SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Provincial Government of La Union reported steady economic growth, emphasizing its focus on sustainable development during the ‘PUSO Talks: Estado ng La Union PROBINSYAnihan Para sa Mamamayan’ event held at the La Union Convention Center in San Fernando City on Sept. 9.
The event provided a platform to update the public on the province’s current state, highlighting both the achievements of the provincial government and their plans for ongoing development.
The report reveals that La Union’s economy earned ₱462.2 million from tourism in the first half of 2024, with 237,868 tourists visiting during that time.
The tourist arrivals directly increased sales of local products under the province’s PasaLUbong Center, generating ₱18 million in sales from 2023 through July 2024 and an average increase of 78 percent in the first half of 2024.
The localized Kadiwa ng Pangulo program also generated ₱2.6 million in revenue for products of farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs, increasing the production of these products as a result.
Approximately 60,000 tilapia fingerlings were distributed across fish ponds, pens, cages, and communal waters throughout La Union, supporting both food security and self-sufficiency.
A total of ₱116 million was invested in building bridges, interior roads, and farm-to-market roads to increase connectivity and agriculture, with an additional ₱18 million allocated for completing Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Centers, which are at various stages of completion.
Other infrastructure projects contributing to connectivity in the province include two small water impounding projects valued at ₱7 million and a ₱1.5 million processing facility.
La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica ‘Rafy’ Ortega-David said the provincial government’s economic efforts focus on local-level progress and increasing public involvement in governance.
“We prioritize transparency, accountability, and participation. Everyone has a role in governance,” Ortega-David stated.
The governor also mentioned plans to sustain growth by incorporating feedback from various stakeholders to improve the province’s programs and services.
Pedro Lucarin, a corn farmer from the province and a participant in the event, said the provincial government’s support, such as providing fertilizers, has helped improve their crop yield and boost their income.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa tulong na naibigay sa amin sa pagsasaka ng mais. Sana ay maipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa amin,” Lucarin said.
(We’re grateful for the assistance with corn farming and hope the support continues.)
