WSL World Junior Championships in La Union

 The Department of Tourism – Region I hosted the Welcome and Opening Ceremonies of the WSL World Junior Championships at The Mansion Estate in San Juan, La Union on January 10, 2026.

The event was joined by the Officers of the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Unioneaded by President Revelie Guevara, along with fellow tourism stakeholders, marking a strong show of support for international sports tourism in the region.

From January 11 to 18, the world’s top junior surfers will take on the legendary waves of The Point in San Juan, La Union as they compete for the coveted 2025 World Junior Champion titles. As the first major event of the season, the championship sets the pace for the year and highlights the next generation of global surfing talent.

Presented by Purefoods and Magnolia 100%, the competition also shines a spotlight on La Union’s iconic surf breaks and its laid-back, welcoming surf culture—further cementing the province’s status as a premier surfing destination in the Philippines.

Surfing enthusiasts can catch all the action live at worldsurfleague.com

Thank you Dot RegionOne

#FindTheONEInRegion1 #atinlu #LoveThePhilippines #WSL2026

A mother's love

 As the representative of the Sangguniang Kabataan of the Municipality of Sudipen, Xyra Janell Manabeng was crowned the as Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025.

Her confidence and grace on the provincial stage of La Union were not only a reflection of her own dedication, but also the result of the unwavering guidance and mentorship of her mother, Fema.

Behind every strong and determined young woman is a mother whose love serves as both foundation and fuel. Through constant advice, encouragement, and sacrifices, Fema became Xyra Janell’s guiding light—helping her balance her academic responsibilities while faithfully representing her hometown. A mother’s love became her quiet strength, reminding her that dreams are achieved not alone, but through the nurturing support of those who believe in us the most.

Text & photos: Airwind Bautista

Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 is Xyra Janell Manabeng

Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025:

The Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 is a pageant that places the spotlight not only on beauty, but more importantly on the candidates and the municipality of the Sangguniang Kabataan they represent. Notably discussed during the press conference was the absence of pageant veterans—those often brought in from outside their towns or even from other provinces just to compete. Instead, what graced the stage were truly La Union’s finest SK leaders—young women who genuinely serve their communities and passionately speak about advocacies they themselves actively work for. Their beauty was fresh, authentic, and a true discovery.

What sets this pageant apart is the candidates’ enthusiasm and dedication to public service. Beyond aiming for prestige and victory for their respective municipalities, they embodied a shared commitment to progress and unity in La Union. Though many were raw in pageantry, what stood out most was their articulateness and sincerity. They spoke from the heart, confidently sharing their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to society as youth leaders.

In the end, the pageant crowned deserving winners who truly represented the spirit of the Sangguniang Kabataan:

Xyra Janell Manabeng was crowned the first-ever Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) 2025.

Sofia Nathalie De Leon of SK Caba, titled Prinsesa ti Panagkaysa, claimed First Runner-Up and also received the Miss Photogenic award.

Angela Mañalac of SK Bacnotan, titled Prinsesa ti Panag-ayat, was named Second Runner-Up.

Genoa Sabado of SK Bangar, titled Prinsesa ti Panagsirbi, secured Third Runner-Up and earned the Unity Torchbearer Award.

Althea Fe Basco of SK San Gabriel, titled Prinsesa ti Panagdur-as, was awarded Fourth Runner-Up.

More than a competition, Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 proved to be a celebration of leadership, service, and the empowered youth of La Union.

Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 will be crowned in La Union on December 20, 2025

 A press conference featuring the candidates of Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 was held at the PDRRMO Training Hall, Barangay Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The event was joined by Board Member Harold Dave Sibuma, Provincial SK Federation President, who stood alongside the candidates as they answered questions from members of the media. In his message, Sibuma emphasized that the pageant is intended to be a friendly competition that promotes camaraderie and unity among the youth. He further shared that while there are no plans yet for the winner to advance to a higher pageant or competition, the Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 will actively participate in various SK programs and initiatives across La Union, inspiring the youth to become productive and responsible citizens of the province.

Although not all candidates were able to attend the press conference, meeting the representatives from Agoo, Caba, Naguilian, Pugo, Rosario, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santo Tomas, and Tubao was a meaningful experience. Despite their young age, the candidates showcased remarkable confidence, intelligence, and potential, proving their readiness to shine in the pageant scene.

Witness the Mutia ti Sangguniang Kabataan 2025 candidates as they grace the stage, flaunt their beauty, and showcase their talents during the Pre-Pageant and Talent Show Competition on December 17, 2025, and don’t miss the Coronation Night on December 20, 2025. Both events will be held at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center Grounds, Barangay Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union.

#LaUnionAgkaysa

Mister & Miss Benguet 2025

 Mister & Miss Benguet 2025

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BAYgainvillea Project Blooms Anew at Poro Point Baywalk

 BAYgainvillea Project Blooms Anew at Poro Point Baywalk

The spirit of community and environmental care continues to flourish at the Poro Point Baywalk in San Fernando City, La Union, as the BAYgainvillea Project presses on with another meaningful activity. This time, personnel from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) rolled up their sleeves to take part in the park’s beautification efforts, together with ATIN-LU Founding President Xavier Mercado and ATIN-LU Executive Secretary Erwin Bautista.

Armed with gardening tools and a shared sense of purpose, the BSP team planted vibrant bougainvillea along the baywalk and conducted a clean-up drive around the area. Their collective effort helped restore the scenic charm of the park, which had been affected by debris left behind in the aftermath of Typhoon Uwan.

The initiative underscores the continuing partnership between government agencies and community organizations in keeping San Fernando’s coastal attractions clean, colorful, and welcoming to both visitors and locals alike.

La Union PDC Strengthens Local Governance, Innovation, and Collaboration in 4th Council Meeting

 La Union PDC Strengthens Local Governance, Innovation, and Collaboration in 4th Council Meeting

City of San Fernando, La Union — November 12, 2025.

The Provincial Government of La Union, through the Provincial Development Council (PDC), successfully held its 4th Regular Meeting for Calendar Year 2025 at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center in Barangay Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. The meeting was presided over by Hon. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, MDA, Governor of the Province of La Union and Chairperson of the Provincial Development Council.

The assembly brought together provincial officials, local government representatives, and accredited Civil Society Organization (CSO) members to deliberate on significant development plans and policies aimed at advancing La Union’s collective vision.

Governor Ortega Takes Oath as Regional Development Council Chairperson

During the meeting, Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega took his oath as Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region I, marking a new chapter of leadership that integrates provincial priorities with regional strategies for sustainable growth. His appointment reflects the confidence of both local and regional stakeholders in his capacity to drive progress through collaborative governance and inclusive development.

Governor Ortega emphasized the importance of synergy between local and regional development efforts, noting that, “La Union’s growth must be anchored on shared responsibility and innovation that empower our communities."

The 4th PDC Meeting reaffirmed La Union’s unwavering commitment to transparent governance, citizen participation, and sustainable innovation. Discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the province’s development vision, ensuring that growth remains inclusive, data-driven, and forward-looking.

The meeting marked another milestone in La Union’s continued pursuit of progress and excellence in governance.

Article by Airwind Bautista