LA UNION, Philippines– The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is advancing the long-term modernization of the San Fernando International Seaport in Poro Point in La Union, with critical support from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The project secured provisional funding under the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF), a key step in transforming the terminal into a world-class gateway for Northern Luzon. Following the recent issuance of a technical assistance agreement, the BCDA and the PPP Center will jointly engage expert consultants to undertake the end-to-end preparation of the project under a PPP arrangement. This advisory package covers feasibility studies, market analysis, legal and financial structuring, PPP transaction support, and other related expenses, with an indicative budget of Php 74.90 million. The full redevelopment and modernization of the San Fernando International Seaport in Poro Point aims to transform the current bulk and break-bulk terminal into a world-class seaport equipped with modern port infrastructure and logistics systems. The project will enable full containerization, including container terminals and automated yard systems; install quay and yard cranes for faster cargo turnaround; expand storage and stacking areas; deploy advanced terminal operating systems, gate automation, and digital freight management; improve road and future rail connectivity for seamless cargo movement; as well as integrate gender, environmental, and climate safeguards into planning and design. “Northern Luzon has long been underserved by modern port infrastructure, limiting its ability to fully participate in global trade flows. This project is designed to change that by enabling full containerization, streamlining logistics, and anchoring regional industries to more competitive supply chains. It is a critical step in realizing Poro Point’s vision as a strategic economic gateway for Northern Luzon,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. The project scope is divided into six phases, beginning with project inception and market assessment, followed by feasibility study and structuring, and assistance in securing government approvals. It will continue through the preparation of documents and PPP bidding support, and will conclude with post-contract signing advisory services. BCDA is eyeing to break ground on the Poro Point Seaport modernization by the second quarter of 2027, with full completion targeted by 2029. Once operational, the upgraded seaport will support regional industries in Pangasinan, La Union, and the Ilocos provinces as well as enhance Poro Point Freeport Zone’s appeal to logistics investors and export-oriented manufacturers here and abroad.      

LA UNION, Philippines — La Union Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega enjoins the cooperation of the provincemates to expedite the restoration of power two weeks since Typhoon ‘Emong’ ravaged the province, leaving a large population without electricity. In a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Mario said that he had a dialogue with the two electric companies in the province and assured the residents on their prompt response as they work double time to fully restore the power to all affected households. “Kaunting patience na lang po, inaayos na po ng ating linemen ang mga linya ng kuryente at ginagawa po nila lahat ng kanilang mga makakaya upang maibalik ang suplay ng kuryente sa inyong lugar sa lalong madaling panahon,” Gov. Mario said. “We ask everyone to cooperate and unite in the road clearing to hasten the restoration of electricity,” Gov. Mario added. Board Member Gerard Ostrea reported that electricity has been restored in 83.33% of households. Board Member Chary Nisce has also ensured sufficient calamity fund to be used in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts. Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Guio Ortega Jr. highlighted that barangay officials have been exerting efforts to clear the debris, toppled trees and electric posts along the road within their jurisdiction to help the electric companies easily navigate the affected areas. Electric companies from neighboring provinces also heeded the province’s call for La Union Agkaysa as they deployed their personnel and extended help to the local electric supply providers to hasten the province’s power rehabilitation. “We thank all the electric companies from neighboring provinces for lending their hands to bring back our power supply.” Gov. Mario added                  

