LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship as it took part in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the Baroro River Watershed Management Council (BRWMC) on May 4, 2026, at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union. The initiative affirmed the PGLU’s recognition of the vital role of multi-sectoral stakeholders in the protection, rehabilitation, development, management, and utilization of resources within the Baroro River Watershed. Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega signed the MOA as the Council Co-Chairperson, with Engr. Cezar Manuel A. Cabansag of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) La Union serving as Council Chairperson. The MOA signing was joined by 30 core members composed of local chief executives from the municipalities of Bacnotan, Bagulin, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santol, and the City of San Fernando, along with representatives from various national government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and sectoral groups. The creation of the Council is pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 23, Series of 2005, which promotes ecosystem-based watershed management through a collaborative and integrative approach. This policy underscores active stakeholder participation and aims to establish a sustainable and multi-sectoral institution capable of addressing watershed-related concerns. Watershed management efforts ensure the responsible, economically viable, and socially acceptable use of natural resources. This approach aims to prevent further degradation, enabling the protective functions of affected watershed areas. Furthermore, DENR Administrative Order No. 41, Series of 2021, institutionalizes the formation of Watershed Management Councils in critical watersheds and proclaimed forest reserves. These councils serve as oversight and advisory bodies in watershed planning and the implementation of programs and projects. The BRWMC is envisioned to strengthen coordination and collaboration among Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, People’s Organizations, and the private sector, thereby accelerating the achievement of sustainable watershed management goals.

LA UNION Philippines – The people of La Union led by Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega are in euphoria following last night’s win of the province’s bet, Bea Millan Windorski, in the Miss Universe Philippines beauty pageant. In a short chat with the local media today, May 3, 2026, Gov. Mario relayed his congratulations to Windorski and expressed deep pride for her victory. “With her winning alone, she has done a lot for La Union already,” Gov. Mario said, underscoring the honor and prestige she brought for representing the province and winning the most coveted beauty title in the Philippines. The Governor also assured his full support to Windorski as she is now set to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November. “Bea deserves our full support as she brings the name of La Union into the global stage, which will not only bring honor for us but will also surely elevate LU’s image in the international tourism map,” Gov. Mario said. All throughout her MUPH journey, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has extended assistance to Windorski and her team, such as on the production of her advocacy video and other logistical aid. On the coronation night, the PGLU sent a busload of avid fans and supporters to cheer for the LU bet — symbolic of the ‘agkaysa’ spirit. Ealrlier in February, Windorski met the Governor for a courtesy visit, where the latter manifested his backing to the causes of the beauty queen. “From that visit alone, I knew she was sincere to represent La Union. That she chose to look back to her lineage, come home, and made effort to reconnect to her ancestry speak a lot about her character,” Gov. Ortega said. Windorski traces her maternal roots to San Juan, La Union, where she has since been volunteering in various socio-civic activities. Gov. Mario likewise congratulated Rachel-Hanna Gozum, who represented Santo Tomas, La Union and the Filipino Society of Seattle, Washington, in the same beuaty tilt. Gozum made it to the competition’s top 30. Meanwhile, Gov. Mario also expressed excitement for the anticipated homecoming of Windorski. “We will get in touch with the MUPH organization to ensure alignment of schedules. But for now, we will let Bea enjoy the first days of her reign as the new Miss Universe Philippines,” the Governor said.

