SUDIPEN, La Union – Isinusulong ngayon ng Local na Pamahalaan ang mga renewable energy project at modernong pagsasaka para tulungan ang mga magsasaka na makapagtanim ng sagana at mapalago ang agrikultura sa bayan ng Sudipen, La Union. Kamakailan lamang ay pormal pinasinayaan at iturn-over ni Mayor Wendy Joy Dengayan ang bagong Solar-Powered Irrigation System sa Barangay Castro, na pinamumunuan ni Punong Barangay Rodel Dingayan. Ito na ang pangatlong Solar Powered-Irrigation System na ibinigay ng lokal na pamahalaan sa bayan at ito rin ang pinakamalaki sa mga tatlong proyekto. Ang bagong solar-powered irrigation system ay binasbasan ni  Rev. Victor Dagacan, sa ginanap na simpleng programa, na dinaluhan ng mga barangay council at residente.   Ang proyekto ay nagkakahalaga ng P1,990,586.00 na nagmula sa Development Fund ng lokal na pamahalaan.   Labis ang pasasalamat ni Dingayan sa local na pamahalaan, dahil natupad na ang kanilang matagal na hiling na magtitiyak ng sapat na suplay ng tubig para sa kanilang mga sakahan. Paalala ni Mayor Dengayan sa mga residente na pangalagaan ang pasilidad upang mapakinabangan pa ito ng matagal na panahon. Ang proyektong ito ay patunay ng dedikasyon ng lokal na pamahalaan na bigyang pansin ang sektor ng agrikultura para sa pagpapaunlad ng mga barangay. Zaldy Comanda    

PANGASINAN, Philippines — Pangasinan is set to strengthen food security and boost the livelihood of thousands of fisherfolk with the establishment of the first provincial government-owned Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Facility in the Philippines. The milestone project was presented during a public consultation dialogue held on January 21, 2026, attended by bangus growers, fisherfolk, and stakeholders from across the province. The project is part of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up, with support from the World Bank and the Department of Agriculture. The facility directly addresses one of the biggest challenges in the local bangus industry, the shortage of bangus fry and larvae. Despite being the country’s top bangus producer, Pangasinan still relies heavily on imported fry, particularly from Indonesia. “Ito na po ang matagal na nating hinihintay ng mga bangus stakeholders,” said Pangasinan Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya. “May hatchery na po tayo ngayon, pero nakakapag-produce lang ito ng halos 20 percent ng requirement ng buong probinsya.” She emphasized that the project has been four years in the making, involving multiple stages of planning and coordination. “Mahaba po ang naging journey ng proyektong ito, pero maganda ang naging resulta. Ang araw na ito ay malinaw na senyales na matutuloy na talaga ang hatchery,” she added. Once operational, the hatchery located at the Provincial Agriculture Field Station in Barangay Arnedo, Bolinao Pangasinan is expected to produce over 100 million bangus fry and more than 48 million bangus larvae annually. “Nagpapasalamat po ang aming lokal na pamahalaan dahil dito sa bayan ng Bolinao itatayo ang bangus breeding hatchery ng probinsya. Ito po ay malaking tulong sa aming mga mangingisda at nursery operators dahil magkakaroon na tayo ng sapat na supply ng bangus fry at larvae, at mas mapapalago ang kabuhayan ng buong komunidad,” said Mr. Eulalio Ramirez, Municipal Agriculturist and representative of the Bolinao Local Government. The 238.9-million project is World Bank-assisted, with funding shared by the World Bank (80%), the national government (10%), and the provincial government (10%). Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Manuel “Manny” O Luis Jr. described the hatchery as one of the major agricultural projects of Governor Ramon V. Guico III. “Isa po ito sa mga flagship projects ni Governor Guico sa agrikultura. Layunin nitong palakasin ang produksyon, pababain ang presyo, at suportahan ang kabuhayan ng mga bangus stakeholders sa Pangasinan.” he said. He added that bangus farming is more than a livelihood. “Ang pagbabangus ay hindi lang trabaho… ito po ay isang lifestyle. Ang proyektong ito ay talagang para sa inyo, para mas mapagaan ang inyong trabaho.” Aside from production, the facility will also serve as a training and innovation hub for small-scale nursery operators, fisherfolk associations, and cooperatives. It will feature modern aquaculture infrastructure, including broodstock tanks, larval rearing tanks, algal and rotifer culture tanks, and a training hall. More than 17 municipalities including Agno, Alaminos City, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Dasol, Sual, Binmaley, Bugallon, Labrador, Lingayen, Calasiao, San Carlos City, Mangaldan, San Fabian, Dagupan City, and Infanta will benefit, reaching over 40,000 fisherfolk and aquaculture stakeholders. The Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project is the only PRDP-supported provincial hatchery in the country, further positioning Pangasinan as a national leader in aquaculture development. With construction expected to begin soon, the provincial government continues to work closely with communities to ensure alignment with local needs and sustainable outcomes, and to ensure the project’s success. (Rich Majin, Photo by: Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)      

