Naguilian District Hospital Participates in Clean Up Drive

Employees of the Naguilian District Hospital (NDH) along with Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Eduardo S. Posadas, supported the clean-up drive: “Oplan Dalus” of the Municipality of Naguilian, La Union by conducting their own clean-up drive in the NDH on January 11, 2020.

Dr. Posadas and 43 employees participated in the transformation of the hospital into a cleaner institution. The clean-up activity includes sweeping, cutting tall grasses, picking up litters and garbage disposal.

They conducted the clean-up drive in the hospital specifically in areas of the pedia, boy’s quarter, power house, decentralized wastewater systems treat and new building grounds.

Cleanliness in the environment contributes in maintaining a safe and green surrounding in line with the vision of a Healthy La Union, Happy La Union by 2020.

22nd SP Reports First 6-Month Accomplishment

The 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) headed by Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega generally fared above satisfactory in terms of their main legislative indicators for the first six months of their term particularly for the months of July to December of 2019.

A total of 27 sessions were conducted which included one out-of-hall session and one special session. The total number of sessions exceeded the target of 26 sessions for one session per week rule as provided in the Local Government Code. From the 350 items as target in the SP Agenda, 492 items were accomplished.

There were 45 urgent and 27 non-urgent letter from the Office of the Provincial Governor requesting for action of the SP, 37 or 82.2% of all urgent letter-requests were acted upon through appropriate ordinances, resolutions and/or appropriation ordinances. This reflects the harmonious working relationship of the Executive and the Legislative offices of the Provincial Government of La Union in terms of approving measures that are needed in the implementation and sustainability of various development programs.

The working committees conducted a total of 706 committee meetings and 147 committee hearings while a total of 293 committee reports were submitted, rendered and adopted by the SP.

There are 61 privilege speeches delivered during plenary sessions. SPM Jennifer C. Mosuela delivered the most number of privilege speeches with 13 speeches followed by SPM Maria Annabelle S. de Guzman on with 12 privilege and SPM Nancy Corazon M. Bacurnay with a total of nine privilege speeches.

Five members of the Provincial Board perfected the attendance to all session of the second semester of 2019. They are SPM Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V, SPM Jennifer C. Mosuela, SPM Maria Annabelle S. de Guzman, SPM Frank O. Sibuma and SPM Abraham P. Rimando.

Around La Union: Be a Smart ELYU Traveler

It cannot be denied that on the first time we visit a place, it can be a daunting experience. You may not know what to expect. Despite having online references, you may be skeptical with the credibility of websites. La Union is no exemption. So, how can one be a confident and smart traveler in #eLyU?

To resolve this, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the Provincial Information Office – Media and Public Information Unit came up with the “Around La Union Travel Guide” – the ultimate travel handbook for tourists traveling to La Union. Let us take a closer look at the guide.

The handbook is divided into three parts. The first part comprises a concise summary of La Union history, describing how the province was created, and when it was established; tips for a more convenient travel experience; and, conversational Iloko phrases that are useful when visiting local destinations.

The second part highlights the five Tourism Circuits composed of Local Government Units. The circuits were strategically-grouped to contribute to the vision of the province to be “The Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.” Must-visit tourism attractions were listed in every tourism circuit. Important information such as: activities that could be undertaken, fees and charges that may be incurred, and everything that a visitor must be aware of, were specified for better guidance. More than the tourism attractions, La Union Festivals, One Town One Product, and mouth-watering local delicacies that should never be missed out, are also included.

The third part of the handbook promotes responsible tourism. When visiting a destination, it is important to avoid activities that may contribute to environmental degradation. Thus, reminders on being a responsible tourist were emphasized in the handbook. It is as well important for a tourist to know the system of rules that are created and enforced throughout the place they are visiting, hence a summary of local ordinances relevant to tourism were also included. The handbook further contains a directory of DOT accredited entities such as: Accommodation Establishments, Food Establishments, Travel and Tour Operators, Farm Sites, and Tourist Guides to help tourists choose among reputable establishments.

What’s interesting about the handbook is its interactive feature presenting Quick Response Codes also known as QR Codes. Using your smartphone, you can read the code and navigate to your intended destination.

