VIGAN CITY, Philippines –The City Government of Vigan officially opened Artes ita Paskua 2025 on December 1, 2025. City Mayor Randy Singson, Vice Mayor Atty. Glendale Benzon, and members of the 9th City Council were joined by Vice Governor Ryan Luis Singson and Senior Board Member Janina Carine Medina-Fariñas in inaugurating the festivities with the Christmas tree lighting. Part One of the celebration featured the opening and presentation of entries for the “Light a Tree” competition at Plaza Burgos, followed by the blessing and lighting of the Rapunzel Tangled-themed Christmas tree, the City’s official entry for the Onederland Christmas Tree of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. SPM Kisses Marquisse Agdamag-Lim provided an overview of the City’s Onederland entry. Part Two took place in front of the City Hall, where the Christmas tree, symbolizing “Christmas Bigueño,” was blessed. SPM Karen Baquiran explained that the tree’s design incorporated traditional Bigueño elements such as bricks, abel Iloco, and rattan, representing the rich Filipino Christmas heritage of Vigan.   The festivities continued with a Christmas Concert, featuring performances by the Vigan City Chorale, University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Choir, ICST Choir, Vigan City Hall Dancers, and the Vigan City Hall Band, which performed the festive station ID “Paskong the Best sa Vigan, ang Saya Vigan.” The evening concluded with a spectacular 3D Video Mapping Show and a fireworks display, marking the official start of the city’s Christmas celebrations.    

The Social Security System (SSS) Luzon North 1 Division announced notable gains in its service delivery and compliance programs for 2025, reaffirming its commitment to expand service accessibility and strengthening the enforcement of social security laws across the region. SSS Acting Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso reported that as of October 2025, the Division advanced several priority initiatives—including the full digitalization of all SSS branches, the rollout of E-Center sa Barangay sites, the expansion of SSS on Wheels (SOWs) deployments, intensified Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operations, and the continued strengthening of the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP). The Division’s most significant accomplishment for 2025 is the complete digital transformation of all nine SSS branches under its coverage—the first full-scale implementation of its kind within Luzon. Umoso said becoming fully digital enabled the system to streamline transactions, shorten processing times, and enhance access to online services. “With every branch now operating as a Digital Branch, members and employers benefit from faster, more convenient, and more efficient service delivery—whether onsite or online,” Umoso said. The Division also continued to expand its community-based service touchpoints through the E-Center sa Barangay initiative. As of October 2025, seven (7) E-Centers have been established across various barangays, providing easier access to online services for residents who may have limited digital resources. These centers have already assisted 1,208 constituents, enabling them to create My.SSS accounts, file benefit claims, and perform other online transactions with support from trained barangay personnel. Meanwhile, the SSS Service on E-Wheels (SOWS) program significantly extended the Division’s reach to communities with limited access to SSS offices. A total of 953 deployments across the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Mt. Province and Abra were conducted as of October 2025, bringing essential services to workplaces, remote barangays, and public areas. Through these mobile service missions, the Division was able to assist 38,358 constituents, reflecting its sustained drive to meet members where they are. The Luzon North Legal Department, headed by Atty. Blesselda Acosta, intensified employer compliance efforts through 111 RACE operations, resulting in 1,191 show cause orders issued to non-compliant employers. These operations impacted 5,152 employees, ensuring their eligibility for future benefits. “Through these compliance efforts, the Division successfully collected P13.08 million in delinquent contributions as of end of October this year,” Acosta said. She explained that Demand Letters are issued to employers who did not comply with the Billing Letters sent by the branch’ accounts management office. As of October, Acosta said that 287 demand letters were issued to non-compliant employers. “Employers who didn’t respond to Billing Letters within 30 days will receive a Demand Letter. If they still don’t comply, the case will be elevated to the court,” Acosta added. She disclosed that over P2.3 million was collected from 100 employers who settled after receiving demand letters or having cases filed in court. The Division also recorded strong performance under the KaSSSanga Collect Program. As of October 2025, it has formalized partnerships with 66 participating agencies, enabling the coverage of 4,046 Job Order and Contract of Service workers and generating P54.62 million in collections. This reflects strengthened government-wide support for the protection of non-regular workers. Umoso emphasizes that these accomplishments reflect its ongoing commitment to improving member experience, expanding its service footprint, and enforcing social security laws to safeguard the welfare of Filipino workers. “The Division remains dedicated to further enhancing its programs and strategies as it continues its mission of delivering accessible, responsive, and inclusive social protection services”, Umoso concluded. SSS Luzon North 1 Division is composed of SSS Laoag, SSS Vigan, SSS Candon, SSS Bangued, SSS La Union (San Fernando City), SSS Agoo, SSS Baguio, SSS La Trinidad and SSS Bontoc.  

