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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.

To achieve one of the key objectives in attaining herd immunity across the province, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) strengthens its partnership with the La Union Medical Society (LUMS) to support the #BakunaMuna Vaccination operations.
Members of said organization are tapped to aid in the screening process of Kaprobinsiaan from Priority Groups A1-A3, before they get their CoViD-19 Vaccine Jab.
Collaboration between the government and the private sector is vital in implementing a successful vaccination program. PGLU continues to strengthen its relations and collaboration with different stakeholders so that together we can rise above the pandemic and work towards the brighter days we aim to see.

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) celebrates World Environment Day and Philippine Environment Month with the theme “”Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom, Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan” on June 24, 2021 (Thursday) through a duathlon (cycling and running) competition among PGLU employees.

The activity was conducted at the Poro Point Baywalk with a total distance of 18.8 kilometers which consists of three (3) lapse of cycling and one (1) lapse of running. Thirteen individuals from various offices participated in the activity.

All of the participants received a bamboo tumbler. The champion for men and women categories received a cash award of Php 5,000.00, the 1st runner-up received Php 3,000.00, and the 2nd runner-up received Php 1,000.00 each.

In the men’s category, Mr. Warren Casil of PDRRMO won first place followed by Mr. Roland Faminialagao of PPDO at second place, and Mr. Ronald Talagtag of PDRRMO at third place.

In women’s category, the champion was Ms. Gezelle Butola of OPAG, followed by Ms. Mariella Guray of OPG, and Ms. Marian Carino of SP.

The said activity aims to raise environmental consciousness and instill participation or collective action from individuals which will eventually result in an impactful contribution towards environmental protection. The bamboo tumbler aims to symbolize shifting from old habits into eco-friendly choices such as single-use to reusable items and purchasing environment-friendly products.

Upang tuloy-tuloy at mas mabilis ang pagbabakuna ng mga indibidwal na kabilang sa A1 (mga frontliners) A2 (Senior Citizens) at A3 (mga may co-morbidities) priority groups, pormal na inilunsad ang dalawa (2) pang mega vaccination sites sa Probinsya ng La Union, ngayong araw na matatagpuan sa La Union Medical Center (LUMC) at Bacnotan District Hospital. (BCDH)
Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon ng tatlong (3) mega vaccination sites sa probinsiya. Bawat vaccination site ay may nakatalagang maayos na vaccine stations upang mas mapadali ang proseso ng pagbabakuna ng mga kaprobinsiaan. Higit pa riyan, mayroon ring maayos na ventilation sa loob ng nasabing mga pasilidad upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan lalong-lalo na ang mga senior citizens at ang may mga comorbidities. Handa naman ang Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) katuwang ang Provincial Health Office (PHO) sa pagtatalaga ng kanilang emergency vehicles. Mas pinaigting rin ng Provincial Government Strategic Communications Team ang pamamahagi ng communication materials ukol sa kahalagahan ng pagbabakuna.
Bawat mega vaccination site sa lalawigan ay mayroong catchment areas. Ang Mega Vaccination Site na matatagpuan sa Fr. Burgos Gym, Saint Louis College, City of San Fernando, La Union ay may kakayahang bakunahan ang mga prayoridad na indibidwal mula sa City of San Fernando at mga bayan ng Bauang, Naguilian, Bagulin at Burgos.
Maaari namang mabakunahan sa La Union Medical Center, Agoo, La Union ang mga A1, A2, at A3 priority groups mula sa mga karatig bayan sa timog na bahagi ng probinsya.
Ang mga residente naman mula sa San Juan at lahat ng LGUs sa hilagang La Union, na kabilang sa priority groups, ay maaring mabakunahan sa Bacnotan District Hospital.
Katuwang ng PGLU sa #BakunaMuna Vaccination Program ang mga Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Health (DOH) at iba pang pribadong sektor.

The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), through the leadership of Gov. Pacoy Ortega, continues with the #StrongerTies series. Last Wednesday, June 23, 2021, PGLU converges with the Local Government of Naguilian headed by Mayor Nieri T. Flores and Vice Mayor Reynaldo J. Flores.
During the discussion, concerns in the fields of health, agriculture, economy, tourism, and the environment, among others, were raised among the group. To address these, the PGLU supplied insights and action plans to be undertaken to assist LGU Naguilian.
Collaboration is integral in achieving a #StrongerLaUnion. Hence, Gov. Pacoy is persistent in conducting dialogue with component LGU officials.
The Stronger Ties program of the Provincial Government shall be an avenue to converge with the province’s governance partners as we work towards building a Province Worth Living In.