PGLU held two Operation Rang-ay Iti Barangays (ORB) for this year’s foundation anniversary, one at the Burgos Municipal Auditorium and the other at La Union Medical Center last February 22 and March 12, respectively. Organized by the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator led by Dr. Mauro A. Libatique, Jr. and participated by government and non-government organizations, the two ORB sessions provided free medical services, dental services, medicines, nutrition education, supplemental feeding, veterinary services, legal services and others to thousands of residents in the province.

PGLU Inaugurates Infrastructure Projects
By; Victor B. Dacanay, PITO

On February 24, 2010 Governor Ortega led provincial officials and municipal officials of Aringay in inaugurating the recently concreted Aringay Poblacion Road worth almost 3 million Pesos. Funded from the provincial government’s General Fund, it was also attended by Board Members Henry B. Balbin, Rolando V. Rivera and Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr., Mayor Teresita A. Ong; Provincial Engineer Elizabeth P.Sias and former 2nd District’s Consultant on Local Government Affairs, Dr. Eufranio C. Eriguel.

In February 23, Office of the Provincial Governor Supervising Administrative Officer Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, together with Dr. Eriguel, Engineer Sias; Naguilian Vice-Mayor Reynaldo J. Flores, Liga ng mga Barangay-Naguilian President Ruperto Rillera, Jr. and Rev. Fr. Julius Bancifra in inaugurating the Naguilian-Bagulin Road Asphalt Overlay Project (Tudingan Section). Worth also almost 3 million, it was funded from the Kilos Asenso Fund.

In February 26, the Improvement of the San Vicente-Catbangen Drainage was inaugurated worth PhP 2,042,671 and funded from the Special Local Road Fund (SLRF). Officiated by Rev. Fr. Nolan Nabua, the inaugural ribbon was cut by BM Kit Ortega assisted by PGLU Department Heads and Barangay Officials.

In March 4, Apo Manoling graced the inauguration of the Bucao Bridge Construction Project in San Gabriel, La Union together with Cong. Victor F. Ortega, BM Kit Ortega, BM Jose Ma. “Pepe” C. Ortega, Mr. Mario Ortega, San Juan Mayor Ruben L. Valero, Jr., San Fernando City Councilor Ramon C. Liga ng mga Barangay-San Juan President Arturo P. Baldriz, San Gabriel Councilor Alfredo P. Alew, Sr. and Rev. Fr. Errol Ylantes. The construction of the bridge worth almost 12 million pesos was funded from the province’s share from the Tobaco Excise Tax.

LUMVA and TODA General Recognition
Charlie O. Balanon

In recognition to the contributions of PGLUs silent development partners, the provincial government sponsored the La Union Market Vendors Associations General Assembly and Search for the Most Outstanding Market Vendors Associations in February 24 at the City Plaza of San Fernando.

Organized by the Cooperative and Community Entrepreneurship Development Division (CCEDD) headed by Atty. Ernesto V. Rafon under the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) headed by Mr. Avelino A. Lomboy.

For the search, winners were judged based on livelihood activities, records of the association, innovativeness and cooperation among the members. For Category A (City and first to third income class municipalities) this year’s winners are Balaoan, Naguilian and Agoo landing 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Under Category B (fourth to fifth Income class municipalities), Pugo landed 1st place followed by San Gabriel and Santol for 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

On the same day at the Apilado Hall of DMMSU-Mid La Union Campus in the City of San Fernando, CCEDD conducted the “La Union Tricycle Operators and Drivers Congress and Awarding of Model Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA).”

The criteria for judging are: Registration and accreditation of the TODA to concerned agencies; number of annual reports submitted; minutes of meetings; income generating /livelihood projects undertaken; updated financial statements/activities undertaken with the LGU; and financial/material assistance received.

The 2010 Model TODA is awarded to Sudipen (President- Wilmer P. Pangayaw) besting all the municipalities. Naguilian TODA (President- Robert F. Calica) is first runner up; Agoo TODA (President – Silverio B. Laron) second runner up; Bangar TODA (President- Fortunato C. Monis) third runner up; and Bacnotan TODA (President- Lorenzo C. domingo) fourth runner up.

