LA UNION, Philippines — The Office of Cong. Dante S. Garcia has distributed medical assistance to 2,180 residents of the second district of La Union from the first to third week of August, through the Dumanon Serbisyo Gobyerno (DSG) Medical Assistance Program. Cong. Garcia led the financial aid distribution to the recipients, mostly cancer and dialysis patients, from the municipalities of Caba, Pugo, Tubao, Aringay, Agoo, Rosario, Santo Tomas, Naguilian, Burgos, Bagulin and Bauang. The DSG Medical Assistance provides financial aid to ailing constituents in support to their medical treatment and medication. This initiative of Cong. Garcia reaffirms his commitment to compassionate public service and in support to La Union: Agkaysa in improving the quality of life of the provincemates.  

LA UNION, Philippines — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union led by Vice Governor Eric Sibuma is pushing for an ordinance that shall require telecommunication companies to install gasoline-powered generator sets in their cell sites across La Union. This legislative initiative comes after Typhoon Emong crippled communication lines in the province. First District Board Member Gerard G. Ostrea stressed that the lack of power supply during the typhoon caused the breakdown of communication, challenging the mobilization of response assets during the typhoon despite disaster preparedness measures. Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Guio A. Ortega Jr. shared the same sentiments. He also cited forced evacuations at the local and barangay levels as among the challenges during the typhoon, urging residents to cooperate with authorities in future disasters.

ILOCOS REGION, Philippines — “Our country is very beautiful. There’s so much to learn about it.” This was what Senator Alan Peter Cayetano had to say during his visit to the Ilocos Region on August 21, 2025. Joined by his wife, Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, the senator spent the holiday visiting the cities of Laoag and Vigan. Cayetano, visibly impressed by the region’s charm, encouraged his followers to explore more of their own country. He also emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to make the Philippines more accessible to tourists. “We can learn a lot by traveling in our own country. The question is how to make it more accessible — fix the roads, airports, seaports so the rest of the world can see it,” he said on Thursday afternoon via Facebook livestream. The couple, together with friends, made the trip a productive one — combining public service, education, and advocacy for tourism. As chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Cayetano met with officials of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), including MMSU President Julius Manzano Jr. They were also joined by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, who comes from the region. “Earlier, we were in Laoag and had a very, very fruitful get-to-know meeting, but also a sense of what CHED Chairperson Shirley and MMSU President Sir Julius wanted to do,” the senator said. “And of course Lani with our SK,” he added, referring to his and Mayor Lani’s visit in Laoag with the Taguig Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leadership summit being held in the city. Later in the day, the Cayetanos traveled to Vigan City, where Senator Cayetano is set to stay for the weekend to shoot episodes of ‘Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda,’ a public service program he co-hosts with his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano. In addition to providing legal education and advice, the show will highlight the rich culture and beauty of the Ilocos Region, showcasing its food, heritage sites, and current social issues. “We’re interested in tourism all over the Philippines. I just want to emphasize our different talents, beauty, strengths and weaknesses. It’s like one whole that is made up of many parts,” the senator said. “From Batanes to Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur all the way to Mindanao, Zamboanga, to Sulu — our country is very beautiful,” he added. Learn from history to guide the youth and nation’s future During his visit to Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said history and heritage must be kept alive, especially for the youth who will carry the country forward. Speaking in his CIA 365 with Kuya Alan Facebook live session on August 21, Cayetano reminded Filipinos that reflecting on the past is vital to avoiding mistakes and instilling faith and values in future generations. “Ang taong hindi alam ang kanyang pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa kanyang paruroonan. It’s biblical — paulit-ulit po [na binaggit sa] sa Old Testament na ituro sa mga anak at susunod na generation ang kabutihan ng Panginoon, ang batas, ang tama at ang mali,” he said. The senator added that no nation is perfect, pointing out that even the United States had to endure turbulent times and admit mistakes in its history. Cayetano also connected his reflections on history with the importance of tourism, noting that cultural appreciation can help the youth embrace their identity. He cited City of Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, who hopes to encourage more young Taguigueños to experience Philippine heritage. “The younger Taguigeños are, the more we can learn about tourism, especially na sa Metro Manila, but we can also do much about improving Taguig as a site for tourism, international and local,” he said.

