PANGASINAN, Philippines — Residents of Pangasinan now have easier access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) services at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Barangay Bolingit, San Carlos City, through the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III. The newly established MRI facility provides accurate and detailed imaging for the brain, spine, joints, bones, abdomen, and other parts of the body, making advanced diagnostic services more accessible and affordable to patients across Pangasinan. “Napakahalaga ng MRI sa pag-diagnose ng iba’t ibang sakit ng ating mga pasyente. Ito ang kauna-unahang MRI sa ilalim ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan. Kaya hindi na kailangan pumunta ng iba pang ospital ang ating mga pasyente. Dito pa lang sa PPH, ma-diagnose na natin sila at mabibigyan ng tamang gamot,” said Dr. Lalaine U. Olivar-Molinyawe, MD, FPCR, Radiologist. Dr. Molinyawe added that scheduling and performing MRI scans is now faster and more convenient. Previously, patients had to navigate multiple steps in government hospitals or pay high fees at private facilities. With PPH’s MRI service, the procedure is now accessible, affordable, and directly available in the province. Residents have expressed relief and appreciation for the new service. Mr. R. Repato, a patient from Poblacion, Aguilar, shared: “Galing po ako sa eye center kasi pina-check up ko ang mata ko. Sabi nila baka sa utak ko ang problema kaya ni-request ang MRI. Nang malaman ko pong may MRI na tayo dito sa province, malaking tulong po ito. Nagtanong din po ako sa mga private hospital, aabot po sa 20,000 ang bayad. Salamat po sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan at sa pamumuno ni Governor Guico, malaking tulong po ito sa mga karaniwang pasyente.” Under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, the opening of this MRI facility gives Pangasinenses faster, safer, and more convenient access to a critical diagnostic service, marking a major step forward in advancing healthcare in the province. (Rich Majin, Photo by: Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

By Leilanie Adriano   LAOAG CITY, Philippines — The provincial government of Ilocos Norte continues to empower classrooms with digital technology, distributing at least 111 interactive television and smart TVs to elementary and secondary schools across the province, an official announced March 5. Maria Deleilah Felipe Adriatico said the initial distribution occurred at the Capitol session hall, adding that a total of 382 public schools in the province will receive the digital tools to aid in the teaching and learning process. “The other units are expected to arrive on March 28 and we hope to complete the distribution by then,” Adriatico told the Philippine News Agency. The initiative, worth PHP74.6 million from the provincial government’s Special Education Fund, aims to equip schools with modern technology that supports more engaging, interactive and meaningful classroom experiences. “With these resources, our teachers are further empowered to deliver innovative instruction while our learners gain greater access to dynamic and technology-enabled education,” Schools Division Superintendent Renato Balderas Jr. said in a statement. Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos enjoined teachers and students to take good care of the equipment to boost digital learning. In previous years, the provincial government has distributed hundreds of computers and books to support the establishment of 21st-century classrooms and to uplift public education through boosting reading and digital literacy among Ilocano learners. (PNA)    

PANGASINAN, Philippines — Higit sa 700 residente ng San Manuel, Pangasinan at mga katabing bayan ang nakatanggap ng libreng serbisyong medikal sa medical mission na isinagawa ng Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., ang renewable energy arm ng Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), kasama ang ABS-CBN Foundation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, DZMM, at DZMM Teleradyo, sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng San Manuel, Pangasinan noong Pebrero 27, 2026. Ang bawat pasyente ay nakatanggap ng libreng general consultation mula sa mga doktor, kasama na ang reseta at isang buwang libreng supply ng maintenance medicines. Mula sa mga bata hanggang sa matatanda, bawat isa ay binigyang-pansin ng mga doktor upang matiyak na makakauwi silang may hawak na gamot at tamang gabay medikal. Isa sa mga dumalo si Roselyn Ocon, 48-anyos na residente ng Brgy. San Juan, San Manuel, Pangasinan, na nabalitaan na magkakaroon ng medical mission sa health center. Pumunta si Ocon upang maayos na masuri at makakuha ng tamang dosage ng gamot para sa kanyang pagkahilo — lalo na matapos ang isang karanasan kung saan nainom niya ang maling gamot mula sa kamag-anak. “Pumunta kami dito dahil nandito daw po lahat ng doctor,” sabi ni Ocon. “Sumakit yung tiyan ko kaya humingi ako ng gamot mula sa kamag-anak pero ang naibigay pala ay sa pagkahilo. Inaasahan ko na ngayon mabibigyan ako ng tama at libreng gamot.” Katulad ni Ocon, marami ring senior citizen ang lumahok sa medical mission — kabilang si Lolita Sibayan, 68 — na naghahanap ng lunas sa mga pisikal na karamdaman at walang kakayahang bumili ng gamot. Para sa kanila, ang serbisyong ito ay higit pa sa simpleng konsultasyon — ito ay malaking tulong sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. “Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagbibigay ng tulong — para sa amin, ito ay isang responsibilidad. Tinanggap kami ng mga taga-San Manuel, Pangasinan at nais naming maramdaman nila ang Aboitiz Renewables ay ka-partner nila sa mga gawaing pangkaunlaran tulad ng sa kalusugan, edukasyon, at kabuhayan,” sabi ni Leo D. Lungay, Vice President at General Manager ng Solar and Wind Operations ng Aboitiz Renewables. Ang Aboitiz Renewables ay nagpapatakbo ng 92.55-megawatt-peak solar power plant sa San Manuel. Kasabay ng pagbibigay ng malinis na enerhiya, nananatili itong aktibong partner sa pagpapaunlad ng mga komunidad na bahagi ng kanilang operasyon.