Gracing the occasion is Vice Gubernatorial candidate Aureo V. Nisce who was the Guest of Honor and Speaker. Also in attendance were Atty. Graciano J. Tobias, Regional director of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC); Ms. Trigidia R. Colisao, Provincial Director of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); and Mr. Henry John S. Jalbuena, Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Media Salo-Salo
By: Israel O. Rudio, PITO

In honor of the local media practitioners and in recognition to their contribution to the progress and development of the province, the provincial government held the annual Media Salo-Salo on February 25, 2010 at the Diego Siang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building. Pampered with a sumptuous dinner, games and songs from BM Henry B. Balbin, the guests were also treated with give-aways to make the affair memorable.

In their respective speeches, Governor Ortega, Vice-Governor De Guzman, Board Members Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr., Joaquin C. Ostrea and Board Member Victoria L. Aragon thanked media practitioners for their fair and just press releases and reporting. The provincial officials also assured them that they will accept any critic as long as it is factual and anchored on the spirit of constructive criticism.

Agri-Trade and Tourism Expo
Charlie O. Balanon

For this year’s Agri-Trade and Tourism Exposition 2010 which was held at the Plaza Gazebo of the City of San Fernando City in February 27 with Lakas-Kampi Presidential bet and former Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro cutting the ceremonial ribbon together with 1st District Congressman Victor F. Ortega and his wife former San Fernando City Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega. Also in attendance were Vice-Governor De Guzman and Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayor Pablo C. Ortega, Provincial and City Government Officials, Municipal Mayors and Municipal Agriculturists.

For the duration of the Exposition, the Provincial Information and Tourism Office (PITO) headed by Mr. Adamor L. Dagang, opened to the public the La Union Photo, Cultural and Arts Exhibit which showcased several cultural and festival activities.

Ornamental plants, urban vegetable gardening, exotic fruit, seedlings and seeds were showcased to the public.

During the program, Atty Asis G. Perez, Executive Director of Tanim Kalikasan, Inc. received an award of appreciation from Governor Ortega, for the organization’s invaluable support to the Revitalized Greening program of La Union through tree planting activities and empowering people for greater partnership in rehabilitating, protecting and conserving La Union’s clean and green environment for sustainable development.

In the afternoon, the Pinakalympics Competition in fruits, vegetables, root crops, fish, and livestock/poultry was held. The criteria for awards are weight, taste and appearance. A Pet and Owner look-alike contest was also held to promote responsible ownership of animals. The criteria for the competition include appearance (pet-owner parallel similarity at 50%), pet behavior (25%) and over-all impact (25%).

To promote the province’s local products, a One Town, One Product (OTOP) contest was also held. The criteria for the award are creativity, originality, product presentation and over-all impact.

Indigenous People’s Cultural Presentation 2010 and
“Fokloriko ti La Union” Night
Charlie O. Balanon, PITO

In giving due recognition to the Indigenous Peoples of the province, a night of arts and culture with the theme “Strengthening and Preserving the Multi-cultural Tradition of the Province” was hosted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the San Fernando City Plaza last February 27 as part of the 160th Foundation Anniversary of the Province.

In their traditional costumes, twelve municipalities competed in the theatrical performance of indigenous dances, songs and gongs. This year’s champion is the town of Bauang under their Tribal Chieftain Artemino Calano, Sr. bagging PhP 25,000 cash prize. The town of Santol’s number, choreographed by Jessamae Cadaeg, came in as 1st runner up plus PhP 20,000 cash prize while Pugo bagged the second runner up post, winning PhP 15,000 cash prize. The other contingents received PhP 7,000 as consolation prize.

Criteria for judging includes performance impact gauging the clarity of purpose, emotions, physical coordination and ensemble, 30%; artistic interpretation and directing focusing on the conceptual framework, blocking movement and choreography together with phasing and rhythm, 30%; production value comprises 10% for artistry, production panel set up and audience impact; and musicality adding up another 30% for musical content and relevance, musical interpretation, vocal quality, costume, attire and visual peripheries and interpretation of musical instrument.

During the program, Governor Ortega conferred a distinguish award to Mayor Bellarmin A. Flores II of Rosario, La Union as “special recognition for adapting indigenous peoples in his municipality.

Cheerleading Competition
By: Norcelie R. Jucutan, OPPD

In recognition to the growing popularity of national championship caliber of pep squads in the province, PGLU conducted a Cheerleading Competition for Secondary Students in February 28 in front of the Glorietta along Quezon Avenue in San Fernando City.