LA UNION, Philippines– Pinangunahan ni Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega at Vice Governor Eric O. Sibuma ang pormal na pamamahagi ng 92 Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) at dalawang dump trucks sa ginanap na Turnover Ceremony sa Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, San Fernando City, La Union, noong Abril 30. Nasa 92 na barangay mula sa limang bayan sa La Union ang nakatanggap ng mga sasakyan kalakip ang emergency equipment na handog ng Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU). Sa tulong ng mga makabagong kagamitan na ito, maaasahan na mas mapabubuti ng mga barangay ang paghahatid ng mga pangunahing serbisyo para sa mamamayan. Kabilang sa mga nabigyan ng MPVs ang 24 na barangay ng Aringay, 15 barangay sa San Gabriel, 11 barangay sa Santol, 24 barangay sa Santo Tomas, at 18 barangay sa Tubao. Sa kanilang pagtanggap ng mga susi at opisyal na dokumento ng kanilang sasakyan, labis-labis ang pasasalamat ng mga alkalde ng mga bayan, maging ang mga punong barangay at mga kagawad ng recipient-barangays, sa tulong na ibinigay ng PGLU. Samantalang, ipinagkaloob naman ang dalawang dump trucks sa Barangay Madayegdeg ng San Fernando City at sa Municipal Government ng San Juan. Ipinabatid ni Gov. Mario na buo ang kanyang tiwala na ang mga nasabing sasakyan ay gagamitin ng mga barangay para sa pagbibigay ng mas mabilis at angkop na alalay para sa kanilang mga nasasakupan. “Itong mga sasakyan na ito ay sumisimbolo sa ating pagkakaisa sa serbisyo publiko. Ito rin ay simbolo sa pagtupad ng ating mga pangako – dahil ito ang diwa ng ating serbisyo, ang ‘pudno nga agserbi,” pahayag ni Gov. Mario. Buo din ang suporta ni Vice-Governor Sibuma sa mga barangay. Aniya, tiyak na magagamit ang mga sasakyan para sa kapakanan ng bawat miyembro ng komunidad. Ang pagtanggap ng mga MPV ng mga punong barangay (PB) at mga kagawad ay sinaksihan ng kani-kanilang mga alkalde, na sina Aringay Mayor Benjamin Sibuma na nirepresenta ni Vice Mayor Charito Sibuma-Yu, San Gabriel Mayor Lany B. Carbonell kasama si Vice Mayor Ramolito A. Guinomma, Santol Mayor Maria Theresa Lynn Wailan-Senen kasama si dating Mayor Engr. Magno Wailan, Santo Tomas Mayor Severino C. Carbonell, at Tubao Mayor Jonalyn G. Fontanilla-Piayas. Samantala, ang mga dump truck naman ay tinanggap ni San Juan Mayor Mariquita P. Ortega na nipreresenta ni Vice Mayor Arturo P. Valdriz, at ang mga opisyales ng Brgy. Madayegyeg sa pamumuno ni Punong Barangay Rosalyn M. Tabac. Nakiisa rin sa programa sina First District Congressman Francisco Paolo Ortega V, at mga Board Members na sina Hon. Chary Nisce, Hon. Miguel Corleone Magsaysay, Hon. Gerard Ostrea, Hon. Aaron Kyle Pinzon, Hon. Jefferson Fernando, Hon. Teresita Garcia, Hon. Harold Dave Sibuma, Hon. Ramon Guio Ortega, Jr., at Hon. Joyce M. Abuan; at mga kawani ng PGLU sa pamumuno ni Provincial Administrator Ramon B. Torres.      

By Caren Grace C. Carbonell and Jhemyca C. Asuncion   LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines (PIA) — At least 875 job vacancies will be offered to job seekers in Ilocos Norte during the 2026 Labor Day Jobs Fair on May 1 at SM City Laoag. The event is spearheaded by the City Government of Laoag through its Public Employment Services Office (PESO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). A total of 26 local and overseas employers will participate, representing industries such as retail, business process outsourcing, food services, healthcare, and construction. PESO Manager Shey Pia Agbaya encouraged job seekers—including fresh graduates and experienced workers—to participate in the hiring activity. “This is your opportunity to connect directly with employers and secure employment,” Agbaya said. Applicants are advised to bring multiple copies of their résumé, valid identification cards, and other required documents. They are also encouraged to register in advance through https://bit.ly/2026LDJFPRE-REG, although walk-in applicants will still be accepted. Agbaya also reminded applicants to come prepared for interviews, emphasizing that proper attire, confidence, and honesty may improve hiring chances. The jobs fair will also feature a one-stop government services center where job seekers can process documents and clearances, access skills training, and receive guidance on employment rights and benefits. Participating government agencies include the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which provide labor protection, employment facilitation, and social assistance services. Support for overseas and local workers will also be provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Social Security System, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). For licensing, certification, and regulatory concerns, the Professional Regulation Commission, Civil Service Commission, and National Bureau of Investigation will be present. Skills development, digital services, and productivity programs will be offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, and the Employees’ Compensation Commission. Labor standards, dispute resolution, and wage-related concerns will be handled by the National Labor Relations Commission, Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch, and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. The initiative supports the city government’s continuing efforts to expand local employment opportunities, aligned with the national government’s thrust to bring jobs closer to communities. (AMB/CGCC/JCA, PIA Ilocos Norte)

