By: Abigail D. Ancheta, PITO-LU

In line with the continuing public service of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) led by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, the La Union Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) together with the line agency and Non-Government Organization convened on November 12, 2009 at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol Building, City of San Fernando, La Union.

PDCC Executive Officer and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Victoria L. Aragon stressed on how the council can implement the proposed rehabilitation plan and how to come up with an improved Relief Operations on the areas still affected by Typhoon Pepeng. In a message sent by P/Supt. Noli G. Talino, La Union Provincial Director and PDCC Vice Chairman, he stated that PNP La Union will continue to support the council and the PGLU in whatever programs and projects they would implement.

Board Member Aragon together with Dr. Geoffrey S. Tilan, Provincial Administrator took turns in presiding the meeting. Dr. Tilan suggested some important points to consider in the implementation of Rehabilitation Plan such as the creation of a Task Force and an additional utility vehicle exclusive for such disaster and relief operations. In addition, he suggested that the council in coordination with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) would be equipped with Geographical Information System to identify disaster risk areas as part of the Disaster Risk Management Plan

source: http://launion.gov.ph

Israel O. Rudio, PITO-LU

Confident that his appointments will win him his second term as Governor of the Province of La Union, incumbent governor Manuel “Manoling” C. Ortega filed his Certificate of Candidacy 10 minutes before 12 midnight of the December 2, 2009 deadline, at the Office of the Provincial Election Registrar, Mabanag Justice Hall, City of San Fernando, La Union.

Accompanied by his family in full force led his better-half, La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. President Geraldine R. Ortega, La Union 1st District Congressman reelectionist Victor F. Ortega (Lakas) and City of San Fernando Mayor reelectionist Pablo C. Ortega, Governor Ortega formally filed his candidacy after his brother, incumbent City of San Fernando Councilor Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega filed his Certificate of Candidacy as Board Member of the province’ 1st District. Running under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), other members of his line-up includes former Agoo Mayor Eufranio C. Eriguel (NPC), for 2nd District Congressman; come-backing Augusto Aureo Q. Nisce (Lakas-CMD-KAMPI) for Vice-Governor; reelectionist Board Members Victoria L. Aragon (Lakas), Jose Maria “Pepe” C. Ortega (NPC), Joaquin C. Ostrea, Jr. (NPC) and former Bangar Mayor and incumbent Vice-Mayor Gary N. Pinzon (NPC) for vocal in the 1st District; and reelectionist Board Members Henry B. Balbin (Lakas), Rolando V. Rivera (NPC), Robert B. Madarang, Jr. (NPC) and former Provincial Agriculturist Avelino A. Lomboy (NPC) and come-backing Ruperto A. Rillera, Jr. (NPC) for vocal in the second district.

In the municipalities, his candidates for Mayor are Sandra Y. Eriguel in Agoo; Teresita A. Ong in Aringay; Rufino H. Fontanilla in Bacnotan; Ferdinand D. Tumabaga in Bagulin; Al-Fred O. Concepcion in Balaoan; Joy P. Merin in Bangar; Eulogio Clarence Martin P. De Guzman III in Bauang; Jose B. Abansi in Burgos; Evangelina B. Rohrer in Caba; Victor Marvin U. Marron in Luna; Reynaldo J. Flores in Naguilian; Noemi T. Balloguing in Pugo; Bellarmin C. Flores III in Rosario; Divina D. Velasco in San Gabriel; Ruben L. Valero, Jr. in San Juan; Daisy S. Olivar in Santol; Carlito V. Dela Cruz in Sto. Tomas; Alexander O. Buquing in Sudipen; and Dante S. Garcia in Tubao.

Interviewed by members of the media, he assures his constituents of the continued progress and development of La Union through peace, security and order and vowed to make the 2010 elections as one of the most peaceful democratic exercises in the province. He is credited for the transformation of San Fernando into one of the most developed LGUs in the country and for maintaining La Union as one of the most peaceful province in the archipelago as shown by the Most Business-Friendly Province Award given by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007 and 2009 and recently declared insurgency-free province by the Philippine Army. 