Led by the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, it was participated by Bacnotan National High School; La Union College of Nursing and Arts and Sciences (City of San Fernando); Caba National High School; Bangar Regional Science High School, settling for 1st runner up with PhP 25,000 cash prize plus trophy; San Luis Science High School (Pugo); Saint Mary’s Academy (Rosario) placing 2nd runner up with PhP 20,000 plus trophy; Aringay National High School; Brain and Heart of a Christian Educational Institution, Inc. (CSF), which emerged as champion, winning PhP 30,000 plus trophy; San Juan National High School; and La Union National High School (CSF) landing as 3rd runner up with PhP 10,000 cash plus trophy.

Members of the Board of Judges were Dr. Miriam Najera, Regional Secondary Education Supervisor for Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health (MAPEH) of the Department of Education DepEd-Region I as chairman; Mr. Jerico Cornel , Choreographer of Festival of the North and Head of the Caregiver Department of PIMSAT Colleges in Dagupan City and Mr. Jonathan Orquia, a Manila-based choreographer.

Gracing said occasion were Hon. Chester Bambico, SK Federation President of La Union; Ms. Mila Gamboa , Provincial Population Officer; Dr. Nida Gapuz, Provincial Veterinarian; Engr. Elizabeth Sias, Provincial Engineer; Ms. Emelda Pascual, Provincial General Services Officer; Mr. Adamor Dagang, Provincial Information and Tourism Officer; Ms. Caridad Viluan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary; and Mr. Alberto Lacsamana, the Assistant Provincial Agriculturist.

Senior Citizens and PGLU Employees, Balikbayan and Expats Night
By: Israel O. Rudio, PITO

In recognition to the critical role played by the elderly as role models of the society; invaluable competent efforts of PGLU employees to fully realize the development thrust of the provincial government; and in gratitude to the Balikbayans and expats who served as La Union’s Ambassadors of Goodwill in promoting local tourism, a night of dance and music was accorded to them last February 28 at the San Fernando City Plaza. Organized by the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Coordinator led by Mr. Ranilo Ipac, the event was accompanied by a live orchestra.

GRAND ELECTRIC FLOAT PARADE: A NIGHT OF LIGHTS AND GLEE JUMPSTART THE SEARCH FOR MUTYA NG LA UNION 2010
Danica Dana M. Rimando, PITO-LU

Manifesting the natural beauty and the innate traits and craft of the people of La Union, which are considered as the province’s competitive strengths, the Grand Electric Float Parade was held on the evening of March 1. Participated by the 19 municipalities and lone city of the province, the floats were highlighted by the reigning beauties of the province as well as the 2010 candidates with their respective native costumes.

Depicting the LGUs’ respective identity, the parade went around the usual parade route of the City of San Fernando. On the latter part of the evening, the Salaknib Awards and the first blast of the Search for Mutya ng La Union 2010, which is the awarding of Minor Awards namely, Best Float, Best in Native Costume, Most Indigenous Costume, Designer’s Award for Best Costume were held.

Hosted by one of the premier actors Jericho Rosales and former actress and present Executive Assistant to the Governor, Joy Ortega-Gidaya, the show was graced by Eat Bulaga’s Birit Baby Champion Jude Matthew Servilla, and two of the country’s promising bands Version 4.0 and Fat Session.

Thanksgiving Mass

Led by no other than Bishop Artemio L. Rillera, S.V.D. of the Diocese of San Fernando de La Union together with Fathers Froilan Saluta, Samuel Banayat and Chito Apusen, a thanksgiving mass was held on the morning of March 2, 2010 in front of the Provincial Capitol Building. In his homily, His Excellency reminded PGLU employees that as public servants, they should not only be willing to serve the people but they should also have the heart to be one with them. Bishop Rillera explained that to competently serve, leaders must understand and feel the true sentiments of the people. As such, we become responsive to the needs of the times and avoid wastage of resources drawn from the people’s money.

Simultaneous Flag-Raising

Immediately after the holy mass, Gov. Ortega led the Flag-Raising Ceremony and the simultaneous raising of municipal and city flags care of the Mayors and their respective Vice-Mayors and Councilors. It was followed by the releasing of doves, balloons and butterflies which symbolizes strength with sense of lightness and joy; wisdom and everlasting knowledge; prosperity; love; and transformation, opportunities, freedom and courage.

