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Region 1

Gov. Ortega aims to restore unity, harmony and progress for all Kailian

Region 1

LA UNION Philippines — Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega shared his first 100 days’ accomplishments at the convention center in Sevilla, La Union, on October 14. In his address, he emphasized that his leadership is centered on unity and service, not political ambitions, and aims to restore harmony and progress for all Kailian. His administration swiftly formed a transition team, aligned with the DILG guidelines, to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Despite challenges like Typhoon Emong, the province responded effectively—mobilizing over ₱150 million in aid for relief and recovery efforts, restoring power, and supporting affected communities. Healthcare, livelihood, and environmental initiatives took priority. The province distributed medical supplies, provided assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, and launched reforestation and coastal cleanup programs to promote sustainability. Investments in education and social services, including scholarships and support for senior citizens, underscored their commitment to inclusive development. Governor Ortega highlighted ongoing projects like new classrooms, hospital repairs, and infrastructure improvements, with plans to turn La Union into the Region I economic hub by 2035. He expressed optimism and dedication to building a resilient, progressive, and environmentally conscious province—working hand in hand with all sectors for a brighter future.

San Quintin LGU to fully subsidize the SSS contribution of over 200 barangay workers

Region 1

URDANETA CITY – Social Security System (SSS) Luzon Central 1 Vice President Vilma P. Agapito and San Quintin Mayor Farah Lee Lumahan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to register San Quintin LGU as the first Contribution Subsidy Provider in Pangasinan. Starting September 2025, 217 barangay workers will receive a P760 monthly subsidy for their SSS contributions, totaling P164,920 in monthly support. The program will be fully funded by the local government throughout the term of Mayor Lumahan, as part of the municipal government’s efforts of enhancing social protection for community-based workers. SSS Vice President for Luzon Central 1 Division Vilma P. Agapito said that the groundbreaking agreement between SSS and an LGU is the first of its kind in Pangasinan and Luzon Central 1 Division which covers Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Population Workers (BPW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), and Child Development Workers (CDW) of the said municipality. “Through this MOA, we are bringing social security protection closer to our grassroots workers who serve as frontliners in their communities. This collaboration with the San Quintin LGU is a trailblazing initiative that we hope other local governments will replicate,” Agapito said. She further emphasized that consistent and regular SSS contribution remittance ensures long-term protection and access to a wide range of benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral, and death benefits. Members also become eligible for salary and calamity loans, providing immediate financial assistance in times of need. Meanwhile, San Quintin Mayor Farah Lee Lumahan highlighted the LGU’s commitment to the barangay workers. “Our barangay workers have long been the backbone of community service. By partnering with SSS under the CSPP, we are ensuring that their sacrifices and contributions are recognized through social security protection. This is just the beginning, as we also commit to include our Civic Volunteer Organization (CVO) workers in 2026,” she said. SSS Urdaneta is also conducting courtesy meetings with other LGUs in its jurisdiction to offer the CSPP, in the hope that they will follow San Quintin’s lead in providing subsidy for the social security coverage of their barangay workers.    

PBBM, pinangunahan ang inagurasyon, inspeksyon sa mga major projects sa Cagayan

Region 1

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Bumisita ngayong umaga, Oktubre 14 si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., kasama si Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, sa lalawigan ng Cagayan para buksan at inspeksyunin ang ilang malalaking projects para sa traffic mobility at flood control and irrigation. Unang pinuntahan ng Pangulo ang bayan ng Claveria upang pormal na buksan ang Union Water Impounding Dam na ginawa ng National Irrigation Administration (NIA) at DPWH upang ma-address ang pagbaha at makatulong sa irigasyon sa lugar. “Itong Union Water Impounding Dam is an example of how flood control projects should be. Isa ito sa mga balak natin ireplicate sa ibang lugar na nangangailangan ng flood control solution na pwede ring mag-function as a dam,” ayon kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. Nasa 1,050-hectare na farmland ang masusuplayan ng bagong dam. Sumunod nito, ininspeksyon din ng Pangulo ang long-span bridge sa Cagayan River na siyang magdudugtong sa mga bayan ng Calamaniugan at Aparri. “Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo natin na gawing mas maayos at mabilis ang mobility ng ating mga kababayan at ang kabuhayan sa Cagayan Region. Kaya pinapamadali na natin ang pagtatayo nitong 1.58-kilometer Calamaniugan Bridge para maging mas mabilis na ang biyahe ng mga motorista pati na rin ang mga goods and services papunta sa northeastern at northwestern parts ng Cagayan,” sabi ni Secretary Dizon.