Governor Ortega will again be challenged as local chief executive by former La Union 2nd District Congressman Tomas M. Dumpit whom he defeated by thousands of votes during the 2007 elections.

source: http://launion.gov.ph

Abigail D. Ancheta, PITO-LU

The La Union Surfing Break entered its 4th season on October 30 to November 01, 2009 at Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union amidst the aftermath of Typhoon Pepeng and threat of Typhoon Ramil.

It was an assemblage of government and private entities and people of all ages with mixed cultures, nationalities and interests looking for fun and rest by way of surfing and other beach activities such as night parties.

The past three seasons of the event made a remarkable impression in the Region. For this year, the number of reservations of interested parties increased before the event started and even at the start of day one notwithstanding weather forecast. Hotel and Resort Reservations extended from as far as Bauang and City of San Fernando.

The event started with a Grand Motorcade from Bauang Town Plaza to Urbiztondo Surf Camp. Activities included were Surfing Clinics, Bike Race Competition, Surf Board Design Competition, S.I.L.I.P Photography Contest, Beach Volleyball Competition, Amazing Race Challenge, Local Surfing Competition, Sand Castle Fun Building Contest, Search For Surfing Bodies 2009, Touch Mobile Astig Fest Concert and Halloween Beach Party.

Participants of the different events automatically received souvenir shirts. Winners who were awarded with trophies, medals, cash incentives and certificates are as follows:

Surfing, also known as the “The Sport of Kings” is now well-known in the Philippines. La Union, being one of the most accessible surf destinations takes pride in showcasing the waves in Urbiztondo, San Juan.

The La Union Surfing Break, one of the major tourism projects of the Provincial Government of La Union in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region I, Municipality of San Juan, La Union Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association, La Union Conventions and Visitor’s Bureau and the San Juan Beach Resorts Association. La Union is a tourist-friendly destination providing one of a kind experience, education and even business opportunities as part of enhancing the promotion and cultural heritage of the country.

source: http://launion.gov.ph

By: Abigail D. Ancheta, PITO-LU

Dir. Teofilo Gaius M. Sison, Jr., of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)-CAR, Region I and III and Dir. Henry John S. Balbuena of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Region I announced the opening of the PRC Satellite Office in La Union on October 20, 2009 as part of their joint commitment under the Ready-Tech-Go! DOLE Project.

The satellite office is located at the Ground Floor of Arnel Building, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Regional Office No. 1, Mabini Street, Catbangen, San Fernando City, La Union.

La Union Provincial Officials hailed this development since residents of the province and people from adjoining provinces in the north need not travel to PRC Baguio Office to avail services of the Commission. Professionals can now transact with the satellite office from Mondays thru Fridays for their Renewal of Professional License Cards; Releasing of Renewed Professional License Cards and Board Certificates; Certifications and Authentications of PRC documents; and Acceptance of requests for verifications from LGUs and other government offices.

The newly established satellite office is part of the PRC and DOLE’s thrust of bringing service closer to the people with the former serving as an attached agency of the latter pursuant to Executive Order No. 565 dated September 11, 2006.

source: http://launion.gov.ph

By: Victor B. Dacanay

City of San Fernando, La Union (11 November) - The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) led by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, has once again proven its commitment for the betterment of its constituents as it bagged top awards for this year’s Regional Annual Search for the Outstanding Province, City and Municipality in the Implementation of the Local Nutrition Action Plans and Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholars which was conducted by the Regional Nutrition Planning and Evaluation Team (RNPET) and awarded during the 2009 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony held at the Department of Budget Management-Region I Conference Hall, City of San Fernando, this province.

The awards, in recognition of La Union’s excellent delivery of nutrition-related services to the people, most especially to the nutritionally-at-risk individuals and families are the Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar and Recognition as Nutrition Honor Awardee (NHA) from the National Nutrition Council.