Pammadayaw 2010

In recognition to this year’s “La Union’s Finest” for 2009, PGLU once again held the annual Pammadayaw on March 2, 2010 at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building.

The Governor’s Award, which is given to qualified residents, non-residents and organizations in recognition to their valuable contributions, exemplary services for the progress and development of the province as well as those who brought honor and pride to the province in their respective field of expertise or endeavors was given to Provincial Information and Tourism Officer Adamor L. Dagang; Provincial Population Officer Mila Laudencia-Gamboa; Provincial General Services Officer Emelda P. Pascual; and Mr. Bobby B. VALDRIZ, Officer-In-Charge of the Provincial Legal Office. The nominees were carefully screened by the Governor himself.

For the Basi Award which is given to qualified Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Government Organizations (GOs), Local Government Units (LGUs) and Peoples Organizations (POs) based within the Province of La Union which had rendered exemplary and outstanding services in helping PGLU promote the cause of good government and preserve the ideals of public service, only have one Non-Government-Organization (NGO) and one Local Government Unit (LGU) qualified for this prestigious award. These are Municipal Government of Agoo, La Union headed by Mayor Sandra Y. Eriguel in recognition for its innovative practices that greatly contributed to the empowerment and enhancement of the educational pursuit of its people through effective practical mechanism by focusing at eliminating illiteracy and in sustaining literacy learning in all its 49 barangays, paving the way for garnering the prestigious Confucius Prize For Literacy Award given by UNESCO and the Iglesia Ni Cristo led by District Minister Bedan Ubaldo, for displaying the highest sense of civic consciousness in its role as an organization that extends unrelenting services to the people of La Union thru it s Blood Letting program in coordination with the La Union Medical Center and the Ilocos Training & Regional Medical Center; for its unending support and all-out campaign in the mitigation of climate change and preservation of our environment thru its various activities such as the province wide coastal clean-up drive, annual tree planting activities particularly on mountainous areas, Operation Linis Palengke to the different municipal markets and clean-up drive on major thoroughfares or highways; and for its laudable contribution in helping our typhoon “Pepeng” victim constituents thru its own and well-coordinated relief operation to the different municipalities of the province, thereby promoting the ideals of service to man and enhancing the quality of life of the people of La Union.

As for the La Union Service Award, the second highest award given to qualified native-born and/or residents of the Province who contributed their lifetime of service for the progress and development and likewise brought honor and prestige to the province, the awardees were graduating Mayors Bellarmin A. Flores of Rosario, Robert P. De Guzman of Bauang, George B. Pinzon of Luna, Severino C. Carbonell Santo Tomas and Salcedo A. Tumbaga of Bagulin; Provincial Health Officer Jose C. Ostrea; Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Mauro A. Libatique, Jr.; Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Ranilo P. Ipac; Mr. Orlando F. Marquez, Sr., Board Member of Road Board; Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus Associate Professor III Victorio C. Palabay; Joy Josette L. Lachica, Training Division Chief of the Board of Investments’ Domestic Marketing Department; Dir. Daria M. Mingaracal of the Department of Trade and Industry-La Union; Judge Ferdinand A. Fe of Regional Trial Court Branch 67; and graduating Board Members Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Jonathan Justo A. Orros.

For the Diego Silang Award, highest award conferred upon non-residents and non-native born in the province who had greatly contributed to the progress and development and brought honor and prestige to the province, the recipients were Retired PC SUPT Ramon V. Gatan, former Regional Director of Philippine National Police Regional Command I; Dr. Eduardo C. Janairo, Regional Director of Department of Health-Region I; and Atty. Danilo C. Bumacod, La Union Provincial Prosecutor.

The Saranay Award, the highest award the province could bestow to its sons and daughters, who have proven them selves to have displayed the highest degree of honor, exemplified sterling performance, extended invaluable services and bringing great honor and prestige to the province, was conferred to Dr. Geoffrey S. Tilan. An outstanding administrator, adroit civic and community servant leader and dedicated public manager, he received the award in honor of his magnanimous accomplishments and distinctive career records in public service for more than 40 years; a salute to his new brand of integrity-based leadership as Provincial Administrator of PGLU that envisage accountability, transparency, effective and efficient public administration and management. It is also in sincere recognition of his technical and managerial excellence and ethical leadership which propelled the attainment of the vision and mission of the province, program advocacy and strategic action-oriented stance to push initiatives to greater heights of achievements and successes.