SSS Laoag extends social security protection to NIA Ilocos Norte’s Job Order, COS workers

Region 1

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Laoag has partnered with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Ilocos Norte Irrigation Management Office to ensure the social security protection of 118 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers through the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP). The partnership was formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held last July 28 with SSS represented by SSS Acting Vice President of Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso and SSS Laoag Branch Head Richard Raralio, and NIA Ilocos Norte represented by Division Manager Engr. Joselito A. De Vera, MPA. Under the KCP, NIA’s JO and COS workers will be registered as SSS Self-Employed members.  NIA shall be responsible for the collection and remittance of monthly contributions to SSS Laoag. “These workers are not covered under the GSIS Law, so the SSS is stepping in to provide them with the social security protection they deserve,” said Umoso. “Through the KCP, they will have access to a wide range of benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral, as well as loan privileges.” Umoso said. Umoso added that monthly contributions for Self-Employed members range from ₱760 to ₱5,280, depending on their declared monthly income, inclusive of Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions ranging from P10.00 to P30.00. The EC Program is an additional benefit for employed and self-employed members for work-related sickness, injury, or death. She also clarified that government employees who previously worked in the private sector and wish to continue their SSS membership may enroll as voluntary members, although this category excludes EC coverage. “Regardless of membership category, regular contribution payments secure member’s eligibility to SSS benefits and loan privileges. Aside from that, those enrolled in the SSS Mandatory Provident Fund or MySSS Pension Booster can enjoy their additional savings upon retirement,” Umoso added. SSS Laoag Branch head Richard Raralio encouraged other government agencies and Local Government Units in Ilocos Norte to enroll their JO and COS workers under the KaSSSanga Collect Program. “Our branch is ready to assist the interested institutions. Joining KCP is a concrete way of showing appreciation and recognizing the contributions of JOs and COS,” Raralio concluded.        

Pangasinan pushes towards a future Smoke,Vape Free

Region 1

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  – Pangasinan is setting its sights on becoming a ‘smoke and vape-free province’ under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III. This development follows a decisive move to engage the participation and support of all local government units throughout the province in achieving this goal. Recently, 28 local government units (LGUs) in Pangasinan joined the Batch 2 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Training, held from October 1 to 3 at Hotel Seoul, Clark Pampanga. The first batch, which was conducted from August 7 to 9, was participated in by 22 LGUs. The three-day training empowers local leaders, health officers, and policy makers to advance the province’s smoke-free and vape-free vision. Guided by Provincial Ordinance No. 317-2024 or the Comprehensive Smoke-Free Ordinance of Pangasinan, authored by 4th District Board Member (BM) Jerry Agerico B. Rosario, the activity focuses on the global MPOWER strategy. Conducted in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), ASH Philippines, Provincial Department of Health Office (PDHO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the MPOWER strategy includes the monitoring of tobacco/vape use and prevention policies; protection of people from secondhand smoke; assistance to quit tobacco use; warning against ill effects of tobacco use; enforcement of bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; raising of taxes on tobacco products. During the training, BM Rosario, chair of Committee on Health, emphasized the urgency of addressing smoking, a leading preventable cause of death. “Here we are now, and hopefully, with FCTC, we can contribute to (solving) this problem by eliminating one of the main sources of these three top causes of admission and top causes of mortality: heart disease, CVA, and stroke. And that one is smoking,” he said. Meanwhile, Dr. Florante E. Trinidad, National Professional Officer of WHO-Philippines, highlighted the significance of the provincial ordinance. “Importante na ma-appreciate ng ating LGUs na ang Pangasinan ay nagkaroon ng provincial ordinance. Ito ang nag-translate ng FCTC into domestic law, at ito ay para sa mas malawak na proteksyon ng ating mga kababayan laban sa panganib ng paninigarilyo,” Dr. Trinidad stated. So far, nine LGUs, Calasiao, San Carlos City, Anda, Rosales, Umingan, Binalonan, Manaoag, Pozorrubio, and Dagupan City, have formally adopted the ordinance. (Rich Majin|RFR-PIMRO)

La Union coastal clean-up calls for lifestyle change to combat plastic pollution

Region 1

By Kathlene Joyce C. Ramones-PIA   SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines  – La Union’s famous surf town of San Juan is known for its waves, sunsets, and thriving local businesses — but on International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) Day, it became a symbol of a bigger battle: protecting the seas that sustain its people. On September 20, volunteers from Barangays Urbiztondo to Panicsican collected nearly 194 kilograms of trash — mostly cigarette butts, liquor bottles, foam fragments, and single-use plastic packaging. Over 300 participants from government agencies, schools, civic groups, and local barangays joined forces, proving that when a community acts together, it can make a visible difference in just a few hours. But the message of the day went beyond filling trash bags. For the Provincial Government–Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), the clean-up is only a starting point. “Coastal clean-ups are temporary solutions. What makes a lasting impact is when people take the lesson home — choosing reusables, refusing single-use plastics, and managing their waste properly,” said Diana Jutba, senior environmental management specialist of PG-ENRO. The event’s impact was personal for student advocate Gliyan Antonio of Sto. Gliyan Antonio, a student advocate from Sto. Rosario National High School, participated in the clean-up. “I saw how much trash has piled up in the sea and along the shore. It was alarming, but it reminded me that we can still make a difference if we start with self-discipline in managing our waste,” Antonio said. Marine litter is more than an eyesore — it threatens the tourism industry, fishing livelihoods, and marine life that coastal towns like San Juan depend on. According to the Ocean Conservancy, plastic pollution kills thousands of marine animals yearly and contributes to declining fish stocks, a direct hit to communities relying on the sea for food and income. Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, through Special Assistant Marc Cristopher Ortega, thanked participants for showing La Union’s trademark “agkakaysa,” or unity. “This collective action proves that we can protect our environment if we work together. The cleanliness of our seas is a legacy we must pass on to the next generation,” Ortega said. The clean-up was not limited to San Juan. Simultaneous efforts were held across La Union, reinforcing the province’s commitment to ICC, which is observed every third Saturday of September under Proclamation No. 470 (2003). While the nearly 200 kilograms of waste removed is significant, local officials emphasized that the real victory lies in changing daily habits. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and eco-bags, say no to single-use plastics, segregate waste at home, and join monthly coastal clean-ups. For La Union, protecting the ocean means protecting its identity as the Surfing Capital of the North. Each cigarette butt refused, each plastic bag replaced, and each volunteer hour given is a step toward cleaner waves, healthier coasts, and a future where tourism and marine life thrive side by side. (AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)                

