Mister & Miss Benguet 2025
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Will be featured on their page 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
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of La Union (CCI-LU), successfully hosted the TIEZA Investment Roadshow Series: Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises – Northern Luzon Region Leg, held at Aureo Resort, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The event gathered tourism leaders, business groups, local government units, and tourism stakeholders from across Region I to explore the CREATE MORE Act and the exciting investment incentives and opportunities for tourism enterprises across the Philippines. This initiative underscores TIEZA’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism development through fiscal incentives, infrastructure support, and public–private partnerships that help build world-class destinations nationwide.
A major highlight of the roadshow was the presentation of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Accreditation Program, which plays a vital role in maintaining the quality, competitiveness, and credibility of tourism-related establishments. DOT-accredited enterprises gain access to valuable benefits such as participation in DOT-endorsed marketing campaigns, inclusion in tourism promotions, and eligibility for government incentives — all of which help strengthen consumer confidence and uplift service standards across the region.
The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) discuss their programs and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Small Business Corporation (SB Corp) also presented their Turismo Asenso Program, which provides financial assistance to tourism stakeholders. This program aims to help enterprises improve their facilities, upgrade services, and sustain operations through accessible and affordable financing options.
Representing the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Union (ATIN LU) were President Windy P. Vazquez, Vice President Revelie Guevara, and Executive Secretary Erwin Bautista, who actively participated as advocates of inclusive and sustainable tourism.
Through the continued collaboration between TIEZA, CCI-LU, DOT, LGUs and civic organizations like ATIN LU, the Region I continues to pave the way for a more dynamic, investment-ready, and sustainable tourism industry — one that empowers communities and elevates the Philippines as a world-class destination. 🌏✨
#TIEZA #DOT #CREATEMoreAct ##CCILU#ATINLU #Region1 #LaUnion #LoveThePhilippines
SIFCARE Volunteers Forge Resilience: Local Volunteers Complete Basic Disaster Preparedness Training
San Juan, La Union | November 2, 2025
SIFCARE successfully hosted a productive Disaster Preparedness Training yesterday, gathering a dedicated group of volunteers from SIFCare (La Union, Baguio, and Pangasinan), DOERS, CURMA, and the wider Surftown community.
Present to inspire and support the participants were SIFCare Regional Coordinator Ma’am Mila Celeste and SIFCare Programs Specialist Sir Toby Tamayo.
The six-hour training session was led by WISAR Co-Founder and SIFCare volunteer Mr. Vicente “Buboy” Lagunday, whose deep, real-world expertise in search and rescue has been honed through years of service. His teaching, grounded in both technical skill and compassion, embodied the spirit of volunteer leadership that SIFCARE upholds.
Participants gained vital knowledge and hands-on experience in essential emergency response skills, including:
CPR
Trauma care and stabilization
Go-bag preparation and essentials
In a disaster-prone country like the Philippines, preparedness is not an option—it is a necessity. Every trained individual becomes a valuable resource, helping to strengthen the resilience of their entire community.
The event, held at the Project CURMA Information Center, exemplified SIFCARE’s mission to foster action motivated by compassion and highlighted the strength of collaboration among local volunteer groups.
SIFCARE extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sir Buboy Lagunday for sharing his invaluable expertise and to all volunteers who dedicated their Sunday to service. Your commitment to preparedness reflects the truest form of community wellness and compassion in action.
Pet Pawty Unites Pet Lovers at SM City La Union
SM City La Union successfully hosted “Pet Pawty,” an engaging event that brought together pet enthusiasts from across the province for a day of fun, bonding, and shared experiences. The activity also showcased the newly opened Paw Park, a dedicated playground designed to provide pets with a safe and enjoyable space to play and socialize.
The event was warmly received by the local pet community, as it offered them an avenue to connect, exchange stories, and celebrate the joys of responsible pet ownership. Through initiatives like this, SM City La Union continues to strengthen its commitment to creating inclusive and family-friendly spaces where everyone—including furry friends—can belong.
