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

 Help your candidate SECURE the TOP SPOT in ONLINE VOTING for Mister and 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

TIEZA Investment Roadshow Series: Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises – Northern Luzon Region Leg

 

TIEZA Investment Roadshow Series: Investment Incentives and Opportunities for Tourism Enterprises – Northern Luzon Region Leg

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

 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

 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

 The BAYgainvillea Project’s Second Wave of Planting Blooms at Poro Point Baywalk

The BAYgainvillea Project held its second wave of bougainvillea planting on October 12, 2025, at the Poro Point Baywalk, San Fernando City, La Union.

Volunteers included the officers and board of directors of the Association of Tourism Industries and Networks in La Union (ATIN-LU), along with employees from Halo-halo de Iloko and Aureo La Union, and members of the Kabataang Luntian.

This activity is part of the project’s goal to line the iconic Baywalk with vibrant bougainvillea plants—transforming it into a scenic attraction for both locals and tourists while promoting environmental sustainability. Beyond beautification, the initiative also aims to engage civil society organizations, government agencies, and micro-entrepreneurs in sustaining and expanding the project’s impact.

SM City La Union events on October 17 - 19, 2025

 

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