PGP Employees Gear Up for Transformative Leadership

Region 1

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  — A total of 150 employees from the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) successfully completed a six-session Leadership Seminar conducted by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, equipping them to serve as facilitators and mentors to their fellow public servants. Focused on six core leadership values : Hope, Listening, Valuing Every Individual, Integrity, Forgiveness, and Multiplication, the training was designed to instill transformative leadership and strengthen values-based governance. This initiative is part of Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s vision of making Pangasinan a model province in terms of moral leadership and good governance. Earlier this year, the provincial government formalized a partnership with the Maxwell Leadership Foundation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in February to promote leadership development and values formation among government workforce. “With all the natural resources of the province, the greatest resource is our people—our human capital,” Gov. Guico emphasized. John Griffin, Maxwell Leadership Foundation Vice President for Global Programs, commended the province’s commitment to employee empowerment. “There’s not a provincial government in the Philippines like this yet in the Philippines, except for here. You are the beginning of transformation for your country,” he said. The collaboration between the PGP and the Maxwell Leadership Foundation underscores the province’s mission to nurture principled leaders, and deliver more efficient, people-centered public service. (Eira Gorospe|RFR, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

Pangasinan marks 500,000 seedlings planted under Green Canopy Program

Region 1

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has successfully planted 500,000 seedlings under Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s Green Canopy Program since its launch in 2023, signaling a major step in the province’s campaign for environmental protection and sustainable development. This achievement was highlighted during a tree planting activity led by Governor Guico at the Eco-Tourism Park in Brgy. Estanza, Lingayen on September 16, in celebration of National Tourism Month and the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary. Coconut seedlings were planted on-site in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), while simultaneous tree-growing activities were also conducted in Mangatarem and Umingan. “Itong ating Green Canopy Program, pagdating ng ilang taon, lalaki ang mga punong ito, yayabong at makakatulong tayo to make our planet very green. Pinopromote po natin ito, ang pagiging makakalikasan natin sa ating lalawigan,” Governor Guico said in his speech. The governor also pointed out the role of coconuts in reviving local livelihoods. “Maghanap tayo ng iba’t ibang lugar para gawin natin mga coconut plantations, especially dito sa Lingayen, and let’s try to revive ang bucayo industry,” he added. Looking ahead, Governor Guico laid out a bigger vision of planting another half a million seedlings under his second term, bringing the program’s overall target to one million trees across Pangasinan. Vice Governor Mark Lambino, who also joined the activity, emphasized the program’s long-term impact. “Layunin po nito na siguraduhin ang ating kinabukasan para sa ating mga kabataan. May maaasahan po sila na kagandahan mula sa ating likas na yaman,” he said. Also present during the tree-growing activity were 2nd District Board Member Philip Cruz, Acting Provincial Administrator Atty. Babyruth Torre, Pangasinan Provincial Community and Livelihood Development Office (PPCLDO) head Ellsworth Gonzales, provincial department heads and employees, and TUPAD volunteers.

La Union starts Search for the Cleanest, Safest, and Greenest LGUs 

Region 1

By PIA La Union   LA UNION, Philippines — The Search for the Cleanest, Safest, and Greenest Local Government Unit in the province of La Union officially kicks off on September 1, 2025, in Bacnotan, La Union. This province-wide initiative aims to institutionalize a system of recognizing LGUs that exemplify excellence in maintaining cleanliness, safety, and environmental sustainability. The Provincial Search Committee, composed of PGLU offices, representatives from various national government agencies (NGAs), and the private sector, will evaluate participating LGUs, municipal bodies of water, and barangays. Winners will receive financial incentives to further support and enhance their environmental projects. Through this search, the PGLU calls on all LGUs, with the full support of every resident, to continuously uphold cleanliness, orderliness, and environmental responsibility—working hand in hand toward building a province that is truly worth living in.

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