MS. SAN GABRIEL IS MUTYA NG LA UNION 2010
Danica Dana M. Rimando, PITO-LU

Among 20 candidates each coming from the 19 municipalities and lone city of the Province of La Union, Kimberly Anne B. Santos, a 17 year-old Nursing student from the Municipality of San Gabriel brought home the title of Mutya ng La Union 2010 in March 2 at the San Fernando City Plaza, who proved wrong that height matters in becoming a beauty queen.

Standing 5 feet and 2 inches, Kim, as she is usually called by most, is actually the smallest among the candidates. Other than her beauty and intelligence, she also impressed the judges with her talent in dancing and excellent athletic skills, evidently by being a member of the Union Christian College (UCC) Pep Squad and Volleyball Team. Besides having crowned as Mutya ng La Union 2010, Kim also bagged the awards Best in Swimsuit, Best in Evening Gown and Ms. Reyes Haircutters.

Sharing her victory is Ms. City of San Fernando Brendolf T. Muñoz as Mutya ng Turismo and Ms. Max’s Restaurant at the same time, and Ms. Tubao Precious Jaiunah R. Landingin as Mutya ng Kalikasan who was also given three other special awards namely Ms. Philippine Topwood Industries, Ms. Toyota Innova and Ms. Katya Salon.

Following them are 1st Runner-Up Christina Citarina A. Stanley from the Municipality of Naguilian, who is also Ms. Nisce Dental Clinic and Ms. Beautiful Skin and 2nd Runner-Up Mary Grace G. Cervantes from the Municipality of Rosario.

Other awards and their respective winners are as follows:

Award City/Municipality Name
Best in Talent Pugo Winnie Rose R. Datayan
Ms. Friendship Santol Kryne Moniche M. Fagaragan
Ms. Photogenic San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Best in Native Costume Balaoan Hazel O. Jimeno
Best Designer for Native Costume Santo Tomas Aladdin Lagao
Most Indigenous Costume Pugo Edgar Saguitan
Best Designer for Evening Gown Tubao Elmer Niduaza
Ms. National Bazaar San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. CSI San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Mc Donald’s Smile San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Reveal Luna Krista Irish V. Somera
Ms. Philex Agoo Christine B. Fontanilla
Ms. Feel Good Spa and Salon San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Thunderbird Resorts San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Smart Agoo Christine B. Fontanilla
Ms. BHF San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Globe Agoo Christine B. Fontanilla
Ms. AVON San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Holcim San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla
Ms. Teen La Union Agoo Christine B. Fontanilla
Ms. Red Ribbon Balaoan Hazel O. Jimeno
Ms. Toyota Corolla Altis San Juan Ynnah Vanessa T. Avecilla

La Union Botanical Garden 14th Foundation Anniversary
Victor B. Dacanay, PITO

In its continued effort to promote environment protection awareness, PGLU and the City Government of San Fernando celebrated the 14th Foundation Anniversary of the La Union Botanical Garden. It is visited by thousands of students and environment stakeholders every year, the biggest of its kind flora and fauna haven outside Metro Manila.

Gracing the event were Congressman Victor F. Ortega and his better-half, former City of San Fernando (CSF) Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega; CSF Mayor Pablo C. Ortega; Board Members Pepe and Kit Ortega; Dr. Tilan and other local officials.

Enhanced Justice on Wheels Launched in La Union
By: Victor B. Dacanay, PITO

The Provincial Government in collaboration with the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, staged the Enhanced Justice on Wheels and the Increasing Access to Justice to the Poor Program at the La Union Provincial Jail (LUPJ) Compound, Barangay Camansi in the City of San Fernando on March 5, 2010.

Governor Ortega lauded the Chief Justice for the innovative program which brings justice right into the doorstep of the people. “The speedy resolution of long standing crimes will help declog our court cases and decongest our prisons as well”, added Apo Manoling. He later pledged PGLU’s support to the program through the acquisition of one unit mobile court which will be used in the province.

