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By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Edmar Bacani, PIO | Date: May 31, 2022
To cap the 2022 National Heritage Month (NHM) celebration, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office β Culture and the Arts Unit commemorated the 79th death anniversary of Don Joaquin J. Ortega on May 31, 2022 at the Provincial Disaster and Risk-Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) Training Hall, Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Don Joaquin was La Unionβs first Civil Governor appointed by the Taft Commission on August 15, 1901 β the first in the Ilocos Region. The following year, he became the first elected Governor of the province. Married to Francisca Lacsamana of Bangar, La Union, the couple had fourteen children β from where generations of local leaders were raised. Don Joaquin died on May 31, 1943 at the age of 77.
A Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Jaime Andres, Jr. started the program, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in recognition of Don Joaquinβs contributions to the province. Gov. Francisco Emmanuel βPacoyβ R. Orega III who was represented by Executive Assistant IV Justo βTitoβ Orros III graced the event along with Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Nancy Corazon M. Bacurnay, and former City of San Fernando Mayor and local historian Mary Jane C. Ortega.
Reciting a poem of her own writing, former City Mayor Ortega highlighted her historical discoveries of Don Joaquinβs biographical experiences and political life which inspired scores of descendants to be public servants.
Delivered by Executive Assistant IV Orros, Gov. Pacoy in his message emphasized the legacy of Don Joaquin as epitome of leadership for the next generation. βThe love and support our Kaprobinsiaans have been giving to the Ortega clan is a result of how the first Governor treated and served the people β with love, kindness, compassion and respect. I will be stepping down with pride that I have started a Transformative Government that brought to the realization of a province he has envisioned, a Stronger La Union, a province worth living in,β he added.
Inspired from 2022 NHM theme "Pamanang Lokal: Binhi ng Kulturang Pilipino", Provincial Tourism Officer Arthur S. Cortez Jr. underscored PGLUβs commitment in recognizing local genius and historical personalities in various fields as he thanked the guests and attendees. Aside from the Ortega-Orros-Lacsamana kins, other distinguished guests and officials who were present include SP Member Jonathan Justo βJayjayβ A. Orros, former Governor and statesman Victor F. Ortega, former SP Member Francisco βKitβ C. Ortega, Jr., PDRRM Officer Aureliano F. Rulloda III, and former Provincial Agriculturist Alberto V. Lacsamana.