By Mary Therese D. Ancheta and Paulene J. Paglumotan   BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines (PIA) — The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) convened local government units (LGUs), tobacco traders, and farmer groups on April 24 to address key challenges affecting the tobacco industry, including declining farmgate prices, oversupply, and market uncertainty. The consultative meeting convened stakeholders from LGUs, the private sector, and farmer organizations to assess current market conditions for Philippine tobacco and strengthen measures against smuggling, which continues affecting legal trade and pricing stability. NTA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Belinda Sanchez said the dialogue aimed to promote shared responsibility among stakeholders to stabilize the industry, particularly amid oversupply of flue-cured Virginia tobacco in the Ilocos Region and nearby provinces. The NTA emphasized its goal of ensuring that farmers’ produce is fully purchased at fair and properly graded prices, in line with efforts to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market efficiency. “This meeting allows us to address current industry concerns collectively. Our shared goal is to support tobacco farmers and ensure their produce is properly valued,” Sanchez said. Engineer Randy Abella, NTA Ilocos Norte branch manager, underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, noting strong participation as a sign of commitment to sustaining the local tobacco sector. Local officials raised concerns over the sharp decline in tobacco prices. Bacarra Mayor Nicomedes Dela Cruz Jr., president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Ilocos Norte Chapter, reported that Class A tobacco prices dropped from over ₱100 per kilo last year to around ₱75 this season, significantly reducing farmer income. He also cited rising production costs, climate-related risks, and delays in the release of excise tax as factors affecting the timely delivery of farm support programs. Farmer representatives highlighted oversupply as a key issue, driven by increased planting both locally and overseas. Nestor Padron, president of the National Federation of Tobacco Farmers Associations and Cooperatives, said uncontracted farmers face greater difficulty in selling their harvest due to the absence of guaranteed buyers. Stakeholders also pointed to global oversupply, including increased production in major tobacco-producing countries, which has reduced demand for Philippine tobacco and pressured farmgate prices. In response, the NTA proposed strengthening contract-growing arrangements and exploring crop diversification options to help stabilize supply and improve farmer income. The meeting concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to expand participation in contract growing schemes, improve coordination among LGUs, NTA, and private firms, and strengthen market access and pricing mechanisms for farmers. The NTA will continue similar consultations in other tobacco-producing areas to refine interventions for the 2025–2026 cropping season. (AMB/MTDA/PJP, PIA Ilocos Norte)    

LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) collaborates with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure fair market in local fuel supply amid the ongoing energy crisis. This partnership ensures that fuel retailers comply with legal mandates and price stabilization measures, as the global fuel market remains volatile in light of the tensions in the Persian Gulf. Members of the Provincial Energy Security, Conservation, and Crisis Response Task Force convened on April 14, 2026 to coordinate inspection protocols. Upon the order of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, the task force provided augmentation to help the DOE monitor local markets effectively. To maximize efficiency, the monitoring teams were divided into two groups covering District 1 and District 2. This strategic division aimed to expedite the oversight process and lessen the risk of fuel shortages caused by logistical delays or illegal hoarding. Furthermore, the PGLU task force, with guidance of DOE, also sought to prevent cases of premature price adjustments among retailers. Inspections covered various gasoline stations across the province These joint operations aimed to deter fuel hoarding and other illegal activities that could further compromise the local supply. The DOE currently faces manpower constraints, with only ten personnel in its Rosales, Pangasinan office serving Region 1 and three adjacent regions.Through this reinforcement, the PGLU ensures stronger presence on the ground to discourage potential violations both from retailers and consumers. The PGLU remains committed to spearheading proactive initiatives that safeguard the welfare of every resident during challenging times. These continuous efforts in energy security and inter-agency cooperation reflect a dedicated path toward a stronger and better La Union.