SAN FERNANDO CITY,La Union – Pumalo na sa P6,249,642,448 bilyon ang naging pinsala sa imprastraktura,agrikultura at livestocks, matapos ang hagupit ni Emong sa lalawigan ng La Union ayon sa Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). Sa ipinalabas na Situational Report, noong Agosto 5, biglang lomobo sa P6,010,231,100 bilyon ang naging pinsala sa mga imprastraktura sa iba’t ibang lugar sa lalawigan, samantalang umabot na sa P232,317,578.03 milyon ang pinsala sa agrikultura at tinatayang nasa P7,093,770 milyon naman sa livestock at poultry industry. Naitala din na may kabuuang 39,523 ang napinsalang kabahayan, na kung saan ay 35,783 ang partially damaged at 3,571 ang totally damaged. Sa walang sawang dedikasyon ng mga line men ng La Union Electric Cooperative (LUECO) na patuloy na nagtatrabaho sa ulan o init ng araw ay nasa 81.08 percent na  ng kuryente ang naibalik sa probinsya. Ang masusing inspeksyon ay isinagawa upang masuri ang pinsala at gumamit ng kinakailangang muling pagtatayo ng mga poste ng kuryente sa tulong ng mga partners mula sa Tarlac Electric,Inc (TEI); Angeles Electric Corporation (AEC) at Dagupan Electric Corporation (DECORP), kasama ang volunteers mula sa NGCP, DPWH, PDRRMO. Bauang MDRRMO; JRAgtarap. MFontanilla,MCruz, IIEE La Union Chapter at Converge. Sa huling talaa, dalawa lamang naiulat na namatay at tatlo ang nasugatan, mula ng pagragasa ni Emong sa lalawigan. Noong kasagsagan ng bagyong Emong, naiulat dakong alas 3:00 ng hapon ng Hulyo 25, ang pagkawala ng isang 25 anyos na residente ng San Cornello,Caba, La Union, sa ilog. Agad isinagawa ang search and rescue operation sa mga sumunod na araw at dakong alas 9:00 ng umaga ng Hulyo 27 natagpuan ang labi ng biktima sa tabi ng ilog na pinaniniwalaan nalunod at anurin ng malakas na tubig ng ilog. Sa bayan ng San Juan, isang 12 anyos ang namatay matapos mabagsakan ng natumbang mango tree ang kanilang bahay sa Barangay San Felipe. Tatlo katao nasa loob din bahay ang nagtamo ng minor injuries. Tiniyak naman ni Gov.Ortega ang patuloy na paghahatid ng suporta at tulong sa mga apektadong residente at maibalik sa normal na sitwasyon ang lalawigan. Nanawagan din Ortega sa mga local government units at mga NGO’s na ipagpatuloy ang pagtulong, lalong-lalo na sa mga apektado ng bagyo.  By Zaldy Comanda

By: Rafael C. Mosuela, SP-GPC   LA UNION, Philippines — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union has officially confirmed the appointments of the new Provincial Administrator, Provincial Attorney,, and Provincial Information Officer during its regular session held at the Session Hall of the Pro Tempore Speaker Francisco Ortega Legislative Building. This significant development marks the formal endorsement and assumption of three key officials who will play vital roles in upholding administrative efficiency, legal integrity, and effective public communication within the provincial government. Ramon B. Torres was unanimously confirmed as the new Provincial Administrator, while Atty. Andre H. Dacanay and Ms. Mary Joy B. Castillo were likewise confirmed as Provincial Legal Officer and Provincial Information Officer, respectively. Their appointments came following the formal endorsements submitted by Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega. Ramon Torres, a veteran public servant with nearly two decades of experience in the National Economic and Development Authority, and as a trusted Assistant to former Congressman Pablo Ortega and Incumbent Congressman Paolo P. Ortega V, underscored his commitment to effective and transparent governance. In his remarks, Atty. Dacanay expressed deep appreciation for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him by both the executive and legislative branches. “I am deeply honored to serve the people of our province. My commitment is to ensure that all legal processes within the provincial government are anchored in fairness, accountability, and the rule of law,” he stated. “The Office of the Provincial Administrator will work hand in hand with all departments to enhance public service delivery and uphold the principles of good governance,” Torres affirmed. Ms. Mary Joy B. Castillo, newly appointed Provincial Information Officer, pledged to foster open and responsive communication between the provincial government and the people. “As Provincial Information Officer, I will ensure that government programs, policies, and services are communicated clearly, accurately, and accessibly. Our goal is to keep the public well-informed and engaged in the development of our province,” Castillo said. Board Members lauded the professional credentials, extensive experience, and track records in public service of the newly confirmed officials. Several members emphasized that the appointees exemplify the kind of leadership the province needs—principled, competent, and grounded in ethical governance. Their confirmations were seen as a step forward in reinforcing the integrity and efficiency of the provincial government. Vice Governor Eric Sibuma, who presided over the session, welcomed the confirmations, stating: “This administration is assembling a strong and capable team dedicated to honest, competent, and people-centered governance. We look forward to a productive partnership with Atty. Dacanay, Mr. Torres, and Ms. Castillo.” Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, in a separate statement, described the confirmations as “a crucial step in strengthening the legal, administrative, and communications foundations of the provincial government.” The appointees are expected to immediately assume their respective roles. Meanwhile, several board members took the floor to express their support and optimism: Board Member Migz Magsaysay(1st District): “We are now in capable hands, especially with Atty. Dacanay at the helm of our legal affairs. He will ensure that all contracts, ordinances, and policies are in full compliance with the law.” Board Member Ruperto “Jun” Rillera, Jr. (2nd District) praised Torres for his in-depth knowledge of provincial operations, stating, “Mr.Torres brings with him unmatched knowledge of provincial operations. He understands the system—and more importantly, he knows how to make it work efficiently for the people.” He also recognized the role of Ms. Castillo in strengthening public engagement through information dissemination. “With Ms.Castillo as Provincial Information Officer, we can expect a more transparent and responsive flow of information between the government and the people. Her communication background and commitment to public service will help bridge gaps and build trust,” he added.

