By Venus Trixia P. Barbero   SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union is prioritizing the health of its constituents through the delivery of medical services, social welfare support, and new opportunities for its youth. Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega said during his State of the Provincial Address (SOPA) on July 28 that investments in healthcare resulted in improved facilities at district hospitals, providing quality medical services to more than 190,000 patients. Pharmacy services have been improved and seven patient transport vehicles were turned over to enhance mobility for residents needing care and improve emergency access. “We need to improve the access of the less fortunate, for everybody… and the universal health of every Filipino regarding healthcare,” Ortega said, echoing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s speech during his latest State of the Nation Address (SONA). Social welfare support has also been expanded, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributing a total of P64.8 million in financial aid to 13,000 beneficiaries. More than P14.6 million in incentives were also given to 1,400 senior citizens aged 80 years old and above. “Ta uray nu nanumo nga amount ket makatulong para kadagiti medisina da. So that they will not be burdened by looking for money to buy what is essential for their health, especially iti kasjay nga edad,” Ortega added. (Because even a small amount helps for their medicines. So that they will not be burdened by looking for money to buy what is essential for their health, especially at their age.) Education and youth development Ortega also reported on the creation of the Provincial Youth, Employment, Sports, and Development Office (PYESDO) which now benefits more than 4,000 scholars with faster grant releases through newly opened bank accounts. Over P11 million in Brigada Eskwela assistance was also distributed to 465 schools. “The future of our land lies on the youth,” Governor Ortega said. “To make sure there will be better citizens and a better place to live in, for their families and generations after us.” By enhancing healthcare access, expanding social protection, and investing in the youth, the provincial government is ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for the people of La Union, he added. (CCMT/VTB, PIA La Union)

By Elsha Marie S. Arguel   SUAL, Pangasinan, Philippines — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. inspected the upgraded Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) Sual Fish Port here on Thursday, July 30, as the government steps up efforts to modernize fisheries infrastructure, support fishing communities, and strengthen the movement of fish from fishing grounds to markets in Northern Luzon. The upgraded facility is expected to improve services for fishing vessels and fisheries stakeholders while helping create more efficient conditions for fishing, post-harvest handling, and other activities across the fisheries value chain. Located along the Lingayen Gulf, the Sual Fish Port is the only regional fish port in Northern Luzon and is designed to accommodate large fishing vessels. It serves fishing communities in Pangasinan, the western portion of the province, and parts of the Ilocos coastline, giving the facility a strategic role in the region’s fisheries logistics and food supply. The modernization project included improvements to the market halls, cold storage facilities, multi-purpose pier, sorting areas, access roads, and other support infrastructure. The rehabilitation was undertaken to address operational constraints associated with aging and damaged facilities. The need to improve port operations comes amid a significant decline in fish unloaded at the facility, from 485.66 metric tons in 2024 to 74.13 metric tons in 2025. The figures highlight the importance of maintaining efficient fisheries infrastructure to support fishing operations and post-harvest activities. With the upgraded facilities, fishing vessels are expected to have better access to docking, repair, resupply, unloading, and other essential services. Improved port operations can also benefit fish traders, processors, transporters, workers, and other businesses that depend on the fisheries sector. During his visit, Marcos met local fishermen and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel, including the 28 crew members of BRP Cabanigan and BRP Robert Servañez. For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel Jr. said the two vessels were at the port for repairs and a resupply trip before returning to their fishing grounds. “For now, these two vessels are here to undergo repairs and resupply before returning to the fishing grounds,” Laurel said. He added that the vessels were provided with fuel, water, and food, while their crew members were given time to rest following recent bad weather. The President also met the captains and crew of BRP Datu Dumangsil, BRP Datu Paduhinog, and BRP Joselito, which were docked at the facility. He later boarded the BRP Datu Paduhinog for a brief inspection and discussed fisheries and port operations with local officials. The rehabilitation of the Sual Fish Port is part of government efforts to improve fisheries infrastructure and strengthen the capability of fishing communities to participate in a more efficient and resilient food supply chain. For Northern Luzon, a modernized regional fish port can provide a critical link between fishing grounds, landing facilities, markets, and consumers, while supporting livelihood opportunities for communities whose incomes depend on fisheries. As the government continues to invest in fisheries infrastructure, the improved Sual Fish Port is expected to play a greater role in supporting fishing activities and the movement of fish products across the region, contributing to the goals of supporting fisherfolk’s livelihood, modernizing fisheries, and ensuring food security. (AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)          