CANDON, Ilocos Sur, Philippines – In its continued effort to expand social security protection for all workers, the Social Security System (SSS) Candon Branch, partnered with National Irrigation Administration – Ilocos Sur Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ISIMO) for the social security coverage and protection of its 63 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers and the continuation of SSS contribution of its 22 permanent workers. Under the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP), JO and COS workers will now benefit from a more accessible and convenient contribution system through an automatic salary deduction scheme facilitated by the partner agency. This ensures regular and uninterrupted SSS contributions, allowing them to build and maintain active membership coverage despite their non-regular employment status. SSS Luzon North 1 Division Vice President Normita M. Cruz said that JO and COS workers in government agencies are not covered under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Law, thereby encouraging them to be SSS members. “Through the KCP, these workers in the government shall have access to a wide range of SSS benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral benefits, as well as loan privileges,” Cruz said. The monthly contribution for self-employed members ranges from ₱760 to ₱5,280, depending on the member’s declared monthly income. This amount already includes Employees’ Compensation (EC) contribution, which ranges from ₱10 to ₱30. The EC Program provides additional benefits to employed and self-employed members in cases of work-related sickness, injury or death. Cruz encouraged other interested government agencies to participate in the program, noting that SSS branches are open to discuss partnership arrangements and program details. “Interested agencies are always welcome to visit our branches and learn more about the benefits of the KCP. This initiative is a meaningful way to show appreciation and recognition for the valuable contributions of JO and COS workers in advancing governance initiatives,” Cruz concluded.

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Candon Branch recently recognized two employers in Ilocos Sur for their consistent compliance in remitting the SSS contributions of their employees. The awardees were William Chua Rice Mill and Rural Bank of Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur both cited for their timely and regular remittance of workers’ SSS contributions. SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Normita Cruz said the prompt remittance of contributions ensures that employees remain eligible for various social security benefits and loan privileges under the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programs. “Employers play a vital role in safeguarding the social protection of Filipino workers by ensuring that their contributions are remitted on time and in full. Through initiatives like this, SSS commends responsible employers while encouraging others to uphold the same standard of commitment and accountability,” Cruz said. The William Chua Rice Mill, an SSS-registered business since 1996, employs 33 workers. Meanwhile, the Rural Bank of Sta. Maria, registered with the SSS as early as December 1969, currently employs 29 workers, all of whom are covered under the SSS through their respective employers.

By Mary Therese D. Ancheta   LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte is expanding its tourism recovery initiatives by enhancing travel incentives ahead of the summer peak season, aiming to sustain visitor arrivals and support local livelihoods amid rising transportation costs. To respond to increasing travel expenses driven by global economic pressures, the provincial government earlier launched a free ride initiative in April. The program was designed to ease transportation costs and improve mobility for tourists exploring destinations across Ilocos Norte. The initiative forms part of the province’s efforts to make travel more accessible, particularly for budget-conscious visitors and commuters affected by higher transport fares. Building on the initial rollout, the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office is preparing to expand its Travel Incentive Program into a two-way travel incentive scheme. The enhanced program will introduce subsidized routes to improve connectivity among key tourism sites and encourage wider visitor movement across the province. Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said the province continues to adopt adaptive strategies to sustain tourism growth despite external economic pressures. She emphasized the importance of proactive governance in ensuring that tourism remains resilient and accessible. Preliminary tourism data show steady visitor arrivals in northern municipalities, while some urban and commercial centers continue to experience lower tourist traffic. The expanded incentive scheme aims to address this imbalance by encouraging tourists to explore a broader range of destinations, helping distribute economic activity more evenly across the province. The provincial government said the program is part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism resilience and sustain economic activity during the peak summer season. By improving accessibility and visitor flow, the initiative is expected to benefit tourism-dependent communities, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in hospitality, transport, and local trade. Visitors have welcomed the initiative, citing improved affordability and convenience. A tourist from Mountain Province, Angeline Kafuyao, said the program encourages repeat visits due to reduced travel costs and improved accessibility. “These kinds of programs are really a big help for tourists. We’re more encouraged to visit again because travel to Ilocos Norte has become more affordable and convenient despite the crisis,” she said. With these expanded measures, Ilocos Norte aims to position itself as a model for adaptive provincial tourism governance, ensuring that destinations remain accessible, economically active, and visitor-friendly even amid ongoing global challenges. (AMB/MTDA, PIA Ilocos Norte)