LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in partnership with the La Union Association of the Deaf (LUAD), successfully spearheaded a three-day Disability Sensitivity and Sign Language Training for frontline service providers in the province.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), Persons with Disability Affairs Officers (PDAOs), and designated PDAO Focal Persons from the different Local Government Units (LGUs) of the province were invited to learn the fundamentals of English Sign Language at the PSWDO Conference Room, City of San Fernando, La Union held on August 25–27, 2025.

In a message of Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, delivered by Executive Assistant V Mr. Denver Badua, he encouraged the participants to integrate disability-inclusive practices in all aspects of local governance and uphold equity, justice, and respect for human rights across the Province of La Union.

PSWDO Head Ranilo P. Ipac also challenged the participants to actively safeguard and advocate for the rights of Persons with Disability. The training aimed to develop the capacities of government employees to effectively communicate and engage with the deaf community, in support of the province’s efforts to promote inclusive public service.