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)      

By Chester Carlo M. Trinidad   LA UNION, Philippines (PIA) — The province of La Union recorded 518,937 tourist arrivals in 2025, reflecting the growing impact of sustainable tourism on local economies and communities. The La Union Provincial Tourism Office said the strong turnout highlights the province’s efforts to promote responsible travel—balancing visitor growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Tourism remained a key economic driver, generating an estimated P1.02 billion in receipts, benefiting local businesses, workers, and community-based enterprises. The province’s approach aligns with the broader push for sustainable tourism development in the Philippines. The municipality of San Juan, known for its surfing industry, recorded the highest number of visitors at 184,762. It was followed by San Fernando City, with 134,181 arrivals, and Bauang, with 81,146. These areas continue to attract tourists due to their accessibility, established accommodations, and diverse tourism activities. Visitor arrivals peaked from March to May, driven by the summer season and school breaks. To spread tourism gains beyond major hubs, the provincial government is promoting emerging destinations such as the waterfalls of San Gabriel and Pugo, as well as cultural and heritage sites across inland towns. Tourists are also encouraged to explore local traditions, including the Abel weaving in Bangar and historical landmarks, such as the Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna. Officials said expanding tourism destinations helps distribute economic opportunities while reducing pressure on heavily visited areas. With its sustained growth, La Union is positioning itself as a model for inclusive and sustainable tourism development, supporting national efforts to strengthen the tourism sector while protecting natural and cultural resources. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)    

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Pinagbtibay ng lalawigan ng Pangasinan sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Ramon V. Guico III at ng United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ang isang hakbang na naglalagay sa agham at inobasyon sa sentro ng pamamahala sa pamamagitan ng Programang SHIELD, matapos lagdaan ang isang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) na noong Marso 31. Kasama ng gobernador sa seremonyal na paglagda ang Resident Representative ng UNDP na si Christophe Bahuet, ang Australian Embassy Counsellor for Development na si Peter Adams, ang Vice Governor na si Mark Lambino, at ang DILG RO1 Regional Director na si Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr. Ang pakikipagtulungan ay hudyat ng isang malaking hakbang upang palakasin ang kakayahan ng probinsya na tugunan ang lumalaking hamon ng pagbabago ng klima at mga panganib sa sakuna. Ang SHIELD, na nangangahulugang Strengthening Institutions and Empowering Localities Against Disasters and Climate Change, ay isang pangunahing inisyatibo na sinusuportahan ng Pamahalaan ng Australia at ipinatupad ng UNDP hanggang 2028. Ipinahayag ni Gobernador Guico ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga kasosyo ng probinsya at ipinaabot ang kahandaan ng probinsya na aktibong lumahok sa pagpapatupad nito. “Ipinapangako ko sa ating LGU panlalawigan na maging lubos na makikipagtulungan sa inyong mga kasosyo bilang pagpapakita ng aming suporta sa programang ito. Makakaasa kayo na susunod kami sa lahat ng mga kinakailangan ng MOU na ito. Makakaasa kayo na mayroon kayong probinsya na isang mahusay na probinsya bilang kasosyo at bilang isa sa mga PLGU sa inyong SHIELD network.” Sa pamamagitan ng programa, magkakaroon ng access ang Pangasinan sa mga advanced na tool at teknikal na kadalubhasaan na idinisenyo upang mapahusay ang lokal na pamamahala at paggawa ng desisyon. Kabilang dito ang mga na-update na mapa at profile ng panganib sa klima ng probinsya, mga resilience scorecard, at mga digital platform na magsisilbing sentralisadong hub para sa datos, mga patakaran, at mga teknikal na mapagkukunan. Magpapakilala rin ang inisyatibo ng mga early warning web-based application at drone technology upang palakasin ang pagsubaybay at pagtugon sa panganib. Ang isang pangunahing bahagi ng programa ay ang pagtatatag ng Pangasinan Digital Resilience Hub, na inaasahang magiging isang sentralisadong plataporma na pinagsasama-sama ang datos, mga patakaran, at mga teknikal na mapagkukunan habang iniuugnay ang mga LGU sa mga pagkakataon sa pagpopondo sa pamamagitan ng LGU Resource Finder system. Binigyang-diin ni Gobernador Guico na sa pamamagitan ng pagsasama ng science-based planning at risk-informed investments, patuloy na pinapahusay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang mga estratehiya nito sa paghahanda sa sakuna at pag-aangkop sa klima. “Marami sa aming mga proyekto rito ay batay sa ilang mga pag-aaral. Sumangguni kami sa mga coastal engineer para sa mga istrukturang itinatayo namin sa baybayin, lalo na sa napakalaking capital complex development na ito. Kaya batay sa mga iyon, nagpapasya kami sa disenyo ng aming mga istruktura at sa master plan ng aming probinsya.” (Street Journal)

