GOV. RAFY ORTEGA-DAVID'S STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS AN ACCOUNT OF LA UNION PROBINSYANIHAN, HISTORICAL FIRSTS
By: Geraldine B. Salazar-Lucero, PIO | Photos By: PIO | Date: August 7, 2023
Marking her exceptional first year in public service, La Union's youngest and first woman governor, Gov. Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David, humbly took the center stage of the newly-inaugurated La Union Civic Center expressing her gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her and the privilege of serving the kaprobinsiaan during her first State of the Province Address (SOPA) on August 7, 2023.
The SOPA commenced with an air of excitement, anticipation, and hope as leaders, community sector representatives, civil society organization representatives, and stakeholders gathered to hear the governor's address.
Gov. Rafy proudly presented the remarkable accomplishments of the Provincial Government's P.U.S.O. Agenda under her leadership while highlighting La Union's transformative journey through La Union PROBNSYAnihan.
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The Governor highlighted the importance of putting people first in the decision-making process. Her administration has worked towards addressing the needs and concerns of kaprobinsiaan, ensuring that their voices are heard.
"We champion transparency, accountability, and participation. Decision-making processes shall remain open until it becomes the norm. Citizens are not mere spectators but active participants in shaping their own destinies," Gov. Rafy said.
As a result of the people-centered and driven governance approach, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) has made significant achievements such as being the first and only Provincial Government to receive three ISO Certifications. Same certification has been conferred to the provinceβs five district hospitals.
On top of this, the PGLU was also conferred with the Seal if Good Financial Housekeeping and has Zero Outstanding COA Audit Suspension and Disallowance.
In the spirit of putting the people first, around 10,000 citizens from 20 Component LGUs were given Christmas Packs and free services from the PGLU during the first ever Paskuhang Bayan. The Governor declared that the number of beneficiaries will increase every year as she hopes to provide Christmas Packs to all households in La Union before stepping down as the governor.
She also mentioned that the dynamic relationship between the Executive Department with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega is vital in the Provincial Government's effective public service delivery. The Governor also gave commendation to all Board Members for their initiatives and thrusts in their respective committees.
By fostering transparency and accessibility, Gov. Rafy's administration has instilled a sense of accountability in public service and established a strong bond between the government and the people.
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Gov. Rafy's administration has placed a paramount focus on providing universal access to basic needs. This asserts that no kaprobinsiaan should be deprived of their basic needs regardless of their circumstances or background.
"We must be unwavering in our commitment to break the barriers that prevent access to basic needs. Not one can be truly successful if anyone is left behind."
Under Universal Access to Basic Needs, Gov. Rafy reported that La Union is the first Province to Implement Menstrual Privilege to PGLU female employees.
She also mentioned that she has been prioritizing Medical and Dental Outreach Programs to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA). She proudly shared that she is the first La Union Governor to visit the GIDA Barangays of Bayabas in San Gabriel and Sapdaan in Santol.
To further provide accessible quality healthcare services to kaprobinsiaan, the province, in her term, invested Php 60 Million on 17 healthcare infrastructures across the province including all five district hospitals and one medical center.
Financial assistance amounting to Php 300,000 was also provided to Pederasyon ng May Kapansanan ng La Union while Php 37,678,189 worth of assistance were given to kaprobinsiaan in need of emergency shelter and medical, burial and livelihood assistance.
The Governor also announced that the people of La Union will become beneficiaries of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipinas Program of President Bong Bong Marcos.
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The Governor lauded the substantial growth and development of the province's economy during her tenure. Emphasizing the significance of sustainable economic practices, her administration has actively supported local businesses, attracted investments, and created an enabling environment for entrepreneurship to flourish. This has led to the creation of new job opportunities, reducing unemployment rates and enhancing the overall economic well-being of the province's residents.
For La Union to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025. To make this possible, the province supports and strengthens its Agriculture Sector.
On the other hand, La Unionβs tourism has also made a significant breakthrough after pandemic. Aside from major recognitions received, La Union hosted the World Surfing League poising La Union as a premier surfing and water sports destination in the country.
La Union has also strengthened and reaffirmed partnership with Ilocos Norte through the I'm IN LUv tourism campaign.
