SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – The Mais Festival of the town of Tubao was crowned champion in the first-ever Battle of La Union Festivals: Street Dancing Competition, one of the highlights of the 176th La Union Founding Anniversary celebration. The 20 towns of La Union, including the city of San Fernando, excelled in their hometowns festivals wearing colorful costumes as they danced to the tune of the tourism jingle “Feel La Union” along the city’s main streets last afternoon and in a showdown competition at night at the Francisco Ortega Convention Center, on February 21. Apart from being the champion of the Mais Festival with a cash prize of P300,000, they were also crowned Best in Production Design with a prize of P20,000. The Panagyaman Festival of the town of Balaoan was crowned First Runner-up. The Abel-Panday Festival of Balaoan was named 2nd Runner-up, receiving P200,000 and an additional P20,000, after one their team was selected to be the Reyna Ti Agkaysa title, while the Tinungbo Festival of Pugo and Best in Street Dance was the 3rd Runner-up, with a total prize of P170,000 and the Kawayan Festival of Sudipen was the 4th Runner-up with a prize of P100,000. With the theme ‘RiknaTi Agkaysa’, the anniversary of La Union, sincerely reflects the spirit of the promoted “LaUnionAgkaysa” which highlighted the celebration, where the municipalities once again united in showcasing the rich culture and eternal pride of their respective towns. As the Elyucanos proudly showcase their talents, the Provincial Government of La Union continues to elevate platforms that celebrate and preserve the unique cultural identity and heritage of each town. 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 Tubao Mayor Atty. Jonalyn Garcia Fontanilla-Piayas this journey was guided by a clear vision and united purpose, said in her post at social media. From preparation to performance, the whole municipality moved as one – proving that when leadership is firm and the community stands together, excellence follows. Behind the brilliance on stage were countless sleepless nights, exhausting rehearsals, tired bodies, and silent sacrifices. Yet our performers never wavered. Led by the pride of Tubao, Sta. Teresa National High School, together with other participating schools, carried our culture and story with pride onto the grand stage of La Union. This success was made even stronger by the creative minds and leadership behind the performance: Head Choreographer: Ralph Ancheta Instrumentalist: STCB Musical Director: Leonard Paul Barrozo Props Director: Raymond Ancheta and Company Street Dance Coordinators: Vanessa Paula Abiog, Riza Diaz and John Paul Danao Chairman: Renz Delizo Co – Chairman: Melanio Danao TNHS Principal: Robert Estoesta SAMA Principal: Marianita Romero “To all teachers, choreographers, musicians, props team, parents, volunteers, Barangay officials, and all who believed and supported — thank you. This victory reflects your dedication, talent, and unity. Not every seed is applauded when it is planted – but when it blooms, it speaks for itself. This is more than a trophy; it is proof that perseverance, trust, and collective effort yield golden results.” (By Zaldy Comanda)

By Ruben A.Veloria Cong. Doris”Nanay Bing” Manoquiz (2nd District,Zambales)(3rd, R), together with (L-R) LtCol. Mark Anthony Ruelos, Commander 69th IB; Botolan Vice Mayor Atty. Nick Manzo, Board Member Jun Rundy Ebdane, DPWH Region 3 Director Engr. Arnold Ocampo, Zambales PENRO, and BGen Ronald Bautista PA, showing the plan of the camo, perspective, and the newspaper, before inserting inside the time capsule. (RAVeloria) BOTOLAN, Zambales, Philippines — Congresswoman Doris “Nanay Bing” Maniquiz, (2nd Dist., Zambales) led the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a P260 million Philippine Army base camp in Barangay San Juan here. Military officers and local government officials attended the ceremony, including 702nd Infantry Brigade Commander BGen. Ronald Bautista PA, 69th Infantry Battalion Cdr. LCol. Mark Anthony Ruelos PA, DPWH Region 3 Director Engr. Arnold Ocampo, DENR-PENRO Marife Castillo, Zambales Board Member Jun Rundy Ebdane, and community leaders. Cong. Maniquiz said the presence of the 69th Infantry Battalion in the province does not only invite tourists, but also promotes a peaceful environment that will attract investors due to the secured area. The new Army base camp shall be constructed on the hilltop of Sitio Alao, Barangay San Juan in Botolan where the new Battalion administrative building, officers’ quarters, company barracks, motor pool building, munition dump, and multi-purpose hall will be constructed. The base will be named Lt. Francis Villanueva PAF, a Botolan-born helicopter pilot who was killed while trying to bring supplies and troops in a base camp in the mountain of Kalinga amid strong wind.  A total of 12 ha. of land was donated for the base camp. Ten ha. of which land will be donated by the office of PENRO Officer Marife Castillo upon request of Cong. Maniquiz to be used as a training ground for new recruits and refresher course for active personnel. For his part, DPWH-R3 Director Engr. Ocampo said, “This project is under the TIKAS Program which aims to bring forth to the defenders of democracy the facilities with the most quality for operations in building infrastructures for peaceful community, development and security,” Ocampo said. TIKAS Program or “Tatag ng Imprastraktura para sa Kapayapaan at Seguridad” (Strength of Infrastructure for Peace and Security), is a joint DND-DPWH convergence initiative designed to build and rehabilitate military Facilities nationwide using DPWH funds to enhance AFP facility readiness, improve personnel welfare, and support the “Build Better More” infrastructures program. For BGen. Bautista recalled that in the past, soldiers suffice themselves with only makeshift barracks which they improve with what materials they could avail. “But today, through the initiative of Cong. Nanay Bing, we will be transferring to all new facilities-barracks, admin office, quarters and more. These will not only boost the morale of the soldiers, they make them feel that the support of the community and by the government. Thank you, Nanay Bing,” Bautista said. Meanwhile, Cong.Maniquiz expressed her wholehearted gratitude for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro for supporting the project, and to Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane for trusting her projects and for the technical assistance she needed.