The Province of La Union is ready to usher in the happiest season of the year with the opening of the Christmas village on December 1, 2025 at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco Ortega Convention Center Complex, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. This year’s celebration highlights the theme “Naragsak a Paskua,” Iloko for ‘merry Christmas. Among the main attraction of the Christmas village is the 17-meter giant Christmas tree positioned at the rotunda of the complex and adorned with almost 900 parols, proudly made by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the La Union Provincial Jail. Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega invites the public to visit the Christmas village. “I’m sure everyone will have a wonderful time during your visit. We want people to feel the Christmas spirit even without spending a lot, and to experience genuine happiness,” he said. The village features carnival rides, inflatable playground, Christmas bazaars showcasing the towns’ unique products, and food bazaars offering a variety of local dishes. The convention center was also wrapped and illuminated with spectacular lighting display. “We brought the Christmas Village to this new location to avoid traffic in the town center. This area is more spacious and can accommodate more visitors,” the Governor said. Big gift installations, colorful decorations, twinkling lights display, and parols filled the place to bring merriment and festive spirit to Elyucanos. The activity is seen to boost economic activities by attracting more crowd and supporting the local vendors and businesses. Beyond the dazzling decors, the christmas atmosphere glowing across the village celebrates the unity and collaboration of various offices that defines the local government’s call for #LaUnionAgkaysa.

Sta Praxedes, Cagayan – Dalawang empleyado ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 02 ang natabunan ng gumuhong lupa sa bahagi ng San Juan, Sta Praxedes, Cagayan ngayong umaga, Nobyembre 28, 2025. Ayon kay Marlene Miralles ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer ng Sta Praxedes, nasa maayos ng kalagayan ang isang natabunan habang ang isa ay nasa kritikal na kondisyon. Aniya, nasa lugar ang dalawang hindi na pinalanganan, kasama ang isa pang kawani para magbantay sa trapiko at magmonitor sa lugar dahil sa nararanasang pag-uulan. Dahil sa bilis ng pangyayari, hindi napansin ng dalawa ang pagguho ng lupa sa kanilang kinaroroonan. Agad namang tumawag ng rescuers ang isa nilang kasama na nirespondehan ng mga kawani ng MDRRMO Sta Praxedes. Sa ngayon, nananatiling hindi madaanan ang naturang kalsada sa lahat ng uri ng sasakyan habang kasalukuyan na rin ang kanilang clearing operation. (Digna Bingayen)      

BAUANG, La Union, Philippines — The Municipality of Bauang, led by Municipal Mayor Clarissa “Manang Bong” T. Lee, proudly participated in the La Union Gawad Kalusugan ken BHW Summit 2025 “Panangipateg ken Panagkaysa para iti Salun-at” held on November 25, 2025 at the Convention Center, San Fernando City, La Union. Mayor Manang Bong Lee personally received the esteemed awards honoring the exemplary work of the Municipal Health Office (MHO) under Dr. Erwill Nunan. These recognitions celebrate the outstanding delivery of health services and the unwavering dedication of our Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Heartfelt Congratulations to the Doña Donata Aguila Memorial Health Center and the Municipality of Bauang for their multiple awards, excellence in public health, food safety, and quality service. We also celebrate LGU Bauang for being a Top Performing ESU and proudly recognize Ms. Jocelyn Garcia as one of the Outstanding Midwives in the Province of La Union! May these well-deserved achievements continue to inspire more milestones and strengthen our commitment to uplift the communities of Bauang. Your dedication serves as a powerful inspiration.  

