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By: Israel O. Rudio
Provincial Information & Tourism Office-La Union
“I enjoin you to continue living a life of competence and integrity as public servants. This is the most honorable way of reminding our constituents that they have a vital role to play in the realization of a decent and progressive life.” This was the marching order of La Union Liga ng Mga Barangay President Manuel Victor “Mannix” R. Ortega, Jr. to the Barangay Officials of the province during the 3rd La Union Barangay Congress held at the Venus Park View Hotel in Baguio City on July 22-24, 2010 with the theme, “Mamamayan at Pamahalaan, Tulong-Tulong sa Kaunlaran.”
“Kung ganon, hindi dapat iasa ng mga mamamayan ang pagkamit ng kaunlaran sa pamahalaan lamang. The people must also do their part in the name of Participatory Democracy. Progress and development after all are not just the rights of the people, they are also the obligations of the people” explained the concurrent Executive Vice-President of the National Liga ng mga Barangay who also sits as Ex-Officio Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of La Union. He however reminded the Barangay Executives that as public servants, they must have the initiative to solicit the people’s cooperation by serving as good examples to the community and serve with all competence.
“Datoy apo iti rason nu apay ti amak a ni Gob. Manuel C. Ortega ket pudno nga ay-ayaten ti entiro a La Union, nagmula isu na ti ayat isu nga agap-apit met isuna iti ayat. He loves his people so much that at most times, he delivers the much needed public service right at the doorsteps of his constituents through various programs and projects. With such a valiant leadership, who wouldn’t harvest love and cooperation from the people?” shared La Union’s new breed of leader.
Considered as one of the brightest hopes to assume the leadership of local politics in the province, Board Member Ortega convened this year’s Barangay Congress amidst limited resources through his personal funds. “It would be awkward on my part as your President to cancel our congress this year. We have to be updated on various issues related to our mandated tasks to be of better service to our respective Barangays, kaya sinakripisyo ko ang sarili kong pera upang matuloy ang ating pagtitipon,” shared BM Ortega to the grateful 645 Barangay Officials in attendance.
For this year, the participants were informed of the latest issues on the role of the Barangay on marital issues, child custody and Republic Act 9262 otherwise known as an Act Defining Violence against Women and their Children, Providing for Protective Measures for Victims and Prescribing Penalties, lectured by Department of Social Welfare and Development Region I Director Leonardo C. Reynos; Disaster Risk Management through Office of Civil Defense Region I Director Euegene G. Cabrera; Human Rights Based Approach courtesy of Commission on Human Rights Region I Director Atty. Anita M. Chauhan; and Katarungang Pambarangay aptly explained by La Union Provincial Prosecutor Danilo C. Bumacod.
Also, in celebration of his upcoming birthday in July 28, Apo Mannix held a raffle draw for the Barangay Officials. Prizes include cooking-ware; Mountain Bikes; appliances which include a 20” Flat Screen Television; and two overnight stay for two at the plush Thunderbird Hotel and Resort.
source: www.launion.gov.ph
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Inspired with the results of the recent first computerized election in the country, cheering relatives, friends and supporters of victorious elective officials in the Province of La Union led by reelected Governor Manuel C. Ortega, rallied to the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas Convention Hall on June 12, 2010 to witness the Joint Inauguration and Oath-Taking Ceremonies of national and local officials with the theme, “La Union Leaps Through Effective Development Partnership.”
In opening the program, Dir. Corazon P. Guray of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region I congratulated all the elected officials as she challenged them to continue their outstanding practices in local governance. Director Guray even cited personal experiences which affirmed the effective and efficient implementation of the Citizens Charter in the province. In a transaction to one of the offices of the City Government of San Fernando, she got the services she needed in half the time expected. Surprised with the fast service she got, she instructed one of her staff to discreetly return to the office and request the same service. The result was still the same: fast, prompt and courteous service. In another instance, one of her acquaintances sought for Anti-Rabies Vaccination at the Provincial Health Office after being bitten by a dog. The result was similar: she got her request for free in just five minutes.
