๐๐ ๐จ๐ก๐๐ข๐ก ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ญ โ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ข๐โ ๐๐ช๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ, ๐จ๐ก๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐๐ฆ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Wendell B. Tangalin, PIO | Date: August 18, 2021
After a rigorous initial evaluation and screening process, La Union Surfing Break (LUSB) had been shortlisted for the 2021 Galing Pook Awards (GPA) among other notable entries in the country serving as one of the best practices of the Province of La Union.
Governor Francisco Emmanuel โPacoy'' R. Ortega III led concerned Department Heads who formed the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) panel for the 2021 GPAโs first phase validation meeting held on August 18, 2021 via video conferencing. After presenting LUSBโs merits, the team answered sets of questions from lead validator Mr. Vincent Lazatin, varying from personal experiences to program sustainability, impact, innovation and efficiency.
Gov. Pacoy led the presentation highlighting LUSB as PGLUโs flagship programs which made a mark in the national tourism scene and an impact to the local communities and grassroots. He underscored LUSB as an exceptional tourism practice of the province with innovations every year.
โLa Union Surfing Break is more than a celebration of the beauty of the Waves and the thrills of the surf competition. It is a journey of people coming together for the purpose of connecting people through their shared interest in surfing, community work, as well as environment conservation; it is a story of success, unity, and solidarity. We hope that it sparks other LGUs and organizations to do the same and give back to the people and the environment,โ Gov. Pacoy said.
โIn our Province, we say, โI Love La Union, and everything I do is for the Love of La Union and for GODโs greater glory.โ and we can confidently say that the La Union Surfing Break is a testament to that mantra,โ Gov. Pacoy added.
Leading the tourism and private stakeholders panel, Department of Tourism Region 1 Director Joseph Francisco โJeffโ R. Ortega affirmed that LUSB is more than just a festivity. He shared the emergence of the La Union Soul, a community-driven movement that seeks to improve eco-tourism in San Juan, La Union, which not only focuses on coastal resources management, but also on the Pawikan Conservation Project in the municipality.
As a nationwide search, the GPA is conducted in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Local Government Academy which aims to recognize innovative practices by local government units.
Beyond the citation and recognition, PGLU emphasizes its commitment in practicing the Performance Governance System in its endeavor to be a benchmark of local governance excellence in the Philippines.