LA UNION, Philippines — Presenting the gains of a year of remarkable progress and inclusive public service, Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega delivered his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) on July 28, 2026 during the 57th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. Gov. Mario outlined his administration’s accomplishments and vision through his signature extemporaneous delivery before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Local Chief Executives, representatives of National and Provincial Government Agencies, Barangay Chairman, Provincial Government of La Union Department Heads, Sector Leaders, and Partner Stakeholders. He delivered much of his address in Iloko, the mother tongue of the majority of Elyukanos, in adherence to the Iloco Code of La Union under Provincial Ordinance No. 026-2012. Rooted in the spirit of “La Union Agkaysa” as the guiding force of his administration, Governor Mario emphasized to the 600 distinguished guests that the province’s achievements are the outcome of collective leadership, accomplishments, and steadfast partnerships that continue to propel La Union toward sustained and inclusive growth. He highlighted his key initiatives and achievements across five strategic development pillars namely Economic Development, Social Development, Infrastructure Development, Institutional Development, and Environmental Development. Among the achievements he highlighted were La Union’s sustained rice self-sufficiency, technical support for nearly 20,000 farmers and local enterprises and the tourism industry that drew more than 500,000 visitors and generated over P1 billion in receipts. Continued programs and investments in healthcare, education, social welfare, infrastructure, and environmental protection also helped improve public service delivery and expand access to essential services. In healthcare, upgraded facilities in the province’s five district hospitals and the La Union Medical Center enabled more than 190,000 patients to receive inpatient and outpatient care. The province also acquired five patient transport vehicles from PAGCOR and two from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) while further strengthening pharmacy services to improve healthcare service delivery. More than 13,000 beneficiaries received over P64.8 million in financial assistance through the province’s social welfare programs. Among them were 1,400 senior citizens aged 80 and above who received a total of P14.6 million. In education, more than 4,000 students benefited from scholarship programs while over P11 million in Brigada Eskwela assistance was extended to 465 schools to enhance learning facilities and school preparedness. Meanwhile, infrastructure and environmental development progressed with the implementation of key projects, including the 7-kilometer Ramot-Puguil Farm-to-Market Road in Santol, upgrading of provincial farm-to-market roads, improvements of school facilities, construction of Septage Treatment Facility in Balaoan, upgrading of two sanitary landfills, and the institutionalization of the Baroro Watershed Management Council to strengthen watershed protection and sustainable resource management. The Governor also highlighted governance reforms that strengthened institutions, enhanced transparency, expanded support for barangays, and modernized public service delivery through digitalization and organizational improvements. As the province forges ahead with renewed purpose, Gov. Mario unveiled major public investments that are expected to shape La Union’s next phase of development, including the modernization of district hospitals, La Union Health Hub, San Fernando International Seaport, TPLEX Extension, Philippine Forestry Development Project, Bungol Demonstration Farm, San Juan Tourism Complex, and the Community Kitchen. In closing, the Governor said that while strategic investments will pave the way for the province’s future, lasting progress will be sustained by the unity and collective efforts of every Elyukano.