In his Inaugural Address, La Union 1st District Congressman Victor F. Ortega declared that the success of the 1st automated election confirms the “Liberation” of La Union from “Guns, Goons and Gold” through “God and Good Governance. He also remarked that the realization of a Joint Inauguration and Oath-Taking Ceremony proves that La Union has a “unified front against poverty and all other things we do not like for our province.” Unopposed, Congressman Ortega got 144,537 votes last May 10.
“Dream with me. Believe with me. Plan with me. Work with me,” starts La Union 2nd District Congressman Eufranio “Franny” C. Eriguel during his inaugural address. To emphasize that his victory is the victory of the entire 2nd district of La Union, he asked the Mayors of his district to join him on-stage before taking his Oath of Office. He thanked the people who were instrumental in his success, especially his wife, Agoo Mayor Sandra Y. Eriguel, for her unconditional love and belief in him despite the setbacks they have encountered during the campaigns. He thanked spouses Congressman Ortega and former City of San Fernando Mayor Mary Jane Ortega for being his mentors, instilling in him the value of hope as they encouraged him to continue the quest for his desire to serve the people. Congressman Eriguel thanked Governor Ortega for his trust in him – making him the father of the 2nd district of his province. He also thanked Board Member Rolando “Rudy” V. Rivera for being his big brother and companion in his political campaign sorties. In thanking the Mayors who supported him, he commended Mayor Reynaldo J. Flores and Vice Mayor Abraham P. Rimando of Naguilian. During the 2007 elections, Congressman Eriguel received only 1,000 votes in Naguilian but now, because of Mayor Flores’ love for his town, he fought hard and even risked his life in supporting the former Agoo Mayor, giving him an overwhelming victory as he bagged 90% of the total number of votes in Naguilian.
Apo Pacoy took pride of the occasion as their political coalition overwhelmingly won most positions from District Representatives, Governor down to the Councilors. He also described his success as a bonus which was “at first it seemed to be just a dream - an impossible dream. Yet it did not only become probable but it became inevitable as well.”
He also praised and congratulated the Commission on Elections, Board of Election Inspectors, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for a “job well done” during the May 10, 2010 elections.
Congressman Pacoy Ortega remarked that the occasion “brings together our local officials, we feel a better partnership to establish a more harmonious relationship among our leaders. This day, we gathered together because we have chosen whom to lead, our citizenry and unity of purpose over conflict for the benefit of our people.” He further explained that the joint celebration is a sign of simple commitment, unity and team work for the attainment of a more progressive and peaceful La Union.
The younger Ortega also gave his special thanks to his father, Governor Ortega, whom he described as worthy of emulation as the Father of the Province as has “has labored and dedicated his life in the service of La Union and his people and who continuously commit as a selfless and devoted public service.”
In behalf of the Abono Partylist, he extended his deepest appreciation and gratitude for the overwhelming support during the May 10 elections as his party got the biggest number of votes in La Union with 180,200 votes which is more than a 100% increase as compared to the 87,541 votes they received in the 2007 election. He further informed everyone that in the last elections, Abono is also number one in three other provinces which include Apayao with 4,478 votes; Pangasinan with 413,787; and Tarlac with 51, 121. During the 2007 national elections, Abono ranked 15th out of 93 groups but in the recent elections, the party bagged 766,615 votes nationwide to claim the 8th spot out of 187 groups. “This paved the way for your humble province-mate, being Abono Partylist’s second nominee, to be proclaimed as member of the House of Representatives again,” declared Apo Pacoy.
“As we take the road that unfolds before us, to the new national administration, and a new dawn for our beloved province, the Abono Partylist remains committed in formulating, proposing and supporting sound legislations. More importantly, we remain forever loyal in designing the programs that would deliver basic services.” As a gesture of his gratefulness to his constituents, he further declared that “charity begins at home and so, expect my dear province mates that aside from the agri-business sector and the people whom I represent in Congress, you my province mates, especially our local farm tillers who are the front liners in the quest for economic recovery and growth shall be my topmost concern. Let us also continue to work towards the fulfillment of our dreams, saan nga umanay iti arapa-ap laeng apo, masapul iti aramid a pakakitaan.”
In ending his speech, Sir Pacoy quoted the late US Senator Edward Kennedy to keep the ball rolling “The work goes on; the cost endures; the hope still lives and our dreams shall never die.”
