The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has activated the Incident Command System of its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) as the province braces for the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan. Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega presided the Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) meeting on November 7, 2025 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Annex, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union, together with the offices of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) to strengthen coordination and ensure comprehensive preparations of each disaster response agencies ahead of the approaching weather disturbance. The PDRA meeting focused on the movement of the typhoon, weather forecast for the weekend, logistical readiness of different agencies, identification of isolated barangays, and the ongoing coordination and support to local government units (LGUs), all aimed to safeguard communities. The PDRRMO has reported that its incident command teams are now on full alert and ready for deployment. Search-and-rescue assets such as ambulance, rescue vehicles, jetski, and rubber boats were preemptively prepositioned for mobilization in response to any eventualities that the typhoon may bring. The Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) has also prepared its clearing teams and heavy equipment for possible clearing operations, while the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has ensured the availability of sufficient family food packs for immediate needs. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) has reminded farmers to harvest their crops that have reached maturity to prevent potential losses. Fish cage owners were also advised to harvest their fish, and fishermen were warned not to venture out to sea. The Local Government Units (LGUs) have begun conducting PDRA meetings to finalize their preparedness measures and preposition their rescue equipment and teams. LGUs have ensured that their EOC will be 24/7 operational and evacuation centers are fully-prepared to accommodate residents who may need to be evacuated. They are also intensifying coordination with the barangays to keep residents informed and prepared on the threat of the typhoon. Gov. Mario also urged residents to closely monitor weather bulletins and advised those in low-lying and landslide-prone areas to stay alert and cooperate with local authorities.

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  – Governor Ramon V. Guico III received the awards on behalf of the province for being ranked 7 in Locally Sourced Revenues (LSR) for the year 2024 and 10th in Year-on-Year Growth in Local Sourced Revenues from 2023 to 2024, nationwide. Given by the Department of Finance-Bureau of Local Governance Finance (BLGF) at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig City on November 5, the award recognizes the province’s good fiscal management. Joining Governor Guico were Provincial Treasurer Cristy C. Ubando, Provincial Assessor Atty. Geronimo M. Abad. LSR comprises two main components such as Tax Revenues and Non-Tax Revenues. Tax revenues include Real Property Tax, Business Tax, and other taxes. Non-Tax Revenues, on the other hand, are Regulatory Fees, Service/User Charges, Receipts from Economic Enterprise, and other Receipts. According to the BLGF, an additional parameter of LSR to National Tax Allotment ratio of at least 20% for the provinces and municipalities, and 50% for the cities, was applied. In 2024, Pangasinan’s revenue collection reached an unprecedented P6.6 billion, a testament to the province’s commitment to sound financial leadership and efficient revenue generation. Under Governor Guico’s leadership, key initiatives were implemented, including the amendment of revenue code and the launch of automated digital apps that boosted revenue collection from mining and quarry operators. The Provincial Treasurer’s Office likewise achieved efficient tax collection, with over collection in various local taxes, including professional tax, amusement tax, and real property transfer tax. Some of the province’s notable achievements in the past year were as follows: 1) Gross tax collection on sand, gravel, and other quarry products reached P235,575,494.26; 2) Provincial government-run hospitals generated a record P546.14 million in hospital fees, surpassing the P400 million target; 3) permanent and non-permanent employees received P20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) as additional incentives due to increased revenue collection. The governor attributed the province’s success to the collective efforts of the provincial government officials, local officials, and employees working towards the financial stability and growth. (Ruby F. Rayat, photos by Ervin Alvantara | PIMRO)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Pangasinan — The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, under the leadership of Governor Ramon V. Guico III, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Food Authority (NFA) on October 27, 2025 to strengthen local rice production and provide greater support to Pangasinan farmers. The signing ceremony was led by Governor Guico, NFA Acting Regional Manager Liza R. Balagot, and NFA Eastern Pangasinan Branch Office Manager Frederick A. Dulay, CESE. Through the agreement, the Provincial Government and NFA will jointly operate and manage the Rice Processing System I (RPS I) facility in Sta. Barbara, which is expected to improve the marketability of farmers’ rice produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and lower operational costs. The initiative also promotes better use of NFA’s warehousing facilities and equipment, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures for quality control and food safety. The partnership serves to support the implementation of the Corporate Farming Program, one of Governor Guico’s flagship initiatives, that seeks to transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable enterprise. The program aims to consolidate agricultural efforts across the province, enabling farmers to work collectively and improve their productivity to gain better access to markets and post-harvest facilities. At present, the Corporate Farming Program has engaged 1,442 farmers from 54 cooperatives, strengthening their capacity to produce quality rice and other high-value crops. Witnessing the ceremonial signing were members of the Provincial Board led by Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG. Lambino, along with NFA officials and representatives from the Provincial Government of Pangasinan. This collaboration reinforces the Guico administration’s thrust to make Pangasinan a leader in agricultural innovation and food sufficiency in Northern Luzon.              