LA UNION, Philippines — Excitement, determination and pride resonated in the hearts of La Union athletes as the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) hosted a grand send-off program on March 27, 2026 at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center. A total of 995 student-athletes will represent the province in various sporting events during the upcoming Region 1 Athletic Association (R1AA) meet in Candon City from April 5 to 11, 2026, aiming to secure championship titles and bring honor to the province. They were accompanied by their coaches and parents, highlighting the strong support system that fuel their passion and determination. Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega led the program and vowed his full support for the delegation. He then encouraged the athletes to compete with discipline, perseverance, and unity, while promising sustained support for impactful youth programs, with a focus on sports. The Governor also spearheaded the distribution of allowances to the participating athletes to provide them the necessary financial support and adequate resources as they compete in the weeklong regional meet. Joining the Governor, Senator JV Ejercito, Board Members Chary Nisce, Joyce Abuan, Jeferson Fernando, and Gerard Ostrea, as well as Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Harold Dave Sibuma and City of San Fernando Vice Mayor Pablo Ortega, were also present at the event. The send-off program shone a spotlight on the exceptional prowess and enduring dedication of the athletes, highlighting not only their ability but also the courage, perseverance, and pride that define their journey. The PGLU considers this initiative a vital effort toward empowering the youth, promoting sports, and cultivating discipline and community values among the younger generation.

PANGASINAN, Philippines — A new milestone unfolds as Limgas na Pangasinan 2026 officially introduced its 19 candidates during the Press Presentation and Official Sashing Ceremony held on March 21, 2026, at the Sison Auditorium, Capitol Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan. Carrying this year’s theme, “Beauty Beyond Barriers,” the pageant marks a historic moment as it prepares to crown its 50th Limgas, celebrating five decades of empowering Pangasinense women and showcasing not only beauty, but purpose and inclusivity. The ceremony was led by the First Spouses League of Pangasinan and Limgas na Pangasinan Chairperson, First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, and members of the media from national and local outlets, who witnessed the official sashing of each candidate. More than a competition, this year’s Limgas highlights stories of strength, diversity, and resilience—proving that true beauty goes beyond barriers.        

