Unit of Santo Tomas, a representative from the Department of Health (DOH), Municipal Health Officer Dr. Timothy Villar VII, RHU personnel, members of the Santo Tomas OFW Family Association, barangay chairmen, and senior citizens.
Barangay Chair Veronica Sanchez shared that the project was first initiated under the leadership of the late former Chairman Tolentino Rabara and was completed through the strong support of the LGU, the DOH, and Congressman Ramon Guico Jr.
DOH representative Ms. Jasmine Baloca, in her message, lauded the municipality for prioritizing healthcare and establishing health facilities even beyond DOH programs. She challenged other barangay leaders to follow Salvacion’s example and build health stations for their own communities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Villar highlighted the services available in the new facility, such as access to medicines, routine medical checkups, maternal and child care, and emergency services. He emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare, encouraging residents to seek consultations regularly, even when they feel well.
Mayor Dickerson Villar expressed gratitude to the DOH for its continued partnership, particularly to Ms. Baloca, and reminded the community that medical care must go hand in hand with faith, saying, “Prayer is a stronger solution to our illnesses.”
The blessing of the health facility was officiated by Rev. Fr. Abelardo Cruz Sr., who also blessed other newly completed barangay structures, including public comfort rooms.
With the new health facility, residents of Barangay Salvacion and neighboring San Agustin will now have quicker access to essential healthcare services, strengthening the community’s resilience and well-being
PDEA Lauds Santo Tomas, Pangasinan as Drug-Free Municipality
SANTO TOMAS, PANGASINAN – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has officially commended Santo Tomas for achieving the status of a Drug-Free Municipality, a milestone hailed as a product of strong community cooperation and decisive local leadership.
PDEA Provincial Officer IAV Rechie Camacho led the recognition, expressing pride in the town’s accomplishment and urging residents to sustain their active support for the intensified anti-illegal drug campaign of the Local Government Unit (LGU) under Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III.
Mayor Villar, in his message, assured PDEA that the municipal government remains fully committed to supporting all anti-drug initiatives to preserve Santo Tomas’ drug-free status.
The activity also featured lectures from PDEA resource speakers IO I Rhea Camiding, BDCP Officer, and IO II Glaiza Rose Abalos Jumawan, Balay Silangan Official. They discussed the documentary requirements and parameters of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP), stressing that consistency in implementation is vital for maintaining the town’s drug-free status and for qualifying for the prestigious Balangay Seal of Excellence Award—the highest recognition for BDCP implementers. The Drug-Free Workplace Program was likewise presented.
Meanwhile, MLGOO Marilou Ortiz called on all stakeholders to uphold their commitment not just for awards and recognition, but to ensure genuine peace and order programs are sustained in the municipality.
Over 1,000 Santo Tomas Residents Receive DSWD Relief Packs
SANTO TOMAS, PANGASINAN – More than a thousand residents of Santo Tomas received family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on August 9, 2025, at the Antonio P. Villar (APV) Gymnasium as part of relief operations for those affected by recent storms and monsoon rains.
The distribution was facilitated through the leadership of Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III, who underscored the local government’s commitment to extending immediate assistance to vulnerable sectors of the community.
Beneficiaries included senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), daycare workers, farmers, fisherfolk, tricycle drivers, and other workers who were heavily impacted by the calamity.
“This effort is a reflection of our dedication to public service and our compassion for the people of Santo Tomas,” Mayor Villar said, assuring continuous support for families as they recover from the effects of the disaster.
The activity highlighted the LGU’s partnership with DSWD in providing timely assistance and ensuring that no affected family is left behind.
ALS Graduates Honored in Santo Tomas Ceremony
SANTO TOMAS, PANGASINAN – The Alternative Learning System (ALS) Graduation was held at the Amang Timot People’s Public Auditorium, celebrating perseverance, second chances, and new beginnings for learners from various municipalities.
Mayor Dickerson D. Villar and Vice Mayor Timoteo “Dick” S. Villar III, together with the Sangguniang Bayan Members, graced the ceremony to personally congratulate the graduates.
In his message, Vice Mayor Villar wished the graduates success in their chosen paths and assured them that the offices of both the Mayor and Vice Mayor remain open to provide support whenever needed. Mayor Villar, meanwhile, inspired the graduates by sharing his personal life story, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith and to strive for excellence in pursuit of a brighter future.
Also present to extend their support were Alcala Mayor Atty. Manuel T. Collado, Alcala Vice Mayor Jojo Callejo, and Rosales Vice Mayor John Isaac Kho.
DepEd Pangasinan II officials expressed their gratitude to the LGU of Santo Tomas for generously providing the venue and facilities, which helped make the graduation a meaningful and memorable milestone.
This year’s ALS graduates included 13 from Santo Tomas, 29 from Alcala, 44 from Balungao, 31 from Bautista, 16 from Rosales I, 33 from Rosales II, and 17 from San Quintin — each representing a story of determination, perseverance, and hope that proves learning has no limits.
Santo Tomas Farmers Undergo Training on Chicken Production, Feed Formulation
SANTO TOMAS, PANGASINAN – Members of the United Barangay San Antonio Santo Tomas Farmer’s Association Inc. recently participated in a training on chicken production and feed formulation utilizing local materials, organized in support of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) and the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES).
The initiative aimed to equip local farmers with practical knowledge and technical skills in raising poultry and formulating their own feeds using readily available resources. By doing so, farmers are expected to reduce reliance on costly commercial feeds, enhance productivity, and improve their overall livelihood.
Mayor Dickerson D. Villar personally visited the training to show his support, recognizing the importance of empowering Tomasino farmers through sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
“This program opens more livelihood opportunities for our farmers. Poultry farming can serve as an additional and reliable source of income while promoting cost-efficiency through locally formulated feeds,” Mayor Villar said.
Aside from its economic benefits, the training also contributes to food security in the community by ensuring the availability of affordable and nutritious poultry products. It likewise fosters unity among association members, encouraging collaboration and shared growth.
With continued support from SAAD, PAFES, and the local government, the United Barangay San Antonio Santo Tomas Farmer’s Association Inc. is expected to strengthen its role in promoting sustainable agriculture and building a brighter future for its members.