BAUANG, La Union, Philipiines — Toyota Motor Philippines (Toyota La Union, Rgarage, Toyota Car Museum), in partnership with Greenwave Project, collaborated with the Municipality of Bauang in a Coastal Clean-Up and Tree Planting Activity at Bakawan Eco-Tourism Park in Pudoc, Bauang, La Union, on October 24, 2025. In her inspirational message, Mayor Ma. Clarissa T. Lee thanked Toyota Motor Philippines and Greenwave Project for this activity to protect marine life in the ecosystem for biodiversity and support human life. She commended the volunteerism and willingness of the private sector, municipal employees, PENRO, and barangay officials and community folks. Through this collaboration between Toyota Motor Philippines and the Greenwave Project, a total of 155.5 kg of residual waste and 57 kg of recyclable materials were collected. Additionally, 660 mangrove seedlings were planted, consisting of 200 Rhizophora apiculata and 460 Avicennia marina, helping strengthen the coastal ecosystem and support long-term environmental sustainability.        

LA UNION, Philippines — La Union’s beaches are set to come alive and filled with waves of energetic rhythm and vibes as the La Union Surfing Break rides in with more exhilarating sea-side activities, celebrating splash of fun, surf, music, arts, culture, and unity. The opening program will be held,on October 24, 2025, at the Waves Point, Barangay Panicsican, San Juan, La Union. La Union Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega encouraged the locals and tourists to join the crowd-drawing activities, saying “we invite our locals, tourists, and surfers to support the La Union Surfing Break, this is our way of showcasing our La Union Agkaysa here in the province.” “La Union offers more than great surfing, it’s also a place to enjoy our rich culture and heritage. Let us hit the waves and feel La Union,” Gov. Mario remarked. Now in its 20th year, the towns of San Juan and Bacnotan will once again host the month-long activities, bringing together tourists and locals to experience the province’s rich heritage and lively energy. For the San Juan Leg, among this year’s lineup of fun-filled activities include surfing competition, beach volleyball, San Juan surf clinic, glow run, pawi-can race, pawi-kite, surfboard painting competitions, Elyu music awards, pet halloween musical concert, afro latin festival, and 90s rewind. For the Bacnotan Leg, the town will feature a cultural show, zumbacnotan, surfing clinic, beach volleyball, sand castle making, bangkathon, music festival, foam party, surfboard painting competition, rescue olympics, and battle of the bands. Famous bands Amiel Sol, Sunkissed Lola, and Gracenote are set to electrify the stage with unforgettable music and priceless experience. LUSB also champions eco-friendly initiatives and responsible tourism, showcasing activities such as eco-booth camp, inter-barangay eco-decor competition, coastal clean-up, mangrove planting, eco-swap project, and clean-up drive. San Juan Municipal Tourism Officer Riza Joy Abat assured that the town is already geared up for the events, saying “we have partners and coordinated to our local uniformed personnel, government and private sectors, kasama po sila sa meeting at coordination para maayos ang pagcoconduct natin ng activities.” Bacnotan Municipal Tourism Officer Cheresa Sison also said that preparations are already in place. “Naplantsa na namin ang preparation with the help of the Provincial Government, our constituents, and very excited sa pagbubukas ng Surfing Break.” Sison affirmed. The local government units have designated parking areas for spectators and advised motorists to use alternate routes, to avoid congestion on highways near the venue. The LUSB is seen to generate significant impact on both tourism and the economy of the two municipalities. The LUSB is scheduled to run until November 2, 2025.

LA UNION Philippines — Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega shared his first 100 days’ accomplishments at the convention center in Sevilla, La Union, on October 14. In his address, he emphasized that his leadership is centered on unity and service, not political ambitions, and aims to restore harmony and progress for all Kailian. His administration swiftly formed a transition team, aligned with the DILG guidelines, to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Despite challenges like Typhoon Emong, the province responded effectively—mobilizing over ₱150 million in aid for relief and recovery efforts, restoring power, and supporting affected communities. Healthcare, livelihood, and environmental initiatives took priority. The province distributed medical supplies, provided assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, and launched reforestation and coastal cleanup programs to promote sustainability. Investments in education and social services, including scholarships and support for senior citizens, underscored their commitment to inclusive development. Governor Ortega highlighted ongoing projects like new classrooms, hospital repairs, and infrastructure improvements, with plans to turn La Union into the Region I economic hub by 2035. He expressed optimism and dedication to building a resilient, progressive, and environmentally conscious province—working hand in hand with all sectors for a brighter future.