LA UNION, Philippines — Pushing for safer and more resilient communities, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), continues to set standards for disaster resilience as it recognized top Local Government Units (LGUs) with exemplary emergency response during the Resilience in Emergency and Disaster: Sustainable and Ecologically Adaptive LGUs (RED SEAL) Awarding Ceremony at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union,on July 24. The Provincial Selection Committee led the comprehensive evaluation process that named the City of San Fernando and the municipalities of Naguilian, Bacnotan, Balaoan, and Burgos as the RED SEAL 2026 Top Five LGUs. The evaluation included a desk review of the submitted Project Summary Briefs and supporting documents, on-site validation, and a final deliberation. The PGLU, through the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, awarded the City of San Fernando the Gold Award with ₱1,000,000.00 worth of capacity-building initiatives, structural projects, or equipment. The province also awarded ₱750,000.00 to Naguilian as Silver Awardee, and ₱500,000.00 to Bacnotan as Bronze Awardee. To further strengthen local capacities for disasters, Balaoan received the Basic Water Rescue (BAWAR) Training Package, while the Burgos received the High-Angle Search and Rescue (HASAR) Training Package. The province also awarded Plaques of Appreciation to all participating local government units in recognition of their valuable involvement and commitment to advancing disaster resilience across La Union. Conferred for the first time this year, the RED SEAL Award recognizes LGUs with exemplary, sustainable, innovative, and ecologically adaptive practices in disaster risk reduction and management. It highlights programs and projects that effectively address local disaster risks, promote community participation, produce measurable results, and offer the potential for sustainability and replication in other communities.

The Province of La Union has received two new Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) as Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega joined the ceremonial turnover led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Pampanga Provincial Capitol. The turnover forms part of the PCSO’s nationwide rollout of patient transport vehicles, completing 100% provincial coverage across all 82 provinces in the country-the first time every province has been provided with government-funded patient transport vehicles. A total of 34 PTVs were distributed during the ceremony to beneficiary provinces in Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency medical response and improve access to healthcare by providing local government units with dedicated vehicles for transporting patients, particularly those in geographically isolated and underserved communities. PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles said the milestone reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left without access to emergency medical care, regardless of location or circumstance. Meanwhile, President Marcos emphasized the government’s continuing efforts to bring essential healthcare services closer to every Filipino through strengthened medical transport and support systems.      

Personal na iginawad ni Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, ang “PAGKILALA LA UNION” Plaque kay Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, bilang pagkilala sa lalawigan ng La Union, bilang isa sa sampung lokal na pamahalaan sa bansa mula sa kanilang mahalagang kontribusyon at mga inisyatibo nito sa pangangalaga at pagtatanggol sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) Kasama ni Ortega sa pagtanggap ng plake sina First District Board Member Chary Nisce at Second District Board Members Martin De Guzman, Teresita “Tess” Garcia, at Ruperto Rillera Jr. na ginanap okasyon ng “Bayanihan para sa Kaunlarang Dagat ng Pilipinas” Summit sa Sison Auditorium sa bayan ng Lingayen, Pangasinan,noong Hulyo 23. Kasama naman ni Secretary Remulla sina Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, National Security Council Assistant Director General for Partnerships and Engagements, DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo L. Iringan, NTF-WPS Deputy Administrator James Layug, at Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary at Deputy Administrator for Operations Laurence Mina sa paggagawad ng parangal. Kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng West Philippine Sea Arbitral Win 10th Anniversary, kinilala ang Lalawigan ng La Union dahil sa mga hakbang na isinulong nito para sa pangangalaga ng West Philippine Sea (WPS) kabilang ang pagtatatag ng West Philippine Sea Council at pagbuo ng mga ordinansa at resolusyong nagsusulong ng pangangalaga at pagtatanggol sa WPS. Kinilala rin ni Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian De Leon ang La Union bilang kauna-unahang lalawigan sa bansa na nagtatag ng WPS Council. Ayon kay Ortega, isang mahalagang tagumpay para sa Lalawigan ng La Union ang natanggap na pagkilala dahil sa matibay nitong pakikipagtulungan sa pambansang pamahalaan, pakikiisa sa mga coastal local government units (LGUs), at patuloy na suporta sa mga komunidad na apektado ng mga usapin sa West Philippine Sea. Layunin ng mga inisyatibong ito na mapangalagaan ang yamang-dagat at maprotektahan ang kabuhayan at seguridad ng mga komunidad na umaasa sa WPS. Kasama rin sa delegasyon ng probinsya ang mga kinatawan ng Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) na naghatid ng suporta sa layuning ito. Kabilang din sa mga pinarangalang lalawigan ang Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Batangas, at Batanes.

