Hymn becomes source of pride in Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY—A provincial hymn, in their own language, has given every Pangasinense reason to be proud.

The song, “Luyag ko tan Yaman” (My Province and Treasure) was composed by Raul “Insyong” Tamayo, known in the province for his novelty songs that mirror the daily lives and character of Pangasinenses.

Tamayo said the song, which he wrote in 2008, reflects his pride as a Pangasinense, and “which every Pangasinense should feel.”

The provincial board on Monday approved Provincial Ordinance 154-2011 adopting the song as the province’s official hymn.

The ordinance required the playing and singing of the hymn in public and official functions every Monday morning during flag-raising ceremonies.

The song was first played officially during the launching of the “I Love Pangasinan” campaign on Monday to celebrate the province’s tourism month.

The song aims to “instill into the hearts and minds of every Pangasinense the love, loyalty and patriotism [for] one’s own home province, and the protection of and preservation of the environment.”

The first two stanzas of the song are: “Sekder ka tan dayew mi / Pangasinan ya pinabli / Deen mo tan iyaliguas / Piugagep ko lawas / Diad pusok Pangasinan / Agka nalingwanan/ Luyag ko a nianakan / Peteg tan yaman (You are our strength and honor / Pangasinan we love / Your peace and success / Is our wish / In my heart Pangasinan / You will always be / Province of my birth / You are my true treasure).”

The other lines speak of the province’s bountiful seas and mountains, and the Pangasinenses’ pledge to love and defend their province always.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. said Pangasinenses must learn the language and the province’s culture and traditions.

The “I Love Pangasinan” campaign urges Pangasinenses to express their love for the province not only through words but actions.

Espino said showing appreciation and love for the province starts from basic things such as cleanliness and self-discipline at home and in schools.

He said people in the province should at least know how to speak the language, even by using simple terms for those whose native tongues are Iloko or Tagalog.

Pangasinan-speaking towns are in the central part of the province, while Ilokano is spoken in eastern and western towns.