LA UNION, Philippines — Presenting the gains of a year of remarkable progress and inclusive public service, Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega delivered his first State of the Province Address (SOPA) on July 28, 2026 during the 57th regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan held at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Gov. Mario outlined his administration’s accomplishments and vision through his signature extemporaneous delivery before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, Local Chief Executives, representatives of National and Provincial Government Agencies, Barangay Chairman, Provincial Government of La Union Department Heads, Sector Leaders, and Partner Stakeholders. He delivered much of his address in Iloko, the mother tongue of the majority of Elyukanos, in adherence to the Iloco Code of La Union under Provincial Ordinance No. 026-2012.
Rooted in the spirit of “La Union Agkaysa” as the guiding force of his administration, Governor Mario emphasized to the 600 distinguished guests that the province’s achievements are the outcome of collective leadership, accomplishments, and steadfast partnerships that continue to propel La Union toward sustained and inclusive growth.
He highlighted his key initiatives and achievements across five strategic development pillars namely Economic Development, Social Development, Infrastructure Development, Institutional Development, and Environmental Development.
Among the achievements he highlighted were La Union’s sustained rice self-sufficiency, technical support for nearly 20,000 farmers and local enterprises and the tourism industry that drew more than 500,000 visitors and generated over P1 billion in receipts.
Continued programs and investments in healthcare, education, social welfare, infrastructure, and environmental protection also helped improve public service delivery and expand access to essential services.
In healthcare, upgraded facilities in the province’s five district hospitals and the La Union Medical Center enabled more than 190,000 patients to receive inpatient and outpatient care.
The province also acquired five patient transport vehicles from PAGCOR and two from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) while further strengthening pharmacy services to improve healthcare service delivery.
More than 13,000 beneficiaries received over P64.8 million in financial assistance through the province’s social welfare programs.
Among them were 1,400 senior citizens aged 80 and above who received a total of P14.6 million.
In education, more than 4,000 students benefited from scholarship programs while over P11 million in Brigada Eskwela assistance was extended to 465 schools to enhance learning facilities and school preparedness.
Meanwhile, infrastructure and environmental development progressed with the implementation of key projects, including the 7-kilometer Ramot-Puguil Farm-to-Market Road in Santol, upgrading of provincial farm-to-market roads, improvements of school facilities, construction of Septage Treatment Facility in Balaoan, upgrading of two sanitary landfills, and the institutionalization of the Baroro Watershed Management Council to strengthen watershed protection and sustainable resource management.
The Governor also highlighted governance reforms that strengthened institutions, enhanced transparency, expanded support for barangays, and modernized public service delivery through digitalization and organizational improvements.
As the province forges ahead with renewed purpose, Gov. Mario unveiled major public investments that are expected to shape La Union’s next phase of development, including the modernization of district hospitals, La Union Health Hub, San Fernando International Seaport, TPLEX Extension, Philippine Forestry Development Project, Bungol Demonstration Farm, San Juan Tourism Complex, and the Community Kitchen.
In closing, the Governor said that while strategic investments will pave the way for the province’s future, lasting progress will be sustained by the unity and collective efforts of every Elyukano.