  PANGASINAN, Philippines — “Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan ng Pambansang Pamahalaan, Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Pangasinan, at ng ating mga magsasaka, naniniwala tayo na ang mga programa tulad ng “Benteng Bigas Meron na!” ay patuloy na magbibigay tulong at ginhawa sa mamamayan na naglalayong magtaguyod ng seguridad sa pagkain, pag-angat ng kabuhayaan ng magsasaka, at kaunlaran para sa lahat ng Pangasinense,” stated Gov. Ramon V. Guico III during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for the provincial launch of “Benteng Bigas, Meron na!” project on January 13. The program — spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA), along with Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the National Food Authority (NFA) aims to provide affordable and sufficient rice for all Filipinos. Under this initiative, rice is made available at P20 per kilo, targeting the low-income households and vulnerable groups. Beyond providing price relief for consumers, the project also ensures fair trade for farmers. For every kilogram of Benteng Bigas, the NFA commits to purchasing two kilograms of palay from local farmers. Gov. Guico further stated that this program, integrated with the Kadiwa ed Kapitolyo, is partnered with other agricultural initiatives in the province, such as Corporate Farming. This initiative uses a convergence approach by uniting farmers into cooperatives, providing farming inputs and machinery, and giving technical assistance to increase crop yields and lower production costs. This guarantees long-term assistance for all Pangasinenses. For a construction worker like Damon Sarmiento, 64, a resident of Binmaley, the program is a big help. “Balbaleg so tulong ‘to ‘yan programa ta akamenos ka lay balbaleg [ed gastos],” (This program is a big help because you can really save a lot on expenses), he shared. Under the leadership of Gov. Guico, the provincial government remains committed to providing people-centered governance. PGP is balancing immediate relief with long-term sustainability by addressing present challenges and building a food-secure future for every Pangasinense. (Eira Gorospe, photo by Ervin Alcantara | PIMRO)

LA UNION, Philippines — The Province of La Union became a global surfing scene as it welcomed 170 surfers from 25 countries across the globe for the World Surf League (WSL) from January 10 to 26, 2026. Set at the Monaliza Point in Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan, the major global surfing competition will feature international professional surfers from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, United States of America, Japan, Indonesia, Italy, and Spain among others including the host country, Philippines. Competitors will ride the legendary waves of San Juan, the “Surfing Capital of the North”, as they contend for the World Junior Championships and the Longboard Tour Qualifying Window, highlighting their prowess and styles on the waves. The surfing event marks another significant milestone in showcasing La Union to the global surfing community while providing opportunities for Elyucanos to display their world-class surfing skills and reinvigorate the development of the province’s tourism sector.  

By Kathlene Joyce C. Ramones- PIA-La Union   SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines — The provincial government of La Union plans to establish a tourism center in San Juan to strengthen the province’s tourism industry and promote its destinations, Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega announced. The proposed center, located in San Juan’s main tourist area, is envisioned as a hub for showcasing attractions across the province. “This will be a big investment, but we need it to effectively promote all tourist areas in La Union,” Ortega said. San Juan remains the province’s top tourist spot, particularly for surfing. The tourism center aims to encourage visitors to explore destinations beyond the coastline. “With this center, we can highlight not just San Juan but all other tourist spots in La Union,” the governor added. The initiative comes amid rising tourist arrivals. The Department of Tourism reported that more than 300,000 tourists visited La Union as of October 2025. The provincial government also plans to develop new adventure tourism sites, including camping areas, hiking and cycling trails, and motorized and non-motorized routes. Ortega noted that many tourists seek activities beyond surfing, creating a need for clearly defined outdoor experiences. Destinations like Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel and Bulalakaw Falls in Bagulin are expected to enhance visitor experiences while preserving surrounding natural areas. These developments are intended to support local economic growth while promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. They are part of a broader strategy to position La Union as a premier destination for adventure, nature, and eco-friendly travel.