SAN FERNANDO CITY,La Union — Nasa inisyal na P163,610,240.00 ang naging pinsala sa inprastraktura,agrikultura at livestocks,matapos hagupitin ni Emong ang lalawigan ng La Union. Sa tindi ng pinsala at danyos, inilagay ni Governor Mario Ortega ang lalawigan sa State of Calamity. Sa ipinalabas na Situational Report,noong Hulyo 28, tinatayang nasa 36,076 pamilya, na kinabibilangan ng 107,097, indibidwal mula 271 barangay ang apektao ng bagyo,samantalang 25 kabahayan ang nasira at 335 ang bahagyang nasira. Ilan pa din sa mga bayan ang walang derbisyo ng kuryente na ngayon ay patuloy ns inaayos. Samsnta, nakiisa midmo si Special Assistant to the Governor Marc Cristopher Ortega sa clearing operations sa San Juan at Sandra Gabriel. Sa operasyon na ito, inalis nila ang mga punong bumagsak sa mga provincial at national roads upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at maibalik ang maayos na daloy ng trapiko.

LINGAYEN, Pa ngasinan – Pangungunahan ni Gov. Ramon Guico, III, kasama ang mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan sa gagawing test run ng interactive fountain, sa ilalim ng Capitol Complex Redevelopment Program sa buwan ng Agosto. Matatandaan noong Mayo 1, isang malaking pulutong ang nagtipon sa complex upang saksihan ang isang test run ng reflecting pool. Ito ay dahil ang mga pagpapahusay sa Capitol grounds ay inaasahang matatapos sa katapusan ng taon. Ayon kay Guico, kailangan ng kahusayan sa mga transaksyon ng gobyerno at ito ay maisasakatuparan sa pagtatayo ng 11-storey government center/tower na maglalaman ng lahat ng tanggapan ng provincial at line agencies. Nagsimula na talaga ang construction sa demolisyon ng dating Provincial Training Center 1. Ito ang nagbunsod sa paglipat ng Provincial Legal Office sa Finance building. Ang mga opisinang ililipat ay ang Family Court sa Legislative building at ang Land Registration Authority sa Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) complex. Ang Philippine Veterans Affairs at National Commission on Indigenous Peoples offices ay binalak na pansamantalang ilipat sa mga bakanteng stalls sa likod ng Palaris building habang may natukoy na proposed relocation site para sa opisina ng Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Sinabi naman ni Provincial Engineer Amadeo Veras, na maging matiyaga ang publiko sa abalang dulot ng pagtatayo ng drainage system na hindi lamang makikinabang sa bayan ng Lingayen kundi pati na rin sa buong lalawigan. Ang Capitol Complex ay magkakaroon ng pedestrian-friendly na mga bangketa, isang intelligent na traffic light system, mga bukas na espasyo, pinahusay na WIFI at iba pang istruktura ng mga pandaigdigang pamantayan. Ang mga proyekto ay may mga kinakailangang permit bago ang pagpapatupad tulad ng Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) mula sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources.    

The Youth Leaders paid visit to the Office of the Governor as it promotes La Union Agkaysa. A productive meeting with the active SK Presidents of different towns headed by Hon. Harold Sibuma, working together for youth empowerment and inclusive progress to build a better future for the next generation in the province. 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐨!

