PGLU Honors Legacy of Don Joaquin J. Ortega, Commemorates his 122nd Appointment as Province's First Civil Governor
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Mico Salamanca, LUPTO | Date: August 15, 2023
Reflecting on the legacy of Don Joaquin J. Ortega, the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) through the La Union Provincial Tourism Office – Culture and the Arts Unit commemorated the 122nd appointment of Don Joaquin as the first Civil Governor of the Province of La Union on August 15, 2023 at the La Union Provincial Capitol Lobby, City of San Fernando, La Union.
Don Joaquin was the province’s first Civil Governor appointed by the Taft Commission on August 15, 1901, the first in the Ilocos Region. The following year, he became the first elected Governor of the province. Born into a life of leadership and public service, Don Joaquin, along with his wife Francisca Lacsamana of Bangar, La Union, raised fourteen children, many of whom would follow in their father's footsteps, continuing a legacy of local leadership that spans generations. He died on May 31, 1943 at the age of 77.
As part of the simple program commemorating the leadership of Don Joaquin, a flag-raising ceremony was conducted, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Board Member Victor I. Rivera graced the event along with Provincial Administrator Agnes Grace A. Cargamento and PGLU Department Heads which include Provincial Tourism Officer Arthur S. Cortez, Jr., Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Dominique Jose S. Puzon and Provincial Treasurer Janet D. Molina.
The tribute to Don Joaquin Ortega, a pillar of La Union's history, served as a poignant reminder of the rich heritage of the Province of La Union, and a testament to the enduring legacy of its leaders.
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