NAGUILIAN, La Union – Pinangunahan ni Governor Mario Ortega, kasama si Naguilian Mayor Nieri T. Flores at mga Sangguniang Bayan members sa isinagawang panimulang punto ng itatayong dalawang-palapag na Natividad Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Building sa Barangay Natividad, Naguilian, La Union, noong Hulyo 8. Ang ₱25 milyon halaga ng proyekto may kabuuang lawak na 211.12 square meters na binubuo ng Barangay Hall, Day Care Center, Senior Citizen Office, at Health and Wellness Center Ang gusaling ito ay magiging bagong sentro ng serbisyo sa layuning mapalapit ang maayos at kumpletong serbisyo para sa mga bata, matatanda, may sakit, at iba pang bahagi ng komunidad. Nakatakdang simulant sa lalong madaling panahon ang proyektong ito ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng La Union, sa pamamagitan ng Provincial Engineering Office. Ayon kay Ortega, hangarin ng kanyang pamamahala na lalo pang paunlarin ang mga komunidad sa La Union at sa mga ganitong proyekto ng pagbibigay prayoridad sa sektor ng imprastraktura ay nabibigyan ng sentralisado at accessible na serbisyo ang mga Elyucano. Nakiisa rin sa programa si Barangay Natividad Punong Barangay Efren G. Pontanes at ang buong barangay council para magbigay ng suporta at magpaabot ng pasasalamat.

LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) received the Fiscal Transparency Award – Regional Category from the Department of Budget and Management Regional Office 1 (DBM RO1) during the FY 2026 Local Budget Forum held at the Center for Harvest Activities, Value Chain Development, Innovation, and Training Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, on July 7. Under the regional category, the PGLU is the lone provincial government to receive the recognition. The award highlights the PGLU’s commitment under the leadership of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega to fiscal transparency, accountability, and prudent public financial management, reflecting its consistent compliance with statutory reportorial requirements and adherence to the principles of good governance. On behalf of the Governor, the award was received by Board Member Teresita O. Garcia, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations; Provincial Budget Office Officer-in-Charge Genelen B. Nisperos; and Local Finance Committee Chair and Provincial Treasurer Janet D. Molina. The Local Government Units of Aringay and Santol also received the Fiscal Transparency Award, highlighting the collective dedication of the Province in strengthening public financial management systems and delivering quality, responsive, and people-centered public service for every Elyucano. PGLU expresses its sincere gratitude to DBM RO1 Regional Director Ria V. Bansigan, for the prestigious recognition. The Province remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence, integrity, and innovation in governance while continuously strengthening public financial management in partnership with its component LGUs for the benefit of all Elyucanos.        

SAN GABRIEL, La Union – Muling pinagtibay ng Provincial Government of La Union at ng Local Government Unit (LGU) ng San Gabriel ang kanilang adhikain para sa agricultural development sa pamamagitan ng isang ceremonial signing ng Deed of Usufruct sa San Gabriel Municipal Hall, noong July 10. Pinangunahan nina Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega at San Gabriel Mayor Lany B. Carbonell ang seremonya. Dumalo rin sina Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Guio “Ram” A. Ortega, San Gabriel Vice Mayor Ramolito A. Guinomma, Provincial General Services Officer Engr. Robert Lelina, Provincial Agriculturist Marcelo Otanes, sangguniang bayan members, at mga municipal department head. Ipinagkaloob ng PGLU sa LGU San Gabriel ang 1,613.43 square meters na bahagi ng provincial property sa Brgy. Bucao, San Gabriel, La Union kung saan maipatatayo ang San Gabriel Farmers Trading Center na magsisilbing sentro ng kalakalan para sa mga produktong agrikultural. Magsisilbi ang proyekto bilang pangunahing trading hub kung saan mapapabilis ang produksyon at benta ng mga magsasaka na dagdag sa kanilang kita. Sumasalamin ito sa pagtutulungan ng probinsya at mga LGU para sa local development sa sektor ng agrikultura.