  The crowned candidates as Mutia ti La Union 2026 are (From left) Mutia ti Kayangan 2026 Xianna Laussaneugan Trinidad; Mutia ti Kalikasan 2026 Nicole Antonette Tilap; Mutia ti La Union 2026 Savannah Panganiban; Mutia ti Agrikultura 2026 Samantha Kyle Pagar and Mutia ti Turismo 2026 Reign Gaile Nejal. SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines  – A 20-year-old architecture student from Tubao town, won the title of Mutia ti La Union 2026, during coronation night held at Francisco Ortega Convention Center Grounds, as part of the celebration for the 176th founding anniversary of La Union, on March 2. Savannah Panganiban, student of Saint Louis University in Baguio City, who won the title of Mutia ti Tubao in 2024, is a model and social media influencer, known for her advocacy for transformative education, cultural pride, and youth empowerment, topromote positive values ​​and inspire the youth. Aside from the crown, Panganiban also received a special award as the Best Designer’s Choice Award. Reign Gaile Nejal, 22, of Santo Tomas, La Union, who is also a candidate for Miss Universe Philippines 2026, was crowned as Mutia ti Turismo 2026. She also received the special award of Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown. Samantha Kyle Pagar, of San Fernando City, was crowned as Mutia ti Agrikultura 2026, also winning the special awards of Mutia Beautiful Skin; Mutia ti Kalikasan 2026 was Nicole Antonette Tilap, 22, of Sudipen town, who was also crowned as Best in Swimsuit; and Mutia ti Kayangan 2026 was Xianna Laussaneugan Trinidad, of Agoo, La Union. Other candidates who won special awards were Charisse Pauline Calderon as Mutia Body Beautiful, of Bauang, La Union; Mutia Vibrant Smile May Ann Samson, of Rosario town; Mutia Beautiful Hair – Reign Gale G. Nejal, of Santo Tomas; Miss Congeniality – Nathalie Gayle V. Ubaldo, of Aringay; Miss Punctual – Sofia Zoe V. Delfin, of Bacnotan.  Governor Mario Ortega happily congratulated the 20 candidates who showed strong unity so that the competition was successful and the spirit of Agkaysa was felt. “The goal of this competition is not to win, but to bring together 19 towns and one city to fulfill our desire to establish a strong partnership and cooperation,” said Ortega, who is the author of Agkaysa La Union. “ Huge congratulations to our very own Queen Savannah for being crowned Mutia ti La Union 2026. What a historic night Savannah’s grace, intelligence, and heartfelt advocacy truly captured the “Rikna ti Agkaysa” spirit. Your hometown is bursting with pride as you take on this journey to represent the beauty and culture of our beloved province. May your reign be filled with impactful service, and may you continue to inspire every Elyucana to dream big and serve with passion, “ said Tubao Municipal Mayor Atty. Jonalyn Garcia Fontanilla-Piayas.(By Zaldy Comanda