For his part, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega thanked his family for their support, especially his better-half, La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. Chair Geraldine R. Ortega, for their unconditional support in implementing his development projects programs fort the province. The Governor also explained that the election of officials from other parties in La Union proves that democracy is very much alive in La Union. For his second term as local chief executive of the province, Apo Manoling vowed to continue making peace and order as the top priority of his administration, most especially that the elected Congressman of the province’ 2nd district comes from his party.
Governor Ortega made history last May 10 as he posted one of the most lopsided election victory in the Province of La Union after being proclaimed as reelected Governor by the Provincial Board of Canvassers last May 11 at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building in the City of San Fernando with 250,821 votes over his lone opponent’s 86,198. Of the 358,226 voters who actually voted, 74.42% voted for Apo Manoling while only 25.58% voted for his opponent. After beating the same gubernatorial candidate last 2007 during his first term by more than 30,000 votes, Governor Ortega registered a commanding lead of more than 164,000 for the recently concluded election.
The aforementioned gentlemen took their Oath of Office before Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Samuel R. Martires, a native of Agoo, La Union.
Governor Ortega administered the Oath of Office to come-backing Vice-Governor Augusto Aureo Q. Nisce, who won with 120,466 votes over his rival’s 48,119 votes. Of the total number of voters who actually voted, Apo Aureo got 72.2% while his rival only got 27.8%.
Apo Manoling also administered the same to the elected Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members which include Franciso “Kit” C. Ortega, Jr. who bagged 118,774 votes last May 10; Jose Maria “Pepe” C. Ortega, 111,292; Joaquin C. Ostrea, Jr., 93,167; Reynaldo M. Mosuela, 88,237; and Victoria L. Aragon with 83,876 votes for the 1st District while for the 2nd District, re-electionist Henry B. Balbin led winners with 98,200 votes followed by Rolando V. Rivera with 80,773; Robert B. Madarang, Jr., 66,393 votes; Henry A. Bacurnay, Jr., 62,987; and Ruperto A. Rillera, Jr. with 58,614 votes.
After taking his Oath of Office before Governor Ortega, City of San Fernando Mayor Pablo C. Ortega assured the continued world-class public service of the City Government which is exemplified by its world-class workforce. Mayor Ortega also mentioned with pride that although the City of San Fernando is a small city with small budget, its services are one of the most competitive in the Philippines. Dubbed as the “City of Possibilities,” Mayor Ortega guaranteed to make San Fernando the “Prime Capital City of the Ilocandia” through sustainable programs on trade, tourism and good governance.
Mayor Ortega administered the Oaths of Office of City of San Fernando Vice-Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Sangguniang Panlungsod Members Alfredo Pablo R. Ortega, Francisco Paulo P. Ortega, Jonathan Justo A. Orros, Rodolfo M. Abat, Joseph Bernard D. Valero, Joseph M. De Guzman, Andre H. Dacanay, Florentino G. Flores, Marilyn G. Jucar, Lolita G. Dyquiangco, Ramon F. Laudencia and Wilfredo P. Ordoño.
Other Mayoralty and Vice-Mayoralty winners in the province include Sandra Y. Eriguel and Jaime A. Boado, Jr. in Agoo; Teresita A. Ong and Eric O. Sibuma in Aringay; the husband and wife tandem of Rufino H. Fontanilla and Ma. Minda L. Fontanilla in Bacnotan; Ferdninand D. Tumbaga and Carlito B. Bestre in Bagulin; unopposed tandem of Al-Fred O. Concepcion and Gerard Jose G. Ostrea in Balaoan; Joy Pinzon-Merin and Wilfredo R. Mosuela, Jr. in Bangar; outgoing Vice-Governor Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III and Angelo S. Aquino in Bauang; Jose B. Abansi and Juanito D. Gacayan in Burgos; Clyde P. Crispino and Teodora S. Condon in Caba; Victor Marvin U. Marron and Romeo L. Resurreccion in Luna; Reynaldo J. Flores and Abraham P. Rimando in Naguilian; Noemi T. Balloguing and Jose B. Basallo in Pugo; Bellarmin C. Flores III and Allan S. Sabangan in Rosario; Dr. Divina Daligues-Velasco and Mauricio P. Canutab in San Gabriel; Ruben L. Valero, Jr. and Ceferino O. Lim in San Juan; Marietta C. Carbonell, better-half of outgoing Mayor Severino Carbonell and Vincent A. Rafanan in Santo Tomas; Daisy Sayangda-Olivar and Monico O. Oriente, Jr. in Santol; Alexander O. Buquing and Feliza M. Catcatan in Sudipen; and brothers Dante and Wilfredo S. Garcia in Tubao; respectively. Present municipal chief executives took their Oath of Office before the Governor.
