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)

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)                

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)

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.

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.

    LA UNION, Philippines — The Rosario District Hospital (RDH) remains committed to healthcare excellence after being recognized by Newborn Screening Center- Northern Luzon as one of the top-performing newborn care facilities in Northern Luzon under the Level 1 & 2 Government category. The recognition is awarded to accredited Newborn Screening Facilities that comply with the standards and criteria set by the Newborn Screening Center-Northern Luzon (NSC-NL) in Batac, Ilocos Norte. For the second quarter of 2025, RDH recorded a total of 58 live births that underwent newborn screening for more than 24 hours after delivery. The hospital received commendation for recording zero errors in reporting and for submitting high-quality specimens for screening. This award is a testament to La Union: Agkaysa! and the hospital’s unwavering commitment to quality healthcare service and exceptional leadership.

    LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) strengthened its support for coffee farmers as it turned over the province’s first processing facility to the Baguionas Farmers and Coffee Growers Association (BFCGA) in Brgy. Libbo, Bagulin, La Union on September 4,  2025, which is seen to boost coffee production and trade within the province and nationwide. Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega led the turn-over ceremony and signing of the deed of donation of the facility with the Local Government Unit (LGU) Bagulin and the BFCGA. The Provincial Officials and Municipal Officials also witnessed the significant event, affirming their full support for the local coffee industry. “You have my full support for the coffee industry of Bagulin. Together, we will elevate this industry so that our province earns recognition not only across the Philippines but on the global stage as a premier coffee producer. And this is just the beginning, there is still so much more we will offer for you,” Gov. Mario said. The establishment of the 78 square meters facility aims to empower the coffee farmers and growers in the area to enhance their efficiency, quality control of products, and strengthen their competitiveness in the market. The members of the association, mostly composed of robusta coffee farmers from the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Community, are optimistic with the new opportunity to boost their livelihood as they can now process their locally-harvested coffee beans into high-quality Robusta coffee products and increase their income. BFCGA President Mr. Lapicto Bugtong expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Provincial Government as he assured to maintain the facility. “We are truly grateful for the facilities provided to us by the PGLU as they greatly contribute to our livelihood especially for our members and the community. They serve as a source of income and a means of support for our daily lives,” Bugtong remarked. One of the members, Annie Wawes, who has been a member for 7 years shared that the processing center will be a significant help for them as it has made the processing of their coffee products more accessible and convenient. “We no longer need to go far to process our harvest, because it is already close to where we plant. This is also a big help as an additional source of income for us,” she said. At present, the association has 33 farmer-members, who work tirelessly to improve their products as they prepare to strengthen and expand their operation to meet the demand for high-quality coffee. Members of the association have planted 30, 550 coffee trees across 30.55 hectares of land yielding at around 400 kg. of green coffee cherries annually. “When they found out that there will be a constructed processing center, many people became interested in becoming members,” he added. PGLU funded the coffee processing facility with a total budget of Php 2,995,770 under the Republic Act 7171. The facility started its construction on November 18, 2024 and completed on May 29, 2025. The association now supplies coffee beans to well-known establishments in San Juan.      

          LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has turned-over 40 units of Multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) for the barangays of the Municipality of Luna, La Union on September 2, 2025. Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega led the distribution of MPVs and personally received by Mayor Gary Pinzon along with the Barangay Officials and Sangguniang Bayan Members during a turn-over ceremony at the New Motorpool, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. In his message, Gov. Mario emphasized the importance of MPVs in empowering the barangays to be proactive and deliver better quality of public service to the constituents. “Hirap na hirap itong mga barangay na magdala ng service sa kanilang constituents lalo sa tyempo ng emergency at bagyo kaya time to time they need the vehicle for purposes of emergency, now nandiyan na ang vehicle they can now use of it in performing their duties better,” the Governor said. Gov. Mario also urged the barangay captains to only use the MPVs in official functions and during emergencies. This initiative is part of the administration’s commitment to equip barangays with capabilities to respond immediately to emergency situations, boost peace and order, and enhance their disaster preparedness. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Members, led by Vice Governor Eric Sibuma, also graced the event to extend their full support to the barangays. The Governor likewise acknowledged the efforts of the SP and PGLU offices in making the MPV distribution possible. Mayor Pinzon and Barangay Captains extends their utmost gratitude to the PGLU and committed to ensure proper care and maintenance of the vehicles. “Malaking tulong ito para sa amin, isa itong blessing sa amin at rest assured na ang mga MPVs na ito ay magsisilbi sa lahat ng constituents namin para sa kaunlaran ng bayan namin na Luna,” he said. The PGLU and the Local Government Unit of Luna demonstrated #LaUnionAgkaysa by providing necessary resources to the barangays to serve their constituents effectively.

LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in partnership with the La Union Association of the Deaf (LUAD), successfully spearheaded a three-day Disability Sensitivity and Sign Language Training for frontline service providers in the province. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), Persons with Disability Affairs Officers (PDAOs), and designated PDAO Focal Persons from the different Local Government Units (LGUs) of the province were invited to learn the fundamentals of English Sign Language at the PSWDO Conference Room, City of San Fernando, La Union held on August 25–27, 2025. In a message of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, delivered by Executive Assistant V Mr. Denver Badua, he encouraged the participants to integrate disability-inclusive practices in all aspects of local governance and uphold equity, justice, and respect for human rights across the Province of La Union. PSWDO Head Ranilo P. Ipac also challenged the participants to actively safeguard and advocate for the rights of Persons with Disability. The training aimed to develop the capacities of government employees to effectively communicate and engage with the deaf community, in support of the province’s efforts to promote inclusive public service.