Author: Jerome Marzan

In commemoration of Fire Prevention Month, the Naguilian District Hospital (NDH) together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Naguilian Station organized a series of emergency preparedness drills focused on three critical areas: fire safety, earthquake preparedness, and chemical spill response on March 28, 2025.

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) participated in the global observance of Earth Hour and World Water Day 2025—two of the largest global environmental movements raising awareness on issues affecting the planet—through Padyak para sa Kalikasan and a series of educational lectures seeing a cumulative total of 525 participants for both events.

Guided by the leadership of Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega David—an empowered woman and champion of gender equality—the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) took part in the National Women’s Month Celebration, culminating the event on March 31, 2025, at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center in Brgy. Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The Municipal Assessors League of La Union discussed crucial updates and challenges regarding the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA) and procedural requirements for processing real estate deeds in their meeting on March 7, 2025, at the Bids and Awards Committee Conference Room, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The meeting was attended by Bureau of Internal Revenue Regional District Officer Ernesto I. Mangabat; Bureau of Local Government Finance – Region I Engr. Fernalyn C. Sarmiento; 19 municipal assessors of La Union; Assistant Provincial Treasurer Clarinda Vidamo; Provincial Assessor Engr. Arnulfo Cacho; Assistant Provincial Assessor Nida G. Dungan; and unit heads of the Office of the Provincial Assessor.

Provincial Assessor Engr. Cacho provided updates on the PGLU-Real Property Tax Administration, previously known as the General Revision of the Schedule of Fair Market Values. He mentioned that the first phase might take place this year.

Regarding the RPVARA law, Mr. Mangabat highlighted the need to align property valuation processes with its provisions. He also emphasized that the responsibility of formulating unit values has been officially transferred to assessors, with the BLGF overseeing the process.

Municipal Assessors raised the issue of updating the income classifications of municipalities which could align with the classifications under Ordinance No. 364-2022 and 399-2022. Majority suggested if it is possible to use the previous class in the application of SMV.

The possibility of setting a three-month validity period for tax declarations, like other government-issued documents, was also explored. Further discussions with BLGF included forming a technical committee comprising the treasury, assessors, and BLGF representatives to address taxation and valuation issues more effectively.

Ms. Vidamo from the PTO also provided updates on their processes as the office is implementing the real property tax amnesty to delinquent taxpayers under the RPVARA law.

The meeting ended with an agreement to continue discussions on unresolved concerns in future meetings inviting other concerned offices and agencies. The goal is to foster La Union PROBINSYAnihan to improve coordination between agencies and create a more efficient system for real estate taxation and property valuation in the province.

Naguilian District Hospital (NDH) commemorated National Women’s Month with the Buntis Day program which honored expectant mothers through educational lectures, free healthcare services, and recognition on March 19, 2025.