Providing sets of top-caliber entertainment were spouses Louie and Cynthia Guico, relatives of Congressman Eriguel with their theater songs; Fokloriko iti La Union with their cultural dance presentation; and the Ortega Singing Scholars with their Abba medley songs.
Source: www.launion.gov.ph
By: Victor B. Dacanay, PITO-La Union
In its bid to boost its capability to combat child trafficking in La Union, the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) chaired by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, updated its members and other support agencies on the guidelines on the protection of the Rights of Children especially against trafficking during its 1st quarter meeting held last April 14 at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building, San Fernando City, La Union.
To clear certain issues, Anniely J. Ferrer, Chief of the Technical Assistance Division of the Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD)-Region I, reminded participants that a “child” is any person under 18 years of age or one who is over 18 but is unable to fully take care of or protect himself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of physical or mental disability or condition. She further explained that child trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation, within or outside a country. It can also mean trading and dealing with children including, but not limited to, the act of buying and selling of a child for money, or for any other consideration or barter. The consent of the child or of the person exercising custody over the child to trafficking or any of its elements, is irrelevant and does not exempt the offender from or lessen his liability for committing acts that constitute or promote child trafficking. “Upon identification of a trafficked child or possibly trafficked child, any person should immediately contact the DSWD, Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) or DSWD-licensed/accredited NGOs to assist in responding to the immediate needs of the child” she emphasized.
She also enumerated principles which should be considered in all stages of care and protection of trafficked children which includes Rights of the Trafficked Child; Best Interests of the Child; Right to Non-discrimination; Respect for the Views of the Trafficked Child; Right to Information; Right to Confidentiality; Responsibility of the State; and Respect for the Child’s Ethnic, Cultural, Faith and Religious Identity.
For its part, the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) headed by Ranilo P. Ipac, presented their plans for their advocacy to protect the rights of trafficked children and their PCPC and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) 2009 Accomplishment Report.
Two Municipal Councils for the Protection of Children (MCPC) presented a documentation of their best practices. Caba’s presentation focused on reproductive health and feeding program which is being assisted by a foreign organization through a sisterhood program and sustained through the “One Peso a Day” voluntary donations while Agoo presented their Livelihood Training Program for the youth and their multi-awarded Literacy Program particularly for senior citizens and out of school youth in coordination with the Literacy Coordinating Council headed by Mayor Sandra Y. Eriguel.
Source: www.launion.gov.ph
Setting the record straight, Gov. Manuel C. Ortega assured employees and officials of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) that the malicious rumors that he will step-down as Local Chief Executive of La Union due to the impending takeover of his gubernatorial opponent during the 2007 elections was baseless. This he proclaimed as he graced the First-Monday Flag Raising Ceremony of PGLU for the year 2010 last January 4 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.
In his speech, the Provincial Governor lambasted the “dirty tactics” which his administration is presently facing but assured everyone that he would still be Governor until and after the 2010 elections. Ortega beat former La Union 2nd District Rep. Tomas Dumpit, Sr. for Governor but the latter filed an election protest which seeks to nullify Ortega’s proclamation due to alleged irregularities. Lately, unfounded pieces of information started to spread, stating that the said election protest against the Governor has already thrived and that the assumption of his rival is eminent. Seeking for his second term as Governor, Ortega guarantees the fallibility of the said gossip because according to him, not even a single hearing has been conducted by the Commission on Elections on the matter.
Also, in the start of the first working day of the new-year, the Governor personally thanked and challenged his provincial government family to continue executing an excellent level of public service to the people of La Union.
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Abigail D. Ancheta, PITO-LU
Speaking before officials and employees of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) headed by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, Ms. Geraldine Joy Ortega-Gidaya, daughter of the Governor and Executive Assistant IV of the Office of the Provincial Governor proudly reminded civil servants on the women’s role in progress and development during the first Monday Flag Raising Ceremony of this year on December 09, 2009 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds.