Strategic partnership aims to reduce internet costs, expand fiber coverage, and accelerate the Philippines’ digital transformation   LA UNION, Philippines — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and telecommunications company InfiniVAN have signed a long-term lease agreement to develop the Poro Point Cable Landing Station in La Union into an open gateway for international submarine cables, a move expected to expand internet capacity, improve network reliability, and help bring down connectivity costs for Filipino businesses and households. The partnership will maximize the use of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets at the Poro Point Freeport Zone and strengthen the country’s international digital infrastructure. The agreement covers the Poro Point Cable Landing Station and related facilities under the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure, a strategic collaboration among the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), BCDA, and Meta aimed at improving the Philippines’ global internet connectivity. The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure established a 240-kilometer fiber corridor linking Baler, Aurora on the eastern coast of Luzon to San Fernando, La Union on the western coast. BCDA built the backbone infrastructure, which includes two cable landing stations, four repeater stations, and supporting terrestrial facilities, while DICT oversees its operations. Under the partnership, the Poro Point facility will be operated as an Open Cable Landing Station, capable of hosting multiple submarine cable systems while allowing domestic network providers to colocate their equipment. Designed to support two additional submarine cable operators, the model promotes greater competition in international connectivity and encourages new investments in submarine cable infrastructure. “This partnership with InfiniVAN’s nationwide fiber-optic network will expand access and service coverage, help lower the cost of internet services for enterprises and households, and accelerate the country’s digital transformation as it keeps pace with its ASEAN neighbors and the broader global digital economy,” said BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang. InfiniVAN Chairman Koji Miyashita said integrating the Poro Point Cable Landing Station into the company’s backbone network will allow submarine cable capacities landing on the northwest coast of Luzon to be distributed more efficiently to optical distribution hubs across the country. “This East–West connectivity will play a vital role in ensuring the resiliency and security of the nation’s communications infrastructure,” he said. InfiniVAN will operate both the Poro Point Cable Landing Station and the upcoming Baler Cable Landing Station under an Open CLS model, enabling any submarine cable system to land at these facilities and allowing multiple backhaul providers to operate within them. The development builds on InfiniVAN’s Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) and its ongoing construction of a new cable landing station in Baler, Aurora, which will serve as a landing point for the recently announced CANDLE submarine cable system. CANDLE is a 24-fiber-pair intra-Asia submarine cable with an estimated capacity of 570 terabits per second and is expected to become operational in 2028. Together, these developments position the Philippines to capture a larger share of regional data traffic and strengthen its role in Asia’s expanding digital infrastructure network. The initiative supports the digitalization agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which prioritizes stronger digital infrastructure, expanded connectivity, and improved access to online services to boost economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. In attendance were InfiniVAN, Inc. President Shigeki Nakahara, Chief Financial Officer Valenbert Juan, and InfiniVAN Advisor Alejandro A. Aquino, with BCDA Chairperson Atty. Larry B. Paredes serving as witness to the ceremony.

  LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office showcased La Union’s vibrant wildlife through birdwatching activity, held recently as part of the celebration of World Wildlife Day. Around 40 nature enthusiasts, environmental advocates and local partners gathered for an orientation before the birdwatching activity in the forest area outside the Naguilian Watershed Forest Reserve in Barangay Casilagan, Naguilian, and in the mangrove wetland of Bauang Bakawan Eco Park in Barangay Parian Oeste, Bauang, La Union. The activity produced impressive results, with 26 bird species and 65 bird counts recorded in Naguilian, including Gray-faced Buzzard and the Philippine Serpent Eagle. In Bauang, they documented 12 bird species with 31 bird counts, including waterbirds like the White-winged Tern, Great and Little Egret, and White-breasted Waterhen. They also spotted endemic species such as the Scale-feathered Malkoha, Guaiabero, Philippine Hanging Parrot, Philippine Coucal, Philippine Pied Fantail, Red-keeled Flowerpecker, Philippine Magpie-Robin, Philippine Jungle Crow, Garden Sunbird, and Philippine Swiftlet. Migratory and resident species were also sighted, namely Brown Shrike from Siberia, Korea, and China; Gray-faced Buzzard from Japan, China, and Russia; Arctic Warbler from Alaska, Siberia, and Japan; Blue-tailed Bee-eater from Southeast Asia; the Eastern Cattle Egret from Japan; Zebra Dove and Arctic Warbler. The presence of these species served as a testament to the province’s healthy ecosystem, and acted as bioindicators of clean water sources, healthy riverbank vegetation, mature and relatively undisturbed forest, showing that natural environment matters for communities and wildlife. Jesley Angelo Mariñas and Ms. Nesfena Wal-lit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office – La Union, Mr. Randall Brioso and Mr. Daryl Dacumos of Region 1 EcoBird Guides (BILLIT Org) and Dr. Jocelyn A. Floresca of Wild Bird Photographers of the Philippines were among the participants who gathered to witness the province’s rich wildlife. The PGLU’s commitment on environmental stewardship and effective conservation is reflected in the thriving ecosystem of the province, and it continues to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts, ensuring community involvement while embodying the spirit of Agkaysa for a sustainable La Union.