LA UNION, Philippines — A shared sense of pride and purpose filled the grounds of the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center as the Provincial Government of La Union employees, officials, and local leaders stood as one for La Union’s simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on March 2, marking the province’s 176th Founding Anniversary. The ceremony was led by Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, alongside Vice Governor Eric B. Sibuma, 1st District Representative Francisco Paolo B. Ortega V, and 2nd District Representative Dante S. Garcia. Also present were party-list representatives Kenneth C. Tereng of Kilos Mamamayan, Ngayon Na! and Mila Aquino-Magsaysay of the United Senior Citizens Party-list. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan attended in full force, including Board Members Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce, Miguel Corleone B. Magsaysay, Gerard G. Ostrea, Aaron Kyle M. Pinzon, Ernesto V. Rafon, Alyssa Kristine B. Sibuma, Teresita Tess O. Garcia, Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, Ruperto A. Rillera Jr., and Jeferson B. Fernando. Also in attendance were Ex-Officio Members Harold Dave E. Sibuma, Ramon Guio Ram A. Ortega Jr., Danielle Bianca G. Ortega, and Joyce M. Abuan, along with mayors, vice mayors and councilors from the province’s 19 municipalities and one city. Participants began their La Union: Agkaysa formation march, eventually forming the province’s battlecry through a large-scale human formation—visibly embodying the spirit of unity. Adding a surprise to the celebration, a paragliding display soared above the coast, carrying the 176th Founding Anniversary banner of La Union, symbolizing the province’s soaring spirit and shared aspirations. United as one province, the annual ceremony serves as both a remembrance of La Union’s past and a reaffirmation of its aspirations—pushing forward, together, toward a better tomorrow as it celebrates 176 years of shared history and hope.              

LA UNION, Philippines — Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega sets his eyes on the efficient eventual implementation of the initiative of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang,” launched in Malacañang on February 23, 2026. Gov. Mario is one of the local chief executives who attended the gathering, where the President gave his directives on strengthened implementation of services in local communities. The program aims to elevate the national government’s support for all local government units (LGUs) by making local projects “felt immediately and equitably across every community.” In his message to the Governors and Mayors, President Marcos said, “our local government must be empowered to respond to the needs of the people.” As such, PBBM ordered the increase in the allocation for the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the national government’s funding assistance to LGUs for a wide range of local projects. “We thank the President for this very meaningful initiative. He was once a Governor himself, that’s why he knows very well what the needs of the LGUs are,” Gov. Mario said. “I have full confidence that the Provincial Government of La Union will efficiently localize this new program. Our systems are in place to ensure that this help from the national government will directly respond to the needs of our local communities,” the Governor said. The LGSF serves as a bridge between the national government and local communities, funding numerous projects that have improved the lives of constituents.      

GOAT — Greatest of All Time? In La Union, that title isn’t just for sports legends. It’s proudly worn by the four-legged stars of the livestock industry, and they showed up in style. As one of the province’s strongest economic pillars, livestock production continues to power local livelihoods. The Provincial Government isn’t just focused on it. It is cultivating, nurturing, and championing the industry to ensure it grows stronger each year. This commitment was on full display when the Provincial Government of La Union, through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, paraded 17 of the cutest goats around the San Fernando City Plaza during the opening of the La Union Agri Trade Fair on February 23, 2026. The delightful parade was part of the festivities for the 176th La Union Founding Anniversary. Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Domingo Bobby C. Calub III said this activity aimed to spotlight the province’s booming goat industry and highlight goat meat as a vital economic resource for La Union’s farmers and communities. Seventeen goats — coming in male-female pairs —  proudly represented different towns across the province. Their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices and City Veterinary Office carefully scouted the most mesmerizing mekmek, the Ilokano nickname for goat, to take part in the parade. The entries showcased not only healthy livestock but also the dedication and hard work of local raisers behind them. And what’s a parade without a little flair? The mekmek strutted around the plaza in colorful and creative costumes. There was a bride and groom duo that looked ready to say “I do,” a swaggering cowboy mekmek straight out of the Wild West, and other charmingly dressed contenders that drew cheers, laughter, and countless photo snaps from the crowd. The mekmek of the Municipality of Naguilian, both doe and buck, stole the spotlight and was hailed as the Most Amazing Mekmek. Municipality of Balaoan, both buck and doe, got first place. The municipality of Santol got the second place for buck category and Municipality of Tubao got the third place for doe category. Indeed, being the GOAT is both an honor and a spectacle. Meanwhile, Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega reaffirmed the PGLU’s unwavering support for farmers and livestock raisers, emphasizing that agriculture remains a major economic thrust of the province. With initiatives like the Agri Trade Fair and the Parade of GOATs, La Union continues to celebrate not only its heritage but also the hardworking hands and hooves that help drive its progress. Because in this province, the GOAT isn’t just the greatest of all time. It is also the greatest of the farm.        

� 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)

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.