Nagpahayag ng buong suporta ang League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. sa kanilang courtesy call sa Malacañang, na dinaluhan din ni Gobernador Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay. Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan ng pagtutulungan ng nasyonal at lokal na pamahalaan upang mas mapabilis na maihatid ang mga serbisyo sa publiko. Kaugnay rito, iprinisinta naman ni LPP President at South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. ang kanilang pinagtibay naresolusyon na nagsasaad ng kanilang buong suporta kay Pangulong Marcos at pangakong ipagtatanggol ang institusyon ng Pagkapangulo laban sa mga umaatake sa Konstitusyon at tamang pamamahala habang sinabi naman ng Pangulo na mas mahalaga ang pagtatrabaho kaysa pagpansin sa ingay sa pulitika. Tiniyak pa ni Pangulong Marcos ang pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon sa mga problema sa flood control project at handa aniya siyang ipaaalam sa publiko ang magiging resulta. Nagpahayag din ng suporta ang League of Cities of the Philippines noong Nobyembre 19 kung saan sinusuportahan nila ang mga programa ng pangulo, lalo na ang pagpapalakas sa LGUs pagdating sa mga proyekto sa imprastruktura, edukasyon, kalusugan, at pagsiguro ng tapat na pamamahala. Bukod dito ay nagpaabot din ng suporta ang malalaking grupo ng negosyante noong Nobyembre 17 na naniniwalang mananatiling matatag ang ekonomiya ng bansa at patuloy silang mag-iinvest, lilikha ng trabaho, at palalawakin ang kanilang mga negosyo. Nabatid na kabilang sa malalaking negosyong bumisita sa Malacañang ay ang Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), at ang Philippine Finance Association (PFA).(Angelo Maguddayao) Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office

Thunderbird Resorts joined the series of tree planting project led by Gov. Mario Ortega, and that La Union continues its journey toward a greener, sustainable future. The tree-planting activity was participated in by Ms. Allee Lourdes Sun, Mr. Mario Vincent Lanuza, BM Hon. Ram Ortega, BM Hon. Gerard Ostrea, Special Assistant to the Governor Joaquin Ostrea, Media Affairs Officer Mary Joy Castillo, PGENRO Annalyn Rosario-Valdez, and the Liga ng mga Barangay ng SFC, a united effort to protect our environment In La Union, we don’t just plant trees, we plant hope, progress, and a brighter tomorrow.

Lingayen, Pangasinan , Philippines — The provincial government of Pangasinan has released the year-end bonus equivalent to one month’s salary and a cash gift of ₱5,000 to permanent and casual employees, including those with temporary and co-terminus status, of various offices and hospitals, following Governor Ramon V. Guico III’s announcement in a video message recently. The release of the benefits aims to provide a boost to the employees’ morale and financial well-being as they celebrate the holiday season. The governor expressed his gratitude to the employees for their hard work and dedication to serving the people of Pangasinan. The year-end bonus and cash gift are expected to benefit thousands of employees across the province, bringing joy and cheer to their families. The provincial government remains committed to supporting its employees and recognizing their contributions to the province’s development. The provincial government assures that Job Order/Contract of Service workers will also receive their share in the form of gratuity pay or financial assistance. Those who have rendered a total or an aggregate of less than four (4) months of service from January 1 to October 31 of the current year and are still in the government service as of October 31 of the same year, shall be entitled to a pro-rated Cash Gift pursuant to Section 2 of RA 8441. According to HRMDO records, there are a total of 7,110 employees assigned in various offices and hospitals, with 3,653 being permanent and casual employees, and 3,083 Job Orders. (Ruby F. Rayat/PIMRO)      

PUGO, La Union – The Social Security System (SSS) Agoo has partnered with the Local Government of Pugo to provide social security coverage and protection to its 47 municipal workers under Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) under the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP). “Under the MOA, SSS shall register LGU Pugo’s JOs and COS workers as SSS Self-Employed members while LGU Pugo shall be responsible in the collection and remittance of their SSS contributions through automatic salary deduction scheme. ” Umoso said. She added that JOs and COS workers in the government are not covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Law, hence the expansion of SSS coverage in the professional sector. “Through the KCP, they will have access to a wide range of benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, death, and funeral, as well as loan privileges.” Umoso added The monthly contribution of Self-Employed members ranges from ₱760 to ₱5,280, depending on their declared monthly income, inclusive of Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions ranging from P10.00 to P30.00. The EC Program is an additional benefit for employed and self-employed members in case of work-related sickness, injury, or death. SSS Agoo Branch head Roderick Andrada calls on all other government agencies and Local Government Units in the 2nd district of La Union to enroll their JO and COS workers under the KaSSSanga Collect Program. “Interested agencies are always welcome to visit our branch and learn more about the benefits of the KCP. This initiative is a meaningful way to show appreciation and recognition for the valuable contributions of JO and COS workers in advancing local governance initiatives,” Andrada concluded.