URDANETA CITY – Social Security System (SSS) Luzon Central 1 Vice President Vilma P. Agapito and San Quintin Mayor Farah Lee Lumahan signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to register San Quintin LGU as the first Contribution Subsidy Provider in Pangasinan. Starting September 2025, 217 barangay workers will receive a P760 monthly subsidy for their SSS contributions, totaling P164,920 in monthly support. The program will be fully funded by the local government throughout the term of Mayor Lumahan, as part of the municipal government’s efforts of enhancing social protection for community-based workers. SSS Vice President for Luzon Central 1 Division Vilma P. Agapito said that the groundbreaking agreement between SSS and an LGU is the first of its kind in Pangasinan and Luzon Central 1 Division which covers Barangay Health Workers (BHW), Barangay Population Workers (BPW), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), and Child Development Workers (CDW) of the said municipality. “Through this MOA, we are bringing social security protection closer to our grassroots workers who serve as frontliners in their communities. This collaboration with the San Quintin LGU is a trailblazing initiative that we hope other local governments will replicate,” Agapito said. She further emphasized that consistent and regular SSS contribution remittance ensures long-term protection and access to a wide range of benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, funeral, and death benefits. Members also become eligible for salary and calamity loans, providing immediate financial assistance in times of need. Meanwhile, San Quintin Mayor Farah Lee Lumahan highlighted the LGU’s commitment to the barangay workers. “Our barangay workers have long been the backbone of community service. By partnering with SSS under the CSPP, we are ensuring that their sacrifices and contributions are recognized through social security protection. This is just the beginning, as we also commit to include our Civic Volunteer Organization (CVO) workers in 2026,” she said. SSS Urdaneta is also conducting courtesy meetings with other LGUs in its jurisdiction to offer the CSPP, in the hope that they will follow San Quintin’s lead in providing subsidy for the social security coverage of their barangay workers.    

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Bumisita ngayong umaga, Oktubre 14 si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., kasama si Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, sa lalawigan ng Cagayan para buksan at inspeksyunin ang ilang malalaking projects para sa traffic mobility at flood control and irrigation. Unang pinuntahan ng Pangulo ang bayan ng Claveria upang pormal na buksan ang Union Water Impounding Dam na ginawa ng National Irrigation Administration (NIA) at DPWH upang ma-address ang pagbaha at makatulong sa irigasyon sa lugar. “Itong Union Water Impounding Dam is an example of how flood control projects should be. Isa ito sa mga balak natin ireplicate sa ibang lugar na nangangailangan ng flood control solution na pwede ring mag-function as a dam,” ayon kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon. Nasa 1,050-hectare na farmland ang masusuplayan ng bagong dam. Sumunod nito, ininspeksyon din ng Pangulo ang long-span bridge sa Cagayan River na siyang magdudugtong sa mga bayan ng Calamaniugan at Aparri. “Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo natin na gawing mas maayos at mabilis ang mobility ng ating mga kababayan at ang kabuhayan sa Cagayan Region. Kaya pinapamadali na natin ang pagtatayo nitong 1.58-kilometer Calamaniugan Bridge para maging mas mabilis na ang biyahe ng mga motorista pati na rin ang mga goods and services papunta sa northeastern at northwestern parts ng Cagayan,” sabi ni Secretary Dizon.

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) Laoag has partnered with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Ilocos Norte Irrigation Management Office to ensure the social security protection of 118 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers through the KaSSSanga Collect Program (KCP). The partnership was formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing held last July 28 with SSS represented by SSS Acting Vice President of Luzon North 1 Division Nancy Umoso and SSS Laoag Branch Head Richard Raralio, and NIA Ilocos Norte represented by Division Manager Engr. Joselito A. De Vera, MPA. Under the KCP, NIA’s JO and COS workers will be registered as SSS Self-Employed members.  NIA shall be responsible for the collection and remittance of monthly contributions to SSS Laoag. “These workers are not covered under the GSIS Law, so the SSS is stepping in to provide them with the social security protection they deserve,” said Umoso. “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 said. Umoso added that monthly contributions for Self-Employed members range 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 for work-related sickness, injury, or death. She also clarified that government employees who previously worked in the private sector and wish to continue their SSS membership may enroll as voluntary members, although this category excludes EC coverage. “Regardless of membership category, regular contribution payments secure member’s eligibility to SSS benefits and loan privileges. Aside from that, those enrolled in the SSS Mandatory Provident Fund or MySSS Pension Booster can enjoy their additional savings upon retirement,” Umoso added. SSS Laoag Branch head Richard Raralio encouraged other government agencies and Local Government Units in Ilocos Norte to enroll their JO and COS workers under the KaSSSanga Collect Program. “Our branch is ready to assist the interested institutions. Joining KCP is a concrete way of showing appreciation and recognizing the contributions of JOs and COS,” Raralio concluded.