Author: Jerome Marzan

As external champions of the Agri-Tourism Strategy of La Union, the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council, aligning with #KalikasanNaman, celebrated #ArborDay by planting more than 120 seedlings of Native Trees (Bani Tree, Narra Tree) along Baroro River Watershed on June 25, 2021.
During the activity, the MSGC were able to discuss the importance of planting native trees, and the importance of protecting La Union’s watersheds in championing environmental awareness, protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and management.
The activity was made possible by the collaboration of MSGC with the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), Local Government of Bacnotan, Municipal Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Bantay Dagat, and the Barangay officials of Brgy. Baroro.
Moving forward, the MSGC commits to continuously implement programs, projects, and activities that will establish a Stronger La Union, a Province worth living in.

As part of the cultural and historical site conservation and rehabilitation program, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office (LUPTO) – Culture and Arts Section together with the Municipal Government of Balaoan, and the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) unveiled the Almeida Watchtower declaration marker on June 25, 2021 in Barangay Almeida, Balaoan, La Union.

The marker containing the NMP seal and the text declaration is placed on a cement pedestal just in front of the tower’s entrance.

The Almeida Watchtower in Balaoan is one of the five remaining La Union watchtowers along with the Moro Watchtower in the City of San Fernando City, the Baluarte Watchtower in Luna, and the watchtowers in the municipalities of Bacnotan and San Juan. It was collectively declared as a National Cultural Treasure by the NMP in 2014 by virtue of Museum Declaration No. 04-2014. These watchtowers were made of coral limestones and bricks built during the Spanish colonial period which served to protect communities from predators from the sea.

On behalf of NMP Director General Jeremy Barns, NMP Vigan Regional Office’s Supervising Administrative Officer Paolo Mar A. Chan extended his congratulatory message and expressed his support to the local government units (LGUs) of Balaoan and La Union for the protection and preservation of the watchtower. He said that as custodians of a promising future for the people, they will strive to continue working together with LGUs in protecting, conserving and promoting the culture and heritage. Mayor Aleli U. Concepcion, for her part, underscored the significance of the historical marker. She believes that with its perfect location overlooking the Darigayos Cove, the marker will help deepen the people’s appreciation and understanding of history. She also said that it will become one of the tourist attractions not only in the locality but also in the whole province once the tourism industry operation goes full swing.

Others present during the unveiling rites were LUPTO Officer-in-Charge Arthur S. Cortez, Jr., Barangay Almeida officials headed by Brgy. Captain Moises G. Torres, the landowners, Juliet David and former Registrar of Deeds, Atty. Pablito M. Valdez, together with his wife Marietta Almeida-Valdez.

The PGLU headed by Gov. Pacoy has a continuing mandate through the “Bantayán Ang Mga Bantáyan ” program to ensure protection and conservation of cultural and historical sites in the province.

Among the eight qualifying entries from the Province of La Union, the entry of Mr. Rodel G, Rillera, co-founder of Artist Guild of La Union (AGLaUn) was cited as Honorable Mention in the Non-Representational Category of the recently concluded 16th Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) National Art Competition held on June 25, 2021 via video conferencing.

Entitled “PhilWealth”, the painting portrays the pandemic and the plight of the Filipinos. It explains a connection between health and the economy. The same “health is wealth” aptly sums the abstract painting. The painting was chosen from over 1,200 entries nationwide.
Mr. Rillera received a certificate, medal and cash award of Php 25,000.

As curator and artist in the Provincial Government of La Union’s (PGLU’s) Dap-ayan La Union: Center for Culture and the Arts, Mr. Rillera already made a name for himself by painting artworks of nature as well as social responsibility but set in a highly conceptual context. He has staged various exhibitions in and outside the country. He has also reaped a number of recognitions that proved his flair as the Master of the Brush and Chisel. Among his other accolades came in 2018 and 2019 when he was awarded Third and Second Places in the same art competition, respectively.

Today, Mr. Rillera improves his craft even more, opening himself to emerging styles and innovations, and hoping to bring light to the world through the power of visual arts. He also continues to serve as a staff under the La Union Provincial Tourism Office – Culture and Arts Section.

Other qualifying La Union artists this year include Board Member Christian I. Rivera and his wife Remz Rivera, Jerome Barbadillo, Valen Valero, Ralph Gane, Doven Gardon, and current AGLaUn President John Parmisano.

The GSIS National Art Competition is one of the biggest and most awaited art contests in the country which is annually held as part of GSIS’ anniversary celebration to promote artistic excellence and make space for creative visual expressions.

The PGLU headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III ensures its continuous support to the programs and activities of local artists and other culture and arts groups in promoting culture, arts and tourism as levers for development in the Province of La Union.

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) inaugurated LGU-Sto. Tomas Sanitary Landfill Facility Facility located at Brgy. Namonitan, Sto. Tomas, La Union on June 25, 2021.