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos on Monday met with officials from the Provincial Government of Isabela to learn about Governor Rodito T. Albano’s flagship programs focused on agriculture, education, health, and enterprise development. The Isabela delegation presented a range of initiatives, including the Isabela Rice Assistance Program, Isabela Rice Processing Center, Seasonal Farm Workers Program, and the Isabela Recovery Initiatives to Support Enterprises (I-RISE). Other programs highlighted were BRO for Education, Sagip Mata, Sagip Buhay Program, and the Busog Lusog Milk Feeding Program. The delegation also presented an overview of the province of Isabela, highlighting its demographic profile, economic strengths, tourism potential, and agricultural productivity. They also shared Provincial Government of Isabela’s organizational structure, emphasizing how its streamlined government system enables efficient program implementation and effective service delivery. The Isabela delegation included Provincial Information Officer and Head Executive Assistant Atty. Elizabeth C. Binag, Public Employment Service Office Manager Cecilia Claire N. Reyes, Provincial Human Resource Management Officer Janette A. Castillejo, Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Lalaine C. Delmendo, and Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Arlene A. Castillo. Marcos expressed particular interest in forging closer ties with the province of Isabela to explore joint initiatives and exchange best practices in governance and development. (Isabela PIO)

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) recently held the groundbreaking ceremony for Grand Summit Pangasinan—its first Grand Summit property in Northern Luzon. Set within the growing Robinsons Place Pangasinan complex in Calasiao, the seven-story hotel is scheduled to open by 2027 and will cater to both business and leisure travelers. The property will be operated by RLC’s hospitality arm, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR). The ceremony on July 8, 2025 was graced by Mayor Patrick Agustin Caramat and Vice Mayor Kevin Roy Quinto Macanlalay of the Municipality of Calasiao, who welcomed the project as a boost to local tourism and economic development. They were joined by top executives from RLC and its partners, including Mybelle V. Aragon-GoBio, President and CEO of Robinsons Land; Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR); Annalyn Yap, Vice President of RHR; Ronald Paulo, Senior Vice President for Construction Management at RLC; Albert Yu, Principal Architect of ASYA Design; and Mario Rossi, President of Advanced Foundation Construction System. Once completed, Grand Summit Pangasinan will be a full-service hotel featuring 100 rooms—including deluxe rooms, junior and executive suites ranging from 38 to 116 square meters. Amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, outdoor pool and bar, fitness center, spa, ballroom and meeting rooms. Strategically located along the Dagupan–Urdaneta Road and just 15 minutes from Dagupan City, the hotel will offer easy access to many of Pangasinan’s cultural and natural attractions. Nearby destinations include the centuries-old Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church and the revered Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag. For those willing to venture farther, the iconic Hundred Islands National Park and the scenic beaches of Cape Bolinao—both within a 2- to 3-hour drive—offer unforgettable coastal escapes. In a previously released statement, Aragon-GoBio said the project reflects RLC’s continued commitment to regional growth. “Our developments across Northern and Central Luzon reflect Robinsons Land’s long-term vision of inclusive growth. By seamlessly integrating our businesses across retail, residential, hospitality, offices, and logistics, we aim to foster thriving communities and contribute to broader national progress.” Jolly also focused on the importance of Calasiao’s location in RLC’s hospitality strategy. “Northern Luzon continues to evolve as a dynamic hub for travel and commerce, and Calasiao stands out as a place where local character and regional connectivity come together,” he said. “We purposefully design our hotels to reflect the unique energy of the places they rise in—and in Calasiao, we saw the perfect opportunity to create something that speaks to both leisure and business travelers.” The Pangasinan hotel joins the growing Grand Summit portfolio, which includes the flagship property in General Santos City and a forthcoming at NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The project reinforces RLC’s broader presence in Northern Luzon, where it operates malls, residential communities, and office spaces in key provinces. In Pampanga, the company is also developing the 216-hectare Montclair Destination Estate in Porac—an integrated development featuring homes, retail, offices, green open spaces, and hotels. With Grand Summit Pangasinan, Robinsons Land continues to expand its hospitality footprint and deliver thoughtfully designed destinations that elevate local tourism and support inclusive progress.