LA UNION, Philippines – Driven by a call to serve the public during its 176th Founding Anniversary, the various offices of the Provincial Government of La Union have stepped up their game—not just to lead, but to demonstrate a deep sense of servitude in leadership. Central to this mission is the Aldaw iti Umili, on February 20, 2026 in Aringay, La Union. This reflected the provincial leaders’ unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality public service in honor of the Kailians of La Union. The event delivered essential government services directly to the community, providing medical-dental care, agricultural and environmental support, veterinary services, and legal consultations. As the festivities continue to shine, PGLU remains steadfast in its commitment to serve in excellence. By aligning their agendas with a focus on inclusive growth, the provincial leaders are working towards a sustainable model of development tailored to the unique needs of our kailians in La Union.

  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.

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Saludo Hotline was formally launched at the Quezon Convention Center, this city, on Thursday morning, Feb.19. The Saludo hotline, which will recognize the good deeds of each police officer and other units. According to Julieta Rañeses, Napolcom regional director, it is appropriate to recognize police officers who perform their duties with full skill. She mentioned that in Quezon police under the leadership of Police Col. Romulo Albacea only 36 police officers, based on the record, have been linked to bad work. Provincial administrator Manuel Butardo represents Quezon gov. Angelina Tan, who reads the message of support of the provincial government. Rañeses, hoped that the program of the commission would have a positive outcome, that the majority of police officers would do good things for the community. Police officers assigned to various police stations who performed good deeds were given recognition. The Saludo Hotline provides the public with a dedicated platform to submit commendations, positive reports, and testimonials for police personnel who exemplify professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public service. This initiative reinforces police accountability, enhances public confidence, and promotes a culture of excellence in law enforcement across the CALABARZON region.        

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — FCF Minerals Corporation will shut down its Runruno Gold Project by the end of 2026 after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) suspended the Dupax Exploration Permit, the mine firm announced this week. Management said the suspension cut off the mine’s “last operational lifeline.” Employees were notified this week that existing gold reserves at Runruno are nearly depleted, and the halted Dupax exploration program would have been the only way to extend the mine’s life. “Without reserve replacement, operations must end,” said Lorne Harvey, FCF Minerals General Manager. The closure will affect more than 1,500 workers and ripple through local businesses, including contractors, suppliers, and transport providers. Local government revenues, national taxes, royalties, and community development funding tied to production will also stop. FCF Minerals said it had hoped exploration in Dupax would preserve jobs and sustain economic contributions. Analysts noted that regulatory interruptions at this stage can have irreversible effects on mines nearing depletion, highlighting risks for investors in the Philippine mining sector. The company vowed a responsible closure, complying with all laws and environmental standards. “Our responsibility extends to employees, host communities, shareholders, and government stakeholders,” Harvey said. “Runruno’s closure will be carried out safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with Philippine regulations.” Harvey also vowed he will issue updates as the transition progresses.