Copies of the Around La Union Travel Guide were distributed to La Union tourism stake holders and tourists in travel fairs. Constituents who won contests and games in the official Facebook page of PGLU also received the same.

The PGLU identified its Medium-Term Strategy to position La Union as the Preferred Tourist Destination in Northern Luzon by 2022 and the Around La Union Travel Guide will be of great help to achieve this.

To avail a copy of the guide, follow PGLU’s official Facebook page @LGUlaunion or visit www.launion.gov.ph for announcements. Whether it is your first time in the province or you are a repeat visitor, secure your own Around La Union Travel Guide for a convenient and memorable travel experience in the province. Live, Own, Visit, Experience (L.O.V.E.) La Union!

NDH Conducts Infection Prevention, Control Program

Infection Prevention and Control Program Nurse Ms. Alma D. Huliganga expound the importance of proper handwashing to Out-Patient Department patients on January 8, 2020 at Naguilian District Hospital (NDH). She reiterated that germs are all around, so proper handwashing is essential to stay healthy and that clean hands save lives. She also demonstrated to the patients the step by step procedure in proper hand washing.

Vice Gov. Ortega Graces First Monday Flag Raising Ceremony

Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega urges all Provincial Government of La Union employees to continue their delivery of service to the constituents in his message during the First Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on January 6, 2020 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union. Awarded during the ceremony were retirees Florante R. Valencia of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Office; Eleanor G. Dacanay of Naguilian District Hospital; Rosalina P. Estillore and Ma. Elena M. Sarip of Provincial Health Office; Teresita F. Marquez of Rosario District Hospital; and Maria Emilia Eleanor I. Pimentel of Bacnotan District Hospital. Also present during the ceremony were the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board members.

Pasko sa Kapitolyo 2019 Closes

Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega highlights how the Capitol Candy Land brought smiles to the visitors in his message during the Pasko sa Kapitolyo 2019 Closing Program on January 5, 2020 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union.

Gov. Pacoy leads the first Flag Retreat for 2020

Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III leads the first Flag Retreat for the year 2020 together with the employees of Provincial Government of La Union on January 3, 2020 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, City of San Fernando, La Union.

PGLU Readies 2020 Annual Budget

PGLU’s Executive Budget for CY 2020 works on its final phase preparatory for its enactment. The different departments and district hospitals have successfully submitted their budget proposals and were consolidated by the Local Finance Committee to finalize the Budget for CY 2020.

Consolidated budget indicates that there is a net total increase of Php31,086,527.00 in the Personal Services and Maintenance and Php 50,904,148.00 for Other Operating Expenditure. The increase in the proposed CY 2020 Budget is a result of various needs of offices to achieve their mandates, mission, and vision.

Additional Personnel for offices like the Office of the Governor Unit – Environment and Natural Resources will enable them to embrace all the implementation of their office Program, Projects and Activities (PPAs). The increase in the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditure of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan by 20% will help the different Board Members to fully implement the programs of their different Committees.

Aside from the increases in the various departments, some offices joined forces in order to fully align their PPAs to achieve better outputs and monitoring of activities for the offices. Two of which is the merging of the office of the Provincial Population and the Provincial Health Offices, and bringing the Human Resource and Management Unit to be one with the office of the Provincial Administrator.

The Creation of the Provincial Tourism Office also strengthens the vision of the province to promote tourism alongside with the Provincial Information Office which will take over the mandate of the Media and Public Information Unit of the Office of the Governor.

With the alignment of the budget to the plans of each office, the Budget Office will serve as a link to monitor the plans of the offices in terms of financial accomplishments. The accountability of each office will be valued in terms of their utilization of their budget in connection with their physical performance or the output they will accomplish.

To position La Union as the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025, the budget is essential in the implementation of the different PPAs of the PGLU offices and District Hospitals.

With the 2019 Budget Performance, the province ended with an average of 94.24% utilization rate on its financial performance for Personal Services and 87.12% utilization rate for its financial performance for Maintenance and Operating Expenditures.

With the commitment to support the strategic plans of the PGLU, ensured funding through approved appropriations is included in the Local Expenditure Plan for CY 2020 for the different Strategic PPAs of the offices and hospitals were ensured. It is expected for the offices and hospitals to make these strategic PPAs as lead measures for offices to see their contribution for the vision and mission of the Province of La Union.