Philippine Governors Ortega and Santos-Recto Present Provincial Achievements in SOPA

Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega delivered his first State of the Province Address for La Union on July 28, outlining accomplishments under the “La Union Agkaysa” banner. He reported sustained rice self‑sufficiency, assistance to nearly 20,000 farmers and local enterprises, and a tourism sector that attracted more than 500,000 visitors and generated over ₱1 billion in receipts. Health improvements included upgraded district hospitals and expanded patient services, while social welfare programmes reached over 13,000 beneficiaries, scholarships aided more than 4,000 students, and ₱11 million was allocated to strengthen school facilities.

Governor Vilma Santos‑Recto of Batangas presented a theatrical State of the Province Address on July 20, 2026, using student performances to showcase the H.E.A.R.T.S. program. The administration highlighted the establishment of two new dialysis centers, progress toward a goal of 100 dialysis machines, and construction of two district hospitals. Over the past year provincial health facilities delivered more than 411,700 services to 21,000 residents. Education funding of nearly ₱400 million supported over 76,000 scholars, with the Merit‑Based Educational Grants Program expanding to 3,062 beneficiaries, and ongoing projects to build new school buildings and rehabilitate classrooms.