Gov. Rafy mentioned that La Union is the 11th Most Competitive Province in the country and the number 1 in Northern Luzon and Region 1. She likewise acknowledged the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the provinceβs economic growth and as a support to them, first ever KayaCon! Agri-Tourism and Elyupreneurs Start-Up was launched.
As La Union thrives and capitalize its potential, the Governor also mentioned that the province continues to care for its environment through a stronger Kalikasan Naman Campaign. The construction of Bauang Bakawan Boardwalk has started while five Sanitary Landfills and four Quarry Outposts were constructed since she assumed office.
βWe can finally claim that all 20 our Component LGUs have their own respective Sanitary Landfill! I thank our Mayors for your complete cooperation! As a reward for completing the landfills, ang isusunod naman natin ay iyong Sewage Treatment Plants.β
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Recognizing the importance of local governance and community empowerment, Gov. Rafyβs administration has invested in building the capacity of Local Government Units (LGUs) and Barangays. Through various capacity-building programs and partnerships, these local units have been equipped to handle their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, the emphasis on resilience and sustainability has prepared the province to face challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change.
The governor declared that La Union is a peaceful, orderly, and safe province, and that it remains Insurgency Free thanks to its partnership with all peace-keeping forces.
Gov. Rafy also shared the successful enhancement of Barangay Peacekeeping and Action Teams through the distribution of High-Visibility-Vests to all 4,608 Barangay Tanods across the 576 barangays in the province while La Union 911 Emergency Operations Center is very much active with an average emergency response time of 4 minutes and 2 seconds.
βFormer Governor Pacoy already Provided Multi-Purpose Health and Rescue Vehicles to the Municipalities of San Juan and Balaoan, and this year I plan to give to the Municipalities of Bangar, Caba, Pugo, Naguilian, and Santo Tomas. Donβt worry my beloved Mayors, I aim to provide all our LGUs with their respective MPVs as well,β Gov. Rafy assured
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After reporting the remarkable accomplishments of her administrationβs P.U.S.O. Agenda, Gov. Rafy shared to the kaprobinsiaan some of the projects to look forward to in the coming years. In the words of the young governor, these are projects that will enhance La Union's infrastructure, promote sustainability, and foster a sense of community pride.
She reported that TPLEX La Union Welcome Rotonda is well underway as well as the installation of solar lights along the stretch of Rosario to Sudipen national roads. She also mentioned the planned projects for San Fernando Airport Terminal and the world-class Sillag Sports Complex to rise in Poro Point, City of San Fernando.
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As Gov. Rafy concludes her first SOPA, she dedicated all feats of the province to her son and all the rest of the children in La Union who represent the next generation - the future of La Union.
βThe decisions we make today will shape the La Union we leave for future generations. Every action we take, every policy we initiate, and every endeavor we embark upon is not merely for the present, but for the promise of a better tomorrow.β
She added, βWe owe it to them, the future bearers of our shared prosperity, to leave behind a world that is orderly, healthy, and resilientβ¦with our PUSO commitments, we bear the torch of progress.β
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Gov. Rafyβs SOPA is not just a moment of reflection of all the PGLUβs accomplishments in her term, but also a call to action. She calls the kaprobinsiaan to unite and actively participate in the province's journey through La Union PROBINSYAnihan.
βWith your help, I am confident that we will bring all of La Union together, working as one strong, united provincial government, inspired and driven by a shared vision to uplift the lives of each and every citizen of our beloved province of La Union.β
As the applause echoed in the La Union Civic Center, it was evident that the people of La Union had found a steadfast and passionate leader in Gov. Rafy, someone dedicated to their welfare and the next generations.
During the SOPA, Gov. Rafy also earned praises for her show of support to local MSMEs. She ensured that tokens provided to guests, event stylists, and food and beverage providers were sourced exclusively from La Union MSMEs. The MSMEs expressed their gratitude, highlighting that Gov. Rafy's directive resulted in their high orders and sales figures on that day alone amounting to Php 1,245,785 in total, underscoring the governor's commitment to bolstering the province's economic growth through her support for the local business community.
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