SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for supporting La Union’s development programs and initiatives in his 2026 State-of-the-Province Address (SOPA) here on Tuesday.

Ortega delved on the theme “La Union, Agkaysa” (La Union, Unite) and described the slogan as the province’s call for unity and collective action.

He said his administration’s development roadmap is centered on five key pillars – economic, social, infrastructure, environmental, and institutional development.

Ortega said that La Union’s progress is driven by strong collaboration among its 20 component local government units, congressional and party-list representatives, national government agencies, private sector partners, civil society groups, and local communities.

He said agriculture is one of the province’s major growth drivers, noting that La Union remains self-sufficient in rice production, and reported that around 20,000 farmers received agricultural assistance, including fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm inputs, while P27-million worth of farm mechanization equipment was distributed under Republic Act 7171.

Ortega cited gains in trade and enterprise development, including P12 million in sales generated through national trade fairs in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and P13 million in sales recorded by the La Union Pasalubong Center, which continues to support 85 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He highlighted strengthened partnerships with the Taiwan Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the city government of San Juan to expand opportunities in education, employment, investment, tourism, and trade.

In tourism, the governor reported that more than 500,000 visitors traveled to La Union in 2025, generating approximately P1 billion in tourism receipts for hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related establishments.

He revealed major projects – the La Union health hub, San Fernando International Seaport, TPLEX extension, Bungol demonstration farm, and various tourism facilities in San Juan – that are expected to generate jobs, improve connectivity, and expand economic opportunities.

Ortega reiterated his commitment to transparency, stronger partnerships with civil society, and an open-door governance policy, ensuring that citizens remain active participants in the province’s development journey.

“La Union’s development is a shared achievement. It reflects the collective efforts of government leaders, agencies, legislators, private sector partners, media organizations, local communities, and every La Union resident working together toward a stronger, more resilient, and progressive province,” he said.