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN, Philippines  – Governor Ramon V. Guico III led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bolinao Community Hospital (BCH) in Barangay Liwa-Liwa, Bolinao, Pangasinan, marking another significant milestone in the province’s healthcare development. Situated in an 18,459 square meter lot donated by the Local Government of Bolinao through Mayor Jesus ‘Boying’ F. Celeste , the new three-storey hospital will replace the existing 25-bed facility in Barangay Sampaloc, expanding its capacity to 64 beds and equipping it with modern medical equipment. BCH Chief, Dr. Genevive Rivera, disclosed that the facility will offer surgical services. Future plans for the hospital include hemodialysis center and provision of CT scan services. Local government officials, led by Mayor Boying and Vice Mayor Noli F. Celeste, joined Governor Guico in the ceremony, underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure. First District Congressman Arthur F. Celeste, Sr. also expressed his full support to the project, highlighting its importance in delivering quality healthcare to the community. The project aims to provide faster, quality, and more accesible healthcare services to residents in Western Pangasinan. Governor Guico stated that the new Bolinao Community Hospital is a testament to the collective efforts of the provincial government and local leaders to prioritize the health and wellness of Pangasinenses. The upgraded hospital is expected to addresss the growing healthcare needs of the community, benefiting thousands of families in the area. Construction of the new hospital is a major step towards achieving the provimce’s health goals, ensuring that quality medical care is within reach for the more than 3.1 million Pangasinenses. (Ruby F. Rayat, photos by JP De Vera & Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, formally partnered with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through the ceremonial signing of the National ID Integrated Pangasinan E-Sys on March 10, 2026 at the Urduja Ceremonial Hall, Capitol Complex. With the initiative, Pangasinan became one of the pioneering provincial governments in the Philippines to successfully integrate National ID authentication services into a local digital system. The integration will support the management and monitoring of health services in the province through the Pangasinan E-Sys. Governor Guico said the integration contributes to the provincial government’s push to modernize public service delivery through improved data systems and digital governance. “We have always been wanting to improve and integrate our systems and to create synergy. Basically, we will integrate our data. So from PSA, from what you have gathered and from our own. They will all be integrated. May this be a model for all the LGUs and provinces.” Through the integration, the provincial government will be able to utilize verified PhilSys data to streamline identity authentication and strengthen service delivery, particularly in health-related programs managed through the Pangasinan E-Sys. The partnership agreement was formally signed by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and PSA Regional Director Shiela O. De Guzman, with Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Baby Ruth Torre and PSA Pangasinan Officer-in-Charge Verna M. Palsimon, represented by Statistical Specialist Xavier Narvas, serving as witnesses. As part of the province’s continuing collaboration with PSA, Governor Guico also announced plans to establish LGU-operated Civil Registry System (CRS) outlets to make civil registry services more accessible to Pangasinenses. The provincial government plans to open outlets in Lingayen and Binalonan, with another outlet being considered in Alaminos City. These outlets will allow residents to conveniently request civil registrydocuments such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR) without having to travel to distant PSA service centers. The provincial government also plans to strengthen its Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), which gathers and updates socio-economic data to help guide policy decisions and improve the targeting of government programs. PhilSys registration is among the services that may be availed under the Guiconsulta Plus program of the provincial government. Residents who wish to register only need to bring supporting documents such as birth certificate, passport, UMID card, or driver’s license. The registration will also facilitate enrollment in Guiconsulta Plus, which automatically registers beneficiaries under the PhilHealth YAKAP program, expanding access to health services for Pangasinenses. (Danna Laureano, photos by JP De Vera | PIMRO)