Kabataang Luntian is a youth-led environmental organization established in August 2025 in Brgy. Baraoas Norte, Naguilian, La Union.
The group advocates for environmental awareness and community involvement through meaningful activities such as tree planting, river cleanups, and environmental education.
Driven by their passion for nature, Kabataang Luntian aims to inspire fellow youth and communities to take active part in protecting and preserving the environment for a greener and more sustainable future. 🌿
The BAYgainvillea Project’s Second Wave of Planting Blooms at Poro Point Baywalk
HAPPENINGS AT THE SANDBOX – SM CITY LA UNION!
Exciting activities are lined up this October 
PET PAWTY –
Oct 18 (Sat) • 5PM-6PM
Gathering of pet owners with their pets at the new SM Paw Park! Pet treats will be given away and enjoy pet fun walk!
FUN PLAY –
Oct 19 (Sun) • 5PM-6PM
For Kids 4-10 years old and would want to dress up as "little artists" for fun! Also enjoy the free SM treats and free face painting activity and the new kids play area!
HALLYU FAN FEST –
Oct 19 (Sun) • 7PM-8PM
For Kpop Fans Meet-Up, Trade and a night of KMusic and dancing! Let La Union see your support to your fave Kpop Group! Enjoy the Kpop freebies as well!
Don’t miss out on the fun! Pre-register now to secure your slots and be part of these special events 
Pre-registration Links:
Pet Pawty
https://bit.ly/SMLUPetPawty2025
Fun Play
https://bit.ly/SMLUFunPlay2025
Hallyu Fan Fest
https://bit.ly/SMLUHallyuFest2025
Slots are limited, so make sure to register early and share this with friends. See you at The Sandbox! 
Events powered by:
Street Smart Events and Production
Contact us for inquiries:
JOAN +63998-8819242
The strength and honesty of our government depend on one simple rule — a clear separation of powers. Lawmakers are chosen by the people to create laws, check the actions of the Executive branch, and review and approve the national budget.
They are not supposed to be involved in government contracts or act like contractors themselves. Mixing these two roles creates a clear conflict of interest — it opens the door to corruption and destroys public trust.
Our laws already say that public officials cannot have a financial interest in government deals where they have influence or control.
But despite this, there are still reports and investigations showing that some lawmakers — often called “congtractors” — or their family members are involved in winning big government projects, especially for public works.
| Role | Main Duty | Conflict of Interest |
|---|---|---|
| Lawmaker | To create laws and decide how government funds are spent on projects. | Having personal or family business ties to the same projects they fund or oversee. |
| Contractor | To complete projects for profit, following quality and deadline standards. | May focus more on profit than on quality and honesty in the project. |
1. Corruption and Poor Quality Projects
When lawmakers or their families handle government projects, there’s a huge chance of overpricing, fake projects, or poor-quality work. This wastes taxpayers’ money and leaves us with broken roads, weak bridges, or flood projects that don’t even work.
2. No Fair Budget Checking
How can lawmakers properly review or question the budget of the DPWH or other agencies if they themselves — or their relatives — are doing the projects? Their personal gain gets in the way of public service.
3. Loss of Public Trust
This kind of behavior makes people lose faith in the government. It makes citizens believe that being in public office is not about serving the country, but about making money.
Public office is a public trust. We already have laws like RA 3019 (Anti-Graft Law) and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct for Public Officials), but these must be strictly enforced and strengthened.
1. Stronger Laws
Pass a law that clearly bans any relative of a public official — up to the fourth degree — from joining government projects or becoming suppliers while the official is in office and for some time after.
2. Full Divestment
All officials must be required to give up or remove their business interests that could affect their work before taking office — verified by an independent body.
3. Firm Investigation and Punishment
The DOJ, Ombudsman, and CSC must quickly investigate and punish those proven to be “congtractors,” including lifetime bans from holding office.
Lawmakers must make laws, not profit from them.
Let’s bring back integrity, accountability, and trust in public service. The Filipino people deserve leaders who serve — not those who take advantage.
Man of the Philippines Lance David Tepora makes the country proud!
