LA UNION, Philippines — A shared sense of pride and purpose filled the grounds of the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center as the Provincial Government of La Union employees, officials, and local leaders stood as one for La Union’s simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on March 2, marking the province’s 176th Founding Anniversary.

The ceremony was led by Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, alongside Vice Governor Eric B. Sibuma, 1st District Representative Francisco Paolo B. Ortega V, and 2nd District Representative Dante S. Garcia. Also present were party-list representatives Kenneth C. Tereng of Kilos Mamamayan, Ngayon Na! and Mila Aquino-Magsaysay of the United Senior Citizens Party-list.

Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan attended in full force, including Board Members Maria Rosario Eufrosina P. Nisce, Miguel Corleone B. Magsaysay, Gerard G. Ostrea, Aaron Kyle M. Pinzon, Ernesto V. Rafon, Alyssa Kristine B. Sibuma, Teresita Tess O. Garcia, Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III, Ruperto A. Rillera Jr., and Jeferson B. Fernando.

Also in attendance were Ex-Officio Members Harold Dave E. Sibuma, Ramon Guio Ram A. Ortega Jr., Danielle Bianca G. Ortega, and Joyce M. Abuan, along with mayors, vice mayors and councilors from the province’s 19 municipalities and one city.

Participants began their La Union: Agkaysa formation march, eventually forming the province’s battlecry through a large-scale human formation—visibly embodying the spirit of unity.

Adding a surprise to the celebration, a paragliding display soared above the coast, carrying the 176th Founding Anniversary banner of La Union, symbolizing the province’s soaring spirit and shared aspirations.

United as one province, the annual ceremony serves as both a remembrance of La Union’s past and a reaffirmation of its aspirations—pushing forward, together, toward a better tomorrow as it celebrates 176 years of shared history and hope.