LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) in close collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 1, reinforced their shared commitment to environmental protection during the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed Environmental Laboratory Building of the DENR-EMB Region 1 on February 5, 2026 in Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando.

Gov. Mario underscored the importance of collaboration in delivering public infrastructure projects, citing the laboratory as a product of shared responsibility among national and local agencies. “We cannot realize a project without working together for it,” the governor said, highlighting the facility’s role in strengthening environmental monitoring and regulation in the region.

The project was realized through a multi-agency partnership involving DENR-EMB Region 1, with support from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under its infrastructure program, and the donation of land by the PGLU.

Among those present at the inauguration were DPWH Region 1 Director Engr. Richard A. Ragasa, DENR-EMB Region 1 officials including Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe and Engr. Nicanor C. Esteban, and DENR Region 1 OIC Regional Executive Director Atty. Ronnel C. Sopsop.

This joint initiative between the PGLU and DENR-EMB marks a significant step in reinforcing La Union’s proactive approach to environmental protection and regulation to continue to support the province’s long-term ecological stewardship.