Chief Justice Puno said the “Enhanced Justice on Wheels” (JOW) was his centerpiece program when he was appointed chief magistrate in 2006 because defending human rights is the duty of an independent court.

He further, explained that the EJOW program, particularly the mobile court, is part of the Supreme Court’s efforts to bring justice to every Filipino, especially those who have less access to the courts due to poverty and distance. “Apart from mobile courts, the program also involves free medical and dental assistance, and legal advice to inmates, access to mediation and conciliation, information dissemination to different arms of government like barangays”. He added,
The Chief Magistrate also announced that the Small Claims Court Program which aims to facilitate the speedy resolution of civil cases especially in the Municipal Trial Courts will soon be launched by the Supreme Court.

After the launching ceremonies Regional and Municipal Trial Court judges took turns in hearing long pending cases in their respective courts in the presence of the accused detainees inside the two salas of the EJOW bus while mediation and conciliation sessions were held at the LUPJ Mess Hall and Main Building Frontage. The hearings benefited 18 detainees whose cases were dismissed. In the Mediation and Conciliation session, eight of the 13 cases for mediation were settled.

Provincial Skills Competition

The Association of Technical Vocation Institutions of La Union (ATVILU) in cooperation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-La Union, PGLU and the City Government of San Fernando conducted the La Union Skill Sectoral Skills Competition last March 3 at the Pacoy Ortega Sports Complex in the City of San Fernando which was highlighted by the Search for Mr. & Miss ATVILU 2010.

Participated by the different Technical Vocational Institutions (TVIS) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with TVET courses in La Union, the event showcased Tourism, Health, Automotive, Electronics, and Information Technology courses through competitions which include Table Setting, Hot and Cold Meal Preparation, Complete Bed Bath, Gasoline Engine Tune Up, Project Assembly, Computer Programming and Computer Hardware Servicing.

St. John Bosco College of Northern Luzon emerged as overall champion, receiving the Governor’s Trophy.

LUVWI Night
By: Victor B. Dacanay, PITO

A tribute to women as mothers the La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. (LUVWI) Evening was held last March 4 at the San Fernando City Plaza.

In his message, ABONO Party List Representative Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III recognized the importance of the irreplaceable nurturing presence of a mother during a child’s development and his Mother, Madame Geraldine R.Ortega, for her motherly devotion. “Today I am a Congressman and between us (Ma’am Demy), I am the one with a vital leadership mantle, but the true ruler is you, mom, because it was you who rocked my cradle,” added Apo Pacoy.

Attended by LUVWI’s Founding Chair and former San Fernando City Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega, she lauded the officers and members of LUVWI for their remarkable achievements in expanding the organization’s membership and their various projects and activities promoting women’s empowerment. She further praised Madam Geraldine for her advocacy in teaching the youth to pray the Holy Rosary and for initiating Adolescents Health Seminars for high school students.

The better-half of Governor Ortega also gave an overview of their other activities which includes mass baptism and weddings and several livelihood projects.

Cong. Victor F. Ortega pledged to donate PhP 500,000 to finance the organization of LUVWI Youth Chapters in every municipality in the province.

Dir. Valera Graces Street Barbecue Festival
By: Abigail D. Ancheta, PITO

Spearheaded by the La Union Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau (LUCVB) and the La Union Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association (LUHRRA), the Street Barbecue Festival pushed through last March 05 in front of the Marcos Bldg. in the City of San Fernando.

The event, which was open to the general public, was graced by Dir. Martin S. Valera of the Department of Tourism. It also served as the kick-off program for the upcoming Summer Chill this April.

The Street Barbecue Festival was included in this year’s Panagyaman Festival Activities to showcase La Union’s own style and recipe in Barbecue making and more so, to promote the Local Tourism of the province.

PANAGYAMAN NIGHT: PAROKYA NI EDGAR FIRES UP LA UNION
By: Danica Dana M. Rimando, PITO

In gratitude to his beloved constituents, Governor Ortega, offered a free rock concert last March 12 at the CSF Plaza featuring one of the country’s leading OPM Bands today, Parokya ni Edgar.

Chito Miranda, the band’s lead vocalist, heated up the crowd of all ages with 10 of their adrenalin-pumping hits. The Governor promised more shows as he saw the amusement and appreciation of the audience.

Candyflip Band, the reigning PGLU Battle of the Bands Champion served as front act of the jam-packed event.

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