LA UNION IN 2021: READY TO FACE THE NEW NORMAL

February 1, 2021 Provincial

Equipped with a new direction adopting the new normal, Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III presented before the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and the people of La Union this year’s plans for the province through the “Rugian Iti 2021: Presentation of the 2021 Program of Government” on January 26, 2021 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The governor discussed the 2021 Programs for a Stronger La Union on Health; Governance and Finance; Tourism and Culture; Business and Employment; Agriculture; Social Services; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Education; and Environment.
La Union to Prioritize Health
The presentation on health highlighted the plans on vaccination against CoViD-19. Gov. Pacoy informed the public of the formulation of the La Union CoViD-19 Vaccination Task Force and that the province will follow the prioritization set by the Department of Health (DOH) where frontline health care workers will receive the vaccines first. Gov. Pacoy further discussed the plans of the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) in bringing 40,000 vaccines to constituents in addition to the vaccines from the DOH for more than 150,000 individuals from the priority groups in La Union. The PGLU will allot 139,000,000 pesos to buy the vaccines, hire additional manpower, establish cold-storage network, logistics, and equipment.
La Union Continues to Uphold Impartial Governance, Trustworthy Finance
Tackled in governance and finance were the establishment of income generating facilities like
parking buildings; La Union Commercial Centers; and common facilities or shared-use buildings for
rent to both public and private institutions. The implementation of e-resibo, e-kolekta, and digital
disbursement system is also to be expected.
La Union to Sustain Tourism and Preserve Culture
For tourism and culture, the La Union Museum will be established while the Green Enterprise Awards will be launched to promote and recognize those who have sustainable practices and green spaces in their area. La Union to Bank on Innovative Business, Employment To forge stronger public-private partnerships, the province shall establish the Investment and Innovation Hub as an enabling infrastructure for development under business and employment.
Also, to be launched are the La Union Investment and Jobs Portals.
La Union to Modernize Agriculture
Product development and market matching activities will help in creating a sustainable agriculture. To address the effects of the African Swine Fever, alternative livelihood will be provided to those affected. Modernization in agriculture will be integrated through solar-powered irrigation system, technical and credit assistance, equipment, and facilities that will assist farmers and fisherfolks.
La Union for a More Inclusive Social Services
Social service programs will reach the kaprobinsiaan through the I Love La Union, I Love my Barangay program and the Provincial Social Card. Also, to be completed this year is the Residential Care Facility serving as half-way home for children and the youth. La Union for a More Systematic Disaster Risk Reduction and Management For disaster risk reduction and management, the Provincewide Network Enabled Emergency Operations Center will be continually mobilized for a systematic and centralized emergency response. The harmonious working relationship among peace, order and safety implementing entities is also to be expected.
La Union for a Quality and Accessible Education
The La Union Educational Assistance Scholarship Program will be expanded to assist more students. Assistance to teachers and students through learning resource upgrade, educational facilities, skills and knowledge development and mental health support will also be provided.
La Union as Steward of Environment
Awareness, protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and management of environment will be supported by the Project Tree preserving the forests of La Union. Other environmental projects are public space greening program, solid waste management initiatives, special waste treatment facility in hospitals, and marine protected area enhancement for sustainable fishing. After presenting the 2021 Program of Government, Gov. Pacoy ended the presentation saying, “Puno ng tiwala, pag-asa, at pagmamahal, nawa’y patuloy nating pahalagahan ang biyayang kaloob sa atin… at patuloy tayong magtulungan para sa isang mas matatag na La Union.”
To observe health protocols, the hybrid presentation was physically attended by the members of the 22nd SP led by Vice Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega while joining the presentation through video conferencing were First and Second District of La Union Representatives; Regional and Provincial Agency Directors; City and Municipal Mayors; members of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council and La Union Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, Inc.; PGLU Consultants; and former officials. The presentation was also aired live for the public through PGLU Facebook Page and in local radio stations.
In accordance with the Local Government Code, Section 465, Article III, the governor presents the Program of Government and proposed policies and projects for consideration of the SP every calendar year.
Camille R. Bumatay, PIO-PGLU