BAUANG, La Union, Philippines — Sa ikalawang pagkakataon, matagumpay na naisagawa ang Coastal Clean-Up Drive sa Isla Solomon sa pangunguna ng Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc., katuwang ang Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) ng Bauang sa pamumuno ni Mr. Marc Alvin Garcia, noong Agosto 19, 2025, Layunin ng aktibidad na ito na mapanatili ang kalinisan at mapangalagaan ang ating kapaligiran, lalo na ang mga dalampasigan at yamang-dagat. Nakibahagi rin sa gawaing ito ang iba’t ibang ahensya at institusyon tulad ng LINK, DTI, PGENRO, BFAR, MENRO Bauang, NCIP, Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Bauang, BFP Bauang, BJMP Bauang, at mga kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang Municipal Departments. Ang sama-samang pagtutulungan ng mga ahensiya at lokal na pamahalaan ay patunay ng mas pinaigting na pagkilos tungo sa isang malinis, ligtas, at maayos na kapaligiran para sa lahat. Ang ganitong inisyatibo ay lubos na sinusuportahan ng Pamahalaang Lokal ng Bauang sa pangunguna ni Mayor Ma. Clarissa “Manang Bong” T. Lee, bilang bahagi ng patuloy na adhikain ng bayan tungo sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan at sa kapakanan ng susunod na henerasyon. Lubos ang pasasalamat ng LGU Bauang sa lahat ng katuwang, organisasyon, at ahensiyang nakiisa upang maisakatuparan ang makabuluhang gawaing ito para sa ating Inang Kalikasan.

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Governor Ramon V. Guico III, patuloy na isinasagawa ng Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) ang Regular Job Fair para matulungan ang mga job seekers sa probinsya. May kabuuang 18 na local at overseas companies ang nakiisa sa Job Fair kung saan 3,357 bakanteng trabaho mula skilled work, clerical positions at managerial roles ang inalok sa mga job seekers, noong Agosto14. Nagkaroon din ng one-stop-shop services ng PhilHealth, SSS, PRC at Department of Migrant Workers sa mga job seekers at returning OFWS. Mula January 2025, umabot na sa 3,618 Pangasinense ang nabigyan ng trabaho dahil sa Regular Job Fair at local recruitment na isinasagawa ng PESO sa probinsya. Siniguro ng PESO na magtutuloy ang gagawing Job Fair at Local Recruitment activities sa LGUs katuwang ang mga local at overseas companies upang matulungan ang mga Pangasinense na makahanap ng trabaho. (Trisha Gayle Chavaria, Ervin Alcantara|PIMRO)      

LA UNION, Philippines — The spirit of La Union Agkaysa continues to resonate hope and strength in the province as the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), together with various government agencies, private organizations, and civic groups, collaborate to provide immediate aid and response to the families affected by the widespread impact of Typhoon Emong. Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega expressed deep gratitude for all the help and support of the private sectors and for responding to the province’s call for unity and collaboration. “Thank you very much for all your efforts and initiatives for our kailians.This is the essence of our La Union Agkaysa as we remain united to surpass these challenges,” the Governor emphasized. To supplement the ongoing relief efforts, Governor Mario along with First District Representative Paolo Ortega V and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, received another 350 sacks of rice and food packs from Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday. The Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Industry Inc., led by Consul Ren Faquiang also turned over 700 food packs to the Governor, while Liga ng mga Barangay President Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Ortega Jr. provided 200 sacks of rice. Other donors, which include the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Association of Volunteer Fire Chiefs and Firefighters of the Philippines, International Pharmaceutical Incorporated, Koka Enterprise, 568 Emporium, San Miguel Corporation, 1590 Corporation, Thunderbird Resorts, Abra Diocesan Teacher & Employees Multi-purpose Cooperative, GMA Kapuso Foundation, and Boysen Philippines, also donated food supplies, hygiene kits, and medicines to be distributed to the affected communities. As of this writing, PGLU has already distributed 19,580 family food packs to the City Government of San Fernando and different municipalities. The food pack contains six kgs of rice, eight canned goods, and six sachets of 3-in-1 coffee. Gov. Mario also confirmed that a total of 73,218 food packs have been already delivered to the component local government units (LGU), in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of the First District Representative, and United Senior Citizens Partylist. Furthermore, Second District Representative Dante Sotelo Garcia has already distributed 5,000 food packs to the affected residents in the Second District.

LA UNION, Philippines — In the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Emong, Senator Win Gatchalian visited the province of La Union to personally extend assistance and express solidarity with its people. His visit marked a significant gesture of national support, as he became the first senator to set foot in the province following the calamity. Senator Gatchalian was warmly received by Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega, Congressman Paolo Ortega V, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, who represented Vice Governor Eric Sibuma, on August 8. During his visit, the senator committed to sustaining support for La Union, stating that the aid brought was only the beginning of future projects aimed at helping the province recover and rebuild. “This is just the start,” Gatchalian said. “We will continue to support La Union through long-term initiatives that promote resilience and recovery.” Governor Ortega underscored the administration’s commitment to unity and genuine public service, stating, “This is what our governance has always been anchored on—Pudno nga Agserbi (True Service). All government units are working hand in hand to live up to our banner commitment: La Union Agkaysa (La Union United), especially in times of crisis.” Congressman Ortega expressed deep gratitude to the senator, emphasizing the significance of his presence.“Senator Gatchalian is the first senator to visit us after the typhoon. His concern and quick response mean a great deal to our constituents.” Relief goods delivered during the visit will be distributed to various municipalities across the province to supplement the efforts of local government units in their ongoing recovery operations.        

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