The Nutrition Honor Award was given to La Union in recognition for its unequaled commitment and distinct achievement which contributed to the efficient and effective management of the Provincial Plan of Action for Nutrition for the year 2008. This is the second time that the province received the highest nutrition award given to a local government unit. The first NHA recognition was awarded in September 2008 after it has consistently maintained its excellent rating as a Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition from 1997 to 2001. This year’s NHA award is actually a Maintenance Award for the province’ continued implementation of its award winning Local Nutrition Action Plans. Ms. Remelina M. Maglaya, the Provincial Nutrition Action Officer, received the award in behalf of the Governor.

Barangay Nutrtion Scholar Eusebia E. Roxas from Barangay Garcia, Tubao, this province, won the much coveted Regional Outstanding BNS Award. Aside from the plaque and trophy, she also received a monetary award totaling to PhP 12,000. The cash prize will be used to finance nutrition-related projects.

The other individual awardees from La Union are Fervi T. Chan from Barangay 1, San Fernando City as Outstanding City BNS; Violeta D. Ancheta, also from San Fernando City, who was accorded with a Certificate of Recognition as City Nutrition Action Officer for her invaluable contribution in the promotion of nutrition programs and projects; and Ms. Ma. Luisa P. Fontanilla of Bacnotan, who was also given a Plaque of Recognition as Outstanding Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Retiree. Also, the Municipality of Bagulin was adjudged as the province’s Provincial Green Banner Awardee, while the City of San Fernando received the Regional Green Banner Award under the regional city category.

For a particular municipality, city or province to qualify for an award, there is a corresponding minimum final rating to which they should satisfy. For the provincial level, the outstanding municipality should have satisfied an average rating of 85 %; for the Regional level, an outstanding municipality must satisfy an average of 88%; and for the outstanding province / city in the region, it must satisfy an average rating of 90%.

For Barangay Nutrition Scholars, the city or municipal evaluation team assesses all the BNS who have served for at least two consecutive years. The provincial evaluation team then validates the performance of those BNS's who obtained a rating of 85% or higher to qualify for the outstanding provincial BNS. For the regional level, the regional evaluation team validates performance of those BNSs who garnered an average rating of 88% or higher to be awarded the outstanding regional BNS.

Retired Philippine National Police Director Leopoldo N. Bataoil graced the occasion as Guest of Honor and Speaker. In his speech, he recounted how he was able to bring the Police closer to the hearts of the people through his community based service programs like ”ulis ko Titser Ko” and Lugaw Feeding Programs. A bemedalled police officer and multi-awarded public servant, he shared that like his community-based projects during his stint in the PNP, nutrition should be centered on children as it plays a vital part in their development and eventually, the community where they dwell. (PITO-LU)

 

source: http://launion.gov.ph

In response to the Provincial Government of La Union’s (PGLU) continued pursuit for human resource development, 23 employees received their Certificate of Completion after finishing the100-hour English Computerized Learning Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from September 14 to October 20, 2009 in a simple rite held at the Diego Silang Hall of the La Union Provincial Capitol Building in the City of San Fernando.

Conducted by the Language Skills Institute (LSI) of TESDA in partnership with PGLU headed by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, it is a practical course designed to offer the non-native English speakers a number of learning opportunity thru its “laboratory setting” where the participants process the human speech pattern using digital technique. Participants are taught on the role of communications and its models; spatial relationships; delivery styles; and the effectiveness of language, gestures and organization techniques. At the end of the course, trainees will be able to identify and correct their English language needs in relation to pronunciation (accent and intonation); grammar and usage; proficiency and ease; and improved listening and comprehension.

Conducted on a computer-hands-on method, it was handled by TESDA-LSI Trainer Honelynn Magdalena Inocencio. It involves a number of modules in English grammar designed to evaluate the trainees’ knowledge in English grammar and voice recording exercises to familiarize them with the proper pronunciation techniques. To enable the participants to attend to their regular work schedule, the course was divided into 25 training sessions at four hours per session every afternoon.