Anchored on the theme “Role of Women in Local Governance-The PGLU Employees’ Counterpart”, Ms. Gidaya who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker stressed, “In leadership, gender doesn’t matter, you just have to have a heart dedicated to serve at all times.” The former actress also mentioned the significance of women today as “complimentors and not as competitors” and characterized women as wonderful, special and unique in a way that they have a different style of showing compassion in public service.
She also specifically cited the women’s contribution to the projects of the Province. As an example, she discussed on “Operation Rang-ay iti Barangay”, of PGLU and the La Union Vibrant Women, Inc., which her mother Madame Geraldine Ramos-Ortega heads. Both are generally spearheaded by women employees of the provincial government and partner agencies. In addition, the outreach programs such as Medical Mission, Supplemental Feeding, and other health programs conducted by the Province are well participated and spearheaded by women employees of the PGLU. She also took notice on the increasing number of women who serve as heads of different departments which signifies their importance in giving aide, priority and comfort especially in public service.
“Giving service to fellowmen is giving service to God”. In closing, Ms. Gidaya leaves this as an inspirational thought to all. She encouraged everyone to begin with a wish list, of what they really want in life and think of what life will demand of them as they always do something for someone.
source: http://launion.gov.ph
In its continued effort to provide excellent medical services to its constituents, the Provincial Government of La Union led by Manuel C. Ortega and the office of Sen. Pia Cayetano, started the repair and renovation of the multi-awarded Northern La Union Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Barangay Bungol, Balaoan, La Union.
By: Israel O. Rudio, PITO-LU
The PhP 8,000,000 rehabilitation includes complete roof replacement, balcony repair, repainting and construction of new toilets. Expected to be completed on May 15, 2010 under the supervision of Department of Public Works and Highways-Region I led by Dir. Mariano R. Alqueza, the project is funded through Priority Development Assistant Fund in cooperation with La Union 1st District Congressman Victor F. Ortega, Balaoan Mayor AL-Fred O. Concepcion and the Sangguniang Bayan presided by Vice-Mayor Gerard Jose G. Ostrea.
source: http://launion.gov.ph
By: Abigail D. Ancheta, PITO- LU
Sen. Pia Cayetano paid visit to the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) headed by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega for the Consultation Dialogue last November 20, 2009 at the Diego Silang Hall of the Provincial Capitol Building, San Fernando City, La Union.
The Chairperson of the Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, Sen. Pia Cayetano tackled issues on the amended Republic Act 7432 otherwise known as “An act to maximize the contribution of Senior Citizens to nation building, grant benefits and special privileges and for other purposes” and also the effects of Typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi on the vulnerable sectors which include Senior Citizens and Persons With Disabilities, and the current rehabilitation efforts as well.
Several issues and concerns were brought out by participants of the consultation such as the tax exemptions for Senior Citizens; free medical assistance and medicines; Magna Carta for Senior Citizens and a Senior Citizen representative for every hearing and clarifications on other benefits for the Senior Citizens. The legislator also assured that people of La Union’s concerns and suggestions are noted and will be considered priority.In response, Senator Cayetano discussed Section 4 of RA 9257 otherwise known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2009”. As amended, she stressed on the Senior Citizens’ twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from the Value-Added Tax (VAT) provided under the National Internal revenue Code on the sale of goods and services from all establishments on the purchase of medicines including the purchase of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines, on the Professional Fees of attending physicians in all private hospitals, on medical and dental services, on the actual fare in transportations, on the utilization of hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and on the admission fees charged by theaters, cinema houses, concert halls and the like.
For his part, La Union’s 1st District Cong. Victor F. Ortega assured that the Province of La Union will continue its utmost concern for the health and welfare of the Senior Citizens and support whatever programs and projects which will be implemented by the committee chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano.
Said consultation was attended mainly by the SPM Jose Marie “Pepe” C. Ortega representing Gov. Manuel C. Ortega and Rep. Francisco Emmanuel R. Ortega III of the Abono Party List, Department Heads of PGLU and Senior Citizens Federation Officers of La Union.source: http://launion.gov.ph