LA UNION, Philippines — Known for its centuries-old churches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ilocos Region turns a new leaf as Benjamin D. Manahan Jr. takes on the helm of Department of Tourism (DOT) ‘s Region 1. A seasoned marketing, event, and business development professional, Manahan took his oath before Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco at the DOT Central Office in Makati on Wednesday, January 7. The newly appointed official is taking over a thriving tourism portfolio of Region 1. As of September 2025, the Ilocos Region recorded 1.253 million tourist arrivals, generating an estimated two billion in tourism receipts.

LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) reaffirmed their collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province as members of the police force paid a courtesy call to Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega at Vista La Vita, City of San Fernando, La Union, on January 7. LUPPO Director PCol Redentor Ulsano, led the police officials and personnel in a dialogue with the Governor, assuring their full support in safeguarding the constituents and upholding peace and order across the province. Among the key agenda discussed focused on plans and initiatives of LUPPO that will boost public safety, reduce crimes, and enhance the capability of the police force to respond swiftly to security concerns and emergencies. Governor Mario likewise expressed his gratitude to the police force for their full cooperation in implementing significant programs that promote public safety and preserve orderliness in the municipalities. In a show of solidarity and support, also in attendance were First District Representative Congressman Francisco Paolo Ortega V, First District Board Member Chary Nisce, Liga ng mga Barangay President and Ex-Officio Board Member Ramon Guio Ortega Jr., and the municipal officials of San Gabriel led by Mayor Lany Carbonell and Vice Mayor Ramolito Guinomma. This strong partnership between the PGLU and LUPPO marks a firm step toward the delivery of quality public service in realization of La Union Agkaysa, underscoring that safety and well-being of Elyucanos and visitors are essential foundations for the province’s progress.

By Kathlene Joyce Ramones   SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union,Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) attained national recognition on December 29, 2025, when the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) named the province as the first Volunteerism Local Learning Hub (VLLH) in the Philippines. The designation honors La Union’s work in institutionalizing volunteerism within local governance. As a VLLH, the province will guide other local government units (LGUs) by sharing its policies and practices through 2028. The recognition underscores La Union’s role in advancing active citizenship and merging volunteerism with development planning. Governor Mario Eduardo Ortega described volunteerism as a way to share skills for community benefit. “This provides an avenue for people to contribute their talents and expertise for public service,” Ortega said. He added that volunteer-led learning should directly support local development. “When more people are involved, the government gains a clearer understanding of how initiatives are received and how they affect communities,” he stated. PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James Gawe, meanwhile, congratulated the provincial government, noting that the designation validates La Union’s steady approach. “As a Volunteerism Local Learning Hub, La Union assumes a role in the national volunteerism ecosystem by serving as a center for learning and capacity building,” Gawe remarked. He noted that effective volunteer management will now be documented and shared. With the designation active, La Union aims to bolster its programs and promote participatory governance nationwide. (CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)        

​CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union,Philippines —In a major blow to the illegal pyrotechnics trade, the Regional Civil Security Unit 1 (RCSU1), headed by PCol Cherry Fajardo, reported significant operational accomplishments following an intensive regional campaign to ensure a safe New Year celebration across the Ilocos Region. With the untiring dedication and commitment, the RCSU1 implemented a massive crackdown against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices (FCPDs) through their 868 successful operations focused on the manufacture, sale, and distribution of prohibited FCPDs, which resulted in the arrest of five persons who allegedly violated Republic Act 7183, or an Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices. A total of  3,566 illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices with an estimated market value of P108,183..00 were confiscated in the said operations. Three (6) cases were filed in court, while one (1) is for filing and two (2) under investigation. ​The RCSU1 leadership emphasized that these operations, which started on December 9-31, 2025, were critical in mitigating firecracker-related injuries and preventing fire incidents during the peak of the revelry. Fajardo added that all the initiatives undertaken by RCSU1 are in accordance with the directive of PBGen Ross C Alvarado, Acting Director of the PNP-Civil Security Group, and in response to the guidance of Acting Chief PNP PLTGEN JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ JR. ​”Our priority is the safety of every citizen in Region 1. These 865 operations demonstrate our commitment to strictly implementing the law and continuously regulating the industry and removing dangerous, non-compliant products from our markets,” Fajardo added. ​All seized items are currently being processed for proper disposal in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to prevent accidental discharge. RCSU1 continues to monitor retail outlets and online marketplaces for any residual illegal sales following the just-concluded revelry celebration. ​Meanwhile, the RCSU1 encouraged the public to report any continued sale of illegal firecrackers to local police stations or through the RCSU1 hotlines (smart: +639985643602 / globe:  +639177758928)  to maintain the safety and security of the community.