Representing the Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ex-officio Member Francisco “Kit” C. Ortega, lauded the TESDA officials for extending their skills enhancement programs to PGLU. “The skills and knowledge acquired by the PGLU employees will greatly improve the quality of their services to our constituents” he emphasized.

Earlier, Provincial Administrator, Dr. Geoffrey S. Tilan, in his message, reminded the participants that the occasion is a commencement exercise which marks the beginning of their tasks to put into practice the things they have learned in the training.

For his part, TESDA-Region I Director Washington M. Agustin praised PGLU for availing their skills development program. “It was a noteworthy partnership between our agency and the provincial government, I wish we could have more programs like this in the future”

Source http://launion.gov.ph

by Charlie O. Balanon

The La Union Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) chaired by Gov. Manuel C. Ortega, released its Terminal Report, dated October 22, on the damages brought about by typhoon Pepeng which covers damages and losses to lives and properties in the 19 municipalities and lone City of San Fernando.

According to the final report, 71,869 families or a total of 325,252 persons in 478 barangays were affected. A total of 57 evacuation centers throughout the province provided temporary shelter to evacuees. Some 8,046 families or 30,233 persons were served inside evacuation centers while 63,923 families or 294,737 persons were assisted outside evacuation centers. Destruction to properties covered 2,047 houses which were totally damaged while 16,698 were partially damaged. As to casualties, a total of 56 individuals were confirmed dead, 86 were injured while seven are still missing.

 

As to the cost of assistance, the amount of 14.27 million pesos was extended by the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and its counterpart agencies. It includes the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), PhP 710,900; Thunderbird Filipinas Resorts, PhP 250,000; ABS-CBN 1.1 million pesos; Holcim, PhP 554,800; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), PhP 398,755; Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) PhP 551,088; among others. PGLU’s share alone reached PhP 1,054,925.

Meanwhile, Provincial Engineer Elizabeth P. Sias reported an estimated amount of 559.5 million pesos damage to infrastructure. It includes 226.50 million pesos on provincial roads; 44 million pesos on provincial bridges; 66 million pesos on district hospitals; 200 million pesos on damaged irrigation facilities; 3 million on provincial buildings; and 20 million pesos on provincial equipment.

 

Also, Provincial Agriculturist Avelino A. Lomboy reported an estimated PhP 726.6 Million damage to rice, corn, high value cash crops and fisheries. Based on their contingency plan, PhP 32.6 Million is being eyed for rehabilitation. The rehab plan will provide full subsidy on certified rice seeds, fertilizers, yellow corn seeds, assorted vegetable seeds and assorted fruit seedlings to affected farmers. At the same time, bangus fry and fingerlings and tilapia fingerlings will be distributed to affected fish growers. The period of distribution is scheduled in November, 2009.

 

Furthermore, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Nida N. Gapuz reported a total of PhP 48.4 Million estimated damages to livestock and poultry. In its bid to fast-track the recovery of the industry, PhP 13 Million is marked for rehabilitation. The rehabilitation plan includes the province-wide livestock livelihood project. It shall comprise a Goat and Organic Chicken Loan Program to be extended to affected farmers. For the Goat Loan, one head of up-graded Anglo-Nubian Cross Doe and 140 bucks shall be distributed while a packet of five-week old Sasso- breed chicken and one cockerel under the organic chicken loan shall be distributed as well. The livelihood project through soft loans will start this November and is expected to be completed in December, 2009. (PITO-La Union)

In the wake of massive onslaught of typhoon “Pepeng” in Northern Luzon, PC4Me and POD, with the financial help of good-hearted suppliers has mobilized relief operations for typhoon survivors in one of the hardest hit areas in La Union.

On October 18, 2009, PC4Me and POD has partnered with local contacts at the barangay level of Barangay Sto. Rosario, West, in Aringay, La Union to provide immediate relief through the distribution of used clothing and basic food provisions like rice, noodles, sugar and canned food to 100 families in the area.

Check photos here

Other barangays in La Union have yet to receive help due to the overwhelming demand for relief and lack of proper coordination with local officials. Any help and donations you can extend to these communities will be highly appreciated.